Chapter 493

Chapter 499: Striving (Part 2)

As she walked along the narrow path, Yang Shi suddenly paused.

She had expected to see a heavily guarded courtyard, but under the moonlight, Crescent Lake appeared serene and tranquil, with a clear stream, a fence, and earthen walls—like a quiet countryside cottage.

"Lady Yang, this way, please..." The guide was a lanky young manservant of about eighteen or nineteen, his eyes piercingly alert in the dim light.

Yang Shi quickly collected her thoughts and followed the servant quietly.

The wind rustled through the leaves, as if countless figures lurked among the trees.

She kept her eyes downcast, minding her footing, as she followed the servant into the main hall of the farmhouse.

The hall was silent. A long table, curtains, and flower stands stood quietly in the darkness. Only a gourd-shaped horn lantern on the square table emitted a soft, moon-like glow.

Lord Xu sat in an armchair beside the lantern. The clear light cast upon his handsome features, adding a gentle glow.

Yang Shi's tension eased slightly and she knelt gently on the floor.

"Your humble servant, Yang Shi, pays respects to the lord..."

A cool sensation spread across her knees, but it was not uncomfortable.

The floor must be paved with polished blue-gray stone, she thought.

Suddenly, she recalled the first time she had met Marquis Jianning—it had been a night like this, kneeling on polished blue-gray stone.

Back then, her family had been poor. She had only a single layer of trousers beneath her skirt, shivering but numb to the chill, only the excitement and unease of glimpsing a chance at a better life. Now, though she wore embroidered leggings adorned with plum, orchid, and bamboo motifs, her heart felt empty and adrift...

"Rise and speak," Lord Xu's voice was calm, carrying a hint of gentleness.

Yang Shi felt slightly reassured.

Yet she did not obey. Instead, she remained kneeling, bowing her head even lower.

"My lord, this humble servant dares not..." She steadied her breath, working to keep her voice steady. "I have shamelessly sought an audience... truly out of desperation and helplessness..." A tremble of tears colored her voice.

Fangxi walked ahead, holding a lantern, occasionally glancing back at Eleven Miss out of the corner of her eye.

Eleven Miss glided with natural poise, her unhurried steps like willow branches stirred by a spring breeze.

Fangxi, having risen from a young maid, was an expert at lantern duty.

Usually, when lighting the way for her mistress, she only needed to slow her pace slightly to walk confidently ahead.

But this time...

Neither slowing nor quickening her steps felt right—she was either too close or too far, never quite matching her pace.

Flustered, Fangxi turned her gaze toward Zhuxiang.

Noticing her look, Zhuxiang shook her head slightly.

After leaving the house, Eleven Miss's steps had been effortless, but upon reaching Fangxi Pavilion, she had paused, gradually slowing. By the time they reached the corridor, she had settled back into her usual rhythm... Now, with Chunyan Pavilion in sight, her steps slowed once more.

Zhuxiang thought for a moment and whispered, "Madam, if you are tired, perhaps we could rest at Chunyan Pavilion..."

This was no leisurely garden stroll—they hadn't brought cushions or dusters. Moreover, though Chunyan Pavilion stood on a small hill, the climb up was tedious. If she was truly weary, why not just rest on the corridor benches instead of taking the longer route up to the pavilion?

Fangxi couldn't help but stop and turn around, a smile already on her face. Just as she was about to suggest something, she heard Elevenniang's slightly hesitant voice: "Alright... let's go sit in Chunyan Pavilion for a while..."

In the darkness, Zhuxiang's expression softened slightly.

Lady Yang, the Yongping Marquis’s concubine, if she had something to request, it was up to the Marquis to decide whether to see her or not. For Madam Xu to rush over like this lacked even a shred of the dignity and composure expected of a principal wife. Even if Lady Yang succeeded, it would only be deemed "inopportune." If there truly was an urgent matter requiring the attention of the Marquis's wife, wouldn’t that make her the laughingstock of the entire household? Her reputation for kindness and gentleness would then seem a sham!

But these words, she could not say.

It’s easy to stay calm when it’s not your problem. Madam was an intelligent woman—this was merely a moment of haste.

