Qing Yanci Chapter One

Page 1/3

“Zhengxin, have you finished your task today? Study time is about to start, and the master is about to take attendance. Being late means you’ll have to accept punishment.”

“It’s Zhengnian. Yes, I’ll be there right away. You go ahead; I’ll come soon.”

“All right, I’ll go save you a seat first,” Zhengnian said cheerfully.

“Thank you, senior brother!” Zhengxin replied, a bit flustered.

Zhengxin lowered her gaze toward a little girl hiding in the corner. The girl held no number token, meaning she was currently unable to reincarnate.

Usually, in cases other than natural death—such as accidents or suicides—one cannot reincarnate normally. One must never commit suicide; the consequences are dire. Not only is reincarnation impossible, but one must also endure cruel punishments: repeatedly reliving the suicide scenes from their previous life and suffering in hell. Human life is precious; wasting it invites severe penalties, which even ghosts find excruciating.

Souls without a reincarnation token are the most tormented, wandering spirits. Normal death means a peaceful end, a fitting conclusion. The tokens numbered 1 through 6 correspond to the six realms of reincarnation: 1. Heaven; 2. Human; 3. Asura; 4. Animal; 5. Hungry Ghost; 6. Hell. Based on one’s karma during life, the appropriate token is assigned; thus, any ghost with a token can enter the cycle of rebirth.

“Little one, come here. Sister will take you to a fun place and give you a candy. How about that?” Zhengxin gently coaxed the girl.

“Don’t trick me. I can’t reincarnate. Where else could I go? The underworld officials said my time hasn’t come. I have to wander aimlessly and sometimes get bullied by other ghosts…” The girl looked at Zhengxin suspiciously, her voice growing softer as she spoke, fearful even of small ghosts being deceived.

“You can’t reincarnate now, but we can study here. When the time comes, you’ll be able to reincarnate. Trust sister! After your studies, there will surely be a good place waiting for you.” Zhengxin crouched down and explained kindly.

“Zhengxin, why are you still here? Is there still one not sent off?” Zhengnian searched for his junior sister.

“Hey, little ghost, why haven’t you left? Didn’t you get a token? You have to obey us now. Where we send you, you go! Otherwise…” Zhengnian deliberately left the threat hanging, glancing at the girl.

“Zhengnian, don’t scare her. I’ll guide her gently,” Zhengxin said, always fond of the little ones.

“Sister, that uncle is too fierce. I’m scared,” the girl pretended to be frightened, deliberately calling Zhengnian “uncle.”

“Uncle?” Both Zhengnian and Zhengxin said in unison. Zhengnian’s mind was suddenly filled with a flock of crows cawing, while Zhengxin burst into laughter. “Haha… uncle… haha!” Zhengnian stomped his foot, annoyed—was he really that old?

“Little ghost, I’ll send you straight to the Hungry Ghost realm! Let them eat you up, au!” Zhengnian threatened the girl fiercely, irritated by her choice of words.

“Sister, save me! I don’t want to go to the Hungry Ghost realm,” the girl’s innocent, wide eyes would tug at anyone’s heartstrings.

“Don’t be afraid. I’m here! Come with sister.” The girl hid behind Zhengxin, who gently took her hand.

The words “Youdu Academy” appeared before the girl’s eyes as the three arrived.

“Sister, what is this place?” the girl asked, puzzled.

“This is where kind little ghosts who died from illness and didn’t do evil in life come to study. Because they didn’t commit suicide and were good-hearted, they have the chance to learn here. If you do well, you can reincarnate again as a human. Human life is rare. The six realms of reincarnation exist, and you actually have a chance to study here. Someday…” Zhengxin patiently explained.

“Will I be like you someday? Work here?” The girl suddenly interrupted.

“Hmm… if you do well and are chosen by the master, yes. I hope you get selected. For now, study hard here,” Zhengxin ruffled the girl’s hair to comfort her.

“Yes! That’s a must! I’ll definitely be better than you all in the future!” The girl said proudly, then happily strode inside.

“Wait! Take this file to the master. After he sees it, he’ll arrange your studies!” Zhengxin handed the girl a file containing records of her previous life and enrollment paperwork.

