Chapter 63 I know now that I'm back.
Outside Chengtian Gate, colorful tents were erected high, and long tables were covered in red. Zhuque Street was already filled with crowds, bustling with noise. Yu Man and Xiao Tao looked around on the outskirts of the crowd. The windows of the teahouses along the street were full of people. Just as they were thinking of finding a gap, a kind-looking waiter squeezed in front of them and said respectfully, "Madam Yu, my husband invites you to a private room upstairs for a chat."
Looking up, she saw Gu Chengling, dressed in a moon-white robe, smiling and nodding at her from the second-floor window of the restaurant across the street. Yu Man readily agreed, thanked him, and followed him upstairs.
The elegant furnishings of the private room offered a respite from the hustle and bustle of the street. Besides Gu Chengling, his cousin from the Luo family, whom he had met once before, was also there. Today, she wore a primrose-colored blouse that accentuated her snow-white skin, and her almond-shaped eyes were round and bright, exuding a charming air.
Upon seeing Yu Man enter, she immediately stood up from her chair, forcing a smile: "Sit here." Her voice was clear and crisp, but her movements subtly conveyed a hint of unnatural politeness that she hadn't shown before.
She led Yu Man to a seat by the window, then picked up the white porcelain teapot on the table, poured herself a cup, and pushed it towards Yu Man: "This... the pre-Qingming Longjing tea here is quite good, Madam Yu, please try it." Her gaze was somewhat unfocused, avoiding direct eye contact with Yu Man. Then, she pushed a plate of delicately arranged lotus-shaped tea snacks towards Yu Man's side, "The snacks are alright too."
Yu Man noticed her change, accepted the gift calmly, and smiled, "Thank you, Madam Luo." She picked up a small lotus-shaped pastry and tasted it; it was indeed quite delicious.
Seeing Yu Man accept the hospitality so gracefully and even smile at her, Luo Wanxi secretly breathed a sigh of relief, her tense shoulders relaxing slightly.
She very unceremoniously moved her embroidered stool closer to Yu Man, this time with more naturalness. Then, she leaned forward slightly, her bright eyes filled with curiosity, and simply changed her form of address, lowering her voice to ask, "Sister Yu, I heard... you're engaged?" After asking, she stared intently at Yu Man, waiting for her answer.
Yu Man found her appearance quite cute and, intending to tease her, slowly swallowed the pastry in her mouth, took a sip of tea, and nodded under Luo Wanxi's increasingly eager gaze, replying, "Yes."
Luo Wanxi's eyes lit up even more, and she pressed on, "Is it Pei Ji, the third-place scholar in this year's imperial examination, Young Master Pei?"
"What's wrong?" Yu Man asked in return.
“I heard that he…” Luo Wanxi lowered her voice even further, “is he really as handsome and elegant as a jade statue?” She asked directly, but her pure curiosity made her seem anything but abrupt.
Yu Man couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Where did you hear these rumors from?"
“What’s so difficult about that!” Luo Wanxi raised her chin slightly, with a sense of matter-of-fact. “He’s already the third-ranked scholar!” In her simple understanding, the words “third-ranked scholar” seemed to carry an aura of both talent and good looks.
Didn't you see that her cousin didn't even get third place in the imperial examination? He simply wasn't talented enough.
"A-Wan." Gu Chengling's voice came from behind.
Upon hearing this, Luo Wanxi immediately shrank her neck, like a little sparrow that had been gently touched, and sat up straighter obediently. However, she refused to completely back down and muttered under her breath, "I'll definitely take a closer look later to see if she really is as beautiful as the rumors say..." Her eyes darted around, glancing at her cousin who was drinking tea beside her, and she deliberately dragged out her words, "...whether she can compare to some people."
Gu Chengling put down his teacup: "When judging a person, one should value their character and talent, not just their appearance."
This time, Luo Wanxi wasn't fooled by his high-sounding words. Instead, she turned to Yu Man, wrinkled her nose, and whispered, "Don't listen to him. He just feels inferior to Pei Tanhua and can't save face."
Luo Wanxi had been on edge ever since they met outside the building last time. Her cousin was good in every way, except that he was always smiling, which made him seem too gentle, and she couldn't help but worry that he might be deceived by someone with ulterior motives. That day, seeing that he seemed unusually polite and attentive to this Lady Yu, she also became a little more blunt in her speech.
