Chapter 34: Poetry and Prose Intersect

The next morning, when I paid my respects to Lan Junqing and the Second Mistress, Lan Yingyu was also present. The atmosphere was very strange; Lan Yingyu's gaze at me seemed as if she wanted to devour me alive. Although Li Yuer appeared calm and composed, every sentence she said was laced with hidden barbs. Her overpraise—"Ruo'er, this time you returned looking even more exquisite; no wonder everyone loves you"—made me shiver all over; I truly had to admire her.

But what unsettled me most was Lan Junqing's pleasant demeanor; no matter how I looked at his fatherly role, it was performed more masterfully than usual.

"Ruo'er, Young Master Feng is Father's honored guest. He is visiting Ye City, the capital of the Ting Kingdom, for leisure. You must treat him well on my behalf, understand?"

Leisure? What a huge joke. For a man like him, even the world's seven wonders displayed before him are less appealing than a city's military defenses.

Though my heart resisted in countless ways, I kept a faint, unreadable expression on my face and whispered, "Yes, Father." After all, once I rescue Xin Luo I'll run away, regardless of whether you're surnamed Feng or Lan.

When Lan Yingyu indicated she would leave with me, I silently sighed in my heart. To play Lan Yingruo's role well, I'm bound to endure some abuse.

Sure enough, after rounding a corner and making sure Lan Junqing could no longer hear any sounds, Lan Yingyu's previously graceful face twisted into a snarling mask; she raised her arm and slammed at me, shouting angrily, "You wretch!"

Honestly, her movements looked as boring as a slow‑motion replay to me, yet figuring out how to dodge without leaving a trace truly troubled me.

"Ah—" before the palm could reach me, I shouted and fell backward; Xin Hui firmly caught me. I glanced back at her without a trace, exchanging a look; she tried not to laugh out loud, quickly raising a handkerchief to half‑cover herself and turn away. When she looked back again, she was trembling in front of me, saying, "Third… Third Miss, why… why are you doing this?"

"Doing what?" Lan Yingyu's eyes, filled with anger and jealousy, fell on my trembling form. "Fourth Sister, are you using that pitiful look to lure men everywhere?"

I bit my lower lip, using inner strength to turn my complexion death‑pale, and shook my head in terror. Alas! I still couldn't wield my inner energy well, couldn't suppress the light in my eyes, nor coax a few tears out. But since it wasn't earned through hard practice, I'll be content with this result.

Seeing me like this, Lan Yingyu's fury flared; she stepped forward, forcefully pushing Xin Hui down, and stretched out five fingers to claw at my head…

We were in a garden, the path lined with sharp artificial rocks; seeing Xin Hui's chest about to hit a stone tip, I couldn't bother to hide anything, and with a swift move dodged Lan Yingyu's slender jade palm, ready to help…

But the next moment, I stared blankly as Xin Hui's unassisted body paused slightly in mid‑air, then slipped away without a trace, narrowly avoiding the fatal collision.

An ordinary person might not notice, but I knew clearly that without an extraordinary martial foundation, such a move was impossible.

At that moment, the arm I raised trembled slightly; at that moment, though sunlight bathed me, I felt bone‑deep cold; at that moment, my spirit shattered, unable to dodge Lan Yingyu's slap again, my face burned with pain while my heart shivered with chilling cold.

"Miss!" Xin Hui, unaware that I had seen the scene and not expecting me to be slapped, shouted and lunged forward, pressing her hand to my face, crying, "Miss, why didn't you dodge?"

Xin Hui's face turned pallid, tears glistening in her eyes, her expression both self‑reproachful and pained. I let out a slight sigh, steadied myself to stand; this was the second time I'd been slapped in the ancient palace, apparently I truly am annoying.

"I warn you, Lan Yingruo! Behave yourself and stop constantly trying to seduce Young Master Feng and big brother. Otherwise, next time won't be just a single slap!"

She stepped close to me, raised her foot to kick at me as I was about to stand, and I wondered whether to pretend to fall back to make her leave quickly. But in a flash, Xin Hui blocked me, a faint murderous intent filling the air. After a fierce clash, I was surprised to see Lan Yingyu tumble to the ground; Xin Hui's whole body trembled slightly, yet her gaze was resolutely firm.

