Chapter One: The Youthful Years of Spring Mountains and Eyebrow-like Peaks

I lifted a beaded hairpin adorned with colorful enamel and, finding it beautiful, playfully pinned it into my hair.

Aunt Yang approached with a mix of laughter and tears, swiftly helping to tidy my disheveled hair while hurriedly retrieving the jewelry. With a teasing smile, she said, "Miss, you are too mischievous. With such heavy items, what will you do if they break your neck?"

My mother looked at me for a long time, the smile in her eyes gradually turning into contemplation. Suddenly, she spoke: "Jincen, take off that pearl and change your clothes as well."

"Puff."

The personal maid, Liu Xia, who had just entered to serve tea to Madam, almost spilled the tea onto the soft couch covered with moon-white brocade, as she smiled.

Ah ! ! ! ! ! ! !

The uncle, who was already prepared to turn away, suddenly turned back upon hearing these words. The radiant smile he had just moments ago had vanished, and he gazed deeply at my mother: "No amount of gold or silver can buy happiness. If my precious niece cannot grow up joyfully in my West Ping Marquis residence, cannot fully enjoy her childhood, what use are these rare flowers and exotic plants, no matter how splendid and flourishing they may be?"

Dressed in a pink silk skirt, with two buns adorned with pearls, I am still underage, and my mother does not like to dress me in flowers and plants. She only instructed Aunt Yang, who attends to her grooming, to style my hair into two lovely little buns, embellished with the South Sea pearls sent by my father. Their luster sparkles, smooth and bright, complementing my jet-black, satin-like hair, making me quite beautiful

If Ke Hanbi were here, she would definitely not allow me to play around recklessly. She would scream: "Miss, your clothes... Miss, your hair... Miss, your..."

Is my uncle treating me like a child?

Niang Wei raised an eyebrow, set down the book in her hand, and fixed her gaze on the smiling Aunt Yang, as a peculiar smile slowly crept across her lips: "You old thing, what is going on today? You are not usually one to speak such nonsense; why are you saying all this ridiculous stuff today?"

As I turned my gaze, I suddenly froze in surprise, while Aunt Yang could no longer contain her exclamation: "Miss, you..."

A few days ago, I encountered Lady Hou's maid, who mentioned to me that she had overheard a conversation between the lady and Lord Hou. They were discussing how the young lady was gradually growing up, blossoming like the goddess of Luo, which brought joy to those who beheld her. This reminded her of Young Master Sheng and Young Master Xin, who lived near the separation courtyard. When they were younger, their daily interactions were not a matter of concern, but now it is necessary to be particularly cautious. One must not be careless in thought, as it could tarnish the young lady's reputation and affect her future for a lifetime, which would indeed be a grave sin.

Uncle left quickly; he is always very busy. However, Mother still sits in the pavilion, watching the clouds floating and swirling in the sky, changing endlessly. I do not know what Mother sees, but I am willing to accompany her in this moment of tranquility.

Aunt Yang was taken aback and turned her head to look at Mother

Secretly harboring resentment while still smiling like spring flowers on the surface: "Alright, I will visit my uncle, aunt, and brothers to pay my respects another day"

My mother has spoiled me, and with just a smile, she lets go. I have a good memory; once I have walked a path, I will not forget it, and there is no need to worry about getting lost

I have protested countless times against my mother, as such a name is quite laughable. Could it be that this garden is filled with many crows? Are the people inside all crows?

Compared to poetry, what I love more are the crickets in the backyard, the golden beetles, the longhorn beetles, the small insects with bright spots on their black backs, and the myriad flowers and grasses whose names I cannot recall, blooming throughout the four seasons, in a riot of colors, like vast expanses of brocade, dazzlingly bright under the sunlight. Most importantly, my mother allows me to play in the mud, roll on the grass, and even sleep on that patch of flowers that always thrive and grow abundantly.

Mother smiled gently, lightly stroking my head where my long hair was scattered: "Huaisu likes it; if it were as neat as your big garden, this girl would always complain that rolling around is not comfortable."

