Chapter Forty: A Beautiful Rendezvous

“In casual conversation, I happened to hear about it. I realize my mistake now and will never mention it again!” Xu You naturally avoided saying that person’s name; perhaps from now on, he would never speak of them again.

Yuan Jie did not press further. His gaze shifted to the doorway, and he managed a faint smile. “But sometimes misfortune brings fortune. Your Highness’s arrival coincides with the winter gathering at the Sea Pavilion. He often prides himself on his literary taste, loves to appraise people, and his judgment is indeed sharp. He will surely praise Seventh Young Lord’s calligraphy highly…”

The implication was clear: with An Xiuyuan's royal status and favor at its zenith, every move he made would draw immense attention. A few words of praise could greatly propel Yuan Jie’s entire plan.

Xu You lowered his head, thinking, Yuan Jie is truly formidable. An Xiuyuan’s public visit likely signals another proposal to the Yuan family. Even in such thorny circumstances, Yuan Jie still finds ways to maximize benefit—a true master strategist!

As for An Xiuyuan, he certainly did not know that Xu You and Yuan Qingqi’s engagement had been dissolved. But with the Xu clan in decline, the threat of that once-powerful Jiangdong aristocratic family was gone. Even if the Yuan family insisted on honoring the old promise, disregarding the elite’s reputation to marry their daughter to a commoner, An Xiuyuan had plenty of ways to snatch her away.

Thus, there was a nine out of ten chance that his visit was for Yuan Qingqi!

But what could Xu You say? His identity and position were awkward; anything he said would be inappropriate. Besides, Yuan Jie represented the entire Yuan clan. If they truly refused to marry off their daughter, not even the emperor could change their minds. The real challenge was how to make An Xiuyuan abandon the idea without creating open hostility. Given Yuan Jie’s depth, he would surely have a proper strategy.

“Sir Yuan, don’t worry. When we meet His Highness, we’ll probe his intentions and adapt as needed!” Xu You bowed deeply. “It’s already three quarters past the hour. Steward Feng has arranged a transport barge and likely doesn’t wish to wait long. If you have no other instructions, I shall take my leave.”

Yuan Jie stepped forward to help him up, his eyes showing a hint of reluctance. “Go on, the river is rough—be careful on your journey!”

Xu You left, feeling secretly impressed. Despite his experience across two lifetimes, he was moved by the emotion in Yuan Jie’s eyes. Whatever else could be said about him, Yuan Jie’s ability to win hearts was truly something worth learning.

Qiufen waited at the door, and upon seeing Xu You, hurried over. “Steward Feng has gone ahead to the dock to oversee the loading of the chests onto the boat. He’s arranged an ox cart outside for us!”

Xu You nodded his understanding and stepped out of the mansion, glancing back once more. The stone pillars marked with the characters for ‘clan’ and ‘prestige’ stood tall, displaying the grandeur and authority of the high gate, just as when he first arrived.

For a thousand years, countless emperors and nobles have turned to dust, yet these aristocratic clans have endured through wind and rain, always standing at the summit of the world, wielding power, wealth, and the lifeline between life and death!

“Let’s go!”

Xu You and Qiufen boarded the ox cart, winding through the streets and exiting by the east gate, heading straight to the public dock outside the city. A double-sailed cargo barge was being loaded at a private dock several dozen meters away. Feng Tong stood nearby, his eagle-like eyes fixed on the Yuan servants moving money chests aboard. Though the funds no longer belonged to the Yuan clan, they had come from their treasury, and if anything were stolen, it would still pain him!

There was no shortage of loyalty to the Yuan family, but loyalty to this degree was truly admirable!

Xu You smiled faintly, refraining from greeting Feng Tong as planned, to avoid suspicion. Even the barge owner only knew to wait at Qiantang for three days, until someone arrived with the agreed token to claim the money; beyond that, he knew nothing.

“Where’s the Left Army Lord?” Qiufen knelt on the rush mat, craning his neck to look around. “Has he found a suitable boat yet…?”

They were to take a separate boat to Qiantang, apart from the cargo barge. Last night, Xu You had instructed Zuo Wen to find a suitable vessel. Having lived in Jinling for years, such errands were trivial for him.

No sooner had they spoken than Zuo Wen emerged from the crowd, carrying only a small bundle of clothes for changing and a long sword in hand.

“My lord!”

Xu You jumped off the ox cart, took a deep breath of the crisp morning air, and smiled. “When did you arrive?”

