Master Jinghu’s Courtyard House seemed ordinary, yet upon entering, it revealed a hidden paradise.
Gigantic trees blocked the sun, winding corridors meandered, green water gleamed, Koi danced, and peach-colored hibiscus, white-colored hibiscus mutabilis, vermillion pomegranates, and purple lotuses blossomed with vibrant beauty. Walking among them felt akin to being in the Jiangnan Gardens.
Without showing any emotion, Song Jiyun walked alongside Yuan Yunzhong to the Flower Hall.
The hall boasted colored-glaze panels and the twelve-column screen door was wide open. A man clad in a bamboo-green robe sat with a book, arranging chess pieces beside a black lacquered round table.
"Grandfather!" Yuan Yunzhong called out to the man, his steps quickened with excitement.
The man rose, almost as tall as Yuan Yunzhong, with a thin face, jet-black hair, and narrow, phoenix eyes that shimmered with a cold frost but melted into warmth when his gaze fell upon Yuan Yunzhong.
"Xiao Si is here." His tone was gentle, and his scholarly demeanor approached a few steps forward, smilingly inspecting Yuan Yunzhong, his eyes and eyebrows full of joy.
"Grandfather!" Yuan Yunzhong, respectfully greeting the man, excitedly drew Song Jiyun forward, introducing her with a hint of pride, "This is Miss Song," and then proudly to Song Jiyun, "This is my grandfather, you can call him Master Jinghu, like my older cousins do." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢
"Miss Song!" Master Jinghu greeted warmly, seeming cordial and enthusiastic, yet Song Jiyun keenly sensed his subtle rejection.
It seemed Master Jinghu didn’t accept Yuan Yunzhong’s choice as much as Yuan Yunzhong had claimed.
Song Jiyun smiled and gave Master Jinghu a bow, saying, "Master Jinghu."
Yuan Yunzhong happily explained their visit’s purpose to Master Jinghu, "We feared the Twelfth Guard couldn’t even defend the city gates, it’s safer for Miss Song to stay here."
Clearly, Master Jinghu and Yuan Yunzhong shared a very close relationship, jesting not like grandparent and grandchild, but like friends, "Understood. I’ll ensure her safety, handing her back to you unharmed and without trouble when you come for her."
Yuan Yunzhong, affectionate with his grandfather, responded unabashedly, "Then you must keep your word. If Miss Song loses a single hair, I definitely won’t let it go."
"You’re really turning into a husband who forgets his mom," Master Jinghu teased with a laugh, tapping Yuan Yunzhong’s head, "No wonder your mother dislikes you. I only have her as a daughter; can’t you just humor her, give in a little for my sake?"
This made Yuan Yunzhong frown discontentedly.
Master Jinghu quickly added, "Alright, alright, I won’t say more. Ever since you moved to Straw Hat Hutong, you scarcely visit. You and your mother are both dear to me, but if you argue with your mother constantly, can’t I even complain a bit?"
Yuan Yunzhong looked somewhat helpless.
Master Jinghu then turned his attention to Song Jiyun, "Miss Song, forgive our laughter. Xiao Si has been raised by me since he was little. I don’t have many children around me, so I might have spoiled him a bit, and speak too freely."
Yuan Yunzhong immediately voiced his displeasure, "Grandfather."
"I won’t say more, I won’t say more," Master Jinghu indulged again.
Song Jiyun watched with a gentle smile.
If he truly wasn’t treating her differently, why would he be so polite and say such things?
All along, those opposing her marriage to Yuan Yunzhong were his father and mother, and the opposition Yuan Yunzhong dealt with was also directed to his father and mother. Although Master Jinghu initially disagreed according to Yuan Yunzhong, he had supposedly changed his mind after seeing Yuan Yunzhong’s determination.
Perhaps this change of mind came upon realizing Yuan Yunzhong’s resolve, fearing too harsh a stance might provoke a rebellious spirit, necessitating a more subdued approach, right?
Master Jinghu was indeed deeply cunning.
Song Jiyun spoke with a beaming smile, "Master Jinghu, you are too kind. This is the first time I have seen Young Master Yuan so relaxed in front of his elders, which clearly shows your affection for him. How could I think you are being casual? When I see this, I can only feel envy and think of you as generous."
During their conversation, their gazes inadvertently met in midair.
One held an undisguised coldness and distance, while the other carried a perfunctory attitude seasoned with worldly insight.
Master Jinghu was momentarily stunned.
Yuan Yunzhong, who usually had a keen observational power, had let his guard down completely in the presence of his two closest people. Not only had he noticed nothing, but he also pretended to whisper to Song Jiyun in a voice loud enough for Master Jinghu to hear, "You’ve noticed all that. My maternal grandfather is indeed very easy-going. You’ll feel it once you’ve stayed here longer."
To Master Jinghu, he said, "Miss Song also plays Go quite well, excels in painting birds and flowers, and knows music. When you are free, you can keep her company on my behalf."
Adjusting the atmosphere.
He tried desperately to bridge the gap between the two individuals, hoping his dearest ones could like and appreciate each other, and get along in a friendly and harmonious manner.
Song Jiyun’s heart softened internally, she sighed quietly.
She naturally did not want to make things difficult for Yuan Yunzhong, but she had also not planned on trying to curry favor with Master Jinghu.
Of course, with someone like Master Jinghu, she felt she might not easily win his favor even if she tried.
Since both were putting on a show in front of Yuan Yunzhong, why not make the play even more spectacular?
"Don’t worry, I will certainly keep Master Jinghu company for you," Song Jiyun assured Yuan Yunzhong with a charming smile before Master Jinghu could respond, "Seeing how learned you are lets me know how impressive Master Jinghu must be. Such a wonderful learning opportunity, I will definitely not let it pass."
Yuan Yunzhong couldn’t help but suppress a chuckle.
That was indeed Song Jiyun’s characteristic.
She always seized every opportunity to learn, and his paternal grandfather was the kind of person who was willing to teach others; perhaps his accidental arrangement might indeed forge a teacher-student bond between them after all!
"Hmm!" he said, his gaze towards her was unmistakably tender and affectionate.
The chill in Master Jinghu’s eyes grew even colder, but facing his proud grandson, his expression became even more serene and he said, "Go and rest with Miss Song now! I see that Miss Song looks quite fatigued. There will be ample time later for talks after you return from the Yamen."
Yuan Yunzhong agreed, and led Song Jiyun to the already-prepared West Cross Courtyard, explaining along the way, "My paternal grandfather has been through the coup; he acts low-key, and both the East and West Cross Courtyards were later bought intentionally, yet still retain the separate entrances. Those not in the know would think three families lived here. If you need anything, you can use the main entrance on the West Cross Courtyard side."
Song Jiyun smiled and agreed, "Alright," following him to witness the scenery along the way and settling down in the West Cross Courtyard.
Yuan Yunzhong then went to the palace.
But no sooner had he left than Chief Steward Shao arrived, bowed respectfully to her, and said, "The old master invites you to have a talk."
Song Jiyun smiled subtly and asked, "Where?"
Chief Steward Shao replied, "In the study."
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