Chapter 102

The dinner at Qi Feng Lou was indeed exquisite, and the dishes were especially rich and delicious, especially since Ji Yanming had made advance reservations.

Ji Yanming poured tea and served food to Tao Sheng as usual. Tao Sheng used to think these actions were just signs of a cousin’s love for her, but now they felt a little different.

The dishes at Qi Feng Lou were sweet, and now there was a faint and ambiguous sweetness in her heart, making the food taste even sweeter.

After lunch at Qi Feng Lou, the two strolled back to Ji Yanming’s residence and returned to the study.

It seemed Ji Yanming had really worked hard to return to Beijing this time. Judging by the pile of documents on his desk, he wouldn’t be able to finish them in two hours, and would likely have to stay up late again.

He used to stay up late alone, but now that Tao Sheng was with him, he wasn’t alone anymore.

Ji Yanming also realized this after bringing Tao Sheng to the study. Looking at the documents stacked on the table, he said apologetically, “Do you feel a little bored?”

He had always thought highly of himself, and even though he knew his life was dull, he never cared about others’ opinions, let alone thought about changing for someone. But now that Tao Sheng was waiting for him, he suddenly felt uneasy.

“No,” Tao Sheng said. “I brought back two zither scores, so I can revise them now.”

It was clear that Tao Sheng’s editing of the music score and Ji Yanming’s review of official documents were at very different levels of work. Tao Sheng had almost finished her draft, while Ji Yanming had only submitted a small portion of his documents.

Tao Sheng stood up and stretched her body. She noticed a beautiful box in a prominent place on the right side of Ji Yanming’s desk. She couldn’t help but ask curiously, “What is this?”

Ji Yanming’s clothing and belongings all follow a personal minimalist style. This beautifully crafted brocade box is not rare, but it’s seldom seen in his room.

He had bought this box with Tao Sheng when they were shopping. She thought it looked nice but wasn’t sure about the size or its use, so she didn’t buy it.

Later, after returning to Beijing, he bought it again. She had forgotten they had looked at it together.

When Tao Sheng asked about the box, Ji Yanming replied, “It’s used to store correspondence.”

He added, “If you’re bored, you can look through it.”

Tao Sheng’s eyes lit up. “This should be a private letter. Can I really read it?”

She was curious, wondering if she could dive into his private affairs.

Ji Yanming found it a little amusing. “What’s wrong with that?”

He was hers now, so there was nothing she couldn’t see.

Tao Sheng opened the box.

She was right. At Ji Yanming’s level, business is handled through official documents, while the box held private letters.

The first letter was from the King of Chu.

As Tao Sheng opened it, the King’s usual urgent style appeared.

In the letter, the King of Chu asked, “When will you return? Can you give me a definite answer?” He continued, “As your main supporter in emotional affairs, I suggest you return to Beijing as soon as possible, preferably before the delegation from Ling State returns. Tao Sheng’s situation can’t be delayed.”

Tao Sheng was slightly stunned.

It seemed the King of Chu knew Ji Yanming’s feelings for her.

The next letter was from Xie Huaian.

In contrast to the King’s urgency, Xie Huaian’s letter was slow and laid-back.

He mentioned that Madam Chu had been visiting the Luo family often, staying longer each time, which wasn’t a good sign. He added, “I went to deliver a holiday gift and met Chu Xun, who was having a good chat with Madam Su. Xiao Feng was even more polite to Chu Er than to me. You should return soon; even your close friends can’t help you if you don’t.”

From the tone of the letter, Xie Huaian seemed to have known Ji Yanming’s feelings long ago.

Next was a letter from Su Jia. In addition to casual exchanges, Su Jia emphasized that her uncle had a good impression of Chu Xun and had been praising him lately, urging Ji Yanming to reply soon.

Tao Sheng was surprised.

Even her aunt knew about this?

At this point, Tao Sheng lost interest in the letters.

Normally, she enjoyed reading other people’s gossip, but she felt tired when it was about her own situation.

Ji Yanming noticed her hesitation and asked, “What’s wrong? Doesn’t look good?”

Tao Sheng shook her head.

It wasn’t about the letters themselves but how everyone seemed to know everything.

The only way they could know was if Ji Yanming had told them.

Instead of asking how they knew, Tao Sheng was more curious about one thing.

“When did you start liking me?”

Ji Yanming thought for a moment. “It’s been a while. Probably when I went to Jincheng.”

Tao Sheng remembered that was Ji Yanming’s first business trip after joining the court. He had been sent to Jincheng to investigate an imperial examination fraud case.

So, he had already known his feelings for her back then, even before the bracelet, pendant, or amulet he had given her. It was likely all intentional.

Tao Sheng had only realized her feelings for him about a year ago, and it had been difficult. He had been sure of his feelings long before, while dealing with a heavy workload every day.

Ji Yanming noticed Tao Sheng’s expression softening and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Tao Sheng whispered. “I just wish I had known your feelings earlier.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Ji Yanming said. “Now is the right time.”

Once the King of Chu’s matters were settled, they could probably get married.

King Huan had brought Tao Sheng with him on this trip. After drinking with King Chu, he suddenly remembered Tao Sheng, his important teammate and deputy envoy to the State of Ling.

Although King Huan had just drunk a lot, he was still aware enough to send someone to find Tao Sheng and ask where she would spend the night. If she didn’t plan to return to He Garden, he would send a few maids to serve her.

Ji Yanming told the visitor, “Go back and tell King Huan that Lord Luo is doing well here. Don’t worry, and don’t send anyone else.”

Tao Sheng knew Ji Yanming didn’t like unfamiliar people serving him, so she understood his request. After the visitor left, she made her own stance clear: “These are all trivial matters. I can handle it.”

Tao Sheng usually wears her official uniform when going out, so she doesn’t need to spend time on complicated styling. It makes her life easier.

Ji Yanming didn’t reply and said, “I’ve arranged the room for you. I’ll serve you.”

Tao Sheng initially thought Ji Yanming was joking, but when they reached the room, she realized he wasn’t. He was actually making her bed.

As Ji Yanming bent down to fold the quilt, Tao Sheng thought about how a man who cares about his lady wouldn’t let her do such chores. But as she watched Ji Yanming carefully folding the quilt, she saw his focused and serious expression, much like when he handled official matters. She quickly pushed away those thoughts, feeling they were inappropriate.

Tao Sheng softly said, “I’m used to doing things like this myself. You don’t need to do it.”

Her voice had a charm that touched Ji Yanming’s heart.

“My pleasure,” he replied.