Chapter 5 is Jephthah

Of course," Jiang Yu said with a grin.

"Not at all, not at all." Lin Wenqing replied awkwardly while returning the greeting. It is always a bit awkward for two unfamiliar individuals to meet in a place like Cheng'en Fang.

Zhou Shaohui looked at the jade pendant intricately carved into the shape of a rabbit. A slight fluctuation of emotion finally appeared in her calm eyes. She slightly turned her head and said, "Mother, you are getting older, and it is not easy for you to keep warm. This jade is just right for you. There is no need to give it to me."

I did not expect to encounter Brother Lin Nian here. It was still Jiang Yu who reacted more quickly, rising first to pay his respects.

"I promise," Lin Wenqing said soothingly as he patted Chu Ying's hand, "However, the young master of the Lin family is here to study at the Guangnei Mansion, not for any other purpose. I believe you understand this point."

Lin Wenqing swirled the wine glass in his hand, not blinking an eye, and replied, "Do you know how? Or do you not know how?"

Recently, Zhou Shaohui was slightly taken aback, paused for a moment, and casually remarked: "I burn incense and worship the gods in the palace every day, living on a vegetarian diet. What could possibly happen?"

Jiang Yuwei smiled faintly, yet chose to ignore him, only saying: "Wen Jing, I am not asking you in the capacity of the Second Prince of Qi. I am requesting you, pleading with you, as a son. Please consider it as a favor to bring joy to my mother. Help me with this."

Could it really not be her? Is she merely someone who looks similar? In fact, I should have known long ago that it couldn't be her. If she were the virtuous consort of the State of Qi, how could she possibly have the time to raise herself for ten years? It is impossible. However, there are no two leaves in the world that are exactly the same, nor can two people who look so alike appear without reason. ... What is the relationship between Consort Zhou and Aunt Hua? ... Yet, there are no two leaves in the world that are exactly the same, nor can two people who look so alike appear without reason. ... What is the relationship between Consort Zhou and Aunt Hua? ...

Upon hearing that the two had reached an agreement, Chu Ying raised an eyebrow and pursed her lips, but under Jiang Yu's intense gaze, she refrained from saying anything further. He gently turned his head away, revealing a helpless smile.

Initially, the lady had inquired with Su Wan about who had taught her this dance. Upon learning that it was indeed you, young master, she seemed to feel a bit melancholic and... a slight disappointment

"Miss, it is time to play the zither. Please come out." The voice of the maid, Hong'er, broke the silence in the room

Lin Wenqing listened and pondered over the books, unable to understand why Zhou Xianfei felt melancholy and disappointment towards her. Seeing her in silence, Su Wan thoughtfully replaced her cold tea, waiting for her next question.

... ...

Indeed. I not only know, but I can also do it. Lin Wenqing rolled her eyes and said, "As for you two fighting like local tycoons emerging from the hills, aren't you ashamed of yourselves?"

"Virtue!" Chu Ying poked Jiang Yu's forehead and said, "You always do this. You don't have the courage to steal your uncle's good things, yet you always fish them out from my hands."

"Nanny, I would like to read the Hail Mary for a little longer," Zhou Shaohui said, holding a scroll and standing alone in front of the lamp, smiling at Nanny Qin.

No need for that. Su Wan shook her head and said, "Young Master Lin has already helped me a lot, so I cannot trouble him with this matter. By the way, the other day, the virtuous Empress invited me to the palace and requested that piece 'Fairy Scattering Flowers.' It seems she quite enjoys listening to it."

Old Madam Qin observed her expression and realized that she could not pry any information out of her. With a sigh, she took out a piece of warm jade from her bosom and presented it before Zhou Shaohui, saying: "This piece of warm jade was taken from the peak of Crystal Mountain and has the effect of warming the heart and lungs. It was specially sought after by Prince Yu upon hearing that you often read at night. Please wear it."

Su Wan smiled apologetically at Lin Wenqing and said, "Young Master Lin, I am truly sorry, I will go and push it right away"

"Auntie, you are tired; please go and rest." Zhou Shaohui quickly interrupted Qin Auntie's words, turning her back, clearly no longer wishing to continue the conversation

Old Madam Qin noticed a hint of peculiarity as she saw her insist on studying the scriptures. Over the years, Zhou Shaohui's attachment to the world had grown increasingly faint; her once passionate eyes had fallen into a daily silence, rarely resembling the days many years ago when she would read by candlelight, focusing her mind and calming her spirit.

Su Wan felt that the virtuous consort seemed to always gaze through her, reminiscing about someone. Su Wan expressed her speculation, stating, "Her expression sometimes appears quite sorrowful"

My mother truly enjoys this type of song and dance. Over the past half month, she has summoned Miss Su Wan almost every day. However, as you know, Miss Su's status is such that the court is never short of irritable scholars. With Miss Su frequently visiting my mother's palace, I fear that some petty individuals might exploit this for their own gain, which would not be good

"Wen Jing, Wen Jing? What is wrong?" Chu Ying, seeing her suddenly fall silent, pushed her body with concern.

