Keats Hospital was established by the British, truly embodying the unity of medicine and ministry. One side of the hospital housed a British church, the hospital director was also a pastor in the church, and most of the nurses were cultured nuns. The hospital’s medical facilities were excellent, and the surrounding environment was quite pleasant.

Ever since Ye Pingjun’s mother had been brought here, she was placed in a first-class ward with naturally first-rate doctors attending her. Seeing that Madam Ye’s condition improved day by day, and within half a month she could actually get out of bed and walk around, Ye Pingjun finally felt at ease. Gu Ruitong would bring several guards to visit every few days, speaking with utmost respect toward the mother and daughter. When Ye Pingjun repeatedly asked who was helping them, Gu Ruitong simply wouldn’t say.

This morning, after Pingjun had fed Madam Ye porridge and helped her mother lie down, seeing her mother’s complexion was much better than yesterday, she smiled slightly, feeling much more relaxed. Suddenly she caught a whiff of fragrant breeze blowing in from outside the ward. Looking up, she saw Bai Liyuan walking in with a grin, carrying a bouquet of flowers. Ye Pingjun smiled: “How did you come here?”

“Naturally to visit Auntie’s illness.” Bai Liyuan handed the flowers to a nurse nearby to arrange, then turned to look at the ward’s environment, smiling at Ye Pingjun: “So you’re living in such a fine ward. These past few days, classmates have all said you’ve met a benefactor – seems that’s really true.”

As Pingjun went to pour water for Bai Liyuan, Madam Ye sat on the hospital bed, laughing softly: “You really are a carefree young miss who knows no hardship – who compliments hospital wards? Come sit down.” Bai Liyuan sat beside Madam Ye: “Auntie, I’m asking you for a favor – lend me Pingjun. Today is my cousin’s birthday, and I’m going to my cousin and his wife’s house this afternoon. Let Pingjun come play with me too, won’t you?”

Ye Pingjun had just brought over the water. Hearing Bai Liyuan’s words, she said: “I can’t go – I still need to take care of my mother.”

Madam Ye smiled: “Just go. My health is much better now, and there are nurses to look after me at night. Liyuan has asked – you can’t refuse her invitation.”

Before Ye Pingjun could speak again, Bai Liyuan pounced over and affectionately took Pingjun’s hand: “Don’t refuse! I’ll stay here with you, and this afternoon my cousin will send someone to pick you up. We’ll go by car both ways – convenient and enjoyable.”

Seeing Bai Liyuan like this, Ye Pingjun had nothing more to say. Madam Ye smiled and casually asked: “What does your cousin do?” Bai Liyuan was tugging at Pingjun’s hand talking about something. Hearing Madam Ye speak, she turned around with a grin to answer: “My cousin is Staff Officer Li Boren of the Ninth Army.”

That afternoon, a small car specially sent by the Li residence came to pick them up. Madam Ye was in good spirits and helped Pingjun arrange her hair, still styling beautiful double knots with two black braids hanging down. She wore a clean moon-white long gown. Bai Liyuan led Pingjun to the car with a smile. They drove to the Li residence and saw quite a few people gathered in the main hall. Bai Liyuan ignored the others and called repeatedly to a man in a Western suit standing by the piano: “Cousin, cousin! I’ve completed my mission and brought the person for you. This is my classmate Pingjun – how is she any worse than those socialites you know!”

Hearing this, Pingjun was first stunned. Bai Liyuan had already turned around with a smile to explain: “Let me tell you the truth. Yesterday my cousin somehow got it in his head to say that none of my classmates were as good as the socialites he knows. I got angry and told him about you.”

As she spoke, Li Boren by the piano turned around, his gaze first falling on Pingjun. He extended his hand with a smile: “Miss Ye, hello.”

Seeing his family’s Western ways, Ye Pingjun shook hands with him. She saw a beautiful lady who had been sitting at the piano also stand up, smile at Ye Pingjun, then look her up and down carefully, making Pingjun feel somewhat embarrassed. Bai Liyuan called out: “Cousin-in-law, what are you looking at?”

Mrs. Li warmly extended her hand to hold Pingjun’s small hand, sighing admiringly with a face full of smiles: “Looking at a beauty, of course! Such an exquisite person – she puts our sister Liyuan to shame. No wonder someone thinks of her constantly!”

Pingjun was slightly astonished. Mrs. Li spoke in soft, sweet Suzhou dialect that made people feel an irresistible warmth. She then took Liyuan’s hand as well, laughing: “It’s stuffy in here. Come, let’s go talk in the small garden out back.” She finished and turned to glance at Li Boren: “We’ll be in the garden. When your distinguished guest arrives, come over too.”

Mrs. Li led Pingjun and Liyuan to the garden behind, where curved galleries were surrounded by flowers and trees with artificial hills. In the distance grew golden osmanthus, pomegranates, and ginkgo trees with ancient shade. Flowers bloomed red and willows grew green in various forms, with roses and peonies in full bloom. Further ahead was a large expanse of tender green thousand-petaled pomegranates.

Liyuan laughed brilliantly: “Pingjun, look at my cousin’s garden – isn’t it beautiful?”

Pingjun couldn’t help but nod: “It really is beautiful.”

Mrs. Li smiled: “This was originally one of the Lin family’s gardens in Jinling. After Lin Tangsheng’s conviction, it was confiscated. Since our Boren contributed to the investigation, this garden was given to him. Naturally we had to spend some money to renovate it, but we still got a bargain.”

