Jiang Xingzhou watched Feng Yi teach her classes all day with great interest.
When school let out, the two walked leisurely toward Feng Yi’s residence. He deliberately slowed his pace to match hers, as if she were walking on stilts, fearing she might twist her ankle.
A faint, polite smile lingered on his lips—courteous and refined, yet distant and aloof.
The sudden appearance of such an imposing and distinguished figure in this quiet little town drew countless glances from passersby, yet none dared step forward to speak to him.
At the end of the street, Lazy Zhang, a man who cared only about selling his own daughter, had drunk a good amount of rice wine. His beady eyes lit up like someone spotting gold, and he shuffled over, grinning to reveal a row of crooked, yellowed teeth. Teacher Feng, who might this young gentleman be?
A stench of alcohol mixed with the reek of rotting food drifted over. Feng Yi frowned and stepped between Jiang Xingzhou and the man, blocking him from view. Holding her breath, she replied, This is my cousin. What can we do for you, Uncle Zhang?
Is your cousin already married? Lazy Zhang tried to sound cultured, adopting the formal speech he had heard in operas.
Ni’er, who had come looking for her father, also pricked up her ears from beneath the pomelo tree at the street corner. If she was going to be sold, better to follow this godlike young man than end up as a concubine for sixty-year-old Master Wang in the county seat.
He is indeed married, Feng Yi said quickly, nearly gasping for breath. His wife comes from a noble family, is unmatched in beauty, and has a fiery, bold temper.
Hearing this, a flicker of amusement crossed Jiang Xingzhou’s eyes. He watched her make up stories with calm enjoyment.
Well now! Lazy Zhang slapped his thigh in exaggerated dismay. Such a fine-looking gentleman, yet tied to a shrew—what a pity! You know, Teacher Feng, my youngest daughter Ni’er is as gentle as can be. Why not—
Feng Yi could barely breathe anymore. Just then, Jiang Xingzhou gently pulled her behind him, and the crisp scent of cedar instantly wrapped around her, allowing her to finally catch her breath.
He held his breath against the foul air and spoke coolly, Thank you for your kind offer, good sir. My wife is virtuous and devoted; having her alone is more than enough.
Qingfeng, who was leading the donkey, sensed his master’s displeasure. He pushed the thumb catch of his scabbard open an inch, revealing the cold glint of steel. Lazy Zhang sobered up more than half at once, swallowing the words he had been about to say—that a real man ought to have three wives and four concubines. His legs shook uncontrollably as he stammered, I have eyes but no vision, sir. Spare me, spare me…
Get out! Qingfeng ordered sharply.
Lazy Zhang scurried away, dragging Ni’er with him. Once at a safe distance, he spoke loudly enough for them to hear, Don’t blame your old father. It’s just that the gentleman has no interest in you. Being a concubine to Master Wang still means you’ll eat well and live comfortably.
Feng Yi turned her head and teased, The Marquis truly does have boundless charm.
Oh? Jiang Xingzhou lowered his gaze, his eyes locking onto hers. Are you jealous?
Of course not, she replied, avoiding his gaze, though a faint twinge of sourness crept quietly through her heart.
Whether you are or not, I suppose I shall have to find out for myself.
Before the words had even finished leaving his mouth, he pulled her into a narrow, shaded alleyway and pressed her gently against the old brick wall. He leaned down to silence her gasp with a kiss—not rough or hurried like the night before, but tender and deliberate. He brushed slowly against her lips, tracing the soft curve, and only when she relaxed did he gently part them, deepening the kiss with lingering affection.
Spring breezes drifted through the lane, and paulownia blossoms swirled and fell around them. Qingfeng stood with his back turned at the alley entrance, counting falling petals, while the donkey nibbled at the weeds growing along the base of the wall.
Eventually, when all the grass at the corner had been grazed bare and the donkey let out a disgruntled bray, and by the time the eighteenth blossom had drifted to the ground, Jiang Xingzhou finally stepped out, his arm wrapped around Feng Yi, whose cheeks were flushed bright red. He walked with a bright, satisfied smile, while she kept her head slightly lowered, too shy to speak.
