"Is Brother Jiayan still angry?" Yu Mingyue looked up at Xie Jiayan, who was tidying up a scroll.
"Angry about what?"
"That day..." Yu Mingyue recalled Xie Jiayan's fierce demeanor and felt lingering fear. "It was the day before we returned to the capital from the spring hunt."
Xie Jiayan placed the scroll into its box. Yu Mingyue's tear-filled eyes were fixed on him.
The corner of Xie Jiayan's lips curved almost imperceptibly. "The Sage has already summoned you. Don't you understand yet?"
Yu Mingyue blinked. "That note with 'Zhan Ma' written on it, it was from you, Brother Jiayan, wasn't it?"
Although she asked, Yu Mingyue was certain it was him. Besides him, no one else possessed such capability, nor would they risk so much to help her. Before she met the Sage, a young eunuch had secretly slipped her a note. She hadn't understood its meaning at first, until the Sage asked her how she intended to handle the situation.
Xie Jiayan neither confirmed nor denied it. He picked up his tea and took a sip. "You were too hasty." The Sage was suspicious and detested subordinates trying to guess his thoughts. Arouse the Sage's suspicion, and one would lose even if they seemed to win. This matter would have been reported to the Sage by Song Wei even if she hadn't stirred it up. If the Sage wanted to keep Feng Qirui, he wouldn't be able to leave the capital.
"I understand. Thank you, Brother Jiayan." Yu Mingyue rose and respectfully bowed to Xie Jiayan. There were times to lie low, and she had indeed been too impatient.
Two days before Yu Mingyue's birthday, the renowned Cui Jiulang finally arrived in the capital, bringing several carriages of gifts, a testament to his doting affection for his niece. Yu Mingyue's birthday was not a grand affair. With her father and brother absent, her uncle's special visit to celebrate her birthday was the greatest gift.
Xie Jiayan also sent a gift: a seal carved from red chicken-blood stone. Most seals were made of yellow jade, and this was the first time she had seen such a unique one. The top of the seal was carved with two cherries, so luscious they made one want to taste them. They would have been excellent as mere decorations. Yu Mingyue was so delighted she couldn't put it down, and couldn't resist stamping it on the corners of her own calligraphy and paintings. From now on, she too would have her own personal seal.
Receiving such a thoughtful gift, Yu Mingyue naturally went to express her gratitude. She had just sat down in the pavilion when Liao Kong appeared. "Sixth Young Lady, my master is in the study."
"Is Brother Jiayan busy? It's fine, I'll wait here."
"My master is waiting for you, Young Lady, in the study."
"Oh?" Yu Mingyue often visited the Xie manor, but always in open spaces like the pavilion or gardens. Since the Xie manor had no other female residents besides Granny Fan, there was no need to worry about propriety. More importantly, she always climbed over the wall to get here, and the pavilion was the closest point, making it convenient.
"This way, Young Lady." Liao Kong led the way. Since Brother Jiayan wanted her to go to the study, she would go. When visiting, one should follow the host's wishes. It would also be a good opportunity to tour Brother Jiayan's study. Yu Mingyue followed Liao Kong towards Xie Jiayan's courtyard. Bamboo was planted along the path, creating a serene atmosphere. Passing through an arched gate, they arrived.
"My master is inside." Liao Kong stopped at the courtyard entrance, clearly having no intention of going further. The study door was open, and Yu Mingyue walked straight in. Xie Jiayan stood before his desk, where a painting lay spread out. He was engrossed, carefully examining the artwork on the table.
As Yu Mingyue entered, she gasped. "Could this be the legendary 'Sunrise Over Dongyue' painting by Master Beizhai, which has been missing for so long?"
As if sensing Yu Mingyue's thoughts, Xie Jiayan replied without turning around, "It is indeed 'Sunrise Over Dongyue'."
"Are you sure it's not a fake? How could a genuine piece be so damaged?" The painting had several holes, looking as if they were bitten by something.