Once upon a time, he was a top student, but not anymore. 

The Xie Mansion was bustling early in the morning because today was the day Xie’s grandmother was returning. Xie Yuan and Xie Furen had made all the necessary preparations, and Xie Weixia was in high spirits these days, her whole face glowing red.

“Why is Grandmother coming?”

“She’s coming to visit, probably staying for a while,” Xie Furen whispered.

Xie Weixia was not pleased. Having an elder at home, especially a grandmother with so many rules, meant he had to go to her courtyard early in the morning to pay his respects. That was one thing, but the key issue was that this grandmother was very strict and would occasionally smack people’s palms.

Xie Qiaoyu stood aside, feeling a bit down. He had been hit several times before and now had a shadow over Xie Grandmother.

The carriage rumbled to the entrance of the Xie Mansion. Xie Zhi had gone back to Dongtian Academy to study. Xie Laofuren was a thin old lady. She got off the carriage with a string of Buddhist beads on her wrist, looking like a benevolent Bodhisattva. From the carriage behind her emerged a charming young man.

Xie Qiaoyu’s expression subtly changed. That was his cousin, Xie Qian, who was quite favored by Xie Laofuren. He was already sixteen, the age to discuss marriage. Bringing Xie Qian along at this time might have a particular intention.

“Mother, you’re here.”

“If it weren’t for going to the Buddhist Temple to worship, I wouldn’t come to the mansion, lest I annoy people.”

“Grandmother, your grandson missed you,” Xie Weixia called out affectionately.

“Why isn’t Xie Zhi here? I heard he ranked sixth in the exams, more promising than his father,” Xie Laofuren chuckled.

Xie Laofuren liked Xie Zhi the most. Others like Xie Weixia and Xie Qiaoyu were insignificant. After all, they would be married off and wouldn’t be part of the Xie family forever.

“Xie Zhi went to the academy,” Xie Yuan said awkwardly. In front of his mother, he couldn’t show off and instead got scolded, even compared to his son.

“I’m tired from the journey. Xie Qian, help me to rest first.”

Xie Qian helped Xie Laofuren inside. As Xie Weixia passed by Xie Qian, he let out a soft snort.

Xie Qiaoyu didn’t want to join the excitement. Grandmother was a strong-willed person, had a poor relationship with Xie Furen, didn’t like concubines, and liked to seize power. With Grandmother’s arrival, the Xie Mansion would have lively days again, especially with a two-faced Xie Qian. Life would be bustling.

“Just watch, Xie Weixia and Xie Qian might have a fight,” Xie Qiaoyu whispered to Yao He, who appeared gentle and warm, with a soft smile on her face.

“Young Master, just keep yourself safe,” Yao He said, supporting Xie Qiaoyu, and they exchanged a knowing smile.

Xie Qiaoyu returned to his courtyard and took a nap to clear his mind. He couldn’t go out today as he had to accompany Xie Laofuren for a meal. He also picked some petals to make rouge.

He grew flowers himself, placing them around the window and courtyard, making it look beautiful.

“Young Master, these are climbing vines bought from the flower market,” Yao He instructed the courtyard staff to bring several pots. Xie Qiaoyu had long wanted to grow climbing vines. When they surrounded the house, he could open the window to see green leaves and flowers.

“That’s great. In a while, let’s buy some wind chimes to hang,” Xie Qiaoyu said, washing his hands, his slender fingers white and tender.

In terms of food, clothing, housing, and transportation, Xie Qiaoyu never wronged himself. He loved to fuss over his courtyard, and every time it transformed, he felt a sense of satisfaction.

“Young Master, I’ve found out what you asked me to,” Yao He whispered. “I’ve written down Wan Gongzi’s whereabouts on this paper.”

Xie Qiaoyu’s eyes lit up.

For half a month, he occasionally went to Zuixian Tower, but since meeting Wan Mingji that one time, he hadn’t encountered him again, which made him frustrated. His elder brother said Wan Mingji got along well with Xie Jiuling, wasn’t particularly outstanding in academics, but had cut ties with some idle people and liked to be alone.

Being able to hang out with Xie Jiuling meant he was quite capable. The prefect’s son was noble, and not just anyone could catch his eye. Wan Mingji was also hiding his talents, truly a humble man.