I only felt a pang in my heart, unsure what exactly I was feeling.

"Ah—" Lan Yingyu cried out in pain. Soon, the household servants, Second Mistress, Lan Jianxia, and even Feng Yimo rushed out. The fierce look on her face instantly softened to a weak, gentle posture as she curled up on the ground—her acting was superb. Yet I was no less capable than her.

Second Mistress gently helped Lan Yingyu to her feet, stared fiercely at Xin Hui and me, and asked, "What happened?"

Xin Hui made a sour face but stepped forward resolutely, saying, "Second Madam, it was Third Miss who first bullied the miss; I intervened, and accidentally pushed Third Miss down."

"Well, you servant…" a fierce glint flashed in Second Mistress's eyes. Just as she was about to order punishment for Xin Hui, Lan Jianxia suddenly stepped before me, looked at my swollen cheek with concern for a moment, then his expression hardened as he turned to stare coldly at Lan Yingyu, making her shiver even while in Second Mistress's arms.

"Was it you who hit Ruo'er?"

Lan Yingyu's face turned ashen, eyes filled with anger, yet she dared not refuse to nod; tears swirled in her eye sockets.

"Jia'er!" Second Mistress shouted, her gaze at me turning even more hateful, and in a sharp voice said, "How could you do this? Yu'er is your own sister!"

Lan Jianxia was taken aback by the scolding, his expression softened, and he bowed his head submissively, saying, "It's the child's fault; Mother, please don't be angry!"

Second Mistress's ashen face finally eased, she forced a smile, and to the pensive Feng Yimo beside her said, "Apologies, these household matters have embarrassed Young Master Feng!"

Feng Yimo gave me a deep look, then sneered and laughed, saying, "Madam, you're being overly formal; we'll soon be one family, so why such courtesy?" With those words, the atmosphere instantly turned oddly extraordinary.

Lan Jianxia's gaze was icy, brimming with murderous intent, fixed on Feng Yimo. Feng Yimo, however, seemed oblivious, smiling faintly as he looked at the now‑dumbfounded Second Mistress.

That trouble‑making fellow! I cursed him a thousand times in my mind, yet my face remained a blank stare, refusing to show any flaw at this moment.

Second Mistress's face wavered between smiling and not, clearly awkward. Suddenly, as if recalling something, her complexion turned cold and she said coldly, "Guards, seize the girl who dared to offend Third Miss; cut off whichever hand pushed."

"No!" a sudden shock struck me; after remaining silent, I finally blurted out my first words. Everyone present wore indifferent faces toward such punishment—what kind of world is this?

Second Mistress and Lan Yingyu both stared slightly in surprise; Xin Hui anxiously tugged my sleeve, signaling me not to stand up for her again. Xin Hui, that's a hand! Can you really not care?

Fine! After playing this role for so long I'm truly exhausted; even if they truly deceived me, so what? Call me an idiot or a fool; even if it was for that trembling yet resolute protection of my frail figure, I will never allow them to hurt Xin Hui.

"What did you say can't be done?" Second Mistress asked again.

I straightened my perpetually hunched body, looked at them calmly, and said, "Second Mistress, Xin Hui pushed Third Sister down to protect me; if punishment is required, shouldn't the initiator, Third Sister, also be punished?"

Second Mistress, Lan Yingyu, and Lan Jianxia looked at me in disbelief. Hmph! I've truly ruined the perfect image you hold. Only Feng Yimo wore a look of enjoying the spectacle, the instigator.

"This… how is this the same?" Lan Yingyu snapped back to her senses, quickly rose from Second Mistress's arms, stood before me and said angrily, "I am the master; she is merely a lowly servant. Insulting one's superior naturally warrants punishment!"

"A servant striking a master must be punished; a master striking a master need not?"

"That… that is natural."

A cold glint flashed in my eyes; I raised my hand, and with a "Snap—" the whole venue fell silent. Lan Yingyu brushed her reddened cheek, identical to mine, stared at me blankly, tears filling her eyes, looking oddly endearing.