“Thank you, sister!” The girl smiled slightly; they both treated Zhengnian as if he were invisible.

Watching the girl enter the academy, Zhengxin breathed a sigh of relief, then strode briskly toward her own school.

“If she reincarnates later, I won’t send her off; I’ll pretend she doesn’t exist!” Zhengnian frowned, acting like a child.

“Senior brother? No generosity, no manhood—no tolerance whatsoever. Quarreling with children…” Zhengxin smiled, shaking her head as she left.

“You… she might be older than both of us. Slow down, wait a moment,” Zhengnian muttered grumblingly.

This world is small, so small that with a single turn, you never know who you’ll meet.

After dinner, the academy was lively. Zhengnian was always more enthusiastic than Zhengxin when it came to gatherings, and quicker to move. Zhengxin had just entered the hall when she saw Zhengnian waving at her.

“Zhengxin, hurry up! Come sit here; it’s about to start!” Zhengnian called anxiously, as if the seats nearby would be snatched away by other senior brothers and sisters.

“All right, coming!” Zhengxin replied, moving toward Zhengnian. The hall was filled with senior brothers and sisters from various years; Zhengxin’s group was the youngest.

A ray of light fell on Zhengnian’s face. His thick sword-like eyebrows, long lashes, sharply defined features carried a hint of melancholy, and his peach blossom eyes added a delicate charm. If he were a girl, he’d be beautiful, certainly no resemblance to the “uncle” the little girl had mentioned. The difference between silence and speech was astonishing.

“What are you staring at? Is there something on my face?” Zhengnian felt eyes on him, which made him uneasy. Turning, he saw it was Zhengxin.

“Nothing, nothing. You’ve got some food on your face,” Zhengxin hurriedly said.

“Really?” Zhengnian rubbed his face a few times.

“Anything else?” he asked seriously.

“No, no!” Zhengxin struggled to hold back a smile.

“Why are there so many people today? Is a senior sister coming back to share experiences?” Zhengxin quickly changed the subject.

“Yes. The master said a senior sister will return to share her insights from the human world. When we go there, we’ll avoid detours and graduate smoothly,” Zhengnian explained eloquently.

“During the sharing, those two students in the middle, don’t talk. Listen carefully and respect your seniors. These experiences are precious and cannot be bought,” Senior Brother Jian Luo said.

Jian Luo was a few years senior and about to practice in the human world. The insights shared by returning senior sisters were invaluable.

“Everyone listen carefully. When you return, write a reflection and hand it to me tomorrow! I want to see if you were paying attention!” Yang Zhengjian said, stroking his beard with satisfaction, then glanced at Zhengnian and Zhengxin.

Yang Zhengjian was their master. This was the 520th cohort he taught, his first and smallest with only twelve apprentices, all from the Zheng Sect. Whether Yang Zhengjian’s reputation would rise depended on these twelve disciples, though currently there were only eleven, with one presumably within his expectations.

Yang Zhengjian, an old man with white hair and beard, alternated between strictness and playful mischief, both teacher and friend. Wrinkles adorned his face, but he had the air of a refined Taoist master. Among his eleven disciples were seven boys and four girls.

The eldest disciple was Zheng Hong, whose name meant having grand ambitions. As the senior brother and Yang’s right hand, he helped manage affairs and supervise juniors. Careful and gentle, modest and meticulous, his hair was always perfectly neat—a gentleman of refined temperament and kindness. He was the perfect senior brother.

He was well-read, traveled extensively, and versed in poetry and scriptures. Like jade among stones and pine among trees, his elegance was unmatched.

The second disciple, Zheng Lang, bright and open-minded, loved music and new things, often offering unique insights. He enjoyed chatting and playing the zither with brothers and sisters. His vitality was infectious, and his laughter childlike. When encountering injustice, he might curse casually. Zhengxin called him “Second Brother” and spoke to him most. Not very tall but graceful and artistic, handsome and clever, he was a talented young man with strength and good academic performance. Zhengxin often sought his advice.

