Chapter 1, Ingenious Schemes Abound

Indeed, the woman slowly said: "Fenjiu and Zhuyeqing should be enjoyed in a white jade bowl. Wushuang, fetch the white jade bowl."

Snowflakes dance in the air, while a red plum blossom exudes its fragrance. In the pavilion of the garden, a brazier is lit, and a brocade couch is left idle, surrounded by transparent silk to block the wind. A screen depicting the Four Gentlemen—plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum—stands at the back, separating the view.

Wushuang looked at Xiaofei and finally sighed softly: "Miss is inherently selfish and indifferent, so she naturally does not understand."

There has been an incident with the rice from Jiangnan. The Emperor learned of the news today and ordered the Ministry of Revenue and the Jiangnan Circuit to investigate. Xiaofei did not remove her mask, nor did she exchange any unnecessary pleasantries, carefully articulating the message.

Two days later, Shen Xiaofei's information was placed on his study desk. Du Xinyan read it repeatedly, word by word, three times.

Upon returning home, Du Xinyan instructed his butler, Guishu, to prepare valuable gifts to send to the Xiang residence, sincerely apologizing to Shen Xiaofei. Guishu returned with a face full of shame, conveying the response from the Xiang residence: "There are distinctions between men and women, and private exchanges are against propriety. My young lady is well-versed in etiquette and absolutely cannot recognize a person of such frivolity as Lord Du. Therefore, there is no question of an apology."

Separated by the gauze curtain, that slender white figure walked further and further away, disappearing into the depths of the emerald bamboo. Du Xinyan smiled gently and murmured, "Is it really painful?"

He seemed to soar amidst the myriad mountains and forests, gazing up at the vastness of the heavens and the earth, and looking down at the endless rivers and mountains, perceiving all things in the world as mere mustard seeds, his heart and mind expanding in response. As the sound of the flute ceased and the music of the zither faded, he could no longer contain his eagerness to rush out of the maple forest, yearning to meet the person with whom he would harmonize.

The grain depot was greatly shocked to receive his message. Because Ding Feng was known for his integrity, the grain depot had specifically allocated the new rice transported from the Jiangnan region to the capital last autumn for him. The grain depot thoroughly checked all the granaries of tribute rice in Jiangnan, and there were still over 1,000 bags of moldy old rice in the storerooms. Substituting old rice for new is a grave offense punishable by death, and the officials in charge of the grain depot were terrified and drenched in cold sweat

The silver brocade robe appeared before her, and her chin was lifted by Gao Rui, through which she saw the intense curiosity in his eyes. Wushuang found it amusing and calmly said: "Wushuang is a pawn in the mutual testing between His Highness and the young lady. I will not die."

He removed the clay seal, and the aroma of the wine wafted out, his gaze fixed intently on the screen behind.

The high walls of the backyard could not stop him, yet they had never allowed him to hear the celestial sound of the zither again. Du Xinyan was extremely disappointed

On this day, after the morning rain, the lotus flowers stand gracefully along the river in the outskirts of Beijing. Dewdrops roll on the lotus leaves, and the pink and white lotuses are so vibrant they seem to be dripping with beauty. Just a glance at them makes one long to dive in, forgetting all about the sweltering summer heat.

Wushuang was taken aback, her chest slightly rising and falling, a trace of helplessness fleeting in her eyes. She no longer tried to persuade, lowering her eyelids, standing motionless beside Xiaofei.

Xiao Fei turned her eyes and smiled, saying: "Alright, it happens only once a year. Let's go and see the lights"

Wushuang silently followed her all the way downstairs. Suddenly, Xiaofei turned around and glanced at her, saying: "Wushuang, is it really worth it to protect someone you dislike in your heart?"

In another two months, winter snow will blanket the capital. It is the season for warming wine and enjoying the snow.

In the bamboo grove, a white gauze tent has been erected at an unknown time, and a woman in a white dress can be faintly seen sitting in the center. Her attire blends with the white gauze, making her appear like a fairy enveloped in mist, her features indistinct, yet exuding an ethereal grace.

Wushuang raised his head, calmly looking at Xiaofei, and slowly uttered two words: "Worth it!"

Having said that, he busied himself with brewing tea

She cannot stop me. It has nothing to do with Wushuang. " Xiao Fei lazily added a remark. The eyes behind the mask were bright and clear, as if a good show was about to begin

"Let her come to your side, it is to protect you from any harm." Gao Rui looked at Xiao Fei with a hint of reproach, yet even in his reproach, there was a tenderness filled with indulgence and helplessness. When he turned to Wu Shuang, his eyes became as cold as ice. "This is not the first time, Fei'er, what do you think should be her punishment?"

Xiao Fei was unwilling to believe that the Third Prince Rui was infatuated with her at first sight, and she could not articulate why. For two years, Gao Rui had displayed impeccable behavior, privately showing a devoted demeanor as if he intended to share the future empire with her. Outwardly, due to her father, the current Prime Minister Shen Yi, insisting on not intervening in the struggle for the throne, Xiao Fei did not want anyone to know of her acquaintance with Gao Rui, so he pretended not to recognize her, causing no damage to her reputation. He merely stated that once the position of Crown Prince was determined and Shen had no further concerns, he would request the Ming Emperor to grant them marriage.

