Chapter 29

The streets were deserted in the late night, and the chilly wind made people instinctively wrap their clothes tighter.

The last time Sang Yao returned home this late was at last year’s Mid-Autumn Banquet in the palace.

After the banquet, she was talking to her sister at the Quiet Moon Palace. Later, her sister had to attend to something and left for a while. Sang Yao saw a beautifully crafted glass on the table, shining with colors. It was so attractive that she couldn’t resist picking it up and admiring it.

Under the bright candlelight, the liquid inside seemed to glow, like the legendary nectar. It looked delicious.

She hesitated for a moment, then lifted it up, imitating the boldness of the poetry, and gulped down the liquid inside.

Never having touched alcohol before, she immediately passed out drunk in the Quiet Moon Palace, sleeping for one or two hours.

When she woke up, the sky was already full of stars.

At that time, she was riding in a carriage on her way home, feeling like she was floating on a cloud, her reactions slow, all because of that beautiful drink.

Just like tonight.

But tonight, she hadn’t drunk any alcohol, yet she still felt her mind clouded.

She thought for a moment and understood. It was all because of Xie Yun.

She was just a girl who liked eating and sleeping, not having many ambitions and being easily satisfied. Xie Yun’s actions today had truly startled her.

Saving his father should have been enough for her to be grateful. Why did he have to go after Lu Ting too?

He was being so dramatic. Would this really not cause any problems?

Leaning against the carriage, Sang Yao absentmindedly traced her fingers on the carriage, painfully thinking. She really didn’t want to delude herself, but… the reality was right in front of her.

She couldn’t help but believe it.

The handbook from the beginning was solid evidence. She had started to suspect Jianling because Xie Yun had been too indifferent to her lately. But today’s events couldn’t be covered up, even if she tried to find excuses for Xie Yun.

Lost in thought, Sang Yao had already returned home. Before she entered, she saw a lamp lit at the gate of her courtyard, and Ran Dong was sitting there in a long robe, waiting for her.

Sang Yao pushed open the door and whispered, “Ran Dong.”

Ran Dong stood up as soon as she saw her and hurried over. Her robe fell to the ground, but she didn’t bother to pick it up. She grabbed Sang Yao’s arm anxiously, saying, “Miss, why did you come back so late? This has worried me to death.”

Sang Yao smiled. Although today had been quite bewildering, at least there shouldn’t be any major problems with her father. She followed Ran Dong inside, picked up a pastry from the table, and mumbled, “I’m fine.”

Ran Dong closed the door and poured Sang Yao a cup of tea, placing it within her reach. She sighed, looking at the girl’s flushed face, still trembling in her heart as she spoke:

“Miss, when you went out today, you didn’t tell me what you were going to do. Coming back so late, what if something had happened?”

“You should have taken at least two guards with you.”

Sang Yao swallowed the pastry in her mouth, thinking how embarrassing it would be to mention the errand she had gone on today. Besides, accidents were rare under the Emperor’s rule.

She casually fabricated, “I just went to the theater to watch a play and then took a nap.”

Ran Dong didn’t believe her, but tactfully didn’t ask further. She stood eagerly in front of Sang Yao and said, “By the way, Miss, there’s something important I need to tell you.”

Sang Yao’s heart skipped a beat. “What’s the matter?”

Ran Dong lowered her voice and said, “I heard that this afternoon, Master Xie and his men broke into the Fifth Prince’s private garden and arrested someone, supposedly because there were discrepancies in the accounts of the Langshan Estate.”

Sang Yao relaxed. “Oh.”

Ran Dong sighed in relief. “Thank goodness you didn’t go, otherwise, you might have been implicated. Who would have thought that the Fifth Prince, who seems so noble, could be involved in corruption.”

“I wonder what will happen to my father. What if the Emperor decides not to investigate and orders my father out of the capital?”

Sang Yao hadn’t considered this possibility. “It shouldn’t come to that.”

