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Chapter 5: The Hairpin

“Ah, you’re just a bit too late!”

—

As soon as Xie Zhuoguang spoke, a trace of regret flashed through his mind. But he was used to being expressionless, always appearing calm and detached no matter who looked at him.

Facing everyone’s doubts, he lifted his eyes and swept his gaze over them, then looked forward again as if the earlier reprimand hadn’t come from him at all.

He was always like that—those eyes seemed completely empty, as if no one could ever reach his heart.

Pei Shang raised an eyebrow at this but didn’t say more.

Facing Xie Zhuoguang directly, Yu Mingyao’s anger flared the moment she saw that same closed-off expression. She’d seen that look far too many times!

In her past life, when she first married into the Xie family, she’d felt deeply ashamed—as if she had defiled a moon in the sky. She behaved with utmost caution, afraid her actions might seem improper and make him think she was just a pretty face with no substance.

Even in their intimacy, she’d been shy, worried that she would ruin the image of his noble, refined self.

But ha—if it weren’t for his always cold, deadpan face, how would outsiders have assumed their marriage was loveless?

Thinking of this, Yu Mingyao gave Xie Zhuoguang a fierce glare, then turned her attention back to the display of jeweled boxes.

“These are all too tacky. Are there any others?”

She looked toward the steward, her displeasure clearly written all over her face. The middle-aged steward, who had been observing from the side, instantly understood that her anger was being redirected at him. He forced a flattering smile.

“A beauty like you, miss, indeed deserves better than such trinkets. Please wait a moment—I’ll fetch our most treasured pieces.”

With a wave of his hand, several assistants arrived and helped carry away the dozen or so ornate boxes that had been presented earlier.

Soon, the lavish second floor of Yunlou was left with only Yu Mingyao, Pei Shang, and their group.

As for Pei Shang, though Xie Zhuoguang and Yu Mingyao’s harsh rebukes had calmed his antics momentarily, he was not someone whose interest faded easily. Once in the mood, he was relentless.

He snapped his folding fan shut and began moving closer to Yu Mingyao again.

“You brat! How dare you harass my sister!”

Yu Jinnian exploded the moment he saw Pei Shang approach, grabbing him by the collar without thinking. His thick hands gripped Pei Shang’s embroidered robes tightly.

While Yu Jinnian was red-faced with fury, Pei Shang looked entirely unfazed. His eyes—full of amusement—remained fixed on Yu Mingyao, a textbook image of a roguish flirt.

In truth, Yu Mingyao had once been terrified and disgusted by this behavior in her past life, when she was still young and inexperienced.

But now, her body housed a soul in her early twenties.

Seven years of married life had taught her much more than the infamous yet inexperienced Pei Shang. She’d learned far more about men and the world.

“Brother, let him go.”

Her tone was light. Yu Jinnian, though reluctant, obeyed and released Pei Shang.

Pei Shang, having just been dragged by the collar, scoffed and rolled his shoulders before regaining his usual cocky swagger.

To be fair, Pei Shang was indeed good-looking—one of the two most handsome men in the capital, alongside Xie Zhuoguang. Though ill-tempered, he had countless admirers, only slightly fewer than Xie.

Both he and she were blessed with striking appearances.

Yu Mingyao recalled how, in her past life, Xie Zhuoguang had been filled with jealousy over Pei Shang. Pei, in his signature crimson robes, exuded a mix of elegance and danger. Riding through the city with a red flower in his hair, he left countless young noblewomen sighing in secret.

A sudden warmth bloomed in Yu Mingyao’s chest. For the first time, she met Pei Shang’s gaze seriously and without retreat.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”
His eyes clearly said.

The golden evening light poured in from the half-open window, casting a glow on his jade-like face. Fine peach fuzz was faintly visible under the sunlight.

Yu Mingyao softened. He wasn’t yet the fearsome judge of the Ministry of Justice, hardened by loss and vengeance. He was still just a young, untainted man.

She smiled gently, brushed past her brother, and walked right up to Pei Shang. Her dark, gleaming eyes were full of fondness and teasing affection.

“Cousin, if you keep clinging to me like this, I might start to overthink. You’re so handsome—you’ll surely be the dream of many noble girls. But I’m just a simple, innocent girl… What if—”

She dropped back on her heels, winked at him playfully, then swayed gracefully back to her original spot as if nothing had happened—completely ignoring his now blushing ears.

“That hairpin looks nice. Bring it closer.”

Her voice remained soft and relaxed. But even such a simple request carried a trace of flirtatious charm when spoken by her.

Everyone in the hall reacted differently. Yu Jinnian was just about to ask what she’d whispered to Pei Shang, when Yan Yue pulled him back and shook her head.

Yunlou deserved its reputation as the finest establishment in the capital—its selection of jewelry and silks was unmatched. The steward must have noticed their familiarity with Pei Shang and Xie Zhuoguang, and seeing Yu Mingyao’s calm demeanor, decided to bring out some rare items usually kept on the third floor.