“Second Brother” affectionately called Zhengxin “Little Sister.” For some reason, Zhengxin felt a kinship with him at first sight, which made Zhengnian somewhat jealous. Zheng Lang sometimes preferred solitude, sometimes lively company, and was well-liked.

The third disciple was Zheng Yan, a girl always in plain clothes, serious and terse. Perhaps due to her past life or personality, she seemed cold and distant, opposite to Second Brother. The master said they were twins in their previous life.

When they first arrived, the master noticed the two children were gifted but very different. Though quiet, Third Sister’s words were precious and full of meaning.

The fourth disciple, Zheng Shang, was upright and steadfast, with leadership and cohesion. Honest and kind, he excelled in work and studies despite being fourth. In his past life, his straightforwardness offended some. The master reminded him to be more tactful.

The master worried about Second and Fourth Brothers going to practice in the human world prematurely, fearing incomplete missions would ruin their progress.

Now, about the eleventh disciple, Zhengxin. Outwardly carefree like Second Brother, she nevertheless held lingering attachments to her past life, feeling unbearable pain in solitude.

She could barely recall much of her past, as the Meng Po soup ensures forgetting—without it, the world would change. In her past life, she was a wealthy young lady named Su Xiu, daughter of a second concubine, thus disadvantaged despite wealth. Though allowed to study, it was at an average academy, not the best. The main wife opposed her education.

Su Xiu was not academically poor but restricted socially. Her father, Su Jinran, was fond of her, but her grandmother favored the eldest son, Su Kang, born of the main wife.

Su Xiu disguised herself as a boy to attend school, as per her grandmother’s wishes: to be educated and marry suitably to assist the family business. Though disliked for being a second wife’s daughter, she was still family.

Her close classmate was Zhao Chenxi, a poor boy with a bedridden father and a hardworking mother. Chenxi came from the mountains, gathering herbs and firewood to support his family. His sister had just married a skilled carpenter who treated her well.

Chenxi often brought wild fruits to Su Xiu, who sought his help with studies. They were classmates and desk mates. Chenxi sometimes teased Su Xiu about her delicate, feminine appearance, making her blush and hide her face.

“Would you still be friends if I were a girl?” Su Xiu asked cautiously.

“Of course! But I’ll keep it a secret. Girls studying is rare,” Chenxi replied with some doubt.

“I’m kidding. I’m a boy! Got you scared,” Su Xiu teased, amused by his reaction.

“Su Xiu, tomorrow during break, I’ll take you mountain climbing to exercise, see if you’re still as skinny as you look,” Chenxi suggested, wanting to share the scenery with her.

“Okay, let’s set a time,” Su Xiu was happy to have some alone time with Chenxi. As a girl, she wouldn’t have agreed.

Early the next day, Su Xiu rose earlier than usual, still in boy’s clothes. At the meeting spot, Chenxi was already waiting.

“Su Xiu, hurry! We must reach the summit before sunrise…” Su Xiu looked up at the steep mountain, feeling nervous but pressed on, expecting breaks along the way.

Unaccustomed to hardship, she soon grew exhausted. “Chenxi, wait for me! Rest a bit.”

“No, come on, I’ll pull you up. We need to hurry before the sun rises. You can’t miss this beautiful scene!” Chenxi encouraged, holding her hand on the climb.

“You’re from a rich family; your hands are so delicate,” Chenxi remarked, contrasting her soft skin with his calloused hands.

Startled, Su Xiu withdrew her hand, nearly falling, but Chenxi caught her.

“It’s okay. We’re both boys. Don’t be shy. Let’s go,” he said, grasping her hand again.

Suddenly, Su Xiu slipped, twisting her ankle. Chenxi’s pace was too fast.

“I can’t go on,” she whimpered, fighting tears.

“I’ll carry you. When we come down, you carry me. A real man knows when to yield,” Chenxi said, lifting her as they neared the summit.

“Why are you so light? Like a girl! I carried my sister when she married, and you weigh about the same,” Chenxi joked.

“Don’t say that! You’re more like a girl!” Su Xiu retorted, blushing.

Chenxi was simple-minded and took no offense. Soon, they reached the peak. Chenxi, experienced in herb gathering, knew the terrain well.

