Chapter 49: Escape

Chapter 49: The Escape

Xin He settled into the estate.

Wei Mingjin was nearing the end of his filial mourning period and planned to depart for the capital immediately afterward to ensure he would be in time for the following year's Imperial Examinations. As a result, he was extremely busy during this time and could only occasionally find time to visit the estate.

Even so, Wei Mingjin kept close tabs on Xin He’s daily activities.

Although over the past year or so, Xin He had been exceptionally obedient and had given no further indication she wanted to run away.

She was like a tame bird that had lost its wildness, docile and devoted to him, relying on him completely in both body and mind.

Yet Wei Mingjin did not let his guard down.

After arranging Xin He’s feigned death and sending her to the estate, Wei Mingjin intentionally had all the servants withdrawn, giving her an opportunity to flee.

Unexpectedly, rather than showing any intention to escape, Xin He, left alone on the estate, busied herself foraging for wild vegetables and fruit with Ming Xia, thoroughly enjoying herself day to day.

One evening around eight, Feng Mo came in from outside. As usual, he first reported on Xin He’s activities throughout the day, then presented a basket filled with wild fruits to Wei Mingjin: “Young Master, these are wild fruits picked by Concubine Xin herself. She asked the estate manager, Li, to send them to you and also inquired when you might have time to visit her at the estate.”

Since being sent to the estate, although Xin He had been occupied with digging for wild vegetables and picking wild fruits, she never failed to ask Ming Xia each morning and evening when Wei Mingjin would come to see her, as if afraid he would abandon her.

Amid his busy schedule, Wei Mingjin glanced into the basket.

It contained wild pears and hawthorn berries.

Wei Mingjin nodded to acknowledge he had taken note.

Seeing that he had no further instructions, Feng Mo took the basket outside, washed some of the fruits, placed them in a white porcelain bowl, and set it on Wei Mingjin’s desk.

Wei Mingjin had been very busy during this period.

It was already mid-October, and next month he would complete his mourning period. Wei Mingjin planned to take Xin He to the capital at the end of the following month to take the examinations.

They would arrive in the capital around the end of the twelfth month. After celebrating the New Year there, he would take the exams in the second lunar month.

Two years earlier, after his father’s passing, Wei Mingjin had gradually moved the family’s businesses to the capital. Now, only a tenth to a fifth remained in Qingyuan County.

The remaining businesses were those difficult to relocate. Some were sold off by Wei Mingjin, while the rest were directly put under Wei Mingxuan’s care.

After more than a year of training, Wei Mingxuan had gradually become capable of holding his own.

When he learned that Wei Mingjin intended to entrust these businesses to him, Wei Mingxuan, fearing he might cause losses, tried to turn it down several times.

Wei Mingjin patted him on the shoulder and said gently, “You’re the only one I trust with these.”

Earlier, the clan elders had taken turns coming to the Wei family to offer marriage proposals for Wei Mingjin. After being politely declined, some turned their attention to Wei Mingjin’s businesses.

Wei Mingjin wasn’t having it. He directly stated that he had already moved part of the businesses to the capital, and the remaining portion would be entrusted to Wei Mingxuan for management.

Although the clan elders resented Wei Mingjin’s shrewdness, they did not dare to risk a confrontation.

After all, when one man gets a promotion, his friends and relatives all benefit. Wei Mingjin was exceptionally talented, and it was almost certain that he would pass the Imperial Examinations the following spring. If he ranked high and became an official, they would share in the glory, and the Wei family’s status in Qingyuan County would rise accordingly.

Wei Mingxuan was greatly moved by Wei Mingjin’s words.

After his father’s death, if not for Wei Mingjin’s support at every turn, the second branch of the family would have collapsed long ago. Now, although many in the clan competed to manage Wei Mingjin’s businesses, Wei Mingjin firmly stated that he could only trust Wei Mingxuan with them.

There were many in the clan more skilled in business than him. How had he earned such trust from Wei Mingjin?

“But, Elder Brother…”

“No buts,” Wei Mingjin interrupted Wei Mingxuan.

Although Wei Mingxuan had become capable in business, in front of family, he remained a bit wishy-washy and emotional.

Wei Mingjin felt somewhat impatient inwardly, but on the surface, he acted the part of a loving brother: “Mingxuan, although we are not brothers by the same mother, I have always regarded you as my own younger brother. I don’t trust others; I only trust you. Do you understand?”