Ran Dong continued, “It’s a pity, though. If the Fifth Prince were as benevolent as he appears, being his concubine would be peaceful and leisurely, and you would have more freedom.”

Sang Yao turned away. “Why talk about this?”

She never liked to talk about Lu Ting. Ran Dong didn’t know about the rare connection between Sang Yao and Lu Ting. She still thought Sang Yao resisted anything related to marriage, as she had in the past.

Changing the subject, Ran Dong sighed, “Speaking of which, Master Xie is barely twenty, yet he holds such an important position.”

When mentioning Xie Yun, Sang Yao felt a hint of guilt for some reason.

She casually extended her hand, playing with the porcelain cup in front of her, and asked as if in passing, “So… what do you think of Xie Yun?”

Ran Dong knew little about Xie Yun, but she had heard various things here and there, so she said, “Master Xie is talented in governing. He’s different from ordinary men.”

Sang Yao thought, indeed, he’s quite different.

Xie Yun was not very old, yet he held a high position in the court.

Just three or four years ago, when most people his age were still greenhorns, he already seemed like a seasoned player stirring up the world.

He acted cautiously, with a sharp style, always wearing a poker face that made it easy to forget he was barely in his twenties.

He exuded an aura of aloofness, and even a smile seemed like an offense to him.

Ran Dong continued her appraisal, “Outstanding abilities, distinguished family background, though I’ve heard his temper isn’t great.”

Sang Yao nodded, quite agreeing. That bad temper of his, not many could tolerate it.

Ran Dong’s knowledge of Xie Yun was mostly based on rumors. She didn’t have a deep understanding because Xie Yun was so exceptional that he seemed to be on a different level from other noble sons.

As she spoke, Ran Dong added, “But I’ve heard that Master Xie is cold-hearted. He doesn’t even keep many maids around, let alone concubines.”

Suddenly puzzled, she asked, “Miss, do you think there might be something Master Xie is hiding?”

Sang Yao was taken aback, not understanding. “What do you mean, hiding?”

“Oh, my dear Miss, how can you not understand anything?”

With that, she extended a finger in front of Sang Yao.

Sang Yao asked, “What’s this…?”

“What else could it be?” Ran Dong bent her finger. “Miss, do you think Master Xie might have… difficulty getting up?”

Sang Yao finally understood, her face turning red as she involuntarily recalled the little handbook. “He should be able to…”

The remaining words felt like a hot potato. After stammering for a while, Sang Yao managed to say, “…stand properly.”

Ran Dong withdrew her hand, nodding. “That makes sense.”

“I’ve observed that although Master Xie appears refined on the surface, he’s tall with long legs, narrow shoulders, and a slim waist. I imagine he must be quite sturdy without his clothes on.”

The conversation was veering into strange territory.

Sang Yao had never seen Xie Yun without his clothes, but considering how easily he could lift her up, he probably wasn’t lacking in that department either.

But what were they even discussing!

Feeling increasingly uncomfortable, her cheeks growing redder, Sang Yao said, “Ran Dong…”

She whispered, “Talking about someone undressing like this isn’t appropriate.”

Ran Dong didn’t see any harm in it. Her young lady was pure-hearted and had a thin skin. She didn’t have any romantic interests and was practically a blank slate when it came to matters of romance. Moreover, in the capital, there were countless secret admirers of Xie Yun. Even in those gossip pamphlets from the embroidery shops, Xie Yun was a popular male protagonist. Most of those pamphlets were quite explicit and colorful, but Master Xie was too busy to notice such trivial matters. They could easily be purchased in the black market, but her young mistress didn’t pay attention to them.

Ran Dong said, “What’s the harm? Master Xie wasn’t asked to undress for you.”

That was true.

Ran Dong continued, “But I have heard some comments about Master Xie from others before.”

Sang Yao was very curious. “What did they say?”

