The Lament of Autumn - Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Flowers, Fragrant Powder, and Fine Clothes in Jinling; A Jade Hairpin Left Behind on a Rainy Night

It was June in Jinling, the beginning of summer. The sun was exceptionally warm, and at one or two in the afternoon, the official residence was at its most leisurely hour. Because this was the time for the midday nap in each wing, the place was very quiet. Looking at the sun, it was perfectly positioned; in the garden, many potted landscapes were arranged among the trees in clustered groupings. The thousand-leaf pomegranate trees had already bloomed, dots of scarlet shining through that expanse of emerald green, looking truly captivating.

Several young maidservants were there, holding watering cans to sprinkle water, when suddenly a series of laughs broke out. The senior maid, Qiu Luo, standing beside the hammock under the shade of the trees, held an embroidery frame in one hand and a needle in the other. She retreated several steps, laughing and scolding, "Fifth Young Master, if you keep acting up, my needlework will lose its eyes."

A man’s clear, bright laughter reached her: "I’ve only ever heard of swords and blades being blind, but I’ve never heard that needlework could be blind as well. How exactly does it go about being blind? Could it be that you intend to embroider a pair of mandarin ducks on my face? If so, we’d be a pair."

Qiu Luo laughed, "I wouldn't dare!"

Yu Changxuan was lying comfortably in the hammock, his features deep and handsome. At this moment, his eyes were slightly narrowed, feigning a doze. Hearing Qiu Luo’s words, he opened his eyes, sat straight up from the hammock, and chuckled, saying, "Then let me see what you would dare to do. I’ll keep it in mind so I can be on my guard in the future."

Hardly had he finished speaking when he lunged forward, grabbing Qiu Luo’s wrist. Startled, Qiu Luo retreated, and subconsciously raising her hand, she carelessly poked Yu Changxuan’s head with the needle.

Yu Changxuan lowered his head, feigning immense pain, which frightened Qiu Luo into leaning in immediately. "Where were you poked? Let me see." Who would have thought her wrist would be seized by him? Yu Changxuan laughed and kissed her on the face, saying, "You pretentious girl, you’ve drawn blood from me this time, so you’ll have to properly compensate me." Just as they were messing around, a voice suddenly came from behind: "Oh, no wonder I couldn't find the Fifth Young Master anywhere; so you were here enjoying yourself."

Yu Changxuan turned his head to see the two young ladies of the Tao family, old family friends, Ya Yi and Zi Yi, walking toward them hand in hand. Both were dressed in beautiful Western-style dresses studded with shimmering beads, looking like two vibrant peacocks. Before they had even arrived, the scent of their powder and perfume had already drifted over. Yu Changxuan let go of Qiu Luo and asked, "How did you two come together?"

The eldest Miss of the Tao family, Ya Yi, smiled, "Why? Are we here at a bad time, spoiling the Fifth Young Master's fun?" Yu Changxuan knew she was implying something, so he just smiled without speaking. Beside her, the younger sister, Zi Yi, sneered at him: "In broad daylight, it’s really something for you, Fifth Young Master. If it were me, I would have poked a giant hole in you."

Hearing the jealousy in her tone, Yu Changxuan laughed. His thick brows flew toward his temples, revealing a sense of bold heroism. He said softly, "If it really were you, Sister Zi Yi, I would accept it even if it meant you poked a giant hole in me."

Zi Yi pouted and said unhappily, "I wouldn't even accept it if you did. Someone like you, who goes around teasing every flower and blade of grass, I don't treasure at all. Take these sweet-talking words of yours to Jun Daiti! I won't listen to them."

Yu Changxuan smiled faintly: "You are pinning crimes on me for which there is no defense. Daiti is my sister-in-law's cousin; in front of her, I am merely speaking the expected words of a relative. If you’re unhappy even about that, there is nothing I can do." Zi Yi let out a "hmph." Ya Yi, fearing they would start arguing again, hurriedly mediated with a smile: "Fifth Young Master, are you going to dance at the Xiangxi Restaurant tonight?"

Yu Changxuan laughed: "I have nothing to do anyway, why not go? How many people have you invited?" Ya Yi smiled: "I’ve already called the guys from your staff office. Even if they neglect military duties later, there will be plenty of others to take the blame. We certainly can't let the Fifth Young Master be the only one standing out alone."

Upon hearing the word "dance," Zi Yi couldn't be bothered to be angry anymore. She looked quite excited, lifting her skirt slightly to reveal a pair of gorgeous shoes, and said repeatedly: "Look, I even wore these beautiful dancing shoes. Let's go after I play some cards with Second Sister and sister-in-law."

Yu Changxuan saw that Ya Yi’s arrangements were very appropriate, and he thought that since his father was not home, having a bit of fun didn't matter. While Ya Yi was talking to Qiu Luo, he took the opportunity to glance at Zi Yi, who was standing to the side. Tao Zi Yi raised her head proudly, feigning that she was still angry, but the corners of her mouth held a smile. Yu Changxuan understood, and he immediately laughed.

