"Miss, the innkeeper still has no news," the maid Haitang whispered into her ear, her expression worried. Her young lady had been searching for that person for so many years without a single clue. Haitang was accustomed to it, but she felt a pang of sympathy every time she saw her mistress's dejected look.
"Alas, it was nothing at first. It's just that seeing Wei Lanxuan fall into the water today made me think of it again. I wonder when I will have the chance to see that young hero again."
Bai Siruo, with a rare display of girlish melancholy, gazed at the Mingchi water, reminiscing about the past.
At that time, she was only a little over ten years old, in her playful years. She had come to the Mingchi with relatives from her family. Instead of admiring the flowers or seeking amusement, she was drawn to the edge of the pond.
In the height of summer, there were many small fish and shrimp by the Mingchi. Having been confined by the elders in her family for too long, her greatest longing was for free and unrestrained fish. Thus, every time she came, she would squat by the bank to watch the lively scene.
Unexpectedly, she lost her footing and fell into the water. In her panic, her frantic thrashing pushed her further away from the bank. Just as she thought she was about to drown in the Mingchi, she suddenly saw a figure in a cyan robe leap into the water and pull her, her consciousness already hazy, to safety.
A life-saving grace should be repaid with a gushing spring, but that person had not even left his name. If she hadn't clutched a string of瓔珞 (yīng luò - an ornament) she had torn from him, she would have doubted if she had been rescued by an immortal.
From then on, she would come here to sit from time to time, just hoping for a chance to see that person again.
Bai Siruo took out the string of瓔珞 from the sachet she carried close to her, gazing at it to remember the person.
The瓔珞 was still as lustrous as new, clearly showing how much care Bai Siruo had taken of it.
Haitang sighed inwardly when she saw it.
Her young lady had already come of age. If she hadn't been constantly thinking of her savior, she would have been married off long ago.
These many years had been wasted.
Next spring, she would be seventeen. If she didn't find someone soon, she might become an old maid. The thought made Haitang feel a touch of annoyance towards the young hero she had never met.
In a private room next to the wine shop, a man in his early twenties was seated. He wore a wide-sleeved, cross-collared robe of cyan, which made him appear gentle and refined. His slightly upturned peach blossom eyes exuded an infinite charm, most captivating.
This man seemed a bit frivolous, clearly an experienced hand in matters of romance, adept at coaxing others.
On days when he wasn't indulging in romantic pursuits, his greatest pleasure was to drink in this wine shop.
During this period, he had coincidentally encountered Bai Siruo three or four times here. Although he didn't know her identity, her dignified demeanor and attire suggested she was no ordinary young lady, which piqued his suspicion.
"Waiter, find your shopkeeper. I have something to ask."
Before long, the shopkeeper entered his private room, bowing and scraping.
"Young Master Lu, what can I do for you?"
This man was called Lu Yuanfeng. His family had been merchants for generations, and they were naturally well-off. Not only was he generous with his spending, but he also often brought friends here to patronize the establishment. How could the shopkeeper not like him?
Upon hearing from the waiter that he wished to see him, he had immediately put down his work and hurried over.
As soon as he entered, a lump of gleaming gold fell into his palm. The shopkeeper was startled at first, then beamed at him, as if looking at a god of wealth.
"Oh my, Young Master Lu, what is this sudden generosity?"
Lu Yuanfeng didn't waste words. He pointed to the adjacent private room and asked in a low voice, "I've seen the young lady next door many times. What is the reason?"
"This..." The shopkeeper hesitated, but the weight of the gold in his hand was considerable. Gritting his teeth, he divulged Bai Siruo's reason for being there.
"A life-saving grace, of course, should be repaid with marriage."
After hearing the shopkeeper's words, a calculating glint appeared in Lu Yuanfeng's eyes.
"Do you know her identity?"
The shopkeeper shook his head. "Every time she comes, it's just her and a maid, and the carriage is ordinary. However, today I noticed the carriage was much more ornate than usual. The lanterns hanging at the four corners bore the character 'Feng'. I wonder if she might be from the Feng family?"
Hearing this, Lu Yuanfeng became even more excited.
Having grown up in a merchant family, he knew how to assess the profitability of a deal at a glance.
If he could seize this opportunity to become the object of this young lady's affections, wouldn't a bright future await him!
The more he thought about it, the more pleased he became. He pulled the shopkeeper closer and whispered something in his ear.
"Don't worry, once this is done, I'll even gift you another wine shop."
"Thank you, Young Master Lu! Thank you, Young Master Lu!"
The overflowing joy made the shopkeeper lose his senses, unaware that one wrong step would lead to a path of no return.
After sitting in the wine shop for a while, Bai Siruo returned to the Bai Manor with Haitang. Before leaving, she, as usual, asked the shopkeeper to keep an eye out.
As soon as the carriage reached the manor gates, she saw Mama Lin, who served her elder aunt, waiting there anxiously, pacing back and forth.
Upon seeing Bai Siruo descend from the carriage, Mama Lin hurried over.
"My dear young lady, you're finally back! The First Madam and Princess Wenyi were so worried you were taking so long that they were about to send someone to look for you."
Bai Siruo smiled apologetically. She had been lost in thought and forgotten to send word back.
"Something delayed me on the road. Did Bai Sihan return without informing Elder Aunt and Mother? I sent A'Yao back."
Mentioning Bai Sihan, Mama Lin's expression turned sour.
"Hmph, after the Second Miss returned, she was taken back to her courtyard by the Third Madam. Who knows what those mother and daughter are saying behind closed doors? They don't even have time to pay their respects to the Madam. They truly are forgetful."
Her face was grim. If it weren't for the fact that they were in the Bai Manor, she would have already cursed them.
They would not allow that mother and daughter to treat Elder Aunt Lin with such disrespect.
"Mama Lin, relax. Grandfather said they will return to Qiongzhou after the New Year. Who knows when we'll see them again. Don't stoop to the level of those petty people."
Mama Lin had served the First Madam for many years. Seeing how deeply the First Madam cherished Bai Siruo, Mama Lin naturally reciprocated that affection and took great care of Bai Siruo.
Hearing her words, Mama Lin felt much better. Her young lady had managed the Bai family for over twenty years after marrying in, and at least someone remembered her hard work and contributions.
Mama Lin led the way, and soon they entered the Elder Aunt's courtyard.
Before they even reached the corridor, they saw the Third Madam Shen, holding a tearful Bai Sihan, storming out angrily, shouting, "Is there no one in this courtyard to stand up for us mother and daughter? Do you think we are of lower birth and thus can be harmed like this?"
Although her words were not explicit, anyone with a bit of sense would know they were directed at the First Madam Lin.