"Does Jia Yan Gege have something happy to share?" Yu Mingyue eagerly awaited his answer.
Xie Jia Yan's lips curved into a smile. "I will finally get to see an old acquaintance."
"Does Jia Yan Gege have a friend coming to the capital?"
"No, it's an elder!" Xie Jia Yan said with a faint smile.
He had always been adept at concealing his emotions, but Yu Mingyue could still detect the hidden joy in his tone. It seemed this elder was very important to him.
However, he didn't elaborate, likely not wishing for others to know who this elder was.
"Then congratulations, Jia Yan Gege!" Yu Mingyue changed the subject. "Youyou invited me to stay at the Gu family's villa for a few days, so I won't be able to learn painting restoration from Jia Yan Gege."
Xie Jia Yan's expression faltered slightly, then quickly recovered. "Is it the same villa as last time?"
"Precisely. This villa of the Gu family was originally an imperial estate, and its location is excellent. It was bestowed upon Youyou's grandfather by the late emperor," Yu Mingyue explained.
"Since it's outside the city, you must still pay attention to safety."
"Don't worry, Jia Yan Gege. Tingyun Gege will escort us, and Father left some hidden guards for me before he left the capital. They are all experts," Yu Mingyue said proudly.
Father had told her that these hidden guards were no less capable than the Imperial Guards guarding the emperor.
Of course, she couldn't tell this to just anyone, but Jia Yan Gege was not an outsider.
Xie Jia Yan's hand, gripping his teacup, tightened. "Tingyun Gege is accompanying you?"
"Yes, Tingyun Gege is always very thoughtful. Jia Yan Gege doesn't need to worry."
"Tingyun Gege is indeed thoughtful." Although Xie Jia Yan said this, his expression remained very subdued.
Yu Mingyue noticed Xie Jia Yan's displeasure and tilted her head to look at him. "Why does Jia Yan Gege seem a little unhappy?"
He had seemed joyful just moments ago, but now he was unhappy. People always said women's emotions were fickle, but it seemed men were the same.
"Not at all!" Xie Jia Yan put down his teacup.
"Oh," Yu Mingyue replied with an "oh."
Perhaps Jia Yan Gege had been too tired lately. Hearing about their outing, he might have felt envious.
After all, Jia Yan Gege and Tingyun Gege were about the same age and must have enjoyed leisure activities.
Xie Jia Yan taught her a few key points on color mixing before Yu Mingyue rose to take her leave.
She was departing tomorrow and still had many things to pack.
When Liao Kong arrived, Xie Jia Yan was sitting alone in the pavilion, his entire figure enveloped in a sense of desolation.
It was the hottest season, yet the pavilion felt chilling, causing Liao Kong to shiver involuntarily.
Usually, when Yu Liu Niangzi visited, the young master would be in good spirits. Why did he seem so dejected today?
Perhaps Liu Niangzi had been lazy recently and hadn't diligently practiced the assignments left by the young master. The young master was very soft-hearted towards Liu Niangzi and certainly wouldn't scold her, so he was perhaps angry with himself.
Liao Kong swallowed and then spoke, "Young master, everything is ready. When will you depart?"
"Tomorrow evening!"
"Yes, I will inform the楼主 immediately." Liao Kong withdrew after speaking.
Xie Jia Yan sat in the pavilion for a long time before rising, sighing softly, then shaking his head and chuckling to himself.
He had come to the capital to rescue his mother from her confinement and to quell the conflict between the noble families and the court. These were not matters that could be resolved in a day. Romantic love was a luxury for him; he had forgotten his original intention and harbored vain desires.
Xie Jia Yan sat down at his desk and took out a scroll from a drawer. The scroll depicted the back of a woman kneeling on a prayer mat. He had painted it countless times, yet he had never dared to paint her face.
Now, he would finally see her.
Eighteen years. Mother and son had finally waited for the day of their reunion.