From the top, the eastern sky blossomed with red clouds like flushed cheeks. Across the distance were snow-capped mountains, gradually illuminated by a golden light, as if adorned with a golden crown.

The rising sun brightened the peaks, bathing the mountains in light in an instant. Before them unfolded a painting titled “Sunlight on the Golden Mountain.”

“Chenxi, this is so beautiful! The golden light feels like a divine blessing, breathtaking,” Su Xiu was awed.

“I often come here alone to enjoy the view. When I’m sad, climbing here clears my mind. I hope when you’re down, thinking of today’s sight will cheer you up,” Chenxi said, looking into Su Xiu’s eyes.

“Thank you, Chenxi. I want to make a wish but won’t tell you yet.” Su Xiu clasped her hands and silently wished.

After a while, Chenxi asked, “Was it worth the trip? How’s your foot?”

“Not so painful anymore. The beauty healed me,” Su Xiu replied, glancing at her ankle.

Page 2/3

“I’ve loved climbing since childhood, enjoying the flowers, animals, and plants. Father worked hard to support us but developed lasting illnesses—coughs and chills that no doctor could cure. The doctor was kind and gave me herbal prescriptions. We have those herbs in the mountains. Mother boils them for father, and I’ve climbed nearly every mountain searching for them.

Father suffered for this family. I hope one day to succeed and support them. When I can, I sell extra herbs at the biggest shop in town to help the family. If there’s a next life, I wish to be wealthy, with healthy parents who never worry about life,” Chenxi shared his hopes, then asked Su Xiu, “What about you? What do you want to be in the next life?”

“I want to be an ordinary person, loved by both mother and father, with them healthy too!” Su Xiu pondered why men could have multiple wives but women couldn’t have just one husband.

“Your father doesn’t treat you badly, does he?” Chenxi asked, puzzled.

Su Xiu smiled and shook her head, not answering.

She studied Chenxi’s face—clear eyes like a lake, a high nose, weathered skin with fine wrinkles from sun and wind, slightly older than his age but still handsome. If not for hardship, he’d probably be married already. She reached out and touched his face.

“Hey, what are you doing?” Chenxi was startled.

“Just feeling sorry for you, bearing so much at a young age. Sorry,” Su Xiu realized her boldness.

“I’m used to it. Maybe this is my fate,” Chenxi said, gazing at the mountains.

“Darkness will end, light will return. Life isn’t always smooth. We must bend but not break. After darkness comes the bright dawn,” Su Xiu encouraged.

“Thanks, Su brother. Your words mean a lot,” Chenxi laughed.

“Let me see your foot,” Chenxi said, placing Su Xiu’s foot on his lap to inspect, which startled her.

“Two men, what’s there to fear? Just want to see the injury and find herbs to reduce swelling and pain,” Su Xiu reluctantly let him.

“The ankle’s swollen but not serious. Sit here; I’ll fetch some herbs,” Chenxi said, running into the forest.

After some time, he returned with herbs and treated the sprain.

The sun climbed high. “Let me carry you down before it gets hot,” Chenxi offered.

“No, thanks. I can walk. It’s just a small injury,” Su Xiu politely refused.

“Then I’ll hold your hand so you won’t fall,” Chenxi said courteously.

“Thanks, Zhao brother!” Su Xiu returned a formal salute.

“Don’t mention it. Study hard; life is long, and don’t forget me when you succeed,” Chenxi said.

“Zhao, what do you mean by that?” Su Xiu suspected an underlying message.

“Nothing, just reminding you. Did today’s view inspire you?” Chenxi asked.

“Standing on the mountain, everything seems small. Before climbing, it looked impossible. After, I realized with confidence, any difficulty can be overcome. Like climbing, I get your meaning,” Su Xiu said.

“Yes, no matter the challenge, don’t give up. Effort is the foundation of success,” Chenxi added.

They supported each other and walked for a long time.

“We’re near the foot. Where do you live? I’ll walk you home,” Chenxi asked.

“See that carriage? I came by carriage. My servant waits below. I’ll send you off too; it’s on the way,” Su Xiu answered.