That night naturally brought another long, passionate embrace.
Jiang Xingzhou held the exhausted Feng Yi in his arms, gazing with adoration at her sleeping face—never seeming to look long enough. His hand moved unconsciously to brush over her cheek; the rough texture of his skin made her stir slightly in her sleep. She twisted away from the sensation, then unconsciously snuggled deeper into his embrace, searching for a more comfortable position.
His heart softened completely. He tightened his arms, drawing her closer against himself, their bodies fully joined. When he felt her shift to pull back, he stroked her back gently, whispering in a low, husky voice, Don’t move. Be good. You just sleep, and I’ll withdraw in a little while.
So soft, so obedient.
Give me one reason… one reason to forgive you.
The next morning, Feng Yi accepted the bowl of herbal broth from He Yun with a calm expression and drank it down in one go.
Are you still taking medicine today? Jiang Xingzhou frowned. What sort of quack doctor is this He Yun? For a mere slight discomfort, she prescribes two days of treatment.
Hearing the mockery in his tone, He Yun bit back her rising temper. How dare he question her medical skill? Her father was the most famous physician in Chengdu Prefecture, and she herself had surpassed his abilities. If only she had been born a son, and if not for what had happened in the past, her name would already be known throughout the southwest.
Still, he was a man of great power and status, so she held her tongue. Taking a deep breath, she replied, To answer Your Lordship, this treatment requires a full five-day course.
In three days, this man who had taken advantage of her Qingyang would surely be gone, she thought. This contraceptive decoction harmed the body, and it pained her to see her friend drink it.
After eating what might have been considered either breakfast or lunch, Feng Yi took Jiang Xingzhou out of town to Emerald Pool.
At his request, she had changed into women’s clothing and wore a veil for the journey.
In truth, her wardrobe held many fine women’s garments. At the turn of every season, He Yun stubbornly insisted on adding new pieces, even though Feng Yi could only try them on in front of the mirror alone, late at night when no one else was awake.
With no jewelry to adorn her, she simply tied her hair back with plain silk ribbons, giving her a look of quiet elegance and refined simplicity.
The mountain path was rough and uneven, so they left the horse tethered at the foot of the slope. They followed the stream upward, and once they were deeper in the woods, Feng Yi lifted her veil. The mountain wind swept past, fluttering her ribbons and strands of hair. Jiang Xingzhou walked just behind her, instinctively reaching out to let her dark locks brush lightly through his fingers.
The estate had recently received many rolls of rare, fine silk in the latest patterns, he thought to himself. When they returned, he would have all of them brought to her to make new dresses. And from the storehouse, he would select the finest gemstones and pearls to craft her a full set of hair ornaments.
Feng Yi turned back when she realized he had fallen behind. Standing on higher ground, she called out, What is it?
Jiang Xingzhou looked out over the endless rolling mountains and smiled. I was just wondering—now that you’ve led me deep into these remote hills, what do you intend to do with me?
What do I intend? She gave him a sly, mischievous smile, then leaned forward and lifted his chin with one finger. Why, naturally… kill you and leave your body to rot in the wilderness.
She leaned even closer. Are you afraid?
Terrified, utterly terrified. Jiang Xingzhou caught her hand in his and stepped up onto the ledge beside her. Leaning down, he whispered against her ear, Spare my life, lady! I have no special talents, but I am excellent at making beds and warming blankets—and I am especially good at working hard.
He emphasized the last words deliberately, giving them a double meaning.
I promise to make you feel completely comfortable and satisfied. If you truly must kill me… he added with a wicked grin, why not take your pleasure first, then kill me afterward?
Jiang Linyuan!
Her face flushed instantly, whether from exertion or embarrassment, turning a soft, tempting pink like a ripe peach.
Jiang Xingzhou ran his tongue over his dry lips, his Adam’s apple bobbing. The sight of her beauty seared itself into his eyes, making his entire body tense with longing.
