At the Feng residence, beside a flowing stream, the wind rustled through a small bamboo grove, causing the stalks to sway gently and scattered leaves to dance in the air.
A clear, distant melody from the changxiao rose, captivating and elegant, filling the surroundings with a serene and refined atmosphere.
Yet, after just four or five breaths, the xiao’s song abruptly ceased. Xu Yue set down the Purple Bamboo Xiao, gasping for air in large, ragged breaths.
“Listening to the pure notes of the cave xiao, sleep eludes me; the bright moon shines upon the ancient Pine Temple.”
Feng Yi, his long hair unbound and dressed in blue robes, sat casually on the ground as he listened. He gazed at his young disciple with admiration, his heart filled with astonishment.
Truly remarkable, utterly remarkable.
Why had heaven bestowed every gift upon this child?
Even at such a tender age, his appearance was growing increasingly exquisite. His talent in the literary arts was exceptional—grasping ten concepts from one and possessing a photographic memory. To top it off, though his family were merely landowners, he was the legitimate eldest son, cherished like a pearl.
And now, having casually chosen to practice the changxiao, he took to it effortlessly. In just a few days, he could already play a short passage.
Feng Yi, who had always been rather narcissistic, found himself somewhat envious of this disciple.
Thus, just as Xu Yue was feeling the ache in his cheeks, he heard a sigh:
“What a pity. In the realm of music, I most adore playing the qin. As for the changxiao, I have little expertise and fear I may hinder your innate talent.”
“This Purple Bamboo Xiao was a gift from a friend at some point—it’s too large for you and unsuitable for a child just beginning to learn.”
Feng Yi spoke half in jest, half in earnest. This wasn’t false modesty; his skill with the xiao was truly only at a beginner’s level.
“It’s alright. I can ask my grandfather to buy me a smaller xiao. Since I’ve already chosen to learn the xiao, I won’t change my mind!”
The child, who resembled a jade-carved doll, pondered for a moment before speaking with determination.
In jest, the Changxiao Talent came with attribute bonuses, so of course, he had to maximize every bit of its potential.
Unaware of Xu Yue’s inner thoughts, the others admired his resolute spirit.
Aside from Xu Yue choosing the changxiao, Wen Xin had selected incense blending, claiming that Madam Wen was an expert in the art and that he himself had an interest in it.
He Shun was deeply fascinated by stargazing, while Xia Yu had chosen to learn the qin.
However, apart from Xu Yue, who seemed to have an unfair advantage, the other three were still in the early stages of learning. Naturally, Feng Yi did not expect them to perform.
As the sun climbed to its zenith, Feng Yi, who believed in balancing work and rest, glanced at the sky and was about to suggest they go inside to rest and enjoy some snacks when a servant arrived to announce:
“Sir, Madam has returned.”
The never-before-seen wife—Teacher Feng’s legendary, deeply beloved delicate wife—was finally about to appear?
What kind of beauty would she be?
Not only Xu Yue, but the other three also brightened with curiosity.
From what they had heard, rumors suggested that Teacher Feng had decided to stay temporarily in Danyang County precisely because of his wife.
This teacher’s wife had been staying at her maternal home for over a month—surely Teacher Feng must have missed her dearly.
That was what everyone thought.
Yet Xu Yue noticed that Teacher Feng’s expression remained calm, neither surprised nor joyful, as if the arrival was not his wife but someone of no consequence.
He nodded to the servant to acknowledge the message.
Then, with a light touch, he ushered out the disciples who had been staying for seven or eight days, sweeping them all out the door.
“I’ve kept you all for too long. Your families are likely worried. You may return home today.”
The expectant disciples: ……… Their disappointment was immense.
Hastily dismissed without even catching a glimpse of their teacher’s wife, Xu Yue leaned on his Purple Bamboo Xiao, still somewhat dazed as he sat in his family’s carriage.
What’s going on?
