Bai Yujing's eyes widened, a fierce glint flashing within them. He took a sudden step forward and roared, "Yingxiang, you're nothing but a servant. What right do you have to stop me from seeing Huaiyu?"
Yingxiang met his gaze without fear, her tone firm: "Young Master Bai, I am Madam's maid, and I have a duty to protect her feelings. If you insist on barging in, then please step over me first."
Bai Yujing's face grew increasingly grim. He gritted his teeth, a flicker of hesitation crossing his eyes. Just then, Jiang Huaiyu walked over, gently patted Yingxiang's shoulder, and said softly, "Yingxiang, thank you."
Bai Yujing looked at Jiang Huaiyu, a glimmer of hope rising in his heart. He quickly said, "Huaiyu, give me a chance to make up for my past mistakes."
Jiang Huaiyu looked at him, a hint of pain flashing in her eyes. She took a deep breath and then slowly said, "Bai Yujing, I've let go of the past, and you should too. Let bygones be bygones between us. Take care of yourself."
After speaking, Jiang Huaiyu turned and went back into the courtyard, with Yingxiang following closely behind, closing the door behind them. Bai Yujing stood alone outside the door, looking at the closed gate with a face full of disappointment and regret.
Just then, Deng Shen's voice came from the courtyard, informing Yingxiang that Madam Jiang Huaiyu had allowed Bai Yujing to enter. Yingxiang frowned, a hint of displeasure flashing in her eyes, and turned to look at Deng Shen.
In the courtyard, sunlight filtered through the sparse leaves and dappled the bluestone slabs. Deng Shen stood in the shade, looking slightly embarrassed. He looked at Yingxiang, his lips twitching slightly, as if he wanted to explain something.
Yingxiang said coldly, "Deng Shen, you are Madam's man, how can you side with outsiders and speak to Bai Yujing?"
Deng Shen smiled wryly and said, "Miss Yingxiang, you've misunderstood. I dared not lie to you because I have been kind to you. It was indeed Madam who sent me to deliver this message."
A hint of doubt flashed in Yingxiang's eyes, but she still found Deng Shen's words somewhat unbelievable. She glared at Deng Shen, her tone becoming more forceful: "Then tell me, why did Madam suddenly change her mind and allow Bai Yujing to enter?"
Deng Shen lowered his head and thought for a moment, then said, "This... I'm not quite sure either. But Madam instructed me to make sure you know that she personally allowed Bai Yujing to enter."
Yingxiang bit her lower lip. Although she still had doubts, she knew that she wouldn't get any answers by asking any further. She turned around and walked towards the gate of the courtyard, saying as she went, "Alright, I'll believe you this time. But remember, you are Madam's person, so don't speak up for Bai Yujing anymore."
Deng Shen sighed softly, watching Yingxiang's retreating figure, feeling somewhat helpless. He knew that his position in Yingxiang's heart was no longer what it used to be.
Yingxiang walked to the courtyard gate, about to go in, when she saw Bai Yujing already standing there, waiting anxiously. Upon seeing Yingxiang, he immediately smiled and asked, "Miss Yingxiang, has Madam allowed me to enter?"
Yingxiang nodded coldly without saying a word. A hint of joy flashed in Bai Yujing's eyes, and she quickly thanked her, "Thank you, Miss Yingxiang."
Yingxiang glanced at him, then turned and entered the courtyard. Bai Yujing followed closely behind, secretly relieved that he would finally be able to see Madam Jiang Huaiyu.
In the living room of the small courtyard, Jiang Huaiyu sat in the main seat, with several maids standing beside her. Seeing Bai Yujing enter, she smiled slightly and said, "Bai Yujing, you've come."
Bai Yujing quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Madam, greetings. Bai Yujing pays her respects."
Jiang Huaiyu gently waved her hand, signaling Bai Yujing to rise. She looked at Bai Yujing, a complex expression flashing in her eyes, and asked, "Do you know why I let you in?"
Bai Yujing shook her head, indicating that she did not know.
Jiang Huaiyu sighed and said, "Actually, it's because I saw your poem. Your talent surprised me, and I wanted to see you for myself."
Bai Yujing showed a hint of surprise, not expecting that the lady had let him in because of his poetic talent. He secretly rejoiced, finally finding an opportunity to showcase himself to the lady.
The atmosphere in the living room gradually relaxed, and Jiang Huaiyu and Bai Yujing began discussing poetry and literature. Yingxiang stood to the side, watching Bai Yujing, and couldn't help but feel a little envious.
At this moment, Deng Shen walked in. Seeing the atmosphere in the living room, he couldn't help but secretly breathe a sigh of relief. He knew that his risky act of delivering the message had ultimately been correct.
Deng Shen walked up to Yingxiang and asked in a low voice, "Miss Yingxiang, what do you think of Bai Yujing?"
Yingxiang glanced at him, smiled gently, and said, "He is indeed very talented and admirable. But... he is still just an outsider."
Deng Shen smiled and said nothing more.
Bai Yujing cautiously entered the room. The room was quiet, save for Jiang Huaiyu sitting quietly by the window. Her figure, bathed in the setting sun, appeared exceptionally lonely. Her face was turned towards the window, as if gazing at some distant memory.
"Huaiyu," Bai Yujing called softly, her voice trembling slightly.
Jiang Huaiyu seemed not to hear, remaining in her original posture. Bai Yujing moved closer and then noticed a tear slowly sliding down the corner of her eye.
"Huaiyu, what's wrong?" Bai Yujing's voice became gentle and concerned.
Jiang Huaiyu finally turned her head, revealing a pale and weary face, her eyes flickering with complex emotions. She looked at Bai Yujing, a slight smile playing on her lips, yet unable to conceal the sorrow in her heart.
"Yujing, do you still remember the day we first met?" Jiang Huaiyu's voice was light and airy, as if she were recalling a story from a dream.
A warm feeling welled up in Bai Yujing's heart. He gently held Jiang Huaiyu's hand and recalled, "I remember, it was a cold winter day, and the snow in Yuqian Lane was falling heavily. I had just come back from outside and saw you standing in the courtyard, holding a bunch of snow plum blossoms in your hands, and your smile was as warm as the spring sun."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, a hint of nostalgia flashing in her eyes: "Back then, we didn't know each other's names. We simply exchanged a cup of tea and felt a deep connection. Later, we often enjoyed tea and admired the snow in the courtyard of Yuqian Lane. You taught me to play the flute, and I brewed tea for you."
Looking at the bamboo stumps outside the window, Bai Yujing felt a pang of emotion: "Yes, the bamboo forest was so lush and green back then, just like our love, full of vitality. But now, the bamboo forest is gone, leaving only these messy bamboo stumps."
Jiang Huaiyu gently stroked Bai Yujing's hand, a resolute glint in her eyes: "Yujing, I know the bamboo forest is gone, but as long as our hearts are still connected, those beautiful memories will never disappear."
Bai Yujing looked deeply at Jiang Huaiyu, her eyes filled with gratitude and love: "Huaiyu, I know I have made you suffer a lot, but I swear, I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you."
Jiang Huaiyu shook her head slightly, a mischievous glint in her eyes: "Yujing, you're always so serious. Actually, I know you've already tried your best. It's just that sometimes, I have too many thoughts of my own, which puts unnecessary pressure on you."
The two looked at each other and smiled, as if they had returned to that carefree era.
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