In this secluded place, far from anyone, there would be a certain wild excitement to it. But today he had brought his guards, and this woman was far too shy. Very well, he told himself. I shall endure the discomfort and wait.
He pinched her dimpled cheek lightly between two fingers, squeezing gently until her rounded cheeks puffed out, then quickly pressed a soft kiss to her pursed lips. Didn’t you say you were going to show me a view beyond compare? Come then.
They had not walked much farther before Feng Yi grew tired. She found a flat stone to sit on and, without asking, pulled the folding fan from his belt and fanned herself vigorously.
So delicate, Jiang Xingzhou commented, crossing his arms and watching her with an amused expression.
This is all your fault, she muttered. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have so little strength… Her voice trailed off when she saw his self-satisfied smile.
Jiang Xingzhou turned his back to her and crouched down slightly. Climb on.
Even as she said, This doesn’t seem right, she wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders and settled onto his back.
The trouble he created was only right that he should be the one to make amends.
You feel much lighter than before, he noted, a faint note of concern creeping into his voice that he didn’t even recognize himself.
Not at all, I’ve always been this weight, Feng Yi replied, one arm circling his neck while she fanned air toward him with the other hand.
You have definitely lost weight, Jiang Xingzhou insisted firmly. Before, I could barely wrap one hand around your waist. Now, I can almost hold it completely.
She fell silent and rolled her eyes discreetly.
When she first arrived in this world, everyone spoke of Jiang Xingzhou, Heir to the Marquis of Jing’an, as one of the most elegant and accomplished gentlemen in the capital. Pure as moonlight, refined as an orchid, warm and smooth as polished jade, and upright and noble as bamboo—skilled in both letters and arms, he seemed almost like an immortal descended to earth.
When she first laid eyes on him, she had believed every word.
There in the bamboo grove beneath the moon, the man in white ran his slender fingers gently over the strings of his guqin, the lingering notes echoing through the air. His features were sharp and clear, his nose straight and fine, his lips pressed into a soft, serious line. Even the night breeze seemed captivated, lifting the hem of his robes and his hair, making him look both real and like a dream.
Feng Yi stared in awe, silently scolding herself. Look at what you’ve done! How could you have written such a breathtaking man into a mad, ruthless character? Now you’ve fallen right into your own story, and haven’t even had time to spend the royalties you worked so hard to earn.
She crouched down, burying her face in her knees, curling herself into a ball as she frantically tried to think of a way out.
What are you thinking about? I’ve called you several times with no reply. Jiang Xingzhou adjusted his grip and lifted her higher onto his back.
Nothing, she shook her head, then asked softly. Are you tired? Do you want to put me down?
You weigh next to nothing.
He laughed, then deliberately took a long, bounding step forward. Feng Yi gasped in fright, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. His rich, hearty laugh startled a flock of birds into flight from the trees.
Feng Yi rested her cheek against his shoulder, breathing in his scent almost greedily.
She admitted it to herself—she loved Jiang Xingzhou. Even after all the heartache and pain, she still loved him. Loved his face, his body, the very air around him.
So she pushed away the unhappy memories, allowing herself to sink into this brief moment of tenderness. After all, once they parted this time, there would likely be no chance of meeting again.
She would treat this as a way to make up for the hurried, hasty farewell three years ago—a proper goodbye.
She thought Jiang Xingzhou probably felt the same. He resented her, even hated her, yet here he was, teasing and laughing so easily.
Today, she would find a quiet moment to speak openly with him. Both of them deserved to let go of the past and finally set each other free.
The sound of rushing water grew louder—not the gentle murmur of a stream anymore, but the thunderous roar of a waterfall. Just around the bend ahead lay Emerald Pool, where the water fell like a silver river from the cliffs and pooled into deep, clear blue waters.
Will three days be enough time for you to say your goodbyes to everyone in town?
When will you return to the capital? I would like to see you off.
Their voices rang out together as they approached the turn.