The Lament of Autumn - Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Young Master's Rouge Startles Father's Face, Beauty's Autumn Eyes Ponder an Old Friend

The Cici Hospital was established by the British; it was, as the saying goes, a marriage of medical care and education. On one side of the hospital stood a church also run by the British, and the hospital's dean was a priest from that church. Most of the nurses were educated nuns, and the hospital's medical facilities were superb, with a very pleasant surrounding environment.

Since Ye Pingjun's mother had been sent here, she had been placed in a first-class ward and given top-tier doctors to attend to her. Seeing that Mrs. Ye’s condition was improving day by day—within less than half a month, she was actually able to get out of bed and walk around—Ye Pingjun finally felt at ease. Gu Ruitong would come to visit every few days accompanied by several guards, his words always filled with the utmost respect toward the Ye mother and daughter. Whenever Pingjun asked him who exactly was helping them, Gu Ruitong would simply refuse to say.

One morning, after Pingjun fed Mrs. Ye her porridge and helped her lie back down, she noticed her mother’s complexion looked much better than the day before. Pingjun smiled slightly, her heart feeling much lighter. Suddenly, she smelled a fragrant breeze wafting in from outside the ward. Looking up, she saw Bai Liyuan smiling brightly as she walked in carrying a bouquet of flowers. Ye Pingjun laughed, "Why did you come here?"

"Of course, it’s to check on the auntie's health." Bai Liyuan handed the flowers to a nearby nurse to arrange, then turned to look at the room's environment. She smiled at Ye Pingjun, "So you two are staying in such a nice ward. The classmates at school have been saying you met a noble benefactor these past few days; it seems that’s truly the case."

Just as Pingjun went to pour water for Bai Liyuan, Mrs. Ye sat up in bed and laughed softly, "You really are a carefree young lady, what kind of person praises a hospital ward? Come, sit down quickly." Bai Liyuan sat beside Mrs. Ye and said, "Auntie, I have a request. Please lend me Pingjun. Today is my cousin’s birthday, and I’m going to my cousin and cousin-in-law's house this afternoon. Could you please let Pingjun come along to play?"

Ye Pingjun had just brought the water over, and upon hearing this, she said, "I can't go. I still need to take care of my mother."

Mrs. Ye smiled, "You should go. My body has recovered quite a bit, and the nurses will take care of me this evening. Since Liyuan has already asked, how can you turn her down?"

Ye Pingjun was about to say more, but Bai Liyuan rushed over and affectionately took hold of her, "Don’t refuse. I’ll stay here to keep you company, and by the afternoon, my cousin will send someone to pick you up. We’ll have a car to take us there and back—wouldn't that be convenient and fun?"

Seeing Bai Liyuan like this, Ye Pingjun had nothing more to say. Mrs. Ye, who was off to the side, smiled and asked casually, "What does your cousin do?" Bai Liyuan was busy pulling on Pingjun and talking, but when she heard Mrs. Ye’s question, she turned her head with a grin and replied, "My cousin is Li Boren, a staff officer in the Ninth Army."

By the afternoon, a private car sent by the Li mansion arrived as expected to pick them up. Mrs. Ye was in good spirits and helped Pingjun comb her hair, styling it in lovely double buns with two black braids hanging down. Pingjun wore a clean, moon-white long gown. Bai Liyuan led her happily into the car. The drive continued until they reached the Li residence. The hall was filled with many people, but Bai Liyuan ignored them and called out to a man in a suit standing by the piano, "Cousin, Cousin! I have fulfilled my mission and brought the person to you. This is my classmate, Pingjun! How is she any worse than those socialites you know?"

When Pingjun heard this, she was startled. Bai Liyuan smiled and turned to explain, "To be honest, yesterday my cousin had some sort of spell and kept insisting that my classmates were not as good as the socialites he knew. I was so indignant that I started talking about you."

As she was saying this, Li Boren, who was standing by the piano, turned around. His gaze landed on Pingjun first, and he extended a hand with a smile, "Miss Ye, hello."

Ye Pingjun, seeing their Western-style manners, shook his hand. A beautiful woman who had been sitting at the piano also stood up, smiled at Ye Pingjun, and then began to look her up and down carefully, making Pingjun feel a bit embarrassed. Bai Liyuan called out from the side, "Cousin-in-law, what are you looking at?"

Mrs. Li affectionately took Pingjun’s small hand in hers, smiling and sighing in admiration, "Of course, I’m looking at a beauty. She’s a truly stunning person; she makes our sister Liyuan look plain by comparison! It’s no wonder someone is thinking about her all day long!"

Pingjun was slightly stunned. Mrs. Li spoke with a delicate Suzhou accent that made one feel naturally inclined to grow close to her. She pulled Liyuan’s hand and laughed, "It’s too stuffy here. Come, let’s go to the small garden in the back to talk." After saying this, she glanced back at Li Boren, "We’ll be in the garden. When your distinguished guest arrives, have them come over as well."

Mrs. Li led Pingjun and Liyuan to the rear garden, where winding corridors were surrounded by flowers and trees, and piles of rockeries stood. In the distance were sweet osmanthus, pomegranate, and ginkgo trees, creating a dense, ancient shade. There were red flowers and green willows, plants both lush and delicate, and roses and peonies in full bloom. Further ahead was a large patch of tender green pomegranate trees.

Liyuan smiled with innocent joy, "Pingjun, look at my cousin’s garden. Isn't it beautiful?"

Pingjun couldn't help but nod, "It really is beautiful."