Pingjun said: “The Lin family? Is that the former Finance Minister who embezzled public funds?”

Mrs. Li led Pingjun and Liyuan to sit at an outdoor table and chairs. Books were placed beside the table, which Mrs. Li moved aside before smiling: “The affairs there are quite tangled. The Lin family’s property, accumulated over generations – they could produce mountains of gold and silver. Not to mention Lin Tangsheng’s only daughter, raised in such precious luxury that ordinary respectable families couldn’t compare. In the end they pinned embezzlement charges on Lin Tangsheng. The truth is, there was a group coveting his family fortune. The Lin family had few members – like a child walking through a marketplace carrying a luminous pearl, bound to be robbed.”

Liyuan said: “My cousin was also an accomplice, otherwise how could he have gotten such a garden.” Since Bai Liyuan was family, Mrs. Li didn’t scold her, only smiled at Pingjun: “Miss Ye is so clever and beautiful – do you have a sweetheart yet?”

Before Ye Pingjun could answer, Liyuan jumped in: “Of course she does! Cousin-in-law knows – it’s from the Shenghui Bank’s Jiang family. The bank owner Jiang Xueyong’s younger brother Jiang Xueting is our Pingjun’s sweetheart. They’re childhood sweethearts, a talented man and beautiful woman – perfectly matched.”

Ye Pingjun blushed and was about to cover Liyuan’s mouth, but Mrs. Li was first stunned, then smiled faintly at Liyuan: “You know so much! How can such agreements between young people count?” Ye Pingjun was slightly stunned, looking up at Mrs. Li’s smiling face. She couldn’t say anything appropriate when servants came to set out plum blossom pastries, honey cakes, and other foods, saying to Mrs. Li: “Madam, the movie projectionist has arrived.”

Hearing this, Mrs. Li said to Liyuan: “This time you get your wish. Your cousin knows you don’t like opera, so he specially rented a movie reel to show you.” Liyuan clapped her hands in delight, standing up and clamoring to see it first. Mrs. Li said: “The movie won’t be shown until evening. Since you’re so eager, I’ll take you to see what film it is.” She smiled at Pingjun: “Miss Ye, please sit for a moment. I’ll take my naughty cousin to look and then return.”

Pingjun nodded. After walking a few steps, Mrs. Li turned back with a smile: “Miss Ye, my family is hosting a distinguished guest today who must not be neglected. If he arrives while I’m away, please have him sit here for a while – Boren and I will come right over.”

Seeing her special instructions, Pingjun quickly nodded in agreement. Only then did Mrs. Li take Bai Liyuan away. The garden scenery was excellent, filled with flower fragrances and lush grass. As Pingjun sat there, she saw a pair of beautiful colorful butterflies circling in front of her and landing together on a pink hibiscus bud, silently fluttering their wings. Her playful mood arose. Seeing no one around, she boldly stood up and walked over to catch them with her hands. The two butterflies flew up again and landed on another hibiscus flower center.

She held her breath and tiptoed forward, extending both hands to cup them again. The pair of butterflies once more fluttered gracefully through the flowers. Then she heard a soft laugh from the gallery: “These are clearly Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai – why must you insist on catching them and breaking up their beautiful dream of flying together?”

Pingjun was startled. Looking up, she saw several people standing in the gallery, all wearing crisp iron-gray military uniforms and leather boots. The young officer surrounded by the others was handsome as a jade tree in the wind, with deep, dark eyes. When he smiled, his eyebrows flew upward, revealing an innate pride and magnanimity – it was Yu Changxuan. He casually removed his military cap and handed it to Gu Ruitong, then nodded slightly at Ye Pingjun with a gentle smile: “Miss Ye, I’ve long admired you.”

This phrase “long admired” seemed to indicate he knew her. Pingjun looked Yu Changxuan up and down. Gu Ruitong, holding the cap with several attendants, was about to turn away when he saw Ye Pingjun looking in his direction. He bowed his head slightly and walked straight out.

She looked at him for a moment, her clear eyes showing confusion. Her first words were: “Who are you?”

Yu Changxuan watched her chase butterflies among flowers, her garments fluttering in the wind like a beautiful fairy. Hearing her question, he immediately smiled slightly, speaking with complete honesty: “My surname is Yu, given name Qing, courtesy name Changxuan.”

Pingjun frowned slightly. Though she was from a common family, she knew that if someone in Jinling gave the surname Yu, this person was definitely not ordinary. She pointed toward one side of the gallery: “You must be the Li family’s distinguished guest? Mr. Li and Mrs. Li are both in the front hall receiving guests, and there’s also beautiful opera performances.”

Yu Changxuan said “Oh,” his deep gaze resting on Pingjun as he smiled softly: “No need to trouble going to the front – I think it’s quite nice here.” Pingjun felt flustered under his gaze and turned to leave. He stepped forward: “Miss Ye, please wait.”

Pingjun turned back, hesitated, then asked: “How do you know my surname is Ye?”

Yu Changxuan’s lips curved in a smile: “Mrs. Li was extremely busy in front and said to find a Miss Ye in this flower garden, saying Miss Ye has an excellent relationship with the Li family and could help receive me for a while. I guessed it was you – I should be right?”

