Chapter 29

When Yang Shuangyan was invited to Tao Ran Zhai…

Shen Wei had just finished embroidering half a dragonfly. She placed the embroidery frame in the bamboo basket next to her and, seeing Lu Mi Zhi look at her, smiled and reached out to pat her head, saying, “What’s the matter?”

Lu Mi Zhi, used to Shen Wei’s affection, simply tilted her head and looked up at her with wide, round eyes, asking, “Is Miss Yang easy to get along with?” Having grown up and only recently gone to the palace, Lu Mi Zhi hadn’t had many opportunities to interact with others.

So, when she heard that someone was coming to visit, especially the renowned Yang Shuangyan, she was naturally curious.

Shen Wei thought for a moment upon hearing this. What kind of person was Miss Yang?

She wasn’t sure.

However, whether from the descriptions in books or from the opinions of people around her, Miss Yang seemed perfect, as though without a flaw. Regardless of what she was like in private, she was definitely someone easy to get along with on the surface. After a moment’s thought, Shen Wei softly said, “Don’t worry, Miss Yang is well-known and surely easy to get along with.”

After saying this, she added, “The last time, it was she who helped pick out your gift.”

Lu Mi Zhi didn’t know about this and, hearing it, widened her eyes in surprise. Before she could speak, a voice from outside respectfully announced, “Madam, Miss Yang has arrived.”

Shen Wei didn’t say anything further. She withdrew her hand from Lu Mi Zhi’s head, straightened herself on the soft couch, and nodded to Mo Qi.

Mo Qi understood and went outside to announce, “Please, Miss Yang, come in.”

As soon as Mo Qi’s words were spoken, the curtain was lifted, and a woman entered wearing a pale yellow round-collared short robe with embroidered orchids on the hem. She wore a moon-white skirt underneath, and her accessories were simple yet elegant. She moved gracefully, her face warm and smiling, making others feel immediately at ease.

If one were to call her beautiful—

Shen Wei would still prefer someone like Huo Feiguang, a more vibrant type of beauty.

But now, looking at Yang Shuangyan, she couldn’t help but acknowledge that Yang Shuangyan did indeed have the capital to be admired by others. Though her beauty wasn’t the type that left a lasting first impression, the way she carried herself, much like the graceful women in ancient paintings, combined with her unique demeanor, made her truly stand out.

Yang Shuangyan knew Shen Wei was appraising her, but her expression remained unchanged.

She continued walking gracefully until she reached Shen Wei, where she curtsied and said softly, “May I wish Madam peace.”

Hearing this greeting, Shen Wei nodded. Although her voice was calm, her tone was pleasant, “Rise.”

Yang Shuangyan thanked her and stood up.

Afterwards, Lu Mi Zhi also stood up and, according to protocol, bowed to her. Recently, although Lu Mi Zhi had become less stiff under Shen Wei’s guidance, she still felt a bit shy when facing unfamiliar people. After the bow, she returned to Shen Wei’s side.

Before visiting, Yang Shuangyan had already inquired about the affairs of the Rongguo Mansion. She knew that the Seventh Miss was greatly favored by the Madam. Seeing Lu Mi Zhi like this, she smiled gently and said, “Seventh Miss, you are truly beautiful…”

As she spoke, her eyes turned to Lu Mi Zhi’s hairpin, and she added, “The hairpin you’re wearing is very delicate. It almost looks alive.”

Everyone likes to hear compliments…

And when Yang Shuangyan spoke, her eyes focused on the person she was addressing, her tone sincere, making her words feel especially genuine.

Lu Mi Zhi, who had been a bit reserved, couldn’t help but blush at the compliment. Her hand instinctively went to touch the hairpin… The hairpin she wore today was a pair of dragonflies that Shen Wei had specially ordered for her a few days ago.

Lu Mi Zhi was pleased with it and hadn’t changed it for several days. Hearing Yang Shuangyan praise her hairpin, she raised her eyes to look at her and softly replied, “This was specially chosen for me by my mother.”

