Chapter Nine: Encountering the Blue-Clad Figure Once More

Update time: 2013-05-12

They did not dare interrupt, but that did not mean others lacked the courage.

“Sister-in-law, if you keep this up, the doorway will be flooded!” came a teasing voice beside the three.

Hearing someone cut in, Lian Yue felt too embarrassed to continue clinging to her elder sister. She turned to appraise the speaker, recognizing the embroidered-robed youth she had glimpsed on horseback earlier. In her haste to see her sister, she had only taken a fleeting glance, but now, studying him closely, she saw he wore a deep blue robe patterned with drifting clouds and auspicious symbols, fastened at the waist by a white jade belt. Two embroidered pouches hung at his side, and his hair was bound with a green jade hairpin. He was, by all accounts, a refined and elegant young man—if not for the pair of beguiling, almond-shaped eyes that undermined his dignified air. Noticing Lian Yue’s scrutiny, he seemed not the least bit discomfited; instead, he snapped open his fan with a flourish, prompting Lian Yue to disparage him thoroughly in her heart.

“This little sister with tears glistening like pear blossoms must be the mischievous Miss Yue your fourth sister so often speaks of,” he said blithely, ignoring Lian Yue’s exasperated expression. “Little Yue, don’t you recognize me?”

Internally, Lian Yue nearly coughed up blood. Who would recognize you, you with those foxy eyes?

The young man, catching sight of her baffled face, mused aloud, “How could you not remember?” He leaned closer, his face nearly touching hers. “Take another look. Yesterday, you stared at me for quite a while, remember? Let me give you a hint—Rui Xiang Pavilion?”

Lian Yue looked helplessly at the eager face before her, which insisted on some shared acquaintance she could not recall. She was about to avert her gaze when the blue robe caught her attention and a sudden realization dawned. “You’re the one who was beside the man in white yesterday…” In her agitation, she leaned forward, and their faces—already close—almost touched. Lian Yue quickly retreated, a blush blooming on her tear-streaked cheeks.

The young man, too, seemed startled by their sudden proximity and froze for a moment. Only when Lian Yue stepped back did he recover, coughing lightly to mask his embarrassment.

Watching their exchange, Lian Yu finally interjected, “So you two met yesterday.” She then made introductions, “This is the legendary Prince Carefree—I only bumped into him after entering the city gates. Sixth Brother, this is my younger brother, Ling Jun, and my younger sister, Lian Yue. As for the rest, it matters not if you know them.”

The young man surveyed the shifting expressions of the group on the steps, accepted their greetings with poise, and followed Lian Yu into the Yue residence.

Lian Yue eyed him, unable to reconcile this foppish, blue-robed youth with the infamous Prince Carefree, Qiao Zhi. She mused inwardly that rumors were not always trustworthy. Since he wore blue, she resolved to ask him later about the man who played the flute.

Ling Jun, however, seemed to get on well with the prince, and the two struck up an easy conversation.

Soon after, the group proceeded to the front hall to pay their respects to Lady Qian. Another round of affectionate greetings ensued, though mindful of Qiao Zhi’s presence, they held back their tears. Lady Qian inquired after the current Grand Emperor—whom she referred to as the “old fellow”—and Qiao Zhi, having heard much about the venerable lady from his father since childhood, responded to each question with respectful detail.

By now, Lady Qian, weary from the morning’s exertions and her advanced years, began to show signs of fatigue. Yet, relishing the rare family reunion, she persisted until, at last, Lian Yu and Lian Yue, taking turns, persuaded her to retire to Wutong Courtyard to rest. Qiao Zhi was entrusted to Ling Jun’s hospitality.

Only after seeing Lady Qian settled did the two sisters, arm in arm, make their way at a leisurely pace toward Firefly Garden. They strolled and paused along the familiar paths; though the Yue residence had changed little in three years, Lian Yu could not help but reminisce. By the time they reached Firefly Garden, it was already noon.

The belongings Lian Yu had brought were already arranged under Lan Shui’s direction. As Lian Yu gazed at the courtyard where she had lived for seventeen years, she could not help but remark, “The best sight in this courtyard is on summer nights—an entire garden aglow with darting fireflies. It’s truly enchanting!”

Lian Yue nodded in agreement. “It’s strange—there are several places in the residence where fireflies appear, but only your courtyard has them in such numbers. You even renamed the garden yourself, Sister!”

Memories flickered before Lian Yu’s eyes like a shadow play, everything seeming as if it had happened only yesterday, when she was still a young maiden. She sighed, “Indeed. From the age of five, you couldn’t sleep without a light at night, yet always complained that candles were too bright. In the end, it was Brother Jun who came up with the idea of catching fireflies for you every night to use as a nightlight, so you could rest easy. I used to worry he’d catch them all, but when their numbers never seemed to dwindle, I grew reassured. Since then, Firefly Garden became your personal nightlight haven every summer.” With that, she gently tapped Lian Yue on the forehead.

Lian Yue blushed, clinging to her sister’s arm in mock reproach. “Sister, you’re the best…”

They chatted as they walked, entering the outer room before long. Lan Shui was overseeing the setting of the midday meal. On seeing them, she moved to salute, but Lian Yu caught her by the arm, chiding gently, “We grew up together; there’s no need for such formality. If it weren’t for Cousin Che’s accident, we’d be family by now. You’re the same age as I am—my son is already two, and you… If there’s someone you like, tell me. After all, cousin…”

Lan Shui, knowing what Lian Yu was about to say, quickly interrupted, “Miss, all I wish now is to look after the young lady. Let’s not speak of anything else.”

Seeing Lan Shui’s resolute expression, Lian Yu said no more. At that moment, her maid approached to announce, “Madam, young miss, lunch is ready.”

Lian Yu took Lian Yue to dine with her. Exhausted from the journey, they soon retired to rest. Lian Yue, with nothing to do, lingered in Firefly Garden.

That afternoon, Qiao Zhi had someone deliver a message to Lian Yu, saying he had an engagement outside and would visit another day. Lian Yue privately wondered if he was meeting the man in white—she still had questions for him, but was told the prince had already left the residence. She grumbled inwardly once again.

After Lian Yu awoke, the sisters summoned Ling Jun and together visited Wutong Courtyard, where they served Lady Qian dinner. The four of them—three generations—enjoyed a warm conversation before the sisters, with their maid, returned to Firefly Garden. That night, Lian Yue stayed with her sister; they whispered together for a long time, naturally touching on the subject of monthly troubles. Lian Yu gave careful instructions, fearing her sister’s carelessness, and even summoned Zi Ling to impress the importance upon her again. Lian Yu then recounted amusing stories of her young nephew, whom Lian Yue had never met, and it was not until the second watch of the night that they finally fell asleep.