“This is my eldest sister.” Ouyang Jue instinctively disliked this Young Master Su. He spoke concisely, refusing even to reveal Ouyang Nuan’s name.

Su Yulou looked at Ouyang Nuan. Her brows arched like spring mountains, and her eyes carried the depth of autumn waters. Though still young, her beauty was beyond the reach of mere words or brushstrokes. A faint smile appeared on his lips as he greeted, “Greetings, Eldest Miss.”

There was a certain warmth in his gaze— an almost imperceptible fervor, as if he intended to set her ablaze. Ouyang Nuan, however, merely smiled lightly and said, “Young Master, there is no need for such formalities.”

Hearing his sister’s voice, Ouyang Jue immediately sensed a subtle difference. He observed her closely, but her expression remained as gentle as ever. Yet, this slight change was something only a younger brother as close to her as he was could detect. Su Yulou, on the other hand, remained completely oblivious. Ouyang Jue strongly disliked this handsome young man getting too close to his sister. His voice turned cold as he said, “Sister, I am heading to the front hall. Are you going back?”

Ouyang Nuan nodded and said, “Grandmother is probably looking for me. You should go on ahead.” With that, she gave Su Yulou a polite bow before turning away. Hongyu followed behind her young miss but couldn’t help glancing back at Su Yulou. She thought to herself, This young master is truly too handsome. No wonder all those noble young ladies were so excited just now. However, Ouyang Nuan simply walked away without the slightest hesitation in her steps.

Ouyang Nuan had walked quite a distance before Su Yulou finally withdrew his gaze. Ouyang Jue cleared his throat lightly and said, “Young Master Su, are you not heading to the front hall?”

Su Yulou snapped out of his thoughts and turned back to see Ouyang Jue looking at him with displeasure. He smiled faintly, as if entirely unaware of the hostility, and nodded before following along. Yet, deep inside, he was puzzled. Normally, young ladies would either blush and grow shy upon seeing him or stammer in nervousness. If not that, they would try their best to get closer to him. This eldest miss of the Ouyang family, however, seemed completely indifferent. Was she merely feigning composure, or was this an act of playing hard to get? The thought piqued his curiosity.

Far ahead, Ouyang Nuan slowly unclenched the fist she had been tightly gripping inside her sleeve. Under the sunlight, she saw the deep scratches on her palm, stained with traces of blood. Hongyu gasped in alarm. “Young Miss, what happened?”

Ouyang Nuan replied calmly, “I stood for too long just now, and my head hurts a little. Do not make a fuss.”

────ρя


In the front courtyard of Ouyang Manor, Ouyang Zhi sat at the main table, accompanied by seven or eight high-ranking officials he was close to. Other tables were arranged for the young gentlemen. Su Yulou had just taken a seat, speaking and drinking with the others at a leisurely pace. Most of those present came from influential bureaucratic families. Initially, they looked down on Su Yulou for being a merchant’s son. However, after witnessing his extraordinary archery skills in the garden— hitting the target with precision from a hundred paces away— their contempt had quietly lessened. Now, at the banquet, they were testing him, continuously offering him toasts. Su Yulou accepted them all with a smile, engaging in conversation with ease. His demeanor was neither overly familiar nor distant, leaving a remarkable impression.

The discussion among the young men drifted from poetry and literature to music and guqin melodies, then to regional customs and local specialties. Su Yulou was knowledgeable in all topics, displaying both scholarly refinement and martial prowess. The noble sons who had initially dismissed him now found themselves admiring him— except for Lin Ziran, who remained cold and indifferent.

During the banquet, a maid poured wine for Su Yulou, but the nearly empty cup spilled onto his sleeve.

Su Yulou’s brows furrowed slightly. Ouyang Jue, seated at the same table as host, could not help but reprimand, “What’s going on? You’re too careless!”

The young maid, clearly flustered, immediately knelt and apologized profusely. Su Yulou, being a guest in another’s home, could not make a scene. He simply said, “Forget it.” However, the damp sleeve was uncomfortable.

The maid quickly said, “Young Master, please come with this servant. I will help clean it for you.”

Su Yulou, particular about his appearance, disliked carrying the strong scent of alcohol on his clothes. Hearing her offer, he put down his wine cup and stood up.

Ouyang Jue frowned and said, “But we still need to toast Father later.”

Su Yulou, ever mindful of cleanliness, smiled and replied, “There’s still time. I will be quick.”

Ouyang Jue nodded but warned the maid, “Do not go to the rear courtyard. If you disturb any noble young ladies, you won’t be let off easily!”

