“I never said that—you did.” Ming Zhaohuan set down his bigou, untied his belt, and turned toward the bathhouse.
Ming Zhouqing snorted and left his courtyard with his hands clasped behind his back.
The next day, Madam Yuan came to see Yuan Yuhe first thing in the morning.
Upon seeing her, Yuan Yuhe hesitated briefly before asking, “Does Wan’er have feelings for Zhouqing?”
Madam Yuan waved her hand dismissively. “Wan’er has no interest in Zhouqing, but she has taken a liking to Zhaohuan.”
Yuan Yuhe’s initial delight faded into a sigh. “That won’t do.”
“Why not?” Madam Yuan noticed her lowered spirits but sensed it wasn’t about her daughter being unworthy of her eldest nephew.
“Marrying within relatives carries risks,” Yuan Yuhe sighed again and relayed what her second son had told her the previous day.
“If they truly give birth to a deformed child, would you raise it or not? Not raising it would be heartbreaking—after all, it’s your own grandchild.”
Madam Yuan fell silent for a long while. “Very well, let’s drop the matter then. We’ll just consider this a family visit.”
“I’ll tell Wan’er that Zhaohuan isn’t interested in her. She can be quite stubborn, and I don’t want her pining for him after hearing this.”
Yuan Yuhe nodded. “Agreed.”
…
Shi Jianli paid respects to the elderly madam every fortnight, so after classes today, she brought Lanxing along to the Hall of Fortune and Longevity.
They walked alongside Ming Yuelin, Ming Yuesi, and Yuan Wan, though Yuan Wan appeared somewhat distracted.
“Cousin!”
“Hmm?” Yuan Wan snapped back to attention. “What is it?”
“What were you thinking about? I called you several times but you didn’t respond,” Ming Yuelin complained lightly.
Shi Jianli glanced over while toying with a Qionghua bracelet around her wrist. Remembering something, she lowered her gaze slightly, her long lashes veiling the expression in her eyes.
“Nothing,” Yuan Wan shook her head, unwilling to elaborate.
Upon arriving at the Hall of Fortune and Longevity, the four young women were welcomed inside and exchanged greetings.
“Respectful greetings, Madam. It’s been too long since I last visited. You look well—has something delightful occurred recently?” Shi Jianli performed the junior’s bow before signaling Lanxing to bring forward what she was carrying.
The elderly madam chuckled and took her hand. “Having no troubles is delight enough, isn’t it? You know it’s been ages since you visited this old woman—why not come more often?”
“I fear visiting too frequently would make you tire of me. Coming occasionally keeps me in your thoughts,” Shi Jianli presented a forehead ribbon with both hands, smiling sweetly. “The spring winds are chilly at dawn and dusk, so I embroidered this for you. The pattern is simple—just pine trees and peonies—wishing you health, longevity, and everlasting joy in prosperity.”
“You clever girl, scheming like that,” the madam accepted it with a broader smile. “You’re exceptionally thoughtful and filial, and so skilled with your hands. This embroidery is exquisite—the stitches are fine and vivid.”
“I’m glad you like it, Madam.” After this display of charm, Shi Jianli tactfully took a seat further down the hall.
Accepting the tea offered by a maid, she sipped slowly while listening to the harmonious chatter among the family members, occasionally contributing a word or two.
Yuan Wan also answered the madam’s inquiries, sharing amusing anecdotes from Runan.
The relatively quiet Ming Yuesi responded from time to time as well.
When the madam insisted they stay for lunch, Shi Jianli departed after the meal for her afternoon nap. Upon waking, she brought Lanxing and Xianyue to inspect her shop.
After reviewing the inventory and warehouse, Shi Jianli emerged from her fabric shop and encountered Xie Xuezhi, whom she had met previously at a flower appreciation banquet.
Xie Xuezhi looked slightly surprised to see her and approached, saying, “Miss Shi, what a coincidence to meet you again.”