She was stalling to give Madam time to think clearly.

Once she thought it through, she would naturally know what to do!

Zhuxiang called out with a smile, "Fangxi..." signaling her to lead the way as she supported Elevenniang toward Chunyan Pavilion.

"...Since entering the Xu household, my life and death belong to it..." Lady Yang lifted her head, the teardrops at the corners of her eyes glistening like dewdrops in the lamplight. "At this moment, I should remain silent and uninvolved. But as a child, how can I sit idly by knowing my parents are suffering? My Lord..." She shuffled forward on her knees until they were just a step away from Lord Xu's feet. "I am without virtue or ability, and dare not seek your favor. Please, think of me as a pitiful, lonely soul—like tossing coins to a beggar on the road to keep them alive—grant me a word of aid to survive this calamity of my family's ruin..." As she spoke, she lowered her head, tears dripping onto Lord Xu's lap. "My Lord, My Lord... I am filled with fear and unease. There is no one else I can turn to but you..."

From Chunyan Pavilion, looking north, one could see the shimmering waters of Half-Moon Pond, the miniature-like houses, and the faint lamplight in the hall.

The February night breeze held a lingering chill.

She knew perfectly well that Lord Xu wouldn't do anything improper at this moment. She knew she should laugh it off as usual. So why couldn't she suppress the restlessness in her heart, leading her to charge over impulsively to Chunyan Pavilion?

Elevenniang stood quietly with her arms crossed, gazing silently at Half-Moon Pond.

Some issues could no longer be ignored.

To persist or to yield... a choice had to be made!

At this thought, a dull pang tightened her chest.

If Lord Xu had met someone other than her, perhaps his life would have been simpler.

Amidst the soft sobbing, the lamp wick sputtered softly.

Lord Xu sat there without moving.

He said softly, "I've heard that your Yang family was a prominent household in the village. How is it that when your father was humiliated, no one in the family stood up for him?"

Lady Yang's stomach lurched.

Lord Xu's words clearly implied that her father had behaved improperly, hence the clan's rejection.

Not daring to hesitate, she replied quietly, "A child doesn’t air their parent’s shame. I, too, am deeply unsettled..." Yet her gaze flickered swiftly toward Lord Xu.

No dodging, no excuses—only an admission of her helplessness.

Truly clever!

Lord Xu’s mouth quirked faintly, as if with a faint smile.

After testing the waters, she had finally found the right approach.

Lady Yang's eyes brightened, and she began to understand why Elevenniang had won Lord Xu's favor.

"My Lord..." She imitated Elevenniang, striving to sound calm and composed. "I know this matter lacks justification. I only dare beg you to help me through this crisis. From now on, I will ensure my family lives in harmony with the neighbors, aiding the lonely and weak..." Her hand rested lightly on Lord Xu's brocade robe, the dampness from her tears giving her confidence. She gazed boldly at Lord Xu, the hope in her heart blazing like a wildfire, making her eyes gleam. "...I swear never to use the name of Yongping Marquis's household to bully others..." Before she could finish, her voice trailed off.

The faint smile on Lord Xu's lips had deepened into one of mockery and contempt.

What went wrong?

Her blood rushed to her head, and beads of sweat formed at the tip of her nose.

Her mind raced, yet she dared not let the conversation falter. She feared that silence would leave no room for maneuver.

"I will surely speak clearly with my father. Having endured this ordeal, he must now understand how cruel the world can be and act with greater caution..."

Lord Xu, who had crawled out from piles of corpses, valued all those struggling to survive. Watching her repeatedly putting on an act before him, though amusing, he couldn’t deny her genuine nature.

He had originally thought to simply let her go.

Yet never did he expect that, with her father imprisoned, she wouldn’t think of how to save her family but instead seek to exploit the situation for personal gain.

His gaze fell upon the hands resting on his knee.

Lady Yang felt as if her hands were burning.

She realized it instantly.

If she truly cared for her family, how could she resort to such flirty maneuvers at a time like this?

Her hands instinctively withdrew, filled with regret.