"You… you actually dared…" Second Mistress screamed, lunged forward to support the stunned Lan Yingyu, pointing at me with a terrified face, shouting curses, but her words came out haltingly.

Why the screaming? I didn't even get to use my inner strength. I calmly brushed past them and said, "Second Mistress, if you insist on taking Xin Hui away, I don't mind returning to see Father once more. Some matters, no matter how much power you wield, you're still not the head of the household."

I steadied Xin Hui's slightly unsteady body, ignoring their reactions, and turned to leave. As I passed Feng Yimo, I suddenly turned back, gave them a gentle smile, and said lightly, "One more thing, remember: I am no longer the Lan Yingruo who once endured others' bullying."

I gave Feng Yimo a brief glance, then withdrew my gaze and continued, "My fate is in my own hands; no one… should think they can easily control it!"

There's no lingering resentment about Xin Hui's matter, that's impossible, yet after thinking and rethinking, I still couldn't bring it up.

Days still passed peacefully, but I clearly sensed that the members of the Lan household now regarded me with a stranger's look and more fear than before. Especially Lan Jianxia, who, on several encounters, hesitated to speak; of course I wasn't that foolish to wait for him to ask, so I hurriedly avoided him each time we met. As for Xin Luo's matter, it was no longer easy to bring up.

The most troublesome one remains Feng Yimo; I truly don't know what's wrong with him—both of us know each other's nature well. Yet these past days he solemnly invited me out for a stroll; despite my strong reluctance, Lan Junqing issued a "imperial decree," so I had no choice but to comply.

As a result, the two scheming individuals drifted about the streets from time to time; he usually paid close attention to his surroundings, likely because, unfortunately, I had guessed he was among those inspecting the city's defenses.

Meanwhile, when Xin Hui and I went out together, we'd always chat and laugh, trying little gadgets here, tasting street snacks there—nothing like now. Apart from occasional false pleasantries, we essentially roamed the bustling street, drifting in the Grand Void.

Since he was courteous, I naturally accompanied him; though unhappy, it didn't matter much. After all, when something comes, I accept it—this has always been my life principle.

That day, while strolling in the garden with Xin Hui, we passed the room of Second Young Master Lan Jianyun, and suddenly heard a clear reading voice from inside.

"Do you not see the Yellow River's waters descending from heaven, rushing to the sea never to return? Do you not see the bright mirror in the high hall grieving white hair, once as black as silk in the morning…"

My steps abruptly halted, my face stiffened, causing Xin Hui to look terrified, thinking I was possessed. Yet I gradually turned shock into ecstatic joy, lifted my skirt, swayed, didn't even knock, and rushed straight in.

The boy inside, deep in recitation, paused, looking somewhat stunned at my beaming face.

I rushed to his front, grabbed his hand, and asked excitedly, "How do you know this poem? Could it be… could you also be…"

He flushed red from my grip, then awkwardly pulled his hand back, replying irritably, "Which family's girl are you? Don't you know that men and women shouldn't be intimate? How can you be so oblivious to propriety and shame?"

My excited heart stalled; such pedantic language, such feudal thinking… yet I clung to a one‑in‑a‑million hope and asked, "How did you know this poem?" Perhaps… perhaps there really is an unlucky soul who has time‑traveled here…

"You really are ignorant!" The youth glared at me, then said proudly and admiringly, "Of course this comes from the sensational duel at Wangjiang Tower. You haven't even heard of the 'Wu You Group', have you?"

My mind was temporarily stuck… Wu You Group? There can't be a second Wu You Group that took part in the Wangjiang Tower contest, so could it be… me, Qi Ran, and Bu Sha?

The youth rudely sized me up for a while, then disdainfully said, "Looking at you, you're just an ordinary woman with a pretty face. How could you possibly grasp the timeless verses of the 'plain‑faced wondrous lady'?"

At that, my excitement vanished instantly and I slumped into the chair. What plain‑faced wondrous lady? How could I have forgotten that I once recited this poem in public? What a huge blunder.

Seeing his envious and admiring face, his eyes sparkling at the verses, I couldn't help but say irritably, "What's there to admire? It's just plagiarizing a few lines from others!"

I swear, if I had known that saying that would provoke such a reaction, I would have kept my mouth shut. But now he glares at me ferociously, his fist raised as if to crush me, leaving no chance for regret.

