The summer breeze blew in.

A chill rose from the basin, surrounding the man. He still wore black, his robe somewhat worn but not shabby under the sunlight.

His face, as if blessed by heaven, reflected a cold gleam. His dark eyes gazed faintly at the tea, silent yet radiating the imposing aura of a superior.

Footsteps came from the doorway.

Only then did the man lift his eyes. His icy gaze seemed to melt like snow at the sight of the visitor.

He stood and cupped his hands: “Marquis of Xiangyang.”

“Master Cheng, you are too polite,” Li Suifeng said with a broad smile. “No need for formalities, please sit.”

Li Zhiyue smiled and said, “Thank you for your concern, Master Cheng. My injury is already healed.”

Cheng Changyan instinctively looked at her neck.

She wore a pink dress adorned with large camellias in bloom. Against the pink, her neck’s skin was as white and dazzling as snow. The scar from the wound was faint, truly no longer a problem.

He glanced once but quickly withdrew his gaze and said calmly, “Master Cheng has come today for another matter.”

From his sleeve, he took out a stack of papers and pushed them across the table. “I’ve also heard the rumors circulating about the Marquis of Xiangyang’s residence. Coincidentally, Zhao Shaoqing’s investigation uncovered these. I believe the Marquis will find them of interest.”

Li Suifeng opened the papers and immediately his expression changed dramatically. “How—how dare he do such a thing?”

Li Zhiyue looked over curiously.

She quickly scanned the documents and her lips curled into a cold smile.

Unexpectedly, the more than two thousand taels of silver that Madam Zhen had paid to buy the courtyard had been spent in such a manner.

It was surprising but, in a way, also reasonable.

Cheng Changyan’s voice was clear and cold: “How to handle this matter is entirely up to the Marquis.”

Li Suifeng was deeply moved: “Thank you, Master Cheng!”

While the Marquis’s residence was overwhelmed by rumors, Madam Zhen remained detached, her words full of veiled threats.

Yet Master Cheng, someone completely unrelated, brought them information the Marquis’s household could not obtain.

Even the Capital’s Commandant did not regard the Marquis’s residence seriously. But Master Cheng personally came and even handed over the initiative to deal with the matter to the Marquis.

Such kindness—how could one not be moved?

“Master Cheng, I consider you a friend now!”

Li Suifeng, a man of passion, immediately counted Cheng Changyan as one of his own.

Li Zhiyue asked, “What does Father plan to do about it?”

Li Suifeng scratched his head: “What do you think, Yue Niang?”

“Then leave it to me.” Li Zhiyue stood, smiling, “If Master Cheng has time, please come to Li’s Tea Pavilion this afternoon. I will invite you to watch a play.”

Cheng Changyan tapped his fingers.

There was a case to review this afternoon, but it could be handed to Zhao Shaoqing.

He nodded calmly: “Then Master Cheng will humbly obey.”

Li Zhiyue was about to turn and leave, then remembered that as a young lady of a respectable family, she must keep up appearances.

She bowed politely before leaving the receiving hall.

Back in her courtyard, she revised the ending of the play script she had written yesterday.

Then she summoned the entire troupe.

Many wealthy families in the capital liked to keep their own theater troupes, but some were impatient with the hassle and would invite capital troupes to perform during banquets.

The troupe bought by Bai Ruzhu was the highly regarded Lingfeng Troupe, with more than forty members.

In this era, actors were the lowest social class.

Singing all day earned little, and performances were not daily.

Bai Ruzhu paid four thousand taels—money the troupe couldn’t earn in ten years—and the troupe leader gladly accepted.

Li Zhiyue chose a person as the leader, handed over the script, and requested the play be rehearsed in the shortest time.

Under the scorching sun, the streets of the capital bustled.

Suddenly, someone shouted loudly: “At the third quarter of the Wei hour, the Li’s Tea Pavilion will host a grand play, free for all to watch!”

“Watch the play, watch the play at Li’s Tea Pavilion!”

Several small beggars ran through the streets spreading the news.

In those times, watching plays was always a pastime of wealthy families. Small families only invited troupes for weddings or funerals, and most common people had never seen a play.

Hearing that Li’s Tea Pavilion was hosting a free show, the streets erupted with excitement.

“I heard they invited the Lingfeng Troupe!”

“The Lingfeng Troupe once performed for the Prince of Ren’s residence, supposedly very good.”

“Li’s Tea Pavilion must have spent a fortune!”

“Hmph, all to silence the rumors. Yesterday people said the Marquis of Xiangyang was ungrateful, now inviting everyone to watch a play is just to save face.”

“No matter the reason, at least we get to watch a play.”

“I won’t go anyway!”

“Yes, I despise ungrateful people like that!”

“If you don’t go, I won’t either!”

The second and third floors of Li’s Tea Pavilion had private rooms, and the first floor was a main hall. To accommodate more people, all tables and chairs were removed. Inside and outside, the crowd filled every space. Early arrivals stood in the front rows; latecomers couldn’t even get through the gate.

Several young men met at the door.

“Oh, Brother Zhou, didn’t you say you wouldn’t watch the play?”

“Heh, I’m just here to see how the Marquis of Xiangyang flatters the people!”

“Exactly!”

Whether they came to truly watch or just for the spectacle, the tea pavilion was packed and noisy.

Cheng Changyan arrived on horseback.

Seeing the crowd pressed against the gate, he slightly frowned.

It wouldn’t be hard for him to squeeze in here, but he foresaw the consequences: sweat soaked him, various smells clinging, and his clothes might be torn.

Well, torn clothes can be sewn again.

He dismounted and was about to step in.

A figure hurried over from the side. It was Mo Yu, who bowed slightly and said, “Master Cheng, our young mistress specially asked me to lead you in through the side door.”

Cheng Changyan instinctively looked up.

At the third-floor windowsill was a beautiful smiling face, bathed in sunlight, radiant beyond compare.

His lips curved slightly as he followed her in.

Inside the teahouse was an ice basin. Upon entering, a rush of cold air dispelled the heat clinging to him. He climbed the stairs to the third floor and saw the woman in the pink dress.

She sat by the window, sunlight filtering through the panes onto her. She seemed warm and shifted her chair slightly, then leaned back lazily, exuding casual ease.

But when she heard footsteps ascending, she quickly straightened, instantly becoming the refined and well-mannered daughter of the Marquis’s household.

“Master Cheng has arrived.” Li Zhiyue stood, “This is a good spot, perfect for watching the play. Please, sit.”

Cheng Changyan sat opposite her.

Li Zhiyue followed, smiling: “Before you is a cup of black pearl milk tea. Try it—see if you like it?”