Du Xinyan was not annoyed; with a light laugh, he said: "One can recognize a beauty by her fragrance; this beauty is like an orchid in a secluded valley, making one forget the mundane. Her aura is solitary and proud, keeping others at a distance of a thousand miles; her cool and fragrant presence offers a unique flavor."

Du Xinyan arranged to meet with Ding Qianhe and Qu Jiang.

After a moment of silence behind the screen, a voice flowed softly like water: "The tea made by this young lady is quite bitter."

Upon hearing the term "qinshi" (琴师), Du Xinyan could no longer remain seated. The enchanting performance of the guqin and xiao that day at the Bieyuan had lingered in her memory, and she could only hope to find another master who could harmonize with her xiao. Thus, she entrusted Wei Zihao to seek out skilled musicians.

General Ding Feng of Wuwei decisively executed the unruly soldiers to stabilize the morale of the troops, while simultaneously dispatching a trusted aide on horseback to the capital to pay New Year’s greetings. He presented a generous gift to the officials in charge of the granary, subtly indicating that there were issues with the military provisions

A swing was erected near the corner of the wall in the garden. An inch of white snow had accumulated on the wooden board. Shen Xiaofei held a hand warmer, her entire body wrapped in a thick silver fox cloak. Her face was nestled in a white fur collar, revealing only a pair of narrow, single phoenix eyes. Though her eyes were not large, they were quite expressive. The two dark pupils contrasted with the whites of her eyes, showing a hint of blue. It was like a pool of clear, bottomless wine in exquisite thin porcelain, against the backdrop of a blue sky above the snow-covered ground, pristine and untouched by any dust.

Du Xinyan listened to her candid admission, which was not lacking in openness and integrity. With a beauty treating him in such a manner, he felt that consuming some croton seeds and drinking a bitter tea made from Coptis chinensis was of no consequence. Having been rude first by composing poetry, he now felt no annoyance towards Shen Xiaofei. He drained the wine from the white jade cup and stood up to bow, saying: "Though I acted without intention, I have offended the young lady, and Du Xinyan offers his apologies here."

Wushuang stood up and said: "Your Highness, rest assured, as long as Wushuang is alive, the young lady will not perish"

Du Xinyan's pupils suddenly constricted. Even across the river, he could still clearly see the fair hands of the lotus picker, which were evidently not the hands of someone who had labored for years. Was it the song of the early lotus and the feeling of anticipation that made him overlook this flaw? He spoke to Ding Qianhe in a calm and measured tone: "The sun is already rising higher; let us choose another place."

Your uncle said with a stern face: "She is the daughter of a noble family, not a girl from Liu Alley. Young master, writing poetry recklessly tarnishes her reputation, and it is only right that she treats you harshly."

He took out the bamboo flute to entertain himself. The piece "Ancient Temple's Serene Realm" was played in a leisurely and elegant manner, drifting through the forest. Just as he was lost in thought while playing, a strand of zither music floated out from the bamboo grove beyond the courtyard wall, harmonizing with his tune

Understood. Wu Shuang's gaze shifted away from the spider and moved to the floor in front of her

"What riddle can stump you? You've been looking for so long?" A voice whispered softly beside her

Reflecting on this matter, the fault lies with oneself. In the end, Du Xinyan could only manage a bitter smile.

Indeed, Xiao Du from the capital is exceptionally clever, hitting the mark with just one guess. Shen Xiaofei replied coldly, "It is rumored that the eldest daughter of the Shen family is gentle and demure, a refined young lady who never steps outside her door. That is false. I am quite petty; those who offend me, I must take revenge on without fail." As she spoke, Shen Xiaofei downed the wine in her bowl and said, "This wine is a bit too cold, not suitable for this season"

Du Xinyan was so furious that he could hardly contain himself, watching helplessly as three graceful figures disappeared from his sight in the distance. He sat down, clutching his stomach, and forced a breath from his dantian to expel the poison, taking a full tea time to finally spit out a mouthful of black blood. By the time Wei Zihao entered with a cheerful smile, Du Xinyan had completely lost any desire to drink or enjoy the snow.

You two go see the lanterns by yourselves. It's cold, and I don't want to go out. Xiaofei looked at Wushuang, excitement rekindling in her eyes. If she didn't go to the Lantern Festival, how would Gao Rui handle Wushuang when he couldn't see her?

"Hehe, Miss, you are indeed well-informed. It is precisely Fenjiu Zhuyeqing, which should be enjoyed in a white jade bowl." Du Xin intended to test her, but upon seeing her knowledge of wine, his interest deepened.

Du Xinyan is most gentle towards women. Even with the lowest-ranking maid, he does not forget to display his gracefulness

Huang Lian? ! '' Du Xinyan's face was so bitter that it was about to cry, as he ran back to the other courtyard with his mouth agape. His lightness skill, "Eight Steps to Chase the Cicada," was executed to the utmost, making him as swift as a sudden flash of lightning, disappearing in an instant, truly unable to bear it.

"Of course, I am worried that His Highness the Third Prince might suffer losses. If he cannot compete with the First Prince, who will Xiao Fei seek to obtain her future glory and wealth from?" Xiao Fei replied with a delicate laugh. She still wore the mask on her face and had no intention of removing it.