“No need. My home’s nearby in the mountains. The carriage can’t go up,” Chenxi joked.

As Chenxi let go, Su Xiu stumbled. Chenxi quickly helped her up.

“I’m fine. I can stand alone,” she said, but Chenxi still helped gently.

“Well, I’ll go first,” Su Xiu signaled.

“Go safely and watch your step!” Chenxi waved.

“Watch out for that stone where I fell. Don’t trip on it,” Su Xiu warned.

“Don’t worry. I’ll move it. Go ahead,” Chenxi promised.

Su Xiu limped toward the carriage, looked back, and smiled. “See you tomorrow. Be careful.”

“Su…” Chenxi called softly but didn’t finish as the carriage disappeared.

Chenxi paused, thinking about the stone. Looking down, he found not a stone but a money pouch embroidered with the character “Xiu.”

No need to ask; Su Xiu had pretended to fall and left it on purpose.

“This money can cover a year’s living expenses. She must have heard me say our family is poor and left it to help. I’ll return it tomorrow; I can’t let her think poorly of me,” Chenxi thought, holding the pouch, unsure but determined.

The world is vast; a single turn can make strangers into the most familiar people.

Chenxi arrived home at noon, called for his mother, but no response. In the kitchen, he found her fainted and gently placed her on a chair.

“Mother! Wake up!” His father staggered in, alarmed.

Seeing no response, Chenxi moved her to bed. “Father, take care of her. I’ll fetch the doctor!” he said, then hurried out.

The doctor and Chenxi returned after a long wait. The money Su Xiu left was truly timely.

The doctor examined her and told Chenxi’s father, “Your wife is malnourished. I’ll prescribe herbs for Chenxi to gather. Father, please care for her.”

Outside, the doctor beckoned Chenxi. “Your mother works tirelessly caring for the family. It wore her down. I didn’t tell your father to spare his feelings. Take good care of her and attend to her diet. You’ll have to miss school for a while.”

Chenxi nodded, “I’ll put studies aside as long as mother recovers.”

He glanced at the money pouch, deciding to use it temporarily and repay Su Xiu later.

The next day, Su Xiu went to school happily. Perhaps her first stirrings of love were for Chenxi, though he didn’t know she was a girl. She felt embarrassed.

Entering class, Su Xiu noticed Chenxi was absent, which was unusual.

After class, she asked the teacher about Chenxi.

“The teacher didn’t know. Chenxi hadn’t requested leave. He’s usually diligent. Maybe family matters delayed him,” the teacher said.

“Do you know where he lives? I want to visit,” Su Xiu asked.

“Not exactly. I know his family is poor and lives away from the busy market. Su Xiu, you should return soon. Your parents will worry. The carriage waits outside,” the teacher advised.

Su Xiu thanked him but returned home gloomy.

(Su Xiu disguised as a boy at school; at home, she is Su Xiu, female.)

That night, her mother, with a serious expression, said, “Xiu’er, I need to talk with you after dinner. Eat first.”

“Is it important?” she asked cautiously.

“After dinner, I’ll tell you,” her mother said.

After dinner, Su Xiu entered her mother’s room.

“Xiu’er, you’re grown now. Girls your age have children already. Your father arranged a marriage for you. It’s a match of equals but…” her mother hesitated.

“But what? Please tell me,” Su Xiu anxiously pressed.

“The match is with the Sun family, who work in silk dyeing and weaving. Sun Pengcheng, the son, will inherit the family business. He’s slightly older and handsome. But he has a first wife who bore no children. The family wants an heir and plans to take another wife, that’s you.”

“Our families have business ties; your father agreed. You’ll be betrothed soon and won’t attend school anymore.”

“No! Mother, I want to study! I don’t want to marry, especially as a second wife, like you who cries every day. Why must I accept this because I’m a girl? Why can’t I marry a normal man who treats me well?” Su Xiu’s words stabbed her mother, who covered her face weeping.

“If you were born to an ordinary family, it would be different, but you’re in the Su family,” her mother explained helplessly.

Su Xiu understood her mother’s plight, wishing she were male to ease her mother’s pain.

“Also, the family has no children. If you bear one, they’ll treat you better.”