The maid trembled and quickly nodded before leading Su Yulou away. Ouyang Jue noticed nothing amiss. However, Lin Ziran, who sat at the head of the table, lifted his gaze and watched Su Yulou’s departing figure with a thoughtful expression.

Following the maid, Su Yulou passed through the front hall and crossed the garden. Before he realized it, he had arrived at a more secluded courtyard. The maid gestured for him to wait inside before disappearing into a room. Moments later, she returned with a basin of warm water. She carefully rolled up his sleeve, meticulously washing away the stain before drying his hands with a clean cloth. She smiled sweetly and said, “Young Master, it will be done soon. There’s no need to worry.”

Su Yulou’s expression, however, turned cold. He spoke slowly, “Your hands are quite deft. How could you have spilled wine on me by accident?”

The maid was quick-witted, flashing a bright smile as she said, “Young Master speaks as if this servant did it on purpose. I wouldn’t dare.” As she spoke, she gazed at him with admiration and sighed, “Young Master is truly handsome. I have been in this household for a long time, but I have never seen someone as elegant as you. You look like a celestial being.”

She spoke playfully, yet a strange glint flickered in her eyes. Su Yulou’s heart suddenly tightened with alarm. Something was wrong. He swiftly grabbed the maid’s wrist and demanded in a harsh tone, “Who sent you? Why did you bring me here?”

The young maid spoke softly, “Young Master, this servant is acting according to the madam’s instructions. Please wait here for a moment. The madam has arranged everything……”

Su Yulou let out a cold laugh, stood up, and was about to leave. The young maid, quick-witted, swiftly blocked his path and waved a jade pendant in front of him. “Young Master, do you recognize this?”

Su Yulou was momentarily stunned. He immediately recognized the double-fish jade pendant as something Madam Su always kept close. He halted at once, though his voice turned even colder, “What exactly does your family’s madam mean by this?”

The young maid lowered her head, hiding the cunning glint in her eyes, and said, “Young Master, just wait here. Even if my family’s madam wished to harm you, surely Madam Su would not. This is a great opportunity. If you miss it, you may regret it in the future……”

────ρя


By the time Ouyang Nuan returned, the opera had reached its sixth act. On stage, the performer was singing, “A lone wild goose lands on level ground, head bowed, wings drawn, bloodstains red. When shall the hero come at last to pierce his foe with an avenging arrow?”

Standing at the doorway, she listened intently to those lines, a faint smile appearing on her lips. Seeing her return, Grand Madam Ning looked delighted and immediately waved for her to come over. Ouyang Nuan smiled and walked to her side.

Grand Madam Ning asked, “Did you see Jue’er just now?”

“Yes, Grandmother. Jue’er asked me to send his regards to you.” Ouyang Nuan replied with a gentle smile. Nearby, Old Madam Li glanced over just in time to hear Ouyang Nuan continue, “Jue’er is such a foolish child. He insisted on shooting a lucky arrow as a birthday gift for the old madam. Everyone else had left, yet he remained in the garden practicing, to the point that his hands were now covered in blisters. It truly pains me to see him like that.”

Upon hearing that, Old Madam Li could not sit still. She hurriedly instructed Nanny Zhang to fetch a jar of white jade ointment. “Make sure to send it to the young master and do not return until you have seen him apply it yourself.”

Lin Wanru, who sat nearby, could not conceal the resentment in her eyes. Lin Wanqing’s son was the treasured darling of the Ouyang family, while her child had been branded as a harbinger of calamity before even being born. And all of this was because of Ouyang Nuan! In her heart, she silently vowed to make Ouyang Nuan pay dearly for it.

Sitting next to Lin Wanru, Madam Su spoke in a hushed voice, “You never told me before that the eldest miss was such a beauty.”

A flicker of coldness flashed through Lin Wanru’s eyes, but she responded politely, “Nuan’er takes after my elder sister. Her looks are indeed quite striking. I hope Madam Su does not find it laughable.”

Madam Su said softly, “How could I? Do you take me for an outsider? Let’s consider it settled, then— just like the jade pendant I gifted you. You mustn’t go back on your word!” The more she spoke, the more familiar her tone became, and the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes deepened with an unmistakable delight.

Madam Su continued to scrutinize Ouyang Nuan, thinking to herself that with Su Yulou’s talent, he was bound to attain scholarly honor this time. If he could then marry a daughter from such a noble family, the future of the Su family would be even brighter. Marquis Zhengou and the assistant minister of personnel were both powerful connections, and would be able to lend their support. With that thought, a gleam of ambition shone in Madam Su’s eyes.