The border is cold, and we must be wary of the northern Khitan tribes crossing over to pillage; the soldiers dare not let their guard down. Being able to have a warm meal is considered a celebration. Just then, the military rations from the supply depot arrived at the border, but the kitchen opened ten bags of rations, all containing moldy old rice. Upon closer inspection, it was found that seventy percent of this batch of rations was moldy rice, yet the kitchen did not withdraw and mixed the new and old rice together for cooking. On the night of New Year's Eve, the soldiers, having drunk alcohol, went mad after eating the moldy rice, with about ten of them stripping off their military uniforms and quitting on the spot. Upon closer inspection, it was found that seventy percent of this batch of rations was moldy rice, yet the kitchen did not withdraw and mixed the new and old rice together for cooking. On the night of New Year's Eve, the soldiers, having drunk alcohol, went mad after eating the moldy rice, with about ten of them stripping off their military uniforms and quitting on the spot

The items used by this young lady are all exquisite. Du Xinyan sat down leisurely. He fetched water to brew tea, then poured it into the tea bowl, and a refreshing fragrance wafted through the air. He lifted a cup to his nose and took a sniff, the clear essence of bamboo and a hint of bitterness from the green mountains and clear waters lingered at his nostrils. Observing the tea's color, it was a pleasing bright yellow, clear and transparent.

Ding Qianhe felt naturally dissatisfied after being compared to Shen Xiaofei without having seen what she looked like. She had a straightforward personality and could not stand such coyness typical of a refined young lady. When going out to ride horses and making public appearances, she was often reprimanded by her father, who would frequently urge her to learn from Shen Xiaofei. In her frustration, Ding Qianhe confided in her childhood friend Du Xinyan.

A maid dressed in elegant attire emerged from behind the screen, her complexion strikingly beautiful and unparalleled, her steps light and graceful. However, her expression was somewhat cold, her face resembling that of a sculpted ice block. Du Xinyan was taken aback; with such a complexion, what kind of extraordinary beauty could she possess?

He strode forward and lifted the white veil. In the center was a table, upon which lay a guqin. With just a glance, he knew it was merely an ordinary instrument. The ability to produce exquisite sounds from such a guqin indicates the remarkable skill of this young lady.

Inconsistent in words and actions, yet still have the audacity to speak with conviction

Did you ask him to save you? If he is willing to lend a hand, what does it matter to you? At most, you can save his life in the future, but what difference does it make if you are tormented by me day after day and left in tatters?

One should repay a drop of kindness with a fountain of gratitude

Du Xinyan did not hesitate to deploy the secret agents of the Supervisory Yuan. The information he received left him greatly astonished

As the sound of the zither began, a familiar feeling surged to the heart. Du Xinyan's heart raced, and after gazing at the pavilion for a long time, he finally stood up.

Having reached the shore, the three women did not leave. One of them took out three large coarse porcelain bowls, lifted the earthenware pot from the small stove, and poured out the rice porridge that had just been simmered with fresh lotus leaves, setting down a plate of fermented tofu. As the three chatted and laughed, they began to prepare breakfast

It faintly resembles the clear and crisp sound found in a bamboo forest, carrying an icy coldness that keeps others at bay: "Young master, please stop. This young lady does not wish to see anyone."

July, the summer lotus stands gracefully

He did not wait for Xiaofei to respond, leading her forward. After several twists and turns, they arrived at the riverbank and boarded a painted boat. Wushuang led Yanran, accompanied by several guards in plain clothes, onto the ship.

Xiaofei and her two companions, wearing smiling doll masks, stood under a lotus lamp solving riddles. Suddenly, Xiaofei heard a crisp voice say: "Xiao Du! Help me win that hairpin!"

Yanyan immediately cheered, her eyes revealing a layer of excitement

After Wu Shuang left, Gao Rui bent down to pick up the lock of hair that had fallen from her. He wrapped it around his fingers twice, feeling its smoothness against his fingertips. The corners of his mouth twitched slightly as he casually placed it into the pouch at his waist

The bustling crowd and the vibrant marketplace

He picked up the pink lotus, still adorned with dew, and took a sniff, feeling that it was indeed an extraordinarily beautiful morning. When he lifted the bowl of lotus leaf porridge and blew on it, he took a sip, but his expression changed drastically, and he spat it out with a "pfft." With a light touch of his toes, he darted into the lotus field, only to hear laughter faintly fading away into the depths of the lotus flowers.

Two white jade bowls were brought in without a pair, filled with wine. The pale green liquid contrasted beautifully with the white jade bowls, refreshing and delightful. She coldly gazed at Du Xinyan, allowing him to choose first. Du Xinyan smiled and casually picked up one of the bowls.

The woman behind the screen took the wine offered by Wushuang and slowly said, "How did you know I would be at Jicui Garden?"