The Xiangxi Restaurant was an entertainment venue for high-society people. Yu Changxuan and several young officers from the Ninth Army accompanied the Tao sisters in a few dances. The Tao sisters were a famous pair of socialites, and Tao Ya Yi was someone who looked good from any distance. As soon as the music started, she was invited to the floor. Yu Changxuan sat at the table, and Li Boren leaned over and joked: "Fifth Brother, look at this pair. Which one is better?"

Yu Changxuan said coldly, "I think neither is good." Li Boren was slightly stunned and said, "I’ve seen Fifth Brother put quite a bit of effort into Sister Zi Yi; how can you say she’s not good now? Could it be that your heart is actually set on that returned student, Miss Jun Daiti?"

Yu Changxuan drank his beer and said nonchalantly, "Whether it’s the Tao sisters or Jun Daiti, these sorts of people are fine to play with, but if you actually put your heart into it, it wouldn't be worth it." These words made the young officers around them laugh. In the blink of an eye, the Tao sisters returned. Tao Zi Yi, of course, didn't look at anyone else, just pulled Yu Changxuan, shouting: "No matter what, we agreed to dance together! You, on the other hand, just sit here talking endlessly. Don't ruin my newly purchased pair of dancing shoes."

Li Boren watched Yu Changxuan stand up and teased with a double meaning: "Fifth Brother, don't forget what you just said. Be careful—if you step on someone's dancing shoes, you'll have to find someone to wear them!"

Hearing this, Tao Ya Yi walked over with a giggle, scooped up a spoonful of milk cake, and fed it to Li Boren’s mouth. With a flirtatious gaze, she smiled gently: "Stop saying that. If we are speaking that way, don't forget, the shoes your wife wears are ones I’ve already walked in!"

This double entendre left Li Boren choked, unable to swallow or speak. He knew full well that Tao Ya Yi was not someone to be trifled with, and he was one of her "admirers." Furthermore, their father, the Minister of Finance, was at the height of his power. Li Boren laughed: "I was just trying to compliment the Second Miss's shoes for being beautiful and expensive. How much did they cost?"

Tao Ya Yi sat down to drink soda and said nonchalantly, "They are just things worth one or two thousand, nothing much. Colonel Li, you overpraise them."

The officers on the side saw Li Boren get shut down like that and sat there laughing with schadenfreude. Suddenly, the music started again, and Yu Changxuan and Tao Zi Yi danced gracefully on the floor. Hearing the thunderous applause and the bursts of Western music, it was truly a magnificent scene of fragrance, glamour, and debauchery.

Around two or three in the morning, Yu Changxuan felt it was time to go; if he didn't return to rest, he wouldn't be able to get up tomorrow morning, and if his father found out, it would be a disaster. He mentioned that he had to leave. Who would have thought that just as he walked out of the restaurant, he would feel an icy chill? A downpour poured down from the pitch-black night sky, with two or three inches of water accumulating on the street. The adjutant waiting outside had long since opened an umbrella and came forward to meet him, helping Yu Changxuan into the car.

The Chief of the Adjutant Office and Captain of the Guard, Gu Ruitong, was sitting in the car. Seeing Yu Changxuan get in, he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "If the Fifth Young Master hadn't come out, I would have had to go inside and rescue you. If we returned so late and the Madam found out, my brothers in the Adjutant Office would all be replaced."

Yu Changxuan laughed, "One of these days, I should let you taste the clinging skills of the Tao sisters so you don't underestimate my hardship." Gu Ruitong gestured for the driver to start the car and smiled, "Fifth Young Master, spare me this time. That pair of flower-like sisters is more than ordinary people can handle."

Hearing this, Yu Changxuan laughed loudly: "I know Uncle Gu keeps a tight leash on you, so I won't play matchmaker. Don't end up unable to play with women and get played by them instead; that would be a huge sin on my part."

Gu Ruitong said, "We wouldn't dare touch the Fifth Young Master's women. If, in the future, one of them really becomes the Fifth Young Madam, we won't be able to live." Hearing this, Yu Changxuan raised his brows, laughed nonchalantly, and said, "They want to enter our Yu family's gates? I’m afraid they don't have that kind of fortune!"

It was two or three in the morning, the night was long, and the sound of rain was pouring all around. The car’s wipers were moving, speeding along, and the splashing water covered half the car window. Yu Changxuan sat in the back seat, feeling a bit sleepy. Just as he was closing his eyes to rest, he heard a "splash," and the car came to a sudden, abrupt halt. Yu Changxuan was caught off guard, his body swaying forward, nearly hitting the front. He raised his head and said, "What happened?"

The driver replied hurriedly, "Someone almost hit our car, and now they won't leave, blocking the path." Gu Ruitong frowned at the driver: "You have a way with words. I’ve only heard of cars hitting people, never people hitting cars." The driver immediately fell silent. Gu Ruitong looked out the window and said, "Was someone injured?" The driver quickly said, "No, no, but it seems she spilled things all over the ground."

Gu Ruitong glanced outside. "Fifth Young Master, I'll go down and take a look." He got out of the car holding an umbrella and saw a thin, frail girl squatting in the rain, head bowed, picking up something from the ground. The car headlights shone brightly on her. The girl was only seventeen or eighteen years old, soaking wet, and still shivering. That sight of her being beaten by the rain and wind was truly pitiful. Gu Ruitong was slightly stunned, and just as he was about to step forward, he heard the sound of the car door behind him. It was Yu Changxuan. Gu Ruitong hurriedly turned around and blocked Yu Changxuan, holding the umbrella over his head, saying, "The rain is too heavy, Fifth Young Master, please get back in the car."

