Chapter Thirty-Five: Lan Yue Fang Zhou
Night falls in Muxiyuan. As soon as the sun sets, the wind carries away the last warmth of the day, bringing with it the fresh scent of grass and trees, along with a hint of chill.
Unlike the warm and humid south, the night sky here seemed to be washed by the cold moonlight, carrying a unique sense of spaciousness and tranquility. This was Yun Yao's first time visiting a northern city, and everything here felt unfamiliar and new.
But after the initial novelty wore off, Yunyao felt even more lonely and longing.
Autumn in Nanhang doesn't have such a biting wind; you can walk through the Jiangnan alleys filled with the sweet fragrance of osmanthus blossoms wearing just a light shirt. The water of Xiling Lake is still warm, and dragonflies always leisurely alight on the reeds along the shore, their wings gleaming in the setting sun.
Unlike in the north, the insects here hide in the piles of dead leaves early on. Perhaps occasionally, birds returning late will flutter across the branches, but they will soon sink into even deeper silence.
Yun Yao sighed. He looked at the bright moon hanging high in the sky outside the window and thought to himself, at least the moon is the same. At this moment, his hometown is also bathed in the same moonlight.
Just then, there was a knock on his door. Yun Yao put down the picture book about classical dance in his hand, got up and opened the door.
Outside the door, the lady smiled at him, "Yun'er." The moonlight was as clear as if it had been washed, and the lady's face seemed to be covered with a soft glow.
“Madam,” Yun Yao glanced at the door and, seeing no other attendants, asked, “Why did you come alone?”
As he spoke, he took a clean coat and draped it over his wife, saying softly, "It's getting chilly at night, please take care of yourself."
The lady smiled, took Yun Yao's hand that was covering her with a coat, squeezed it affectionately, and said gently, "I'm fine, but Yun'er, are you getting used to staying here?"
Yun Yao lowered his eyes slightly, unable to speak his true feelings. He could only smile and say, "Everything is fine here, Madam."
The lady looked at him, then raised her hand and touched his cheek with a touch of pity, and sighed softly, "This garden is somewhat like the scenery of the South. With you here with me, it feels like we've returned to the time when we were at Cuiwei Villa."
As she spoke, the lady took Yun Yao's hand and led her to sit by the window. She saw the classical dance picture book that Yun Yao had been looking at on the table. The ink on the book was still wet, and the small notes Yun Yao had just written down were detailed and earnest analyses and understandings of the dance movements and music.
The lady looked at it carefully for a few moments, but Yun Yao became a little shy. He said softly, "Madam, I just wrote this when I was bored. Please don't look at it..."
The lady looked up at him and smiled, saying, "Yun'er is so intelligent, she can't possibly be writing nonsense."
She pondered for a moment, then slowly said to Yun Yao, "Yun'er, you dance so well and you love it, it would be a pity to give it up. I was thinking, there's a lot of space in Muxi Garden. There's a Lanyue Hall in the West Garden, which used to have a performance stage and some pavilions and halls, and they're currently empty. I'll have Steward Xing take people to renovate it and make it a special place for you to practice and perform in the future, what do you think?"
Yun Yao looked at the lady in shock, "Madam..." He couldn't believe that he would still have the opportunity to dance here. For the first time since coming to the North, Yun Yao felt genuinely happy.
Seeing the light in his eyes, the lady smiled and said gently, "Yun'er, go with Steward Xing to check out the venue tomorrow. If there's anything you want to change, just tell him."
As she spoke, she placed a kiss on Yun Yao's lips and said with a touch of affection, "I'm usually busy with things. If you feel lonely in the garden, you can go there to practice dancing. In the future, you can ask Butler Xing to find you some dance partners, or you can form your own dance team in the garden if you want, no problem."
“Madam, I…” Yun Yao was genuinely moved this time.
He knew he wasn't truly free; his wife kept him locked in her palm like a canary. But when he couldn't break free and had even resigned himself to his fate, he saw a glimmer of hope. He wouldn't have to live a muddled life anymore; at least he could do what he truly loved. What a wonderful surprise this was for Yun Yao.
But soon, Yun Yao thought of the extravagant luxury of the Osmanthus Garden and the complex, turbulent interpersonal relationships hidden beneath its glamorous exterior. He became somewhat worried again, "Madam, isn't this a bit inappropriate? If my personal hobby causes trouble for everyone..."
