She had accepted something from another man.
The young maid led Cheng Wenque to the pondside pavilion to wait. When Pu Jinyu arrived, she happened to see his handsome, carefree figure sitting upright.
Her gaze fixed on the man’s profile. He truly resembled her sworn brother, even though their complexions differed—their facial features and contours were about sixty to seventy percent similar.
Her sworn mother only had two children, with no other offspring scattered elsewhere. Perhaps it was just a coincidence. The world was vast, and those with similar appearances were as numerous as hairs on an ox—nothing unusual.
Before Pu Jinyu even entered the pavilion, Cheng Wenque had already noticed her gaze lingering on him.
In fact, it wasn’t just now. From the day he first arrived at the Yan Family to attend the return banquet, he had sensed the prolonged attention of the Yan Family’s Young Mistress on him.
Since childhood, he had been aware that his appearance was quite pleasing. Back in Lanling, many merchant daughters and official ladies had wanted to take him as a husband.
Over the years, this kind of gaze—staring so intently as to become lost in thought—was not the first time he had encountered it.
However… this Yan Family’s Young Mistress was a married woman. Perhaps because of this, the gaze she directed at him was much more restrained, not as fervent as those of the merchant daughters and official ladies, which made one feel intensely offended.
“Has Young Master Cheng been waiting long?” Pu Jinyu concealed her emotions, wearing her usual mask, and interacted with him with a smile, assuming the identity of Pu Wange.
She was also quite curious about what matter Yan Huaixiao’s old friend had come to see her for.
In her previous life, Cheng Wenque had also come to the Yan Family, and she had seen him. But she had always remembered that she was living in the Yan Family under her elder sister’s identity. Although she was surprised by his resemblance to her sworn brother, she hadn’t stared at him for so long. After a brief moment of astonishment, she quickly averted her gaze, afraid of being discovered.
Thus, she and Cheng Wenque had no further interactions, nor did he seek her out a few days later.
In this reborn life, although many things remained the same as in her previous life, quite a few had deviated from the past. For instance, she had dealt with that old wretch Nanny Wu and had beguiled Yan Chiyun.
Cheng Wenque stood up and bowed, saying he had only just arrived and hadn’t waited long.
She told him not to stand on ceremony and invited him to sit, then asked, “Is something missing from the courtyard or guest rooms? Or perhaps the servants have been inadequate in their service?”
Out of the corner of her eye, Pu Jinyu had already glimpsed the items Cheng Wenque had placed nearby. She didn’t inquire about them, pretending not to see.
As she looked at the man’s face across from her, she recalled the days in the countryside when her sworn brother often sat opposite her.
Noticing the young lady’s gaze, Cheng Wenque steadied his mind and said it was not the case—the courtyard and guest rooms were fully equipped, and the servants were very attentive.
“Then what exactly has brought Young Master Cheng here?” Pu Jinyu picked up a cup of tea and took a sip.
Even while drinking tea, the young lady across from him kept her eyes fixed on the space between his brows, watching with great concentration.
Didn’t she find her own behavior offensive?
He hadn’t misunderstood. If he guessed correctly, this Yan Family’s Young Mistress might truly be somewhat taken with his appearance. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have agreed to meet him alone.
Thinking this, Cheng Wenque’s heart settled, and he felt more confident about the purpose of his visit.
"Thanks to the Yan Family's concern and the Young Madam's thoughtful arrangements, I have been able to reside comfortably in Shu Yuan. This is but a humble token of my gratitude, hardly worth anything, and I hope the Young Madam will accept it."
Pu Jinyu followed his words and glanced at the small sandalwood box beside him. She said in surprise, "Is this for me?"
Cheng Wenque's heart stirred, and he replied, "Yes."
Pu Jinyu did not respond immediately. Instead, she turned her gaze to the man's face, staring intently, her focus unwavering.
Although the man before her concealed it well and his words were flawless, she had lived two lifetimes and seen too many deceitful characters. With ease, she saw through the impure intentions behind this face that resembled her sworn brother's.
Cheng Wenque had not expected her to stare at him for so long, especially here in the Yan Family.
Although Madam Yan had instructed Pu Wange to take good care of him as a guest, ensuring no neglect, and he could seek her out if needed, propriety between men and women remained. His sudden visit to her would inevitably draw attention.
"What is this?"
Just as Cheng Wenque prepared to break her gaze with words, she shifted her eyes and smiled lightly, focusing on the small sandalwood box.
"It is some rouge and cosmetics. I had someone bring them from Lanling some time ago. Though they may not compare to the quality of those from the shops in Jingcheng, they are considered Lanling's specialty. I sincerely hope Madam will not disdain them."
Pu Jinyu lowered her lashes, concealing the interest in her eyes. Outwardly, she appeared dignified and graceful as she reached out to move the small sandalwood box closer.
Cheng Wenque's gaze followed, landing on the lady's slender, delicate hands. Her nails were painted a vibrant red, making the back of her hands appear even more fair and tender.
Pu Jinyu did not open the box, instead instructing the maid beside her to put it away. "I must thank Young Master Cheng for your thoughtful gesture, but…"
"But what?" Cheng Wenque snapped back to attention, asking in confusion.
Pu Jinyu, however, did not answer. She merely smiled.
Cheng Wenque wanted to press further, still contemplating his words, but before he could decide how to ask, the lady across from him spoke with a smile, "I had thought Young Master Cheng gifted these cosmetics hoping I would pass them on to my sister-in-law, especially since I heard you have been spending considerable time with her lately…"
Cheng Wenque was startled. His heart, captivated by the lady's gaze, beat a little faster. He quickly replied, "No, these cosmetics are for the Young Madam."
"Oh?" Pu Jinyu's tone lifted slightly, her smile deepening. "So I misunderstood."