"My lord..." Her eyes grew panicked, her tone losing its earlier fluency. "You are compassionate and generous... My father, upon learning of this, would surely deeply appreciate your kindness..."

Someone entered silently.

Not daring to turn, she caught a glimpse of black shoes with lucky characters stopping beside her knee from the corner of her eye.

The newcomer paid no heed to her words, respectfully calling out, "My lord—" before leaning in to whisper into Lord Xu’s ear.

Lady Yang exhaled in relief.

Thankfully, someone had arrived—otherwise, she wouldn’t have known how to continue.

She briefly thought, swiftly glancing at the newcomer.

It was the same attendant who had brought her in earlier.

Though close, she couldn’t make out their words, but she faintly sensed the mention of "Chunyan..."

She watched as Lord Xu’s gaze softened instantly, like the warm glow of the ornate brass lantern by the table.

"Understood..." he murmured. "Just keep an eye out. It’s pitch black out there—don’t let anyone stumble. If she comes in, let her through..." His tone was calm, yet carried a faint trace of subtle cheerfulness.

Zhuxiang and Fangxi stood silently beside Lady Eleven. As time passed, they began to feel the chill in their limbs and unconsciously shifted their feet slightly.

As if sensing their movement, Lady Eleven sighed deeply and suddenly turned. "Let’s go back..."

"Go back?" Fangxi stared at Lady Eleven in surprise.

Would they really leave Lady Yang alone at Half-Moon Lake?

What if the other ladies started copying her behavior?

But with Zhuxiang present, it wasn’t her place to speak up.

She quickly signaled Zhuxiang with her eyes.

Who would have thought Zhuxiang would simply smile and support Eleven Miss, saying, "My lady, the night dew is heavy, watch your step..." without mentioning anything else.

Fangxi could only pout and step forward, leading the way to light the stone steps downhill for them.

The servant retreated, and the room returned to its earlier silence.

Yang Shi knelt before Lord Xu, her hands resting on her knees, her back straight and her gaze lowered, looking dignified and composed.

Chapter 500: The Choice (Part 1)

Lord Xu looked at Yang Shi, his face unreadable, revealing neither joy nor sorrow.

Yang Shi breathed an inward sigh of relief.

Had that servant not interrupted, the situation might have gotten out of hand.

In life-or-death moments, a moment was all it took.

"My lord!" She had fully regained her composure. Everyone had their preferences—since steadiness and solemnity had moved him before, she must no longer adopt a pitiable demeanor. Instead, she needed to display unyielding resolve. The more pronounced this resolve, the better it would mask her earlier ambiguous behavior, making it seem like an unintentional act of desperation. "Though I am unrefined by nature, I understand that good cannot abide evil. My lord’s troubles weigh on me too. But as a child, filial duty comes first. Brothers share blood—they’re inseparable. I truly..." Her voice shook as tears pooled in her eyes, but she blinked them away, letting them dissolve back into her gaze. "If my family is fortunate enough to receive my lord’s aid..." Her expression hardened with determination. "I am willing to turn away from the world, devoting myself to prayer before a lonely lamp and ancient Buddha—to atone for my father’s sins, and to pray for elder madam, my lord, the madam, and all the young masters and misses." With that, she pressed the back of her hand to her forehead and her palm to the ground, bowing low on the cold marble tiles.

Her mind raced.

If she were in his place, would she believe it?

One minute scheming, the next vowing to enter a monastery—yet desperate times called for desperate measures. The Yang family’s home had been raided, the Tang family’s third young mistress had been sent to a temple to recuperate from illness... If she too were sent away, what would people say? The Xu family had just lost the two concubines—what pretext could they use now?

She could think of no better way to escape her predicament.

Naturally, Lord Xu did not believe her.

"A lonely lamp and ancient Buddha!" He gazed at the woman bowing low at his feet, his lips twitched, his brow betraying skepticism.

Among women, she was certainly bold and resourceful.

In mere moments, she had devised an escape plan.

The thought brought to mind Eleven Miss sitting by the window, idly tending to flowers.

Thankfully, he had never allowed Eleven Miss to accept her tea—who knew what trouble might have arisen otherwise?