The daughter waved her hand, stopping Aunt Yang from speaking further. Aunt Yang, being a clever person, immediately fell silent

Uncle was momentarily taken aback, his heroic eyebrows suddenly raised high, dark and sharp as if they were about to soar into the sky. I watched him with concern, fearing that his eyebrows might fly away from that moment on

Aunt Yang stared in astonishment at the already empty jewelry box, then looked at my head adorned with dozens of gold hairpins and various floral ornaments made of pearls and silk. On my ears, I wore four earrings on one side and three on the other, each different from the others. There were also some ornaments that I could not wear because I did not have my hair styled in a bun. Those emerald crowns and gold hairpins were simply piled on my head, shimmering in a myriad of colors, sparkling with a brilliance that made one feel dizzy.

How boring that is

I do not understand, especially fearing the deep sorrow reflected in my mother's brows during this time, so I recklessly pulled her to the back garden to play.

After a while, my mother said she was tired and sent me to go quickly and return quickly. I then put on my usual clothes, casually braided my hair, and went to the main residence with a light heart.

As night fell, my mother slowly led me back, remaining silent as she held her elegant neck high, her back straight. I gazed at her noble yet sorrowful face, partially concealed by the silver satin collar embroidered with iris patterns in the moonlight, and the long, flowing hem of her white and purple orchid skirt that trailed along the willow-wood corridor. Suddenly, I was filled with fear that she would continue on this path, cold and solitary, until she stepped into that bright, golden moonlight.

Uh ... ...

The name "Cangya" was given by my mother, who completely disregarded its peculiar and unrefined nature. She stubbornly insisted on it, and after facing numerous questions from others, she became quite exasperated. Ultimately, she elegantly inscribed the name in her beautiful cursive script and hung it prominently in the center of the moon gate.

The Xiping Marquis Mansion, the Cangya Courtyard, is the place that holds the deepest memories of my childhood

The daughter smiled lazily: "To the world, I am like a fleeting cloud; what does it matter if I exchange a few idle words? I am myself, and Huaisu is Huaisu. Why must I explain myself to those people? Even if I never mention her origins for eternity, who in this world can affect us in the slightest?"

Aunt Yang spoke while glancing at me several times. Seeing that I was engrossed in fiddling with the various pieces of jewelry in my mother's dressing box, as if I had not paid any attention to what they were saying, she felt reassured and continued to speak.

She turned her head to look at me, her gaze filled with infinite affection. I gazed into her eyes, shimmering like water, and caught a glimpse of Aunt Yang's slightly melancholic expression at the corner of my eye, causing my heart to inexplicably tighten.

I sighed; the gardeners of the royal residence are in for a rough night

After a few twists and turns, we arrived at Rui Garden

Or with a long sigh: "The beauty of jade cannot compare to the color of the cold crow, yet I still see the sunlight casting shadows in the Zhaoyang courtyard. The dense willows can hide the crows; where have the people of the past gone? In the end, beauty and ugliness are but a handful of yellow earth after a hundred years. What significance is there in names, whether beautiful or ugly?"

Oh? My mother is always a bit more curious about matters concerning me

Uncle Liu always wears the same expression when he sees Uncle Jiu: lips pressed together, brows furrowed, slightly bent at the waist, saying, "Please give your orders, my lord"

Mother was reading a book of Dongpo's poetry with her head lowered. Without raising her head, she replied softly, "Is that so? I would rather she be more ordinary, a bit foolish, so that she might receive the mercy of heaven and gain the blessings of an average person"

Once, my uncle complained to my mother in a slightly reproachful tone, questioning why she did not allow the gardener from the marquis's residence to tend to this garden, letting the flowers grow wild and the grass flourish unchecked. Although it was lush and vibrant, it always lacked the noble and dignified demeanor that the marquis's residence should possess

The eyebrows finally settled down steadily, and Uncle smiled happily: "I wondered why this girl, Huaisu, never went to Ruiyuan to play; it turns out it was for this reason. Girl, why didn't you say so earlier!" With a wave of his hand: "Come here!"