Lin Wenqing looked at Jiang Yu with some surprise, not expecting him to make such a sudden request. Just as she was about to respond, she was interrupted by Chu Ying, who interjected, "Yu, I know you want to make Aunt Hui happy. However, having Wenjing enter the palace to teach the female officials is rather disrespectful, isn't it? After all, he is a young master of the Lin family." Chu Ying emphasized the words 'Lin family' to remind Jiang Yu of the Lin family's wealth and influence.

Under the afterglow of the setting sun, a girl nestled in the embrace of a woman, intently weaving a flower crown. The woman glanced at the serious girl, smiled, and asked: "Qing'er, your father will come to pick you up in a few days. At that time, you can return to Hong City, which is the second largest city in the Tang Kingdom, renowned for its beautiful scenery. You will surely love it there. By the way, you have a younger brother who looks just like you. Are you happy about that?"

Do you know?" Chu Ying and Jiang Yu said in unison

"How could Aunt Hua harm me? She wouldn't do that." The little girl did not understand why the usually cheerful Aunt Hua suddenly appeared so sorrowful. She made an effort to sit up, placed a flower crown on Aunt Hua's head, and then hugged her neck tightly, trying her best to reassure her.

"... Young Master, Young Master Lin?" A gentle girl awakened Lin Wenqing from his daze, and he suddenly realized that he was currently in the room of Su Wan, the top courtesan of Cheng'en Fang.

"It is of no consequence," Su Wan said with a slight smile. "I wonder what Young Master Lin was thinking just now? Your brows were all furrowed. Su Wan has come this far thanks to your assistance. If there is anything I can do to help..."

Lin Wenqing suddenly came to his senses and forced a smile, saying: "It's nothing, it's nothing. I just recalled a bit of the past. By the way, if you like this wine, bring me some grapes, and I will help you brew some."

Is there anything else?

Pink petals fell onto the water's surface, creating ripples. Lin Wenqing gazed blankly at the water, her mind constantly recalling that day with the illustrated book, comparing the expressions and words of Zhou Xianfei with those of the person in her memories

The woman gently touched her hair and said in a tone of faint sorrow, "Qing'er, when you return home, you must listen to your mother more. You have accompanied Aunt Hua for ten years, bringing me so much joy. Now, it is truly time for you to go back. Yet, I fear that raising you for these ten years may have harmed you."

The woman held the girl close and murmured, "I hope, I hope it won't harm you"

Old Madam Qin then spoke tentatively: "Miss, have you encountered any issues recently? You seem different from before"

The footsteps of Granny Qin faded into the night, and the hall returned to silence. Zhou Shaohui took a stick of incense, lit it against the honey candle, and the fragrant sandalwood smoke enveloped her clear eyes, giving her expression a somewhat ethereal quality. She clasped her hands together, placed the incense in her palms, and bowed three times before the Buddha statue

A solitary lamp, a statue of Buddha, a faint shadow, all render the night at Wan'an Palace so tranquil

"No, no, no," Lin Wenqing insisted, "Miss Su is exceptionally talented; how could there be any credit for Wenjing?" She thought to herself, if it weren't for your extraordinarily delicate figure, and the fact that you dance with the ribbons better than others, mastering the movements of that ten-foot-long silk in such a short time, I wouldn't have chosen you to go on stage.

"... Auntie won't be going anymore," the woman sighed. As soon as these words were spoken, the girl immediately raised her head, her large, distinctly black-and-white eyes filled with evident confusion. She stared straight at the noble lady, waiting for her explanation

... ...

Today, Yu is here to invite Miss Su to the palace. I originally planned to visit Brother Lin's home in the coming days, but now is as good a time as any. " Jiang Yu said generously, "How about I treat you? Let's go to the Zhongshan Tavern for a drink soon.

"What kind of wine is so rare?" Upon seeing Chu Ying, Lin Wenqing immediately felt much more relaxed. She casually picked up a wine glass, took a sip, and curiously remarked, "Isn't this just grape wine?"

Half a month has passed since the birthday celebration of the Zhou residence, and at this moment, Su Wan has transformed from an unknown woman into a renowned "fairy" in the capital. The people had never witnessed such dazzling performances with flowing sleeves; by the day after the birthday celebration, countless wealthy families had inquired about Su Wan's whereabouts at the Cheng'en Fang, sending their servants with heavy gold and precious gifts to request a dance. When news reached the palace that the noble Consort Zhou greatly admired Su Wan's singing and dancing, the crowd seeking her performances became even more frenzied. The astute owner of Cheng'en Fang immediately stepped forward, skillfully attending to the various families' servants, proclaiming that Su Wan's worth was extraordinary, charging a thousand gold for a single dance, thus profiting handsomely.