Wei Mingxuan, still relatively inexperienced in the world, was moved to tears by these words.

Drying his eyes, he firmly assured Wei Mingjin: “Elder Brother, don’t worry. I will not let you down.”

“Mm, I believe you.”

In winter, the days are short and the nights long, and time passes swiftly.

In the blink of an eye, it was mid-November, and Wei Mingjin’s mourning period had ended. The Wei family once again slaughtered pigs and sheep, held sacrificial rites, and clan members came to pay their respects. After Wei Mingjin took off his mourning clothes at the graveside, it signified the end of the mourning period. From then on, he could take the exams, arrange a marriage, and take a wife.

The Wei clan elders were also present that day. Watching Wei Mingjin, surrounded by well-wishers after removing his mourning garments, they felt conflicted.

Having a talent like Wei Mingjin in the Wei clan was a blessing.

However, although Wei Mingjin still appeared as a polished and gentle scholar on the surface and treated them with the same courtesy as before, the clan elders had come to realize through the matchmaking and business matters that Wei Mingjin was no ordinary person—nor was he as soft and agreeable as he seemed.

Even so, with Wei Mingjin’s success in the examinations imminent, they still hoped to bask in his reflected glory in the future and naturally did not dare to openly confront him.

After the mourning period ended, Wei Mingjin settled the last of the family’s affairs and chose the auspicious date of the twenty-sixth of the eleventh month to depart for the capital with Chi Yan to take the examinations.

From Qingyuan County to the capital, one could travel by water or land. Wei Mingjin chose the land route.

At eight in the morning on the twenty-sixth of the eleventh month, Wei Mingjin and his party set off. Wei Mingxuan arrived early at the main residence and accompanied Wei Mingjin all the way outside the city to see him off.

After the brothers bid farewell, Wei Mingxuan watched with tears as Wei Mingjin’s carriage vanished from sight before reluctantly turning back to the city.

Chi Yan drove the carriage along the official road for about half an hour when he spotted a carriage stopped by the roadside with three people standing beside it.

One of them wore a wide-brimmed hat with a veil, obscuring their face, while the other two were Ming Xia and Feng Mo.

Chi Yan drove the carriage up to them and stopped, then jumped down to set down the stepping stool.

Ming Xia helped Xin He into the carriage.

As soon as she lifted the curtain, Xin He saw Wei Mingjin sitting inside, holding a book. Overjoyed, she rushed over, hugged his arm, and said with a mix of grievance and coquettishness, “I thought you had abandoned me, Young Master!”

By then, Chi Yan had already snapped the reins, and the carriage began rumbling along once more.

Wei Mingjin set down the book, drew Xin He into his arms, stroked her dark hair, and said with a light smile, “How could that be?”

Xin He did not reply but, like a kitten afraid of being abandoned, clung tightly to Wei Mingjin’s waist, nestling in his embrace and refusing to get up.

Wei Mingjin chuckled softly and let her be for the time being.

Before setting off, Wei Mingjin had sent letters to the stewards in the capital, so their journey was relatively light, with only two carriages.

One carriage carried Wei Mingjin and Xin He, while the other held their luggage.

The two carriages traveled by day and rested at night. Throughout the journey, Xin He took excellent care of Wei Mingjin.

When Wei Mingjin read, Xin He would serve him tea. If Wei Mingjin was writing, Xin He would roll up his sleeves and prepare the ink for him.

Even so, Wei Mingjin still did not fully trust Xin He.

Along the journey to the capital, he subtly created many opportunities for Xin He to escape, but she never attempted to run away even once. She remained dutifully by his side.

Only then did Wei Mingjin feel slightly reassured.

They set out from Qingyuan County on the twenty-sixth of the eleventh lunar month and arrived in the capital on the twentieth of the twelfth month.

As the carriage passed through the city gate and moved through the bustling streets, Xin He couldn't resist parting the curtain to look outside.

The setting sun cast a golden glow, its lingering rays shining on the ornately carved beams and painted rafters of the houses, shimmering with a brilliant golden light. The main street was over two hundred paces across, bustling with an endless stream of pedestrians. Not far away, on a jade-and-vermilion tower, a heavily painted beauty leaned against the railing, fluttering her handkerchief at passersby, her eyes casting seductive glances, inviting them to ascend.

This was the capital, right under the nose of the Son of Heaven.

The carriage rumbled along as Xin He leaned by the window, curiously gazing at this unfamiliar place. Feng Mo drove the carriage, navigating with ease toward the direction of Wei Mingjin’s residence in the capital.