Cheng Wenque looked at her face. The lady before him wore impeccable, exquisite makeup, as elegant as any noblewoman from Jingcheng's prominent families. Yet, as he gazed into her eyes, he felt an inexplicable quickening of his heartbeat.
This sensation was difficult for him to describe. On one hand, he found her dark, tranquil eyes exceptionally beautiful; on the other, he felt this tranquility held a certain danger.
What kind of danger, he couldn't quite say.
But after all, she was merely a woman confined to the inner chambers. Even born into a high-ranking family, she could not escape common customs.
The head of the Yan Family was undoubtedly outstanding, with power and learning he could not match. However, in terms of appearance, he felt he was not far behind. Most importantly, he was more approachable and younger than the Yan Family head.
Perhaps this sense of danger stemmed from the identity of the Yan Family head. Yan Chiyun held a position of utmost authority among officials, and the lady before him was his wife. If Yan Chiyun were to discover his proximity to her, it would undoubtedly be perilous. Therefore, not a whisper of this could leak out, lest he face utter ruin.
"It's… I have no relationship whatsoever with the Fourth Miss of the Yan Family. I merely met her once recently, and that was only because I wanted to inquire from her about what the young mistress prefers. Brother Huaixiao was also present at the time." Cheng Wenque explained to her.
Pu Jinyu remained silent.
Cheng Wenque carefully observed her expression, trying to gauge her thoughts.
Although he said so, there was one thing Pu Jinyu hadn't guessed wrong—Yan Mingxi did indeed have some interest in him. Unfortunately, he had no desire to become a live-in son-in-law.
Even though the young lady opposite him kept her eyes lowered, making it impossible for him to discern her expression, one thing worked in his favor upon analysis: she had learned about his single meeting with the Fourth Miss of the Yan Family. It seemed that during this time, she had still been paying attention to his movements.
Today was merely about testing the waters; he couldn't rush things too much. After presenting his gifts, Cheng Wenque did not linger further. He rose and took his leave.
The young lady opposite finally spoke, "Then I shall see Master Cheng out." She personally stood up to escort him, indicating that she was indeed moved.
Once they left the pond pavilion and reached the corridor entrance, Cheng Wenque asked Pu Jinyu to stop there.
Pu Jinyu looked at the man before her and smiled, "Thank you again for the rouge and powder you sent, Master Cheng. I like them very much."
Both Yan Huaixiao and Yan Mingxi had mentioned that she used rouge and powder quickly in the past, often sending servants to purchase more. Even the Pu Family sent rouge and powder from time to time, so she must indeed like them very much.
"As long as the young mistress likes them."
Pu Jinyu looked at him, "If I run out, may I still ask Master Cheng for more?"
Cheng Wenque's heart tightened. Suppressing his expression, he replied earnestly, "If the young mistress has needs, I would naturally be happy to provide."
Pu Jinyu smiled but did not respond further.
Cheng Wenque cupped his hands in a bow, then turned and left.
Only after rounding the crabapple gate and returning to his private chamber did Cheng Wenque allow a relieved smile to appear. Unexpectedly, this visit had gone more smoothly than he had imagined. This way, aside from the imperial examinations, he could also secure an additional layer of protection.
After Jing Chun returned, she noticed that Pu Jinyu was no longer reviewing the accounts. Instead, she was fiddling with some rouge and powder, examining them with great concentration.
Over the years, because she had to apply makeup day and night, even if Pu Jinyu never said it, Jing Chun could tell that she deeply detested rouge and powder. So why was she now ignoring the accounts and instead playing with rouge and powder?
"Young mistress, I have already retrieved the gift register."
Pu Jinyu gave a faint acknowledgment without even glancing at it.
"Where did this rouge and powder come from?" It didn't look like it was from the dressing table, and there hadn't been any new rouge or powder recently, especially since some had been purchased not long ago. Looking at the sandalwood box, Jing Chun found it strange.
But Pu Jinyu paid her no mind, continuing to fiddle with the items in the brocade box. She even applied some to her hand and asked someone to bring a small bronze mirror.
Taking advantage of a moment when she turned away, Jing Chun quietly asked a nearby maid who had sent the rouge and powder.
Upon hearing from the maid that it was Cheng Wenque, a friend of the third young master, who had sent them, Jing Chun immediately frowned. How could the young mistress accept gifts from an unrelated man? It was truly improper! If she were the real eldest young lady, she would never do such a thing! And she wasn't even afraid of giving people something to gossip about.
Jing Chun didn't dare to criticize Pu Jinyu to her face, so she only said, "Young mistress, you haven't finished checking the accounts yet. Perhaps you could play with these rouge and powder later?"
Yet Pu Jinyu still ignored her, instead calling over two elderly maids to take over her tasks, then continued toying with these cosmetics.
Jing Chun held back a surge of anger, enduring it again and again.
Recently, she had already reported Pu Jinyu’s unusual behavior to the madam, but the madam instructed her to keep watching, to see what trouble Pu Jinyu could stir up next, while cautioning her not to alert the enemy.
Who would have thought Pu Jinyu would actually accept cosmetics from an unrelated man, even continuously playing with them, appearing quite invested? Moreover, during the return banquet, Jing Chun hadn’t missed the moment when Pu Jinyu stared for a while at Third Miss’s friend Cheng Wenque.
What exactly was Third Miss planning? She absolutely couldn’t be allowed to continue like this.
Jing Chun employed a small trick: she had a young maid pass on the news that Cheng Wenque had visited and gifted Pu Jinyu cosmetics to Yan Chiyun’s attendant.
The matter naturally reached Yan Chiyun’s ears just as he returned home.
He paused in his steps. “Cheng Wenque came?”