Inside the Feng residence.
Madam Feng, Ruyi, leaned against the moon gate, her pale and delicate face glistening with unshed tears, her fragile frame seeming too weak to bear the weight of her robes. Her gaze remained fixed on Feng Yi.
After a long while, she trembled almost imperceptibly, her voice trembling with emotion:
“Yizhi, I only wished to meet your disciples, to fulfill my duties as their elder… I wouldn’t, I wouldn’t do anything improper. Do you truly not trust me at all?”
Tears finally escaped, falling as if they could pierce straight through one’s heart.
Before Feng Yi lay a zither. After hearing her out, he casually plucked two strings, releasing a smooth and melodious tune. Madam Feng’s face involuntarily showed a look of intoxicated fascination.
The next moment, Feng Yi spoke leisurely:
“Why should I trust you?”
Madam Feng opened her mouth, about to reply—because I am your wife—when she saw Feng Yi rise with his zither in arms. Brushing his sleeves, he looked at the woman before him and remarked mockingly:
“They are all mere young children. As their teacher, how could I allow someone with improper intentions to meet them?”
Madam Feng staggered back as if struck by lightning, covering her face with her hands, her shoulders shaking:
“I… I’m not like that, Yizhi. Why can’t you believe in me one more time? I’ve already realized my mistakes… Please don’t treat me like this.”
The woman lifted her face, tears streaming down like a water lily battered by a fierce storm. Her voice, filled with sorrow and pleading, seemed capable of breaking anyone’s heart.
Yet the one she pleaded with showed no sign of being moved, coldly interrupting her:
“You’ve realized your mistakes? Which mistakes, exactly?”
“Let me think—was it the time you happened to meet Chu Juren, or when you and General Cheng called each other kindred spirits? Or perhaps it was when you sprained your ankle outside the temple and Zhao Shizi just happened to pass by and rescue the beauty?”
The more he spoke, the paler Madam Feng Ruyi’s face grew, her expression increasingly pitiable, tears continuously streaming down.
She shook her head desperately, as if in denial, yet could not utter a single word of rebuttal.
In her heart, she felt both humiliated and resentful.
Seeing her like this, Feng Yi also felt a wave of weariness. He let out a scornful laugh:
“There are a few others, but I won’t list them all. After all, they are no longer worthy of the present Ruyi—like your childhood sweetheart cousin, isn’t that right?”
He watched coldly as the woman before him seemed on the verge of fainting from his words.
But he knew she wouldn’t. This woman’s spirit was, in truth, exceptionally resilient.
At this thought, Feng Yi nearly laughed aloud.
Sure enough.
“Yizhi, those were all momentary lapses, but I never truly betrayed you. My heart has always belonged only to you!”Madam Feng gazed dreamily at her husband, her expression filled with profound affection, and declared firmly.
Their eyes met.
—Feng Yi tilted his head, bent over, and vomited.
Madam Feng: Her delicate, pitiable expression instantly shattered.
Wiping his mouth, Feng Yi raised an eyebrow:
“Apologies, it was too nauseating, and I couldn’t hold back. Actually, Ruyi, you haven’t done anything wrong…”
Madam Feng’s eyes lit up, only to hear him continue:
“Most men in this world are the same—they may love one in their hearts, yet upon seeing a beautiful, noble woman, they can’t help but desire to possess her.”
“It’s a primitive hunting instinct.”
“And while society demands unwavering loyalty from women, it does not impose the same standard on men. This is deeply unjust.”
“But…” Feng Yi’s expression turned frosty, and he asked with genuine puzzlement:
“Why is it reversed in our case, Ruyi? I truly wished to spend my entire life with you, just the two of us.”
Feng Yi’s expression carried a hint of desolation, as if recalling his youthful self uttering those words to cheer his despondent mother.
“But you didn’t want this, Ruyi. The fault lies with you, not me. I’ve done nothing wrong.”