After she finished speaking, she turned her head to look at Shen Wei. Seeing the smile on Shen Wei’s face, her courage grew a little. She lowered her hand from the dragonfly hairpin and looked at Yang Shuangyan again, saying, “Thank you, Miss Yang, for choosing the gift last time. I really liked it.”

“I only helped the lady choose some interesting and unusual items, but in the end, the decision was yours,” Yang Shuangyan said as she took two boxes from her maid. When she looked back at Shen Wei, her face turned a bit pink, and her voice faltered slightly. “Today is my first visit, and I’m not sure what the lady likes, so I personally embroidered a handkerchief.”

After saying this, she glanced at Lu Mi Zhi and added, “The seventh miss has one too.”

Lu Mi Zhi’s eyes widened at the mention of a gift. She rarely received presents from outsiders, except for her family. However, unlike other children who might be delighted at the thought of a gift, she didn’t show excessive joy. She first glanced at Shen Wei, who nodded, then she curtsied to Yang Shuangyan to thank her.

The maid took the boxes.

Under everyone’s watch, Lu Mi Zhi opened the box she held and saw a square handkerchief inside.

The handkerchief was embroidered with playful designs, such as kittens chasing butterflies, looking lively and appealing to children. What surprised Lu Mi Zhi was that the handkerchief had designs on both sides.

Li Shi had been a skilled embroiderer, and Lu Mi Zhi had learned much from her since childhood. So, naturally, she was good at needlework compared to others. But seeing this handkerchief, her face showed surprise. She looked up at Yang Shuangyan and spoke with awe, “Sister Yang, your embroidery is really beautiful.”

Shen Wei, hearing this, also looked over and, seeing the lifelike designs on both sides of the handkerchief, couldn’t help but admire it.

The books mentioned that Miss Yang was especially skilled at double-sided embroidery. When the Dowager Empress celebrated her birthday, she had gifted a double-sided Buddhist scripture that was greatly appreciated. Even though Yang Shuangyan was only thirteen at the time, she became well-known for that embroidery. Shen Wei couldn’t help but admire her skill.

She turned her gaze back to Yang Shuangyan, who was still standing, and said gently, “You are thoughtful. Please sit down.”

Yang Shuangyan smiled and thanked her before sitting down.

Tea and fruit had already been served by the maids. As she sat in the armchair, her eyes subtly glanced at the unfinished embroidered handkerchief on the desk. Holding her teacup, she softly said to Lu Mi Zhi, “If the seventh miss likes embroidery, although I’m not that skilled, I can still offer some guidance…”

After she spoke, noticing the hesitation on Lu Mi Zhi’s face, she looked toward Shen Wei and added, “I have nothing to do at home anyway.”

Shen Wei, though aware that Yang Shuangyan was visiting because of Lu Qi Huai, couldn’t help but feel puzzled.

This young lady from the Yang family was top-notch in both family background and talent. Even without doing anything, she could attract admiration. Even if she liked Lu Qi Huai, her actions today seemed a bit too eager. After all, he was just a powerless illegitimate son at present.

Why then was Miss Yang acting in such a manner?

Could it be that Miss Yang had somehow foreseen the future, just like she had? Shen Wei dismissed the thought immediately. In the books, Miss Yang’s kindness to Lu Qi Huai had no particular reason, and many readers had commented that her devotion to the male protagonist was strangely sudden.

She remembered the author had mentioned some foreshadowing, but after finishing the first book, she couldn’t find any hints.

Yang Shuangyan, sensing that Shen Wei hadn’t spoken for a while, noticed the change and put her teacup down. She picked up her smile again and spoke more gently, “Please don’t take offense, Lady. I’ve always wanted a sister like the seventh miss, but unfortunately, my mother passed away early.”

As she spoke, her tone grew softer, evoking some sympathy from the listener.

Lu Mi Zhi looked at her and then at Shen Wei, reaching for her mother’s sleeve. In a soft voice, she said, “Mother, I like Sister Yang.”

Hearing this, Shen Wei looked at Lu Mi Zhi. Seeing the concern on her small face, she didn’t say anything else.