Yu Changxuan said nothing, only walked forward. Gu Ruitong hurriedly followed with the umbrella, seeing the bright headlights illuminating the splashing rain. The girl, wearing thin clothing, was squatting on the ground in a panic, picking up scattered silver dollars, whispering, "...six... seven... eight... nine... nine..." She reached out into the water-filled road to find the last one, but couldn't find it anywhere. Suddenly, a slender hand reached out to her, and pinched between the middle and index fingers was a gleaming silver dollar. Yu Changxuan watched the girl raise her head, smiled slightly, presented the silver dollar before her eyes, and said softly, "Ten.”

The bright headlights shone on her face. The girl raised her head, some wet strands of hair scattered beside her cheeks. Her slightly pointed chin was a transparent shade of white, and her lips were pale. She was still shivering, and she whispered, "Thank you." Her voice held a pure chill that pierced straight through the heart. Yu Changxuan was slightly stunned. She reached out and took the silver dollar from Yu Changxuan’s hand, stood up, and ran off into the heavy rain.

The sound of rain continued to pour all around. By the time he turned his head, the girl’s figure had already been swallowed by the rain, and there was no trace of her left. Only the still-dazzling headlights shone brightly on the rainy ground. Yu Changxuan turned back and saw a small white hair clip soaking in the rainwater. He walked over to pick it up; it was a small jade hairpin.

He toyed with the small jade hairpin and smiled at Gu Ruitong, "How about that?"

Gu Ruitong carefully held the umbrella for Yu Changxuan and laughed, "Don't talk about Miss Jun Daiti; I think she can't even compare to the two young ladies of the Tao family." Yu Changxuan walked to the car, looked again in the direction where the girl had disappeared, turned back, and smiled at Gu Ruitong, "I think this one is in the heavens, while that pair is on the ground."

Gu Ruitong responded quickly and, without further ado, followed Yu Changxuan into the car. He closed the door, said "Drive," and the car sped toward the Yu residence. Along the way, Yu Changxuan twisted the small jade hairpin in his fingers, toying with it with great interest, no longer looking tired.

It was around ten o'clock in the morning. The bell for the end of the second period at Mingde Girls' School had just rung. On the lawn between the red-roofed, ochre-brick buildings, a group of female students gathered, all wearing identical moon-white tops, knee-length black skirts, and long linen socks. With such attire, anyone who saw them knew immediately they were students of Mingde Girls' School, a sight that envied many girls of the same age who had no books to read.

Just after class, there was a sound of girls playing on the lawn in front of the classroom. Amidst the noise, one girl was heard calling anxiously: "Pingjun, Pingjun, hey, Ye Pingjun!"

Ye Pingjun turned her head to see her classmate and friend, Bai Liyuan, waving at her, running along the corridor. Before she could even catch her breath, she hurried to say like a barrage of gunfire: "Everything was fine, why are you dropping out? Didn't we agree to go to Hong Kong to attend university together? Now that you’re giving up halfway, what is this all about?"

 

Ye Pingjun just bowed her head to adjust the blue cloth strap of her school bag, raised her head, and smiled: "I’m the one who doesn't want to study anymore. I don't want to be a female doctor; what’s the use of reading so many books."

Bai Liyuan was slightly stunned and said: "Is your mother sick again?" As she spoke, she stepped forward to pull Pingjun’s arm. Who would have thought that Pingjun would knit her brows slightly? Liyuan said: "What’s wrong?" She quickly lifted her sleeve to look and saw a large area of scrapes, which truly startled her. "Pingjun, how did you get yourself like this?"

Ye Pingjun quickly retracted her arm and smiled, "I wasn't careful last night and fell on the street." Bai Liyuan asked suspiciously, "It was raining so hard last night, what were you doing on the street?" Such persistent questioning left Ye Pingjun with no way to hide it, so she whispered: "My mother’s lung disease flared up again."

Bai Liyuan understood immediately, took money from her pocket, stuffed all the bills into Pingjun’s hand, and said: "Take this first. When I go back, I’ll ask my father for some more. No matter what, dropping out is absolutely not an option. I’ll go back and tell my father to give you a holiday first, okay?"

Bai Liyuan’s father was the principal of Mingde Girls' School. Since she said that, the matter was settled. Ye Pingjun looked at the money in her hand, which was exactly what she desperately needed. She only said: "I will pay you back." Bai Liyuan knew her personality, didn't say much more, and laughed again: "I have another way to make money here, do you want to hear it?"

Pingjun said, "What way?"

"In a few days, the Tao sisters of the Minister of Finance’s family are going to hold a small dance, and they invited me as well. I’ll talk to them and have you help out or something. I’m thinking you could get quite a bit of tips. I’m just afraid you... won't be willing."

Pingjun quickly said: "Don't overthink it, I’m willing to do this. If I can get a sum of money now to help my mother buy some good medicine, that would be..." Before she could finish, Bai Liyuan replied readily: "That’s settled. You just wait at home, and I’ll come for you when the time comes. Go back and take care of your mother first."

