Chapter Sixty-Six: Feng Qiuji's Past

It was the season when spring bloomed in full, and in the gardens behind the Prime Minister’s residence, flowers competed for brilliance, their colors dazzling and vivid, while birds chirped melodiously, painting a scene of breathtaking beauty.

A young woman dressed in a pale pink gauze dress sat quietly on a stone bench, holding an embroidery needle and concentrating intently on her needlework. In ancient times, daughters of distinguished families were required to excel at such feminine arts, for they would one day be expected to manage households and raise children.

Her face was slightly turned, a gentle smile lingering on her lips. She looked serene and tranquil, so much so that one would hesitate to disturb this portrait of springtime grace.

“Miss, Miss! Young Master Lu has arrived!” A maid rushed in, breathless, hurrying to her side.

“Are you serious?” The young woman, upon hearing the news, could not help but beam with delight. She rose hastily, her expression urgent.

“Yes, he’s talking with the Master in the main hall right now.”

She promptly set aside her embroidery, straightened her attire, and hurried toward the hall. Ah, spring truly is a season when hearts are easily stirred.

The Young Master Lu, mentioned by the maid, was Lu Wenwen, the Prime Minister Feng’s prized protégé. Born in a remote town, his father was a humble tutor in a private school, so Lu Wenwen grew up immersed in the classics, excelling in poetry and prose, and was remarkably talented. His martial skills were equally exceptional—he was both scholarly and valiant. After passing the county, provincial, and imperial examinations, he claimed the top scholar’s title and was summoned to the Hanlin Academy, later becoming the Prime Minister’s disciple. Thus, he often visited the residence.

Upon entering the hall, she saw Lu Wenwen in lively conversation with the Prime Minister, who appeared especially pleased with him.

“Father,” the young woman bowed respectfully, then turned to Lu Wenwen, “Greetings, Master Lu.”

Lu Wenwen smiled, returning her salutation with a courteous gesture.

“Jier, what brings you here?” The Prime Minister was surprised to see his most cherished daughter.

“I heard Master Lu had come, so I wanted to return the book he lent me last time…” Feng Qiujie said shyly, stealing a glance at Lu Wenwen.

The first time she met Lu Wenwen was in the rear garden of the residence. He had been playing chess with her father in the pavilion—his demeanor was elegant, calm and poised, and even when conversing with the Prime Minister, he spoke with ease and confidence, displaying the qualities of a man meant for great deeds.

Feng Qiujie had lived a sheltered life, rarely leaving the inner chambers, and the only men she’d seen were household servants. Now, reaching the age to marry, her parents had introduced many suitors, all noblemen, but she was never satisfied, insisting she would choose for herself. It was a lifelong matter, after all, and she wished to find her own ideal husband.

Upon seeing Lu Wenwen that day, Feng Qiujie fell for him at first sight. From then on, her thoughts were consumed by his poise, and she began to inquire about him, learning he was this year’s top scholar, talented in both civil and martial arts. Her heart grew fonder, and she eagerly anticipated his next visit, hoping to see him again.

The second time they met, Feng Qiujie approached him to discuss poetry and literature. Lu Wenwen was impressed—he considered her, with her talent and beauty, a rare woman in the world, and so he held a certain admiration for her. From then on, he answered her every question, often bringing her his favorite books and poems, deepening their familiarity.

“Miss Feng, there’s no need to rush; you may keep the book and read at your leisure,” Lu Wenwen comforted her with a smile.

“I’ve finished reading it, but there are still some parts I don’t quite understand—I wished to ask Master Lu for guidance.” Hearing his words, Feng Qiujie blushed, for she had always been studious, and since knowing Lu Wenwen, she became even more diligent. This often drew remarks from Xiao Hui, who teased that she knew too much and might never marry.

Whenever Xiao Hui said such things, Feng Qiujie merely smiled, for in her heart, Lu Wenwen was the best choice—both in appearance and talent. Though his family was humble, it mattered little; he had already achieved the highest honors, and with the Prime Minister’s support, his future was boundless. She believed her parents would approve, so she planned to reveal her feelings to them once she and Lu Wenwen had confessed their hearts.

“That’s no trouble. Once Wenwen and I finish discussing matters of state, he can answer Miss Feng’s questions. Would that be acceptable?” The Prime Minister looked between them, noting his daughter’s bashful demeanor, and a sense of unease crept into his heart. He acknowledged Lu Wenwen’s talent and promising future, but he still felt that Lu Wenwen’s humble origins were incompatible with the prestige of the Prime Minister’s family. He had never considered marrying his daughter to Lu Wenwen, for Qiujie was his most cherished child—obedient and talented. He hoped she would enter the palace as a consort, not follow a mere scholar.

