Chapter 26 If you weren't my sister, then you would be...

Yu Tan hurriedly hid the letter behind his back. Turning his head, he saw Yu He'an's expression and knew that he had finished reading it.

She frowned, repeating helplessly, "Brother, Father wouldn't do that... Brother, please stop looking."

“That’s utter nonsense.” Yu He’an’s gaze shifted to another letter.

Chu Minglang's letter was much thicker. Yu Tan handed the envelope to Yu He'an, her hand brushing against his right hand.

The burn scars from the lamp oil on the back of her hands have almost completely disappeared; you can only find a trace if you look closely. It's all thanks to her persistent application of medicine that her hands are still as beautiful as ever, undamaged by her.

"Brother, do you see?" Because of Jiang Tingfeng's letter just now, she was worried about being exposed, so she unconsciously tried to please Yu He'an when she spoke to him.

"This is your letter, there's no need for me to see it." Yu He'an withdrew his gaze, frowned slightly, and pushed the envelope back.

This guy is so stubborn; he insists on seeing it even when I tell him not to.

She opened the letter openly and generously, holding it high between them, making it clear and easy for Yu He'an to read.

Chu Minglang wrote a whole page of greetings, which she quickly skimmed through, only mentioning at the end that her grandmother was doing well in Lingnan and not to worry.

Knowing that she was interested in Miao territory, Chu Minglang specially collected a fragment of a book about Miao Gu insects and attached it to the letter.

Because of Wu Niang's story, she felt both curious and grateful about everything in Miao territory.

She held the tattered scroll with great joy, turning it over and over several times, her fingertips excitedly gliding across the pages.

Yu He'an didn't look at Chu Minglang's letter again. He had already been very offended by Jiang Tingfeng's letter. Yu Tan had grown up.

Yu Tan's soft laughter reached his ears, causing Yu He'an to frown repeatedly.

"Brother, look!" She held up the tattered scroll to Yu He'an.

The Miao people feed a pair of male and female Gu worms with their own blood and essence for ten years. If a man and a woman are willing to plant the Gu worms, their hearts will be connected and their love will be deep.

Yu He'an said softly, "Love Poison?"

Yu Tan scoffed, "If a man and a woman don't love each other, how can they possibly fall in love with each other because of this Gu worm?"

Yu He'an's Adam's apple bobbed: "Possibly."

Yu Tan grumbled in dissatisfaction, "Ah... then what is this... if the lady doesn't like it, wouldn't it be possible to force her through witchcraft?"

"The Gu worms from Miao territory are not easy to obtain, and the love Gu is even rarer. Why worry about these things? Doesn't this document say that the man and woman must be willing?"

Yu He'an pointed to the tattered scroll, his slender fingers tracing across the withered yellow paper. His voice was low and magnetic, carrying a gentleness he didn't usually display, and Yu Tan's ears burned.

If Yu He'an likes someone, he doesn't need to plant any love potion. Just use that voice to recite a few romantic lines next to the girl, and that will be enough.

She shook her head, instinctively feeling that Yu He'an wouldn't be so frivolous.

If Yuhe An really liked someone, and what her feelings would be, she couldn't imagine.

It would be good if I could see it...

She shook her head, dismissing the unrealistic idea, and her attention was drawn back to the love potion.

"What does 'willing' mean? It's written vaguely. If someone knew it was a love potion and still planted it, wouldn't that mean they were already in love? Then why plant the potion? But if simply taking it is considered love, then that's a form of coercion."

Yu He'an chuckled lightly: "You're starting to worry?"

"No..." Yu Tan pouted, put away the tattered scroll, and decided that she could ask Yue Lang next time she went to see Zhao Qin. "Brother, I... I want to see Grandmother's letter."

"Hmm." Yu He'an opened the letter from Old Madam Song.

Madam Song's letter was only one page long. She said that she was doing very well in Lingnan. The Chu family treated her with courtesy and politeness. The weather was warm, and she only needed to wear a single robe, which made her feel much more relaxed. She would stay in Lingnan until mid-spring before returning.

