Chapter 31 Drunk “Yue Rongrong, you ran away again.”

Chapter 31: Drunkenness

"Yue Rongrong, you still ran away."

Today was the most frustrating, humiliating, and disgraceful day Vice Minister Cai had ever experienced! Though the Cai family was not as illustrious and honored as the Shen family, they were still a prominent noble family. He himself held the rank of a Fourth-grade official. Yet, having lived to the age of forty, he was forced to bow his head before a young man and even take in a woman he disliked as his concubine—that jinx!

How infuriating! Who would have thought that Shen Jichen, despite his youth, already held a higher rank than him? Filled with resentment and helplessness, he drowned his sorrows in drink, flanked by women on both sides while listening to his oblivious colleagues congratulate him on taking a concubine.

The banquet did not end until the moon reached its zenith. Drunk and unsteady, he was helped into his carriage by his servants. The quiet, lonely street was empty except for his carriage. Suddenly, the carriage stopped, and there was no movement for a long time. Bleary-eyed, he woke up and called out for his servants, but no one answered. He called for the coachman, but again, there was no response. Struggling to sit up, he cursed, "You dare defy me! That young master Shen bullies me, and now you good-for-nothings dare to look down on me too!" Staggering, he pushed open the carriage door, intending to vent his anger by beating them. But as soon as the door opened, four or five thugs rushed in, kicking him back into the carriage. The door slammed shut, and the sound of piercing screams and enraged curses erupted.

"How dare you assault me! Do you know who I am? I am the Vice Minister of Works!"

His final words were drowned out by a series of agonized screams and a storm of punches and kicks.

In a dimly lit alley, an understated but luxurious carriage stood parked. Wen Song stood beside it, watching coldly the scene unfold at the entrance of the alley.

Shen Jichen sat inside the carriage, his gaze fixed on what he had taken from Yue Rongrong’s brocade box earlier that day. It was a crescent moon carved from yellow jade, gleaming softly under the carriage lamp, as though a real moon had fallen into his palm. He cradled it tenderly, noticing the dainty, translucent bead chain hanging from it, though the connection point was damaged.

This was a gift he had once given to Yue Rongrong. The rare jade was obtained during his crackdown on pirates, and he had commissioned the finest craftsman to shape it into a crescent moon. He still remembered Yue Rongrong’s delighted and cherished expression when she received it. From that day on, she wore it every day, the crescent moon resting in the hollow of her neck, glistening like moonlight.

But this crescent moon had been discarded on the day she fled with Qu Lieshan. By the lake outside the city, as she supported the injured Qu Lieshan, ignoring his own bleeding wounds, she tore off the crescent moon and threw it fiercely to the ground, uttering cruel words and threatening suicide if he did not let her leave.

With eyes bloodshot with rage, he watched her help Qu Lieshan walk away. A mouthful of blood sprayed from his lips, and as his strength failed, Han Zixian and others brought him back to Hangzhou.

When he woke again, despite his injuries, he forced himself to endure the excruciating pain and rode back to the lake outside the city. He searched day and night but it was futile; he could never find the crescent moon again.

He thought it had been picked up by a passerby and offered a hefty reward, but to no avail. Now, he realized—it was Rong Rong who had picked it up... His heart clenched, his pupils constricting as he stared at the crescent moon, consumed by boundless anguish. A tear rolled down from the corner of his eye.

"Marquis," Wen Song’s voice came from outside the carriage.

Shen Jichen’s gaze turned cold. He clenched the crescent moon in his hand, his voice low and grim: "Just don’t kill him."

Wen Song understood: pummel him mercilessly, but stop short of death. He walked to Vice Minister Cai’s carriage and listened coldly to the man’s screams and pleas for mercy. With a disdainful snort, he thought, *The nerve of him! To even dream of desiring my master’s woman!*

The next day, news spread throughout the court that Vice Minister Cai had been savagely beaten by ruffians and was unable to leave his bed. The emperor was furious and ordered Shen Jichen, as Vice Minister of the Board of Punishments, to get to the bottom of it.