Seeing him speak so logically, Pingjun thought this Mrs. Li was strange to leave a male guest with her for no reason. Not wanting to make things difficult for him, she nodded: “Then please sit here for a while. I’ll go get you some tea.”

Yu Changxuan smiled: “That’s not necessary – isn’t there some right here?” Pingjun had wanted to use getting tea as an excuse to leave, but he skillfully poured tea from the teapot on the round table, even pouring two cups. He placed one cup on the other side of the table and smiled politely at Pingjun: “Since I’ve disturbed Miss Ye, let me first toast Miss Ye with tea.”

Seeing his politeness, Ye Pingjun couldn’t refuse. She came forward to sit and picked up the tea cup, saying nothing but touching it to her lips as acknowledgment of his courtesy. He said nothing more, only looked at her with a smile. The garden was lush with flourishing flowers and trees. It was evening time with sunset glow shining on clusters of hibiscus flowers, making them even more beautiful. The air naturally carried a layer of subtle fragrance. The sound of drums and gongs from the opera performance drifted over faintly, making their place seem even more quiet, like another world.

Sitting with such a strange man for no reason made her feel anxious. She put down her cup and was about to stand when she suddenly heard him laugh: “Are these Miss Ye’s books?” Pingjun turned back to see him pick up a copy of the “Book of Songs” that had been placed at the table corner. She shook her head: “That’s not mine.”

Yu Changxuan said “Oh,” picked up the book, and casually flipped through several pages. Suddenly he smiled: “I have a little sister who’s usually extremely spoiled. The family specially hired a classical literature teacher for her. After studying a few days, she composed a riddle to test me. Can you guess what she said?”

Seeing him speak so mysteriously, Pingjun asked: “What did she say?”

Yu Changxuan said: “She loves making things difficult for people. She said: ‘Xiao Shi rides the dragon to make phoenix calls, singing with the osprey in the fourth tone’ – guess a sentence from the Book of Songs.” After hearing him finish, Pingjun immediately smiled and said without thinking: “That’s simple. I’ve read about it in a book. The osprey’s fourth tone would naturally be ‘a gentleman’s good match.'”

Yu Changxuan looked at her, his black pupils filled with twinkling laughter: “Oh, thank you for Miss Ye’s instruction. So it’s ‘a gentleman’s good match’ – but what does this gentleman seek in his good match?”

Pingjun was slightly stunned and stood up from the chair, turning to look at him. Her eyes were clear and bright, showing a hint of coldness. Just then, Bai Liyuan’s excited laughter came from one side of the gallery: “Pingjun, Pingjun! There’s someone playing ‘Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute’ up front – do you want to listen?”

Pingjun turned back to see Bai Liyuan running toward her, followed by Mrs. Li and Li Boren, who looked helpless. Mrs. Li called repeatedly: “Liyuan, stand still! You really are…” Liyuan had already run over to pull Pingjun, grinning broadly. Mrs. Li was at a loss. Seeing Yu Changxuan sitting there, Li Boren’s somewhat awkward laughter came through: “I wondered why no one came after waiting so long – turns out Fifth Young Master is here.”

Mrs. Li also laughed: “So our Boren has such influence to even invite Fifth Young Master. This birthday really wasn’t celebrated in vain.” Yu Changxuan said: “I came at an inconvenient time – didn’t expect you were entertaining guests here.”

Li Boren hurried to say: “We’re all family here – no talk of guests. This garden has nice scenery. Fifth Young Master, please look around first. In a while, come to the front for the banquet. My wife and I will go see how preparations are going.” Mrs. Li nodded with a smile, but then smiled at Bai Liyuan: “Liyuan, you’ve been here half the day without calling your father. Go call him quickly so the old man won’t worry.”

Liyuan said “Oh,” but Pingjun had already smiled before her: “I just remembered I left something in the car when we came. I’ll go look right now.” This statement stunned both Li Boren and Mrs. Li. Mrs. Li was first to react, quickly saying: “What did you forget? I’ll send someone to get it – why go yourself?”

Yu Changxuan looked up at Pingjun with a smile: “Am I some flood or wild beast? How is it that as soon as I arrive, you all compete to rush out? When did elder brother’s household start treating guests like this?”

Ye Pingjun smiled: “That’s right. Mr. Li and Mrs. Li, please attend to your guest. Liyuan and I will go together and return shortly.” Liyuan was delighted with this arrangement and pulled Pingjun’s hand with a grin: “Then we’re leaving! We’ve been bored here for ages – I’ve wanted to go play for a long time.”

Li Boren watched Bai Liyuan and Ye Pingjun walk hand in hand along the gallery but could only stare helplessly. Turning back to Yu Changxuan, he awkwardly rubbed his hands. Yu Changxuan drank his tea, watching Li Boren’s expression, and couldn’t help laughing heartily. This made Mrs. Li furious: “You scoundrel Fifth Young Master! Making our whole family busy ourselves for you, and you still laugh about it. No wonder everyone says you really aren’t a good person!”

Ye Pingjun and Bai Liyuan left the garden. She watched Bai Liyuan go make her phone call while she walked out of the main hall and stood on the steps looking around. She saw several guards standing in the front courtyard gallery. Ye Pingjun walked over and heard a loud rebuke: “Halt!” Two guards blocked her path.

Ye Pingjun looked up ahead and saw a refined, scholarly-looking officer walking over – the same person who had sent her mother to the hospital and visited regularly. She spoke directly: “Who exactly are you?”