Through the gaps in the lotus leaves, he stood on the riverbank with his hands clasped behind his back, a blue robe gently swaying in the morning breeze, his brows arched and his eyes filled with mirth

Gao Rui smiled and said: "The humid climate of Jiangnan is most beneficial for the skin, it would be good for Fei'er to stay there for a while. His Majesty has instructed Xiao Du to assume the identity of the Inspector General of Jiangnan to investigate the case in secret. If you haven't vented your anger enough, this is indeed a good opportunity"

On October 26, Miss Shen Xiang accompanied by her servant went to Luofeng Mountain to enjoy the autumn foliage, returning on November 1

Gao Rui has become accustomed to Wu Shuang's behavior, yet life and death are of utmost importance. He is curious about her loyalty towards him. "Wu Shuang, answer me, do you realize that just now you almost cut your own throat?"

Gao Rui stood behind Wu Shuang with his hands clasped, quietly observing the fair skin at the nape of her neck. He remained there for a full quarter of an hour, while Wu Shuang stood like a statue, completely motionless. Unable to restrain himself, he asked, "If I do not deflect your sword, your life will truly be lost."

"You should go back first; the air inside is heavy with carbon monoxide. I will get some fresh air." Xiaofei remained motionless. Her words flowed out from the scarf, resembling a stream, yet no longer the clear and cold tone that Du Xinyan had heard before.

Thus, in the capital, Xiao Du is greatly favored by the young ladies of noble families wherever he goes, and the number of women who approach him under the pretense of chance encounters is as numerous as fish crossing a river. However, today he was driven away by someone, and Du Xinyan could not help but think of the strategies of feigning capture and reluctant acceptance. Yet, the sound of the qin just now had indeed ensnared him, and he merely wished to see the true face of this young lady, so he shamelessly decided to stay.

A kettle of water is boiling on the stove, and several delicate white porcelain tea bowls are placed on the table, adorned with a few bamboo leaves, elegant and exquisite

Wushuang's expression was indifferent, her lips tightly pressed together, as if the matter that Xiaofei spoke of had nothing to do with her

Du Xinyan squinted his eyes; his wealthy uncle had always been protective of him. It was the first time in his life that he heard unkind words directed at him from his uncle. This was something that could be tolerated, but it was also something that could not be tolerated. He had already cupped his hands in apology, yet Shen Xiaofei actually dared to refuse him

Hehe... the laughter on the river surface rose again. Du Xinyan frowned and looked in the direction of the sound; the small boat had reached the opposite bank of the river, and three lotus-picking women disembarked. One of them, standing across the river, deliberately raised the earthenware pot filled with porridge high for him to see, then threw it into the river, clapped her hands, and walked away.

Upon entering the cabin, the individual finally removed his mask. His features were handsome, with a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth; he was none other than the current Third Prince, Gao Rui.

The sound of the zither is tranquil, soaring endlessly in the heights, while the bass resonates with an expansive ethereality. Du Xinyan's spirit is uplifted, feeling a profound connection with a kindred spirit. The flute and zither harmonize perfectly, with every note interlocking seamlessly, creating an unparalleled harmony

Gao Rui's fingers lightly tapped on the blade of the sword, causing the long sword to sway, yet it still severed a lock of Wushuang's hair. Gao Rui said coldly: "Kneel here for a night and reflect well; do not forget your responsibilities on your journey to Jiangnan."

Two years ago, she was accompanied only by Yanran. The two of them excitedly went to the lantern festival, their eyes filled with the colorful lights, only to realize they had lost each other when they looked back. She stood under a lotus lantern, not in a hurry, waiting to finish admiring the light before returning to her residence alone. Soon after, the handsome and charming Third Prince Rui staged a scene of a chance encounter to protect her beauty. After that, he always displayed a deep affection for her, even sending the exceptionally skilled and strikingly beautiful Shuang to protect her, which made her feel embarrassed.

Du Xinyan certainly could not say that he had jumped onto the wall to peek at the embroidered building; he could only put on a face full of reverence, straighten his back, and flatter: "This official, passing by the outer wall of the Xiang residence's back garden, saw the flowers on the wall fragrant and butterflies dancing, glimpsed the green bamboo serene and tranquil, and noticed the old vines spreading. I secretly pondered that the Xiang lord's high moral character and integrity must naturally be reflected in the elegance and uniqueness of the back garden he has arranged."

The person who teased him is Shen Xiang's daughter

There is not even an excess expression on Wushuang's face

He handed over the pink tender lotus flower and smiled, saying: "Neither too early nor too late, just right."

As soon as the words were spoken, a sharp pain twisted in his abdomen. Du Xinyan cursed inwardly for being deceived again, enduring the pain as he leaped out, kicking the screen aside, only to see Shen Xiaofei lifting her silk veil, dressed in a silver-white fox fur, turning to leave. He reached out to grab her. In front of him, a flash of sword light appeared; Wushuang unexpectedly displayed exceptional skills, her sword techniques fierce and venomous. Du Xinyan, feeling the pain in his abdomen, had no choice but to retreat.

Du Xinyan thought back and forth, and finally recalled a matter

What if I want to see you

He arrived half an hour early, standing alone by the river, inhaling the fragrance of the lotus flowers, listening to the melodies, and recalling Ding Qianhe's smiling face, his heart already intoxicated

A mischievous smile appeared in Xiaofei's eyes. She walked slowly to the swing, reached out to brush away the snow, and her delicate hands rested on the snow. Except for a hint of pink at her fingertips, they were almost indistinguishable from the snow, truly a beauty that rivals the frost and snow. She sat on the swing, gently pushing off with her feet, causing the swing to sway lightly. The wind lifted the fabric of her cloak and the fur of her scarf, and she sneezed but laughed, saying: "Wushuang, I will make you suffer punishment again, do you hate me to the bone in your heart?"