Earlier in the spring, Wei Mingjin had sent Feng Mo to the capital to purchase a residence together with the shopkeepers in the city.

Feng Mo had viewed many properties in the capital with a property agent before finally settling on the current one.

The new residence was located in Wutong Alley in the northern part of the city.

It was a two-courtyard residence, with a new view at every step, exquisitely designed throughout.

The previous owner was an official from the Ministry of Works, and many parts of the house had been personally designed and built by him. He was selling the property because he was retiring and returning to his hometown.

Upon arriving at the residence, Feng Mo reined in the horses and went forward to knock on the door.

The servants in the house had all been personally selected by Feng Mo, so the gatekeeper naturally recognized him.

"The young master is here. Quickly call a few people to help unload the luggage."

The gatekeeper hurriedly complied.

Xin He alighted from the carriage with Wei Mingjin and looked up at the house in front of them.

It was already lamp-lighting hour, and two bamboo-framed lanterns swayed at the entrance. Soon, the servants filed out to greet Wei Mingjin.

Wei Mingjin acknowledged them with a nod and entered the residence with Xin He.

The steward personally led the way with a lantern while reporting to Wei Mingjin, "Knowing that the young master would arrive in the capital these past few days, I have already tidied up the house again. The young master will take the main courtyard, and as for this young lady…"

The steward glanced at Xin He. He did not know her identity and dared not make arrangements rashly.

But the steward was quick-thinking. After only a moment's pause, he said, "The courtyards closest to the main one are Songxue Court and Qingzhu Garden."

"She will stay with me in the main courtyard."

Xin He, who had originally thought she would have her own quarters upon arriving in the capital, was stunned speechless.

"Understood," the steward replied, not daring to ask further.

The servants in the residence were already fully staffed. Upon the master’s arrival, they immediately busied themselves.

Wei Mingjin and his party were travel-weary. After arriving at the residence, they bathed, changed clothes, had a quick dinner, and then went to bed.

Perhaps it was due to the change of location or having slept too much during the day, but Xin He, lying beside Wei Mingjin, felt wide awake and tossed and turned.

Just as she was about to turn inward again, an arm suddenly wrapped around her waist.

Xin He was startled. She turned her head and met Wei Mingjin’s sleepy eyes.

"Did I wake you, young master?" Xin He said hurriedly. "I can’t sleep. Perhaps I should go sleep elsewhere?"

As she spoke and made to get up, Wei Mingjin pulled her closer.

"Why can’t you sleep?" Wei Mingjin’s voice was heavy with sleep. "Is it because you’re not used to the new place? Or is something on your mind?"

The warmth of his large hand on her waist was impossible to ignore. Xin He had no choice but to reply, "Both, a little."

"What’s on your mind?"

"I’ve been thinking about the young master’s examination next year, and also…" Here, Xin He paused before continuing, "and also about my future."

Xin He was thinking about her thoughts of escaping, but Wei Mingjin mistakenly thought she was worried about her difficult position in the household after he marries.

"I’ve told you, as long as you are obedient, there will always be a place for you by my side. As for the rest, you needn’t worry." Wei Mingjin was extremely drowsy. After saying this, he directly pulled Xin He into his arms and said firmly, "Sleep."

Xin He fell silent, but a flash of deep mockery in her eyes.

As long as she behaved, there would always be a place for her by his side—she had already had enough of such a life in the Wei household.

Before, to tame her and make her obedient, the elder Master Wei had deliberately stayed overnight in her room, causing the other concubines to become jealous and resentful, making trouble for her in various ways.

Then, he would appear before her as a savior, offering her an olive branch to rescue her from suffering.

Even then, she had not submitted to the elder Master Wei. Why did Wei Mingjin think she would submit to him?

Did he think it was because of his handsome appearance?

Xin He’s gaze fell on Wei Mingjin.

Wei Mingjin was twenty-one this year, and he indeed possessed a fine figure. But whenever he was in bed with her, he showed none of a scholar’s weakness—instead, he was exceptionally robust and skilled.

Xin He shifted into a more comfortable position in Wei Mingjin’s arms and let out a long yawn.

But no matter how handsome the appearance or how strong the body, three years were enough to make anyone grow weary.

Outside the window, a cold moon hung high in the sky, silently observing the joys and sorrows of the mortal world in that moment.

