Chapter 11

On the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, the Buddha Bathing Festival was widely observed among the common folk. On this day, the people of Dakang would bathe and fast, and those who were more devout would visit temples to pay homage to Buddha.

In observance, the teachers and students of Lu Jin Academy took a day off.

On this occasion, Hua Shan ordered a vegetarian meal and snacks, deliberately avoiding ingredients such as eggs and milk to show sincerity. After delivering this meal, Huang Shiyu was to return to Zehe the next day.

Having come of age, this time she would return home; with some luck, she might successfully be betrothed and await marriage. If not, she might still be betrothed but have to work, or there might be no engagement arranged for her at all.

On the way delivering the meal, the morning dew sparkled, birds sang, and flowers blossomed fragrantly. Huang Shiyu picked a small wildflower to toy with, deliberately ignoring Fu Xi who was smirking among the wildflowers.

Fu Xi thought he had covered all his tracks here, believing that the second Miss Huang would never notice. However, his plan had failed before it even began.

He scratched his head in frustration.

Sure enough, on the way back, Huang Shiyu encountered Jian Xun. Fu Sheng did not follow, but the younger Fu Xi was nearby.

Jian Xun skipped the formalities and asked directly, “When will you return home?”

Huang Shiyu made a surprised sound and tilted her head, imitating his cold stare from before. “Cold one moment, warm the next, you’re used to intimidating with your eyes. And now you want to talk to me as if nothing happened?”

“Don’t be like that.” Jian Xun brushed aside her hair.

“Does that bother you? You’re tall, and when you look down on someone with a sideways glance—just like my expression now—it’s an insult. You’re insulting me!” Huang Shiyu retorted indignantly.

Being short, she had only begun to show half of her scorn.

A faint smile curled Jian Xun’s lips. “Alright, go on then. I can take it.”

“Good.” Huang Shiyu glared at him fiercely.

Jian Xun lowered his eyes to meet hers, their gazes intertwining. He looked at her deeply for a moment.

He was a boy who had secretly read forbidden books at the academy, knowing more than she did. Though their eyes met as before, it felt different this time.

Having read those forbidden texts and medical books, he understood that such feelings were natural for a young man growing up. Thus, he had come to accept them.

Huang Shiyu was a beautiful and delicate girl who naturally inspired such tangled thoughts.

A gentleman judges deeds, not hearts; there was no shame in that.

In the morning light, Jian Xun’s pupils were dark and bright, like the calm surface of Jade Mountain Lake, clearly reflecting Huang Shiyu’s image.

But in those eyes, she appeared completely lacking in spirit.

Her throat felt dry; she swallowed involuntarily. Staring eye to eye had an effect quite unlike what she had imagined. He was not afraid of her; instead, his gaze grew warmer, more intense.

More imposing than his previous cold stare.

A flicker of fear rose in her heart. But what was she afraid of?

He wouldn’t devour her.

No, this Jian Xun was exactly the type to devour her.

Jian Xun smiled faintly and withdrew his gaze. “Enough? I can go on if you want.”

Cold sweat beaded on Huang Shiyu’s brow. Her legs felt weak, but she quickly straightened her back, forcing a cold laugh. “Childish. I’m busy—I have no time to waste on you.”

Yet Jian Xun tugged her sleeve, pulling her back.

“You haven’t told me when you’re going home,” he said.

“Early tomorrow morning!” she replied.

“Coincidentally, Fu Xi is also returning to Zehe tomorrow morning. You two can travel together,” Jian Xun offered.

Huang Shiyu’s eyes brightened. Thinking of all the belongings she had to carry, plus bringing along Liu’er, she hesitated.

“But I have so many things to bring, and Liu’er…”

“Use my carriage. Will that be enough?” he added. “Fu Xi is very skilled at driving.”

That was more than enough! Huang Shiyu almost smiled uncontrollably. “That’s too much trouble for you…”

Jian Xun folded his hands behind his back with a smile. “If you truly feel sorry about it, then don’t be angry with me anymore.”