The ethereal and melodious sound of the xiao flute from Luofeng Mountain resonates in her ears night after night, echoing repeatedly.

Du Xinyan recalled the sound of the zither and could no longer contain himself, drinking the tea in the bowl in one go. As soon as the tea entered his mouth, he spat it out with a 'puh' sound, wanting to rinse his mouth, but there was only a pot of boiling water on the stove

The woman snorted, turned around, brushed aside the gauze curtain behind her, and left. After a distance, she looked back and said arrogantly: "I have heard that the young Du in the capital is refined and treats women with great gentleness and courtesy. Why must you entangle yourself and lose your grace? My tea is very bitter, and you cannot bear it!"

Xiao Fei suddenly felt tired. She got off the swing, glanced at Wu Shuang without paying much attention, and walked towards the embroidery building

The enticing aroma of the freshly cooked lotus leaf porridge wafted through the air, causing Du Xinyan to unconsciously swallow. He, drawn by the freshness after the morning rain, had ridden early to Qujiang. Having skipped breakfast, he was now ravenously hungry. Seeing the three lotus-picking girls, lively and innocent, and the fragrant lotus leaf porridge, he could not help but step forward and smile, saying: "The porridge you have cooked is delightful, making me salivate. May I ask if I could buy a bowl to drink"

The singing is faintly heard, yet from deep within the lotus flowers bursts forth a series of crisp, lively laughter, as if the lotus-picking maidens are mocking the girl singing love songs

A clear and melodious voice emerged from the tent, as cold and pure as a mountain stream during the ice-breaking season, making one hesitant to respond: "I apologize for the intrusion, and I hope you will forgive me, young sir. I do not meet unfamiliar men, so please leave, young sir."

The door opened, and Wushuang walked in. Her gaze calmly fell on the floor in front of her, and she was too lazy to look at the two people.

I will set off tomorrow to Jiangnan for recuperation. Xiao Fei was very disappointed, and upon seeing the long sword poised to strike Wushuang's neck, Gao Rui did not even flinch, and only then did he quickly speak up.

The autumn sun is warm, the empty mountains echo with the chirping of birds, and a few red maple leaves quietly fall. The mundane affairs of the officialdom in the capital seem distant; only in such solitude can Du Xinyan's heart, which is soaked in the intrigues of the bureaucratic world and constantly calculating, find a moment of leisure

October. The maple leaves are like fire

Before long, two figures appeared behind the screen, faintly visible.

In the western suburbs of the capital lies a mountain named Luofeng Mountain, a splendid destination for appreciating the autumn foliage. The Du family has a villa situated right at the foot of Luofeng Mountain

"Wushuang, you should take your own life," Gao Ruixiu said with a raised eyebrow, speaking in a nonchalant manner

Du Xinyan's favorite autumn scenery in the other courtyard, having just received a few days off without the need to attend to official duties, brought along some books and moved in for a short stay

She shivered, her hands wrapped around the warm stove in her sleeves, yet she still felt cold. Xiaofei glanced at Wushuang, pouted her lips, and thought, better to let the whole world down than to betray myself

Wushuang immediately drew his sword. The long sword unsheathed with a clear and bright sound, the narrow, blood-red blade cutting through the air, aimed directly at the neck.

Miss Ding Qianhe often rides a rosy horse, exuding elegance and grace, with a beautiful appearance that captivates all who see her. In contrast, Shen Xiaofei is kept in seclusion, unknown to passersby. Due to her quiet and gentle demeanor, she is greatly favored by the Empress and the Imperial Noble Consort. The remark: "A lady of the family should be like Miss Shen!" completely overshadows Ding Qianhe's prominence

"Hehe, I knew you weren't foolish, just not saying anything." Gao Rui laughed out loud, standing up and saying, "The Jiangnan case is of great importance. Since we are to set off tomorrow, let's note it down for now and impose the penalty upon our return"

Du Xinyan laughed and said: "The castor bean and lotus leaf porridge made by the young ladies has a unique flavor, I have taken note of it."

Miss Shen left on the day of playing the guqin and the xiao. Therefore, before that day, she must have listened to him play the xiao in the bamboo forest more than once. On the day of her return, playing the guqin, does it imply that she was teasing him and then ran away? However, he does not know Miss Shen, so why would she want to tease him?

From that day on, his interest shifted to finding skilled musicians. Today, he excitedly brought a letter into Jicui Garden, eager to hear the new qin master play, specifically requesting the piece "Ancient Temple's Serene Realm." Young Master Du from the capital was naturally in attendance, adding to the occasion. Before long, a maid led him into a small flower garden.

I know. As soon as the news broke, I thought that Fei'er would definitely come to the Lantern Festival and would be eager to share this news with me. Gao Rui's voice was very gentle, containing a hint of joy and a touch of emotion. To any woman who heard it, his voice would be enchanting.