The letter was already filled to the brim, but Yu Tan still thought it was too short. Her almond-shaped eyes were wide open, her pupils extremely dark, and the disappointment in her eyes could not be hidden.

He then opened Yu Zheng's letter, which was much more concise. It inquired about his studies and urged him to pay close attention, as his future career and fame were of utmost importance. At the end of the first page, it instructed him to read the next page alone and to leave if Yu Tan was present.

Yu Tan was originally very close, but when she was suddenly mentioned, she had to step back. After thinking about it, she felt that this distance was not enough. She looked up at him with wet eyes, like a puppy.

A slender, fair hand reached out to him. "Brother, I'm going to the soft couch. Can I leave Grandmother's letter there?"

He held the letter in his hand: "Yaoyao, do you really enjoy receiving letters?"

Receiving a letter signifies that she is being cared for; her loved ones far away are thinking of her, which naturally brings her joy.

"Yes, I've always been by my grandmother's side, and this is the first time I've received a letter from her. I want to keep it."

The harsh letter from Old Madam Song landed in her palm. With permission granted, she carefully put the letter into another dressing case for easy reference later, even though it didn't mention her at all. "Brother, you can read Father's letter now. I'm going to the couch."

She sat on the soft couch, pretending to flip through the account book, her eyes glancing at Yu He'an. Unfortunately, Yu He'an's face remained unmoved. She couldn't tell what Yu Zheng had written in the letter, or whether he had already become suspicious of her identity.

As Yu He'an held up the letter, he turned to look at her, and their eyes met as she stole a glance.

"Brother, what's wrong? Why won't Father let me see it..."

Yu He'an's eyes darkened slightly as he stroked the page of the letter. Yu Zheng mentioned that he had encountered a female soldier disguised as a man in the military camp. She looked extremely similar to his mother and was about the same age as Yu Tan.

It seemed as if fate had its own plan, bringing the girl to his side, and he had already begun to investigate the matter.

"It's nothing. Father told me to pay attention to my studies..." Yu He'an raised his eyes. Yu Tan's face was hidden by the account book. Hearing his words, she moved the account book aside. Her almond-shaped eyes were big and round with upturned corners. When she smiled, her eyes would squint slightly like a fox.

The Yu family members have long eyes, and when they are not looking at people, they always have a cold and aloof look. No one except Yu Tan has such eyes.

Yu Tan only resembled her mother when she smiled, especially with the small mole under her lip.

Yu He'an recalled the old lady he had met at the Ji residence that day; she had the same pair of eyes.

And Yu Tan's eagerness to cover it up...

If Yu Tan wasn't his sister...

The thought startled him, but he could only reassure himself that it was all just unfounded speculation.

Yu He'an put the letter away to avoid Yu Tan seeing it, which caused a rift between the siblings. He said calmly, "Father instructed me to continue my studies, and don't neglect your swordsmanship either."

There's no need to worry about Yu He'an's studies. Yu Tan pursed her lips. Those who succeed are generally talented and extremely diligent, and Yu He'an possesses both.

“Father, really. My brother is already diligent enough. He only wrote two pages in his letter, and both pages showed that he needs to work hard. Let him come and study…” Yu Tan muttered in dissatisfaction, “Did Father say how long it will be before he comes back?”

Hearing Yu Tan's defense, Yu He'an chuckled, "Yao Yao, you're becoming more and more disrespectful. Father will do his best to finish before Grandmother's birthday next year."

Upon hearing this, Yu Tan felt relieved and covered her face with the account book as she pondered.

In the story, Yu Zheng pays attention to the female lead Zhao Qiuci and shows some concern, but it will be a long time before he truly suspects that she is his daughter.

Her true identity was revealed in the autumn, during Madam Song's birthday celebration. With eight months to go, she needed to hurry up and save some more money.

Seeing that there was no risk of her identity being exposed, she lifted the cover of the ledger and looked at Yu He'an: "Brother, tomorrow is New Year's Eve, let's stay up together."

