Chapter 65

As soon as Huo Feiguang finished speaking, a figure appeared from the narrow alleyway…

The person wore a moon-white long robe and held a jade flute—none other than Liang Lingyue. When he realized Huo Feiguang had spotted him, his expression remained unchanged. He simply cupped his hands in greeting and gently called out, “Princess Changping.”

Huo Feiguang, upon hearing his voice, remained silent. She stood with her hands clasped behind her back, her posture straight, and slightly raised her chin as she carefully examined the man in front of her. Seeing that he still wore the same warm and gentle expression as before, she glanced toward the mouth of the alley. Once she saw Shen Wei’s carriage disappearing into the distance, she spoke, “Come in with me.”

Her tone was somewhat indifferent, and her expression was calm and neutral.

After she spoke—

Huo Feiguang turned first, drawing back the curtain as she walked inside.

The young couple inside the room was startled when they saw Huo Feiguang return, but before they could speak, they noticed someone else following her in. The couple recognized them from the previous conversation and knew they were acquainted, so they didn’t speak further. They simply returned to their tasks.

If there were any orders, the Princess would speak to them directly, so since she hadn’t said anything, there was no need for them to say more.

Huo Feiguang didn’t stop walking, continuing to move deeper into the room.

The food and wine hadn’t been cleared away yet. She sat back in her previous spot, raised her hand, and poured two cups of wine. It was the strong liquor she often drank. When she saw Liang Lingyue had sat down, she pushed one cup toward him and kept the other in her hand. After drinking from her cup, she looked at him and asked, “Do you like her?”

Upon hearing this, Liang Lingyue froze slightly. Although Huo Feiguang hadn’t clarified who “she” was, he certainly knew exactly who she was referring to. He was just a little taken aback that someone in Bianliang City would speak so directly, and so bluntly—without even bothering with pleasantries or an introduction.

However—

This straightforward approach was quite to his liking.

Liang Lingyue smiled, placing the jade flute on the table, then took the wine cup that Huo Feiguang offered and took a sip… He had been in Bianliang for quite some time, and had drunk countless wines, but each time, he was always somewhat disappointed.

The world beneath the heavens is rich and splendid, even the wine is made for the nobility, carrying a kind of languid, intoxicating sweetness, but it lacks the strength it should have.

But this wine in his cup was just right…

Liang Lingyue lowered his gaze and sniffed. It smelled like wine from the border regions. He had heard of the uniqueness of Princess Changping, but he didn’t expect the rumors to be true.

Thinking this, he drank the rest of the wine in his cup, then looked at Huo Feiguang and said, “She truly is different…” When he said this, his face still carried a gentle smile, but his tone held an unusual seriousness.

He had only met Shen Wei a few times, but every time he saw her, he noticed something unique about her. Shen Wei’s difference from Huo Feiguang in front of him was not in her straightforward and efficient demeanor, but in a way that he couldn’t explain.

Her presence…

There was something indescribable about her, like an extreme contradiction. Though she was a woman confined to the inner chambers, she possessed a unique perspective and insight.

Liang Lingyue always felt that she was not like other aristocratic women.

But if she wasn’t like the usual aristocratic women, she still had the noble elegance that other high-born ladies couldn’t match. Yet when she spoke and acted, sometimes she was more decisive and bolder than anyone else.

This contradiction and uniqueness, like a poppy flower, drew him in, making him restless and unforgettable.

Just like today, following her from afar—it wasn’t the first time. If it were before, with his personality, there would have been no hesitation. He would have gone to drink tea and chat with her. But now… he didn’t know why, but he felt a sense of timidity.

If others knew that Liang Lingyue, of all people, would feel this way, his friends would probably laugh at him.

Liang Lingyue thought about this and showed a hint of helplessness in his eyes. He shook his head with a smile, refilled his cup, then looked outside the window and continued, “I’ve never seen such a woman. It’s as if she has something that naturally attracts me, making me want to be closer to her.”