Yu Mingyao’s gaze landed on a nearby golden hairpin.

She froze. After a long pause, she reached out and picked it up.

“Miss, you truly have an excellent eye! This hairpin once belonged to Emperor Shang of the previous dynasty—it was a token of affection for his favored consort, Lady Yang. Made of pure gold, the peony at the top is incredibly detailed! Look at the ruby at its center—legend says the emperor personally chose it from 9,000 stones for its flawless quality. And the South Sea pearl at the base? White as the moon—so beautiful!”

The steward enthusiastically praised the piece.

But Yu Mingyao was lost in memories. Shortly after her wedding, she and Xie Zhuoguang were in their honeymoon phase. He had been away for official duties for half a month. When he returned, he’d nervously presented her this very hairpin.

She had seen something rare on his usually composed face—shyness.

Overjoyed, she had pulled him behind the curtain, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders, and begged him to place it in her hair. She had believed that from then on, their love would last a lifetime.

Her pale hand gently traced the familiar contours of the hairpin. It was this very piece that had comforted her through many cold, lonely nights.

“Please, steward, put this away. It’s far too precious for someone like me to enjoy.”

“This…”

The steward hesitated and glanced behind her at Xie Zhuoguang and Pei Shang. Seeing that neither spoke, he swallowed his next sales pitch.

Tch. After all that drama… they’re just a bunch of poor nobles.

How unlucky.

—

The market streets were crowded with people.

Xie Zhuoguang and Pei Shang strolled along the cobblestone road, one on the outer edge, the other beside him. Their personal attendants followed behind.

Since leaving Yunlou, Pei Shang had uncharacteristically fallen silent. The normally loud and brash man now looked deflated, his face twisted in frustration.

Xie Zhuoguang caught his dejected expression from the corner of his eye and, for some reason, felt a trace of annoyance.

It’s just some flashy girl with a bad temper—she doesn’t even look that obedient. Why let it bother you so much?

Pei Shang’s red ears from earlier flashed in his mind.

Xie Zhuoguang forced down the sudden discomfort and told himself that his displeasure was merely concern for a friend, not jealousy.

Nothing more.

After a pause, his cold, jade-like voice sounded.

“It’s still early. Pei, how about we stop by the bookstore? The teacher posted new calligraphy samples yesterday—maybe there are new practice scrolls.”

Pei Shang frowned. His friend rarely discussed studies with him—what was going on?

“Not in the mood,” he muttered. “I’m annoyed.”

“Oh?” Xie Zhuoguang raised an eyebrow. “Then shall we go to Miao Yin Pavilion and listen to some music?”

Tch!

Pei Shang’s irritation exploded. “What’s with you today, Xie Zhuoguang? I thought you hated wasting time on leisure—what’s gotten into you?”

“A good friend is troubled. How can I stay idle?”

“Alright, alright, stop spouting bookish nonsense. My head’s pounding.”

Xie Zhuoguang finally revealed his true intent.

“Allow me to congratulate you. She must have confessed just now—leaning close to whisper in your ear like that.”

“Confess what? Don’t talk nonsense!”

Pei Shang jumped. “She just told me to stay away from her, that’s all! Like I even care!”

“Oh.” Xie Zhuoguang’s tone returned to its usual calm and aloof manner.

“Wait, I’ve got something to do.”

A few steps later, Pei Shang suddenly stopped and turned back. “You go on ahead, I’ll see you at the academy tomorrow.”

With that, he strode away quickly, as if something urgent had come up.

Xie Zhuoguang stood still, watching him go, eyes narrowing sharply.

“Shizi, shall we return to the estate?” asked Cheng Qing, his ever-discreet attendant.

“No rush.”

Master and servant walked slowly down the road.

The street was full of faces, but in Xie Zhuoguang’s mind, only one face—vivid, beautiful, with fleeting sadness—kept appearing.

Was that sorrow just another trick to win hearts?

She was two years younger than him—what could she possibly be grieving?

Though orphaned, she had a grandmother and brother who cared for her. Compared to him—who had family yet lived like a wanderer—she seemed spoiled.

Then why did she look at him with eyes like that? As if within that delicate frame lived a soul that had suffered deeply?

The market was built in a circular layout. Cheng Qing soon realized that they had walked all the way back to Yunlou.

Just as he was about to speak, Xie Zhuoguang, usually so composed and dignified, said calmly:

“Well, since we’re here, let’s take a look.”

“…?”

Cheng Qing couldn’t understand what there was to see. His master had no mother and no romantic interest.

Coincidentally, the same steward from before was still tending the counter.

Seeing them return, the man immediately smiled and bowed, his face creasing with delight.

As Xie Zhuoguang cleared his throat awkwardly, unsure how to begin…

The steward spoke cheerfully, “Oh, Shizi, you came to see that hairpin too? Ah, you’re just a bit too late!”

“Not even a quarter-hour ago, Young Master Pei shamelessly insisted on buying it!”

“He’s probably already given it to that young lady by now!”

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