Mentioning this, Huang Shiyu pursed her lips and stretched out her right arm toward him. “You were rude to me before, careless and rough. It hurt terribly. Look at this—there’s a bruise here.”

One could imagine the force of his hand.

Jian Xun suspected she was made of dough. His gaze softened as he looked at the spot she indicated. “Does it still hurt now?”

“It hurt a lot then.”

“All my fault. I won’t be reckless again.”

“Is there going to be a next time?” Huang Shiyu snapped, stamping her foot. “If you bully me again, don’t blame me for telling your mother.”

With that, she looked at him triumphantly, knowing that complaining to elders wouldn’t work, so she’d go straight to his beloved instead.

Jian Xun suddenly grew serious. After a long pause, he said, “Go ahead and tell her. Do you even know your way around the capital?”

Huang Shiyu was speechless. Obviously, only a fool would actually do that.

Considering the spacious and comfortable carriage, she didn’t bother arguing.

Huang Shiyu walked lightly and happily for a while, then stopped and turned to look at Jian Xun. “Why have you been following me all this time?”

“Second Miss Huang.”

“What is it?”

“Even if I have someone I love… I would still treat you well.” Jian Xun looked at her steadily.

Huang Shiyu frowned, unable to understand, feeling a strange unease.

Jian Xun glanced at her casually and said, “I’m leaving,” before striding off in the opposite direction.

Fu Xi was twelve years old this year. His smile was simple and honest, his sturdy build like a young calf. In contrast, Fu Sheng was slimmer and more delicate.

Therefore, Fu Xi was the best choice to escort Huang Shiyu home—no gossip, and safe.

The Huang family’s backyard was small, with a patch of flowers along the wall. When the summer breeze blew, a faint fragrance wafted softly into the nose.

Lady Huang sat under the large window of the main room, cooling herself. She laughed while peeling loquats, whose flesh was delicate, juicy, soft, and sweet and sour.

Amber and Yin Fang stood on either side of her, unfolding brand-new clothes and layered skirts for Lady Huang’s inspection.

From color matching to embroidery, all were crafted by Amber’s skillful hands. She was the only one in the household who knew Huang Shiyu’s exact size.

Huang Wanqing linked arms with her mother. “Mother, I want some too.”

“You’ve already made three sets, and the fourth is still being embroidered. Save it for another day.” Lady Huang gave her a sharp glance. “I’ll make you two sets of jewelry tomorrow. This outfit is for Mei Niang’s matchmaking.”

At the mention of “matchmaking,” Huang Wanqing fell silent.

She knew clearly how her own engagement had come about.

At first, Li Fugui had some misgivings, believing the original verbal agreement was for the Huang family’s second daughter, but now it was suddenly switched to the third daughter, which made him feel slighted.

However, his complaints vanished the moment he saw Huang Wanqing—apricot eyes, peach cheeks, slender and delicate, a truly beautiful girl.

Since both families’ parents had no objections, he readily agreed.

Scholar Huang entered the main room with his hands behind his back, face stern.

Huang Wanqing sensed her parents had something to discuss and quickly rose to leave with the maids.

Someone thoughtful closed the door behind them.

“Master, are you still angry with me?” Lady Huang slowly wiped loquat juice from her fingertips and sauntered over with a coquettish air, leaning against Scholar Huang’s lap.

“Kidnapping a maiden, inciting slaves to violence—Pei Sheng, the little tyrant from the Pei household, is the one you chose for Mei Niang?” Scholar Huang’s face tightened.

Lady Huang sneered, “The engagement hasn’t even been confirmed yet, and you’re worried. Whether it works out depends on whether Pei Sheng personally meets Mei Niang. You think she’s some heavenly goddess? Without considering her background, why not marry her off to Wang the Fool from the next village?”

“You... women and scoundrels are hard to raise!” Scholar Huang was at a loss.

“By age, they differ by only one year. Unlike me, who married you, an old man. By appearance, Pei Sheng’s features are proper, neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin—not like me, who married a weakling like you. By family status, the Pei family is the leading gentry in the county.”