“You ask me whether I like her? I can’t really say…”

“But I do think about her. In my entire life, I’ve rarely had this feeling. If thinking about someone, wondering what they’re doing, and whether they’re well means liking them, then I…” Liang Lingyue paused as he drank another cup of wine. The spiciness of the wine made his throat burn, but his words were as gentle as a spring breeze, soft and tender, like a lover’s whisper, “I’ve indeed fallen for her.”

Huo Feiguang listened to every word Liang Lingyue said, surprised that he was so candid, so open about his feelings without any concealment.

Perhaps because of this…

Her previous dislike for Liang Lingyue had lessened a bit. The wine in her cup was already finished, so she refilled it, but this time she didn’t drink, just held the cup in her hand. She looked at Liang Lingyue and continued, “If you like her, why not pursue her? Hiding and avoiding doesn’t resemble any of the people in our circle. The Liang family’s young master I know is not like this.”

The Liang Lingyue she knew was not like this…

Whether from past rumors or their recent interactions, she could tell that this man was straightforward, independent, and free-spirited. That’s why she found it strange that he acted this way when facing Shen Wei.

Liang Lingyue heard this and didn’t speak immediately. He just smiled and drank the wine in his cup.

Huo Feiguang frowned at his response, still holding the wine cup, her eyes slightly colder as her voice dropped, “Do you dislike her because she’s a widow?”

“Of course not…”

Liang Lingyue was caught off guard by the question and after a brief pause, quickly responded. His tone was serious and sincere.

How could he dislike her because she was a widow?

Huo Feiguang looked at his expression, seeing that he wasn’t lying. She loosened her grip on the wine cup a little, thought for a moment, then asked, “Then do you dislike that she’s been married before?” After she spoke, she saw Liang Lingyue shake his head and frowned before continuing, “If you don’t mind that she’s a widow, or that she’s been married before, then why not gather the courage to tell her how you feel?”

After saying this, she looked at Liang Lingyue, who seemed stunned by her words. He remained silent but seemed to be thinking deeply. She continued, “Even if she rejects you, at least you’ve tried. That way, you won’t regret it later.”

Liang Lingyue was indeed taken aback by Huo Feiguang’s words. He stared at her face, the words she had said echoing in his mind. It was as if he had suddenly awakened. Yes, even if she rejected him, at least he would have tried, and that way, he wouldn’t regret it when thinking back on it.

Liang Lingyue smiled again.

This smile was even more dazzling than before, with his eyes and brows filled with an irrepressible joy. Even his lips curled up slightly.

He placed his wine cup on the table and then patted her shoulder. Perhaps because he felt truly happy, or because Huo Feiguang gave him a different feeling from the rest of the royalty, he completely forgot about the traditional boundaries between men and women… Liang Lingyue looked at Huo Feiguang and said, “Thank you for today. I’ll treat you to wine another time.”

After speaking, he hurriedly left.

Liang Lingyue walked quickly, and the curtain was pulled by his force, lingering in the air, still not settling down… Huo Feiguang held her wine cup, watching Liang Lingyue’s hurried figure leave through the still-hanging curtain. She didn’t say anything, only looked at her shoulder, which had been patted earlier, after the curtain finally fell.

Her heart was uncertain, feeling an indescribable sensation.

This feeling was something she had never experienced before, so she couldn’t quite explain what it was. Huo Feiguang had no choice but to drink from her cup again. As the wine slid down her throat, she frowned… Looking at the half-empty cup in her hand, which was the same wine as before, she couldn’t understand why it felt bitter this time.

—-

The setting sun.

Shen Wei’s carriage didn’t head directly back to the Rongguo Duke’s residence after coming out of the alley; instead, it stopped in front of a store called “Ruyi Zhai.” Ruyi Zhai was famous for its pastries and was loved by people in the city. Shen Wei planned to bring some treats there when she visited Chu Fuyun tomorrow.