After Lu Wenwen and Feng Qiujie went to the garden to discuss her questions, the Prime Minister called Xiao Hui aside.

“Has the young lady been acting strangely lately?”

“I don’t understand what you mean, Master.”

“Has she been talking about anyone in particular?”

Xiao Hui was puzzled by the sudden inquiry, but after some thought replied, “Yes, recently she often mentions Master Lu, saying he is kind and talented.”

Upon hearing this, the Prime Minister realized his daughter had fallen for Lu Wenwen. Though he valued Lu Wenwen, he could not allow his beloved daughter to sacrifice her happiness. From then on, he began to distance himself from Lu Wenwen, rarely inviting him to the residence. This continued until one day Qiujie noticed the change and went to the study to ask.

“Father, has Master Lu encountered some trouble lately? Why hasn’t he come to the residence?”

Seeing his daughter’s anxious expression, the Prime Minister’s face grew stern. “Jier, I must ask you—do you like Lu Wenwen?”

Qiujie was both delighted and embarrassed that her father knew. “Father, so you know! I was planning to tell you myself.” She had intended to wait until she and Lu Wenwen had confessed their feelings, but since her father already knew, she no longer wished to hide it.

“No.” Before Qiujie could speak further, the Prime Minister interrupted her. “You are my most beloved daughter. I will not marry you to someone like him.”

“But Father, you’ve always praised him for his talent and promising future!” His refusal was a shock, and Qiujie was flustered.

“I do value him, but he is not worthy of you. Since you refuse the noble sons, I plan for you to enter the palace as a consort.”

“I won’t!” At the mention of “entering the palace,” Qiujie’s temper flared. She knew little of palace life, but she understood there were many consorts, and she could not bear to serve a man alongside so many others—even if he was the Emperor.

“This matter is settled. You must participate in this year’s selection. If you still consider yourself my daughter, you will obey.”

“Father!” Qiujie wanted to protest further, but the Prime Minister dismissed her, knowing that while she was obedient, her stubbornness was equally unyielding.

In anger, Qiujie ran back to her room and collapsed at her desk, weeping bitterly.

Xiao Hui, frightened by her distress, hurried to comfort her and asked repeatedly what had happened, but Qiujie only cried and refused to speak. Finally, Xiao Hui summoned Qiujie’s mother, who managed to calm her.

Madam Feng was deeply pained to see her daughter in such sorrow. She wished nothing more than for Qiujie to be happy, so she agreed to try persuading the Prime Minister to allow Qiujie to marry Lu Wenwen.

Qiujie waited hopefully for her mother’s good news, but instead, Madam Feng was scolded by the Prime Minister and dared not speak further. Seeing that no one could help her, Qiujie resolved to follow the example of scholars and noblewomen she had read about—she would elope with Lu Wenwen!

She wrote a letter expressing her love for him, inviting him to meet her three days hence at the stone bridge on East Street, and sent Xiao Hui to deliver it to Lu Wenwen’s residence.

When Lu Wenwen received the letter, he was surprised. He had always held Qiujie in high regard and admiration, but never felt romantic affection—his respect stemmed from her being his mentor’s daughter and her exceptional talent as a woman. He enjoyed their discussions, but never expected her to develop feelings for him.

He pondered for a long time before deciding to attend the meeting and speak frankly with her.

Three days later, Qiujie managed to evade the household staff’s watchful eyes, and with Xiao Hui’s help, climbed over the wall and slipped out. When she arrived at the stone bridge, she saw Lu Wenwen already waiting.

Today, Lu Wenwen wore a deep blue robe, tall and refined, gentle in manner. He paced by the bridge, head lowered, lost in thought.

Qiujie’s heart raced at the sight.

“Master Lu, forgive me for keeping you waiting.”

Her sudden greeting startled Lu Wenwen, who looked up and smiled, then glanced at the bundle she carried, puzzled. “Miss Feng, what is this?”

“Take me away. I’ve prepared silver for us.” Over the past days, Qiujie had gathered all her jewelry and leftover pocket money to fund their escape. She believed that as long as she could be with Lu Wenwen, even a simple life of plain meals would bring happiness. This was the love she longed for: to find someone true and never part.

For this, even if she defied her parents, even if she was unfilial, even if she betrayed their years of nurturing, she felt it was worth it.

—Endnote—

It’s Friday again, and the author most loves weekends. Wishing all dear readers a wonderful weekend, o(n_n)o haha~