Ye Pingjun nodded, stuffed the money Bai Liyuan gave her into her blue cloth school bag, and turned to walk out of the gate of Mingde Girls' School. She couldn't help but look back at the school gate, thinking that for a girl from a poor family like her, struggling through her mother’s years of frugality, being able to study in such a good school for a few years made her feel content. But as for going to university, that was truly just wishful thinking.

She put these thoughts away, turned, and walked along the Northwest Road. Along the way, rickshaw pullers followed, asking if she wanted a ride, but she didn't reply, just walking silently all the way to the Xipu Pharmacy to buy medicine according to the prescription, carrying a few bags of medicine home. Her home was a house in a communal courtyard, very simple. As soon as she entered the gate, Mother Zhao, who lived in the same courtyard, greeted her: "Girl, you’ve finally returned. Go take a look; your mother has been coughing all morning."

Ye Pingjun was so frightened that she hurriedly stepped into her house, lifting the inner room’s curtain and calling, "Mom." She saw her mother leaning on the bed, her head tilted slightly, holding a handkerchief, covering her mouth and coughing. Ye Pingjun hurriedly stepped forward and said: "Mom, please lie down."

Mrs. Ye raised her head, looked at Ye Pingjun, coughed a few more times, and said softly: "I’ll sit for a while longer; my chest hurts terribly when I lie down." Ye Pingjun took her pillow to prop up Mrs. Ye, and brought a quilt from the side to cover her. Seeing her swift and agile movements, Mrs. Ye suddenly shed tears: "Ping'er, it’s me who has dragged you down. It’s pitiful that you’ve grown up so big and never enjoyed any happiness at all."

Ye Pingjun picked up the handkerchief on the side to wipe her mother’s tears and smiled slightly: "There are many kinds of happiness in this world. Being able to be with Mom like this is my happiness. It’s something cultivated over many lifetimes." She spoke very clearly and sensibly, which made Mrs. Ye feel even more distressed. Ye Pingjun took the blue cloth bag, took out the money Bai Liyuan gave her, and said to Mrs. Ye: "Look, this is what Liyuan gave me. The principal also told me to take good care of Mom and approved a long holiday for me."

She put the money away and picked up the medicine, smiling: "Mom, lie down for a bit. I’ll go outside to decoct the medicine and cook lunch." Mrs. Ye nodded, suddenly remembering something: "Xuetang... should be coming back soon, right?" Hearing this, Ye Pingjun flushed and replied: "Mm."

Mrs. Ye knitted her brows and sighed: "I know about you two. Xuetang is a good boy, but it’s a pity his parents passed away when he was young, which is also pitiful. You grew up in front of my eyes; I know there is... affection between you. I don't have any objections, but I fear the Jiang family is a prominent family, and Xuetang is now a student returned from Fusang. When the time comes, his brother and sister-in-law won't be willing to..." Hearing this, Pingjun just smiled slightly: "What’s wrong with our family? We don't steal or rob; we are also decent, clean people."

Looking at Pingjun’s calm and composed manner, Mrs. Ye couldn't help but smile, having to say softly: "You child... you really are a child." Having said this, Ye Pingjun found it embarrassing to continue, so she just took the bag of medicine and said: "Mom, I’ll go decoct the medicine for you," then walked out.

She carried the medicine to the outer room and glanced up to see the cluster of jade hosta lilies in the courtyard actually revealing dots of tender white. These were flowers that usually bloomed in July, yet this year they bloomed so early. Could it be because Xuetang was returning, that the plants knew human hearts? Thinking this, her hand involuntarily touched the hair bun on her head. Feeling nothing, she suddenly remembered the jade hairpin clip Xuetang had given her was missing. She had discovered it when she brushed her hair in the morning, and it must have been lost on the way to find the doctor in the heavy rain last night. She slowly lowered her hand, staring only at the jade lilies about to bloom, her heart suddenly feeling a wave of loss.

Because his father had been busy at the government all day these past few days and no one was managing him, Yu Changxuan simply let his guard down and went dancing with the Tao sisters, partying from night until the next morning for several days in a row, not falling asleep until three or four in the morning. By the time he woke up, it was two or three in the afternoon. After he got out of bed, washed, and changed, he heard someone chanting outside: "Is the Fifth Young Master awake? Hurry up and brew some tea for the young master to rinse his mouth." Hearing that voice, it was Mother Zhu who managed things on this side. As the door opened, a small maid naturally walked in to bring tea to Yu Changxuan.

Yu Changxuan rinsed his mouth and turned to see that small jade hairpin clip still sitting in the corner of the cabinet beside the bed. This was originally something he had left there when he returned a few days ago. He picked it up, gave it a faint look, felt it was quite dull, threw it aside, and turned to go into the living room.

As soon as Yu Changxuan went downstairs, he heard movement in the living room. It was the Yu family’s youngest, the Sixth Miss Qixuan, using a small hammer to crack walnuts. The Second Sister, Jinxuan, and the sister-in-law, Minru, were helping her. Looking to the side, sitting there was the sister-in-law Minru’s cousin, Jun Daiti.