She gently patted Lu Mi Zhi’s head and then turned her attention back to Yang Shuangyan. Although her doubts hadn’t lessened, she put on a warm smile again, saying, “Then I’ll trouble Miss Yang…”

After speaking, she turned to Lu Mi Zhi and said, “Sister Yang’s embroidery has even been praised by the Dowager Empress. Don’t you want to thank her?”

Lu Mi Zhi, who had been feeling sympathy for Yang Shuangyan, smiled and curtsied to her again. She spoke softly, “Thank you, Sister Yang.”

While they were talking inside…

Outside, a maid came in and respectfully announced, “Lady, the eldest son is here to greet you.”

At this, the conversation inside paused. Shen Wei calmly glanced at Yang Shuangyan, who, despite trying to hide it, couldn’t conceal her fleeting look of joy. Shen Wei raised an eyebrow in subtle realization but spoke normally, “Let him come in.”

Soon, the curtain was lifted, and Lu Qi Huai walked in. He paused at the sight inside but quickly regained his composure and walked over to Shen Wei. After greeting her with a polite gesture, he said, “Son wishes Mother peace.”

Shen Wei responded softly and looked at Yang Shuangyan, who lowered her head. Though she sat perfectly still, there was a hint of redness on her face.

She maintained her calm expression and her tone unchanged: “This is Miss Yang from the Yang family.”

Hearing this, Lu Qi Huai bowed slightly to Yang Shuangyan and addressed her, “Miss Yang.”

Yang Shuangyan promptly returned the bow.

After the formal exchange of greetings, the room returned to its previous quiet state. Soon after, Lu Mi Zhi smiled as she walked towards Lu Qi Huai. She tilted her head slightly to look up at him, a faint dimple appearing on her face, and sweetly said, “Brother, Sister Yang has promised to come teach me embroidery. When Zhi’er and Sister Yang learn it well enough, I’ll make a pouch for you and Mother.”

Lu Qi Huai smiled and patted Lu Mi Zhi on the head before looking back at Shen Wei. “Since Mother has guests, I’ll take my leave.”

Although the current social climate was more open, there were still certain taboos between unmarried men and women.

Shen Wei nodded in response without saying anything. After Lu Qi Huai left, she turned her attention to Yang Shuangyan. Before Shen Wei could speak, Yang Shuangyan spoke first, “I forgot to mention, I ordered a batch of ancient books from Ye Liu Zhai some time ago, and they should be arriving soon.”

She quickly stood up and bowed to Shen Wei, her face showing some apology. “I’ll visit again tomorrow to pay my respects to you and the Seventh Miss.”

Ye Liu Zhai was the largest bookstore in the city, often selling ancient books that were hard to find, requiring advance reservations. This explanation was reasonable, and considering Miss Yang’s reputation as a bookworm, no one would question it too much.

However, Shen Wei knew that Yang Shuangyan was likely only pretending to leave now because she had seen Lu Qi Huai depart. Shen Wei’s hand, which had been resting on the armrest, curled slightly, and the excitement she felt deepened. This situation was truly becoming more and more interesting.

But she kept these thoughts to herself, maintaining her usual calm and smiling expression. She said, “Since Miss Yang has matters to attend to, please feel free to leave.”

After Shen Wei finished speaking, she turned to Mo Qi and instructed, “Mo Qi, see Miss Yang out.”

Yang Shuangyan again bowed to Shen Wei, and after that, she turned and left.

Shen Wei silently watched Yang Shuangyan’s retreating figure without saying anything. Her gaze remained fixed until the curtain blocked her from view. Lu Mi Zhi, noticing her mother’s pensive expression, tilted her head and softly asked, “Mother, what are you thinking about?”

Shen Wei quickly erased any sign of contemplation from her face. She looked down at Lu Mi Zhi with a gentle smile and replied casually, “Nothing.”

Once Yang Shuangyan left Tao Ran Zhai, she smiled and said to Mo Qi, “Miss, please wait here. I am familiar with this road, and you need to stay with Madam.”

Although Mo Qi had some doubts upon hearing this, seeing Yang Shuangyan’s usual calm demeanor, she pondered briefly and said nothing more. She nodded in agreement, curtly replying, “If that’s the case, I won’t see you off.”