The next day, after breakfast, before Wei Mingjin went to the study to review his books, Xin He volunteered, "Young master, the New Year is approaching. Why don’t I go do the New Year shopping?"

Wei Mingjin’s eyes swept over Xin He, and he nodded in agreement.

Xin He immediately left happily.

However, she was unfamiliar with the capital, so aside from bringing along some maids and servants, Xin He also called Feng Mo to accompany her.

"You know the young master’s properties in the capital best. If we can get some of the New Year goods from our own shops, it would save us a lot of trouble."

Feng Mo, unsure what specific goods Xin He intended to buy, listed all of Wei Mingjin’s properties in the capital for her.

Xin He committed them to memory and then cheerfully went off to shop for the New Year goods.

Afterward, Xin He remained busy from the twenty-first to the twenty-eighth of the twelfth lunar month. During these eight days, she would leave the house after breakfast each day and not return until almost dinnertime. Aside from purchasing all sorts of packages, Xin He also secretly familiarized herself with the layout of various parts of the capital.

On New Year’s Day, Wei Mingjin, who had been studying since arriving in the capital, finally took a day's break.

Unlike the previous two years in Qingyuan County, this New Year’s was just between Wei Mingjin and Xin He.

Thus, the New Year's Eve dinner was not held in the formal main hall but in Wei Mingjin’s courtyard. The meal itself was not much different from usual, except for the occasional sound of firecrackers and laughter from outside, which made it clear this night wasn’t ordinary.

Xin He filled a cup with wine, raised it with a faint smile, and toasted to Wei Mingjin: "I wish you safety, luck, and success in all your endeavors."

"Like flowers and leaves, year after year, sharing the spring breeze."① After saying this, Wei Mingjin drank his cup dry.

Over the past two years, thanks to Wei Mingjin’s diligent teaching, Xin He had gradually gained literary knowledge. Hearing his words, she smiled without further comment and also drank the wine in her cup.

Since it was New Year’s Eve, after dinner, Wei Mingjin did not return to his study but instead nestled with Xin He on the fox-fur divan. They listened to the sporadic bursts of firecrackers outside, watched the fireworks blooming across the night sky, and leaned against each other, making small talk.

But as they spoke, somehow, things had taken an intimate turn.

Xin He lay on her back on the divan, biting the back of her hand, her face flushed and eyes dazed. The originally pitch-black night was suddenly split open by fireworks, and for a moment, a shower of shooting stars streaked across the sky, illuminating the entire capital as bright as day.

Outside, a faint wind whistled, mingled with cheers: "It’s snowing!"

But inside the room, Xin He was glowing with a thin sheen of sweat.

The gentle sound of water reached her ears. Xin He turned her head and saw Wei Mingjin standing before the copper basin, washing his hands.

His fingers were long and slender, his nails neatly trimmed and rounded.

Xin He only glanced briefly before blushing and averting her gaze, silently lowering her head to smooth out her robes.

Wei Mingjin had neither relatives nor friends in the capital, so there was no need to go out for New Year visits. The shop managers, knowing he was in the capital for the exams, never came by unless they had business.

Thus, after New Year’s Eve, Wei Mingjin continued to spend his days studying in his study. Xin He sometimes went to grind ink for him, sometimes passed the time reading storybooks in her room, but more often, she called the maidservants to ask them about the latest news in the capital.

On the journey to the capital, Feng Mo and Chi Yan had still addressed Xin He as "Concubine Xin."

But after arriving in the capital, they both tacitly switched to calling her "Miss Xin." Those at the bottom were most adept at judging their master’s wishes.

Though Xin He had no formal title, she lived in Wei Mingjin’s main courtyard, and the two attendants he brought with him treated her with great respect. Naturally, the servants did not dare to be presumptuous and also addressed her respectfully as "Miss Xin."

At first, Xin He felt quite uncomfortable hearing this form of address.

But as time passed, she gradually grew accustomed to it.

After all, though she had shed her identity as Master Wei’s concubine, she was now following Wei Mingjin without any claim to a title or position.

Next month would bring the Spring Exams, and currently, the biggest topic of conversation in the capital was the exams.

Aside from that, the most talked-about subject among the public was Princess Jiahe.

Princess Jiahe came from a noble background and was the emperor’s most beloved daughter. She had declared that she would choose a scholar from this year’s candidates to be her consort.

Hearing this, Xin He instinctively glanced toward Wei Mingjin’s study.