The sister-in-law Minru had always been sharp-eyed and sharp-tongued. She was the first to see Yu Changxuan walk in and smiled: "Is the Fifth Brother awake? Why didn't you go to the military to get busy today?"

Yu Changxuan sat on a separate Western-style chair beside the coffee table and laughed: "Sister-in-law is mocking me. Father originally told me to train in the Ninth Army for a few years, but at this time, there is nothing important that falls on my head, so it’s in vain for me to go." After replying to Minru, he looked at Jun Daiti, who was bowing her head, holding a teacup, and sipping tea. He smiled: "When did Sister Feng arrive?"

Jun Daiti smiled and said: "I just arrived a little while ago."

Seeing them talking, the sister-in-law Minru untied a handkerchief from the buttons of her qipao and wiped her walnut-crusted hands, smiling: "You're both so grown up, and you still call our Daiti by her nickname. It seems only you know her nickname is Feng'er. I know you two are close, but do you have to show it off like this?"

Yu Changxuan laughed: "I wasn't doing it on purpose. I won't call her that in the future, lest it makes Sister-in-law unhappy again." Minru laughed: "Call her whatever you like. I’m just afraid that even if I didn't want you to call her that, there are still people willing to listen, right, Feng'er?"

Jun Daiti was helping pick up the cracked walnut kernels. Hearing her cousin say this, she said: "Cousin is playing tricks again. If you keep talking like this, I won't play either; I'll just go home." The Yu family’s Second Miss, Jinxuan, smiled and said to Daiti: "This is truly a young lady’s temper. Tell me, what bad things did your cousin say that you're going to make a scene and go home?"

Daiti was embarrassed, twisting and unable to speak. Yu Changxuan was accustomed to mixing in piles of powder and makeup. Although Jun Daiti was far from being as charming and moving as the Tao sister, she still had quite a bit of allure, and he couldn't help but look at her a few more times. Seeing him watching her this way, Jun Daiti pretended to watch Qixuan crack walnuts on the side, intentionally or unintentionally revealing her beautiful side profile. The ginkgo earrings on her earlobes swung back and forth against her cheek. Yu Changxuan smiled, and the servant on the side brought him the snacks and milk he used.

Mrs. Yu, who was sitting upright, was wearing tortoiseshell gold-rimmed glasses, reading the newspaper. She suddenly said: "No wonder your father has been so busy these past few days that he hasn't even come home; the government has turned upside down again." Second Miss Jinxuan said: "I have also heard that for the past few days, it has been rumored that the Administrative Chairman, Mou Linsen, is going to step down?"

Mrs. Yu said: "This Mou Linsen is ultimately not Chu Wenfu’s opponent. It’s also his own fault for being useless. He set up some strategic plan, but in the end, it let Jiangbei gain the advantage. A perfectly fine Huyang Pass was taken by the Xiao family army. It is said that the one leading the Xiao family army is also a Young Marshal Xiao. I don't see what face Mou Linsen has left to keep messing around! It’s lucky that your father was on sick leave a while ago and didn't lose face along with him."

Minru laughed: "Mother, don't worry. It’s just an opera on stage; you sing your part, and then I take the stage! Whether it’s the Chu family or the Mou family, don't they all have to listen to our Yu family!"

The Sixth Sister, Qixuan, who was sitting on the side, suddenly spoke up: "I heard that Young Marshal Xiao is only in his twenties, yet his ability is more than a hundred times stronger than my Fifth Brother. Being so promising, he is truly a great hero."

These words were very abrupt, making everyone slightly stunned. Yu Changxuan finished eating a piece of snack without concern and said: "Qixuan must have taken a liking to that kid with the surname Xiao from Jiangbei. Since you treasure him so much, let Father talk to him; let’s have a North-South marriage. Let you marry over there, so you don't have to keep confronting each other between the North and South and fighting endlessly, how about that?"

The Sixth Sister, Qixuan, turned her head to look at Yu Changxuan and said loudly: "Fifth Brother, just wait and see! When I turn twenty, how do you know I can't marry him?!"

Mrs. Yu knew that this pair of siblings’ energy did not match, and if they continued, they would certainly start bickering. She changed the subject and said to Yu Changxuan: "I see that you have been quite reckless lately, taking advantage of your father not being home. Your father’s work over there is about to be finished, so you should collect your heart."

Seeing his mother about to lecture him, Yu Changxuan responded hurriedly, stopped eating, stood up, and walked out, saying: "Mother is right, I’ll go to the Ministry of Army to have a look."

Qixuan let out a "hiss" of laughter and said loudly: "It’s rare for Fifth Brother to get busy with serious business. You must tell your driver to be careful; don't just happen to drive the car to some Xiangxi Restaurant or Paramount, that would be a joke."

Yu Changxuan didn't even listen to Qixuan’s mockery; he stood up and left. Jun Daiti watched him walk out of the living room without even looking back. The look of disappointment was unconsciously hanging on her face. Minru pinched her palm lightly and immediately laughed at Qixuan: "Sixth Sister, haven't I told you that Daiti’s piano playing is excellent? Do you want to listen?"