Mrs. Li laughed, "This was originally a garden belonging to the Lin family in Jinling. After Lin Tangsheng was convicted of a crime, it was confiscated. Because our Boren performed meritorious service in the investigation, it was given to him. We still had to pay some money to supplement the cost, but ultimately, we got a bargain."

Pingjun asked, "The Lin family? Is that the former Minister of Finance who embezzled public funds?"

Mrs. Li led them to sit at a table by a stone chair. There were a few books placed by the table. She moved the books aside, smiled, and said, "The affairs inside are quite tangled. The Lin family’s wealth was accumulated over generations—they could produce mountains of gold and silver. Not to mention anything else, just the way Lin Tangsheng’s only daughter was raised—so precious and golden—could any ordinary, decent family compare? In the end, Lin Tangsheng was framed with the crime of embezzlement. When it comes down to it, wasn't it just a bunch of people coveting his family property? The Lin family was thin on manpower, like a child carrying a night-luminescent pearl through a marketplace; someone was bound to snatch it away eventually."

Liyuan said, "My cousin was an accomplice too, otherwise how could he have gotten such a garden?" Bai Liyuan was family, so Mrs. Li didn't scold her, but smiled at Pingjun, "Miss Ye is so smart and beautiful, do you have a sweetheart yet?"

Before Ye Pingjun could speak, Liyuan chimed in, "Of course she does! Cousin-in-law knows, it’s the Jiang family from the Shenghui Bank. Jiang Xueting, the younger brother of the bank owner Jiang Xueyong, is Pingjun’s sweetheart. The two are childhood sweethearts, a perfect match, and they are incredibly close."

Ye Pingjun’s face turned red, and she reached out to cover Liyuan’s mouth. To everyone's surprise, Mrs. Li was startled for a moment, then looked at Liyuan with a faint, cool smile, "You only know how to talk! How can a promise between such young children be taken seriously?" Ye Pingjun froze slightly, looking up at Mrs. Li's smiling face. She didn't know what to say, and just then, servants came up to set out plum blossom cakes, honey-pressed snacks, and other treats, saying to Mrs. Li, "Madam, the person who plays the films has arrived."

Hearing this, Mrs. Li said to Liyuan, "This time your wish has been granted. Your cousin knows you don't like watching theater, so he specifically rented a film reel to show you." Liyuan clapped her hands in joy and stood up, demanding to go see it immediately. Mrs. Li said, "The film won't be shown until the evening. Since you’re so impatient, I’ll take you to see what it is." She smiled at Pingjun, "Miss Ye, please sit for a moment. I’ll take my naughty cousin to take a look and be right back."

Pingjun nodded. Mrs. Li walked a few steps, then turned back to smile, "Miss Ye, I have invited a distinguished guest to my home today who must not be neglected. If he arrives while I'm away, please let him sit here for a moment. Boren and I will be over shortly."

Seeing that she had specifically instructed her, Pingjun nodded hurriedly, and Mrs. Li walked away pulling Bai Liyuan along. The garden scenery was magnificent, filled with the fragrance of flowers and lush grass. As Pingjun sat there, she saw a pair of beautiful, colorful butterflies circling in front of her. They landed together on a pink hibiscus bud, silently fluttering their wings. A playful mood struck her. Seeing that no one was around, she boldly stood up and walked over. As she reached out to catch them, the two butterflies flew up and landed on another hibiscus flower.

She held her breath, walked over on tiptoes, and stretched out her hands to cup them. The pair of butterflies once again fluttered away through the flowers. Then, a slight laugh drifted from the veranda, "That is clearly a pair of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai; why are you so determined to catch them and break up their beautiful dream of flying together?"

Pingjun was startled at first. She looked up and saw several people standing on the veranda, all wearing crisp, iron-grey military uniforms and leather military boots. The young officer surrounded by them appeared tall and handsome, his eyes deep and black. With a smile, his brows lifted, revealing an innate pride and integrity—it was Yu Changxuan. He took off his military cap and handed it to Gu Ruitong before nodding toward Ye Pingjun with a soft laugh, "Miss Ye, I have long admired your name."

This "long admired your name" made it seem as if he already knew her. Pingjun scrutinized Yu Changxuan from head to toe. Gu Ruitong, carrying the military cap and leading a few attendants, was about to turn away when he saw Ye Pingjun looking in his direction. Gu Ruitong lowered his head slightly and walked straight out.

She watched him for a moment, her clear eyes full of confusion. Her first sentence was, "Who are you?"

Yu Changxuan watched her chasing the butterfly in the flowers, her clothes fluttering in the wind like a fairy, and hearing her question, he smiled faintly, truly an open book, "My surname is Yu, my name is Qing, and my courtesy name is Changxuan."

Pingjun frowned slightly. Although she was a commoner’s daughter, she knew that in Jinling, if someone reported the surname "Yu," that person was definitely not ordinary. She pointed toward the other side of the veranda and said, "You are the distinguished guest of the Li family, right? Mr. and Mrs. Li are welcoming guests in the front hall, and there is also a theater performance."

Yu Changxuan gave an "oh," his deep gaze lingering on Pingjun as he laughed softly, "No need to go to such trouble to go to the front. I think it’s quite nice here." Pingjun felt flustered by his gaze and turned to leave, but he stepped forward a few paces and said, "Miss Ye, please wait a moment."

Pingjun turned back and hesitated before saying, "How did you know my surname is Ye?"

A smile played on the corners of Yu Changxuan's lips, "Mrs. Li is busy in the front and specifically asked me to come to this garden to find a Miss surnamed Ye. She said Miss Ye has a very good relationship with the Li family and could help them greet me for a while. I guessed it was you; I shouldn't be wrong, should I?"