Young Master Luo, however, knew precisely why Vice Minister Cai had been beaten. Terrified, he immediately ordered the most precious jewels from his treasury to be selected and personally delivered to Brocade Tower as an apology to Yue Rongrong. For a long time afterward, he dared not show his face around Shen Jichen.

＊＊

After the commotion yesterday, the embroiderers at Brocade Tower watched as Young Master Luo personally visited, presenting jewelry to Yue Rongrong with utmost respect. Their attitudes toward Yue Rongrong shifted—no longer friendly but distant. Only Zhong Yu remained unchanged.

Shen Jichen’s extreme prestige and status had altered the embroiderers’ feelings. If it had been an ordinary person or even a minor noble who defended Yue Rongrong yesterday, they might not have minded much. But it was Shen Jichen. It was like everyone knowing the moon was unattainable and beyond reach, yet someone close to them had managed to reach it. How could they not feel resentment?

Du Yan said coldly, "Zhen Xi, why don’t you come over? Your dear sister Rong Rong has received such precious gifts. As her good sister, shouldn’t you ask her to spare a few for your dowry?"

Yue Rongrong looked up abruptly and saw Zhen Xi standing outside the door. Zhen Xi had changed—she had become icy and withdrawn. She stared coldly at Yue Rongrong, then walked into the room and headed straight to her own bed.

A nearby embroiderer sneered, "What good sister? Would a good sister deliberately hide the fact that she has a powerful backer like Marquis Shen? Would she not say anything in advance, waiting until the day of the proposal to make her good sister lose face?"

Zhong Yu retorted angrily, "What rubbish are you spewing? Weren’t you there yesterday? Or are you too foolish to understand what happened?"

Du Yan mocked, "Zhong Yu, you’re supposed to be a clever one."

"Exactly! Rong Rong hasn’t even entered the Marquis’s household yet, and you’re already rushing to suck up? Abandoning Zhen Xi so quickly? Weren’t you two like sisters before?"

Zhong Yu’s face paled. Only then did she belatedly look at Zhen Xi, who was staring at her with a cold, gloomy expression. Guilt washed over her.

Seeing them humiliate Zhong Yu, Yue Rongrong said coldly, "Those with filthy minds see filth everywhere."

One of the embroiderers retorted, "What are you so proud of? You and Zhen Xi were always close. How could you stand by and watch her become an old man’s concubine? Why didn’t you plead with the Marquis for help?"

Du Yan laughed coldly, "She’s malicious. Even if she’s happy herself, she can’t bear to see others do well. If Zhen Xi married Top Scholar Li, she’d be his official wife. How could someone who’s destined to be a concubine or mistress tolerate that?"

Zhong Yu stepped forward to argue, but Yue Rongrong pulled her back and said coldly, "If you love gossip so much, take it outside."

"You!" The embroiderers were furious but suddenly remembered Master Zhou’s beaten face and paled, not daring to say another word. Yue Rongrong knew that nothing would shut them up faster than invoking Shen Jichen’s authority.

Ren Hanzhen smiled slightly and stepped forward to mediate: "Everyone, let’s not be like this. Rong Rong didn’t tell everyone about Marquis Shen’s favor perhaps because she had her own reasons. As for specially inviting the Marquis to stand up for her on the day of the proposal and humiliating Zhen Xi..." She paused, fumbling for an excuse, "perhaps she had her considerations too. She didn’t do it intentionally. Let’s not say anymore. Zhen Xi is devastated right now. Please leave for now."

The embroiderers suppressed their anger, grumbling at Ren Hanzhen as they left: "Only you would speak up for her. She hurt Zhen Xi so badly, and you still see everyone as good."

Ren Hanzhen smiled and saw them off. Zhong Yu was fit to be tied: "Did you hear what Ren Hanzhen said?"