The Sixth Sister, Qixuan, was at the age of loving to play. Hearing this, she perked up, stopped cracking walnuts, stood up, pulled Jun Daiti’s hand, and laughed: "Let’s go, let’s go to the piano room. I’ve heard for a long time that you civilized seeds returned from abroad are the most extraordinary. Play for me."

Jinxuan laughed: "Sixth Sister, don't be too playful, and don't forget that you have a tutor coming to teach you in the afternoon."

Qixuan replied "I know," and pulled Jun Daiti out running.

Yu Changxuan walked out of the hall and instructed the servant to call the Adjutant Office Director, Gu Ruitong. He went upstairs to change into his military uniform. Just as he finished changing and walked out of the washroom, he saw Gu Ruitong waiting there. He said: "Let’s go to the Ministry of Army." Gu Ruitong was stunned and said: "Not going to the Tao sisters' party tonight?"

 

Yu Changxuan said: "If I make it in time, I’ll go; if I don't, I won't. Does such a thing need to be taken seriously?" He was fastening the buttons on his sleeves while walking out. He saw the Yu residence butler, Zhou Tai, come in and bow: "Fifth Young Master, the Second Miss of the Tao family called."

Yu Changxuan didn't even turn his head as he walked straight out, coldly scolding: "A bunch of people with no vision. Can't you see I’m busy? When would I have the time to deal with her?" Butler Zhou Tai hurriedly responded and stepped back. Gu Ruitong watched Yu Changxuan leave and followed him out.

Since the former Minister of Finance of the Jiangnan Central Government, Lin Tangsheng, was convicted and imprisoned for embezzling public funds, the Jiangnan Tao family took this opportunity to rise rapidly, controlling the financial power of the Central Government in one hand. However, the political situation at the time was volatile, with the Fusang army eyeing them greedily from outside, and the Jiangbei Xiao family warlords and other small forces dividing half the world from within. Although the Central Government was named "Central," it actually only occupied the southern half of the territory, and the political infighting within the government was extremely cruel. It was said that "The world belongs to the Chu family, the army to the Yu family, the parties to the Mou family, and the wealth to the Tao family!"

Watching the several powerful clans in the south fighting among themselves, their influence waxing and waning—with such snipe and clam fighting—whether the "fishermen" who would benefit were the invading Fusang, the Jiangbei Xiao family, or other warlord forces, was temporarily unknown.

The Tao sisters were the top socialites of high society; in terms of family background, they were first-class. When the Tao sisters held a party, they naturally didn't hold back. The Tao mansion’s gate had long been hung with pine and cypress branches and flags of all nations. The courtyard was tied with colorful paper strips, hung with lanterns, and filled with fresh flowers and green leaves, making it very prosperous and lively. With Bai Liyuan passing a word to put in a good word, Ye Pingjun was finally able to enter the Tao mansion. Just standing in the courtyard helping to welcome guests, she received quite a bit of tips. Watching men and women coming and going, the hall was filled with guests, and Western music was playing in the main hall; even until late at night, the crowds hadn't dispersed.

Following the Tao butler’s instructions, Ye Pingjun brought coffee to the two young ladies of the Tao family. She saw Bai Liyuan and several socialites sitting in the hall with the two Tao sisters. The Tao family’s Second Miss, Tao Zi Yi, was wearing a low-shouldered, cinched-waist dress, sitting there in a fit of rage: "I’m not going, I’m not going! I called several times, and he ignored me. That fake foreigner Jun Daiti returned home, and he’s acting all souls-gone-crazy. Now that he’s here, he won't even come in the door; instead, he wants me to go out and see him. Where in the world is there such a good thing!"

Tao Ya Yi laughed: "Sister, your temper isn't right. Haven't you heard that he just came over from the Ministry of Army and came straight to see you without even returning home? Don't break his heart; hurry out and take a look."

Tao Zi Yi looked at her sister. Coincidentally, Pingjun came over to serve coffee. She looked at Pingjun, suddenly giggled, stood up, walked to the table, wrote a note, and came over. The Ferragamo leather shoes under her feet tapped on the floor. She stuffed the note into Pingjun’s hand, raised her brows, and said: "Follow the adjutant outside, give this note to the Fifth Young Master for me, and tell him one more thing: I’m tired today; if he has the heart, come see me tomorrow!"

Ye Pingjun took the note and replied "Yes." Just as she walked out of the hall, Ya Yi smiled and said: "Sister is acting weird again. What did you write to the Fifth Young Master?"

The Second Miss of the Tao family, Tao Zi Yi, was inherently willful and spoiled. Thinking of Yu Changxuan waiting outside, she felt even more that she should create a flirtatious, high-and-mighty image to show her skills. Hearing her eldest sister ask this, she raised her head, sneered, and said: "Naturally, it’s a rejection note. He treats me like this, so I will simply reject him once to vent this anger."

Ye Pingjun gripped the Tao Second Miss’s note and found the adjutant waiting for the Tao Second Miss at the entrance of the hall. The adjutant led Ye Pingjun out of the Tao mansion. She saw a military car parked in the shadows beside the vermilion gate. The adjutant stopped walking and just stood there. Ye Pingjun turned back to look at the adjutant, who snapped into a salute, acting as if standing guard.

