As soon as Jicheng set down his basket at the construction site, he saw Zhou Jing approaching, dressed neatly, his clean and handsome face wearing a somewhat bashful smile.
Jicheng turned and spotted him, teasing, “Looking sharp there. Going to see Miss An? Your sister-in-law specially made these for you—charming little things. I reckon Miss An will like them.”
Today, Zhou Jing didn’t seem as downcast as he had been the past couple of days. Though he spoke stubbornly, his heart was brimming with joy at the thought of seeing her. Scratching his head, he leaned closer to Jicheng and whispered, “I heard this mansion isn’t for the owner himself—it’s meant as a gift for the eldest son of the Pei family in Yicheng. Just a way to curry favor, really. Rumor has it the Peis only bought an old estate as a temporary residence, hardly fitting their status. I asked the foreman for half a day off—remember to wait for me at lunch.”
Jicheng scoffed. “What a hopeless fool. Rarely get to see her, and you’re not even planning to stay longer?”
Zhou Jing fell silent for a long moment before replying, “What’s there to say? She doesn’t care for me. If I keep my distance, she might treat me better. Clinging like a leech would only make her dislike me more. Don’t laugh, brother. Though I’m thick-skinned, I still feel… uneasy inside. I should be overjoyed she agreed to marry me, but somehow, my mind’s been restless. Never mind—I’ll go wait for her at Tongwu Bridge first.”
Watching him walk away, Jicheng shook his head. He didn’t hold much hope for Zhou Jing’s romance. In this world, who didn’t care about social status? Since ancient times, how many poor men who married noblewomen ended up happy? Then again, if Chunfu had been a noble lady, would he…? He chuckled self-deprecatingly. Such things were already set in stone for this lifetime.
Zhou Jing’s nerves were taut the entire way. Tongwu Bridge was the most secluded spot in town. Though surrounded by clear waters, blooming flowers, and swaying willows, its lack of visitors made it eerily quiet. As the crowd thinned, he straightened his back, walking at a steady pace. Only when he spotted a faint pink figure in the pavilion ahead did he finally exhale in relief. He’d been afraid Yuning was just toying with him again.
With each step closer, his heartbeat quickened, drowning out all unpleasant thoughts. His eyes held only her.
Her pink gauze skirt trailed lightly on the ground, her waist-length black hair adorned with a delicate butterfly hairpin, its tassels swaying with her slightest movement. Her usually radiant face now seemed weary. Sensing his presence, she turned and offered a faint smile, her former haughtiness entirely absent. Her voice was soft and sweet: “You came.”
Zhou Jing lowered his gaze, nervously handing her a neatly wrapped cloth bundle. “I heard you like floral treats, so my sister-in-law made some for you to try.”
Yuning accepted it without hesitation, opening it and pulling him down to sit beside her. “I thought you lived alone. Since when do you have a sister-in-law you’re so close with?”
Zhou Jing’s cheeks flushed. “I met a brother at the construction site. He’s been good to me. His wife came to town recently and, hearing about me, took care of things. They treat me like family—they’re my real brother and sister-in-law now.”
Yuning didn’t fully grasp his sentiment but smiled faintly. When she opened the package, she gasped. Zhou Jing glanced over, warmth flooding his chest. The pastries were shaped like flowers—six unique designs, clearly painstakingly crafted. After just one meeting, his sister-in-law had treated him so kindly. He didn’t know how to repay her.
Yuning picked one up, examining it closely. “These are too exquisite to eat. I’ll take them home and admire them by my bed.”
Zhou Jing chuckled. “No need to treasure them so. If you like them, I’ll ask her to make more.”
Yuning laughed too, taking a small, elegant bite. After savoring it, she said, “These are even sweeter than what my maid bought yesterday. Delicious. Though the taste is quite similar.”
Zhou Jing relaxed, grinning. “Of course—all the pastries from that shop are made by my sister-in-law. How could they taste different?” Hesitating, he added, “Is something troubling you?”