Knowing Yun Yao's temperament, the lady smiled and patted his hand, saying, "Don't worry, Yun'er. Besides, this is because I wanted to see Yun'er dance, and no one will dare to complain."
Seeing that Yun Yao still looked worried, the lady could only sigh and say, "Alright, if Yun'er is willing, she can be in charge of the performances at any important banquets or gatherings in Muxi Garden. That way, it's only natural for you to use your time to practice dancing, and no one can say anything about it."
Yun Yao breathed a slight sigh of relief. People have to give something in return for what they receive. He would feel uneasy if he just took things for free, so he agreed to the lady's request, and that was how the matter was settled.
After the matter was finished, the night gradually deepened. The lady looked slightly tired; since returning to the north, her energy seemed to have diminished compared to when she was in the south.
Yun Yao used the techniques she had learned from her assistants to massage the lady's shoulders and neck, and the lady finally felt a little more relaxed. She took Yun Yao's hand and smiled faintly, "Don't bother, Yun'er. It's late, come back to the bedroom with me."
In the moonlight, Yun Yao watched as the lady quietly responded.
The lady seemed to want to recreate the decadent time at Cuiwei Villa in Nanhang. That night, she held Yunyao in her arms, just like in those days, entwined with sandalwood, passionate and tireless.
The next day, Butler Xing waited outside the main courtyard for a while before being called inside.
The lady's face was rosy and she seemed to be in a good mood. Butler Xing didn't dare to look at her too much, but he was also happy for the lady's obviously good health.
As instructed by his wife, he took Yunyao to the West Garden of Muxi Garden.
The West Garden, nestled deep within the main garden complex, boasts exquisite scenery, a winding shoreline, and shimmering water that reflects the surrounding buildings and flowers. A gentle breeze ripples across the surface, creating a scene full of charm and poetic beauty. Being there feels like stepping into a second Jiangnan region.
Yun Yao had long suspected that even the empty halls in this luxurious Osmanthus Garden must be extremely exquisite, but he never expected that Lan Yue Hall would actually be even more perfect than he had imagined.
The empty Lan Yue Hall mentioned by the lady is actually the main building of the West Garden. It is very beautiful and has a dedicated performance stage. There are halls, corridors and other viewing areas around it. The space is bright and open, and the view is unobstructed. It is very suitable for music and dance performances to accompany banquets in the hall.
Butler Xing also invited another professional to introduce Yun Yao to the various designs of Lan Yue Hall. For example, the ceiling of Lan Yue Hall is a specially made arched shape, which is not only beautifully curved and conceals the beams above, but also uses this arched roof to reflect sound, enhancing the acoustics and creating a lingering, resonant sound. The environment here is elegant, the furnishings are antique, and with the natural landscaping of the garden, flowers, trees, rocks, and water features, it can create the atmosphere of a "natural theater."
Yun Yao listened with some amazement; he hadn't expected his wife to choose such a wonderful place for him. However, the day's excitement wasn't over yet. Butler Xing then took Yun Yao to visit the Fangzhou Waterside Pavilion and the Waterfront Mandarin Duck Pavilion, which were connected to Lanyue Hall on either side.
The professional garden management staff told Yunyao that the east side of Lanyue Hall is connected to Fangzhou Water Pavilion.
The name "Fangzhou" is derived from the ancient poem, "Gathering fragrant herbs on the islet, to give to the maidens below." The venue can also be used for musical and dance performances. Because the platform of the waterside pavilion extends onto the water, the water acts as a mirror, reflecting the dancers' figures and creating a beautiful, dynamic interplay with the surrounding lotus flowers, pavilions, and other scenery.
To the west of Lan Yue Tang stands the Waterfront Mandarin Duck Pavilion, its interior featuring long, floor-to-ceiling windows on all four sides, resembling the glass curtain walls of modern architecture. The window frames on either side are adorned with swastika patterns, while the central partition features inlaid stone, green wood carvings, and floral designs—exquisitely carved, delicately patterned, and crafted with superb skill. Viewing the scenery through the windows reveals different vistas in different seasons, a tapestry of undulating heights and vibrant colors, each with its own unique charm.