Ran Dong whispered, “I heard them say that men like Master Xie are very captivating.”

“What do you mean by captivating?”

“What else could it be, Miss? Just think about it. A man like him could make you feel… fulfilled… in bed—”

Before she could finish her sentence, Sang Yao covered her mouth.

Blushing furiously, she scolded, “Ran Dong, look at what you’re saying!”

Ran Dong laughed and begged for forgiveness, then continued earnestly, “Miss, you really should understand.”

Sang Yao said, “What’s there to understand? Do other young ladies talk about this in private too?”

Ran Dong said, “Other young ladies know more than you do.” At least they could buy plenty of those pamphlets.

“Miss, you see, even though the incident with the Fifth Prince fell through this time, you’re of marriageable age now, and there will be other arrangements for you.”

“This kind of matter, you should have some understanding of. Other young ladies at your age would read these pamphlets themselves or have their mothers teach them. How can you not know anything?”

Sang Yao instinctively wanted to refute. Who said she didn’t know anything?

She had read those pamphlets too.

But it felt odd to assert herself in this matter. She forcibly restrained herself from saying more and said, “Alright, Ran Dong, go to bed.”

After a pause, with a stern face, she added, “Don’t talk to me about these things again next time.” It just felt strange.

The sunlight was bright, casting dappled shadows on the green leaves along the path.

Three days after Lu Ting was arrested, Sang Yin was finally released from House Hui. However, it was merely a temporary release; the case was still pending, and no one knew when the Emperor might remember to deal with him. Sang Yin was let out this time because the Emperor was preoccupied with Lu Ting’s case, and also because House Hui had some influence.

Uncles, and a few officials who were close to my father, persuaded the Emperor to let Sang Yin return home temporarily.

To celebrate Sang Yin’s return, a family banquet was arranged.

Sang Yao was in a good mood today and deliberately wore a brightly colored dress. Just before leaving, she remembered the incident where Sang Yinyue had casually moved her belongings last time. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She turned back and put on the flower hairpin.

The Sang family wasn’t a large clan, and the relationships were relatively simple. There were only five young masters and misses in total. Sang Yao ranked fourth, as the fourth Miss. Above her, apart from her elder sister, there was only Sang Yinyue. Apart from them, there was a brother who was said to be preparing for the imperial examination recently, and a younger brother.

Sang Yao sat next to Sang Yinyue. Sang Yinyue caught sight of the flower hairpin on Sang Yao’s head and became furious. She whispered, “You intentionally did this, didn’t you?”

Sang Yao snorted triumphantly, “If you scold me as ‘stupid,’ I’ll tell my father.”

Sang Yinyue glanced at Sang Yin, who was talking to their father nearby, and choked, “Always tattling.”

She paused and threatened, “Do you believe I’ll tell everyone about your crush on Xie Yun?”

Sang Yao pouted, feeling very aggrieved. “You’re such a bigmouth. Let’s see if anyone believes you.”

Sang Yinyue was at a loss for words again.

Sang Yao was extremely pleased. Her big mouth finally came in handy.

“I told you so. Let’s see if anyone believes me.”

Sang Yao added, “If you dare, I’ll tell my father.”

On the dining table, there was lively conversation, but the adults talked without letting the children interrupt. Sang Yao ate quietly, until Uncle mentioned her, “It’s a pity about Yao Yao’s marriage.”

Sang Yin glanced at Sang Yao and then said, “What’s there to regret? It’s just a concubine, nothing to worry about.”

“Besides, fortunately, this happened at this time. I’d say Xie Yun did a good job capturing him.”

Uncle said, “But this matter is also strange. How did Xie Yun suddenly think of dealing with the Fifth Prince?”

What else could it be?

Lu Ting was acting so recklessly, his desire for the throne so obvious. How could Xie Yun tolerate him?

“But he picked the right time. It’s convenient for you.”

