The next day, the young lady woke up much later than usual, having been exhausted from the previous day.
It was nearly two quarters past the hour of Si when Leng Yaoda stretched lazily and got out of bed.
Yingzhu and Baoyu, who had been listening intently in the next room, entered with washing supplies to attend to her.
“Young Miss woke up late today,” Yingzhu said. “Madam specifically instructed us to bring breakfast to the small kitchen in the courtyard, so it can be reheated whenever you rise.”
Baoyu turned and gave the order to have the dishes warmed up in the small kitchen.
Leng Yaoda couldn’t help but sigh. She had initially thought that, as a Noble Lady, she would have to rise early and retire late every day, as recorded in ancient texts—especially before marriage, when she would be expected to set aside everything else to prepare for becoming a new bride.
Unexpectedly, although Zhao Yujin had mentioned matters related to marriage a few times, she hadn’t forced Leng Yaoda to learn all those tedious things.
Even when she lazed in bed or overslept, the woman would only tap her forehead and scold her lightly before letting the matter drop.
Perhaps it was because Leng Yaoda had been taught to read at the age of two, recognized a thousand characters by three, mastered the Hundred Family Surnames by four, and began learning the skills of a Noble Lady by five.
Back then, the original owner of this body had suffered greatly.
In summer, she often developed prickly heat from being bundled up, and in winter, her small hands would turn red from the cold. Yet, after crying, she never slacked off and studied diligently.
At that time, Zhao Yujin had secretly shed tears of heartache, and even Leng Yu had remarked, “If my Yaoyao were a boy, she would undoubtedly be the foremost in the Ling Dynasty!”
Later, perhaps as a form of compensation, everyone in the family, from top to bottom, doted on her. Over time, this led to the original owner’s spoiled and willful temperament.
But when she put her mind to something, she was still the most outstanding.
Leng Yaoda nodded, finished washing up, and went elsewhere to eat.
By the time she finished her meal, it was already past the hour of Si. The young lady went to the front courtyard to chat and act coquettishly with Zhao Yujin before returning to the Pear Water Residence after a while.
She hadn’t forgotten that she still needed to return a gift to Lu Zhiyou. The young lady sent Yingzhu and Baoyu away and paced around her room.
There was nothing among the original owner’s belongings that she could give as a gift. She couldn’t possibly give him gold hairpins, jade bracelets, or the like.
If Lu Zhiyou actually wore them, wouldn’t that make him a complete pervert?
She considered simply going out to buy something but quickly dismissed the idea.
The painting was something Lu Zhiyou had completed with his own hands. Regardless of his motives, it had clearly required effort and time.
If she casually bought something to return the gesture, Lu Zhiyou might not mind given his temperament, but it still wouldn’t feel right.
Besides, she had already made one mistake and offended this scheming, dark-hearted “male lead.” She needed to be more careful from now on.
At this thought, Leng Yaoda paused, then suddenly remembered something and walked to the desk, opening a drawer.
She took out an exquisite small wooden box and opened it to examine its contents.
Inside, she found a jade pendant attached to a lovely and finely crafted double-heart knot.
Leng Yaoda: “…”
A double-heart knot… Wouldn’t it be strange to give this as a gift?
Thinking it felt too ambiguous, the young lady deftly untied the knot and, relying on her memory, reworked it into a peace knot.
Well, that was much better.
Even if it was a bit old-fashioned.
Still, her skill was good, and the knot was quite attractive. The jade itself was also of excellent quality.
Although she was considered somewhat talented, her expertise lay more in flower arranging, incense appreciation, and tea preparation. When it came to ink painting, calligraphy, poetry, and artwork, she was certainly no match for Lu Zhiyou.
So, she decided to be clever about it, avoiding the embarrassment of giving something identical and inviting ridicule.Around the time Lu Zhiyou was expected to return, the young girl headed alone to the Chancellor’s Mansion, bringing the jade with her.
Inside the Chancellor’s Mansion, Lu Shixiu was studying.
His elder brother had already been attending court for over a year. Lu Shixiu was originally supposed to take the official examination this spring in March, but unfortunately, he caught a cold. Fearing that a prolonged cough might worsen his condition, Zhang Silian insisted he not take the exam this year.
At that time, Lu Shixiu was indeed quite ill, and since he had weak lungs since childhood, Zhang Silian’s concern was understandable.
Missing a year or two didn’t matter much—some noble sons even delayed until their thirties before taking the exam. As long as one had genuine talent and learning, there was nothing to worry about.
Even so, Lu Shixiu studied harder than before, especially since Lu Zhiyou was considered the most talented among the young men of the capital.
Before, he hadn’t thought much of it, but now, Lu Shixiu couldn’t help feeling a subtle sense of jealousy.
He dared not dwell on where this feeling came from, hoping it was merely due to being overshadowed in talent.
After entering the mansion, Leng Yaoda did not go to the front courtyard to pay her respects. Usually, at this time, the Chancellor would not have returned, and Zhang Silian would be busy managing household affairs. Once they were free, they would naturally send someone to summon Leng Yaoda.
She went straight to Jing Garden. Seeing the servant guarding the courtyard, Leng Yaoda knew Lu Zhiyou had not yet returned.
For some reason, the girl felt inexplicably pleased—perhaps because she wouldn’t have to deal with him—and decided to leave the item and go.
Just as she handed the box to Lu Zhiyou’s personal servant, someone emerged from Shuo Garden nearby and happened to spot the girl.
Lu Shixiu froze for a moment, then felt an uncontrollable surge of joy.
“Sister Yaoyao,” the young man’s gentle voice called out.
Leng Yaoda was giving instructions when she heard a very familiar voice from behind.
She turned around. “Brother Shixiu.”
Lu Shixiu saw her placing something in the servant’s hands. He wanted to frown but thought it inappropriate and quickly relaxed his expression.
The young man stepped forward and asked gently, “What brings you here so suddenly?”
Without waiting for her reply, his gaze fell on the wooden box in the servant’s hands.
“What is this?” he continued.
Leng Yaoda answered without much thought. “Yesterday, Brother Zhiyou gave me a portrait he painted himself, so I thought I’d return the gesture with something. That’s why I came.”
Lu Shixiu’s eyes grew distant, and he felt a pang of discomfort.
His elder brother could give away his paintings, but the portraits he had painstakingly drawn could only lie forgotten in dark corners.
Just like his own feelings, discarded like worthless scraps, forever hidden from the light of day.
Noticing his distraction, Leng Yaoda had a premonition that she shouldn’t interact too much with either of the two brothers.
After all, she still thought quite highly of Lu Shixiu, and this sudden realization startled her.
Leng Yaoda’s expression grew complicated as she considered whether to leave immediately, but Lu Shixiu spoke again.
“Since you’re here, Sister Yaoyao, why not sit in the main hall for a while? I happen to have nothing to do and can keep you company.”
The girl did not reply immediately. Lu Shixiu, almost expectantly, asked, “What? Does Sister Yaoyao only want to see my elder brother?”
In her heart, Leng Yaoda immediately protested: Of course not!
She feigned shyness and said, “Well… Brother Zhiyou is Daji’s future husband, so he is naturally excellent. But Brother Shixiu is also outstanding, and I’m just as happy to talk with you.”She gave such an answer. After all, the servant had already taken the box and left, leaving only her and Lu Shixiu here.
Lu Shixiu’s face flushed slightly, but Leng Yaoda’s eyes remained clear and calm.
Just then, another voice came from behind them: “Why has Yaoyao come so suddenly?”