Lin Wanru observed Madam Su carefully and guessed the other party’s intentions. A cold sneer formed in her heart. The Su family was nothing more than a merchant household. No matter how wealthy they were, they would never be truly accepted among the capital’s aristocracy. Even if Su Yulou earned a scholarly title, his foundation remained too shallow. Ouyang Zhi would never allow his di daughter to marry into such a family, let alone with the shrewd and calculating Grand Madam Ning overseeing everything. There was no way Grand Madam Ning would let her granddaughter marry into a merchant’s household. However, if Ouyang Nuan herself wished to do so, if she was willing to wed Su Yulou of her own accord, then no one else could be blamed…… Lin Wanru had originally intended to wait until Ouyang Nuan was a little older before making a move, but now it seemed that waiting was no longer an option. Every additional day Ouyang Nuan remained in the manor was a threat to Lin Wanru’s position.

At that thought, Lin Wanru coughed heavily a few times and called out to Ouyang Nuan, “Nuan’er, come here to your mother.”

Ouyang Nuan cast Lin Wanru a calm glance and was about to walk over when Gramd Madam Ning suddenly grabbed her hand. Ouyang Nuan knew her grandmother was worried that Lin Wanru harbored ulterior motives. However, in front of so many people, Lin Wanru was still her stepmother. If Ouyang Nuan ignored her completely, it would damage her own reputation. Thus, Ouyang Nuan gently patted Grand Madam Ning’s hand in reassurance, then walked lightly and gracefully toward Lin Wanru with a warm smile on her face.

Before Ouyang Nuan could speak, Madam Su suddenly reached out and took her hand, scrutinizing it closely. Feeling the coldness of Ouyang Nuan’s fingers, Madam Su remarked in surprise, “Why are the eldest miss’s hands so cold?” As she spoke, she handed over the hand warmer she had been holding. “Here, warm yourself.”

Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly and replied, “Thank you for your concern, Madam Su. However, it is a cold day. I would not want you to freeze instead.” With that, she returned the hand warmer.

Madam Su’s smile stiffened, and she immediately realized that her intentions had been too obvious. Several other ladies had already taken notice, and even Grand Madam Ning and Old Madam Li were glancing over. Embarrassed, she dared not show too much enthusiasm any further.

Lin Wanru laughed and said, “Nuan’er, Madam Su is family. There’s no need for such courtesy.”

Such eagerness to forge closer ties. Ouyang Nuan smiled, but a hint of cool detachment flickered in her gaze. She replied, “Mother, a guest is a guest. Madam Su is your esteemed visitor, so how could I dare to be remiss in my manners?”

Lin Wanru was the wife of the assistant minister of personnel, yet she treated Madam Su, a merchant’s wife, as an honored guest. How could this not arouse suspicion?

Upon hearing Ouyang Nuan’s words, the other ladies exchanged glances, sensing a deeper meaning behind them. Lin Wanru inwardly lamented her predicament but could only feign ignorance on her face.

Before long, weariness appeared on Lin Wanru’s face. Madam Su, noticing, asked with concern, “Madam, are you feeling tired?”

Lin Wanru nodded and smiled. “I am now carrying a child, so I cannot compare to others. I grow weary even after sitting for just a short while.” After speaking, she stood up and apologized to Old Madam Li. “Mother, I am feeling unwell. I can only accompany you all up to this point. Please forgive me as I take my leave.”

Old Madam Li already harbored a strong dislike for this daughter-in-law and had no intention of keeping her. She waved her hand dismissively. “There are so many people here. There is no need for you to stay. Go back.”

Lin Wanru responded with a quick “Yes” and bid farewell to the other ladies. Just as she turned to leave, her body swayed as if she had lost her balance and conveniently fell against Ouyang Nuan. Ouyang Nuan caught her and whispered, “Mother, be careful.”

Seeing this, Old Madam Li’s disgust for Lin Wanru deepened. She said, “Ke’er, take your mother back.”

Just as Ouyang Ke was about to stand up, Lin Wanru quickly interjected, “That won’t be necessary. Ke’er is still young. Let her accompany you, Mother. Nuan’er can take me back instead.”

This was truly strange. She ignored her biological daughter and instead insisted on publicly displaying deep motherly affection toward her stepdaughter. Was it merely to earn a virtuous reputation, or was there another agenda?

Ouyang Nuan gazed at Lin Wanru with a faint smile. Whatever the reason, she had nothing to fear. She chuckled lightly and said, “Since that is the case, I shall escort Mother back. Ladies, please enjoy the performance.”