Sang Yin nodded at his words, holding his wine glass, leaning back in his chair, and said seriously, “Hmm, I did have a few conversations with Xie Yun. He’s a calm and promising young man.”

Sang Yao held her bowl of rice. Her father seemed to be about to brag again. He must have been holding it in after being shut in for several days without bragging.

He must have thought that her brother couldn’t pass the exam, but things were always so embarrassing

Ten days later, the court posted the results, and her brother, Sang Yinan, became the top scholar in one fell swoop.

“…..”

Regardless, this was indeed a good thing for the Sang family. When the news came, the mansion was bustling with excitement.

Appointed by the Emperor, Sang Yinan rode a tall horse through the West Huamen, speaking aloud, parading through the streets. So, today’s capital city was very lively.

When the news first came out, Sang Yao was pulled out of the house by Sang Yinyue, insisting that she go see her big brother’s majestic appearance riding through the streets.

The crowded streets were bustling, and the marketplaces were packed with people. Walking past Xiuhua Street, they ran into several young scholars who had made it to the top three.

The streetsides were already crowded, but fortunately, Sang Yinyue had made preparations in advance and booked a spot on the second floor of a restaurant at the end of the street.

Sang Yao sat opposite Sang Yinyue, listening to her chattering beside her, “Look, you fool!”

While talking, she also pulled on Sang Yao’s arm.

Sang Yao was already looking, she said, “I’m looking, stop pulling me.”

Sang Yinyue boasted, “I knew my brother would make it for sure. He’s been studying hard for the past two years.”

Sang Yao nodded and said, “Impressive, impressive.”

Sang Yinyue said, “Let’s go find him later.”

Sang Yao said, “There are so many people, how do we find him?”

Sang Yinyue replied, “Are you still denying that you’re a little clueless? They’ll finish parading at Qingfengkou, and then they’ll be returning to the palace. We’ll just wait for them at Qingfengkou.”

“Here they come, we have to go.”

As they spoke, Sang Yao was pulled up by Sang Yinyue again and ran down the stairs.

Sang Yao was not someone who used her limbs much, so being pulled along the way was quite tiring for her. Finally, they arrived at Qingfengkou. She could only see two people in red robes talking from afar, one was her cousin, and the other she didn’t recognize.

But judging by the attire, he should be this year’s top scholar.

He looks quite young, Sang Yao thought silently.

“Brother!” Sang Yinyue called out loudly.

The two people ahead looked over, and Sang Yinyue waved at them while pulling Sang Yao towards them. After a moment, the two of them walked over.

As they approached, Sang Yao could see the appearance of this young top scholar. He had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, quite handsome, but he looked unfamiliar, not like someone from the capital.

She only took a quick glance, but her gaze was accurately caught by him. He met her eyes, then smiled gently.

Sang Yao could only smile back.

Sang Yanhan introduced, “This is this year’s new top scholar, from Jiangnan, very talented indeed.”

The top scholar, Yang Wenchuan.

He waved his hand casually, not paying much attention, “Talented? Brother Sang is too kind.”

Then he asked, “And these two…?”

Sang Yanhan said, “They’re both my younger sisters.” After a pause, he added, “You two can also call him brother.”

Sang Yinyue, with her sweet mouth, quickly said, “Big Brother Yang!”

Sang Yao hadn’t thought about whether she should call someone she didn’t know “big brother,” but it seemed necessary now, so she awkwardly followed suit, “Big Brother Yang.”

Yang Wenchuan’s face was still smiling, adding a bit of youthful vigor to his handsome face. His gaze swept over the two of them, finally resting on Sang Yao.

He slightly bowed, his voice clear, “Hello, two younger sisters.”

Sang Yao’s fear of socializing with strangers resurfaced. She wasn’t particularly interested in unfamiliar men. After he spoke, she quietly lowered her head, hoping Sang Yinyue would finish soon.

However, this big mouth was as annoying as ever. After a while, she looked at Sang Yao and suddenly said, “Hey, little clueless, why aren’t you talking, shy?”