Though Wei Mingjin was selfish and detached, he was consistently adept at maintaining appearances. It was almost certain that his name would be on the list of successful candidates this year, and with his handsome appearance, the likelihood of Princess Jiahe setting her sights on him was very high.

"But I doubt any scholar would be willing," the maidservant said.

Xin He was puzzled: "Why not? Didn’t you say Princess Jiahe is the emperor’s most beloved daughter? If one marries her, wouldn’t that mean winning the emperor’s favor?"

"Miss, you may not know this, but our dynasty has a law that forbids the consort of a princess from holding office in the court."

Xin He immediately understood.

Any candidate who could participate in the imperial exams dreamed of achieving high rank and realizing their ambitions in officialdom. But if they married a princess, it would mean that for the rest of their lives, they would have no future in politics and could only serve as a supporting figure beside the princess.

Before she knew it, it was the Lantern Festival.

That evening, Wei Mingjin, who had been buried in his studies, suddenly took it upon himself to take Xin He out to see the lantern displays.

Last year during the Lantern Festival, Xin He had been dazzled by the lanterns. But it was only after coming to the capital that she realized the previous displays were nothing in comparison.

Unlike the remote small county of Qingyuan, the capital’s Lantern Festival was magnificent and grand.

The entertainment districts were brightly lit, and the music from pipes and strings was delightful. The streets were filled with bustling carriages and crowds of people in fine clothes and perfumed hair, while countless colorful lanterns seemed to stretch on to the horizon.

Now, with no status barriers between Wei Mingjin and Xin He, and seeing how crowded the streets were, Wei Mingjin simply took hold of Xin He’s hand and pulled her along with the flow of the crowd.

The capital was the seat of the emperor, where merchants from north and south gathered. Many things on the streets were unfamiliar to Xin He.

Xin He loved the excitement and eagerly plunged into the crowds. But Wei Mingjin was annoyed by the noise and crowd. After walking with her for a while, he pulled her to a stop: "You’ve seen enough of what you wanted to see. From now on, follow me."

"Alright," Xin He acquiesced.

Wei Mingjin disliked crowded places, so he stuck to the quieter, less crowded lanes.

Xin He, who thrived on excitement, soon found it dull and her expression became one of boredom.

Wei Mingjin pointed ahead: "There’s a small stall selling lanterns over there. Let’s go take a look."

Xin He obediently followed Wei Mingjin.

Wei Mingjin finally released her hand and, pointing to the lanterns on the stall, said: "Which one do you like? I’ll buy it for you."

Xin He eagerly picked a flower lantern shaped like a basket.

But when she turned around, she saw Wei Mingjin looking at her with a profound gaze. She immediately turned back and pointed to another lantern: "Shopkeeper, besides this one, I also want that 'Topping the List' lantern."

The vendor immediately handed her the lantern while smiling and flattering: "Madam, are you also accompanying your husband to the capital for the exams? This humble old man can tell just by looking at the gentleman’s face that he is a man of great learning and talent. Tonight, you’ve bought this 'Topping the List' lantern from me. It will surely ensure he returns as a palace graduate and later secures a noble title for you, Madam."

"Thank you for your kind words." Without further explanation, Xin He stuffed the "Topping the List" lantern into Wei Mingjin’s hands.

Wei Mingjin didn’t say anything more but took hold of Xin He’s hand again.

After the Lantern Festival, the days passed quickly, and in a flash, it was time for the exams.

On the day of the exam, Xin He, along with Feng Mo and Chi Yan, got ready and accompanied Wei Mingjin by carriage to the examination hall.

The entrance to the examination hall was jammed with carriages, and the area was completely packed. There were candidates arriving for the exams as well as those seeing them off.

After getting out of the carriage, as Xin He handed the exam kit prepared by Feng Mo to Wei Mingjin and was about to speak, a male voice cut in first: "Brother Wei, Miss Xin."

Wei Mingjin and Xin He turned simultaneously to see a figure in brown robes approaching them.

The man was named Li Shan, a scholar from Yunzhou. They had met on the road last year while traveling to the capital and had journeyed together for a time.

Xin He swallowed her words and turned to greet Li Shan together with Wei Mingjin.

Li Shan was a chatterbox. During their previous travels, his mouth had never stopped except when he was eating or sleeping. Wei Mingjin, annoyed by his incessant talking, had used the excuse of visiting a relative to part ways with him.

But Li Shan was utterly oblivious. Even when Wei Mingjin made it clear he had no interest in further conversation, Li Shan remained unaware and continued to chatter incessantly.