But Yue Rongrong comforted her: "Don’t be angry. Remember what the great monk at Wanfo Temple said? Purify your heart and mind."

Zhong Yu pursed her lips: "I can’t be pure at all." She took a deep breath and glanced toward Zhen Xi, who was silently fumbling with a hairpin as if she had lost all joy and sorrow. Zhong Yu exchanged a look with Yue Rongrong and pulled her toward Zhen Xi.

She forced a smile and soothed, "Zhen Xi, don’t listen to Ren Hanzhen. You used to say she was fake. She just wants to drive a wedge between you and Rong Rong..."

Zhen Xi scoffed. Zhong Yu froze mid-sentence. Zhen Xi looked coldly at Yue Rongrong and said through gritted teeth, "I was wrong about you before, Yue Rongrong. You’re so calculating—quiet yet summoning Marquis Shen to stand up for you, using his hand to trample me!" She stood up abruptly and glared at Zhong Yu, "You consider her a good sister! Did she ever tell you about her relationship with Marquis Shen?"

Zhong Yu was taken aback. Zhen Xi laughed mockingly, "No, right? She never considered us sisters. She just enjoys feeling superior to all of us!"

Yue Rongrong looked at her, knowing that she and Zhen Xi could never go back to how they were. Her heart felt lifeless toward their friendship, but she nervously glanced at Zhong Yu.

Zhong Yu lowered her head for a moment, then looked up with clarity in her eyes: "Everyone has secrets they find hard to share. Even between siblings, parents, and children. If Rong Rong didn’t say anything, perhaps she had her difficulties. But I believe she never intentionally invited the Marquis on the day of the proposal. If she had wanted his help, she would have done it long ago."

Zhen Xi shouted desperately, "She did it on purpose! She wanted to publicly show that Marquis Shen cares about her! To satisfy her vanity!"

Zhong Yu looked at her with pity and said after a long moment, "Zhen Xi, you’ve lost your way."

Zhen Xi turned away, straightening her back, fighting back tears.

Seeing Zhong Yu’s clarity, Yue Rongrong felt relieved but also gave up hope for Zhen Xi. Clinging to the last shred of their friendship, she said, "I know we can no longer get along. If you don’t want to be Vice Minister Cai’s concubine, I will try my best to help you..."

This statement thoroughly provoked Zhen Xi. She turned around furiously, glaring at Yue Rongrong: "I know you have Marquis Shen’s favor, alright? With just a word, you can make him listen to you! You’re amazing, alright? What else do you want? Do you need to step on me and make me grateful to satisfy your superiority?"

Yue Rongrong fell silent, saying no more.

Zhong Yu shouted sternly, "Zhen Xi! This is your last hope! Don’t be impulsive!"

Zhen Xi’s shoulders trembled. Suppressing her sobs, she took a deep breath, as if making a decision. She wiped away her tears and looked up with a smile devoid of warmth: "No need for your concern. I’m willing to be Vice Minister Cai’s concubine. He is, after all, a Fourth-grade official. Why wouldn’t I want that? As for you, Yue Rongrong, do you think you’ll always be so smug? Don’t think Marquis Shen’s current favor means anything. With his status and background, he could have any noblewoman. Do you think you’ll get your wish? I’ll be watching, waiting for the day he discards you. Let’s see what kind of happy ending you have!"

The disgust and jealousy in her eyes turned into a fire that seemed intent on reducing Yue Rongrong to ashes. Yue Rongrong’s soul trembled. She stood frozen, her face pale, overwhelmed by a familiar fear.

Zhong Yu watched Zhen Xi run away, helpless. Seeing Yue Rongrong’s pale face, she comforted her: "Zhen Xi is young. Don’t take her words to heart."

Yue Rongrong forced a faint smile and nodded.

＊＊

Early the next morning, Yue Rongrong received an invitation from Wei Hui. Looking at the formal invitation, she wondered what the young man was up to. At the appointed hour, she arrived at Qingyang Tower. Directed by a waiter, she went upstairs and stood before a private room. The waiter knocked on the door.

