Rumors, like willow catkins in spring, drifted silently into every corner of Yingchuan Academy.

Qi Mingyue could clearly sense the distance and suspicion in the eyes of her once enthusiastic classmates when they looked at her now. She didn't care much about these things, but Xie Ansu's doubts that day were like a thorn, causing a dull pain in her heart.

That afternoon, Qi Mingyue sat alone by the window of Tingxue Studio, a scroll of "Yingzhou Landscape Records" spread out before her, but her gaze was fixed on the pear tree in full bloom in the courtyard. The petals, like snow, fell softly in the wind, spreading a layer of pure white on the ground.

"Miss, Young Master Xie has arrived." Zhi Shu's voice interrupted her thoughts, her tone tinged with surprise.

Qi Mingyue looked up and saw Xie Ansu standing outside the courtyard gate, his blue robe fluttering slightly in the wind, his expression showing obvious hesitation. After a moment's thought, she said softly, "Please come in, Young Master Xie."

Xie Ansu stepped into the courtyard, but did not rush into the house. He stood under the pear tree, looked up at the falling petals, and then turned to Qi Mingyue in the window, bowing solemnly: "Miss Qi, I have come to apologize."

Qi Mingyue was slightly taken aback: "Young Master Xie, what makes you say that?"

“The other day, I was foolish and believed the rumors, and offended you greatly, Miss.” Xie Ansu’s tone was sincere, and his eyes showed obvious regret. “After that day, I thought about it carefully and asked a few of my classmates who were there at the time. Only then did I realize that I had misunderstood you, Miss. Miss Bai’s crying had nothing to do with you.”

Qi Mingyue looked at him quietly without saying a word.

Seeing this, Xie Ansu felt even more apologetic: "Ansu knows that those who doubt cannot be friends, and those who are friends do not doubt. That day, I actually became suspicious of Miss because of a few rumors, which was really wrong of me. Miss has been in Yingzhou for so long, and your words and deeds have been well-behaved. Your talent and character are admirable, but I..." He paused, his voice lowering a few decibels, "Please forgive Ansu for his momentary lapse of judgment."

A spring breeze swept by, scattering pear blossoms like snow. A few petals landed on Xie Ansu's shoulder, but he was oblivious, focused only on Qi Mingyue, awaiting her response.

Qi Mingyue finally spoke, her voice calm as still water: "Young Master Xie, there's no need to blame yourself too much. Rumors are like the wind, coming and going without reason. As a newcomer, it's only natural that people would suspect me."

She spoke casually, but Xie Ansu sensed the distance in her words and quickly said, "No, this is not normal. Miss is a person of noble character and should not suffer such injustice. Since Ansu knows his mistake, he should apologize to her face to face to ease his conscience." He paused and then said, "If Miss does not mind, Ansu is willing to prove his apology with actions."

Looking at the earnest, almost stubborn young man before her, Qi Mingyue suddenly realized that he wasn't as carefree and easygoing as she had initially thought. He was easily swayed and influenced by others—these were his weaknesses; but his willingness to admit his mistakes and apologize in person, even at the cost of his pride, was his admirable quality.

She finally smiled slightly: "Young Master Xie is too kind. Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, there is no need to mention this matter again."

Xie Ansu visibly relaxed, his eyes regaining their light: "Thank you for your generosity, Miss." He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Tomorrow is a holiday at the academy. I originally planned to go to Luoxia Mountain in the suburbs to sketch. Would you like to come with me, Miss? Luoxia Mountain has beautiful scenery, and from the top you can overlook the entire Yingzhou City. It is a source of inspiration for many literati."

Qi Mingyue initially wanted to decline, but considering her recent gloom, she thought it wouldn't hurt to go out for a walk to clear her head, so she nodded in agreement.

The next morning, the carriage was waiting outside the academy. Xie Ansu had changed into a light gray outfit suitable for hiking, which made him look even more upright. When he saw Qi Mingyue come out, his eyes lit up and he hurriedly went forward to greet her.

Luoxia Mountain is located west of Yingzhou City. Although it is not a high mountain, it is famous for its craggy rocks and lush forests. The carriage could not go any further at the foot of the mountain, so the two had to walk up the mountain.

"Miss Qi, are you still able to walk?" Xie Ansu asked with concern, his steps unconsciously slowing down.

Although Qi Mingyue came from a noble family in the capital, she was not a delicate person. She adjusted her breathing and smiled slightly: "Young Master Xie, you don't need to worry about me. Please continue on your way."

Seeing that she was breathing steadily and walking lightly, Xie Ansu couldn't help but praise, "I didn't expect that Miss Qi is not only outstanding in learning, but also has such good physical strength."

“My mother always said, ‘Read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles; neither should be neglected.’” Qi Mingyue looked at the winding mountain path, her eyes shining. “When I was in the capital, I often went hiking with my family to enjoy the scenery.”

The two chatted as they walked, and before they knew it, they had reached the halfway point of the mountain. There was a pavilion there called "Wangzhou," which indeed offered a panoramic view of Yingzhou City. They saw well-arranged houses, crisscrossing streets and alleys, the Ying River winding around the city like a ribbon, and fields and paths stretching into the distance, all exuding vitality.

Xie Ansu took out his painting tools and spread out the Xuan paper: "Ansu is being presumptuous, but I would like to paint a portrait of you, Miss. Is that alright?"

Qi Mingyue was slightly taken aback, then nodded: "As you please, young master."

She leaned against the railing, gazing into the distance, letting the mountain breeze flutter her clothes. Xie Ansu's pen flew across the paper, and in no time, the profile of a young girl gazing into the distance appeared on the page, with the misty, rain-shrouded city of Yingzhou behind her.

"Please take a look, Miss." Xie Ansu handed her the painting.

Qi Mingyue took the painting and saw that the figure in the painting had a graceful posture and a distant gaze. Although it was only painted with a few strokes, it was full of charm. What was even more remarkable was that the background of Yingzhou City was depicted in great detail, which complemented the figure perfectly.

"Young Master Xie's painting skills are superb; Mingyue admires them greatly," she sincerely praised.

Xie Ansu smiled and said, "It's not that my painting skills are superior, but rather that Miss's natural grace is worthy of being painted." He put away his painting tools and suddenly asked, "Does Miss know why this pavilion is named 'Wangzhou'?"

Qi Mingyue shook her head: "Please enlighten me, young master."

"It is said that a hundred years ago, Yingzhou suffered a severe drought. The prefect climbed this mountain to pray for rain and vowed that if the heavens sent down rain, he would build a pavilion here to thank the heavens for their grace." Xie Ansu pointed to the distance. "After the rain came, the prefect indeed built a pavilion and named it 'Wangzhou,' which means both climbing high and looking far, and also contains the responsibility of guarding the whole prefecture."

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