“Indeed it is.”
“Do you have time to stroll outside today?” Xie Xuezhi asked with a smile.
“I just finished my studies. Sitting for too long felt stifling, so I came out for some fresh air,” Shi Jianli replied evenly, meeting her gaze. “I’ve grown tired from walking and plan to return now. Farewell, Fourth Miss Xie.”
“Very well.” Xie Xuezhi nodded, her smile fading as she watched Shi Jianli turn away.
Xie Xuezhi led her maid to a nearby tavern, ascending to a private room on the second floor. A servant opened the door upon seeing her.
Entering the room, Xie Xuezhi spotted a figure standing by the window and tightened her fists slightly. “Elder Brother.”
Xie Weisong turned to face her, a smile playing on his lips. “The one you were speaking with just now—was that the cousin from Anguo Gong Manor?”
Xie Xuezhi sat at the table and poured herself a cup of tea. “Yes, she’s an exceptionally beautiful woman with a pleasant temperament. Do you know her, Elder Brother?”
“I saw her once in front of Kunyi Long Princess Residence.” Xie Weisong clasped his hands behind his back. “Aren’t you happy that I brought you out for some fun?”
Xie Xuezhi looked up at him and forced a smile. “Of course I am. I’m just a bit tired from all the walking.”
“That’s good then.”
…
After parting ways with Xie Xuezhi, Shi Jianli wandered a bit longer before returning home, where she took out the “Golden Stone Book” to read again.
In the guest quarters of Dongfu, Yuan Wan entered the courtyard looking for Madam Yuan and waited until she returned.
She hurried forward. “Mother, what did Aunt say?”
Madam Yuan shook her head, observing her daughter’s expression before speaking gently, “Zhaohuan has no such intentions toward you.”
Yuan Wan pressed her lips together, her expression instantly dimming as her eyes reddened.
Madam Yuan patted her head. “Let this matter rest here, alright?”
After a moment, Yuan Wan nodded, though she remained reluctant to give up completely.
At dawn, Shi Jianli changed into her jade riding outfit and headed to the Family School. On the way, she encountered Ming Zhaohuan as usual, dressed in his scarlet official robe with the hidden tiger emblem on his chest.
“Elder Cousin.”
Their morning meetings had become an unspoken agreement.
Each time, Shi Jianli couldn’t help but marvel inwardly—when he appeared from around the flower-laden corner, it was as if he emerged from the vibrant spring itself, stirring ripples in her heart.
It was simply because this cousin possessed extraordinary grace and presence.
Ming Zhaohuan’s gaze settled on her with a gentle smile. He paused briefly. “Archery practice today?”
He was somewhat aware of his younger cousins’ schedule at the Family School.
“Yes.”
He leaned slightly forward, looking into her eyes. “I presume you won’t be hiding your skills today?”
His bright, perceptive eyes seemed tinged with the morning’s frost—slightly cool, yet showing a flicker of surprise at his proximity, like tranquil waters disturbed by ripples.
Shi Jianli blinked and shook her head.
He clearly hadn’t believed her casual excuse from last time.
Ming Zhaohuan chuckled softly before straightening up and walking away.
Watching his retreating figure, Shi Jianli pressed her lips together and continued toward the Family School.
When selecting a bow, she chose one half a pound heavier than last time. Today’s practice involved double shot arrows—releasing two arrows with a single draw.
Drawing the bow and nocking the arrow, she gathered strength and took aim. The paired arrows flew simultaneously into the target—one striking the bullseye, the other landing at the edge. If compared to the human body, it would be like one arrow piercing the collarbone and another embedding in the shoulder blade.
When she released her fingers for the second volley, the twin arrows again struck the target, while another arrow brushed past their fletchings.
Noticing someone watching her from nearby, Shi Jianli turned her head and met the other’s unwavering gaze. After a moment of silence, she remarked mildly, “Cousin Yuan Er, your shot went wide.”