"Come in," Wei Hui’s voice came from inside.

The waiter promptly retreated, leaving Yue Rongrong to push the door open herself. As soon as the door opened, she froze for a moment. She saw Wei Hui standing in the room, wearing wide-sleeved robes, his hair tied with a jade hairpin, elegant and poised like an orchid or jade tree. He bowed slowly to her: "Rong Rong." Yue Rongrong was amused by his serious demeanor and looked him up and down: "So this is the second-ranked imperial scholar, a future pillar of the court. You’ve really changed."

The previously solemn Wei Hui immediately let his composure slip upon hearing Yue Rongrong's praise, his eyes lighting up: "Really?"

"What are you doing all this for?" Yue Rongrong looked at the table full of dishes—a feast at Qingyang Restaurant was not cheap. "If you wanted to treat me to a meal, there was no need to come here. It's a waste of money."

Wei Hui watched her from behind: "Because I want to give you the best of everything I can offer."

Yue Rongrong's smile faltered. She slowly turned around to meet Wei Hui's serious, deeply passionate gaze. Her heart skipped a beat, but she forced a playful smile and, patting his shoulder teasingly, said: "Such a young one, acting so mature beyond your years!" Then she changed the subject: "I heard you were sent out of the capital on official business by the Vice Minister of Works. How did it go? How is Mrs. Wei?"

Wei Hui frowned, refusing to let her change the subject, and said only: "I'm not young! I'm eighteen!"

"You're still a year younger than me—you're my little brother," Yue Rongrong said as a matter of fact, her gaze frank and without a hint of ambiguity.

She looked at him as she always had. Wei Hui said urgently: "I don't want to be your brother, Rong Rong. You're not my sister either. Before, when I was just without rank, I didn't dare promise you anything. But now I'm a second-tier palace graduate, and the day after tomorrow, the Ministry of Personnel will assign me an appointment. I'll have an official position then. Rong Rong, I will love you, protect you, respect you, and in this life, I will have only you—I will never take a concubine."

At that moment, the adjacent private chamber fell silent. The few people seated around the table held their breaths. The soundproofing of the restaurant at night was far worse than during the day. Earlier, when He Minxuan and the others saw Yue Rongrong enter the next chamber, they tacitly quieted down, clearly overhearing the conversation between the two next door. They all looked in one direction. Shen Jichen held his wine cup motionless; his cold, starry eyes seemed immersed in ice water, suppressed to the extreme. His fair face was clouded over, as if a storm was brewing.

Such sweet promises. Yue Rongrong was moved, almost on the verge of tears, but the reason she wanted to cry had nothing to do with Wei Hui. She looked at Wei Hui solemnly and said softly: "But I don't love you, and I won't marry you." Word by word, she spoke clearly and unambiguously, without the slightest hesitation.

Next door, He Minxuan and the others couldn't help but let out a soft sigh of relief and said to Shen Jichen: "Don't be nervous, don't be nervous."

Shen Jichen shot him a sideways glare and drained his cup.

Wei Hui had imagined she might be momentarily surprised, hesitant, unable to accept it right away, that she would need time to consider—but he never expected her to be so resolute and decisive. Deeply struck, he took a step back, unable to bear it, and hurriedly tried to recover: "You don't have to answer so quickly. You can think about it..."

"No need," Yue Rongrong said gently but firmly, so firmly it was almost heartless. "I don't need to think about it, Wei Hui. You are a good man, someone worthy of trust, but I don't love you and won't consider it."

A sharp pain shot through his heart. Wei Hui could barely stand, suddenly bracing himself against the table. He took a deep breath, trying to find his voice again: "Why? Is it because of Marquis Shen? Do you love him?"

The hearts of He Minxuan and the others, which had just settled, now jumped nervously again. They held their breath, and even the usually calm Zheng Xuchao remained motionless, as if everyone was waiting for Yue Rongrong's answer.