I, a humble believer, beseech your compassion, O Buddha, for the sake of all sentient beings. I, Zhou Shaohui, earnestly pray for your blessings upon Sister Ruhuahua's household, that it may be safe and all matters may proceed smoothly

The two walked out of Su Wan's boudoir side by side and were surprised to find a person sitting in the courtyard in front of Su Wan's room; it was the second prince of Qi, Jiang Yu. This unexpected encounter left all three of them stunned.

So, how do you want it? Lin Wenqing vaguely sensed Jiang Yu's intention

"Wen Jing, besides the day when the flowers were scattered by the celestial maidens, do you know any other songs or dances like that?" As the three of them chatted merrily, the atmosphere just right, Jiang Yu seized the opportunity and asked.

"Will Aunt Hua go with me to that Hong City?" the girl asked casually while intently weaving a flower crown

Lin Wenqing's attention was immediately drawn to the virtuous consort, and she asked nervously, "Really? What was her reaction?"

"I didn't expect both of you to come together," Chu Ying said while pouring wine for the two of them. "Come, have a drink. I specially brought this Wanli Xiang from my uncle's wine cellar. It is made using the Zhou family's secret recipe, and you can't find it outside."

I have already arranged to meet Chu Ying at the poolside building. I fear I cannot... Lin Wenqing found it difficult.

It seems that your lock-picking skills have improved again. Jiang Yuru, like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey, snatched a pot and protectively held it against her chest, declaring, "This pot belongs to me; let me take it back to the palace."

Lin Wenqing felt a pang of sympathy upon hearing her speak with such sadness, and thus said: "If Miss Su does not like it here, then Wenjing can think of some ways to help you, how about..."

"There is no need for you to be modest, my lord. Su Wan is aware of her own worth. In the Cheng'en Courtyard, where beauties abound, Su Wan does not possess the allure of a national beauty. If it were not for the song and dance bestowed upon me by you, my lord, I would merely be waiting at the door, selling smiles, resigned to the fate of aging with time. How could there be such a bustling scene today?" Su Wan rose slightly, feeling a tinge of sadness, and walked to the window to gaze outside. "Though I do not covet this bustle, I understand that it is precisely because of the lively atmosphere created by the *Tu* and *Shu* that I have gained a modicum of autonomy over my own body, no longer subject to the whims of others."

... ...

"With..." Lin Wenqing was about to speak but suddenly paused, "Are you saying this is the ancestral secret recipe of the Zhou family?" After receiving affirmative answers from Chu Ying and Jiang Yu, Lin Wenqing repeatedly recalled the scene from his childhood when he brewed wine under the guidance of Aunt Hua. ... Zhou family, Aunt Hua ...? ... What is the connection?

Therefore, if possible, I would like to invite you to the palace to teach the female officials of the palace dance. This would save Miss Su Wan from having to make repeated trips to the palace. Jiang Yu revealed his true intention.

Sadness... Su Wan murmured, recalling the calm and unperturbed expression of Zhou Shaohui during the banquet, feeling somewhat bewildered

"No way. Who did you learn this from?" Chu Ying exclaimed in surprise, saying, "This wine is a family secret recipe passed down from my uncle's side. Yu and I have drunk so much wine outside, but we've never seen anything like it before"

"I apologize for the rudeness," Lin Wenqing said, looking at Su Wan's delicate features.

Three individuals leaned against the railing, holding wine flasks, chatting about various topics while enjoying a few plates of peanuts, melon seeds, and fennel beans. The setting sun hung over Shugang Mountain, casting a soft orange glow that contrasted with the blue water reflections. On Feifeng Terrace, an air of elegance and charm among the distinguished scholars prevailed

Ah, it doesn't matter. Let's go together," Jiang Yu said with a smile, casually putting his arm around Lin Wenqing's shoulder and half-dragging her out of Cheng'en Fang. Su Wan gazed absentmindedly at the figures of the two departing, her eyes filled with envy.

"Your Highness, it is time to rest," came the comforting words of Granny Qin, who had followed Zhou Shaohui for many years.

No need for that. Wenjing has already troubled Miss Su for quite some time. I shall take my leave now. Lin Wenqing, understanding the situation, stood up and said, Thank you for your words today, Miss.

The noble consort is a person of great self-restraint. Her expressions only occasionally reveal themselves after all the attendants have been dismissed. If it weren't for Su Wan's constant observation, one might not even notice them. " Su Wan said softly, "And..."

Upon hearing this, Granny Qin let out a long sigh and said, "Your Highness, what is the need for this? The Prince Yu's sincere filial piety, you..."

Jiang Yu and Chu Ying exchanged a glance, smiling as they raised their glasses in acknowledgment, saying: "Then thank you very much"