As Ouyang Nuan walked past Ouyang Ke, she cast her a seemingly unintentional but peculiar smile. Ouyang Ke’s heart grew restless. She knew Lin Wanru’s plan, but she had never expected Su Yulou to be such an extraordinarily handsome man! Because of this, when she saw him, she suddenly no longer wished for her mother’s scheme to succeed.

Especially when she saw Ouyang Nuan’s smile, which seemed like a deliberate provocation, Ouyang Ke felt even more uneasy, her brows furrowing tightly……

Leaning weakly against Ouyang Nuan, Lin Wanru played the part of a frail and delicate woman. She smiled and said, “Thank you, Nuan’er. I’ve delayed you from watching the play. I feel truly sorry.”

“Mother, what are you saying? People often say that theater mirrors life, and life is like a play. No matter where one watches, isn’t it all the same?” Ouyang Nuan’s smile was sweet, yet Lin Wanru felt an icy chill hidden within it.

Unconsciously, Lin Wanru clenched her fists, forcing herself to suppress the urge to shake Ouyang Nuan off. She continued walking forward until they reached the garden. Suddenly, she exclaimed, “Oh no! Nanny Wang, where is my red carp gold-threaded sachet? It was just here a moment ago!”

Nanny Wang immediately grew anxious. “Could it have been lost somewhere? Madam, there are many people in the courtyard, and if someone else picks it up, it would be most unfortunate. I will hurry to find it!”

Ouyang Nuan watched the pair put on their act, her heart filled with cold amusement. A lady of the house losing an accessory so easily— what kind of performance was this?

With a thick-skinned smile, Nanny Wang turned to Ouyang Nuan and said, “Eldest Miss, The madam left in a hurry and only brought two maids with her. Could your maid also help search for it?”

The weather was cold, so Ouyang Nuan had left Nanny Fang in Tingnuan Pavilion, bringing only Hongyu and Wenxiu with her. Hearing Nanny Wang’s request, she smiled and said, “If you need help, just say so. Wenxiu, go and help the madam look for it.”

Nanny Wang led the three maids away, leaving only Lin Wanru, Ouyang Nuan, and Hongyu to continue forward.

Lin Wanru said, “Nuan’er, I wanted you to accompany me because I have something on my mind that I wish to discuss with you.”

So it had finally come. Ouyang Nuan smiled. “Mother, you may say whatever is on your mind.”

Lin Wanru narrowed her eyes as she looked at Ouyang Nuan and said in a low voice, “Nuan’er, you’re not so young anymore, are you?”

Ouyang Nuan smiled gently. “Grandmother still says I’m just a child.”

Lin Wanru chuckled. “That’s because Mother dotes on you. When my elder sister was your age, the suitors lining up outside the door of Marquis Zhengou Manor had practically worn down the threshold. To be honest, for families like ours, even if a girl is young, it’s not unusual to settle an engagement early.”

Ouyang Nuan said indifferently, “Is Mother growing tired of me? Do you want me to leave home sooner?”

A glint of coldness flashed in Lin Wanru’s eyes, but her tone remained playful, “How could that be? I only have your best interests at heart. If a good match is missed and we wait until you turn fifteen to make arrangements, I fear we might not find such a good family anymore……”

Ouyang Nuan lowered her gaze and said, “I am still too young. Such matters are not something you should be discussing with me. If Father and Grandmother find out, I fear they will be displeased.”

Lin Wanru sneered inwardly but suddenly took Ouyang Nuan’s hand, sighing. “My poor child, do you think I want to discuss these things with you? But your birth mother passed away early, your father is always busy with official duties, and in recent years, even Mother has stopped concerning herself with household affairs. Only I, your biological aunt, have treated you as my own. These words may be taboo when spoken to outsiders, but between us, mother and daughter, what is there that cannot be said? You should really start planning for your own future.”

Lin Wanru spoke with deep sincerity, her eyes even shimmering with unshed tears. If Ouyang Nuan had not lived another life, she might have been moved. But now, there was not a trace of emotion in her heart, only an overwhelming sense of disgust. She replied lightly, “Mother, you are mistaken. I have Grandmother’s love, Father’s care, and in the future, I will have my younger brother to rely on. What is there to pity about my situation? If anything, it is you who should take care of your health and not trouble yourself over such trivial matters.”

Lin Wanru’s heart tightened, and though irritation surged within her, she maintained a calm demeanor. “Nuan’er, forgive me for speaking bluntly. Your grandmother may be kind, but she is not your mother. Even if she wishes to consider your future, she is old and cannot manage everything. Your father, on the other hand, is muddle-headed. You should plan your own future instead of being so naive, lest you regret it when it is too late.”