Ye Pingjun turned back, clutched the note, and walked toward the car. Just as she walked to the front of the car, she saw a soldier in military uniform standing in front of it. The night was hazy, and Ye Pingjun couldn't see the person’s appearance clearly, so she just presented the note. The man looked at Ye Pingjun but didn't reach out to take the note. Ye Pingjun said: "The Tao Second Miss said she isn't coming."

Gu Ruitong, who had been stunned, finally came back to his senses when he heard her words. He hurriedly took the note and saw the car window slowly rolled down. No lights were on in the carriage, only a faint moonlight coming through. Yu Changxuan was sitting in the car, a cigarette tucked between his fingers, letting it burn, not looking out the window, just saying one sentence: "What else did she say?"

Ye Pingjun stood outside the car. She didn't look into the car, just quietly said: "The Tao Second Miss said she was tired today; if you have the heart, come see her tomorrow."

Yu Changxuan smiled faintly, flicked the back of his hand outward casually. Gu Ruitong said: "Nothing left for you, you can go." Ye Pingjun turned around and walked toward the gate of the Tao mansion. Yu Changxuan sat in the car, threw the cigarette out the window, and leaned his head back. Gu Ruitong had already sat in the car and said to the driver in front: "Return to the residence."

The car started, and Yu Changxuan’s gaze swept casually. He actually saw the rearview mirror with one glance. In the mirror was the thin figure of a girl, with black double buns on her head. Her back was illuminated by the moonlight, and her graceful posture seemed like a white jade hairpin exhaling fragrance—even more moving.

The car had already started, and the driver heard Yu Changxuan’s sharp "Stop!" The driver panicked and stopped the car. Yu Changxuan had already pushed the door and got out, shouting at the figure: "You, stop."

The girl’s figure paused silently, turned her head quietly. The moonlight was like frost, reflecting the shadows of trees on the ground. She looked back faintly. Her fair and beautiful face seemed to melt into the frosty moonlight. Her clear brows and beautiful eyes were like a petal of snow-white pear blossoms in spring, revealing a touch of cold fragrance in her spiritual beauty.

Yu Changxuan felt his heart thump, his breath suddenly stalled, and he stood there blankly.

Ye Pingjun stood in the light, just looked back for a glance, and only saw a person standing in the hazy night. Her heart tightened slightly. She turned her head and walked forward quickly. She saw Bai Liyuan already coming out, standing in front of the gate of the Tao mansion waving at her, saying: "Pingjun, let’s go; you can ride in my family’s car back."

Ye Pingjun walked up hurriedly, seeing that the Bai family’s driver had already brought the car over. Liyuan held Pingjun’s hand and got in, and the car drove forward. Liyuan was still excitedly talking about the party, and her words had a sense of great admiration for the Tao sisters. Pingjun listened on the side. When the Bai family’s car passed the other car, she looked out the car window silently, seeing the black military car covered by the shadow, and after a flicker, it disappeared.

Bai Liyuan meant to drive the car directly to the gate of Ye Pingjun’s alley. Who would have thought that before the car even entered her alley, Ye Pingjun shouted "Stop" and smiled at Bai Liyuan: "I remembered, I want to buy some cloud cake for my mother. Just drop me off here."

Bai Liyuan smiled: "Looking at you, you must have made quite a lot of tips tonight."

Ye Pingjun nodded with a smile. After getting out of the car, watching the Bai family’s car drive away, she saw another small car slowly stopping on the side of the road. Pingjun didn't look back, just walked forward with peace of mind, but didn't enter her own alley, instead turning into a small alley. She quietly hid under the eaves of a house and stopped for a while. She felt the headlights of a small car sweep toward this side, followed by the sound of the car driving away.

Ye Pingjun finally felt relieved, thinking it was fortunate she discovered it early. She turned, ran along the wall of the alley, and ran home in one breath. Who would have thought that as soon as she entered the door, she heard Mother Zhao crying in the courtyard? Turning around and seeing Pingjun run in, she shouted in panic: "Girl, your mother is not doing well. She just vomited a few mouthfuls of blood and fainted."

The moment those words were finished, Pingjun almost couldn't stand, called "Mom," and rushed toward her own house. She forgot the threshold she walked over every day and fell to the ground. Mother Zhao behind her was so frightened that she said "Oh my heaven," and hurriedly stepped forward to help. She saw Pingjun crawling up from the ground, not caring about herself, and running straight to the inner room.

That afternoon, Gu Ruitong had just come out of the guard room and saw the Yu family’s butler, Zhou Tai, looking dejected and going downstairs. It was obvious he had been scolded upstairs, muttering endlessly: "What jade hairpin? This is truly killing me. I haven't even seen it; where do you want me to look for it?"

Gu Ruitong went upstairs and saw Yu Changxuan leaning on the small living room’s Western-style sofa with ivory carvings and floral patterns, raising his feet and crossing them on the coffee table in front, resting with his eyes closed. Hearing Gu Ruitong’s footsteps, he opened his eyes and smiled: "Brother Gu, you came just in time. I was just about to look for you. I’m taking you to see a good person."

Gu Ruitong said: "See what good person?"

Yu Changxuan stood up from the sofa with a smile. The leather military boots stepped on the soft carpet without a sound. He turned his head to look at Gu Ruitong and said: "Do you still remember the little girl who fell in front of our car on that rainy night? Yesterday I sent people to follow her, and we finally found her home.”