“I came at dawn. As you instructed, I found an ordinary light boat. The owners are a father and daughter, experienced boatmen of good reputation.”

“I trust your judgment. Hire them, and make sure to pay extra… Oh, there’s something I forgot to tell you last night…” Xu You beckoned Zuo Wen to lean in, whispering a few words. Zuo Wen looked surprised but quickly regained composure. By now, Xu You had established such confidence in him that even feigning death and resurrection seemed within the realm of possibility!

As they spoke, a young woman in a blue silk dress approached from behind. Her attire matched that of the maid who had schemed against Xu You the other night: delicate features, slender waist. Yet she lacked the clever mischief and had a gentle, dignified air. With a smile, she respectfully saluted Xu You. “Young Lord Xu, my mistress invites you to the Wind-Willow Pavilion for a meeting.”

Wind-Willow Pavilion?

Xu You glanced at Zuo Wen, who quickly explained, “The pavilion is not far from the dock, atop the embankment along the river. Both sides are planted with weeping willows; when the wind rises, willow fluff covers the ground, so the master—er, Sir Yuan—named it Wind-Willow Pavilion.”

He was used to saying ‘master.’ Now, newly freed, he struggled to change. But saying ‘Sir Yuan’ at last brought a sense of release, as though shedding a great burden, and he felt an unspeakable ease from inside out.

“Lord Zuo is truly learned!” The girl’s eyes were clear as water, her voice soft and graceful, instantly pleasing. “The pavilion’s height offers a distant view of the river. When Jinling folks part with friends, they often pause at Wind-Willow Pavilion to ease the pain of separation.”

Another farewell, another sadness—could it be that after only two days in Jinling, some lady’s heart had already been moved? Zuo Wen smiled, “Miss, you are the learned one. You recognize me, but I do not know you. May I ask your name and which household you serve?”

“My name is Shui Xi, maidservant to Third Lady of the Yuan family.” She answered calmly, her pretty face adorned with a gentle smile. Not to mention her looks, her bearing alone marked her as from a distinguished house.

Zuo Wen was taken aback, instinctively looking at Xu You. Though he was a retainer of the Yuan clan, his low status meant he rarely saw the ladies of the house, let alone their maids. Learning she was sent by Yuan Qingqi was a shock.

Though Chu was not as strict as Ming or Qing dynasties about gender separation, the relationship between Yuan Qingqi and Xu You was complex, and their engagement had already been dissolved. Such bold action was truly unexpected!

Xu You remained calm. “Forgive me, we have an appointment with the boatmen and must board soon. I likely won’t have time for Wind-Willow Pavilion. Please convey my apologies to your mistress.”

Having just survived an assassination attempt by Anya, how could he trust easily? Though this girl was probably sent by Yuan Qingqi, what if she wasn’t? Considering Anya’s uncanny methods, it wasn’t impossible for someone to impersonate Yuan Qingqi’s maid. If lured to Wind-Willow Pavilion only to find a trap instead of a fair lady, he’d regret it bitterly!

Shui Xi smiled, unfazed by Xu You’s refusal, and said gently, “When I left, my mistress instructed me: if the young lord declines, I should pass on a message.”

“Please.”

“You are waiting for someone before you can safely leave Jinling. If you don’t go to Wind-Willow Pavilion, that person may not appear!”

Xu You’s eyes narrowed—now he was certain Shui Xi was genuine. Only Yuan Jie and Deng Tao knew of this matter; Zuo Wen had just learned. No matter how resourceful Anya was, she couldn’t have discovered this. If he were deceived even so, he’d accept defeat.

But Yuan Jie truly cherished his daughter, even sharing such secrets. If he tried to prevent Deng Tao from coming, all would be lost.

Thinking of that night’s betrayal, Xu You had every reason to believe Yuan Qingqi’s words. It was a threat, delivered smiling by Shui Xi, leaving him no room for anger. Not one to accept a loss, he suddenly smiled, “Do you have a sister, with big eyes, always plotting mischief? What’s her name?”

“You must mean Shui Yi!” Shui Xi was not flustered, remaining calm and apologetic. “She’s impatient and bold; if she has offended you, I hope you’ll forgive her.”

Xu You laughed. “For your mistress’s sake, and yours, I won’t hold it against her. Lead the way, please!”

Shui Xi blushed, said nothing more, and turned toward Wind-Willow Pavilion.

When it came to literary talent and martial skill, Xu You might not rank high, but in banter and irreverence, no one of this age could best him!