Back home, she naturally pressed for an explanation. Gu Chengling, exasperated by her persistent questioning, finally explained, with a mix of amusement and exasperation, "Don't overthink it. Lady Yu already has someone she loves, and her future husband is a promising young man who is expected to pass the imperial examination with flying colors this year."
Seeing that she was still staring wide-eyed, he added with a touch of emotion, "Although I have not known that young master Pei well, his talent, learning, and character are all extraordinary, and his future is limitless."
So that's how it is!
Luo Wanxi felt a weight lift from her heart, and her curiosity immediately piqued. For her cousin to declare her extraordinary, and for Lady Yu to be so beautiful, choosing someone of average appearance...
That's worse than being alone!
When the results were announced, news came that the third-ranked scholar was surnamed Pei. She then begged and pleaded with Gu Chengling to come out with her, partly to express her apologies to Madam Yu, and partly to see the legendary third-ranked scholar in person.
As they were talking, cheers and drumming suddenly erupted downstairs, surging in like a tide and instantly drowning out the whispers in the private room.
"Here it comes!" Luo Wanxi was the first to jump up, rush to the window, and lean half of her body out, her primrose-colored sleeves fluttering slightly in the wind.
At the end of the long street, banners and ceremonial guards gleamed brightly. Three pure white horses, adorned with red silk and golden saddles, slowly approached, surrounded by officials and guards. Flowers and colorful silks rained down, and cheers roared deafeningly.
The top scholar appeared to be over forty, as steady as a mountain, while the second-place scholar was slender and refined, with a scholarly air. When the third white horse carrying that dazzling crimson robe came into view, even Gu Chengling, who was used to such sights, couldn't help but show a hint of admiration in his eyes.
Pei Ji, mounted on horseback, stood tall and straight like a pine tree, clad in a scarlet robe and jade belt, his official hat adorned with flowers. What was even more remarkable was his composure; amidst such extreme prosperity, his brow remained calm, and his gaze clear and bright.
Luo Wanxi was stunned for a moment, then came to her senses and subconsciously turned her head to look at her cousin beside her.
Gu Chengling was also looking downstairs, his gaze calm, lost in thought. Sensing her gaze, he turned his head and met her eyes.
Luo Wanxi quickly turned her head, her heart beating a little fast for some reason. She clung to the window frame, losing interest in the commotion below.
She said to Yu Man, "Your son, the third-ranked scholar, riding a tall horse past here..."
She nodded vigorously and said affirmatively:
"It was truly... incredibly impressive!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Pei Ji, who was on horseback downstairs, seemed to sense something and suddenly raised his eyes, looking past the colorful ribbons fluttering in the air and the countless excited faces.
His gaze fell on Yu Man's face behind the window. The smile on his lips deepened suddenly, like a spring breeze brushing across ice, its brilliance shimmering in an instant.
He parted his lips slightly and silently spoke a few words in her direction.
"Sister Yu, what did he say?" Luo Wanxi, who was peering through the window frame, could see clearly and couldn't help but tug at Yu Man's sleeve out of curiosity.
Yu Man could see it clearly; the mouth shape was clearly "Wait for me." Her heart skipped a beat, but she pretended not to notice, casually waving her hand with a smile on her lips. Her gaze followed the receding red figure until he disappeared into the hustle and bustle at the end of the procession, then she lazily said, "I didn't understand. Maybe the wind blew into my eyes."
Luo Wanxi seemed to understand, but seeing that Yu Man didn't want to talk about it, she wisely stopped asking.
The two chatted for a while about the bustling street scene downstairs and interesting anecdotes from the capital. Luo Wanxi asked most of the questions, Yu Man answered the interesting ones, and Gu Chengling occasionally added a few words. The atmosphere was more harmonious than at the beginning.
A short while later, Luo Wanxi glanced at the dripping water clock in the corner, a hint of embarrassment flashing across her face, and stood up: "Sister Yu, I have to go back to the manor first... It's time to take my medicine." Her tone carried a hint of reluctance, but more so, it was a sense of normalcy.
Gu Chengling also stood up and said politely to Yu Man, "In that case, we shall take our leave. Madam Yu must be tired today, please go back and rest early."
After seeing the two off, the hustle and bustle of the street gradually subsided. Yu Man led Xiao Tao back, and along the way, they could still hear the people's lingering discussions.
"The third-ranked scholar is truly handsome!"
"Indeed, I've heard the articles are excellent..."
"So promising at such a young age..."
After walking for a short while, she saw a warm yellow glow quietly shining under the eaves of her new house in the distance. Pei Ji had changed into his everyday clothes, wearing a plain blue robe. He stood tall and elegant, holding a silk lantern in his hand, and was looking at her.