Shen Jichen's eyes narrowed. His hand holding the wine cup clenched again, his expressionless face frozen in place.

Han Zixian was the most relaxed. He raised an eyebrow slightly at Shen Jichen, thinking, *This kid is really holding his ground.*

For the first time, they felt time pass so slowly. He Minxuan, the most impatient, wished he could rush over and pry open Yue Rongrong's mouth to force her to speak quickly. Just as everyone was almost unable to sit still, they heard Yue Rongrong's voice.

Shen Jichen unconsciously held his breath slightly.

Yue Rongrong said: "It has nothing to do with Marquis Shen, and nothing to do with anyone else. Wei Hui, I simply don't love you." She knew saying this was cruel and hurtful, but in matters like this, if you didn't cut the knot quickly, it would only lead to endless trouble. This was something she had learned from her upbringing.

Wei Hui, as expected, stepped back repeatedly, unable to accept it, his face pale, his teeth clenched. Finally, he said word by word: "It doesn't matter. I can wait! Just because you don't love me today doesn't mean you won't love me in the future!"

Yue Rongrong was stunned. She was about to say more, but Wei Hui turned and ran away without waiting to hear another word.

He Minxuan watched Wei Hui flee past their private chamber door and clicked his tongue: "Who would have thought that kid was such a truly lovesick fellow."

"Ahem." Han Zixian cleared his throat twice. He Minxuan came to his senses and turned around to see Shen Jichen's cold gaze sweeping over him. He chuckled dryly.

Han Zixian exchanged a glance with Zheng Xuchao: "Well, it's getting late. We should head back. Let's call it a night."

Zheng Xuchao glanced at Shen Jichen and cooperatively stood up. He Minxuan said in surprise: "So early?"

Han Zixian said: "You don't have court tomorrow, but we have to attend court early in the morning." He pulled He Minxuan up.

He Minxuan said indignantly: "You think having court to attend makes you special?"

As the three reached the door, He Minxuan finally realized and turned back to ask: "Piao Yao, aren't you leaving?"

Shen Jichen ignored him. Han Zixian turned his face away: "Don't worry about him."

Before leaving, Han Zixian didn't forget to remind him: "Yu Bai is returning to the capital tomorrow. Don't forget the welcome gathering in the evening."

The private chamber fell quiet again. Shen Jichen sat for a while but heard no movement from next door. Finally, he stood up, walked out of the room, and in a few steps reached the door of the adjacent room. He paused, unsure what kind of Rong Rong he would find inside—if she was heartbroken and saying one thing while meaning another...

His hands, tucked in his sleeves, clenched slightly. In the end, he turned toward the room.

Yue Rongrong was tilting a wine pot up, pouring the last drop into her mouth. She lowered her head and peered into the pot with one eye, muttering: "Such a big establishment, and the wine is already gone? And it's so expensive..."

She sighed, resting her chin on her hands propped on the wine pot, blinking drowsily, already somewhat drunk. She murmured Wei Hui's words: "Only you in this life... How moving..."

"What, regretting it already?" A deep, mellow voice, tinged with obvious displeasure, came from above her.

Yue Rongrong reacted slowly, tilting her head to look up. She saw a handsome but darkly clouded face. She stared blankly for a moment, then giggled: "Shen Piaoyao... Piao Yao..." She murmured, her cheeks flushed, her eyes curved into crescents, smiling innocently and radiantly.

The gloom in Shen Jichen's eyes instantly dispersed. He crouched down, straightened her posture. The drunken Yue Rongrong was soft and limp. He steadied her, looking up at her deeply: "Rong Rong, tell me, do you regret not accepting him?"

But Yue Rongrong didn't answer him. With a "thud," she slumped onto his shoulder. His body stiffened momentarily. He released his hand, pressed it against her waist, slowly moved upward, and then lifted her into his arms.

The servants of the Marquis' residence were stunned to see their Marquis carrying a young woman into the residence for the second time—and it was the same young woman as last time, that Miss Yue.

