adorned with pearls and jade

The sun was shining brightly, and the grandmothers of the Yuan family went to the theater to watch a play.

The car bumped along the way, and she held her head full of jewels, her lips slightly pursed.

The stage was built very simply; some of the dried red paint had peeled off, and it would rustle and fall to the ground with the slightest touch.

The eldest young mistress led the way, and a group of people sat on the second floor attic with the best view. The third mistress raised her eyebrows and smiled, saying mysteriously to the second mistress, "I'm wondering why the eldest mistress decided to come to see a play today. She's never been very fond of these things."

After saying that, he glanced to the side, and Yi Ling followed his gaze and saw that it was the young master of the Hua family.

As if sensing something, he glanced over slightly. Their eyes met, and Yi Ling nodded slightly to him without changing her expression, adopting the composed demeanor of an elder. Inwardly, however, she felt a pang of unease; being caught red-handed like this was incredibly embarrassing.

He quickly turned away.

Xu Sheng was stunned for a moment, not quite coming to his senses. It wasn't until he heard his great-grandmother call him that he turned around and reconnected with the world.

The theater maids brought in some food, which was then taken by each person's servant and placed on the square-edged, red-lacquered, porcelain-inlaid tables in front of them. On the left of each person's table were freshly roasted melon seeds, their black oil radiating a warm, fragrant aroma; beside them were candied fruits, Western-style biscuits, and loose candy. Accompanying them was a white porcelain teapot with blue floral patterns; the hot water had just been poured in, the tea leaves barely unfurled, and the aroma suggested it was of very high quality.

While they were sitting, the eldest madam suddenly said, "The second madam knows opera; you'd better watch carefully in a moment."

Yi Ling knew this was a sarcastic jab at her for being literate and knowledgeable in a way that was neither here nor there. She was angry, but she suppressed her anger. If they had argued in front of everyone in the hall, people would have said she was impolite, as if she had really been ruined by her studies.

The seats they were sitting in were directly facing the stage. Although they were a bit far away, the angle was the most complete and best. They each had a pair of binoculars on hand for a clearer view.

Grandma San was clearly in high spirits, speaking to her with a beaming smile.

"Today's performance is by a Cheng School troupe, performing 'The Story of the Jade Bracelet,' which I've heard before."

After a few words, the opera troupe members, Ding Lidanglang, went on stage. The actress playing Xue Xiangling bowed slightly, rolled up her sleeves, and said crisply, "I fear the fleeting years and the passing of spring will vanish, though my feelings remain the same, my tenderness is different."

Their eyes met suddenly, and he saw something vague brewing in her expression. Yi Ling pretended to be calm and turned back to continue staring at the characters on stage.

Gradually, the tea became bland and watery after being steeped a few times. The sky was turning dusky, a soft yellow tinged with a few wispy clouds.

On stage, the song had already reached the point of Xue's downfall. With a sorrowful expression, she sang: "In an instant, all seven emotions have been exhausted, and tears soak my clothes with bitterness."

She couldn't help but think of her own situation, and smiled bitterly to herself, but then she noticed that he was still glancing at her from time to time. Knowing that he was distracted, she also felt bored.

As the sky cleared and the clouds settled, Zhao Shouzhen and Xue Xiangling recognized each other, their voices suddenly changing. She sang: "The beautiful scenery of that day suddenly changed; in an instant, the sun's rays faded and sank behind the western mountains."

She suddenly stood up, shattering the teacup beside her, and everyone's eyes turned to her. Yi Ling said calmly, "I'm feeling a little dizzy. I'll go for a walk outside."

Knowing he would come, I walked slowly, following the artificial hill. The sunlight was slanting, hitting the ground, but I didn't feel any warmth.

"You're here."

Yi Ling continued walking without turning back, saying calmly, "Young Master Xusheng, please go back. What am I supposed to say if Madam asks?"

"I don't know, I just wanted to see you, nothing else matters." Xu Sheng stopped and watched her shadow.

"Child, if others knew, do you know how I would react?"

She turned and smiled, knowing he was just young and blinded by passion. Wouldn't it be pointless to argue with him?

He took a step back from where he started. It seemed he'd been struck by a heavy blow and didn't know how to get up.

The two stood silently, her body turned to the side, her face obscured, the color of which was impossible to discern.

He wanted to go forward, but he had no choice but to remain still.

The sounds of opera echoed from the roof beams, and flocks of swallows swept by. All around was quiet; there was no one else, only them.

Yi Ling suddenly broke into a smile and gracefully walked to his side, stopping before Xu Sheng could react. She had already placed a kiss on his cheek.

It all happened so suddenly; he didn't know.

"Inside the sedan chair, I felt as if the sky had darkened and the world had gone dark; the wind was deafening, the rain was deafening, and the thunder was chaotic."

"The music fades, the voices of people shout, all saying that a torrential rain is pouring down."

It was all overwhelming.

She left with only a light kiss, without looking back.

He had no choice but to stand there.

Everything was in chaos at this point.

Yi Ling returned to her seat; this was the last performance. After the actors left the stage, another cheerful aria was played.

The eldest mistress turned to Green Jade and said, "Go and find Young Master Xusheng."

After saying that, she added, "Second Grandmother is feeling much better."

Yi Ling smiled and said, "I guess I sat for too long. I'm fine now."

"That's fine."

After a pause, he continued, "Young Master Xusheng has been gone for so long, I wonder what happened to him."

Pay attention to her expression while we talk.

"Yes, could it be that the tea made him sick?" He didn't seem particularly concerned, nor did his expression change.

That day, Huai Xiankun was having tea with Young Master Yuan in the mansion, while Madam Yuan sat in a lower seat, keeping him company.

As they were talking, Grandma Yuan gave her husband a meaningful look, but he pretended not to hear it.

He could only smile and say, "There's something I'd like to ask Master Huai for help with. I wonder if Master Huai would be willing?"

Huai Xiankun said, "Young Mistress, you might as well tell me."

"May I ask Master Huai to allow my nephew to do some work at the port?"

Huai Xiankun smiled and said, "That's not a problem. It's just that there are many trivial matters at the port. It depends on whether you can handle it."

Everyone knows that every grain of rice and every drop of grain in Lankang City is handled by Huai Xiankun. Even the most arrogant military leaders have to treat him with deference.

They both operate in the legal and illegal worlds, so they must have some connections and perhaps some hidden cards that people don't know about. All she knows is that he's a good person.

Grandma said, "When he was studying abroad, his family was very strict about spending money, so he suffered a lot. He wasn't spoiled at all."

"Then there's no problem. Someone will come to invite him in a few days. I have some other things to take care of today and don't have time to see Yiling. I'm very worried about her being all alone now."

As he spoke, he smiled and looked at Madam Yuan, who immediately understood and said, "Master Huai, please rest assured, I will take good care of you."

This was a threat to her. Her family's status was now diminished, placing them in a subordinate position, forcing them to feign compliance.

This world is bustling with people, but the stage is only so big, with one person rising and another falling. What remains unchanged throughout history is that one person finishes their performance and another takes the stage.

Huai Xiankun nodded, and the Yuan couple saw him to the gate.

"Then I shall take my leave now."