Butler Xing also told Yun Yao that the Mandarin Duck Pavilion is located north of the Lotus Pond. When the lotus flowers bloom in the pond in summer, it will be a wonderful experience to admire them at the Mandarin Duck Pavilion. At that time, the lotus leaves will be lush and green, mandarin ducks will frolic in the water under the window, and the fragrance of lotus flowers will fill the air, creating a beautiful summer lotus pond scene. The pavilion is magnificent, and small gatherings can be held here in spring and autumn, accompanied by music and dance performances.
...
It took almost the entire day for Steward Xing and the others to show Yun Yao around Lan Yue Hall, Fangzhou Waterside Pavilion, and Yuanyang Pavilion. Yun Yao suppressed her inner shock and focused on discussing with the garden management staff how to renovate the stage in Lan Yue Hall, as well as to add suitable modern tools and props for dance performances.
Before leaving, Yun Yao turned and glanced at the beautiful scenery of this hidden paradise, feeling a great sense of responsibility. He thought to himself, "Such beautiful architecture and scenery cannot be wasted; I must choreograph a dance that is worthy of it."
When Yun Yao and Steward Xing returned to the main courtyard, they found that there were quite a few guests there. After seeing some servants waiting outside, Steward Xing cautiously asked Yun Yao to wait a while before going in.
He told Yunyao that these servants were from the young master and young lady's household, and that the young master and young lady had probably come to see the madam today. If they entered the courtyard now, they might run into them.
Yun Yao sighed softly. He understood what Butler Xing meant and was grateful for his kindness. He himself even wished to stay in his safe shell forever and never see anyone.
But since he was by his wife's side, it was impossible for him to never see her family again.
Moreover, he had just promised his wife yesterday that he would be in charge of the music and dance performances in the garden. As a performer, he should not be afraid of any viewers; he would have to face them sooner or later.
Thinking of this, Yun Yao said to Butler Xing, "It's alright, Butler Xing, let's go in as usual. If Madam hasn't instructed us to see the young masters and misses, we'll go back to the assistant's office and wait. As for whether we'll run into them or not, it doesn't matter. There's nothing we can't see."
Butler Xing saw that Yun Yao's attitude had become much more relaxed, and nodded in agreement. He also felt that Madam would likely introduce Yun Yao to these young masters and ladies, since they were all Madam's closest confidants. Even if Yun Yao's status was awkward, it wouldn't affect Madam's affection and attention towards him.
But Butler Xing still offered a few words of advice: "Yun Yao, as you probably saw yesterday, our young masters and ladies have different personalities. If you deal with them, you should be careful. Especially the eldest and second young masters, you should keep your distance."
Yun Yao had learned from yesterday's experience that the second young master was a troublesome person who was good at causing trouble, so he should stay away from him. As for the eldest young master, he gave him an impression of being somewhat unfathomable, and even had a hint of the aura of a madam.
Yun Yao thought that this young master probably wouldn't pay much attention to someone of his status, and he would try to appear in front of them as little as possible.
As for the aloof Third Miss and the still-young Fourth Young Master, Yun Yao didn't have much of an impression of them. In any case, to avoid trouble, it was best for him to avoid too much contact with them.
Thinking this, Yun Yao followed Steward Xing into the main courtyard. The steward in the courtyard, seeing them return, hurried to inform the madam, then returned and led them directly into the main courtyard's flower hall.
In the main hall, the Madam sat at the head of the table. To her left was the eldest son, whose expression was composed, followed by the second son, who unusually maintained a dignified demeanor. On the other side were the solemn third young lady and the fourth son, who looked at the Madam with eyes full of adoration.
When Yun Yao followed Butler Xing in, she overheard the Fourth Young Master happily telling his wife about his participation in a basketball game at school. Occasionally, other young masters and ladies would chime in with their conversation; it seemed like they were just chatting casually, enjoying each other's company.
At this moment, the second young master was the first to notice Yun Yao who had come in with Steward Xing. He immediately raised his eyebrows and looked over with great interest, his eyes showing a restless, playful light, like a wild cat about to catch its prey and play with it.
The eldest young master and the third young lady also looked over, both of them looking at Yun Yao at the same time. It was clear that after yesterday, everyone had a deep impression of Yun Yao.
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