He happily opened the paper Yao He wrote. Dongtian Academy (Academy), Qingshui Alley (Home), Suburbs (Leisure), Buddhist Temple (Meditation).

Xie Qiaoyu was shocked to see Yao He had marked specific events. “Yao He, you’re truly my right-hand man.”

Yao He couldn’t help but puff out his chest. “It’s my duty, Young Master.”

“With this, I won’t worry about not finding Wan Mingji,” Xie Qiaoyu said, holding his face and starting to daydream.

“Young Master, Wan Gongzi still has to observe mourning for three years.”

“Mourning doesn’t prevent engagement. I love the thrill of the chase, that youthful longing is the most precious,” Xie Qiaoyu said. “To choose a good husband, you have to consider more than just looks, you need to interact for a while.”

Yao He: “…”

At lunch, Xie Qiaoyu ate a plate of crispy apples in his courtyard before going to the main hall for the meal. Family meals like this usually left him unsatisfied, so he had a little snack first.

When he arrived, Xie Weixia had red eyes, and Xie Qian also had red eyes. Xie Qiaoyu sat down, pretending not to see, and looked at the pattern on his shoes.

Xie Weixia glared at Xie Qiaoyu. This coward! Even when outsiders bullied him, he just watched! What’s so interesting to look at!

“Why are two young men arguing over a bowl of lotus root starch? Just tell the servants to make another bowl,” Xie Yuan pinched his brow and shouted at Xie Weixia, “You don’t act like the master of the house. Guests are guests, and this is your cousin. Can’t you let him have it?”

“Master, don’t be angry. It’s all my fault. I didn’t teach Weixia well, making him act so domineering,” Xie Furen sniffed, covering her face with a handkerchief.

Xie Qiaoyu’s gaze wandered as he watched the drama unfold. His father’s words to Xie Furen were interesting too. Master of the house, let your cousin have it, respect the order of seniority. It should be the cousin letting the younger one have it, especially since this is their home, and she’s just an outsider.

Officials are always so cunning.

“Enough! A good meal turned into this, let’s eat first. You two young ones, go to the ancestral hall and copy Buddhist scriptures later,” Xie Laofuren patted Xie Qian’s hand.

It turned out Xie Qian wanted to eat lotus root starch, and so did Xie Weixia. They clashed, and Xie Laofuren favored Xie Qian, giving him the lotus root starch first, which ignited Xie Weixia’s anger, leading to a confrontation at lunch.

“And you, when your two brothers argue, you just stand aside, showing you’re not a good-hearted person,” Xie Laofuren said, seeing Xie Qiaoyu’s submissive demeanor, and scolded him. A child raised by a concubine, with such a petty demeanor.

Xie Qiaoyu: “?”

“Yes, Grandmother, it’s all my fault. I didn’t restrain my brothers, didn’t set a good example, and just kept silent when things happened, not getting involved.”

Being the youngest of the three, it was odd for Xie Qiaoyu to talk about restraining his brothers and setting an example. Xie Yuan’s face turned awkward, mixed with a hint of embarrassment.

“Qiaoyu, he was in his courtyard and didn’t know what happened. This has nothing to do with him,” Xie Yuan, for once, spoke up for Xie Qiaoyu.

“Is he feeling wronged when an elder says a few words to him?” Xie Laofuren’s face darkened. She didn’t like anyone challenging her authority.

Xie Qiaoyu looked distressed, his body trembling. “Please don’t argue because of me.”

He carefully chose his words. “The three of us brothers are one. I’m willing to copy Buddhist scriptures in the ancestral hall, praying for Grandmother’s safety and longevity. Serving Buddha is my blessing.”

Xie Weixia glared angrily, and Xie Qian glanced sideways.

“Yes, that’s the brotherly bond the three of you should have. Worshiping Buddha requires sincerity. You should copy the scriptures well in the ancestral hall,” Xie Laofuren softened her expression, glancing at Xie Qiaoyu. This illegitimate child!

“Yes, Grandmother.”

Lunch ended in silence. Xie Qiaoyu returned to his courtyard to get paper and pen. Yao He said, “It’s all about Second Young Master and Qian Young Master. What does it have to do with Young Master?”