Seeing him speak with such conviction, Pingjun thought to herself that Mrs. Li was truly strange. Why would she leave a male guest with her for no reason? Unwilling to make things difficult for him, she nodded and said, "Then please sit here for a moment. I’ll go bring you a cup of tea."

Yu Changxuan laughed, "That’s not necessary, isn't there some right here?" Pingjun had intended to use the chance to pour tea as an excuse to leave for a while, but to her surprise, he leaned over and expertly poured tea from the pot on the round table, pouring two cups. He placed one on the other side of the round table before smiling politely at Pingjun, "I’ve bothered Miss Ye, so please allow me to offer you a cup of tea."

Ye Pingjun saw how polite he was and couldn't push it away. She sat down, picked up the cup, and without a word, just moistened her lips, accepting his gesture. He said nothing more, just looked at her with a smile. The garden was lush with flowers and trees, and it was the hour of sunset. The evening glow shone on the clusters of hibiscus flowers, making them look even more beautiful. A subtle fragrance hung in the air, and the sound of gongs and drums from the theater could be heard from afar, making the quiet of their spot feel like another world entirely.

Sitting with a stranger for no reason, she felt flustered. She placed the cup on the table and was about to stand up when she heard him laugh, "Is this Miss Ye’s book?" Pingjun looked back and saw him pick up a copy of The Book of Songs that had been on the corner of the table. He shook his head and said, "This isn't mine."

Yu Changxuan gave an "oh," picked up the book, and flipped through it casually. Suddenly, he smiled, "I have a little sister who is incredibly spoiled. The family hired a teacher of classical literature to tutor her. After a few days of learning, she made up a line of verse and came to test me. Can you guess what she said?"

Pingjun, seeing him being so mysterious, asked, "What did she say?"

Yu Changxuan said, "She loves to make things difficult for people. She said, 'Xiao Shi rides a dragon, the phoenix cries, singing the fourth stanza of Guan Ju; guess the line from The Book of Songs.' After hearing this, Pingjun immediately smiled and blurted out, "That’s simple. It’s written in the book, and I know it. The fourth stanza of Guan Ju naturally refers to 'A virtuous man is a fine match for a fair lady.'"

Yu Changxuan looked at her, his black pupils filled with starlight-like smiles, "Oh, thank you for your instruction, Miss Ye. So it is 'a virtuous man is a fine match for a fair lady,' but I wonder what this virtuous man is seeking?"

Pingjun froze slightly, stood up from the chair, and turned to look at him. Her eyes were clear and bright, revealing a sense of coldness. At this moment, the happy, eager voice of Bai Liyuan echoed from the side of the veranda, "Pingjun! Pingjun! They’re playing Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute in the front, do you want to listen?"

Pingjun turned back and saw Bai Liyuan running toward her, followed by Mrs. Li and Li Boren, who looked quite helpless. Mrs. Li called out, "Liyuan, stop right there! You really are..." Liyuan had already run over and grabbed Pingjun’s hand, all smiles. Mrs. Li truly had no choice. Seeing Yu Changxuan sitting there, Li Boren’s slightly awkward laugh came through, "I was wondering why I hadn't seen anyone for so long; so the Fifth Young Master was here."

Mrs. Li also laughed, "So our Boren has such prestige that he could invite even the Fifth Young Master. This birthday was truly not celebrated in vain." Yu Changxuan replied, "I came at a bad time; I didn't realize you were hosting other guests here."

Li Boren quickly said, "They are all family; there is no such thing as a guest. This garden’s scenery is quite good. Please take a look around, Fifth Young Master. We’ll go to the front for the banquet in a while. My wife and I will go to the front to see how the preparations are coming along." Mrs. Li also smiled and nodded, but then said to Bai Liyuan, "Liyuan, you’ve been here for quite a while, have you called your father yet? Go and make a call quickly, so the old gentleman won't worry."

Liyuan said "Oh," but Pingjun had already smiled and said before her, "I just remembered, I left something in the car I came in. I’ll go take a look right now." Her words left Li Boren and Mrs. Li completely stunned. Mrs. Li was the first to recover and said hurriedly, "What did you forget? I’ll send someone to get it for you; why go yourself?"

Yu Changxuan raised his eyes to look at Pingjun and smiled, "Am I a flood dragon or a wild beast? Why are you all scrambling to get away the moment I arrive? Since when does my older brother’s family treat guests this way?"

Ye Pingjun laughed, "Exactly! Mr. and Mrs. Li, please go attend to your guests. Liyuan and I will go together and return together in a moment." Bai Liyuan, who was hoping for exactly this, grabbed Pingjun’s hand and said with a grin, "Then we’re off! I’ve been bored here for ages and have been wanting to go play."

Li Boren could only watch helplessly as Bai Liyuan and Ye Pingjun walked away hand in hand along the corridor. Turning back to look at Yu Changxuan, he rubbed his hands in embarrassment. Yu Changxuan, sipping his tea while observing Li Boren’s reaction, couldn't help but laugh out loud. This infuriated Mrs. Li, who said bitterly, "Well, Fifth Young Master, you’ve got our whole family busy running around for you. It’s a wonder you can still laugh! No wonder everyone says you’re really not a good person!"

After Ye Pingjun and Bai Liyuan left the garden, she watched Bai Liyuan go to make her call. She walked out of the hall, stood on the steps, and looked around, seeing several guards standing in the veranda of the front courtyard. Ye Pingjun walked toward them and heard a loud shout: "Stop!" Two guards blocked her path.