Laughter came from ahead as Du Xinyan inserted a silver hairpin into the girl's hair bun. Her charming smile and his gentle gesture suddenly made Xiao Fei feel a twinge of envy

The fragrance of spring falls like tears, while the light lotus smiles beautifully in summer. As she contemplated this line of poetry, a chill flew from her delicate eyes.

"Uncle Gui is very dissatisfied with me?" Du Xinyan stared blankly at the returned gift

Shen Xiang made a sound of acknowledgment, and thus did not pursue the matter further

Du Xinyan smiled instead of getting angry, finding the eldest daughter of the Shen family quite amusing

"Miss, it is cold outside, be careful not to catch a chill!" Although these words were spoken with concern, they carried no warmth when uttered by Wu Shuang. She was dressed in a light blue fitted armor that accentuated her slender waist, holding a narrow, elongated sword in her hand. Her cheeks were tinged with a faint rosy hue, resembling an orchid quietly exuding its fragrance.

Du Xinyan felt a very special sensation rising within him. He vaguely hoped that the musician was played by Shen Xiaofei. He wished he could kick away the screen that obstructed his view to see for himself. However, he maintained a nonchalant and lazy demeanor, leaning against the brazier and reclining on the soft couch.

Lantern Festival

Xiao Fei was slightly surprised, and upon raising her eyes, she saw a crying face and smiled: "Everyone loves to buy smiling face dolls, yet you insist on being different"

When he stuffed his mouth full of sugar, so sweet it hurt his teeth, the thought of the castor bean porridge made by the lotus-picking girl came to his mind

Xiao Fei said nothing, turned around, and walked out without even glancing at Wu Shuang. With just one word from her, Gao Rui could kill Wu Shuang. It seemed that he was indeed deeply affectionate towards her, yet Xiao Fei felt even more anxious.

Xiao Fei's footsteps suddenly felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, and she stood there in a daze. The snow had long ceased, and the sunlight illuminated the garden brightly, with not even a whisper of wind, creating an unusually quiet atmosphere

The most beautiful night in the capital city throughout the year

Upon hearing his remarks, the woman in the gauze tent relaxed her gestures, yet chose to ignore him

"Unmatched!" Gao Rui's expression darkened.

Xiao Fei saw the maid Yanran wearing a new outfit, her face unable to hide her excitement. However, she did not want to go. She was very curious about what the Third Prince Rui would do to her if she did not attend.

Ding Feng, being older, led the troops stationed at the border for many years. The provision of military rations and supplies was of utmost importance for maintaining the morale of the army. He privately believed that the grain depot held some dissatisfaction towards him, so he deliberately sent over the stale rice from previous years' storages. He presented this generous gift without making a public announcement. By doing so, he not only built personal connections but also secured leverage over the grain depot. Ding Feng felt that he had handled the matter very thoughtfully

At that moment, under the light, his gaze revealed only deep affection for Xiao Fei, and his eyes were filled with the joy of seeing her. Gao Rui gently looked at Xiao Fei, not mentioning the Jiangnan case at all: "Why haven't you taken off the mask? What happened to your face?"

Xiao Fei replied irritably: "If one does not act for oneself, heaven and earth will perish! Wu Shuang, stop talking to me about those principles of benevolence and morality. I just want to see how far he can go; using you as a test subject is also your own doing"

He often took the opportunity of official business to visit Minister Shen. After he praised the beauty of the minister's garden, Minister Shen immediately put on a stern face and said: "No man is allowed to enter the back garden of the minister's residence except for myself. How does Lord Du know of the garden's beauty?"

The fragrance of the tea is faint and delicate, likely from the tea of the green mountains and clear waters of Sichuan. There is also a hint of bamboo fragrance, which comes from freshly picked tender bamboo shoots boiled in water, removed at seven-tenths of the way through, and then used to brew the tea. The aroma of the green mountains, clear waters, and lush bamboo is truly refined and elegant!

She walked up the stairs with her skirt swaying, and upon reaching the door of the room on the second floor, she heard Wushuang's clear and melodious voice: "Miss, do you never think of anyone other than yourself?"

In the granary, it is absolutely impossible that these thousands of bags of stale and moldy rice were swapped within the granary. However, with the records in hand and the complete entry procedures, the Jiangnan Road Grain Transport Office can fully evade responsibility. In a state of desperation, two officials from the grain depot committed suicide by hanging, which ultimately brought the case to the attention of the Emperor

Du Xinyan naturally offered kind words and advice, and composing poetry after drinking was also a somewhat playful act to please Ding Qianhe. Unintentionally, however, he offended Shen Xiaofei

The poetry gathering in the capital is held in March during the spring season. Talented scholars and beautiful women gather at Mochou Lake in the suburbs of the capital

Before long, the lotus leaves parted, and a small boat glided in. Onboard were three lotus-picking maidens, laughing as they brought a boat full of lotus leaves and flowers to shore. All three wore sun-shading bamboo hats and had their faces wrapped in blue cloth, making it difficult to discern their features. They were dressed in the customary short blouses of lotus-picking maidens, featuring a blue base with white floral patterns, and a floral apron tied around their slender waists, exuding a unique charm.