Especially the maids serving in Shen Jichen's courtyard. When they saw Shen Jichen carry Yue Rongrong directly into the main room, they hurried in after him and saw their distinguished lord very carefully lay the young woman on the bed, supporting her head and pulling over a pillow, as if he feared she might bump it.

They were dumbfounded. When had they ever seen their distinguished lord be with such care?

Miss Yue seemed drunk...

Shen Jichen said: "Go prepare hot water and clean clothes."

The maids hurried off. A quick-witted maid stepped forward: "Marquis, let us handle it."

Shen Jichen said lightly: "All of you, leave."

The maids glanced at each other, set down the prepared items, and had no choice but to obey and step out. Wen Song closed the door behind them.

Shen Jichen reached out to undo her sash. As if sensing something, Yue Rongrong suddenly opened her eyes, a flash of fear in them. She sat up abruptly and kicked out: "Lecher! I'll kick you to death!"

Fortunately, Shen Jichen was agile. He caught her ankle with one hand, pulled her smoothly, and with his other hand supported her waist, pulling her into his arms. She lay horizontally in the crook of his arm as he gazed at her, utterly intently.

He said gravely: "I am your husband, not some lecher."

Yue Rongrong's face stiffened. The fear in her eyes faded, gradually replaced by a misty haze. Her consciousness was unclear, but her sorrow grew stronger. She said in a muffled voice: "You're not my husband. We're already separated. No, not even separated—it doesn't even count as a separation. You're a liar..." A wave of bitterness washed over her, and two lines of tears rolled down. Suddenly, she began to cry and complain: "You're Jin Tangsong's husband. You brought Jin Tangsong to flaunt in front of me, watched her bully me! You think having Jin Tangsong makes you special? I'm not unwanted either. If you don't want me, there are plenty of people who do..." As she cried on, she glared at him fiercely, completely unaware of what she was saying.

"And you wanted me to be a concubine—you're despicable! And you faked it..."

"I've said many times, it was only a temporary measure..." He trailed off helplessly. She hadn't wanted to listen to him before, and now she was in no state to understand.

Shen Jichen gently brushed away the strands of hair stuck to her cheek and asked her in a low, coaxing voice: "Rong Rong, tell me, were you jealous? Do you mind that I married Jin Tangsong?"

Yue Rongrong scoffed twice: "I don't mind. You can marry Jin Tangsong, or Mu Tangsong, or Shui Tangsong—marry all five elements: gold, wood, water, fire, and earth! It has nothing to do with me!"

Shen Jichen's face darkened suddenly. He leaned down, captured her lips, and bit down hard. Yue Rongrong cried out in pain and hit him, saying angrily: "Why did you bite me!"

"Because what you said was hurtful."

Yue Rongrong retorted defiantly: "And your face is unpleasant too." She buried her face in his chest, not wanting to see him.

Shen Jichen held her for a long time without speaking. After who knows how long, he whispered softly: "Rong Rong, back then, did you regret it? Is that why you went back to pick up Xin Yue?" His gaze was dim as he said quietly, "Tell me, you never loved Qu Lieshan."

The room was dead silent; Shen Jichen could hear his own heartbeat, racing faster and faster.

When Yue Rongrong didn't respond after a long moment, he looked down and saw that her breathing had steadied—she had actually fallen asleep... Shen Jichen let out a frustrated laugh, feeling utterly helpless. He laid her on the bed, wet a cloth, wiped her face, and helped her into a nightgown. More than once, he had to suppress his own desires. In the end, he felt more exhausted than after a battle, yet she slept peacefully without a worry in the world. Annoyed, he leaned down again, his lips hovering over hers, wanting to bite her once more, but in the end, he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

The next day, when Yue Rongrong woke up, her head was pounding. It took her a long time to get her eyes to focus. The first thing she saw was an unfamiliar yet familiar canopy above the bed. She froze for a moment, and then a respectful woman's voice sounded beside her: “Miss, you’re awake.”