Yang Shuangyan smiled and nodded before continuing forward with the help of her maid, walking with elegant steps. Her demeanor was dignified, and her face was serene. When they reached the end of a small path where they were no longer visible to others, she frowned and looked around.

Her maid, who had been with her since childhood, noticed and softly advised, “Miss, let’s go back. If others see us, they might gossip.”

Yang Shuangyan said nothing in response, but quickened her pace. When she spotted a figure under a tree not far ahead, she stopped.

Her previously anxious expression turned into an obvious smile, though she quickly hid it to avoid being noticed. Still, her gaze remained fixed on the figure in the distance.

She withdrew her hand from her maid’s arm and said, “Wait here.”

The maid looked at her, wanting to offer more advice, but seeing the look in her eyes, she held her tongue and nodded.

After looking around once more to ensure no one was watching, Yang Shuangyan stepped forward towards Lu Qi Huai. As she walked, she unconsciously adjusted her clothes to make sure there was nothing amiss. When she was only a few steps away from him, she fixed her hairpin. Finally, standing behind him, she tilted her head slightly to look up at him, her tone softer, “Were you waiting for me?”

Lu Qi Huai had already heard her approach. Without saying anything, he turned around to face her. If anyone familiar with him had seen his expression at this moment, they would have been startled. His face was cold, with no trace of a smile, and even his eyes were filled with coldness. He stared at Yang Shuangyan with unblinking eyes and spoke in a chilling tone, “Who allowed you to come to the Lu family?”

Yang Shuangyan was startled by his intense expression.

Although she had long known of Lu Qi Huai’s true nature, she had never seen him with such an expression before. Yang Shuangyan instinctively took a few steps back, but she couldn’t help but hold her ground when she saw the mockery in his eyes. She leaned against the tree trunk, lifted her face slightly, and said, “I just wanted to see you.”

“You haven’t been to the Yang family lately.”

Once she spoke, she saw that Lu Qi Huai’s face remained unchanged. She added, “I heard about the Ho family incident. If I had been there, I would never have let such a thing happen. Are you… alright?”

Lu Qi Huai had remained silent all this time, his hands behind his back, coldly observing her. When she finished speaking, he gave her a faint, emotionless look and coldly said, “Do you have any other business?”

Yang Shuangyan listened to these words, but a faint look of discomfort still appeared on her face. Ever since she saw him in her father’s study that year and recognized his identity, she couldn’t forget him. However, this man was utterly indifferent to her; no matter what she did, she couldn’t discern a different expression on his face.

She lightly bit her lip, wanting to say something soft, but seeing the growing impatience on Lu Qi Huai’s face, she ultimately bit her lip and said quietly, “Father said that the spring hunt is coming soon, and the emperor seems to intend to summon you.”

Upon hearing this, there was finally a change in the expression in Lu Qi Huai’s eyes. However, his face remained as indifferent as before. Even as he looked at the beautiful woman in front of him, he simply said lightly, “I know. You can leave now.”

After finishing his sentence, seeing that no one moved, he turned and walked down a small path.

Yang Shuangyan watched his retreating figure, her feet unconsciously moving a few steps toward him. However, recalling the coldness in his eyes earlier, she stopped herself… Her maid saw Lu Qi Huai leave and quickly stepped forward to support Yang Shuangyan’s arm. As she watched his figure disappear, she whispered, “Miss, we should go now.”

When she saw that Yang Shuangyan did not move, the maid turned her head and, noticing the expression on her face, couldn’t help but frown and softly say, “Miss, what’s so special about this young master of the Lu family? Forget about his status, even his attitude isn’t worth your attention. Look at all the other noble young masters and royal sons, who wouldn’t be obedient to you? And yet he…”

She recalled how, even from a distance, she could see the impatience on Lu Qi Huai’s face, which made her feel even more that her mistress deserved better.

Hearing these words, Yang Shuangyan finally snapped back to reality. She glanced lightly at the maid, and when she saw the maid fall silent, she turned her gaze back to the direction Lu Qi Huai had gone, her admiration for him still unchanged. She softly spoke, “What do you know?”

Those other men—how could they be compared to him?