Xiao Fei did not respond and took Yan Ran off the boat to return to the Xiang residence. She glanced at Wu Shuang, who was kneeling on the ground, and a series of wicked ideas began to emerge in her mind. Xiao Fei felt that the trip to Jiangnan would surely be entertaining, especially since Wu Shuang's expression did not change even when contemplating self-harm, which she found truly amusing.

She helped him seize the throne, and he granted her power and wealth. To Xiao Fei, it merely seemed like a transaction concerning a lifetime and future, while Gao Rui insisted on intertwining deep feelings within it. Xiao Fei always believed that the reason Ming Emperor wavered between the Crown Prince Xi and the Third Prince Rui, unable to decide on the heir for so long, was that neither of the princes was easy to deal with. She would rather believe that Gao Rui valued her identity as the daughter of a noble family and her intelligence, than to accept that he had fallen in love with her.

A figure in a blue robe suddenly caught Xiao Fei's eye, as Du Xinyan stood beside the girl with a smile on his handsome face, lifting his head to look at the lantern riddle. His face was slightly tilted upward in concentration, revealing a smooth, full forehead and the refined contours of his profile. The way he stood with his hands behind his back once again stirred memories within Xiao Fei.

Thank you, Your Highness. Wushuang knelt on the ground, her back straight. Not far ahead on the floor, a spider crawled slowly, and she counted its steps, thinking that she was the only person in the cabin.

Du Xinyan was taken aback, and a smile of great interest appeared on her face

During the year-end period, a sudden mutiny broke out among dozens of soldiers stationed at the border.

You are mistaken; even if you die, you must protect her completely. Gao Rui stared at Wu Shuang, his voice grave

She did not know when they left; she only heard someone passing by her side sigh, "Young Master Du and Miss Ding are childhood sweethearts, truly a match of talent and beauty"

Yes

Has she ever not thought about others? These days, she is constantly remembering, thinking about, and missing someone.

Laughter erupted again, and Du Xinyan faintly heard a phrase: "What a handsome young man..." Unable to resist, she also began to laugh.

"Today, Tan Xuejing basked in the sun and enjoyed the breeze in the yard for a while, but developed a rash, fearing it might frighten you." Xiao Fei, feeling annoyed, retracted her hand and adjusted the mask on her face

Du Xinyan felt a flicker of flame stirring within her heart, yet her face still bore a faint smile

In Wushuang's mind, Gao Rui's seemingly angry yet not angry gaze flashed quickly, along with various strange and peculiar thoughts. It was as if he, like Shen Xiaofei, was using her as a pawn to test the other party. Over the past two years, Xiaofei's constant provocation and turmoil had made her somewhat impatient. She truly despised this daughter of the Xiang residence. However, recalling the scene of him saving her, Wushuang's slightly turbulent heart calmed down again. Like a stone thrown into a deep ancient well, it splashed ripples before returning to stillness and tranquility. Yet, thinking of the scene where he saved her, Wushuang's slightly turbulent heart calmed down again. Like a stone thrown into a deep ancient well, it splashed ripples before returning to stillness and tranquility.

One day, when Du Xinyan passed by the wall of the back garden again, he noticed that three feet of blue bricks had been added to the top of the wall, completely blocking the fresh flowers, green bamboo, and old vines. Du Xinyan snorted through his nose, feeling that Shen Xiang was being too petty. He couldn't help but chuckle; did he really think that raising the wall by three feet could keep him out?

Du Xinyan returned to the shore, filled with confusion. Behind her, the sound of hooves approached rapidly, and a red cloud floated in. Yan Zhi leaped down from her horse, dressed in a red outfit, her face full of shame: "Xiao Du! I overslept."

Xiao Fei cast a glance at Wu Shuang, who remained expressionless. As Xiao Fei walked past Wu Shuang, she mischievously said, "Guess how he will punish you this time?" She smiled gently, adjusted her cloak, and walked gracefully.

Xiaofei smiled and said: "Wushuang belongs to His Highness, and whether His Highness takes her life has nothing to do with me."

He is the nephew of the De Fei and the first cousin of the Crown Prince. His father, Du Chengfeng, held the position of Military Commander. At the age of seventeen, he achieved the second place in the imperial examination and was highly valued by the Emperor. By the age of twenty, he became the youngest sixth-rank official in the Supervisory Court. Moreover, he possesses handsome looks, charm, and wealth.

The sound of laughter, like silver bells, floated in the air, as the shy lotus girls pushed and jostled each other. Finally, one bold girl stood up, took a few lotus leaves and a pink lotus flower, placed them on the shore, and poured a bowl of porridge on top. Lowering her head, she dared not glance at Du Xinyan more than once, and hurriedly boarded the boat. As the small boat swayed and re-entered the lotus field, she finally raised her voice and said: "Young master, please enjoy!"

The sound, infused with inner strength, lingered on the Qiujiang River for a long time without ceasing. The lotus leaves stirred, resembling a group of lovely children waving their palms. He strained his eyes but could not see the shadow of the small boat, as if the morning lotus-picking maidens had never appeared on the Qiujiang River.

A light layer of snow has fallen over the garden, and the path, interspersed with shallow snow, reveals mottled traces.

