8 Boating

Old Madam Liu replied immediately, "The young eunuch says he is a servant of Princess Changhui and has come on behalf of the young miss, your cousin."

"Cousin?" Shen Lianyin looked at Tong Youyu.

Tong Youyu could not help but frown. "Could the Princess be coming to hold me accountable for failing to pluck that green leaf?" Was she going to refuse to let the matter go?

Regardless, one could not keep someone from the palace waiting. Madam Peng instructed Jin Kui to help Tong Youyu tidy herself up, then invited the young eunuch into Fenghe Garden.

Once the eunuch entered, it became clear that it was a misunderstanding. He had not come to assign blame, but had been ordered by the Princess to offer an apology to Miss Tong.

"The Princess was in a foul mood today. After returning to the palace, she reflected and felt her actions bordered on mockery, so she commanded this servant to come and offer an explanation."

The young eunuch had not come empty-handed; he held a small gold bowl adorned with a design of lotus flowers and fish, which he presented as a gift of apology from Princess Changhui.

"I cannot accept this. How could I possibly be worthy of an apology from Her Highness?" Tong Youyu waved her hands in refusal. She was truly astonished; Changhui had made no secret of her dislike for her, so why would she apologize for such a trivial matter?

The young eunuch said nothing more, presented the bowl, and took his leave. Madam Peng led Tong Youyu in expressing gratitude, "Many thanks to Her Highness for the reward."

Once the guests had departed, she turned to ask about the sequence of events. After hearing what had happened in the maple grove, Madam Peng also felt something was amiss. To a high-and-mighty princess, people of their standing were insignificant; even if they were offended, it would usually mean nothing. Moreover, asking someone to pick a leaf was a mere trifle—it was hardly a major incident.

Having inexplicably received a gold bowl, Tong Youyu remained puzzled. It was not until the next day, when she heard that Princess Changhui had not gone to the academy and had been grounded by the Empress, that she began to form a vague suspicion. Perhaps the Empress had learned of the Princess’s intentions and was furious. The noble consort and the Yin family were bound by blood; the Empress could hardly tolerate such behavior. Yet, even if she were to stop the matter and discipline Changhui, why would she feel the need to make a gesture toward the unrelated Tong Youyu? The person involved was left completely bewildered.

Tong Youyu had sprained her ankle and needed a few days of rest, making it inadvisable to walk, though not impossible. Not wanting to fall behind in her studies, she had Jin Kui carry her to the academy.

Lin Jinzhu marveled at her "perseverance despite injury" and shared a piece of gossip: envoys from an enemy nation were arriving in the capital, according to a memorial received just yesterday. The Southern Barbarians were neighbors to Great Yong. There had been friction over the years, but the recent fighting had just ceased, with the Yin family’s army crushing them so thoroughly that they dared not invade again. Even though they had surrendered and pledged fealty, the people of Great Yong still referred to them as an enemy nation. This time, they were coming to the capital to pay tribute, bringing many offerings and signs of sincerity. The imperial court took this seriously, and there was much heated discussion in the academy.

The Yin family’s military achievements were immense. Yin Zijian, who was studying at Yinshan Academy, was already in the spotlight, and at this juncture, those currying favor with him were even more numerous. Even the Emperor had inquired about Yin Zijian’s progress at the academy. Upon hearing that he had gone to Sui Mountain to view the maples with his tutor, and hearing the amusing anecdote about his familiarity with a certain young lady, the Emperor had laughed heartily, reflecting on the beauty of young love.

The Emperor was not one to force matches, and it was merely a casual jest about a junior, but to the Empress, it carried a different weight. She was habitually cautious; the most important thing for the mother of the nation was decorum and thoroughness. Thus, she had dispatched the eunuch to clean up after Changhui. Just in case, if the Tong girl were to use the sprained ankle as a pretext to build a connection with the young general, it would ultimately tarnish the Princess’s reputation.

And so, Tong Youyu had received a gold bowl for nothing, and it was best to simply accept it gratefully.

***

One day, Lin Jinzhu invited Tong Youyu to go boating on the lake. She usually had too much to learn to spare time for play, but with her ankle injury halting her dance practice, she finally had the chance to go out. Boating on the lake meant she would not have to use her feet. Even so, Tong Youyu brought her zither along.