Yue Rongrong abruptly sat up and stared in shock at the maid kneeling by the bed. Only then did she realize that this seemed to be Shen Jichen’s room! Slowly, bits and pieces of the previous night came back to her—though she couldn’t recall the details, she remembered drinking and later running into Shen Jichen... Before she could gather her thoughts, she craned her neck to look around.

The maid, knowing she was looking for the Marquis, said, “Miss, the Marquis has left for court.”

Hearing this, Yue Rongrong’s tense nerves finally relaxed. She lowered her head and let out a sigh of relief, only to notice that she was wearing a nightgown. She looked up, trembling, at the maid with hope in her eyes: “Did... you change my clothes for me?”

The maid replied honestly, “It was the Marquis.”

As if struck by lightning, Yue Rongrong hurriedly got out of bed to look for her clothes.

The maid added, “Miss, your clothes were dirty. These were prepared for you by the Marquis. He specifically instructed me to tell you that these were meant just for you, not hand-me-downs.”

Yue Rongrong barely registered her words. She put on the clothes and ran off, not even hearing what the maid called out after her.

Shen Jichen returned home immediately after court and went straight to his bedchamber, but he didn’t find who he was looking for. His heart sank abruptly. The maid nearby said, “Marquis, Miss Yue woke up and left. She didn’t even eat the breakfast you prepared for her.”

Shen Jichen’s face gradually darkened. He rubbed his fingers together, fighting back his irritation, and closed his eyes to hide the coldness in his gaze. *Very well! Yue Rongrong, you still ran away.*

That evening, Han Zixian specially threw a welcome dinner at Yizhan Jiangnan for Xue Yubai.

Xue Yubai had also grown up with them since childhood. However, due to his disinterest in fame and fortune, he had never entered officialdom. Over the past few years, he had been traveling the countryside. Now that they were reunited, Han Zixian and the others were thrilled. Even Shen Jichen smiled lightly and said, “Yu Bai.”

Xue Yubai opened his arms and stepped forward to hug Shen Jichen: “Piao Yao, you’ve gained more presence.”

Shen Jichen chuckled. He Minxuan stepped forward and gave Xue Yubai a big hug: “Xue Yubai! You jerk! You finally decided to return to the capital! Let me take a look at you—hah, you’ve become even more dashing.”

The group took their seats, with Xue Yubai sitting next to Shen Jichen. Singers and dancers streamed into the room.

Han Zixian looked at Xue Yubai and asked, “Will you be leaving again after returning to the capital this time?”

Xue Yubai lowered his eyes and smiled: “Not for now.”

Seeing his gentle smile, the others exchanged glances and looked at him in unison: “Yu Bai, something’s off with you. Did you return to the capital for another reason?”

Xue Yubai was forthright and didn't beat around the bush: “Indeed, there is another matter. I recently received news that she is in the capital.”

As men, they understood immediately. He Minxuan jumped to the conclusion: “It’s about a girl!”

Xue Yubai smiled and nodded. They weren’t surprised by his honesty, as Xue Yubai had always been straightforward and never concealed his feelings.

“Haha! Yu Bai, you’ve got your eye on someone! Which family’s young lady is she?” He Minxuan laughed heartily.

Xue Yubai replied with a smile, “She’s not from a noble family. I’ll introduce her to you when the time is right.”

He Minxuan teased, “You’re being so protective already!”

Shen Jichen, seeing his genuine expression, raised his glass to him and said with a smile, “Congratulations.”

Xue Yubai also raised his glass and leaned closer, lowering his voice: “It’s too early for congratulations, but I’ll accept them for now.”

The two smiled at each other and downed their drinks.

-----------------------

Author’s note: Xue Yubai: I've found someone special.

Shen Piaoyao: What a coincidence, so do I.

Tuesday’s update will be delayed until 11 PM [dog holding a rose emoji]