Yu He'an agreed: "Okay."

*

This day was New Year's Eve.

Yu Tan gave each of Qiao Xin, Lan Xin, and Hui Xin a piece of gold leaf as New Year's money, and also gave rewards to the other servants and maids in Lan Fang Courtyard.

The windows were covered with festive paper-cut decorations, and snowflakes were falling outside.

The underfloor heating in the house was burning brightly, making it as warm as springtime.

Lanxin went to visit Wuniang early in the morning. She was in good health and, to be on the safe side, had rented a farmhouse in the suburbs to recuperate. Lanxin had helped her buy a lot of supplies in the past few days, so she could finally have a good New Year.

The New Year's Eve dinner was held at Lanfang Courtyard. Since only she and Yuhe were present at the Marquis's residence, no banquet was held in the main hall. Yutan volunteered to take on the task of preparing the New Year's Eve dinner.

Preparations for everything from ingredients to utensils began several days ago, and every item used was carefully chosen.

As evening approached, the snow fell even heavier, in a flurry of downy flakes.

Yu He'an arrived carrying an umbrella, and fine snow still fell on her shoulders.

"Brother, you've come." Yu Tan wore a coral-red jacket with a circle of fur hanging from the collar and wrists. Her pointed chin stepped into the fur, which made her skin look even whiter than snow. Her eyes were gentle and charming, and the butterfly hairpin in her hair trembled with her steps. The refreshing fragrance of epiphyllum flowers was close at hand.

Yu Tan stopped in front of him, her fair hand gently brushing away the remaining snow from his shoulder, and she peered outside, asking, "Is the snow outside already this heavy?"

"Stop it, it'll all fall off anyway." Yu He'an grabbed her hand. Her fingertips were covered in fine snow. As their hands clasped together, the snow melted, leaving her feeling hot and wet, which was very uncomfortable. She tried to pull away slightly, but Yu He'an didn't let go; instead, she tightened her grip.

The snow melted clean, and she gave up struggling, obediently letting Yu He'an hold her hand. "Brother, what's wrong?"

"Why is it so cold?" Yu He'an asked her with her head down, handing the brocade box to Changming and carefully wiping the water stains off her fingertips.

"It's always been like this." Yu Tan lowered her head, her fingertips being caressed by Yu He'an's palm, gradually warming up. Yu He'an released her hand, and Yu Tan's gaze fell on the brocade box. "Brother, what is this?"

"Here you go, open it later."

Yu Tan raised her eyebrows slightly, and her eyes brightened.

Five years ago, Yuhe'an would prepare New Year's gifts for her every year.

Yu He'an's birthday is on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Every year during the New Year, she would receive many birthday gifts. She would be envious of them. As a child, she didn't know how to hide her feelings, and they would show on her face. After Yu He'an noticed this, he would prepare a separate gift for her.

We can open the gifts together on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

Yu Tan happily accepted the gift, completely forgetting the strange atmosphere from before. Yu He'an took off his cloak, revealing a moon-white robe, looking aloof and unapproachable.

Holding the brocade box, Yu Tan felt more and more that the gift she had chosen was good, as it could dispel the coldness emanating from Yu He'an.

The two sat around a round table, on which were laid out two different dishes, not clearly separated by a winter melon and abalone soup. The left side was light and refreshing, while the right side was spicy and flavorful.

Tonight is New Year's Eve. Even though it's snowing, firecrackers are going off one after another. A separate table is set up in the outer hall. Yu Tan has dismissed the maids from serving her. Only the two of them are left in the small hall.

The Marquis's mansion, a place of great wealth and honor, was very particular about etiquette; during a meal, there was only the slightest sound of touching.

The peach blossom wine had been warming for a long time. Yu Tan held the slender-necked jade pot and added wine to the wine cup. The wine was clear and fragrant. She pushed one of the cups in front of Yu He'an.