Gu Ruitong was suddenly enlightened and laughed: "A daughter of a small family, what’s there to look at?" Yu Changxuan laughed and was already walking out, shouting loudly as he walked: "Then you’re wrong. This daughter of a small family is really worth looking at!"

It was May or June, and because it was close to dusk, the thin sunset spilled over half the alley. Children returning from school chased and ran in the alley holding abacuses, laughing and playing. The old man selling tofu pressed the goods and walked along, shouting, and that sound of "Five-spice bean curd..." coming through was exceptionally long and desolate, as if it were the ancient years deposited in this alley.

Gu Ruitong didn't dare to look at Yu Changxuan, guessing that Yu Changxuan’s face must be extremely ugly at this moment. He could only look at the old couple standing in front, who looked very frightened. The old man mumbled: "Just we... the two of us live here, where... where would there be any girl."

Gu Ruitong waved his hand to let the old couple leave, walked to the car, and said to Yu Changxuan, who was sitting in the car: "Fifth Young Master, it seems we found the wrong place." Yu Changxuan smiled faintly and said: "How can this be the wrong place? It’s clear that she fooled me. Did she think that would leave me with no way? Instead, it provoked my temper; I must find her!"

Just as they were talking, they saw an old lady in the distance dragging someone who looked like a doctor toward this side, while still chattering: "This is a matter of life and death, what’s the harm in making a house call? Hurry up and take a look; she’s been vomiting blood all night, and her girl is crying so much."

The doctor sighed: "Old Mother Zhao, it’s not that I don't want to go, but I told you I can't treat her. Her illness needs to be in a hospital opened by foreigners; I gave up a long time ago."

The old lady looked at the doctor with hatred and scolded loudly: "You think our Pingjun girl doesn't want to? Where would she still have money? It’s pitiful that they are orphans and widows. Just treat it as accumulating merit and go take another look. If you want more money, you truly have no conscience!" The doctor jumped and said: "You old lady, how come you are scolding me now!"

And on this side, Ye Pingjun was still in the outer room, busy decocting the medicine, when she heard the coughing of Mrs. Ye in the inner room getting more urgent, mixed with the sound of wheezing. Pingjun hurriedly picked up the rag, cushioned her hand, picked up the medicine pot from the fire, and poured the medicine into the bowl. Just as she poured a bowl of medicine and sent it into the room, she lifted the curtain and saw her mother lying on the bed, her mouth full of blood, soaking the bed sheet. Ye Pingjun called "Mom," hurriedly put down the bowl of medicine, and helped Mrs. Ye, only to see her mother’s face as gray as ash, the corners of her mouth covered in blood, opening her eyes only a thin slit, tearfully saying in a dying breath: "Ping'er... Mom is afraid she’s no longer useful..."

Pingjun didn't cry or wail, just bit her lip silently, supported her mother to lean against her, and used her other hand to pick up the scalding bowl of medicine, scooped a spoonful, blew it cold, and fed it to her mother’s mouth. Watching her mother close her eyes and cry, unable to swallow the medicine, she said firmly: "If Mom doesn't think of me, and just feels she can't hold on, then I’ll just die before Mom. Anyway, I don't have any relatives in this world; it’s better to die early!"

Those words made Mrs. Ye feel as if her heart was boiling, and she just trembled and said one sentence: "You child..." Pingjun didn't speak, fed another spoonful of medicine, and Mrs. Ye swallowed it despite the discomfort. Just at this moment, Mother Zhao’s call came from outside, "Miss Pingjun, the doctor is here..." Suddenly there was a flurry of footsteps, and it was Mother Zhao calling in the courtyard, "Hey, you... what kind of people? Stand still! That room... you can't go in!"

Ye Pingjun just turned her head when she saw the cloth curtain lifted, and several soldiers in military uniforms walked in. The leader just looked at Ye Pingjun’s face and said to the guard behind him: "That’s right, it’s her. Hurry up and carry the old lady away." No sooner had he finished speaking than the guards walked up, pushed Ye Pingjun aside without a word, and went to carry the muddled Mrs. Ye. Ye Pingjun’s whole face went white, the bowl of medicine was smashed on the ground, and she rushed forward like crazy, tearing and pulling: "What are you doing?! Let go of my mom!"

Gu Ruitong stepped forward directly, grabbed Ye Pingjun with one hand, and said: "Miss Pingjun, don't worry. We are here to save your mother; there is absolutely no malice."

Ye Pingjun turned her head to glare at him, her eyes shining like snow under the moon, and scolded righteously and sternly: "You come to my house in broad daylight, pushing people around, and say there is no malice. Hurry up and put down my mother; do you really think there is no law in this world!"

Gu Ruitong hurriedly explained: "We are following the instructions of an acquaintance of yours, specifically here to send your mother to the hospital. If you don't believe me, just come with us."

Ye Pingjun was stunned, looking fixedly at Gu Ruitong. Her black-and-white eyes were as clear as the new snow under the moon. Gu Ruitong gestured toward the outside and smiled slightly: "Whether we are good-hearted or malicious, Miss Pingjun, you’ll know once you go!”