“What if it’s a daughter? Will they care? Why is fate so unfair, forcing your destiny on me?” Su Xiu broke into tears.

“It’s my fault. I’m useless,” her mother cried with her.

After a while, Su Xiu regretted hurting her mother and apologized.

“Enough. I’ll listen to you. Don’t be sad,” she said, trying to comfort her mother.

“Your father made the decision. You’ve met Sun Pengcheng before. He’s bright and mischievous,” her mother added.

“Mother, I’ll rest now,” Su Xiu interrupted.

“Okay, rest well,” her mother said, worried for her child.

Su Xiu lay awake all night, thinking of Chenxi. If only they were social equals, they could be a simple, happy couple. But soon she would lose him, which saddened her deeply.

The next morning, she asked her mother, “May I attend school one last day to say goodbye?”

“That depends on your father,” her mother replied reluctantly.

“Please, mother,” Su Xiu pleaded.

“Go ahead. I’ll tell your father.”

“Thank you,” Su Xiu left.

She arrived later than usual but still no Chenxi. She worried it was because of the money pouch. But no—Chenxi was a gentleman. Still, her heart ached.

After class, she told the teacher it was her last day and thanked him.

“Don’t leave! Your studies are excellent. I’ve been disappointed by Chenxi’s absence for two days. Why are you leaving?”

“Chenxi hasn’t come? Where is he? Is something wrong?” Su Xiu fretted.

“Must you go? Did I fail you?” the teacher asked.

“No, our family is moving soon. I’ll attend another academy. Today is farewell,” she lied kindly.

“Alright, go then. I don’t know how long I can teach. I hope you succeed and benefit the country. I’ll miss you,” the teacher said, wiping tears.

“Thank you for your teaching. I won’t forget,” Su Xiu comforted him.

In the carriage, she looked back at the academy, hoping for a miracle but saw no Chenxi.

Sometimes comforting others is harder than comforting oneself. Though powerless, not all is lost.

“Xiu’er, in a few days guests will arrive—Sun Pengcheng’s family—to arrange your marriage. From tomorrow, wear girl’s clothes,” her father said.

“Oh,” Su Xiu replied absentmindedly.

Page 3/3

The next morning, the maid dressed Su Xiu. She looked very different from before.

Previously in boy’s clothes, now she resembled a delicate beauty like Hua Mulan—arched eyebrows, rosy cheeks, red lips, white teeth, a youthful charm replacing her former tomboyishness. If Chenxi saw her now, would he like her? She was still a girl at heart.

At school, she was Su Xiu; at home, Su Xiu—same pronunciation, different characters and meanings.

Chenxi hadn’t been to school for days, caring for his parents. Lately, he felt uneasy, as if something was about to happen. His sister, newly married, had returned to help.

She brought some food and money. Though not wealthy, her carpenter husband treated her well, so they lacked nothing. With her help, Chenxi could return to school.

The next day, Chenxi arrived early and greeted the teacher, sitting with fruit and pastries for Su Xiu. Yet she did not appear.

Their feelings mirrored each other, but Su Xiu harbored more than friendship for Chenxi, who only saw her as a comrade.

After class, Chenxi sat lost in thought. The teacher approached.

“Waiting for Su Xiu?”

“Yes. My mother was ill, and the doctor advised rest. My sister returned yesterday, and mother’s better, so I came today but haven’t seen Su Xiu,” Chenxi said gloomily.

“Su Xiu’s family moved to another academy,” the teacher said regretfully.

Will I ever see her again? How to repay her kindness? Chenxi asked himself repeatedly.

Since his sister came, his burden lessened. He wanted to quit school, but his family disagreed. They moved back to care for the family, allowing him to study peacefully.

Two days later, his mother saw Su Xiu dressing.

“My Xiu’er is growing up so fast, standing tall and pretty. The girl who cried and insisted on girl’s clothes is now a young lady. Time flies…”

“Mother, is there something you want to say?”

“This noon, your father invited Sun Pengcheng’s family to dinner. Dress nicely. Xiao Hong, help the young lady prepare,” his mother said.

“Yes, madam,” the maid replied.