Seeing no need for further concealment, the young officer waved for the guards to withdraw: “I am Gu Ruitong, Director of the Chamberlain’s Office at the Yu official residence.”

Ye Pingjun kept her gaze fixed on Gu Ruitong, pondered for a moment, then said slowly: “Then the person who helped my mother and me is that person upstairs called Fifth Young Master?” Gu Ruitong nodded: “Correct.” Hearing this, Ye Pingjun immediately asked: “Why did he do this?”

Gu Ruitong looked at Ye Pingjun, seeing her gaze clear and clean as ice and snow. He remained silent for a moment: “Miss Ye is a clever person – you understand without me saying.”

Ye Pingjun lowered her eyes slightly, naturally understanding immediately. No longer needing to ask anything more, she turned to leave when she heard “Miss Ye” behind her. She turned back to see Gu Ruitong still standing straight. He seemed to hesitate slightly before finally saying: “Miss Ye, if you want to withdraw, do it early!”

Ye Pingjun was slightly stunned, looked at Gu Ruitong, and saw his expression remained calm as usual. She smiled quietly and nodded: “Thank you. I’ll remember that.”

Ye Pingjun returned to the hall to find the banquet had begun. As soon as she entered, Mrs. Li came forward with smiles and led her to the head table. Ye Pingjun sat beside Bai Liyuan, who smiled: “What did you lose? Did you find it?”

Ye Pingjun smiled with pursed lips, saying quietly: “Found it – just a small item Xueting gave me. Fortunately it wasn’t lost, otherwise…”

Bai Liyuan giggled: “Otherwise you’d be heartbroken.” As they whispered and laughed at the table, Mrs. Li asked: “What are you two whispering about? You seem so happy – tell us all so we can laugh too.” This question made everyone at the table look over. Yu Changxuan glanced at Ye Pingjun, his lips also holding a smile. Ye Pingjun only restrained Bai Liyuan: “It’s nothing. Liyuan, stop laughing.”

Bai Liyuan was never one to keep secrets. Seeing Pingjun trying to stop her made her even more determined to speak. She giggled and answered: “Just because of something Jiang Xueting gave her, she went searching everywhere. Now I can’t even laugh about it? How unreasonable!”

Mrs. Li’s smile immediately froze. Looking over, she saw Yu Changxuan slowly place his wine cup on the table. Li Boren, seeing this situation, quickly shot his wife a meaningful look. Mrs. Li immediately reached over to take Pingjun’s hand, saying warmly: “Miss Pingjun, I liked you the moment I saw you today. I was thinking of recognizing you as a sister – would you give me face and accept me as your elder sister?”

Pingjun smiled: “How could I dare presume so highly?”

“No presumption at all!” Mrs. Li beamed, removing a gold bracelet from her arm and placing it directly on Pingjun’s wrist despite her protests: “When you rise to greatness in the future, just don’t forget us.” She then pulled Pingjun to stand, putting a wine cup in her hand affectionately: “Everyone listen – from now on Pingjun is Boren’s and my sister. If anyone dares bully her in the future, I won’t forgive them!”

Yu Changxuan smiled: “Since she’s sister-in-law’s sister, we’d cherish her before it’s too late – how could we dare bully her?” Mrs. Li pulled Pingjun while smiling coquettishly at Yu Changxuan: “I don’t dare believe Fifth Young Master’s words. Setting aside other things, from the moment you entered, your eyes haven’t left my sister Pingjun once. If you have any ideas about my sister, you absolutely can’t without passing my approval first.”

Li Boren laughed along: “That’s absolutely right. Now that my wife and I are backing sister Pingjun, if Fifth Young Master wants to cherish my sister without first treating us to winter melon soup, my wife and I won’t agree.” This “winter melon soup” was old slang meaning thanks to matchmakers. Li Boren spoke extremely explicitly, making everyone at the table laugh knowingly.

Amid this teasing laughter, Yu Changxuan simply stood up, his black eyes full of laughter, raising his wine cup to Ye Pingjun with a smile: “Sister Pingjun, let me toast you.” Someone else joined in the teasing, shouting: “Why just one cup? Better make it a wedding cup!”

This remark made everyone at the table laugh even more heartily. Mrs. Li laughingly pointed at the table of people: “Fine! You’re all ganging up to bully my sister today. I simply won’t let my sister drink with Fifth Young Master.” This statement was clearly adding fuel to the fire. Who expected Pingjun to smile graciously, raising her wine cup to Yu Changxuan: “When elder brother offers wine, younger sister dare not refuse!”

Yu Changxuan was stunned, looking at Pingjun: “What did you call me?” Pingjun smiled: “Naturally elder brother. Since I’m the Li family’s newly recognized sister, and Fifth Young Master and Mr. Li are brotherly friends, it’s perfectly correct for me to call you elder brother.”

As these words fell, almost everyone’s smiles froze, and the atmosphere at the table instantly turned cold. Mrs. Li looked embarrassed and could barely smile. Only Ye Pingjun smiled at Yu Changxuan, holding up her wine cup. Yu Changxuan’s gaze lingered for a moment on Ye Pingjun’s smiling face, his lips curving upward: “Well said!” He raised his cup to clink with Ye Pingjun’s, then drained the wine in one gulp, showing her the empty cup bottom. The smile on his face remained faint as ever.