So, after all this roundabout talk, Lin Wanru was merely laying the groundwork for what was to come. Ouyang Nuan smiled slightly and followed Lin Wanru’s lead. “All these years, Mother has cared for me in every possible way. If I were to marry early, how could I bear to leave you?”

If you’re still alive, how can I ever feel at ease leaving my younger brother in the hands of an evil stepmother like you?

Lin Wanru laughed. “Silly child, just hearing you say that is enough for me! Managing this household has never been easy for me, you’ve seen it yourself.” She paused and sighed. “People always say being a stepmother is difficult. It’s fine if Jue’er misunderstands me, but at least you should believe me. I have always acted with the best intentions for you and your brother, and I would never harm you.”

It was precisely because I believed you that Jue’er died and I ended up trapped in a desperate situation!

Ouyang Nuan gazed at Lin Wanru with a calm expression. “Mother’s kindness in raising me is something I will never forget.”

When Ouyang Nuan spoke the words ‘never forget’, her smile was as sweet as honey, yet it carried a chilling undertone. Lin Wanru felt a sudden chill down her spine, as if the words carried an unspoken oath, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on why it sounded so unsettling.

Lin Wanru attempted several more times to bring up the topic of Ouyang Nuan making plans for herself, but each time, Ouyang Nuan skillfully diverted the conversation.

As they unknowingly walked past the garden, a young maid suddenly rushed out from the side. She appeared flustered and, in her panic, accidentally bumped into Hongyu.

Lin Wanru immediately scolded, “Stop right there! What kind of behavior is this? Running around like a madwoman— what do you think you’re doing?”

The young maid dropped to her knees in fear, her head bowed low. “Madam, this servant serves in the front courtyard. The young master accidentally drank too much and says his head hurts terribly. I was on my way to find the eldest miss.”

Ouyang Nuan’s heart stirred slightly. Ouyang Jue was just a child and had never been one to drink. But today was different. Since he was the host, he must have taken a few sips. She had already instructed him to drink as little as possible. So why had he still gotten drunk?

Lin Wanru smiled and said, “It’s fortunate you ran into us. If you had rushed in blindly, what if you accidentally disturbed the old madam or the other distinguished guests? That would have been a disaster. Never mind. Nuan’er, why don’t you go and check on Jue’er?”

Ouyang Nuan cast a meaningful glance at the young maid and deliberately hesitated before saying, “Then what about you, Mother? Nanny Wang and the other maids aren’t around either. It wouldn’t be right to let you go back alone.”

Lin Wanru’s lips curved slightly as she casually said, “Then let Hongyu support me back.”

So this was what Lin Wanru had been waiting for! First, she had sent Wenxiu away, and now it was Hongyu. What exactly was Lin Wanru trying to do? One coincidence after another had turned into inevitability. Did she want another incident like Zhang Wending’s to happen again?

Ouyang Nuan scrutinized Lin Wanru carefully but saw only a calm expression, giving nothing away. She couldn’t help but reveal a sincere smile. “Mother is truly considerate. In that case, I’ll go check on Jue’er first. Hongyu, take good care of the madam and be sure to send her back to Furui Courtyard safe and sound.”

Hongyu responded promptly, but when she lifted her head, there was a trace of worry in her eyes. Ouyang Nuan nodded slightly at her, signaling her not to worry.

Only after watching Lin Wanru leave with Hongyu did Ouyang Nuan turn back to the young maid who had delivered the message. She stared at the other person and said coldly, “Who did the young master toast at the banquet? Exactly how many cups did he drink? Where is he now, and who is attending to him? If he is truly drunk, who sent you to fetch me? Since you were serving in the front courtyard, who allowed you to run to the rear courtyard to find me?”

A string of questions left the young maid drenched in cold sweat. She lowered her head and stammered, “T-this servant don’t know the details. It was…… someone from the young master’s side who sent me to deliver the message to the eldest miss.”

Delivering a message?

Ouyang Jue’s attendants had already been carefully screened. The ones left were all clever, reliable, and of clean backgrounds. Even if he were truly drunk, they should know how to handle the situation. Why would they come to the rear courtyard to find her?

Did they expect her to sober him up personally?

Moreover, why hadn’t they come themselves? Why send this unfamiliar maid from the front courtyard instead? The excuse was laughable. However, the old Ouyang Nuan would have surely believed it.