Yu Man felt a warm glow in her heart, as if burned by the lamplight. She quickened her pace, but then deliberately stopped, tilting her head and smiling, "How could I trouble our newly promoted third-ranked scholar to wait for me in this windy place? I'm afraid he won't be in the mood for court tomorrow."
When Pei Ji saw that she had returned safely, he looked at her helplessly and said in a flat tone, but he was not angry at all: "If you don't come back sooner, what can I do but wait here?" As he spoke, he stepped aside and lit a lantern to light her way.
"The crimson hue suits you perfectly today!" she praised without reservation.
Pei Ji asked her, "How does it compare to blue?"
Yu Man thought about it carefully: "Each has its own merits."
Pei Ji seemed unsurprised: "Then I understand."
Yu Man wanted to ask what he knew, but the man clearly had no intention of answering.
Upon entering the house, he was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. Pei Ji placed the lamp on the table, turned, and went to the kitchen. A short while later, he brought out a bowl of sweet soup that was still steaming slightly. It was sweet rice balls in osmanthus wine, with a delightful aroma.
"It's noisy on the street, have something to eat." He said in a low voice, and naturally pushed the bowl in front of her.
Yu Man picked up the bowl, but instead of drinking it, he solemnly raised it and winked at him: "Come, scholar, I'll toast you with soup instead of wine to congratulate you on passing the imperial examination and riding through the streets!"
Pei Ji chuckled and gently pressed down on the rim of her bowl: "Alright, stop fooling around. This soup is best drunk while it's hot." He didn't want her to become sworn brothers like this.
Yu Man put down her bowl following his touch, ate a couple of bites of the sweet, moist glutinous rice balls, and felt completely comfortable. She simply got up, hugged her soft cushion, and scooted over to the couch where Pei Ji was sitting, sitting close to him. Then she stared at him intently, her eyes sparkling in the lamplight.
Pei Ji looked down at her and immediately saw the weariness beneath her forced spirit. "Go back to sleep if you're tired." He raised his hand and brushed a stray strand of hair from her forehead.
Yu Man shook her head, still staring at him.
"Then what do you want to do?" Pei Ji asked, his voice lower.
Yu Man didn't speak, but suddenly tilted her head back and leaned in, her soft lips gently touching his. Pei Ji responded almost instinctively, but managed to restrain himself before losing control, his breathing already somewhat unsteady.
When they parted, Yu Man's cheeks were slightly flushed. She was about to lazily lie down on his lap when Pei Ji helped her up by the shoulder and made her sit up again.
“Sit still,” his voice was a few degrees hoarser than usual, but he changed the subject, “Your hair is all messed up, let me fix it for you.”
As he spoke, he got up to fetch a comb, returned and sat behind her, gently loosening her slightly disheveled hair and patiently combing it down her long hair bit by bit with a wooden comb.
Cool fingertips occasionally brushed against the back of her neck, sending a slight shiver down her spine. In the quiet room, only the rustling of a wooden comb through her hair and their soft breathing could be heard.
Yu Man suddenly asked, "What's the palace examination like? Is the emperor fierce?"
Pei Ji continued combing his hair without stopping, and began to speak in a calm tone.
When he stopped, Yu Man's drowsiness returned. Leaning against the person behind her, she asked groggily, "Isn't that... going to take up a post at the Hanlin Academy in a few days?"
"Yes, the decree has been issued, so it should be so," Pei Ji replied, his movements still gentle.
Yu Man mentally calculated the days, and her voice, heavy with sleep, sounded exceptionally clear and natural: "Alright... Once you're settled, I'll go to the Hanlin Academy to see you off to your new post. Then... I'll return to Dongqing County."
Although the messengers from the food shop always said that nothing was wrong, I had been in the capital for a long time and it was time to go back and visit. I hadn't seen my mother and younger brother yet, and I hadn't celebrated Xiu Xiu's birthday.
There are many things to do, so we can only do this first and then that. The most important thing right now is to send Pei Ji to his post properly.
The moment she finished speaking.
The steady, gentle combing motion behind her suddenly stopped without warning.
The comb teeth stopped precisely between the strands of hair in the center of her vest.
But it was just one meal.
The next moment, the wooden comb began to move slowly again. Pei Ji's voice came from behind her head, still steady, even sounding gentle:
"Yes, it would be good to go back and check on the shop."
But the movements of combing her hair were slower and gentler than before. One stroke after another.
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