Ye Pingjun looked up and saw a handsome, elegant soldier walking over. It was the same person who had sent her mother to the hospital and had come to visit every few days. She went straight to the point, "Who exactly are you?"

 

The young soldier, seeing no need for further concealment, waved his hand to signal the guards to step back and said, "I am Gu Ruitong, Chief of the Aide-de-camp Office of the Yu Official Residence."

Ye Pingjun kept her gaze on Gu Ruitong, thought for a moment, and slowly said, "Then the person who saved me and my mother is the one upstairs who is called the Fifth Young Master?" Gu Ruitong nodded, "Correct." Upon hearing this, Ye Pingjun blurted out, "Why did he do this?"

Gu Ruitong looked at Ye Pingjun, seeing her eyes as clear and clean as ice and snow. He remained silent for a moment and said, "Miss Ye is a smart person; you understand without me having to say it."

Ye Pingjun lowered her eyes, her heart understanding instantly. There was no need to ask anything more. She turned to leave, but suddenly heard a "Miss Ye" from behind. She looked back and saw Gu Ruitong still standing straight. He seemed to hesitate for a moment before saying, "Miss Ye, you should get out as soon as you can!"

Ye Pingjun was slightly startled. Looking at Gu Ruitong, she saw his expression was calm as usual. She gave a quiet smile and nodded, "Thank you, I will remember that."

Ye Pingjun returned to the hall to find the banquet had already begun. As soon as she entered, Mrs. Li welcomed her with a smile and led her to the head table. Ye Pingjun sat beside Bai Liyuan. Bai Liyuan asked, "What did you lose? Did you find it?"

Ye Pingjun pursed her lips and smiled, whispering, "I found it. It was a small item Xueting gave me. Luckily it wasn't lost; otherwise..."

Bai Liyuan giggled, "Otherwise, your heart would have ached to death." The way they whispered and giggled at the table naturally prompted Mrs. Li to ask, "What are you two whispering about? So happy, tell us so we can all share in the laughter." This question caused everyone at the table to look over. Yu Changxuan raised his eyes to scan Ye Pingjun, a smile on his lips, while Ye Pingjun just held Bai Liyuan back, "It’s nothing, Liyuan, stop laughing."

Bai Liyuan was someone who couldn't keep a secret. Seeing Pingjun trying to stop her, she was even more determined to say it. She giggled and replied, "Just because of that item Jiang Xueting gave you, you rushed out looking for it. Can’t I laugh about it now? Who acts like you!"

The smile on Mrs. Li’s face stiffened instantly. In the blink of an eye, she saw Yu Changxuan slowly place his wine cup on the table. Li Boren, seeing this scene, quickly signaled his wife with his eyes. Mrs. Li immediately reached out to take Pingjun’s hand and said in a warm, gentle voice, "Miss Pingjun, I liked you the moment I saw you today. I was thinking of taking you as my younger sister. Would you do me the favor of accepting me as your older sister?"

Pingjun smiled, "How could I dare to claim such a relationship?"

"It’s not claiming, it’s not claiming." Mrs. Li’s face was full of joy. She took off a gold bracelet from her arm, and without regard for Pingjun’s refusal, she placed it directly on Pingjun’s wrist. She laughed, "When you become successful in the future, don't forget us." She pulled Pingjun’s hand as she stood up, handed her a glass of wine, and said affectionately, "Everyone, listen! Pingjun is now my and Boren’s younger sister. From now on, if anyone dares to bully her, I will never forgive them!"

Yu Changxuan laughed, "Since she is the sister of my sister-in-law, how could we dare to bully her? We would cherish her too much." Mrs. Li held Pingjun with one hand while covering her mouth and smiling at Yu Changxuan, "Fifth Young Master, I dare not trust your words. Everything else aside, the moment you entered, your eyes didn't leave my sister Pingjun once. If you have any thoughts about my sister, you won't get past me!"

Li Boren added with a smile, "That’s right. Now that my wife and I are sister Pingjun’s backers, if you, Fifth Young Master, think of cherishing my sister without first treating us to 'winter melon soup,' my wife and I won't agree to it." Drinking winter melon soup was an old saying, meaning to thank the matchmaker. Li Boren spoke extremely bluntly, and everyone at the table understood and laughed.

Amidst the jeering laughter, Yu Changxuan simply stood up, his black eyes filled with mirth. He raised his wine cup to Ye Pingjun and said, "Sister Pingjun, let me offer you a cup." Someone from the side shouted, "Why just one cup? Why don't you drink from linked cups?"

This remark made everyone at the table burst into laughter. Mrs. Li smiled and pointed at the table of people with her index finger, "Alright! You group of people, you are all bullying my sister today. I simply won't let her drink that cup with the Fifth Young Master." Her words were meant to add fuel to the fire. Unexpectedly, Pingjun smiled gracefully, raised her cup to Yu Changxuan, and said, "Big Brother offers the wine; I, the little sister, dare not refuse!"

Yu Changxuan was startled and looked at her, "What did you call me?" Pingjun laughed, "Big Brother, of course! Since I am the newly recognized sister of Mr. Li’s family, and you are like brothers with him, it is only right that I call you Big Brother."

As soon as these words fell, the smiles on almost everyone’s faces froze, and the atmosphere at the table cooled instantly. Mrs. Li was so taken aback she couldn't even smile. Only Ye Pingjun remained smiling, holding her cup up to Yu Changxuan. Yu Changxuan’s gaze lingered on her smiling face for a moment, then the corners of his mouth hooked up, "Well said!" He raised his cup, toasted her, drained it in one go, and showed the bottom of the cup to her. The smile on his face remained faint.