Lin Wanru was simply betting on the fact that Ouyang Nuan valued Ouyang Jue above all else, hoping that her concern would cloud her judgment.

But now…… in this game, who was the cicada, who was the mantis, and who was the oriole^[1]from the Chinese idiom, ‘The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind’; to be focused on immediate gain while ignoring greater danger? That remained to be seen.

Ouyang Nuan sneered inwardly.

“In that case, lead the way.” A faint smile appeared on Ouyang Nuan’s lips, but her voice carried an unmistakable chill.

The maid felt her back involuntarily straighten under the eldest miss’s gaze and answered in a low voice.

They walked through the corridors until they reached a secluded courtyard in the western part of the garden. The maid forced a smile and said, “Eldest Miss, the young master is inside. Please go in.”

Ouyang Nuan, however, simply smiled at her, as if waiting for her to leave before entering herself.

The maid kept up her smile, but a flicker of anxiety flashed in her eyes. “Eldest Miss, the young master is waiting for you.”

Ouyang Nuan’s smile remained gentle. “Jue’er surely has people attending to him. How old are you? What’s your name? I don’t think I’ve seen you before.”

The maid looked nervous. “T-this servant is called Yinxing. I only recently entered the household. I recognize you, Eldest Miss, but perhaps you’ve been too busy to notice me.”

Ouyang Nuan beamed. “I didn’t know we had such a clever girl in the household. It seems quite a few new people have joined recently. I heard that many old female servants were dismissed a while ago.

Sigh, Grandmother said she wanted to tidy up the household, and many of the long-serving maids left. Time truly flies. I still remember Nanny Jiang, who took care of my brother and me when we were children. She was such a capable woman, yet in just a few years, her health declined. This time, I even begged Grandmother to let her stay and retire here, but she insisted on returning to her hometown. I was truly reluctant to see her go.

When Jue’er was little, he was always crying. Even his wet nurse found him troublesome, but Nanny Jiang never minded. She always knew how to cheer us up and even made little bamboo grasshoppers for us……”

Ouyang Nuan rambled on, as if intending to go on indefinitely.

Yinxing’s forehead was now covered in cold sweat. The eldest miss was young, but she was no pushover.

The madam had sent Yinxing to lure Ouyang Nuan there, thinking it would be an easy task. Who would have thought it would be so difficult? Worse still, even if Yinxing succeeded, she had no idea what trouble she might get into.

But by now, there was no turning back. Gritting her teeth, she said, “Eldest Miss, please go in quickly…… The young master is really anxious……”

Once Ouyang Nuan entered, Yinxing would lock the door behind her!

She would follow the madam’s orders and trap the eldest miss inside with that man!

Ouyang Nuan glanced at Yinxing with a faint smile and said, “Yinxing, after all that talking, my mouth is dry. Go and bring me a cup of tea.”

What? Yinxing was stunned. Tea?

Ouyang Nuan’s smile faded coldly. “What? I can’t even command a mere maid anymore? Or do you only have eyes for the madam and no regard for me, the eldest miss?”

Yinxing trembled inwardly, lacking the courage to resist. Her voice shook as she stammered, “E-Eldest Miss, this servant…… this servant d-did not mean that.”

“There’s no need to trouble yourself.” Ouyang Nuan sneered. “Since Jue’er is in this courtyard, the tea must have already been prepared. Otherwise, how would he sober up? Or…… have you been lying to me from the start? Is Jue’er not inside at all?”

“This servant wouldn’t dare! This servant would never dare deceive you, Eldest Miss! The young master is indeed inside, but this courtyard has never housed a master, so he sent his servant boy elsewhere to fetch some sobering soup. That’s why there’s no one attending outside. The brazier in the courtyard is probably still cold, making it difficult to serve you properly……” There was water, but it had already been used to clean Su Yulou’s sleeves. If they went inside to boil more now, wouldn’t everything be exposed? Yinxing panicked inwardly.

“Since there’s no tea here, go fetch some from elsewhere.” Ouyang Nuan said icily.

Yinxing’s eyes darted around as she quickly thought of a response. “Why don’t you step inside first, Eldest Miss? This servant will go fetch the tea immediately……”

Just then, Ouyang Nuan caught sight of a corner of a moon-white embroidered skirt peeking out from behind the nearby wintersweet tree. A cold sneer surfaced in her heart, but her expression remained indifferent. “Since when is it your place to tell me what to do? Get lost!”

Yinxing instinctively clenched her sleeves. Fetching tea would take only a moment, so she hurriedly said, “Yes, Eldest Miss, please wait a moment. This servant will return at once.” With that, she quickly ran off.