No way? Even modern fans aren't that enthusiastic. And… brother, if you punch me to death, your idol will be gone.

"Fourth sister, Jin Hong, what are you… doing?" Lan Jianyun's panicked voice suddenly rang from outside the door.

My savior! I hurriedly slipped behind Lan Jianyun, still trembling, gasping for breath.

"Um… Jin Hong… what's wrong?" Lan Jianyun asked hoarsely, glancing at me, then at the teen whose face was purple with anger, almost smoking, in a low voice.

"You ask her!" The teen named Jin Hong pointed at me angrily, "She dared insult the 'plain‑faced wondrous lady'! Such a person… such a person is your sister?!"

Damn! I glared back at him, cursing silently: "Why the hell should I care? Want me to meddle?"

Lan Jianyun turned beet red, and after a long while managed to utter, "She… she is indeed my sister."

My second brother… er… correction, Lan Yingruo's second brother is also… too introverted?

Jin Hong snorted coldly, glared at me fiercely again, and fell silent.

"Second brother, who is this person?"

Lan Jianyun, seeing my question, first glanced anxiously at Jin Hong; seeing his expressionless face, he said, "He… he is Liu Jin Hong, the son of Grand Teacher Liu Zhang, someone I just met on this outing."

I was stunned and asked, "Is he the Grand Teacher whose criticism forced second sister to live alone in the West Tower?"

Lan Jianyun was taken aback, then his eyes dimmed, and he nodded silently.

Liu Jin Hong rushed to my side, his gaze even more terrifying than before, as if to kill, and snarled, "You know what? Don't speak recklessly!"

"How am I speaking recklessly?" I frowned slightly at him, "Isn't my second sister married into your Liu family? Isn't she now being pointed at by the world? Or does she still live alone, cold and solitary in the West Tower?"

Liu Jin Hong's complexion gradually darkened, his raised hand drooped weakly, and after a long pause he whispered, "Everything you said is correct."

"Fourth sister."

I turned to look at Lan Jianyun; he seemed uneasy, but still pursed his lips and said, "Don't blame Jin Hong… these past few days, I… he actually also feels sorry for second sister, he…"

"But second brother," I interrupted him, earnestly, "just saying sorry can't make second sister's life any better, right?"

Lan Jianyun remained silent for a long time, then sadly nodded again.

Jin Hong was now sulking in a corner, head down, silent. I walked over and sat in front of him. He let out a cold snort, turned away without answering. I didn't mind, smiling, I asked, "What do you think of my second sister?"

His back stiffened slightly, and he continued silent.

"If you don't speak, I'll take it that you dislike her, and like the world think she caused your brother's death…"

"I didn't!" he shouted back, his face flushed red.

I laughed inwardly, "With such a petty mind I could still see through you, yet you still doubt me, accusing: 'Then why haven't you ever visited my second sister?'"

He dared not meet my eyes, uneasy and nervous, "I… I… can't come… she is my sister‑in‑law."

"Isn't that even stranger? If she's your sister‑in‑law, you should visit more often." I suppressed my smile, stared straight at him, and asked word for word, "Or do you have something hidden in your heart?"

"Fourth sister!"

"Miss!"

Xin Hui and Lan Jianyun's exclamations rang out together; my blunt words had truly startled them. Jin Hong's face turned even paler, and he seized my clothing, shouting, "You may insult me, but you must not insult Yingyue…"

I gripped his hand hard, tore it away, brushed the wrinkled shirt on my chest, and calmly looked at him, "Do you think this is an insult?"

"Don't say my second sister hasn't married your brother yet; she already did. Your brother is dead, why can't my second sister remarry? Is a single shackle, a few worldly gazes enough to waste her youth in the cold West Tower?"

The room fell silent; three pairs of eyes stared at me. What… what had I just said? Reflect… reflect… haven't my deeds these days attracted enough attention?

How could thinking of Lan Yingyue, destined to live alone in the West Tower, make me blurt out those absurd words to an enthusiastic, idol‑worshipping youth?

"Fo‑four… fourth sister, you…" Lan Jianyun stared blankly at me, unable to utter a word.

