She stared blankly at the newly arrived man.
Yan Chiyun had returned too early. Jing Chun looked at the face before her—still not fully adorned with cosmetics, fair and delicate.
Fearing she might show herself as before, Jing Chun quickly raised her voice, saying, "Miss, you mustn't move, or your makeup will smudge."
Not only did she say this, but she even positioned herself in front of Pu Jinyu, worried she might ignore the warning and turn around directly.
And these words were "coincidentally" heard by the man entering the room. He instinctively glanced in their direction.
All he saw was the straight-backed figure of a young woman sitting properly before the dressing table. She must have just risen, not yet changed her clothes, and had gone straight to applying her makeup after washing.
Having lived under the same roof for over three years, Yan Chiyun was no longer surprised by the Pu family's "love of beauty." After all, she even applied powder and drew her eyebrows before sleeping at night, so he harbored no suspicion.
The bronze mirror was not very large, and Yan Chiyun was quite tall. From his vantage point, he could only glimpse the woman's delicate chin and full lips reflected in the mirror.
"Husband, good morning," Pu Jinyu greeted him without rising, her voice carrying the proper courtesy.
Yan Chiyun recalled her rare initiative on the bed a few days earlier and paused slightly before responding with a nod and a quiet "Hmm." He then proceeded to the bathing chamber.
He had been handling a case yesterday and had barely slept all night. Originally, he had intended to bathe at the official compound, but the conditions in the Zhenfusi's bathing room were truly dreadful—even the bathtub was broken. So, he had simply spurred his horse and hurried back home.
After Yan Chiyun left, Jing Chun swiftly applied Pu Jinyu's makeup, finishing her cosmetics and styling her hair before he emerged from the bath.
Today, Yan Mingshu was returning to the bride's family home with her husband. As the mistress of the Yan Family, Pu Jinyu could not afford any missteps in her words or actions.
Jing Chun selected a water-pink dress for her, paired with a misty blue silk shawl. The combination enhanced her complexion without being overly conspicuous.
Lord Pu had been famous in Jingcheng in his youth for his handsome appearance, and Madam Pu's beauty went without saying. The child born from their union, Pu Wange, had been stunningly beautiful since childhood and was crowned the number one beauty of Jingcheng even before her coming-of-age ceremony.
But only those who had seen Pu Jinyu truly understood what beauty meant.
Her appearance was not merely stunning; it was enough to make all other beauties pale in comparison, compelling one's gaze to linger on her, unwilling to look away.
Every time Jing Chun applied her cosmetics, she had to use extra rouge to conceal Pu Jinyu's ethereal beauty before beginning to mimic Pu Wange's features.
Now, she was still beautiful, but much more restrained, possessing only the ordinary elegance and dignified grace.
By the time Yan Chiyun emerged, Pu Jinyu was already waiting. His gaze fell upon her perfectly adorned face.
The Pu woman before him did not, as usual, lower her eyes after greeting him. Instead, she looked at him with an intensity beyond the ordinary, even somewhat directly.
He found himself unable to look away, and they simply stared at each other.
Until the maid Jing Chun beside them coughed lightly, reminding them that the time was almost up and they should head over.
Only then did Yan Chiyun avert his gaze and walk out, with Pu Jinyu following by his side.
Watching their perfectly matched retreating figures, Jing Chun's worries resurfaced.
How could Third Miss have stared at the master so directly just now? Wasn't she afraid he might notice something amiss? But now, with Nanny Wu absent, there was no one to remind or restrain her.
Moreover, thinking of Nanny Wu's scratched face and inexplicably hoarse voice, Jing Chun felt somewhat hesitant about wanting to inform Madam Pu of the news.
If she really spoke up, would she end up like Nanny Wu?
Although Nanny Wu's sudden illness seemed unrelated to Third Miss, it had come too abruptly, and right after she had delivered the Pear Soup. Jing Chun couldn't help but make the connection.
Soon, they arrived at the main hall of the Pu Family.
Today, Yan Mingshu was Returning to the bride's family home. Not only were most of the members of the main branch present, but even the other branches of the Pu Family had sent representatives. After Pu Jinyu and Yan Chiyun entered the hall, they separated to entertain the guests, chatting with their uncles and aunts.
At the same time, she had to double-check that the preparations made by the servants were free of any mistakes.
The Yan Family ranked among the prominent households of Jingcheng, with illustrious ancestors who had earned great merit and were honored in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. General Yan also held a noble title. As the legitimate daughter, Yan Mingshu's marriage partner was naturally outstanding as well—a legitimate son from another prestigious noble family in Jingcheng.