“Alright, if I accept it, Grandmother and Father will have a way to save face,” Xie Qiaoyu said, looking for something in the courtyard.

“That’s true. Master loves his reputation. Young Master, the paper and pen are here.”

“Paper and pen are secondary. Where are the Buddhist scriptures I practiced writing before?” Xie Qiaoyu found them and immediately put the previously written Buddhist scriptures into his sleeve.

They liked to practice calligraphy by copying famous works, but he preferred copying Buddhist scriptures. The benefit was evident now.

The three pampered young men went to the ancestral hall to kneel and copy Buddhist scriptures. Once the door closed, it felt like a prison. Xie Weixia looked impatient, and Xie Qian knelt straight.

Xie Qiaoyu rolled up his sleeves, kneeling loosely, and seriously copied a page with a brush. He then discreetly took out the pre-copied scriptures from his sleeve, smoothing out the creases.

“Xie Qian, why did you come to our house?” Xie Weixia questioned.

“I came with Grandmother. As a junior, you shouldn’t question the elders’ matters.”

The two started bickering again. Xie Qiaoyu, estimating the time, leisurely stood up to knock on the door.

The door opened, and a mama asked, “Third Young Master, what is it?”

“Mama, I’ve finished copying.”

Mama glanced at it a few times. It didn’t look hastily written, so she nodded. “Third Young Master can leave.”

Once Xie Qiaoyu left, the ancestral hall door closed again, leaving no gap for light.

Xie Weixia: “…”

Xie Qian: “…”

Xie Qiaoyu wouldn’t waste time on this. He wanted to go out to Qingshui Alley to see his ideal husband.

He didn’t know that Mama handed his copied scriptures to Xie Laofuren. Xie Laofuren glanced at them. Xie Qiaoyu had practiced writing Buddhist scriptures for years, and the writing looked dignified and steady.

“This child has a Buddhist nature,” Xie Laofuren commented and put it down.

“After all, he’s the old lady’s grandson, also one who reveres Buddhist scriptures. Third Young Master copied the scriptures quickly and well,” Liu Mama said with a smile.

Xie Laofuren didn’t respond, but she didn’t refute either.

*

“Wan Brother, see you at the academy tomorrow,” Xie Jiuling said with a smile.

Other friends also bid farewell to Wan Mingji.

Qingshui Alley was the most remote alley in Ningjiang County, home to people from all walks of life. The alley was mottled with moss, looking desolate and dilapidated. The first night Wan Mingji stayed here, someone knocked on the door at midnight. A few days later, a thief sneaked in, and Wan Mingji gave him a good beating.

“Little beauty, why are you here? Let brother take a look.”

“Beauty, don’t back away.”

Voices came from the corner of the alley, and Wan Mingji paused while unlocking the door.

Xie Qiaoyu and Yao He were trembling. They didn’t expect to encounter such fierce people here, daring to do such things in broad daylight.

“Help! Help!”

“Scream all you want, no one will save you!”

“Yao, Yao He, do you think Wan Mingji is back?”

“Young Master, I’ve followed for days, and it’s usually this time.”

Xie Qiaoyu couldn’t help but feel aggrieved. Yao He had followed for days without encountering any bold ruffians, but the first day he came, he ran into them. He was so unlucky, boohoo.

“Wan Mingji!!!” Xie Qiaoyu shouted, hoping for luck.

Yao He: “Help!”

The ruffians were initially excited. It was rare for a master and servant to come to Qingshui Alley. Although they hadn’t seen their faces, their figures were excellent, especially the master, with a waist that could be held with one hand.

Hearing the name Wan Mingji, they hesitated strangely, their excitement cooling a bit.

“That person went to Dongtian Academy, probably hasn’t returned yet. If he comes back…”

One ruffian gritted his teeth, “Forget it, let’s just do it first!”

A ruffian stepped forward, and Xie Qiaoyu, trembling with fear, his long eyelashes like little fans, screamed at the top of his lungs, “Wan Mingji!!!”

“You can scream all you want, but no one will…” The ruffian’s words were cut off.

“Here I am.” Wan Mingji threw a stone, and the ruffian closest to Xie Qiaoyu almost knelt down.

Seeing Wan Mingji, Xie Qiaoyu immediately kicked the ruffian, acting tough.

Yao He was dumbfounded.