“Mother, I don’t want to go meet strangers,” Su Xiu felt uneasy.

“Xiu’er, don’t upset your father. The Sun family is powerful; many girls wish to marry in,” her mother comforted.

“Today, Sun family comes. Dress well and engage with them,” Su Jinran warned, fearing Su Xiu might cause trouble, as she was raised as a boy.

Su Xiu’s heart trembled with anxiety—not joy. If it were Chenxi instead, she’d be excited.

If she ruined this, her mother would suffer, but her mother was her greatest protector. Disguised as a boy, Su Xiu hoped to shield her.

She resolved to endure. The two families were nearby; if things went badly, she could return often. A true man knows how to endure and forgive.

I’m now a young lady, so whatever.

The teacher’s words often enlightened her.

Approaching noon, the Sun family arrived as expected: Sun matriarch, head of the Sun clan and grandmother of Sun Pengcheng; Sun Yu, his father; and Liu, his mother.

Sun matriarch, like Su matriarch, appeared kind but was a decisive leader. Their thriving business owed much to these elders. Their eventual falling out was inevitable.

“Go fetch the young lady!” Su Jinran told maid Xiao Hong.

“Yes, sir!” she replied and went to find Su Xiu.

“Welcome, honored guests, please come this way,” Su Jinran greeted, beaming.

“Old sister, how’s your health? Please have some cake,” the Sun matriarch flattered. Su Xiu and Chenxi would have been uncomfortable here.

“Pengcheng, sit here,” Sun Yu said.

“Yes, father,” Sun Pengcheng obediently sat, though it was his father’s wish.

Pengcheng disliked arranged marriage, not because of the first wife but because he felt it was a transaction. The first wife, Lu Yiran, was proud and hot-tempered, from a wealthier family. They quarreled over the second marriage. The Sun family needed an heir, and the compromise was a second wife subordinate to the first. Pengcheng had no feelings for Lu Yiran.

Pengcheng thought his marriage a mere business deal.

“The young lady is ready,” the maid announced calmly.

“Xiu’er, come greet Uncle Sun and Grandmother,” Su Jinran urged.

“Skipping me and my mother?” Pengcheng muttered, overheard by Su Xiu, who laughed, hiding behind a handkerchief.

“Girl, impudent! Come greet the guests,” Su Jinran scolded, unaware of her laughter.

“Greetings, Grandmother Sun, Uncle Sun, Aunt Sun… and… Young Master Sun,” Su Xiu bowed half like a boy, then switched to a lady’s salute. She mistook Sun Pengcheng for Chenxi in a daze.

Everyone was stunned. Su Jinran was sweating nervously. Awkward smiles followed.

“You’re pretty and refined, fit for a noble lady. Can you read?” Sun matriarch broke the silence.

“Yes, though she’s a girl, we hired a tutor,” Su Jinran hurriedly replied.

Hearing this, Sun Pengcheng prepared to scrutinize the young lady; his grandmother’s praise was not given lightly.

Their eyes met; Pengcheng’s widened. Su Xiu gave a slight smile, apologizing for her earlier rudeness.

“Almond-shaped eyes, willow-leaf brows, lightly powdered oval face, a gentle smile,” Pengcheng blushed, making Su Xiu laugh.

“Father, may I talk privately with Young Master Sun?” Su Xiu asked.

“Of course, to get to know each other,” he replied.

“You crybaby little fatty, don’t you remember me?”

“I remember coming to your house, playing with two little masters. The eldest and I fell, and a little master bit my shoulder and wouldn’t let go. I still have the bite mark. Were you that little master?”

“That’s me. I saw you bullying my brother Su Kang, so I wore his clothes to help. You cried and never came back. You were a chubby kid then,” Su Xiu said proudly.

“Looks like fate brought us together. You’re destined to be my wife,” Pengcheng teased, not because of her beauty but to vent about the bite.

“Ha ha…” Su Xiu’s laughter faded, sensing the joke was inappropriate.

“Ha ha, so Pengcheng and Xiu have a childhood story. Let’s pick an auspicious date for their betrothal,” Sun Yu joked, pleased with his son and his future daughter-in-law.