The interactions between the two families could not afford the slightest mishap, lest they bring shame to the Yan Family or give the impression of negligence to the other side.
In this lifetime, although she no longer wished to endure such situations and planned to break free for revenge, now was not yet the time to openly clash and sever ties.
Pu Jinyu moved gracefully among her sisters-in-law, just as she always did. Seeing this, Jing Chun, who was by her side, felt slightly reassured. Perhaps nothing would go wrong.
Soon, Yan Mingshu arrived with her husband to Return to the bride's family home, paying respects to the elders, offering tea, and greeting everyone.
The already lively main hall grew even more bustling. After breakfast, the crowd still showed no signs of dispersing.
Pu Jinyu stayed by Madam Yan's side. When someone spoke to her, she would respond briefly, but for the most part, she listened quietly, rarely taking the initiative to interject.
Everyone was teasing Yan Mingshu and her husband, urging them to start a family soon after marriage so the household could become livelier.
When the topic of children came up, it was inevitable that some would glance toward Pu Jinyu. She, however, remained composed and unembarrassed.
Yan Mingshu blushed and said, "Uncles and aunts, please don't just pressure us. Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law, as well as the younger siblings, should all be urged equally."
The crowd laughed heartily. "That's true."
The one who spoke was the wife of the second branch of the Pu Family. She turned to Pu Jinyu nearby and Yan Chiyun, who stood beside General Yan, and asked if they had heard.
"As the elder brother and sister-in-law, you two must set an example early! Put in more effort in your daily lives to bring children and grandchildren to the family."
Yan Chiyun's gaze swept toward Pu Jinyu beside him, and together they responded, agreeing with a simple "yes."
"Don't just agree with your words and not take it to heart. Wange, what do you think?"
Pu Jinyu looked up, her heart utterly calm, yet she smiled as usual and said, "Your daughter-in-law will certainly heed your advice and put in more effort."
Hearing this, Yan Chiyun couldn't help but recall her unusual behavior a few days earlier. So she really was putting in more effort. It seemed Pu Jinyu was also anxious to have children.
"Brother Yun must also remember this! Don't leave your wife alone in an empty room all the time. No matter how busy your official duties are, don't neglect family matters. Otherwise, what's the use of achieving great success in your career? Look at your cousins in the family—who among them doesn't have children to bring joy to their knees? Only you two are lacking."
This time, Pu Jinyu caught the underlying implication and smiled without responding.
Not only did she and Yan Chiyun remain silent, but even the smile on Madam Yan's face faded slightly. After all, this sister-in-law from the second branch was ostensibly urging them to have children, but her words carried a veiled sarcasm.
Before long, the conversation was steered away by other relatives.
Inside it was lively, and outside also grew bustling as a young maid announced that the Third Young Master had returned.
Today, the members of the Yan Family's main branch were nearly all present, with only Yan Huaixiao missing. Breakfast had already been served when he finally arrived late.
As soon as he entered, Madam Yan immediately pulled a long face. Seizing the moment, she feigned anger to vent the frustration she had suffered from the Second Branch's madam, asking him where he had been, whether he knew what day it was, and if he even remembered his Second Elder Sister.
Madam Yan emphasized the last sentence heavily. How could the Second Branch's madam fail to recognize that she was making veiled accusations? As she lifted her teacup, she subtly raised an eyebrow, hiding a sneer behind the cup.
Pu Jinyu naturally understood the undercurrents at play. In her previous life, she had long grown accustomed to the superficial harmony and covert mockery among the women of the Pu Family, and she was thoroughly weary of it, so she remained silent.
Yan Huaixiao had indeed been avoiding Madam Yan these past two days. Although the Imperial Examination was not yet upon them, it was approaching. He was preparing for the examination and planning to enter officialdom, aiming to make his mark in the court and fulfill his lofty ambitions after passing.
Thus, he had no desire to marry so early or discuss matters of romance, but Madam Yan would not let him off. As soon as he returned, she began nagging about marriage.
She argued that marriage would not hinder his preparations for the Imperial Examination at all. Yan Huaixiao had explained the pros and cons to her seriously several times, but she still insisted he marry, pressuring him to meet noble ladies from prominent families. She had even brought them home behind his back. To escape the noise, he had already moved out to live at the academy.
Today was his Second Elder Sister Yan Mingshu's return banquet, and with the aunts stirring the pot, he knew he would be singled out again. That was why he arrived late—just to snatch a moment of peace.