Lin Jinzhu was full of admiration, "Are you not a bit too studious?" Since they had met, she had seen nothing but Tong Youyu’s diligent efforts.

Tong Youyu said helplessly, "I was born slow-witted, so I can only hope that diligence will make up for my shortcomings."

"You don’t remember anything from before you were twelve, yet you’ve learned so much in three years, and you still call yourself slow-witted?" Lin Jinzhu wrinkled her nose. "Even Tutor Yuan praised your calligraphy."

"That is the only thing that can be shown to others," Tong Youyu said, pinching her pinky finger. "Grandmother says my playing sounds like demonic noise, and if I don’t practice diligently, I will be even more of a laughingstock."

"Nonsense! Who would dare laugh at you?" In Lin Jinzhu’s eyes, she was already excellent.

Tong Youyu explained, "My father sent me to my grandmother’s house hoping I would study well..."

"I know, I know. Luckily, I came prepared." Lin Jinzhu pulled out her piccolo and said with a grin, "I’ll accompany you on a song, how about that?"

"That would be wonderful." Tong Youyu smiled.

The autumn day was bright and clear. As the small boat left the shore, Jin Kui and the others set out pastries and hot tea, sitting nearby. Tong Youyu and Lin Jinzhu played a duet of *Persuading the Autumn*, a piece they had practiced periodically over the past few months, finally managing to play it smoothly.

As the song ended, Lin Jinzhu remarked, "Those who come to the lake to play usually do so only after they’ve perfected their craft. Us practicing here makes it seem like we’re showing off."

Tong Youyu didn’t mind. "If we don’t play well, we aren’t disturbing anyone; who cares about us?" On the vast, empty lake, amidst the natural beauty, they wouldn’t bother anyone.

Lin Jinzhu pouted, "I care about my reputation, too!"

"Rest assured, no one is listening; your reputation is safe."

No sooner had Tong Youyu spoken than a zither melody, as clear as a valley orchid, drifted over—like a spring bubbling over stones, delightful and melodious. It was the very same song, *Persuading the Autumn*.

Lin Jinzhu peered across the water and saw a small boat drifting nearby. She huffed, "Someone else is playing, and they happen to play the same piece. Are they mocking us?"

"Hush," Tong Youyu listened intently. Her own zither skills were mediocre, but her hearing was decent enough to distinguish quality. "This person’s skill is exceptional; they would be more than qualified to be our teacher."

Lin Jinzhu was initially unconvinced, but as the boat drew closer, she caught sight of the young man in blue robes, as elegant as a jade tree, and exclaimed, "It’s Young Master Wenren!"

Wenren Ze’s zither playing was world-renowned, second to none. Music lovers were so obsessed with it they would lose themselves. He was the only one to whom the phrase "the lingering melody echoes for three days" could truly apply without exaggeration.

"It’s actually him?" Tong Youyu was also taken aback.

The boat opposite slowed down as it drew near. Just as the song finished, Wenren Ze, sitting by the window, looked across the lake. "May I ask which young lady was playing the zither?"

Lin Jinzhu felt embarrassed and stayed silent. Tong Youyu, however, felt there was nothing to it; she was a student, and it was only natural that her level was not up to par. "Greetings, Young Master Wenren," she bowed from afar. "It was I."

"My respects to you, Miss." Wenren Ze returned the bow, his gaze falling on her slender, fair fingertips. "I noticed, Miss, that your finger picks do not seem quite right."

Tong Youyu looked down blankly; these picks had been a gift from her grandmother. Lin Jinzhu quickly interjected, "Please, Young Master Wenren, do enlighten us."

"I would not dare call it enlightenment. If you do not mind, please accept these." Wenren Ze gestured for his servant to send over his spare picks. The servant, having done this before for his master, was accustomed to it and explained to the other boat, "Please, do not stand on ceremony; just accept them."

Tong Youyu could not keep refusing such kindness and ultimately accepted. She bit her lip and said, "My technique is clumsy; I hope I have not caused Young Master Wenren to laugh."

"Not at all." Wenren Ze lifted his eyes to look at her, a faint curve appearing on his lips. "Your intentions are pure, your heart is broad, and your music is naturally pleasant. Playing with one's spirit is more important than mere technique."