His mind then drifted to the thorny path leading to the half-moon pavilion.

With only a single lantern, it was hard to see clearly. If she scratched herself somewhere, it wouldn’t do...

What urgent matter had brought her here?

Come to think of it, he had been staying at the half-moon pavilion these days... Accustomed to her chatter, the sudden silence felt unbearable...

The thought made his heart skip.

Could it be that Eleven Miss also felt unaccustomed to it...?

A sudden longing to see her arose—he wanted to know why she had come!

Meanwhile, Yang Shi’s heart tightened in suspense.

She focused entirely on Lord Xu’s reaction, keenly sensing the mockery in his tone.

At this point, her only hope was to convince him of her sincerity.

Yang Shi gritted her teeth and could only say, "Lord Xu, I was raised in the countryside, uneducated in proper manners and unable to speak grand speeches." She slowed her tone, her tone grew solemn. "However, I was raised by my grandmother and received her teachings, knowing one must never lie in the presence of the Bodhisattva. I beg Lord Xu, in light of my sincere heart, to allow me to enter a temple for spiritual practice!" Then she lowered herself further, her attitude even more humble.

Lord Xu snapped out of his thoughts, a flicker of mockery flashing in his eyes. He raised an eyebrow, about to speak, when Lin Bo entered.

"Lord Xu!" he whispered into Lord Xu's ear, "The mistress has turned back again!"

Lord Xu was startled. "Do you know why?"

"No," Lin Bo glanced at Yang Shi, who was straining to listen, and lowered his voice further. "Madam stood at Chunyan Pavilion for a while, then turned back the same way!"

In the dead of night, halfway there, she turned back.

That couldn’t mean an urgent matter!

The thought made his heart churn like a raging storm.

Perhaps, just as he had guessed, Eleven Miss had only come to see him...

Lord Xu suddenly felt a restless frustration.

Since he had no intention of accepting Yang Shi, he had naturally considered how to handle her.

She was still young—he couldn’t let her live as a widow. If he arranged for her to remarry, given she was technically his concubine, it would be somewhat disgraceful.

If he sent her home, her exceptional beauty would leave her vulnerable without noble protection, likely leading to a tragic fate. The best option was to give her a new identity, passing her off as an orphan under his sponsorship to be adopted by an official’s family.

This idea seemed simple in theory but was difficult in practice.

First, he didn’t know Yang Shi’s temperament. If she proved domineering, sending her recklessly to another family might bring them misfortune. Second, he didn’t know her own wishes. If she was unwilling, his good intentions might backfire. Third, finding the right family was no easy task. Those he knew well might not be suitable, and those he didn’t know might endanger her, leaving him powerless if trouble arose.

After much back-and-forth, the matter dragged on into the next year. First, there was the incident with Qin Yi, then Eleven Miss’s difficult childbirth... and the issue was postponed again.

When Lin Bo mentioned Yang Shi had come alone to see him, he assumed it was about her father’s affairs and planned to clarify things with her, letting her make a decision...

But now, he suddenly found sitting here discussing and arranging these matters with Yang Shi utterly pointless.

One can paint a tiger’s skin but not its bones.

That settles it!

He abruptly stood up.

"Since you are so sincere, I will speak to Madam. You shall be sent to the temple for quiet reflection in the next few days!"

"Lord Xu!" Yang Shi looked up in shock.

Lord Xu gazed down at her, hands clasped behind his back, his posture upright, his eyes icy, his expression stern, radiating an air of cold detachment.

In that lightning moment, she realized she had overplayed her hand!

Lord Xu might appear gentle, but his spirit was unyielding.

He cherished the Xu family’s reputation, but he would never endure humiliation just to avoid gossip.

Yang Shi’s mind spun into chaos, her body trembling uncontrollably.

Lord Xu, however, couldn’t even bear to look at her again.

He took off the brocade robe stained with tears and tossed it onto the armchair, instructing Lin Bo, "Help me change clothes. I'm going to see what's happening!"

Lin Bo hurriedly attended to Lord Xu, leading him into the adjacent inner chamber.