Lady Huang grew more passionate, suddenly standing up. “Her birth mother still owes me a life. Huang Datong, even if I send her as the seventh concubine to Lord Ma, at least we get two thousand taels of silver!”

Two thousand taels! Could she ever earn that much in her lifetime? Lady Huang’s face darkened with malice. “I generously chose Pei Sheng, who’s worth eight hundred taels, and you have the heart to feel sorry for her? Ha!”

Scholar Huang curled his dry fingers and fell silent.

The next day, Huang Shiyu arrived home, and Lady Huang immediately summoned her to the main room for questioning.

Amber quickly returned with news: “Madam, the second young lady has just started her period. She’s in severe pain and bedridden.”

A gleam flashed in Lady Huang’s eyes—finally, it had come.

A woman’s fertility depended on her menstruation. Huang Shiyu’s delay had caused Lady Huang much anxiety, fearing some deficiency.

Even the finest goods lose value once flawed.

Now there was no longer any worry of losing the precious silver.

Lady Huang cast a cold glance at Amber. “You stay by her side to assist with dressing this month. We’ll see next month.”

Amber knelt and acknowledged.

The Huang family’s backyard had four side rooms on the west side; Huang Shiyu’s was the rightmost.

Inside, a row of black lacquered furniture, half new, half old, all the essentials. Within the plain-colored canopy, Huang Shiyu curled up in bed, drowsy.

Her sister had said that starting one’s period meant a girl could become a man’s wife.

She didn’t quite like this phrase but couldn’t say what was wrong with it.

Just as her father said sternly three days later, “Pei Sheng is not bad. Listen to your mother’s arrangement.”

Huang Shiyu wanted to refuse but found no reason.

All girls, once they came of age, had to be betrothed—no exceptions.

Going to live in a completely unfamiliar household was unsettling, but life at home wasn’t much happier. Besides, the Pei family was still in the county, close to her sister.

Wouldn’t that mean she could see her sister every day? Thinking this way, Huang Shiyu’s mood suddenly brightened.

Marriage became something to look forward to—a hope that eclipsed fear of the unknown.

On the day of the matchmaking, the weather was mild and sunny, marking the solar term of Lesser Fullness.

Lady Huang called it very auspicious—the best omen.

Lesser Fullness was better than Perfect Fullness.

By the mulberry grove, a gentle breeze blew. Amber accompanied her along the bluestone path.

Pei Sheng, the Pei family’s little tyrant, was dressed in colorful, ornate clothes like a large butterfly. Originally, he had declared he wanted only Huang Wanqing, the third daughter.

But the matchmaker told him the second daughter was even more beautiful.

Could it be that Scholar Huang was so fertile?

The eight hundred taels’ betrothal gift was no small sum; if Huang Wanqing wasn’t more beautiful, it would be a loss.

So Pei Sheng arrived early, stepping into the agreed mulberry grove, scanning through the lush greenery for the beauty.

The matchmaker repeatedly warned, “Young master, we must be modest and not be too forward. She’s truly a great beauty.”

“I know, stop nagging.”

He saw the morning light filtering through the branches, bathing the lady’s flowing skirts.

Lifting his gaze, he saw her neat double spiral bun, adorned with two soft flowers of pink and purple at the temples. A slender, elegant neck was revealed. Pink ribbons tied in her hair hung down to her waist, fluttering with her steps, extremely charming.

Her thin, soft skirt of the same color was embroidered with dark floral patterns. Her tiny waist was bound with matching silk ribbons. Just seeing her from behind made Pei Sheng feel as if his soul was about to fly away.

He pushed past the matchmaker and hurried after her.

Hearing the footsteps behind her, Huang Shiyu turned warily. In that glance, Pei Sheng felt as though this little enchantress had captured his entire being, and he stood there dazed.

Fu Xi, separated by the fence, greeted Huang Shiyu, “Second Miss Huang, do you want me to help you beat him up?”

He thought Pei Sheng was a rake, which was true enough.