She did not believe it and was filled with doubts, so she could only trouble Wushuang. Whenever she felt unwell, Wushuang would be punished by Gao Rui. At first, Xiaofei wanted to test Gao Rui, but later she became curious about Wushuang. Having followed her for two years, Wushuang's cold demeanor had already annoyed Xiaofei. Unable to suppress her mischievous thoughts, she wanted to see when Wushuang would jump up in excitement.

In the depths of the layers of green shadows, a song is heard: "The fragrance of lotus flowers wafts over the river, as small boats sway busily gathering lotus. After a light rain, untouched by dust, the dew is collected to brew fine nectar. I will send some for my brother to taste, oh, sister..."

Yanran had served Xiaofei since childhood, yet she was quite straightforward, with her emotions clearly displayed on her face. After two years, she still did not know the origins of Wushuang. At this moment, she could not understand Xiaofei's meaning; upon hearing her say she would not go to see the lanterns, she immediately drooped her head. She looked at Xiaofei with a pleading expression and said stubbornly, "If you, Miss, are not going, then I will not go either."

She stared blankly at the lotus lamp before her, her gaze having passed through the hazy light to rest on the two people. The laughter seemed to come from a distant place, while she could only hear the beating of her own heart. This sense of loneliness made Xiaofei feel a bit frightened; she forced herself to withdraw her gaze and focused on the riddle inscribed on the lotus lamp. However, the small characters were always blurry, as if they had been blurred by the light, making them impossible to read clearly

Du Xinyan raised an eyebrow, and instead of wanting to go in, he laughed and said: "Though the entrance is bitter, the aftertaste is sweet." He sat down again and asked Xin'er to bring out a bottle of wine. "Miss, you left in a hurry last time. I had a cup of tea in your honor, and I would like to invite you to have a drink. May I?"

"Is it just because he saved your life? So you foolishly listen to his words, and you truly have no regrets?" Xiao Fei was perplexed.

Isn't the young lady of the Shen family aware that I would come to Jicui Garden

The sound of clear laughter bursts forth from the bamboo grove, like birds emerging from the forest

Ding Qianhe took a deep breath, inhaling the fragrance of the lotus flowers. She had always found it difficult to understand Du Xinyan's expressions. At this moment, she could not determine whether he was genuinely not angry or if he was just concealing his annoyance. Internally cursing Du Xinyan's eternally pretentious demeanor, she squinted her eyes into a smile, thinking that it would be wise to offer some compliments first, "This place is truly beautiful, and there are fewer people in the morning. Xiao Du always chooses such great locations!"

Du Xinyan hurried to Jicui Garden in the city with a book in hand. The number one swordsman in the martial world, Wei Zihao, had sent him a message, stating that a qin master had arrived at Jicui Garden, possessing exceptional qin skills

The Grand Prince Xi possesses bright, clear eyes that are strikingly similar to those of Emperor Ming in his youth, always carrying a seemingly gentle and harmless smile. However, Gao Rui's eyes resemble those of the Imperial Concubine, reminiscent of the misty, vast waters of the Jiangnan region at dawn, obscuring the true emotions hidden within. Yet, deep within his pupils, two points of crystal-like brilliance flicker like stars, drawing one in, eager to see and understand clearly.

Wushuang knelt silently in the cabin, counting the footsteps of the spiders

At the poetry gathering, he composed a poem after drinking: "Fragrant spring falls in tears, Shallow lotus smiles in summer beauty." Soon, some well-meaning individuals spread the word, claiming that in the capital, the young Du had judged that Ding Qianhe, the daughter of General Wuwei, surpassed Shen Xiaofei, the daughter of the current Prime Minister.

June's chin bean, October's yellow root. Who are they really

Wushuang did not hear. She adopted the most foolish method to face it all. She was like a snail retreating into its shell, allowing her to endure the back-and-forth turmoil caused by Shen Xiaofei and Gao Rui time and again

Even the unparalleled does not crave battle, with a huff she turned and left, coldly throwing out a remark: "Do you think my young lady is no longer poisoned just because she has had a drink? My young lady has already taken the antidote, foolish!"

Gao Rui held Xiao Fei's hand, focusing intently on her

She turned her gaze towards the sound, and her eyes brightened. Under the light appeared a charming figure, beautiful as a flower, dressed in a delicate pink floral jacket and a stone blue skirt, draped in a large red cloak, with a circle of white fox fur around her neck accentuating her face like silver moon resting on snow. She stood beneath a flower lantern, tugging at the silk fabric of the riddle above with one hand, fearful that someone might snatch it away from her.

Du Xinyan stepped outside the tent, clasped his hands in salute, and said with a smile: "Miss, your musical talent is exceptional; Du Xinyan pays his respects to you"

Du Xinyan stopped in his tracks upon hearing this, yet there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes. This woman was truly not approaching him; her demeanor of avoiding him made him unable to help but touch his chin, surprised that he was not to her liking. However, since the fair lady showed no interest, he naturally would not pursue her and make a fool of himself.

"I see you are smiling, and you see I am crying. It is quite fitting, isn't it?" The person wearing a mask of sorrow is tall and dressed in a silver-white brocade robe embroidered with the character for 'blessing', with a jade belt at the waist, and adorned with a fragrant pouch and a gold pendant hanging from the robe, clearly a young master from a wealthy family

That night, the light in his study remained bright until the first light of dawn appeared