Mother pays no attention to me; she merely gazes sorrowfully in a certain direction, murmuring a verse: "Once again, the palace candles disperse their smoke, yet in sorrow, the seasons hastily change. All the fragrant thoughts are exchanged with the empty steps of the elm pods, countless threads, hidden crows, and delicate willows, for the jade cup, dancing in the returning snow, wishing to see the westward exit of Yangguan, where old friends part for the first time."

Uncle laughed heartily in response, and I did not understand what he was so happy about. However, my mother smiled and frowned at the same time, saying: "Ying Ge, you are spoiling Huaisu too much. Your Rui Garden, with its rare flowers and exotic plants, flourishing and renowned among the noble residences, I have heard is also cherished by your sister-in-law. How can you ruin it for this crazy girl?"

Uncle squatted down with a smile and said, "Little girl, now you have no excuse not to go play at the main residence, right? Your brothers have been missing you a lot."

I breathed onto the bronze mirror, hoping to make it shine brighter. As I casually inserted another rosewater hairpin into my hair, the mirror reflected Aunt Yang's peculiar expression, which was tinged with a hint of disdain: "Madam, this old servant has never understood why you insist on not..."

I truly feel a soreness in my neck, but if this ridiculous clownish appearance can make my mother forget the sorrow that lingers in her heart, if it can briefly bring forth a complete and pure smile from her, if it can wash away the sadness she felt just a moment ago, then what does this little pain matter?

I raised my eyes to look at my mother; she was gazing at me deeply, her eyes filled with a knowing smile

My mother looked at me helplessly, but spoke to Aunt Yang: "Jincen, you are right. Huaisu Qiongzi has a jade-like quality that cannot be concealed, and if she were to further adorn herself, it would likely attract even more troubles. It is better to let it be."

I struggled to turn my heavy head, revealing a dazzling smile amidst the chaotic array of jewelry and ornaments made of gold, silver, and colorful beads that nearly obscured my small face.

In the bronze mirror, the expression and posture of the mother on the slanted chair are faintly reflected. Her hair is loosely tied up, her makeup is light, and she is as beautiful as snow, even more proud than snow. A smile, fleeting like a night-blooming cereus, blossoms on her jade-like skin and cherry-red lips, making the room seem to brighten for a moment. However, there is always a sense of tragic beauty in her expression, as if it is a vibrant bloom that is about to wither in an instant.

Uncle stood in the dim light of the setting sun, dressed in fine garments and adorned with a black hairpin and emerald accessories. His tall and handsome figure exuded an air of superiority over all things. He flicked his sleeves, decisively as if shaking off a fragment of the fading sunlight: "Within three days, oh no, tomorrow, just tomorrow, you are responsible for transforming Rui Garden to be just like this place. Failure to do so will be treated as a violation of military orders, and you shall be executed"

Aunt Yang slightly bowed her head, her smile tinged with a hint of concern: "Madam is joking; there is indeed a reason behind it."

In the next moment, the efficient and aloof Uncle Liu Cheng seemed to descend from the heavens, appearing before my eyes

Two days later, I could no longer ignore my mother's subtle hints about keeping promises, so I obediently groomed myself and prepared to visit the main residence to pay my respects

After a pause, he slowly turned his head and said: "Wuxu, I cannot help you fight for the happiness that rightfully belongs to you, but I hope to do my best to secure more for your daughter"

Uncle Liu Cheng always follows behind my uncle like a ghost. You may not see him, but as soon as my uncle calls, he can appear instantly, always responding without fail. I often have the illusion that even if my uncle stands alone in a room, with just a wave of his hand, Uncle Liu would immediately emerge from the ground.

Aunt Yang carefully combed my hair with an inlaid horn comb, using the bat-shaped bronze mirror to look at me from left to right, her gaze filled with admiration: "Madam, the young lady is naturally beautiful, her complexion radiant like a flower reflected in water. Although she has not yet fully matured, if I may speak boldly, based on my decades of experience in observing people, I fear she will surpass you in beauty in the future."