Ye Pingjun also drank her cup, placed the wine cup steadily on the table, then turned to Mrs. Li: “I should leave now. My mother is still in the hospital, and I dare not linger outside too long.” Mrs. Li was stunned for a long while before hearing Pingjun speak. Looking at Yu Changxuan while hesitating: “Oh, this…” But Yu Changxuan had already stood up, smiling at Ye Pingjun: “Perfect timing – I’m leaving too. Let me give you a ride.”

Ye Pingjun’s gaze paused. She saw Yu Changxuan raise his eyebrows with a smile, his expression quite at ease: “Since you called me elder brother, there shouldn’t be any problem with this elder brother seeing his sister off!” Bai Liyuan beside them looked at Ye Pingjun and was just about to speak when she let out an “Aiyou” and lowered her head – clearly Mrs. Li had pinched her hard. Yu Changxuan smiled and gestured to Ye Pingjun: “Sister Pingjun, please.”

The Yu family car was parked outside the Li residence. When Ye Pingjun got in, Yu Changxuan politely let her take the forward-facing seat while he sat in the rear-facing seat directly opposite her. He casually turned on the car’s interior light, immediately flooding the compartment with bright light. As the car started moving, Ye Pingjun turned her head to look at the street scenery, but Yu Changxuan kept his gaze fixed on her. Sitting face to face like this felt like a confrontation or standoff, with neither speaking a word.

Ye Pingjun felt Yu Changxuan’s burning gaze. She only pretended to look calmly out the window, but her heart was racing wildly. Unconsciously, she gripped a small handkerchief in her hand, winding it tightly around her fingers in circles. Yu Changxuan saw her face gradually flush with a rosy glow – such serene, otherworldly beauty made his heart race with longing. He gazed at her and suddenly smiled faintly: “This gold bracelet is quite vulgar – really doesn’t suit such beautiful hands as Sister Pingjun’s.”

Ye Pingjun turned back with a smile: “You have it backwards. This gold bracelet is precious – I’m the one who doesn’t deserve it. With so many people today, it was awkward to refuse, but I plan to return this bracelet to Mrs. Li another day.”

Yu Changxuan smiled: “Good that you’ll return it to her. Wear this one instead.” As he spoke, he took out a brocade box. When opened, it contained a lustrous, clear jade bracelet with a warm emerald green color – anyone could see at a glance it was an extremely precious item.

Without saying a word, Yu Changxuan took the bracelet and slipped it onto Ye Pingjun’s hand as quickly and decisively as putting shackles on a prisoner. Ye Pingjun was startled and tried to remove the bracelet. Yu Changxuan grabbed her hand: “Don’t take it off. This is for you – only you are worthy of wearing it.”

Ye Pingjun couldn’t help feeling panicked and struggled to pull her hand away: “I don’t want this.” He smiled: “What are you afraid of? Will this bracelet bite your hand?” After a pause, he gazed at Pingjun, the smile in his eyes growing deeper as he said softly: “Miss Ye, let me speak honestly – just nod your head, and I can give you much more. I guarantee you’ll have whatever you want.”

The implication was already quite clear. Ye Pingjun looked up at Yu Changxuan, her bright pupils like fresh snow under moonlight, showing a cool detachment: “Fifth Young Master, I’m a daughter of a poor family – I truly don’t have the fortune to wear such a bracelet.”

Yu Changxuan looked at her, only smiling slightly. Ye Pingjun continued: “Common people like us remember the Yu family’s great kindness and righteousness. Everyone knows that without the Yu family army, the Japanese would have invaded long ago. Moreover, if not for Fifth Young Master’s noble spirit, my mother would hardly have survived. From the bottom of my heart, I deeply respect Fifth Young Master. Speaking with you today like this isn’t because I don’t know how to appreciate kindness – it’s truly because my fortune is shallow and I cannot accept such gifts.”

These words were both respectful and humble, completely silencing Yu Changxuan and leaving him speechless. Yu Changxuan slowly released her hand and after a long moment said with a smile: “You’ve put so many high hats on me that you’ve nearly enshrined me as a saint of righteousness and morality. You’re remarkably clever.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Pingjun had already removed the bracelet and returned it to his hands. In this exchange, the car suddenly braked. Ye Pingjun was caught off guard and fell forward, landing in Yu Changxuan’s embrace. Panicked, she struggled to get away. Yu Changxuan didn’t restrain her, letting her retreat graciously while mildly scolding the driver: “Xiao He, how are you driving?!”

The driver answered: “Sorry, Fifth Young Master. I didn’t notice the pothole ahead.”

Ye Pingjun said nothing, only turned her head away to silently watch the scenery outside the car window. Yu Changxuan saw her demeanor – already the calm appearance of someone who had settled this matter. He just smiled. The car didn’t travel much further before reaching the hospital. Ye Pingjun got out, then saw Yu Changxuan also getting out. She turned back with a smile: “I’ve arrived now. No need to trouble Fifth Young Master further.”

Yu Changxuan still got out, smiling: “Now you’re calling me Fifth Young Master again?”

Pingjun said: “What happened at the banquet was just for fun. If I kept calling you elder brother now, that would be truly inappropriate.”

Yu Changxuan stared at her fixedly, his eyes deep. After a long moment, he smiled slightly and said softly: “Call me whatever you like. I don’t care about others, but whatever you call me, I’m willing to listen.”