Nevertheless, he had prepared an excuse for his tardiness. "Mother, it was not my intention to be late. I had promised to meet a dear friend at the city gate today, an arrangement made even before Second Elder Sister's return. A gentleman must keep his word and cannot break a promise, which is why I was delayed."
Yan Huaixiao handed the prepared congratulatory gifts to Yan Mingshu and her husband, offering them blessings for a harmonious union and early children, and begged them not to take offense. Then, he shifted aside to introduce the man who had followed him in.
"Mother, this is my good friend Cheng Wenque, whom I befriended years ago in Lanling. He has now moved to Jingcheng and is a fellow student at my academy."
As soon as he finished speaking, the man in the blue robe stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and introduced himself to the Yan Family.
Pu Jinyu had initially only glanced casually, but her gaze froze.
Not only did he share the same surname, Cheng, but his appearance also bore some resemblance to her sworn brother. Yet she knew very well that he was not her sworn brother.
Her sworn brother had worked hard all year, his skin deeply tanned, and his build sturdy and tall. The man brought in by Yan Huaixiao was also tall, but fair-skinned, clearly a refined scholar.
Even so, her gaze remained somewhat dazed.
It had been a long time since she had seen an old acquaintance from the past, especially one who had been so very kind to her. Even a similar silhouette was enough to make her lose focus.
Yan Chiyun had little interest in the classmate his younger brother had brought back. After returning the courtesy, he withdrew his gaze, but as he turned back, he casually glanced to his right.
He actually saw his usually proper and etiquette-abiding wife, Pu Jinyu, somewhat absentmindedly gazing at the new male guest in the center of the main hall.
Pu Jinyu had always been dignified, never stepping out of line in anything she did, and knew exactly how to handle guests with appropriate propriety. Yet today, she was actually staring at a male guest in a daze, even failing to notice the gaze of her own rightful husband.
What was she thinking? Could it be that she knew this man, that they were old acquaintances? But Pu Jinyu was the legitimate daughter of a noble family—what connection could she possibly have with a man from Lanling, thousands of miles away?
A moment had already passed, and she was still looking.
Yan Chiyun’s brow furrowed slightly as he shifted his gaze back toward the man she was watching.
This Cheng Wenque was responding to the inquiries of the Yan Family elders, seemingly unaware of Pu Jinyu’s gaze.
Perhaps he had noticed but was pretending not to.
It was inappropriate to stare too intently at a guest, especially since he, as the head of the Yan Family, had every word and action scrutinized by others. Suppressing his doubts, Yan Chiyun withdrew his gaze.
However, as he retracted his gaze, it almost imperceptibly swept over the young lady on the right.
She had already averted her eyes, lowering them, no longer looking. Her expression was unreadable, and it was unclear what she was thinking.
Upon learning that Cheng Wenque had just arrived in Jingcheng and had yet to find a place to stay, Madam Yan immediately invited him to stay at the Yan Family residence. Her main concern was also to prevent Yan Huaixiao from finding excuses to go out again from time to time.
As long as his good friend stayed at the Yan Family residence, she wasn’t afraid he wouldn’t return. And as long as he returned, the matter of arranging a marriage with a noble young lady would be easier to handle.
Yan Huaixiao, of course, refused, saying he had already arranged a place for Cheng Wenque outside and there was no need to trouble the family. Moreover, with many female family members at home, it would be inconvenient for him to move around.
Madam Yan insisted that the family had many courtyards and ample space, so it wouldn’t cause any trouble. She made the decision outright, instructing Cheng Wenque to stay at the Yan Family residence.
"Wange, you take care of this matter. Don’t let Brother Xiao’s good friend feel slighted."
Pu Jinyu nodded. "Yes."
Yan Huaixiao couldn’t help but inwardly groan. What kind of situation was this? He had only wanted to escape the noise for half a day and dragged Cheng Wenque over. Who knew he’d end up shooting himself in the foot? It was utterly frustrating.
With all the elders present, he couldn’t put Cheng Wenque in an awkward position, so he didn’t argue with Madam Yan, planning to discuss it later.
Cheng Wenque graciously accepted, thanking Madam Yan and Pu Jinyu. Meeting Pu Jinyu’s smiling face as she said it was no trouble, he paused briefly but quickly looked away.
This brief moment went unnoticed by others, but Yan Chiyun, who had been observing all along, naturally didn’t miss it.
Throughout the day, he kept a watchful eye but saw no interaction between Pu Jinyu and Cheng Wenque. Pu Jinyu’s gaze never again turned toward him as it had earlier.
After dinner, Yan Mingshu and her husband prepared to leave. They saw the two off first, then bid farewell to the other elders, everything proceeding in an orderly manner.