She momentarily lost her train of thought and suddenly said softly: "Boasting with arrogance, yet my nature is ultimately flawed. Although I will live my life this way, this child still has a long journey ahead. If I am no longer here in the future... it would be better for her not to follow my path, but to lead a more ordinary life."

The air suddenly fell silent, and I quietly raised my eyes to look at my mother. She did not cry as I had imagined; instead, she stared blankly in that direction, remaining silent for a long time

The Cangya Cottage is located at the southeast corner of the Marquis's residence, serene and tranquil. This is naturally a deliberate arrangement by my uncle, as my mother is famously fond of peace and quiet. To get from the Cangya Cottage to the main residence, one must pass through the Cuiwei Hall, the Listening Wind Pavilion, and the Rui Garden. My uncle has fought bravely for many years, earning great martial prowess, and he does not appreciate the extravagant and delicate style of the southern people. Consequently, the architecture of the Marquis's residence is mostly grand and spacious, dignified and solemn, with wide pathways and numerous guards, ensuring safety without concern.

I was startled by the plain yet menacing aura emanating from the character of the executioner. I stared blankly at the unfortunate Uncle Liu, who was following the direction of his finger to look at our dreadful "garden." Remarkably, he displayed no surprise or fear whatsoever, maintaining that eternally unchanged expression: "I shall obey your orders."

I stood in astonishment in front of the Ruiyuan of the noble family renowned for its "luxurious splendor and exquisite flowers and plants," completely unaware that I had dropped the handkerchief I was using to wipe my sweat. This, this, this... Uncle Liu's execution of the orders is just too thorough, isn't it

My mother originally said to let the maid Han Bi accompany me, but I firmly refused. I still want to see what the Ru Garden, which my uncle promised to renovate, looks like. If it truly becomes a garden of a different estate, how could I not roll around in it to do justice to those rare flowers and exotic plants?

Hearing my mother's voice, which was indifferent: "I naturally know what she is worried about; she fears that the esteemed son of the marquis's residence is getting too close to us, an unknown woman of humble origins, thus bringing disgrace to the noble lineage of the Mu family"

Aunt Yang's eyes flickered, and she spoke gently: "Madam, you jest. Your noble status and the young lady's extraordinary background ensure a life of wealth and honor, with blessings and longevity. How can our humble lives, as mere mortals, compare to those of you, Madam and the young lady?"

The night breeze gently rises, and a cool sigh resonates in the wind. I hear my mother's voice, both near and distant: "Huaisu, promise me, in this life, you must live bravely for yourself."

I pouted my lips. My uncle's four sons, Chun, Sheng, Ang, and Xin, have always regarded me as a little girl. Whenever we meet, Chun always pretends to be an adult and pats my head, so how could he think of me? Ang is not at home, and I have no idea when he will return from his studies. This guy, who looks very much like Xin, has been bold and reckless since childhood, always fond of wielding weapons. When he was seven, he found a master on the street and ran off with him, only sending a message back after he had left. My uncle personally went to see him and returned without saying much. Ang is not at home, and I have no idea when he will return from his studies. This guy, who looks very much like Xin, has been bold and reckless since childhood, always fond of wielding weapons. When he was seven, he found a master on the street and ran off with him, only sending a message back after he had left. My uncle personally went to see him and returned without saying much. As for Sheng, it is indeed possible that he thinks of me, but it is absolutely unacceptable for my uncle to deceive me into believing that Xin thinks of me. What a joke! If he truly thought of me, the crickets in the world would stop chirping.

I turned my face in a bit of a panic, listening to my uncle say that my mother is a renowned talented woman, exceptionally clever and wise, unmatched by anyone. Naturally, my childish tricks would be seen through by her. Alas, poor me with my tender neck

In the gentle evening breeze, my mother’s ice silk sleeves flutter, the white ribbons dance with the wind, delicate and fragile as if they wish to take flight