His words carried considerable tender affection. Pingjun looked up at him. Yu Changxuan gazed at her and said: “Pingjun.” He reached out to take her hand. Pingjun was startled and hastily stepped back. He laughed softly: “What’s wrong? Are you so afraid of me?”

Pingjun smiled: “Not afraid, just respectful.”

He looked at her for a moment, then also smiled faintly: “Which kind of respect? If it’s the respect of ‘mutual respect between spouses,’ I’d be quite willing.”

Pingjun’s heart was in turmoil, her face felt like it was burning, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead. Fortunately, the night was dark and breezy, helping conceal her embarrassment. She said quietly: “Fifth Young Master, I have a boyfriend.”

He smiled with unclear meaning: “Oh, I know.” His tone was as gentle as coaxing a child.

She nodded as farewell and turned to walk along the roadside path. He watched until she entered the hospital’s main gate before getting back in the car. He saw the jade bracelet still lying on the car’s sofa cushion and picked it up. Gu Ruitong in the front seat turned around to see Yu Changxuan staring at the bracelet in a daze, and smiled: “This is the first time I’ve seen Fifth Young Master so devoted. Are you really planning to marry this Miss Ye as the Fifth Young Madam?”

Only then did Yu Changxuan snap back to attention. Hearing Gu Ruitong’s words, he was first stunned, then laughed carelessly: “What kind of family are we? To have such a woman without status or position become the Yu family’s Fifth Young Madam would be truly laughable. I only wanted to…” He didn’t finish this sentence. Looking at the jade bracelet again, he only smiled faintly: “However, she is quite clever.”

The car drove all the way back to the Yu official residence. Gu Ruitong took several attendants back to the guard room. As Yu Changxuan was about to go upstairs, he saw the senior maid Qiu Luo coming out of the dining room. Yu Changxuan noticed her lips painted with bright red rouge, looking quite attractive, so he walked over with a smile. Qiu Luo turned with a grin and moved behind a marble screen, beckoning to Yu Changxuan: “Fifth Young Master, come here, come here.”

With such an invitation, how could Yu Changxuan not go? He immediately smiled: “You mischievous sprite! Think you can run after teasing me? Let’s see how I deal with you!” Just as he rounded the screen, he felt his cheek grow warm – Qiu Luo had playfully pressed two fingers to Yu Changxuan’s cheek, then ran back to the dining room with a laugh. Watching Qiu Luo flee, Yu Changxuan heard a voice behind him: “Fifth Brother finally arrives. Father just returned from the government office and is looking for you.”

Hearing “Father,” Yu Changxuan’s heart tightened and all his playful mood vanished. Turning around, he saw Sixth Sister Qixuan standing there with her hands behind her back, smiling broadly. He asked: “How long has father been back?”

Qixuan pointed upstairs: “Go up quickly. He’s been waiting for you.”

Yu Changxuan hurried upstairs but heard Qixuan call softly: “Fifth Brother, wait a moment.” She ran up to grab his arm, looked at his face, giggled, and said: “Never mind, go up.”

Yu Changxuan went upstairs and headed straight to the north parlor, hearing his mother’s voice, which relieved him somewhat. Walking in, he saw his father Yu Zhongquan sitting on the sofa drinking tea while his mother sat nearby, holding a string of jade Buddha beads and talking about something. As soon as he entered, Madam Yu looked up. After one glance at Yu Changxuan, her smile immediately froze and she quickly said: “Changxuan, go out first.”

Yu Changxuan was stunned to see his father already looking up. After just one glance, that stern face instantly flushed red as if filled with blood – clearly furious to the extreme. Without saying a word, he grabbed an enamel chrysanthemum-patterned teacup from in front of him and hurled it at Yu Changxuan’s face, hitting his forehead while roaring: “You bastard! What is that smeared on your face?!”

Yu Changxuan wiped his face and came away with red rouge on his fingers. Realizing the trouble, he hastily knelt down. Yu Zhongquan shook with rage, repeatedly calling for the family discipline implements. Unable to wait, he grabbed a feather duster from a nearby stand and was about to beat him severely. Madam Yu couldn’t stop him. Yu Changxuan had already received several blows when he let out a half-real, half-fake “Aiyou,” which made Madam Yu so heartbroken that tears flowed. She embraced Yu Zhongquan, crying: “Master, stop beating him! You don’t know your own strength – if you seriously hurt him, I won’t live either!”

Yu Zhongquan was furious: “Loving mothers spoil sons! Raising such a beast who only eats, drinks, and plays without doing proper work – except for completely disgracing our Yu family, what use is he? Might as well beat him to death!”

Seeing Yu Zhongquan’s determination, Madam Yu simply let go and cried aloud: “Then beat him to death! Poor me with only three sons in this lifetime – Mingxuan and Yaoxuan were sent to the battlefield at such young ages and both died in battle. Now only this one sprout remains. I don’t care anymore – just beat him to death. Either way, you’ll cut off the Yu family line and achieve your family’s complete loyalty unto death.”

These words struck precisely at Yu Zhongquan’s deepest pain. In that moment, he could no longer continue beating and collapsed onto the sofa. Second Miss Jinxuan had been standing outside the parlor, not daring to enter, but her eyes had also reddened. Her husband Kuang Bingwen had been a senior staff officer in the Seventh War Zone who died in battle in southern Yunnan two years ago. Since Kuang Bingwen was an orphan, Jinxuan could only return to her parents’ home with her son Kuang Zening – a widow with orphaned child, knowing her own sorrows.