The room was silent, with only Yang Shi kneeling alone on the floor, bathed in the soft glow of the jade lamp and the brocade robe shimmering dimly under the light.

Eleven Miss washed her hair and changed into a slightly worn rose-red jacket embroidered with gold before heading to the warm chamber.

Jin Geer lay on the kang like a little frog belly-up, sleeping peacefully, his expression serene.

Eleven Miss smiled and tucked his small hands under the blanket, but he pouted and raised them back beside his head.

Gu Ma whispered from the side, "All babies sleep like this. When they grow older, their sleeping posture improves."

Eleven Miss nodded and, not wanting to wake the child, sat on the nearby armchair, asking Gu Ma in a low voice, "Do you get cold at night?"

For the past two months, Jin Geer had been very sensitive. If someone spoke or moved nearby, he’d fuss, eyes still closed. At her wit’s end, Eleven Miss had moved him to the warm chamber, letting him sleep alone on the kang while placing two lounging couches beside it for Gu Ma and the night-shift maids. Since then, Jin Geer had slept soundly through the night, but Eleven Miss worried Gu Ma might be uncomfortable.

"Not a bit cold!" Gu Ma quickly replied with a smile. "The floor heating is on, and Zhuxiang laid out two new quilts for me. She also gave me a squirrel-fur jacket—handy for nighttime trips. I drape it over the blanket, and it keeps me warm. Sometimes I even get too warm!"

Tonight, it was Hong Wen's turn on night duty. Seeing Eleven Miss's hair was still damp, she offered, "Madam, should I dry your hair?"

"No need!" Eleven Miss smiled. "Just focus on looking after Jin Geer."

Both curtsied in reply. Hong Wen stayed by the kang to watch over the child, while Gu Ma escorted Eleven Miss out of the warm chamber.

Meanwhile, Zhuxiang had already prepared the brazier.

The smokeless, odorless silver frost charcoal, mixed with tangerine peel and cypress branches, left no odor as it dried her hair—only a faint fragrance of citrus and pine.

Eleven Miss often washed her hair, and the maids were well-practiced in drying it. When her hair was half-dry, Zhuxiang dismissed the other attendants, picking up a poplar-wood comb to gently style her hair while chatting.

"Your hair is so beautiful, Madam—thick and raven-black," she said in a voice softer and more melodious than Amber's crisp tone. "Our Sixth Young Master takes after you." She chuckled lightly. "Come to think of it, our Sixth Young Master has the same large phoenix eyes as the second and fifth young masters, and the same dark hair as the fourth and fifth young masters... In that sense, he resembles the fifth young master the most. It really is true what they say—a child takes after those who raise them!"

Was Zhuxiang hinting that even without Lord Xu's favor, Eleven Miss still had her two sons?

Eleven Miss smiled.

But Zhuxiang gradually lost her smile, kneeling with one knee bent and pressing her face against Eleven Miss's knee. "Madam, lambs kneel to nurse, and crows return kindness to their parents. If we treat the fifth young master as well as the sixth, he will grow close to him too."

Tears welled up in Eleven Miss's eyes.

She gently stroked Zhuxiang's head. "With all of you by my side, I have nothing to fear."

Zhuxiang looked up, her eyes glistening with tears, and smiled bashfully.

A young maid rushed in. "Madam, Madam! The Marquis is back!"

Eleven Miss's expression turned slightly flustered.

Lord Xu's military office, as leisurely as it might seem, was merely a facade. His coming back now probably meant he had noticed her turning back midway...

There was no time to redo her hair, but at least she could put on earrings!

Zhuxiang quickly brought out the jewelry box.

Yet Eleven Miss felt a pang of awkwardness.

Had Zhuxiang pulled her to Chunyan Pavilion because she had guessed her thoughts?

"No need!" Lady Eleven casually twisted her hair into a quick bun. "It's already time to rest!"

Zhuxiang's hands paused briefly, a flicker of amusement flashing in her eyes.

Though the mistress was delicate, at least her monthly courses had come on time...

She hurried to draw back the curtain as Lord Xu strode in.

Zhuxiang retreated, gently closing the lattice-paneled door behind her.