Sang Yao didn’t know whether she should be embarrassed or angry.

It was okay to call her that at home, but to do so in front of others was too much. Was there something wrong with her brain?

Also, why would she be shy anyway!

“Could it be because you saw Big Brother Yang?”

Sang Yao: “…”

Her embarrassed cheeks started to blush. At this point, she really wanted to argue with Sang Yinyue, but she wasn’t someone who lacked restraint. She could only frown and say, “What nonsense are you talking about…”

“Then why aren’t you talking?”

Not talking was quite normal. Who would want to talk to someone like you with such a big mouth!

Sang Yanhan’s expression turned unpleasant. He knew Sang Yinyue had a loose tongue, but he didn’t expect her to embarrass them in front of others. He scolded, “Yinyue, what are you saying?”

Sang Yinyue muttered, “I was just joking.”

Yang Wenchuan didn’t seem to find the joke funny either. His face remained gentle, but his tone was slightly displeased, “Please be more careful with your words, Miss.”

Seeing Yang Wenchuan’s expression, Sang Yanhan couldn’t help but say, “Yinyue, apologize to your sister and Brother Yang.”

Sang Yinyue lowered her head and said, “Big Brother Yang, I’m sorry.”

Then she turned to look at Sang Yao, “Clueless, I’m sorry.”

Sang Yao clenched her fingers and couldn’t help but say, “Stop calling me that way!”

Yang Wenchuan’s expression remained unchanged. He said, “So this is the Miss’s apology.”

There was a moment of awkward silence.

Yang Wenchuan always had a smiling face, but there was always an invisible pressure when he spoke.

Sang Yinyue bit her lip and took a while before turning to Sang Yao again, “Yao Yao, I’m sorry.”

Sang Yao ignored her.

Sang Yanhan intervened, trying to smooth things over, “Ah, my sister has been like this since she was young. Brother Yang, please don’t mind.”

Yang Wenchuan said, “Brother Sang is joking. How could I mind such a thing? The one who should apologize is not your other sister?”

Sang Yao bit her lip, thinking he was right.

When Yang Wenchuan didn’t say anything, she didn’t feel anything wrong. But now that he mentioned it, Sang Yao felt wronged. What’s with being shy or not! This joke wasn’t just casual. The one who should mind it shouldn’t be her?

Sang Yanhan had to apologize to Sang Yao again, but this matter wasn’t really his fault. Sang Yao didn’t want to make the situation more awkward, so she said, “It’s okay.”

Yang Wenchuan then looked at Sang Yao, “So your name is Yao Yao.”

Sang Yao nodded. Yang Wenchuan had just spoken up for her, so her impression of him had improved.

The conversation continued between them for a while.

However, due to the little incident just now, Sang Yinyue felt uncomfortable and didn’t say much. She pulled Sang Yao and wanted to leave.

Sang Yao didn’t want to stay longer either, so she agreed.

She was so angry. She would never go out with Sang Yinyue again. She really hated this sister who lacked restraint and reason so much.

After saying goodbye, Sang Yao turned around. She hadn’t walked a few steps when she heard a shout from behind, “Yao Yao.”

Sang Yao turned back in response.

Yang Wenchuan looked at her with a relaxed smile on his face and said, “Don’t get angry over unworthy matters.”

Sang Yinyue’s face darkened beside him, muttering quietly, “He couldn’t be talking about me, could he?”

At the same time, the “Yao Yao” from Yang Wenchuan naturally reached the ears of Xie Yun, who had just gotten off the horse not far away.

He was dressed in official robes, looking a bit more solemn than usual. At the moment, he was standing in front of the palace gate. Sang Yao had noticed him with just a glance before.

This address sounded a bit unfamiliar.

He shifted his gaze away from the girl who had already left and landed on the newly appointed top scholar. He asked softly, “Is he Yang Wenchuan?”