Chu Fuyun’s pregnancy was getting more difficult as her condition worsened. The last time Shen Wei visited, she had lost more weight, and when she learned that Chu Fuyun loved the osmanthus cakes from Ruyi Zhai, Shen Wei had been bringing them to her every time she visited.

Now, Shen Wei sat inside the carriage, reading a book.

Ruyi Zhai was a bustling place, and there were only a limited number of treats each day. At this time, a long line had formed outside, and Li Da had already been waiting for almost a quarter of an hour without returning.

Shui Bi lifted the curtain and looked outside. Seeing that Li Da was near the front of the line, she turned to Shen Wei and said, “Madam, it will be soon.”

Shen Wei nodded without saying anything.

Shui Bi saw this and didn’t speak further. She lowered the curtain and was about to pour more tea when the curtain was suddenly lifted again. The light from outside streamed in, and Shui Bi noticed immediately. She quickly put down her teacup and looked toward the entrance. Upon seeing the figure outside, her expression darkened.

Why was it him?

Before she could say anything—

Shen Wei noticed too. She raised her eyes and saw Liang Lingyue, dressed in white, sitting on his horse, half-bent and panting. She was taken aback.

She closed her book and spoke, “Master Liang, why is it you?” After a pause, seeing his appearance, she asked, “What happened to you?”

Liang Lingyue peered through the carved window at the young woman sitting inside the carriage. Although her face showed confusion, her expression was natural… He wasn’t sure why, but he suddenly felt like laughing, and then he truly did laugh.

It was dusk, and the setting sun hadn’t yet fully disappeared. The red sunlight shone on him, making his face appear even more jade-like.

Shen Wei, seeing his smile, was momentarily stunned. She couldn’t find the words to say.

Shui Bi, upon seeing Liang Lingyue, had kept a serious expression. Now, seeing him smile so brightly, her face darkened even further… But fearing Shen Wei’s reprimand, she could only lower her gaze and speak softly, “Madam, this place is busy. Li Da should be back soon.”

Shen Wei snapped out of her thoughts upon hearing this. They were on East Street, where many nobles passed by. It would be improper for others to see this.

She was about to speak when Liang Lingyue spoke first. “Madam, will you be free tomorrow?”

Tomorrow?

Shen Wei was momentarily stunned. Before she could react, Liang Lingyue continued, “Tomorrow, I’ll be waiting for you at the plum grove in Xishan Temple. No matter how late, I’ll be waiting there.” Without waiting for Shen Wei’s response, he spurred his horse and left before Li Da returned. Shen Wei could only watch as Liang Lingyue rode away, his figure growing more distant in the red sunset.

The figure became smaller and smaller, but Shen Wei’s stunned expression remained.

Shui Bi, hearing this, grew even more concerned. Her face became very dark, and she thought to herself that she must tell the master about this. If the madam didn’t act soon, she might really be taken by someone.

These people from the Jianghu were always reckless. Shui Bi had clearly seen the way Liang Lingyue looked at the madam earlier. The madam might not have noticed, but Shui Bi certainly did.

The young master of Liang Manor had clear affection for the madam in his eyes. Who knew what he would say when they met tomorrow? Although they hadn’t investigated the madam’s background yet, since she was the master’s lover, Shui Bi couldn’t let anyone take her away.

Li Da had returned and handed over the pastries. He then asked from outside, “Madam, would you like to go anywhere else?”

Shen Wei, hearing this, regained her composure. She collected her thoughts and replied softly, “Let’s go back…”

Once she spoke, Li Da responded, “Yes.”

Soon, the carriage began to move. Shen Wei sat back, looking at Shui Bi, who was kneeling with her head lowered. She didn’t think much about it but said, “Don’t let anyone else know about this matter.”

Shuibai, hearing this, paused with her fingers beneath her sleeve before responding. After a while, she gently lifted her eyes and asked, “Madam, are you really going to see him tomorrow?”

Shen Wei didn’t respond right away. Her brows furrowed slightly, hiding the thoughts in her eyes.