Hearing her mother’s lament now, her heart also ached. She had to remind herself not to add fuel to the fire, hastily wiping away her own tears. Seeing the situation calm somewhat, she quickly called servants to help Yu Changxuan out. Madam Yu wiped her tears and followed, repeatedly calling for attendants downstairs to fetch a military doctor. After Jinxuan helped busy herself for a long time, she returned to see her old father sitting alone in the parlor. Yu Zhongquan saw his second daughter enter: “How is your fifth brother?”

Jinxuan said: “No serious injury, just some minor scrapes.”

Yu Zhongquan was silent for a moment. After all, he still felt sorry for this son. With a long sigh: “Go to my study and get the bruise ointment from the cabinet to apply for him.” Jinxuan quickly agreed and went to get the bruise ointment, specially delivering it to Yu Changxuan’s room while emphasizing it was from father – showing this lesson had again come to nothing.

Yu Changxuan actually wasn’t really injured at all – just some scraped skin on his forehead. Now lying on a daybed with Madam Yu shedding tears beside him while eldest sister-in-law Jun Minru busily directed servants to fetch medicine and water. Seeing Madam Yu’s tearful state, she came forward to console: “Mother, don’t be sad anymore. Fortunately father still cares for Fifth Brother – look, this external injury just needs some medicine.”

Madam Yu nodded, weeping: “I’m also cursed with hardship. I painstakingly raised three sons, but now only this youngest remains…” Before finishing, she saw Minru’s eyes also redden. When Jun Minru first married into the Yu family, Yu Mingxuan died in the Sichuan-Chongqing defense battle less than two months later.

Thinking of this, Madam Yu’s heart ached. She nodded to Minru, sighing: “Our Yu family has also wronged you – I understand this in my heart.” Minru said: “We’re all family – what talk of owing or not owing? But Fifth Brother’s condition – not only are we heartbroken here, there’s also Daiti. Think about how close Fifth Brother and she have been since childhood. If she knew, who knows how worried she’d be!”

Madam Yu nodded again, saying “Yes.” Then they heard pattering footsteps – Sixth Sister Qixuan running in. Seeing Yu Changxuan’s appearance and her mother and sister-in-law wiping tears with heartbroken expressions, she said loudly: “Mother, stop crying! Logically, Fifth Brother deserved some discipline. That Xiao Beichen from the Xiao family is only a year or two older than Fifth Brother, yet his political abilities are extraordinary. Look at Fifth Brother now – what does he amount to!”

Yu Changxuan had long grown tired of listening to these meaningless words. Now he glared at Qixuan irritably: “Can’t you go out? I get a headache just looking at you!”

Seeing Yu Changxuan’s displeasure, Madam Yu immediately looked at her youngest daughter and said mildly: “Qixuan, how can you keep comparing those old-fashioned northern families to our civilized household? Quiet down! Didn’t you hear your fifth brother say he has a headache? Get out quickly.”

Yu Changxuan closed his eyes, saying impatiently: “I want to sleep for a while. It’s getting late – Mother should also go rest.” Seeing Yu Changxuan’s weary appearance, Madam Yu thought she shouldn’t disturb his rest and pulled Qixuan and Minru out. Outside the door, she instructed Auntie Zhu, who managed affairs here: “Take good care of Fifth Young Master. If he feels unwell, come get me immediately.”

Auntie Zhu quickly nodded. Qixuan pouted beside her: “Playing favorites.” Madam Yu turned: “Can’t you say less? Don’t come bother your fifth brother these next few days.” Qixuan turned her head: “Who cares about him! Mother’s such spoiling will ruin Fifth Brother sooner or later!” After dropping that comment, she huffily ran downstairs.

Seeing her mother’s illness improving daily and no longer needing hospitalization, and considering the daily hospital fees were substantial, Ye Pingjun discussed with her mother about getting medicine to recuperate at home. She arranged with the doctor to discharge the next day. The next day at the hospital’s accounting department, the bill came to over four hundred dollars. Ye Pingjun silently noted this amount. Returning from accounting, she saw several armed guards standing straight outside the ward.

Gu Ruitong, standing by the corridor window, heard her footsteps and slowly turned to see Ye Pingjun, nodding politely.

Kuiguang Pavilion, located before the West Gate, was always bustling and lively, but this day was much quieter because a full row of military police stood before its entrance – naturally an imposing sight. Yu official residence attendants also stood outside the private rooms, their faces silent and cold.

When she entered the private room, Gu Ruitong closed the door from outside. The sound of the closing door made her heart suddenly tighten. She saw a large table in the center of the room set with various delicacies, with Yu Changxuan sitting in the head position. He had just returned from the training ground, still wearing spurred boots and military trousers, though he had removed his jacket and wore only a white shirt. Looking up to see Ye Pingjun standing there, he smiled: “Why stand there? Come sit.”

Ye Pingjun remained standing. Yu Changxuan saw she wouldn’t move and smiled: “Very well then – I’ll personally invite you to the table.” He actually stood up and walked toward Ye Pingjun. She immediately walked forward several steps and silently sat at the table. Seeing her seated, Yu Changxuan smiled and picked up an empty bowl, attentively serving her soup and placing it before her: “This ham and bamboo shoot soup is delicious – try some.”

He sat beside her, his eyes black as obsidian. She wore a lotus-colored dress with a small stand-up collar embroidered with delicate carved patterns, making her neck appear pure white and graceful. He felt such a beautiful neck would be even more perfect adorned with a string of pearls.