Ouyang Nuan watched Yinxing disappear into the distance before casting a cold glance toward the wintersweet tree. Just then, she heard a voice behind her.

“Where is everyone? What is going on?”

A young gentleman in a light fur robe and a loose sash stepped out. It was indeed Su Yulou.

It was really him. Ouyang Nuan lowered her gaze slightly and curtsied. “Young Master Su.” She already saw through Lin Wanru’s scheme.

Su Yulou’s expression remained mild as he greeted Ouyang Nuan with a faint smile. “Eldest Miss, my apologies. I didn’t expect you to be here.” Then, he lowered his voice and scolded, “Where is that maid? Why didn’t she inform me the eldest miss is here?”

What an act! Lin Wanru had arranged for Su Yulou to appear in public, hoping Ouyang Nuan would develop feelings for him. Then, she had Ouyang Ke lead her to the pavilion, where Su Yulou could display his archery skills under the watchful eyes of many. If Ouyang Nuan had been a naive young lady, how could she not have secretly admired him?

Next, Lin Wanru feigned dizziness, prompting Ouyang Nuan to help her away— thus separating her from the others. Yinxing was then ordered to bring her to this courtyard. Once the doors were shut, locking the two of them inside, how could an unmarried young lady explain herself? Lin Wanru had calculated that Ouyang Nuan would inevitably fall for Su Yulou and, finding herself in a compromising situation, would simply go along with it and agree to marry him.

Laughable! Such a crude scheme was barely tolerable the first time, yet they dared to attempt it again?

Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly. “Unexpected things happen, Young Master Su. You are too polite. I will take my leave now.”

Before Su Yulou could say anything, Ouyang Nuan had already turned and walked away without looking back. She vaguely heard him calling after her, but she pretended not to hear. He was about to chase after Ouyang Nuan when someone suddenly blocked his path.

Su Yulou frowned at the richly dressed young girl in front of him, a trace of confusion appearing on his face. “And you are……?”

“Brother Su, I am Ke’er. Just now, I saw you from behind the screen— no, I mean, from the pavilion. I witnessed your impressive archery skills and…… I greatly admire you.”

Su Yulou was taken aback but had no choice but to stop. “You are the youngest daughter of Master Ouyang?”

Ouyang Ke’s face flushed red and her eyes sparkled with excitement. “Brother Su, you know of me!”

Su Yulou had indeed heard his mother mention that Lin Wanru only had one younger daughter. However, Ouyang Ke was still very young, her figure had yet to develop, and her appearance was far less striking than her elder sister’s. Unlike Ouyang Nuan, who stood out even among a group of noble young ladies, how could Su Yulou possibly have noticed Ouyang Ke before? But now that she stood before him, he could only say, “I have heard my mother mention you. Do you need something from me?”

Ouyang Ke had never spoken to such a young and handsome gentleman before. Her heart pounded wildly, but she forced herself to remain calm and smiled slightly. “I wandered here by chance and saw Brother Su, so I thought to greet you. There’s nothing else.”

Su Yulou felt a hint of impatience but could not be outright rude. He replied flatly, “It’s getting late. I should return to the front hall. Second Miss, you should head back as well.”

Ouyang Ke froze. Seeing that Su Yulou was about to walk past her, she hurriedly called out, “Brother Su, wait! I have something to say……”

Su Yulou looked at her in confusion. Ouyang Ke only wanted to stop him so she could steal a few more glances and exchange a few more words. Now that she had successfully delayed him, she panicked, unsure of what to say. In her desperation, she blurted out, “How long will you be staying in the capital?”

Su Yulou’s brows relaxed slightly, but his tone remained somewhat indifferent, “It might take some time.”

Afraid of the conversation stalling, Ouyang Ke hurriedly asked, “Then…… will you come to our manor often?”

The question was rather odd. Su Yulou’s beautiful eyes fell on Ouyang Ke before he eventually answered, “That…… I can’t say for sure.” His response was vague, but he couldn’t very well say that he would be a frequent guest at her house.

Ouyang Ke looked at him with hopeful eyes, but realizing that her tone had been too eager, she quickly adjusted her approach. “My brother…… Oh, I mean Ouyang Jue— his archery skills are terrible. Father has been looking for someone to teach him. I wonder if Young Master Su would have time to guide him?”

Su Yulou nodded. “My mother and Madam Lin are close friends. I’ll likely visit often in the future. If the assistant minister does not mind, and the young master has no objections, I would be happy to spar with him.”

