As for Liu Qingwan, she needed no introduction to recognize that person’s identity. She had more inside news than most. Her aunt had told her privately that the Shen family’s daughter had once caught the Empress’s eye, which was why the marriage between the Xiao and Shen families had been delayed again and again.
That day, Liu Qingwan wore a pale‑blue jacket over a white skirt patterned with curling grass. Her hair was styled in a graceful bun with side locks. After some time apart, she seemed even more delicate and refined. The tender willow had grown, now carrying a touch of fragile charm.
Her father, after being indirectly warned by the emperor, faced further pressure when three imperial officers were sent to Ningxia. He had to tread carefully, fearing a single misstep might cost him his head.
Two years later, only one of those officers remained, and the emperor had not punished him. In fact, he even acknowledged Master Liu’s achievements. The Liu family finally breathed easier.
The Li family’s wedding procession arrived neither early nor late. Though the groom was the *zhuangyuan* (top scholar) of the dynasty, the Xiao sons stood tall and imposing outside Xiao Jinyi’s bridal chamber, and none dared act out of turn.
The Li heir was of medium build, with the air of a gentleman—refined and jade‑like. Dressed in a crimson robe, with a golden belt and crown, he stood at the head of the procession. Though not as dazzling as Xiao Mo, he held his own among the noble youths.
Even Liu Qingwan, peeking through the window lattice, murmured: “Truly a fine young man.” But when she looked at the bride, radiant and adored, she felt she had lost only because of family background.
The Liu family had declined. Her father, though now General of Ningxia, had been tainted by his secret dealings with a prince. He was trapped, unable to move freely.
At sixteen, Liu Qingwan grew anxious. Two years ago, the Old Madam had asked her aunt to take her out to social gatherings—her intentions were clear. Yet Liu Qingwan was unwilling to resign herself. Her gaze drifted toward Xiao Mo, standing idly outside, her longing burning stronger.
For Xu Shuyao, this was her first time witnessing a wedding so closely.
Second Miss Xiao Jinyi’s features were usually plain, but with painted brows, powdered cheeks, and lips bright red, she carried the shy allure of a new bride, transformed into something captivating.
Before Xu Shuyao could look closely, the bridal veil fell, shielding her from view.
The bride was escorted to the main hall to bid farewell to her parents. Madam Chen, watching her daughter and son‑in‑law, spoke with the earnest admonitions of an elder. When they departed, she turned aside to wipe her tears.
Xu Shuyao stepped forward to comfort her, offering auspicious words. But Madam Chen, having just sent off her beloved daughter and with guests still to attend, urged Xu Shuyao to mingle with the other young ladies instead.
After the bustle, the house quieted. Some guests left after the banquet, while others strolled in the gardens.
Leaving her cousin’s courtyard, Xu Shuyao encountered Fourth Cousin’s servant, who said: “So here you are, Miss Xu! Our young master is looking for you.”
She immediately thought of her brother, absent from school that day.
“Where is Fourth Cousin?” she asked.
The servant pointed toward a pavilion not far away. It looked close, but the walk took some time.
Xiao Jinwen was at the foot of a small pine ridge in the northeast corner of the mansion. Beside it lay an artificial lake, with an arched bridge leading to a pavilion at its center. Bamboo and grass surrounded the waters, the breeze gentle, the scenery serene and pleasing.
But Fourth Cousin was not in the lakeside pavilion—he was in the one by the shore, along a winding path that led up to the hilltop.
Walking along, Xu Shuyao could clearly see the noble girls in the central pavilion, some admiring the scenery, others chatting idly. Voices drifted faintly from the hillside above, though she could not tell if they were male or female. She paid no mind. Though she seldom came here, she knew the way. She assumed Fourth Cousin wished to speak about her younger brother—over the past two years, Xiao Jinwen had often helped them in such matters.
At the spot the servant had pointed out, she found him indeed waiting.
Xu Shuyao’s forehead was damp with sweat from the walk. Seeing him, she hurried forward: “Fourth Cousin! Is it about my brother?”
Xiao Jinwen raised a hand, smiling gently, and pointed to the sweat on her brow: “Why so rushed?”
She flushed with embarrassment, but pressed on: “Please, Cousin, tell me quickly what you wished to say.”
“Don’t be anxious,” he replied, taking a silk‑wrapped bundle from his robe and handing it to her. “These are my study notes from recent years. Your brother forgot them when he left just now. I thought it would be the same if I entrusted them to you.”
Xu Shuyao accepted with both hands. The warmth of the youth lingered on the cloth, and she felt moved. “On behalf of my brother, I thank you, Cousin.”
She bowed gracefully.
Meanwhile, on the mountain path, Xiao Mo stood with hands clasped behind his back.
Shen Jingzhu, seeing him gaze silently downward, tried to approach: “What are you looking at?”
But before she could step closer, the heir turned and walked upward.
Shen Jingzhu, vexed, stamped her foot and followed: “What is wrong with you? I came all this way to see you, and you treat me like this?”
“Go back. Do not seek me again.” The young man in dark‑green robes turned, his expression utterly calm.
“Why?” The celebrated noblewoman of the capital lifted her chin stubbornly, her face tight with suppressed resentment.
Xiao Mo was about to reply when his eyes fixed on a spot nearby. He merely gestured behind him.
Only after Shen Jingzhu left did he say coldly: “Come out.”
From beneath the trees by the path, Liu Qingwan emerged trembling.
“Eldest Cousin! I didn’t mean to overhear, I…”
She had followed the noble girls, but while they went to feed koi at the lakeside pavilion, she feigned a stomachache and slipped away.
After living in the mansion for two or three years, she had learned ways to find the heir’s whereabouts. But by chance, she had stumbled upon a scene of a girl pursuing a boy. Even hidden, her heart throbbed with excitement. One thought filled her mind: *Eldest Cousin personally rejected Shen Jingzhu.*
In her thrill, she forgot her own position.
She lifted her eyes tentatively, only to meet his cold gaze. Those icy eyes made her heart shrink.
“Leave.” His voice was utterly indifferent, without the slightest gentleness.
Liu Qingwan had rarely spoken to him before. When they met, she only offered proper greetings, never sensing favor or dislike. But now, from that single word, she felt his strong aversion. Shame and humiliation flooded her. She held back desperately, but as she turned away, tears spilled uncontrollably.