Ye Pingjun also drank her cup and placed it steadily on the table before turning to Mrs. Li, "I must leave. My mother is still in the hospital, and I dare not stay out too late." Mrs. Li was stunned for a long time before she heard Pingjun speak. She looked at Yu Changxuan and hesitated, "Oh, this..." Yu Changxuan had already stood up and looked at Ye Pingjun with a smile, "I happen to be leaving, too. Let me give you a ride."

Ye Pingjun’s gaze paused. She saw Yu Changxuan raise his eyebrows with a smile, his demeanor quite at ease, "Since you called me Big Brother, it shouldn't be a problem for a Big Brother to give his sister a ride, right?" Bai Liyuan looked at Ye Pingjun, about to speak, but the moment she opened her mouth, she let out an "ouch" and lowered her head—it was clear she had been pinched quite hard by Mrs. Li. Yu Changxuan raised his hand toward Ye Pingjun with a smile, "Sister Pingjun, please."

The Yu family’s car was parked outside the Li mansion. Ye Pingjun got in, and Yu Changxuan politely let her sit facing forward while he sat on the jump seat, directly facing her. He casually turned on the ceiling light, and the car cabin instantly became brightly illuminated. As the car started moving, Ye Pingjun turned her head to look at the street scene, while Yu Changxuan kept his gaze fixed on her. Sitting face to face like this, it felt like a confrontation; neither said a word.

Ye Pingjun felt Yu Changxuan’s gaze burning, so she just pretended to be calm while looking out the window, but her heart was pounding. She couldn't help but clutch her small handkerchief, winding it tightly around her fingers. Yu Changxuan saw her face gradually flushing; that quiet, unworldly beauty made him yearn for her more and more. He stared at her and suddenly said with a faint smile, "This gold bracelet is quite tacky; it really doesn't match such beautiful hands."

Ye Pingjun turned back and smiled, "You have it backward. This gold bracelet is precious; it’s me who doesn't deserve it. There were too many people today, so I couldn't refuse, but I will return it to Mrs. Li another day."

Yu Changxuan laughed, "Returning it is fine. Wear mine instead." As he said this, he took out a brocade box. Upon opening it, there lay a smooth, clear jade bracelet, glowing with a warm emerald green. At a glance, one could tell it was a precious item.

Without a word, Yu Changxuan picked up the bracelet and slid it onto Ye Pingjun’s wrist, as quickly and deftly as if he were putting shackles on a prisoner. Ye Pingjun was startled and tried to slide it off. Yu Changxuan grabbed her hand, "Don't take it off; it’s yours, and only you deserve to wear it."

Ye Pingjun couldn't help but panic, struggling to pull her hand away, "I don't want this." He laughed, "What are you afraid of? Does the bracelet bite your hand?" He paused, gazing at Pingjun, the smile in his eyes deepening as he said softly, "Miss Ye, to tell you the truth, as long as you give a nod, I can give you more. I promise, you will have whatever you want."

The subtext was clear. Ye Pingjun raised her eyes to look at Yu Changxuan, her bright pupils as cold as fresh snow under the moon, "Fifth Young Master, I am a daughter of a poor family; I don't have the fortune to wear such a bracelet."

Yu Changxuan looked at her, just smiling slightly. Ye Pingjun continued, "Ordinary people like us remember the kindness of the Yu family. Everyone knows that without the Yu Army, the Japanese would have already invaded. Not to mention that if it weren't for your generosity, Fifth Young Master, I fear my mother would not have survived. I truly respect you from the bottom of my heart. Speaking to you like this today is not because I am ungrateful, but because I am truly of shallow fortune and cannot accept it."

This speech was both polite and humble, effectively putting Yu Changxuan in his place and leaving him speechless. Yu Changxuan slowly let go of her hand and, after a long while, laughed and said, "You’ve heaped such high praise on me that you’ve turned me into a saint of morality and justice. It’s hard to believe you’re this clever."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Pingjun had already removed the bracelet and returned it to his hand. In the moment of exchange, the car suddenly braked. Caught off guard, Ye Pingjun fell forward, landing in the warm, soft embrace of Yu Changxuan opposite her. Panic-stricken, she struggled to get away. Yu Changxuan didn't stop her, letting her pull back gracefully, but he scolded the driver in front coldly, "Xiao He, how are you driving?!"

The driver replied, "My apologies, Fifth Young Master, I didn't see the pothole ahead."

Ye Pingjun said nothing, just turned her head and looked silently at the scenery outside the window. Yu Changxuan watched her, seeing that she had reached a state of calm as if to conclude this matter. He just smiled. Shortly after the car continued, it arrived at the hospital. Ye Pingjun got out, and turning around, saw Yu Changxuan also get out. She turned and smiled, "I’m here now, no need to trouble you further, Fifth Young Master."

Yu Changxuan still stepped out of the car, laughing, "Are you calling me Fifth Young Master again?"

Pingjun said, "What happened at the banquet was just for fun. If I kept calling you Big Brother now, I would be truly ungrateful."

Yu Changxuan stared at her, his eyes deep. After a long while, he smiled slightly and whispered, "Call me whatever you like. I don't care about anyone else, but as long as it comes from you, I am willing to listen."

His words were filled with a touch of affection. Pingjun looked up at him, and Yu Changxuan stared back, "Pingjun." He reached out as if to take her hand. Pingjun was startled and jumped back in a panic. He laughed softly, "What’s wrong? Are you that afraid of me?"

Pingjun smiled, "It’s not fear, just respect."

He looked at her for a moment, then suddenly smiled, "Which kind of respect? If it’s the kind where husband and wife treat each other like honored guests, I would be very willing."