His brows extended beyond his eyes, with their ends slanting sharply toward his temples. His gaze held a faint smile, bright and captivating. Though his words were modest, his expression carried an unshakable confidence that left Ouyang Ke utterly mesmerized. Her heart pounded wildly, and she felt unbearably nervous.

Su Yulou was keenly perceptive. Seeing Ouyang Ke’s flushed face and the infatuated look of a love-struck maiden, he quickly surmised that the second miss had likely taken a liking to him. However, as someone from the line of a shu daughter, her status was far beneath that of the eldest miss. Her appearance, demeanor, and elegance were also no match for Ouyang Nuan. She was not someone he would even consider.

The Su family was indeed wealthy, renowned throughout Jiangnan, and admired by many. Yet, in the hidden depths of the capital, where true power resided, the Su family was insignificant. Moreover, he had no backing in the capital and no established connections. Compared to the young masters of aristocratic families, he was still lacking.

He possessed talent and ambition, yet he was constrained by his status as a merchant’s son, unable to fully realize his potential. How could he possibly resign himself to such a fate? His journey to the capital this time was to carve out a future for himself! Su Yulou was a man of great ambition. He knew his own exceptional talent and striking appearance. If he could secure a prestigious marriage, paving the way for his future, then achieving great success would be within reach.

The capital was filled with noble ladies of high birth. If he were truly ruthless, setting aside personal feelings for the sake of a powerful alliance would not be difficult. However, he still retained some youthful arrogance. Not only did he want to marry into a prestigious family, but he also desired a peerless beauty. Ordinary women simply did not catch his eye.

His visit to Ouyang Manor today was to assess the Ouyang family’s eldest daughter, whom his mother had arranged for him. Only by seeing her for himself could he decide whether she was worth the gamble.

Yet, Ouyang Nuan had been utterly indifferent to him, stirring an inexplicable frustration within him. When she turned to leave just now, he had even cast aside his pride in an attempt to make her stay. He might have succeeded, if not for the sudden interference of this second miss.

How could he not be angry?

But he prided himself on his gentlemanly demeanor and refused to show his irritation. He simply said, “Second Miss, I really must take my leave. My apologies.”

“Wait!”

Ouyang Ke was accustomed to being flattered and adored. Her maids constantly praised her beauty, so how could she endure being ignored like this? With gritted teeth, she quickly stepped forward, pressing something into Su Yulou’s hand and whispering, “This is for you!”

Before he could react, she turned and ran off as if being chased by ghosts, disappearing in an instant.

Su Yulou looked down and saw a red silk handkerchief in his palm, with a golden embroidery clasp attached. He was momentarily stunned.

At that moment, Yinxing approached with a tray of tea. Seeing the scene before her, she froze. “Young Master Su, where is the eldest miss?”

Su Yulou vaguely guessed that Lin Wanru had been trying to create an opportunity for him and Ouyang Nuan to be alone. Yet, they had exchanged only a few words before she left. A sense of frustration welled up inside him, and he said flatly, “She has already left. Forget it, return this handkerchief to your second miss.”

With that, he tossed the handkerchief to Yinxing, clearly unwilling to say another word, and strode away.

Yinxing stood there in a daze. Setting the tray aside, she bent down to pick up the fallen handkerchief, only to see a pair of pearl-embroidered shoes appear before her. She looked up in surprise and gasped, “Eldest Miss ……”

Ouyang Nuan picked up the handkerchief, gently brushing off the dust, her expression tinged with regret.

Yinxing lowered her head, not daring to say a word.

The eldest miss had never actually left. So why had Young Master Su said she was gone? Had she stayed there the entire time to observe their actions? Had she seen through their intentions? No, that was impossible! Yinxing tried to reassure herself, though a cold sweat broke out on her back.

Just then, she heard Ouyang Nuan chuckle. “Enough, I don’t feel like drinking tea anymore. You, come with me.”

With that, Ouyang Nuan flicked the handkerchief once before twisting it into a neat fold and slipping it into her sleeve.

Ouyang Ke had not changed at all, in this life or the last. Even now, she was still infatuated with Su Yulou, to the point of disregarding Lin Wanru’s carefully laid plans just to get close to him.

A mother like Lin Wanru could give birth to such a foolish daughter. What a joke.

It was not in vain that Ouyang Nuan had deliberately stalled for time, waiting for this moment.

What an amusing spectacle.

A faint, indifferent smile curled at Ouyang Nuan’s lips.

Yinxing, puzzled, glanced at the eldest miss but dared not ask any questions. She could not fathom what the eldest miss was thinking……