Even after the examination hall gates opened, he enthusiastically insisted on entering the hall together with Wei Mingjin.

Wei Mingjin had to be blunt: "Brother Li, please go ahead first. I have a few words to discuss with them."

Li Shan finally caught on and quickly apologized before carrying his exam kit to join the queue ahead.

Only then did Wei Mingjin get a moment alone with Xin He.

He reached out to touch her cheek, his gaze deep and intense as he looked at her: "He Niang, will you still be here when I finish the exam?"

Even now, Wei Mingjin still hadn’t fully trusted her.

Xin He held his hand, met his gaze, and smiled sweetly: "When you finish the exam, I will come with Feng Mo and Chi Yan to take you home."

"Alright," Wei Mingjin agreed, but before leaving, he shot a meaningful glance at Feng Mo.

Feng Mo instantly understood and gave a slight nod in response.

After Wei Mingjin entered the exam compound, Xin He headed back to the estate with Feng Mo and Chi Yan.

The imperial examination lasted three sessions over nine days.

During Wei Mingjin’s absence, Feng Mo and Chi Yan had prepared to take shifts watching her.

To their surprise, Xin He never once stepped out of the residence during those nine days. She spent her days either sewing robes for Wei Mingjin in the main courtyard or strolling in the garden.

If Xin He had wanted to escape, these nine days would have been her best opportunity. Yet she remained so compliant that Feng Mo and Chi Yan finally let their guard down.

She was true to her word; on the ninth day when the exam gates opened, Wei Mingjin spotted Xin He standing in the crowd as soon as he stepped out.

Dressed in a plum-green dress, her hair styled in a low bun with a vibrant camellia flower tucked at her temple, her eyes lit up the moment she saw him. She lifted her skirt and weaved through the crowd toward him.

"Young master..." Xin He had just reached him and was about to speak when Wei Mingjin drew her into a hug.

After finishing his exam papers, Wei Mingjin had sat in his exam cell, listening to the pattering rain outside, his heart filled with growing anxiety.

Trapped in the exam compound for nine days, he had no word from home—or about Xin He.

If she wanted to leave him, this was her best chance.

The moment he stepped out of the exam compound, he had even prepared himself for the possibility that she might be gone.

But holding her in his arms now, he felt his heart finally settle.

Xin He wrapped her arms around his waist and said softly, "I promised you I would come to take you home today. I did not break my word."

Wei Mingjin’s throat moved slightly as he grunted in acknowledgment.

During the nine days of the exam, Xin He, assuming Wei Mingjin must have eaten and slept poorly, had hot water and a meal ready in advance.

As soon as Wei Mingjin returned to the residence, he bathed. He had intended to fall straight into bed immediately, but Xin He stopped him.

"I’ve asked the kitchen to prepare a meal. Please eat something before you sleep?"

Meeting her earnest gaze, Wei Mingjin bit back his refusal and nodded in agreement.

Soon, the servants served the meal—a full table of dishes, all prepared according to Wei Mingjin’s preferences.

Wei Mingjin wasn’t very hungry and only managed a few bites before setting down his chopsticks.

Seeing this, Xin He didn’t push him further. After having the food cleared away, she had just entered the bedroom when Wei Mingjin caught her wrist. He looked exhausted: "Stay with me for a while?"

"I’m not tired," Xin He replied, helping him remove his outer robe. After tucking him in, she again adjusted the quilt around him and smiled gently. "Rest well, young master. When you wake, I have a surprise for you."

"What surprise?"

Xin He smiled slyly: "You’ll find out when you wake up."

Wei Mingjin didn’t ask again and closed his eyes.

Xin He bent to straighten his boots, then lowered the sheer curtain and slipped out quietly.

Just as Wei Mingjin was about to fall asleep, he turned to glance toward the door.

Xin He, in her emerald-green dress, had reached the doorway. As she lifted her skirt to step over the threshold, she seemed to sense his gaze and turned back to offer him a soft smile before closing the door and leaving.

Sunlight streamed down, and the courtyard lay silent in the afternoon stillness.

Peach blossoms bloomed quietly in the garden, and occasionally a breeze would rustle through, shaking petals onto a cat curled asleep in the shade.

The cat remained oblivious, sleeping soundly and deeply.

It was a perfectly ordinary afternoon.

So ordinary that Wei Mingjin, usually alert and perceptive, suspected nothing as he watched Xin He walk away.

And after she left, Xin He never returned.