Pingjun’s heart was in chaos, her face felt like it was burning, and fine beads of sweat formed on her forehead. Fortunately, the night was dim, and a breeze blew over, masking her embarrassment. She whispered, "Fifth Young Master, I have a boyfriend."

He laughed in a way that had no clear meaning, "Oh, I see." His tone was as gentle as one would use to tease a child.

She nodded, bidding him farewell, and turned to walk along the small path by the roadside. He watched her until she entered the hospital gate before sitting back in the car. Seeing the jade bracelet still resting on the sofa in the cabin, he picked it up. Gu Ruitong, in the front seat, looked back to see Yu Changxuan staring at the bracelet in a daze, and laughed, "It’s the first time I’ve seen the Fifth Young Master take such an interest. Are you truly planning to marry Miss Ye as the young mistress of the house?"

Yu Changxuan came to his senses. Upon hearing Gu Ruitong’s remark, he was startled at first, then laughed nonchalantly, "What kind of family are we? If we let a woman without status or standing become the Fifth Young Mistress of the Yu family, it would truly be a joke. I just wanted to..." He didn't finish his sentence, gazed at the jade bracelet again, and smiled faintly, "However, she is indeed quite clever."

The car drove all the way back to the Yu Official Residence. Gu Ruitong led several attendants back to the guard room. Yu Changxuan started up the stairs when he saw the head maid, Qiuluo, walking out of the dining room. Yu Changxuan saw the crimson rouge on her lips and thought it looked quite nice. He walked over with a smile. Qiuluo giggled and turned her body, moving behind a marble screen, but waved her hand at Yu Changxuan, "Fifth Young Master, come here, come here."

How could Yu Changxuan not go over when she beckoned like that? He laughed immediately, "You mischievous ghost, think you can run after teasing me? See how I deal with you!" As he rounded the screen, he felt warmth on his cheek; Qiuluo had raised two fingers and mischievously pressed them against his cheek, then turned and laughed as she ran back to the dining room. Yu Changxuan watched Qiuluo run off, then heard a voice from behind: "Fifth Brother is finally here. Father just returned from the government and is looking for you."

The moment Yu Changxuan heard the word "Father," his heart tightened, and in an instant, all his spirits vanished. Looking back, he saw his sixth sister, Qixuan, standing there with her hands behind her back, smiling. He asked, "How long has Father been back?"

Qixuan pointed upstairs, "Hurry up and go, he’s been waiting for a while."

Yu Changxuan hurried to go upstairs but heard Qixuan call out, "Fifth Brother, wait a second." She ran up, grabbed Changxuan’s arm, looked at his face, and burst out laughing, "It’s nothing now, you can go up."

Yu Changxuan went upstairs and headed straight to the north hall. Hearing his mother’s voice, he felt slightly relieved. As he walked in, he saw his father, Yu Zhongquan, sitting on the sofa drinking tea, and his mother sitting to one side with a string of jade Buddhist prayer beads in her hand, talking about something. When he walked in, Mrs. Yu looked up. The moment she saw Yu Changxuan, the smile on her face froze, and she quickly said, "Changxuan, you go out first."

Yu Changxuan was startled. Seeing his father look up at him, he saw that the stern face instantly flushed blood-red, as if it were filled with blood; it was obvious he was extremely angry. Without a word, he grabbed an enamel-painted gold-inlaid chrysanthemum petal teacup from the table and smashed it at Yu Changxuan’s face. It hit him square on the forehead, and he roared, "You bastard, what is that smeared on your face?!"

 

Yu Changxuan wiped his face, only to find a finger-length smear of red rouge. Calling out in his heart that this was bad, he knelt down in a panic. Yu Zhongquan was so angry that his whole body was shaking. He shouted repeatedly for someone to fetch the family discipline instruments, unable to wait; he grabbed the duster from the stand nearby and was about to go up and strike him severely. Mrs. Yu couldn't stop him, and Yu Changxuan had already taken a few blows. He cried out "Ouch" in a half-genuine, half-feigned tone, causing Mrs. Yu to burst into tears of pain. She hugged Yu Zhongquan and cried, "Master, don't hit him! You don't know your own strength, and if you hurt him, I won't live either."

Yu Zhongquan was furious, "A doting mother makes a spoiled child! I’ve raised such a beast who eats, drinks, and plays all day, doing nothing serious—other than shaming our Yu family, what use is he? I might as well beat him to death!"

Mrs. Yu saw that Yu Zhongquan was determined, so she simply let go and cried out, "You might as well beat him to death! I’ve been so miserable in this life to have three sons; Mingxuan and Yaoxuan were both young when you sent them to the battlefield, and they both died. Now that this is the only seedling left, I don't care anymore! You might as well beat him to death—it would cut off the root of your Yu family and fulfill your family’s full loyalty and righteousness!"

These words struck the very center of Yu Zhongquan’s pain. In that moment of reflection, he couldn't bring himself to strike again and collapsed onto the sofa. The second daughter, Jinxuan, had been standing outside the hall, not daring to enter, her eyes red. Her husband, Kuang Bingwen, had been a senior advisor in the Seventh War Zone and had died on the Diannan battlefield two years ago. Kuang Bingwen had been an orphan, so Jinxuan had to bring her son, Kuang Zening, back to her parents’ home to live—a widow and an orphan, knowing their own sorrow.

