Shangsi

Lin Fu, who usually slept soundly, tossed and turned all night, unable to fall asleep. The following evening, when Madam Qi came to pay her respects, she saw the master's worried expression and her tone softened involuntarily as she gently massaged his shoulders. Lin Fu, however, waved his hand expressionlessly, signaling her to stop.

Since entering the household, Lady Qi had been greatly favored, and she had never seen the master treat her so coldly before. A sense of panic rose within her, and she spoke even more gently and cautiously:

"If you are not feeling well tonight, would you like Lan Yue to serve you? I think she is a very considerate and sensible person."

Lin Fu simply shook his head, saying he was tired and asked her to leave. Seeing her usually considerate husband so indifferent, Qi was even more flustered, but dared not linger any longer. She bit her lips until they turned white, then softly agreed and left.

It was already evening, and bright yellow lanterns were hung high throughout the mansion, their flickering candlelight reflecting the distant moonlight. Her mind was in turmoil, and she walked very fast, not paying attention to her footing, and almost tripped at the threshold of the corridor.

"The light is dim, so please be careful, Auntie."

A cold voice suddenly broke the silence, and she immediately opened her eyes wide, but she couldn't see anyone in front of her.

"Who, who's there!" Qi was a little flustered, looking around anxiously, breaking out in a cold sweat.

The voice, which had just been as still and quiet as if steeped in frost, rang out again in the night:

"Why is Aunt so frightened? Has she done something immoral?"

Qi looked around for a moment before spotting Lin Xu in a corner. Her slender, thin figure was shrouded in the quiet night, with only the hem of her white dress fluttering softly in the dim candlelight.

Qi forced herself to remain calm, and a kind and gentle smile appeared on her face, almost masking the embarrassment in her voice:

"Xu'er, why are you standing there so quietly without saying a word..."

The person in the corner seemed to move slightly, but Qi Shuang'er was too far away to discern the expression on her face.

All that could be heard was a voice as cold and desolate as the ice-covered river water in winter, each word drifting down alone, yet as chilling and almost melting as falling snow.

"Why should Aunt Qi put on an act in front of me? The Lin family is small, but they are all my dearest and most beloved people. If you still harbor any intention of stirring up this calm water into a raging storm, then I will not tolerate you."

Qi's face instantly turned pale, but in order not to attract attention, she could only lower her voice as much as possible and try to remain calm:

"What do you mean? I don't understand."

The voice, however, was completely calm, as if it were simply recounting something extremely simple:

"Don't you understand what I'm saying, Aunt? Then let me be more blunt—if you serve my father with all your heart, I will get along with you peacefully. But if you have any other intentions, then Zuizhi's death will only be the beginning. On this matter, I believe my thoughts are the same as yours, Aunt, and I am very much looking forward to it."

Qi Shuang'er watched the figure turn and leave after speaking, her anger rising, yet she couldn't utter a word. She could only point at the receding figure and shout angrily:

"You...you!"

But that fluorescent white figure, as cold and frosty as snow, had slowly disappeared into the night, as if it had never existed.

.

Summer was approaching, and the temperature had dropped sharply for several days, making it unusually cool. The Yao sisters and several close female friends took advantage of a break from teaching to sit around in Zhiqiong Hall and chat about girlish things. When Lin Xu walked in, Yao Su'an smiled and called out to her affectionately, "Sister Xu'er, come and talk to me."

A group of noble ladies, all dressed in vibrant, youthful colors, sat together. Having not seen Song Jiaoling for several days, Lin Xu sensed something different, but couldn't quite put her finger on it. Yao Su'an, still radiant and beautiful, smiled and linked arms with her.

"We were just saying that tomorrow is the Shangsi Festival, and we sisters are going to invite each other to go boating on the lake. Would you like to come along, Xu'er?"

The Shangsi Festival? Ripples gently spread through my heart.

She remembered the date, especially the Shangsi Festival of that year.

In her past life, she went to play by the lake with great interest, but accidentally got her clothes wet. She was rescued by the thoughtful Zhou Weikan, and that was how the two first met and later fell in love.

And the various embarrassing and unfortunate events that followed.

Her once-prosperous family fell into ruin, and her family fortune vanished... All the misfortunes that befell the Zhou family in her past life stemmed from their love for her.

If she had any kindness left in her heart, she would have avoided meeting him again.

So she simply gave a faint smile and explained in a soft voice:

"Unfortunately, I have something to do at home tomorrow, so I'm afraid I won't be able to go with my sisters."

As soon as she finished speaking, Yao Suran pretended to be angry, lightly flicked the handkerchief in her hand, and said reproachfully:

"That won't do. If you don't come, our ship will be empty. Besides, we've already arranged for all our classmates to come tomorrow, and even Princess Kunrou will be there. Do you think your face is more important than the princess's?"

Yao Suran always spoke quickly and directly, her face beaming with a bright smile, but the wit in her words was unmistakable.

She was certain that Lin Xu would not dare to refuse again.

Lin Xu looked into the distance and saw Liao Yan still sitting alone by the window. Her light blue satin dress softened her usually aloof demeanor, making her seem somewhat more human.

Upon hearing Yao Suran mention her, Liao Yan turned her head slightly and looked over, her gaze meeting Lin Xu's.

Although there was no smile in those dark eyes, they were warmer than usual under the gentle sunlight.

Before Lin Xu could speak, Yao Suran had already begun discussing with the others what flowers to prepare and what clothes to wear for the cruise the next day. Everyone was laughing and chatting, clearly assuming she would definitely be there.

Yao Suran's behavior remained consistent: domineering, self-centered, and indifferent to, and needless to care about, the opinions of others.

Seeing that he couldn't refuse in the end, Lin Xu had no choice but to smile and agree.

