Time passed another month, and after stopping and starting along the way, the group finally arrived in Suzhou.
Sitting in the carriage, Zhuo Qinting lifted a corner of the curtain with great excitement and praised, “So this is truly a water town of the Jiangnan region—indeed completely different from the capital.”
The ancients said: “When you reach Suzhou, you see households resting along rivers. Ancient palaces leave little empty land, while waterways and bridges are plentiful. Night markets sell lotus roots, and spring boats carry silk-clad beauties.” Only after arriving in this southern water town and seeing it with her own eyes did Zhuo Qinting truly understand the meaning of those lines.
Suzhou, after more than a hundred years of history, carried a deep cultural foundation and was a place most favored by scholars and literati. In particular, the Yun Clan of Suzhou—an aristocratic family that had stood firm here for a century—was an unshakable presence in the hearts of countless intellectuals.
With prosperity passed down through generations, the population grew continuously, and empty land within the city became increasingly scarce. The phrase “ancient palaces leave little empty ground” was indeed fitting. The city was crisscrossed with rivers; as the carriage moved forward, waterways and small bridges appeared everywhere, making the reputation of Suzhou as a water town feel utterly deserved—truly “small bridges, flowing water, and homes,” without exaggeration.
After leaving the bustling streets, the carriage had not yet stopped. Zhuo Qinting turned back reluctantly, gazing at Yan Huai Jin, who had been leaning against the carriage wall.
These past few days, she did not know what he and Zhan Zhao had been busy with. Occasionally when she woke up at night, she could still see his room lit by candlelight. During travel, he mostly leaned back in the carriage resting with closed eyes. Only when passing through cities, if she expressed a desire to stroll around, would Yan Huai Jin open those ink-dark eyes and lazily follow behind her, obediently acting as her “tool man.”
It was not that Zhuo Qinting did not want to ask—she simply knew her position was awkward, and the matter involved court secrets. So she chose not to mention it. Once the timing was right, even if she did not ask, Yan Huai Jin would naturally tell her everything he could.
Thinking this way, she became even more at ease.
Life outside the capital could almost be described as blissful.
During these days, she had also bought many gifts for her family, piling them into several bundles, with most of them intended for Zhuo Yao Sheng.
Of course, if not for Yan Huai Jin’s occasional restraint or Yin’er’s timely persuasion, her spending would likely have doubled.
At noon, the carriage finally came to a slow stop in front of a residence.
Yan Huai Jin got down first, then naturally extended his hand to help Zhuo Qinting down.
Zhan Zhao had already arrived ahead of them and was waiting. A household servant went to report their arrival. Although the name given was “Young Master Li,” what was presented was Yan Huai Jin’s personal jade token.
Someone in the Yun Residence recognized it, so even though there were not many visitors at the gate, those who came were all individuals with influence in Suzhou.
This was not Yan Huai Jin’s first time in Suzhou, nor his first visit to the Yun Residence. Yet despite the passage of time, the residence itself had not changed much.
The Yun Clan of Suzhou, along with the Xu Clan and He Clan, the Zhang Clan of Qinghe, and the Yuwen Clan of Langling, were known as the Five Great Aristocratic Clans. Among them, the Yun Clan, as a century-old family, required no explanation—its heritage could be felt in every detail.
Unshaken by wind and rain, standing firm like a mountain, unchanged for ten years.
He stood in front of Zhuo Qinting. Since his identity was being concealed, he omitted formal court etiquette and merely nodded toward the leading figure of the Yun Clan, Yun Shouyi, greeting him:
“Mr. Yun.”
There were many mentors and teachers in his life, but among them, only Yun Shouyi deserved to be addressed with such respect. It was neither improper nor against his will.
Many years ago, he had been a reckless, half-grown youth. Eager to prove himself, he took on a mission originally meant for Yan Huai Zhe and brought only his most capable guards to the unfamiliar city of Suzhou.
Back then, he was far less mature than he was now, and inevitably made mistakes. During a conflict, he was severely injured and drifted helplessly through Suzhou.
Fortunately, he met Yun Shouyi, who took him back to the Yun Residence to recover. The man never asked for his identity nor sought repayment—truly a scholar of upright character. During his recovery, Yun Shouyi taught him many principles, and thus in his heart, Yun Shouyi deserved this title of “teacher.”
“Good, good,” Yun Shouyi said warmly. “After so many years, you have grown into a man of refined and upright bearing. I was not wrong about you back then.”
Time had not spared old friends. Even the sturdy walls and courtyards would eventually witness change.
Perhaps it would not be long before the head of the Yun Clan changed hands.
……
The Yun Residence was especially lively today due to the arrival of distinguished guests. Those who guessed their identities treated them with great respect, while those who did not still followed proper aristocratic etiquette. The hospitality was courteous and thoughtful, which instead made Zhuo Qinting slightly uncomfortable.
She followed behind Yan Huai Jin, receiving gazes from all directions—some polite, some probing—but she showed no impatience. Dressed in a flowing white dress like a blooming camellia, she occasionally met those gazes with a faint smile, even making some of the observers blush.
She had seen many grand scenes since childhood and never stumbled in etiquette.
Yan Huai Jin naturally noticed the attention directed at the person behind him. His hand behind his back moved slightly, and then he subtly stepped in front of her, shielding her from view.
Yin’er, walking behind them, also straightened her posture, maintaining perfect composure so as not to disgrace the Marquis’s residence.
After entering the main hall, Yun Shouyi exchanged formalities with Yan Huai Jin before asking about their purpose.
Yan Huai Jin took a sip of tea and glanced briefly at Zhuo Qinting before replying:
“This junior’s visit has two purposes: first, to accompany my sister on a journey and let her see the world; second… I have official matters to attend to.”
Those present understood immediately. Yun Shouyi also knew this likely involved the Yun Clan.
He could not help but sigh at how quickly this day had arrived, while also reassessing the young man before him. The injured youth from years ago and the current calm, strategic figure no longer seemed to overlap.
While they spoke, Zhuo Qinting had her own thoughts. She admired the straightforwardness of Yun Shouyi; unlike many who disguised deliberate probing as elegance, he carried himself with genuine aristocratic integrity.
At that moment, a Yun Clan girl around her age approached.
“Hello, sister. My name is Yun Fangyue, I am sixteen.”
Zhuo Qinting smiled gently. “My name is Li Shanying, and my brother is Li Huaiyu.”
These were false identities prepared in advance.
“You are from the capital, right?”
“Yes. My brother brought me to travel and see the world.”
Their conversation quickly became familiar, laughter flowing easily between them.
……
In another part of the Yun Residence, Yun Meiying was feeding fish in the pavilion when her aunt arrived and teased her about missing a planned opera outing. Their warm, casual exchange continued until a servant suddenly arrived to report that distinguished guests had come, and she was summoned to meet them.
She stood up, brushing off her sleeves.
“Looks like I’ll have to go meet them,” she murmured.
And so, she went to receive the guests.