Chapter Forty-One: A Glance

After her third aunt’s voice faded, a flurry of whispers and murmurs rose outside the door.

Lu Ying lifted her voice, speaking in a slow, clear tone, "Third Aunt."

Her voice possessed a striking clarity, crystalline as a spring, resonant as a zither, every syllable distinct. At once, the hubbub outside stilled.

Lowering her head, Lu Ying let the sunlight glint across her smooth, pretty nails as she spoke coolly and unhurriedly, "Earlier today, Fifth Cousin Ping came to call. Half a month ago, she stole away my fiancé of ten years. Then, just yesterday at dusk, she sent her servants to slander me. That is why she came this morning—to apologize."

It must be said, Lu Ying’s voice was enchanting—a pure, cold, flawless timbre, melodious and rhythmic. Merely listening to her was a pleasure in itself.

Amid the silence, Lu Ying did not wait for her third aunt to reply, but continued in that same clear, cool tone, "Half an hour ago, Steward Zhao, who serves Grandmother, also came by. He, too, came to apologize. For a few days ago, Grandmother summoned me back to the Ping residence, and in collusion with my former father-in-law, forcefully broke the marriage contract my parents had arranged for me ten years ago, bestowing my intended instead upon my Fifth Cousin."

At this, Lu Ying gave a gentle laugh, her voice soft and still, "So now Third Aunt comes as well—are you here to apologize too?"

Her voice rang so clear and bright, her laughter leisurely yet tinged with mockery. Unconsciously, Third Aunt glanced at the crowded side doors, her face reddening in angry embarrassment.

Suppressing her fury, she turned toward the inner room and called, "A-Ying, whatever you have to say, can’t it be said inside? Why are you making such a commotion out here? What do you mean by this?"

"No particular meaning," Lu Ying’s voice remained cool, yet with a hint of a smile. The chill in her tone made even her laughter feel icy. "I simply wished to say, Third Aunt, that slapping someone’s face only to come forward with apologies afterward is rather pointless. You’d best return home."

But Third Aunt was not about to leave so easily. She scowled and barked, "Lu Ying, you know I am your third aunt, don’t you? Have you no sense of respect or propriety? Your aunt stands at your door and you refuse to let her in—do you still expect your brother to earn his recommendation for office? Do you still think you’ll find a good marriage? And who ever said I was here to apologize? What have I to apologize to you for? Don’t mistake my goodwill for malice!"

There was a moment of quiet before Lu Ying’s languid voice sounded again. She did not answer her aunt’s barrage of questions, but spoke pleasantly, "I truly beg your pardon, Aunt, perhaps you do not know. After yesterday’s uproar, I was so agitated I coughed up blood several times. I can scarcely stand from weakness—I really have no strength to receive guests. Perhaps you should go home, and in a few days I’ll call on you to apologize instead?"

Because of yesterday’s scandal, she was so upset she coughed up blood? She could barely stand?

A sudden snort of laughter escaped from outside the door.

Seeing those gathered at the two side entrances all struggling to suppress their amusement, Third Aunt grew even more mortified. But she was aware that the influence of those two households rivaled her own, and besides, they were laughing at her from behind her own back gate—she had no grounds to rebuke them. So she shot them a glare, then turned back, barely containing her anger. "Lu Ying! How dare you! Are you opening this door or not? Don’t forget, your brother’s future is at stake!"

This was a threat—an utterly blatant threat. In truth, Third Aunt had meant to use this tactic after persuading Lu Ying to return to the Ping household, but finding her so unyielding, she had no choice but to play her hand now.

As her voice faded, Lu Ying inside seemed to start in surprise, then called out in feigned wonder, "Isn’t my brother’s future determined by studying hard and being a good person? Why would Third Aunt bring it up now? Unless… if I don’t open this door today, the Ping family will block my brother’s path and shut every door to advancement for him?"

"You—!"

Things usually kept hidden in darkness are known by all but never spoken aloud. Third Aunt had not expected Lu Ying to expose her veiled threat so openly; the shock made her dizzy, and she almost coughed up blood herself.

Grinding her teeth, Third Aunt barked in fury, "Very well, Lu Ying! Let’s go, we’re leaving!"

With that, the sound of footsteps echoed away.

Listening to the receding footsteps, Lu Ying lowered her gaze, curled her right middle finger, and began tapping lightly on the edge of the couch.

No one knew how long she sat in thought before a soft voice called from behind the garden wall, "A-Ying, A-Ying…"

That voice?

Lu Ying turned her head.

She looked up to see Yin Che, once again perched atop the wall, gazing at her with unblinking intensity.

Bathed in dappled sunlight, Lu Ying’s delicate, flawless features shone with a dazzling brilliance as she glanced back. Over her head, a branch of the banyan tree drooped, its leaves casting shifting patches of light and shadow across her face, making her beauty seem dreamlike, almost unreal. The girl’s sparkling eyes, aglow beneath the sun, radiated an indefinable mystery and allure.

Suddenly, Yin Che’s earlobes flushed so red they seemed about to bleed.

He stared, transfixed, at the girl seated so calmly behind the door, her bearing so serenely leisurely, so at ease, that his heart pounded wildly in his chest.

Having grown up in a grand family mansion, he was all too familiar with the cunning of sharp-tongued women. He had seen tears, bitterness, endurance, humiliation, and silence—all manner of schemes and strategies.

But never had he imagined a girl like this could exist—so unruffled, so composed, navigating such storms with effortless grace. Where others would feel only humiliation and pain, she sat like a noble lady, unhurried, her lips curled in a faint smile, meeting every challenge with tranquil ease. Even as those outside fumed and nearly spat blood, she alone remained utterly at peace, exuding an air of charm and flair.

It was a kind of charisma he’d never seen before. Suddenly, he recalled the four words he’d overheard someone say: "Charming and intriguing."

At fifteen or sixteen, the boy’s eyes were bright and clear, his gaze limpid as ink washed onto rice paper. In their depths shimmered a crystalline light, as if tinged with blood or tears, making him seem almost ethereal. This otherworldly allure, set off by his tightly pressed lips, immaculate hair, and spotless clothing, gave the impression that while he seemed to draw near, he remained impossibly distant.

For a moment, the two simply looked at each other. Then Lu Ying rose gracefully and walked to the foot of the wall, tilting her head to meet the boy’s gaze.

So close, staring into Lu Ying’s jet-black eyes, the boy’s ears grew even redder. He pressed his lips together and said softly, "You… you needn’t be afraid."

He looked at her earnestly, and meeting her gaze, stammered a little, "I—I can protect you. And I’ll protect A-Yun as well!"

Lu Ying’s smile bloomed, bright and warm. With her lips lifted in a gentle curve, she replied, "Thank you."

As the boy’s smile broke out in sudden joy, she lowered her eyes and walked calmly back into the house. "If ever I am unable to cope, I’ll come to you for help." Perhaps she would, perhaps she wouldn’t… Though she knew nothing of the boy’s background, judging from his aunt’s attitude, it was unlikely he and she were truly connected, let alone able to help each other.

It was but a chance encounter; a brief smile exchanged before each went their separate ways.

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Second update of the day. Still owe everyone two more—let’s see if I can manage another chapter today.