The time was not yet ripe, and she could only drift and wander like the yellow reeds and white rushes in the wind.

.

Since she couldn't refuse, she still got up early the next day, ate breakfast as usual, practiced calligraphy, and fed the parrot.

When choosing clothes, she only picked the most elegant pink floral brocade from among many gorgeous garments, paired with an old light-colored ribbed skirt that she hadn't worn in a long time.

Qin, the old woman who was combing Lin Xu's hair, was thinking about the festival and wanted to style her hair into a simple snake bun, which she didn't usually wear. However, at Lin Xu's repeated requests, she changed back to a simple double bun, which Qin didn't understand at all.

On the Shangsi Festival, when everyone was dressing up, the young lady not only refused to wear anything eye-catching, but she also refused all the beautiful pearl and jade hairpins. In the end, she only reluctantly chose a very plain white jade hairpin after her strong insistence.

But when Lin Xu stood up, Granny Qin suddenly realized that her young lady was indeed clever!

Her simple, light-colored dress exuded a captivating charm, especially the way the loose fabric beneath the dark embroidered jacket accentuated her slender waist, making it appear even more graceful and alluring. This, combined with the young lady's naturally beautiful face—a blend of allure and aloofness—created a perfect harmony.

Tsk tsk, she wouldn't lose out even among the many noble ladies vying for attention with their exquisite silks and brocades!

—It will only make her appear more ethereal and naturally alluring.

Lin Xu stared at her reflection in the mirror, slightly taken aback, clearly realizing the problem. But the appointed time had arrived, and the sedan chair was already prepared at the door. She couldn't be late, otherwise Yao Suran would have a hundred ways to make things difficult for her. She didn't have time to change anything, and after thinking for a moment, she pulled out the hairpin before leaving.

Today, all she needs to do is remain the most oblivious to the beauty of spring amidst the myriad blooming flowers and verdant willows.

But when she finally reached the shore of Jiuqiao Lake, she still felt the urge to turn back.

The exquisite and luxurious cruise ship has been moored at the shore, attracting attention amidst the vibrant colors of the passing ships. Above the clear water, the verdant lotus leaves provide shade, and the delicate hibiscus blossoms, each one blooming brightly, complement the many beautiful sights on the shore.

Several classmates had already gathered on the boat chatting. Among them was a man who spoke loudly and eloquently. He was dressed in fine clothes and his voice was louder than usual. He was Yao Shan, whom they had met by chance at the Duke's mansion that day.

Seeing Lin Xu stop at the shore, a fleeting hint of surprise crossed Yao Sha's arrogant face, and he immediately proclaimed:

"Miss Lin, what a coincidence."

They both knew perfectly well that this "chance encounter" was real. Lin Xu was too lazy to point it out, and simply raised his hand to shield his eyes from the glaring sunlight, looking at the rippling blue waves in the distance.

Yao Sha was in a good mood and was not annoyed by Lin Xu's disregard. He simply waved to her, signaling her to board the boat.

Lin Xu still smiled and said:

"I had no idea that Young Master Yao had become a student of Zhiqiong Hall?"

Yao Sha's face flushed slightly, but a graceful figure emerged from the cabin. Yao Suran smiled and said to her in a sweet voice:

"Xu'er, why are you just standing on the shore after you've arrived? The sun is scorching hot right now, why don't you come inside the boat and cool off!"

Today she wore a peach-pink jacket embroidered with silver peony patterns, paired with a smoky-colored brocade long skirt with acacia flowers, and underneath, a soft satin bodice reflecting the water's surface. She was more radiant and captivating than usual. As she spoke, the gold hairpin inlaid with pearls and filigree in her high bun swayed gently, making a soft tinkling sound.

The pleasure boat swayed with the waves, and the beaded curtains in the cabin swayed in the wind, revealing glimpses of the Third Prince, dressed in fine clothes, drinking and laughing inside.

Yao Suran affectionately pulled Lin Xu into her arms and whispered in her ear, "Good sister, you're quite shrewd. Dressed so elegantly, you make us all look like ordinary people."

She said softly, "Sister Su Ran is joking."

Yao Sha's gaze never left her, which made her even more agitated, but she could only continue to pretend that she didn't notice.

The group lifted the beaded curtain and entered the boat. The Third Prince raised his head and glanced at Lin Xu with a detached expression. Yao Suran's gaze was intense, and her voice became much softer and more charming as she called out sweetly, "Third Prince."

Lin Xu glanced quickly at the people inside the boat.

Song Jiaoling wore a hairpin adorned with eight treasures and pearls, and a bright green dress that made her skin appear even whiter than snow. Yao Su'an, who had been ill for a long time, had a sickly blush on her cheeks, which blended with her pale yellow brocade jacket with auspicious patterns, giving her a more delicate and refined appearance.

Princess Kunrou sat alone in a corner of the boat, her magnificent attire exuding an imposing aura. Her aloof and arrogant nature deterred anyone from approaching her easily. Her gaze remained indifferent and emotionless as she glanced lightly at Lin Xu and the others before turning her attention back to the water outside the boat.

He still maintained an aloofness that no one could see.

Everyone arrived very early, and there weren't many seats left for her. Yao Sha looked eager, clearly wanting Lin Xu to sit next to him.

Lin Xu walked slowly past the crowd and sat down beside Liao Yan, lifting her skirt. This sudden action made Liao Yan look up and glance at her.

A faint smile played on her lips, gentle and polite, as she spoke in a barely audible voice:

"Lin Xu greets the Princess. If I have been too abrupt today, please forgive me."

Liao Yan, who was always alone, seemed very uncomfortable with someone beside her. She simply lowered her eyelashes and ignored her.