Yu Tan rose, picked up his wine cup, and said with a slight smile, "I wish you success in the imperial examination and a smooth career in your officialdom."

The wine cups clinked together, making a crisp sound. Yu He'an touched the butterfly hairpin in her hair and said, "Wishing you good health and peace of mind next year."

Yu Tan downed the peach blossom wine in one gulp, quite boldly. After drinking it, he felt that the wine was spicier than in previous years, and it burned his throat a bit.

Yu He'an finished his wine, took a step closer, and stared at Yu Tan. Wine stains still remained on his lips, shimmering in the dim candlelight.

When did you learn to drink alcohol?

Yu Tan lowered her eyelashes and said with dissatisfaction, "Brother, you look down on me. I already knew it a long time ago."

"I don't mean to look down on you."

Yu Tan raised her right hand and extended three fingers. "Every year I drink three cups with Grandmother, each cup bigger than this one. Brother, don't shake it."

Yu Tan's head swayed back and forth, and the three fingers she held up also swayed. Yu He'an grabbed her hand to prevent her from falling off the stool.

"That's really impressive."

"You don't believe me." Yu Tan pretended to pour another cup, but without touching it, she drank it down in one gulp. The spiciness made her throat dry. "It's a bit spicy."

"Didn't you say you could drink three cups?"

A cup of tea was pushed in front of her, and she quickly took it. Her head was spinning, and she didn't want to drink a third cup.

"Brother, I don't really want to drink anymore, I can't drink anymore."

Yu He'an said helplessly, "Didn't you drink it yourself?"

Yu Tan muttered something, poured another cup into her cup, and made as if to drink it, but was stopped by Yu He'an's hand.

"Brother?" Yu Tan tilted her head to look at him, her face flushed, her eyes glistening with moisture, and her raven-like eyelashes trembling slightly.

Yu He'an gently squeezed her fingertips, just like he had warmed her hands before, and whispered in her ear, "Didn't you say you didn't want to drink? Why do you insist on drinking three cups?"

Yu Tan shook her head: "In previous years, I drank three cups. This year, I don't want it to be different. I want it to be the same as before, with everything the same."

Yu He'an took the wine cup from her hand, his thin lips just touching the lipstick mark.

“Brother, that’s mine.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Yu He'an tilted his head back, revealing his fair neck. His Adam's apple bobbed, and his slender fingers tilted the wine cup, not a single drop of wine falling.

"I finished the third cup, just like every year."

Yu Tan repeated, "Brother, that's my wine cup."

Yu He'an turned around and raised an eyebrow at her, her eyes filled with undisguised tenderness: "Looks like you're not completely drunk yet."

"I wasn't drunk to begin with, and I still have to stay up to welcome the New Year."

"How can you stay up all night like this?"

The sound of firecrackers outside grew louder and more frequent, as families set off firecrackers to drive away the Nian monster after their family reunion dinner.

Fireworks soared into the sky, exploding one after another, dazzling and beautiful, their light shining on the windows.

"Of course I can." Yu Tan swayed as she walked to the window, leaned against it, and watched the fireworks with her face in her hands. Yu He'an stood beside her. With the effects of the alcohol, she became much bolder. "Brother, if—I mean if—I wasn't your sister... would you still be good to me?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, Yu Tan regretted them and turned her face away.

Yu He'an stared at Yu Tan's face. A firework exploded in the sky, illuminating the entire world as bright as day. He could see the panic, hesitation, and worry on Yu Tan's face.

Suddenly, the woman who resembled Yu Tan and the girl mentioned in her father's letter all connected, as if they were about to break through time and reveal the whole truth.

Suddenly, an absurd idea popped into his head.

He gently stroked Yu Tan's cheek, and the panic seemed to run from his fingertips into his heart.

Yu He'an's voice was hoarse with suppressed emotion: "If you're not my sister, then who are you?"

Author's Note: Thank you to Xiha Yezemi Cat for the nutrient solution from Yu Yan Youzi [Lower-eared Rabbit Head] (a user name).