Hearing her mother’s cry, she felt the pain in her heart, but she reminded herself that she couldn't add fuel to the fire. She quickly wiped away her tears. Seeing the situation ease slightly, she hurriedly called for a servant to help Yu Changxuan out. Mrs. Yu wiped her tears and followed, calling for the aide-de-camp downstairs to find a medical officer. Jinxuan busied herself for a long time before returning, only to find her old father sitting alone in the hall. Yu Zhongquan looked at his second daughter as she walked in and asked, "How is your Fifth Brother?"

Jinxuan said, "It’s nothing major, just some minor scratches."

Yu Zhongquan was silent for a moment. Ultimately, he still loved this son. He sighed and said, "Go to my study and take the blood-stasis ointment from the cabinet to apply to him." Jinxuan hurriedly agreed, turned to take the ointment, and delivered it specifically to Yu Changxuan’s room, making sure to say it was sent by his father. It was clear that this lesson, too, was destined to go down the drain.

Yu Changxuan actually hadn't suffered any real injuries, just a few scratches on his forehead. As he lay on the couch, Mrs. Yu was weeping to the side. The eldest daughter-in-law, Jun Minru, was busy directing servants to fetch medicine and water. Seeing Mrs. Yu in tears, she came forward to persuade her, "Mother, don't be sad anymore. Fortunately, Father also loves Fifth Brother; look, this external wound will heal as soon as the medicine is applied."

Mrs. Yu nodded and wept, "I have a bitter fate. I raised the three brothers with such hardship, yet now only this youngest one remains..." Before she could finish, Minru’s eyes also reddened. When Jun Minru had first married into the Yu family, it had been less than two months before Yu Mingxuan was sacrificed in the battle for the defense of Sichuan and Chongqing.

Thinking of this, Mrs. Yu felt a pang of pain. She nodded to Minru and sighed, "Our Yu family has let you down, I understand that in my heart." Minru said, "We are family; what talk of letting someone down? But with Fifth Brother like this, it’s not just us here who are hurting—there’s also Daiti. Think about it, Fifth Brother and she have been close since childhood; if she finds out, I don't know how worried she will be."

Mrs. Yu nodded again and said, "Yes, that’s true." Just then, they heard the sound of footsteps, and the sixth sister, Qixuan, ran in. Seeing Yu Changxuan’s appearance and his mother and sister-in-law weeping nearby, she said loudly, "Mother, don't cry! It’s only right that Fifth Brother gets a lesson. Xiao Beichen of the Xiao family is only a year or two older than Fifth Brother, yet he’s capable of overturning clouds and rain in politics. Look at Fifth Brother, look at what he’s become!"

Yu Changxuan, who had been listening to them talk nonsense in front of him for a long time, was already annoyed. He glared at Qixuan and said indignantly, "Can you get out? I get a headache just seeing you!"

Mrs. Yu saw that Yu Changxuan was unhappy and immediately looked back at her youngest daughter, saying not too harshly, "Qixuan, why do you keep comparing those old-fashioned northern families to our civilized family? Quiet down for a moment! Didn't you hear your Fifth Brother say he has a headache? Hurry up and get out."

Yu Changxuan closed his eyes and said impatiently, "I want to sleep. It’s late, Mother, you should go rest too." Mrs. Yu, seeing how exhausted Yu Changxuan was, didn't want to disturb his rest, so she pulled Qixuan and Minru out. Outside the door, she urged Mother Zhu, who was in charge, "Take good care of the Fifth Young Master. If he feels any discomfort, come and call me immediately."

Mother Zhu nodded hurriedly. Qixuan pouted at the side, "Favoritism." Mrs. Yu turned back and said, "Can you say less? Don't come and disturb your Fifth Brother these few days." Qixuan turned her head, "Who cares about him? Mother spoils him so much, it will ruin Fifth Brother sooner or later!" She threw out that line and ran downstairs in a fit of rage.

Ye Pingjun watched as her mother’s illness improved day by day, and she no longer needed to stay in the hospital. Besides, the hospital fees were very high every day, so she discussed with her mother about getting some medicine to recuperate at home. She talked with the doctor about being discharged the next day. The following day, she went to the hospital’s accounting department to settle the bill, which came to nearly four hundred yuan. Ye Pingjun silently kept this in her mind. When she returned from the accounting department, she saw several guards standing outside the ward, rifles on their backs, standing straight.

Gu Ruitong, standing at the corridor window, heard her footsteps, turned his head slowly, and upon seeing Ye Pingjun, gave a polite nod.

Kuiguang Pavilion, located in front of the West Gate, was always bustling with noise, but today it was much quieter because a whole row of military police stood in front of its door. The atmosphere was naturally striking. A few attendants from the Yu Official Residence stood outside the private room with cold, silent expressions.

When she walked into the private room, Gu Ruitong closed the door from the outside. The sound of the door closing made her heart tighten. She saw a large table in the center of the room, laid out with various delicacies, and Yu Changxuan sitting at the head. He had just returned from the training ground and was still wearing boots with spurs and military trousers, though he had taken off his jacket and was wearing only a white shirt. Looking up and seeing Ye Pingjun standing there, he laughed, "Why are you standing there? Come over and sit."

Ye Pingjun stood motionless. Yu Changxuan, seeing her not moving, smiled, "Very well, I’ll invite you to the table myself." He stood up and walked toward Ye Pingjun. Ye Pingjun immediately walked forward a few steps and sat silently at the table. Yu Changxuan watched her sit down, smiled, picked up an empty bowl from the side, and diligently scooped a bowl of soup, placing it before her, "This ham and bamboo shoot soup is delicious, try it."

He sat down beside her, his eyes as black as obsidian. He saw her wearing a lotus-root pink dress with a small stand-up collar embroidered with delicate carvings, which set off her fair, soft neck. He felt that such a beautiful neck would be perfectly complemented by a string of pearls.