Looking at her, he smiled gently: “I heard your mother is being discharged, so I came specially to escort you both.”

Ye Pingjun said: “I dare not trouble Fifth Young Master. My mother waits downstairs. After speaking with you, we’ll go home.”

Yu Changxuan smiled: “Don’t return to that tenement courtyard – that’s no place for people to live. I’ve specially arranged a new place for you and your mother – a clean little quadrangle courtyard. Do you like it? I’ll find several people to serve you and your mother.”

Ye Pingjun said calmly: “I dare not accept this either. I’m still thinking how to repay these hospital expenses to Fifth Young Master.”

Yu Changxuan looked at her features, his handsome face showing pleased satisfaction: “Speaking of repaying money is too formal. Miss Ye is intelligent – why insist on playing dumb? Don’t you understand my feelings toward you?”

Ye Pingjun looked at Yu Changxuan with clear, bright eyes and answered distinctly: “Fifth Young Master, my boyfriend Jiang Xueting is about to return to the country.”

Yu Changxuan smiled without comment, actually reaching for foreign liquor to pour himself a glass. After one sip, Ye Pingjun said: “Fifth Young Master, if you have nothing else, I should return…” Before finishing, she saw Yu Changxuan put down his glass, raise his palm to smell it, and say calmly: “How terrible – there’s still some bloody smell that won’t wash off.”

After speaking, he turned to Ye Pingjun and said gently: “Just fired a shot at the training ground. A fine thoroughbred – I quite liked it, but unfortunately couldn’t tame it. What use was keeping it!”

Ye Pingjun looked at his black eyes, her delicate face maintaining calm composure: “All things have their destined fate. If it was destined not to be yours, even taking its life won’t make it yours! In the end, it’s wasted effort – just emptiness.”

Yu Changxuan laughed: “Your words have some logic. If I’d heard this earlier, perhaps that horse would still be alive. Unfortunately, I’m precisely unreasonable by nature – born with the fault of not listening to advice.”

Ye Pingjun lowered her head and took money from her pocket – bills and silver dollars – placing them all on the table: “You paid my mother’s medical expenses. Here’s some money – let me return this first. I’ll slowly find ways for the rest and will definitely repay everything.” She turned to look outside: “My mother waits downstairs. I should go down or she’ll worry.” As she started to rise, Yu Changxuan placed his glass on the table and said flatly: “Sit.”

Though not loud, those words carried tremendous pressure. Ye Pingjun looked at Yu Changxuan, seeing his expression quite unpleasant. She smiled slightly: “I suddenly recall something Fifth Young Master once said to me.” Seeing her smile, Yu Changxuan also smiled, saying softly: “Really? How delightful – so you remember everything I’ve said to you.”

Pingjun smiled: “Fifth Young Master’s words made great sense. I was foolishly trying to catch two butterflies when you said: ‘These are clearly Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai – why must you insist on catching them and breaking up their beautiful dream of flying together?’ Thinking back now, those words truly awakened me from my dream.”

Yu Changxuan’s smile silently vanished. He only looked at her, his gaze showing a deep, cold meaning: “You really do remember clearly!”

His look made Pingjun’s heart tremble involuntarily. For a moment she was so nervous her fingers tensed, but she still had to steel herself to continue: “Fifth Young Master, girls from small families like ours only think of supporting our husbands and raising children, being virtuous wives and good mothers, living this lifetime purely and simply. We want nothing more. Please show mercy and let me go!”

He stared at her fixedly. Her face remained extremely calm, only slightly bowed. Snow-white cheeks showed scattered black wisps of hair, her chin a gentle curve, soft lips lustrous and delicate. His throat suddenly tightened with a thirst-like feeling. Unconsciously grabbing that glass of liquor, he drank deeply and said in a low voice: “What’s so good about that Jiang fellow?!”

Pingjun answered clearly: “He can give me a proper, honorable status.”

Even without raising her head, she could feel his burning gaze. She said just enough and dared not continue, standing to walk toward the door. Her legs couldn’t help feeling weak, her heart racing. Those few short steps from table to door seemed so distant, but she finally reached it.

As she pushed the door open, she heard a “crack” behind her – he had smashed a wine glass.

She didn’t dare turn back and simply left.

Watching the early summer sunlight turn brilliant gold, shining on West Gate’s street surface with a towering ginkgo tree to one side, its emerald fan-shaped leaves flying wildly in the wind, Yu Changxuan stood at the bright window watching Ye Pingjun help her mother walk forward step by step. She kept her head slightly lowered, carefully supporting her mother, her black hair scattered in the wind like countless threads that seemed to entangle one’s very heart.

Yu Changxuan slowly turned around, leaning against the window, taking out a cigarette from his case. A nearby guard came to light it for him. White smoke rose up, completely obscuring his features. Gu Ruitong, seeing his terrible expression, stepped forward to advise: “Fifth Young Master, allow this subordinate to speak – the Tao sisters and Miss Jun Daiti are all first-class ladies. Why expend such effort on Miss Ye from such a small household?”

Yu Changxuan’s face was gloomy. He threw his cigarette to the ground, stamped on it with his foot, then turned to see a small cabinet nearby. Lifting his leather military boot, he kicked it over. The cabinet crashed down, and a teapot on top shattered into pieces on the ground.