She wasn’t sure whether she should meet Liang Lingyue, but when she thought of his smile earlier, that pure, unguarded smile, it made her heart stir…

He had looked the same way back then.

Shen Wei ran her slender fingers over the patterns on her clothes. The curtain fluttered slightly as the carriage moved. She turned her head to look outside for a while before speaking softly, “We’ll see.”

Shui Bi watched her expression and felt a heaviness in her heart, but she didn’t say anything more.

—-

Night.

Wenyuan Pavilion.

Shui Bi kneeled on one knee, and after recounting the events of the day in detail, she then looked at the man’s back and softly asked, “Master, what should we do?”

Lu Qi Huai didn’t respond immediately.

His finger traced the character on the back of the jade pendant, his gaze fixed on the moonlight outside. After a while, he finally spoke, “Leave.”

Shui Bi, hearing his words, involuntarily frowned. If it had been before, she wouldn’t have dared to question Lu Qi Huai’s decisions. But tonight… She looked at the man’s back and couldn’t help but speak, “Master, aren’t you worried? The lady has always treated that Young Master Liang differently. If—”

Before she could finish, she heard the man coldly say, “Leave.”

The tone was indifferent, with no hint of warmth. Shui Bi felt a chill run down her spine. She dared not say more, nor even lift her head. She had overstepped today, daring to challenge her master’s will. But thinking about tomorrow’s events, she bit her lip, glanced at the man’s back, and ultimately said nothing more. After a respectful bow, she quietly left the room.

Once Shui Bi left…

Lu Qi Huai remained silent, his gaze still on the night outside. His expression grew deeper and more contemplative, and even the hand gripping the jade pendant tightened slightly.

—-

The moon was high above the willow trees.

Since the jade pendant that Lu Qi Huai had given her on that day, Shen Wei had been able to sleep soundly at night without the need for ice.

It was now the middle of the night. Shen Wei slept deeply. When she had first arrived in this era, she had been more cautious at night, but after so long, and with everything now set up according to her own will, she had no further worries.

Lu Qi Huai stood by the bedside, silently watching her, his gaze piercing through the light veil surrounding the bed.

Shen Wei slept soundly, her rest undisturbed.

It was summer, and Shen Wei wore thin nightclothes. One of her arms, fair as jade, was exposed, and the jade pendant around her neck was faintly visible. Under the dim light of the candle, the patterns on the pendant seemed to show subtle signs of age.

Lu Qi Huai stood there, watching her for an unknown amount of time, before finally lifting the veil.

The wind from the open window drifted in, and the chill of the night made Shen Wei frown slightly as she unconsciously pulled her arm back. Seeing this, Lu Qi Huai closed the curtain again. He then sat on the edge of the bed, gazing at her in the dim candlelight.

The candlelight was faint, but her features remained sharp and clear.

Lu Qi Huai carefully placed her exposed arm back under the blanket, then slowly traced her eyebrows with his fingertips, again and again. His fingers, always cool to the touch, caused Shen Wei to stir in her sleep, feeling discomforted. She instinctively tried to move away.

Lu Qi Huai noticed her movement but didn’t allow her to struggle.

He tightened his grip on her wrist, as though trapping her in an invisible net, preventing her from moving. Only when he sensed that Shen Wei had stopped struggling did his expression soften once again. Without saying a word, he continued to tenderly trace her eyebrows and eyes with the utmost focus and care.

—-

Qiuhuan woke up later than usual. She opened the door and glanced inside, noticing that the woman on the bed was still fast asleep, though the window that had been open before was now shut.

Rubbing her eyes, Qiuhuan muttered in confusion, “How strange, why is the window closed?” Normally, the mistress would have them leave the window open to let in some fresh air before sleep. But tonight, Qiuhuan had planned to close it after midnight, thinking it might get cold, but she hadn’t expected it to be closed already.

Could the mistress have woken up and closed it herself?

Thinking this, Qiuhuan looked at the bed again. Seeing no signs of the lady waking up, she said nothing more. Quietly, she left the room.