Yuning paused mid-bite, then shook her head. “Nothing’s wrong. Living the same life as any other young lady—what could be troubling? Never lacking food, clothes, or amusement. Who wouldn’t call this a blessed life?” Yet who knew the filth and pain beneath? For over a decade, she’d survived in that mansion, cloaked in grime, forced into compromises. Her earlier agreement had been nothing but surrender to her own weakness.
After finishing one, Yuning couldn’t bring herself to eat more. Rewrapping the bundle, she gazed at him with curved eyes. “Zhou Jing, I can’t farm, sew, or cook. If you marry me, how will we manage?”
Zhou Jing’s heart surged with joy. Today had brought him too many surprises. Her considering their future meant she truly intended to build a life with him. His face remained composed, but his eyes shone brilliantly. “I’ll handle everything. You won’t need to lift a finger. I’ll learn from my sister-in-law, cook for you. I won’t stay like this forever—I’ll give you the life you deserve.”
Yuning listened, then suddenly burst into laughter, covering her mouth. Yet in that instant, tears spilled like broken beads, though her voice stayed steady. “I’m so happy. I’ve never heard such words before. Zhou Jing, you’re such a fool. Do you know? My father would never let me marry you. I kept refusing because it’s impossible.”
Zhou Jing’s heart lodged in his throat. “How? Master An is kind—everyone in town knows he’s a good man.”
Yuning scoffed coldly. “A good man? A hypocrite! Do you know why he sent you to Cangwu Mountain for stones? Some charlatan told him those rocks could suppress vengeful spirits. The world’s blind, parroting lies, becoming daggers in others’ hands. That fool deserves no respect. Young Master Yao offered a fortune to marry me. I refused—that’s why you saw him berate me. So what? If he’s such a doting father, I’ll make him dote harder. When he heard I’d offended Yao, his face looked fit to pierce the heavens.”
Watching his growing solemnity, her smile deepened, as if willing him to retreat. “See? Maybe I’m just using you to spite him. What’s left in me worth your effort? A fine man like you could marry anyone—why choose someone tangled in so much trouble? Isn’t that foolish? Don’t throw your life away. It’s not worth it.”
Zhou Jing’s warmth vanished at her words. He laughed bitterly. “I thought you had some affection for me. Turns out you’re just toying with me again. Fine. I’ve endured worse than a few mocking words.”
The light in his eyes dimmed into an unfathomable darkness. Yuning lowered her head, staring at her fingers, her lashes trembling. Silence stretched between them.
He stood, fists clenched at his sides, forcing a careless smile. “I should go. Only took half a day off—time to head back.” With that, he strode away, his stiff posture betraying his fury.
Yuning sat alone in the pavilion for a long while before rising to leave. This man—how he vexed and delighted her. Three years he’d pursued her, enduring her every whim with a smile. Perhaps heaven had tired of it—his patience had finally worn thin.
A sudden pain stabbed her chest, stealing her breath. Tears blurred her vision again. Reluctantly, she let go. She didn’t know when she returned home, but the mansion was no longer hers to roam freely. Her father had taken in a reformed courtesan from Yichun Lou, now engrossed in siring a son. Her mother and unborn brother had perished by his hand.
“Miss, your father has been waiting in the hall.”
“I know.” Numbly, she ascended the steps, then brightened, rushing in to cling to Shopkeeper An’s arm. “Father, you wanted to see me?”
Shopkeeper An, a lean middle-aged man in fine silks, nodded coolly. “Did you settle the matter?”
Yuning pouted. “I find him unworthy. Why must I lower myself? Our family lives comfortably—why endure hardship?”
“Nonsense! What’s wrong with him? You refused Young Master Yao, calling him vulgar. Fine. Zhou Jing lacks those flaws—why reject him too? Yuning, don’t test my patience.”
A fragrance wafted from her sleeve. He tugged out the bundle of pastries and smiled. “Only imperial chefs could craft such delicacies. Yulan would adore these. Never mind—I won’t force you. Zhou Jing’s a fool. Once his task’s done, I’ll pay him off. In two days, we visit the Pei family. If we gain their favor, it’ll be a monumental blessing.”
As her father left eagerly, Yuning felt a pang. Those pastries were Zhou Jing’s gift—she’d treasured them despite her stubbornness. Perhaps fate simply wasn’t on their side.
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