He looked at her, smiled gently, "I heard your mother is being discharged, so I specifically came to pick you two up."

Ye Pingjun said, "I dare not trouble you, Fifth Young Master. My mother is waiting for me downstairs. Once I’m done talking to you, I will take her home."

Yu Changxuan smiled, "Don't go back to that slum; that’s no place for a human to live. I’ve specifically prepared a new place for you and your mother—a clean little courtyard house. Do you like it? I’ll find a few people to serve you and your mother."

Ye Pingjun replied calmly, "I dare not even more so. I am still trying to think of how to repay you for the hospital expenses."

Yu Changxuan looked at her brows and eyes; his handsome face was filled with a triumphant smile, "Talking about repayment is being too much of a stranger. Miss Ye, you are a smart person, why bother pretending to be confused? Don't you understand my feelings for you?"

Ye Pingjun raised her clear eyes to look at Yu Changxuan and answered clearly, "Fifth Young Master, my boyfriend, Jiang Xueting, is returning to the country."

Yu Changxuan laughed without a word, picking up a bottle of Western wine to pour a glass. Just as he took a sip, Ye Pingjun said, "Fifth Young Master, if there is nothing else, I have to go..." Before she could finish, she saw Yu Changxuan put down his glass, sniff his palm, and say with cold detachment, "Too bad, there’s still the smell of blood. It just won't wash off."

After speaking, he turned to Ye Pingjun and said gently, "I fired a shot at the training ground earlier. It was a fine horse, a thousand-mile stallion, and I liked it very much. It’s a pity I couldn't tame it—if you can't tame it, what use is it?"

Ye Pingjun looked into his pitch-black eyes; his handsome face remained calm. She simply said, "Everything has its own destiny. It was fated not to be yours. Even if you take its life, it’s still not yours! In the end, all the wasted effort is just an empty dream."

Yu Changxuan laughed, "What you say has some truth to it. If I had heard this earlier, perhaps the horse might still be alive. Unfortunately, I’m an unreasonable person, cursed with a nature that doesn't listen to advice."

Ye Pingjun lowered her head, took some money from her pocket along with several silver dollars, and placed them on the table, "You paid the medical expenses for my mother. Here is some money, I will pay you back this much first. As for the rest, allow me to figure out a way slowly. I will always pay it off." She turned to look outside, "My mother is still waiting for me downstairs. I should go down, or she will worry." She was about to stand up, but Yu Changxuan placed his wine glass on the table and said coolly, "Sit."

The word was neither soft nor hard, but carried immense pressure. Ye Pingjun looked at Yu Changxuan and, seeing his expression was quite unpleasant, she smiled slightly, "I suddenly remembered a line that you once said to me, Fifth Young Master." Seeing her smile, Yu Changxuan laughed as well and whispered, "Is that so? Then I am very happy that you remember everything I say to you so well."

Pingjun laughed, "Your words were very reasonable, Fifth Young Master. It was just a moment of foolishness on my part to catch those butterflies. You said at the time, 'That is clearly a pair of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai; why are you so determined to catch them and break up their beautiful dream of flying together?' Now that I think about it, those words truly awakened me from my dream."

The smile on Yu Changxuan’s face silently faded away; he just looked at her, his gaze revealing a deep, icy chill, "You really do remember clearly!"

That gaze made Pingjun’s heart tremble. For a moment, her fingers felt tight with tension, but she had to hold on and continue, "Fifth Young Master, we girls from small families only think about supporting our husbands and raising our children, being a virtuous wife and mother, and living a clean, decent life. There is nothing else. Please raise your hand high and let me go!"

He stared at her steadily. Her expression remained extremely calm, but she had slightly lowered her head. A few small, black locks of hair scattered by the side of her white cheek; her chin had a very soft curve, and her soft lips were clear and delicate. His throat suddenly felt tight, as if he were thirsty. Subconsciously, he grabbed the glass of wine and took a fierce gulp, saying in a low voice, "What exactly is so good about that Jiang fellow?!"

Pingjun replied clearly, "He can give me a proper, legitimate title."

Even without looking up, she could feel his burning gaze. She knew when to stop and didn't dare say more. She stood up and walked toward the door. Her legs felt weak, and her heart was racing. Those few short steps from the table to the door felt so far, but she finally made it.

As she pushed the door open, she heard a "pop" behind her—he had smashed a wine glass.

She didn't even dare to turn her head and just walked away.

Watching the early summer sunlight turn into brilliant gold, illuminating the streets of the West Gate, a towering ginkgo tree stood by the street, its emerald-green fan-shaped leaves fluttering in the wind. Yu Changxuan stood by the bright window, watching Ye Pingjun supporting Mrs. Ye step by step. She lowered her head slightly, carefully supporting her mother, her black hair scattering in the wind, strand by strand, as if they were entangling one's heart.

Yu Changxuan turned slowly and leaned against the window, taking a cigarette from his case. A guard nearby came over to light it for him. The white smoke rose, completely obscuring his eyes and brows. Gu Ruitong, standing to the side, saw his complexion looked very bad. He stepped forward a pace and advised, "Fifth Young Master, allow your subordinate a word. The Tao sisters and Miss Jun Daiti are top-tier figures, why waste your efforts on a woman from a small household like Miss Ye?"

Yu Changxuan’s face remained gloomy. He threw the cigarette in his hand to the ground, stepped on it, and turned to see a small cabinet nearby. He raised his military boot and kicked it. The cabinet collapsed with a crash, and a teapot placed on top fell to the floor, smashing into pieces.