I smiled gently, "Second brother, don't you wish second sister happiness?"

Lan Jianyun's expression was uneasy, but the light in his eyes gradually brightened. Fear, terror, yet never gave up hope? I couldn't help a slight smile.

"Hey!" I nudged the stone‑like Liu Jin Hong, he snapped back to his senses, his face oddly pink, embarrassed, and glared at me fiercely.

I sat on the high stool to his left, took the inkstone, brush, and paper from the table. Seeing him stare blankly at my movements, I gave him a radiant smile and said, "Didn't you say I'm all show and no substance?"

Without waiting for his reaction, I dipped the brush in ink, bowed my head, and began writing. Soon, a few lines of graceful, delicate regular script appeared on the white paper. When finished, I set the brush down and stood.

Liu Jin Hong leaned in curiously, his expression shifting from contempt to shock, from shock to admiration, then to contemplation; his face flushed and pale alternately, truly beautiful. The paper bore:

Rain‑clear Evening

Rain‑clear Evening. Green water fills the new pond.

Two swallows fly into the willow‑laden courtyard. A small pavilion paints a lofty scroll.

At dusk I lean alone on the vermilion railing. The new crescent in the southwest arches its brow.

Fallen blossoms stir the wind by the steps, silk robes feel the spring chill especially.

I bowed to Lan Jianyun and said, "Second brother, I'm leaving now."

"Alright… okay. Fourth sister, you…" Lan Jianyun paused, then shyly smiled, "From now on… you may come often…"

"Yes, second brother." I smiled, turned to leave.

"Lan Miss!" Liu Jin Hong hurriedly called after me, ran two or three steps forward, bowed deeply, and said admiringly, "I was very rude just now…"

I laughed lightly, "Poetry exchanges need not be so formal. Just call me Yingruo, then I won't have to be addressed as Liu‑son‑in‑law or Liu‑daughter‑in‑law."

He was stunned, a bit confused.

I glanced at second brother; he also stared blankly, at a loss, and I laughed even more, "Since you're my second brother's friend, you're naturally my friend too. But since you don't want to…"

"Yes! Yes! How could I not be willing?" Jin Hong blurted out.

I secretly laughed: This person is really a straight‑shooter; once he decides on something, he won't budge! He seems just like the second brother. He's innocent and kind‑hearted, no wonder the two, who look completely different on the outside, ended up together.

On the surface, however, he deliberately sounded a bit regretful and said, "So you think that befriending a woman isn't enough to exchange names?"

"No! No… this…" Jin Hong scratched his head awkwardly, then gave an embarrassed smile and called out, "Ying… Yingruo."

"Hehe…" Seeing his awkwardly funny appearance, the second brother and Xin Hui couldn't help laughing out loud.

"Jin Hong." After laughing, I wiped off my grin, looked at him seriously, and said, "Remember this saying: Flowers that bloom should be plucked; don't wait until there are none left to break the branch."

"My second sister's youth and life can't withstand delays."

As I was about to step out the door, the second brother called out to me: "Fourth sister, you've changed a lot since coming back this time."

This is known throughout the Xiang Manor, and your reaction is a bit slow too. I smiled slightly and asked, "So, does the second brother think you've changed for the better or for the worse?"

The second brother blinked, thought for a while with some embarrassment, then gave an embarrassed laugh and said, "I'm not sure either… anyway… there's just some change…"

I couldn't help laughing out loud; this second brother really isn't an ordinary fool. Suddenly I paused, wondering when I'd started calling him "second brother" so naturally in my heart. I smiled faintly—what does it matter? At least he's the first Lan family member who genuinely cares for Lan Yingruo without any ulterior motive.

"I… I suppose it's good…"

Jin Hong seemed to have just snapped out of my words, lifted his head, glared at him, and snapped, "Idiot! Of course it's good."

Seeing the second brother flinch slightly, though his eyes brimmed with amusement, Xin Hui covered her mouth and laughed, and I couldn't help but smile as well.

In this moment, the room filled with laughter, joy, warmth, and even an unseen radiant glow, making me unable to help feeling a little bewildered, a little indulged—could such a life also be happy…?

(End of chapter)