Yan Chiyun escorted Madam Yan and General Yan back, taking the opportunity to discuss official duties with General Yan.
They talked about the recent cases in Jingcheng and the situation between the Northern and Southern Pacification Offices.
Even though Yan Chiyun had a clear understanding and had long seen through the situation, General Yan couldn’t help but caution him, "That member of the Yu Family may seem unruly and perverse, but in reality, he is cautious and ruthless. You must be extra careful when dealing with him."
"I know, Father," Yan Chiyun reassured General Yan, saying he understood. He was well aware of the character of Yu Jue, who oversaw the Southern Pacification Office.
"Hmm."
General Yan said nothing more, letting him return.
When Yan Chiyun returned to the courtyard, candles were lit inside, and all was quiet.
Before entering the study, he casually asked, "Where is the young mistress?"
A young maid said Pu Jinyu had seen off the elders and gone to tidy the courtyard for the Third Young Master's guest.
Hearing this, Yan Chiyun paused briefly in his steps but ultimately said nothing, only giving a soft "Mm."
Madam Pu might indeed have known that man, perhaps as an old acquaintance. But that wasn’t strange—everyone has close friends and confidants, regardless of gender.
Today, Madam Pu had seemed lost in thought while looking at him. Perhaps… before her marriage, the two had shared some unknown connection, but that was all in the past.
Madam Pu had always been dignified and proper, gentle and obedient. Since marrying into the Yan Family, her conduct had never once strayed from the correct path.
Having shared a bed for three years, he believed her character was decent enough. Moreover, the alliance between their two families was no trivial matter—Madam Pu would never do anything improper for her own selfish reasons.
Besides, he was not a petty man who would dwell on vague, lingering glances and dig into such old matters from the past.
Yan Chiyun returned to the study to handle the official documents and dossiers brought by his subordinates, reviewing and annotating them.
Not long after, faint sounds of someone entering came from outside.
He looked up and, through the door and screen, caught sight of a figure in a watery, delicate color.
Madam Pu had returned.
Pu Jinyu had already learned from the young maid that Yan Chiyun had asked about her whereabouts, but she paid it no mind. Following routine, she instructed the maid to prepare a pot of eye-brightening soup for Yan Chiyun, then headed to the bathhouse first.
She intended to bathe alone without attendants, but Jing Chun insisted on accompanying her, disregarding Pu Jinyu’s cold glare and stubbornly following along.
After Pu Jinyu finished bathing, Jing Chun applied her makeup right there in the bathhouse.
"Applying makeup day in and day out—aren’t you tired of the trouble? Since you’re so skilled, why not just make me a mask? That way, we wouldn’t waste rouge, and perhaps you could even craft a proper face covering?"
Pu Jinyu spoke slowly, a faint smile on her lips, but Jing Chun felt she might be mocking again.
"Third Miss, you jest. If it were a mask worn all day, wouldn’t it be terribly uncomfortable?"
Pu Jinyu said, "Isn’t the way I am now just wearing a mask all day long?"
Jing Chun didn’t know how to respond and could only force an awkward laugh to change the subject. "The Liufangzhai outside has received a new batch of better rouge and powder. I’ve already sent someone to buy some. Would you like to see them when they arrive?"
Pu Jinyu didn’t reply, and Jing Chun reluctantly fell silent.
When Pu Jinyu emerged from the bathhouse, Yan Chiyun was still bent over his desk in the study, busy with official duties.
He had said earlier not to wait for him, so Pu Jinyu went straight to bed. As soon as she lay down, she reverted to her unruly sleeping posture.
Jing Chun tried to correct her, urging her to lie properly so no one would see.
Pu Jinyu knew that telling Jing Chun to leave would be futile, so she ignored her as usual, paying no attention at all.
Jing Chun grew so anxious she almost wanted to physically adjust Pu Jinyu into a proper sleeping position but didn’t dare.
She had planned to wait until Pu Jinyu fell asleep, then quietly fix her posture, but before Pu Jinyu drifted off, Yan Chiyun emerged from the study. Jing Chun had no choice but to withdraw.
Remembering that the end of the month had passed and the beginning of the new month had arrived—the time for their consummation—Jing Chun finally breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Yan Chiyun emerged from bathing, extinguished the candle as usual, and prepared to get into bed.
Tonight’s moonlight was exceptionally bright, streaming into the room through the wide-open window frame, unlike the usual darkness.
By the light of the moon, as he lifted the bed curtains,
he came face to face with a pair of moist, round, and clear eyes, hidden within the Thin Quilt, staring straight at him.