Su Xiu didn’t know how to respond. To her, Pengcheng was just a childhood memory.

“Fine, no better time than now. Let’s decide today!” Su Jinran eagerly agreed.

After discussion, five days later was set for the official proposal.

“What do you think of me?” Pengcheng asked softly as they sat together.

“What do you mean? It’s just our parents’ arrangement,” Su Xiu replied, unwilling to continue.

Pengcheng thought she disliked him and his nickname “crybaby fatty,” feeling disappointed.

“So, you’re unhappy? I never said I wanted to marry you. Your family already has a main wife. If you’re unhappy, tell your father you refuse the engagement,” Pengcheng challenged, knowing they had no say but provoking her.

“You’re outrageous!” Su Xiu blushed, and they whispered quarrels, neither yielding.

After dinner, the Sun family left. The engagement was set and unchangeable.

Only five days of freedom remained. “Sigh,” Su Xiu sighed in her room.

Time flew. On the morning of the betrothal, maid Xiao Hong prepared Su Xiu.

“You’re so pretty, Miss. When you dressed as a boy, many girls admired you.”

“Stop talking nonsense. Today is the start of a new chapter. No joy here,” Su Xiu was gloomy.

“Miss, this is a new beginning. Young Master Sun is handsome and talented, and he seems sincere,” Xiao Hong admired the groom.

“You’d better marry him yourself,” Su Xiu teased.

“Miss, no such luck. But I’ll go with you to the Sun household,” Xiao Hong blushed and left.

“Xiu’er, when Young Master Sun arrives, ride with him to bond. Your parents will ride separately. You’re getting more beautiful,” Su Jinran said.

“Okay, mother,” Su Xiu replied.

Soon, Sun Pengcheng arrived by carriage.

The weather was clear. Early, Chenxi carried dried herbs to sell at the bustling market. The thirty-mile journey made him rise early.

At the market, he sold herbs to a shop owner, then bought noodles before returning.

“Uncle Su, I’ll bring your family over. Sun Pengcheng never mentions the engagement,” Chenxi grumbled to himself.

“Pengcheng, we’re family now. Xiu’er is kind and sensible, not one to cause trouble. Please be patient and communicate,” Su Jinran advised.

Su Jinran voiced all his wishes, and Mrs. Wang wept.

“Don’t worry, Uncle Su and Aunt Wang. Since Xiu’er will marry me, she’s my lady. I’ll treat her well,” Pengcheng assured.

Su Xiu, about to appear, overheard and felt her feelings for Pengcheng deepen.

“Xiu’er, come ride with Young Master Sun,” Su Jinran said.

“Hmm,” Su Xiu replied briefly.

What did that mean? Pengcheng felt uneasy. They sat silently in the carriage.

“Can I open the curtain for fresh air?” Su Xiu asked politely.

“Sure. I’m not restricting you,” Pengcheng said, secretly pleased.

The scenery was beautiful—red flowers, green grass, magpies chirping. A good day indeed.

Su Xiu’s frown relaxed as she watched the view.

“You rarely come outside?” Pengcheng sympathized with her sheltered life.

“Yes, I seldom leave. Not like you, free to come and go,” Su Xiu replied, slightly sour.

Soon, they reached a crowded market full of performers, vendors, fortune-tellers—a lively scene.

“So lively!” Su Xiu marveled.

“What’s so great? Just common folk making a living,” Pengcheng scoffed.

“You can’t know their joy. No one chooses their birth, but everyone strives for a better life. You’re wealthy, but aren’t free from troubles,” Su Xiu’s words silenced him. He reflected on his own constraints.

Su Xiu fell silent, enjoying the view again.

Suddenly, she spotted a familiar figure—Chenxi, with his dark but handsome face. Moments before eating noodles, now their eyes met.

“Chen…” Su Xiu felt overwhelmed. Chenxi’s warm gaze touched her heart. She quickly closed her mouth as the carriage moved on. She looked back once more.

Following her gaze, Pengcheng glimpsed and asked, “What are you staring at? So absorbed?”

He wanted to know what captivated her so.

End of Page 3/3.