"Young Master Wenren speaks the truth!" Lin Jinzhu smiled at him, then leaned close to Tong Youyu’s ear and whispered, "No wonder they say, 'If there is a flaw in the music, Zhou Lang will look back'..."

"Nonsense." As the boat approached the shore, Tong Youyu signaled for her to stop speaking nonsense.

When they stepped off the boat, Tong Youyu limped with Jin Kui’s support, and only then did Wenren Ze notice her difficulty in moving. Her ankle had long stopped hurting, but she was following the doctor’s orders to avoid strain so it would heal better. Wenren Ze, however, misunderstood, thinking she had a physical disability. He stepped forward and bowed, "I was remiss just now."

"Young Master Wenren, your insight is sharp; there was no discourtesy," Tong Youyu waved her hand.

"Be careful, Miss..." Wenren Ze reached out and pulled back, fearing she might fall.

Lin Jinzhu covered her mouth and laughed. "Young Master Wenren is talented, approachable, and refined. No wonder you are called the First Young Master of the capital."

"The First Young Master of the capital?" Tong Youyu was surprised; that was high praise.

"They are all just empty titles." Wenren Ze shook his head with a smile. He did not linger long and turned to leave.

Lin Jinzhu watched his figure depart. "Indifferent to fame and fortune, with transcendent zither skills—no wonder he has so many admirers. Some even secretly call him the 'Zither Obsessive'."

"Is that why he gave me the picks?" Tong Youyu looked down at the items in her hand.

"He even praised your state of mind." Lin Jinzhu winked, played a random note on her piccolo, and muttered, "I wonder if some master will appear to guide me, too."

As luck would have it, just as she finished speaking with a grin, a "master" appeared. "I was wondering where this awful flute playing on the tranquil lake was coming from. So it was you?"

Fang Feiai and his group were walking toward them. He was in the lead and noticed the flute in Lin Jinzhu’s hand at a glance. Beside him, in addition to several familiar faces, was the tall and imposing Yin Zijian.

Lin Jinzhu was not one to be trifled with. She chuckled, "I was wondering who spoke so bitingly. So it is the Hereditary Prince Fang." Copying his tone, she did not forget to ask, "Why is the Young General traveling with such a person?"

"What kind of person am I?" Fang Feiai glared at her and huffed, "The Young General has some free time today and has graciously agreed to accompany us to... trade some pointers."

"On what?" Lin Jinzhu asked, curious.

"Fishing techniques," Fang Feiai said righteously.

"..." Her expression was strange as she asked, "A fishing competition with you all?"

"Let’s go." Yin Zijian glanced at them and walked past Fang Feiai without a word.

Fang Feiai’s sycophants immediately cheered, "Well done, Young General! A man of his word!" "How could a member of the Yin family back down, especially when invited by the Hereditary Prince himself..."

The group walked toward the lakeshore to find a fishing spot. Lin Jinzhu stroked her chin and concluded, "It must be that Fang Feiai pestered him until he agreed to compete." A martial arts duel was out of the question—Yin Zijian could win with one hand. As for a literary duel... Fang Feiai had spent several days at the academy trying to prove himself, only to find that Yin Zijian was not the unlettered man he had imagined. That was why he had come up with this trick, challenging someone to a fishing contest?

Lin Jinzhu wanted to follow and watch the fun, but Tong Youyu wanted to avoid Yin Zijian. "I’m not moving well; I think I’ll head back."

Lin Jinzhu understood her well. She hooked her arm and said, "The Emperor already knows you and the Young General are familiar; it’s too late to avoid suspicion. Shall I carry you?"

"If others don’t know the truth, let them be. Why are you spouting nonsense?"

"I was wrong," Lin Jinzhu apologized immediately. "I won't say it again. I just want to see Fang Feiai’s embarrassed face when he loses." And then laugh at him!

Tong Youyu hesitated. Lin Jinzhu shook her arm and acted spoiled, "Oh, little fish, don't you want to see it?"

Tong Youyu bit her lip. "Then... let’s go take a look." She waited for Yin Zijian to lose so she could laugh at him in her heart.