Chapter Twenty-Four: The Heart of Seven Apertures

However, Yang Xue Ruo’s mind echoed with Kong Sheng’s recent “Seven Lines of Tea Poetry” and “Song of Seven Bowls of Tea,” and the gentle smile and warmth in her eyes could not be concealed.

In Yang Xue Ruo’s view, Kong Sheng’s talent perhaps did not yet reach the supreme heights of Li Bai’s “His brush stirs wind and rain, his poems move gods and spirits,” but for his age, his eloquence and literary flair were unmatched; every verse he composed was a masterpiece worthy of posterity. Given time, it was certain he would become renowned throughout the land.

She herself was a talented maiden from Jiangnan, and since ancient times, beauties have cherished gifted men—a match made in heaven.

Yang Xue Ruo quietly returned to her private courtyard, stood by the bamboo grove in wistful contemplation for a long while, then summoned her maid, Hong Mian, and softly said, “Hong Mian, go to Shunsheng Inn and deliver the robe to Kong Sheng. Tell him I made it myself and ask if it fits.”

Hong Mian glanced at Yang Xue Ruo with a complicated expression, hesitating to speak.

“If you have something to say, then say it—” Yang Xue Ruo let her sleeves fall gracefully and slowly walked inside.

Hong Mian hurried after her, pouting, “Kong Sheng is so ungrateful, disregarding your feelings for him. If you ask me—”

Yang Xue Ruo suddenly stopped, turning to gaze at Hong Mian with calm eyes. “If you have something to say, speak plainly. Why are you hesitating?”

“Miss, don’t blame me for speaking out of turn, but what’s so special about Kong Sheng? You have both beauty and talent, and as the daughter of the governor, he’s simply not good enough for you!” Hong Mian pouted and blurted out her thoughts.

Yang Xue Ruo was silent for a moment, then smiled radiantly. “Hong Mian, you don’t understand. I used to misjudge Kong Sheng, but not anymore. As for his family, he’s from a distinguished lineage—even if the Kong clan has declined, they are still heirs of the Sage. In terms of learning, his poetry and prose are extraordinary, rare in this world. In martial arts, he possesses innate strength and has been trained by masters—few can rival him. Most important of all, though he hides his brilliance and endures infamy, it shows a depth of mind and patience beyond ordinary men, capable of bearing what others cannot.”

“A young man so gifted in both literature and martial arts, skilled in strategy and endurance, how could he be ordinary? Now that he has shed his disguise and shown his true colors, I believe he will soar in the days to come! Hong Mian, tell me—if such an extraordinary man cannot be my match, who else in this world could possibly win my heart?”

A bright light shone in Yang Xue Ruo’s gaze. At that moment, a faint blush tinged her radiant, elegant face. Hong Mian, watching her mistress’s passionate expression, could not find words and merely lowered her head, hurried inside to fetch the round-collared robe Yang Xue Ruo had sewn over the past days, ready to deliver it to Kong Sheng as instructed.

Yang Xue Ruo waved her long feathered sleeves, a serene smile lingering at her lips. She possessed a mind as clever as a jade, and Kong Sheng, reborn from adversity, had easily and vividly opened her long-shut heart with his unique presence and charm. She was convinced Kong Sheng was destined for greatness and had long considered him her ideal husband, ready to entrust her life to him.

Hong Mian slipped out the back gate of the Yang residence, weaving through the streets toward Shunsheng Inn. Outside the inn, she saw several suspicious figures dressed as household servants lurking openly or hidden nearby. Her crescent-shaped brows drew together; she realized these were likely guards from the Liu residence, watching Kong Sheng.

Kong Sheng’s feud with Liu Nian, second son of the county governor, was no secret—everyone in town knew of it. Recently, Liu Nian’s attempts at revenge had repeatedly failed; last time, he got more than he bargained for—after mistakenly ingesting Five-Stone Powder, he ran naked through half of Jiangning, making a spectacle of himself. Given Liu Nian’s temperament, he would hardly let it go.

But Kong Sheng had been staying secluded in the inn these past days, giving Liu Nian little chance to act. So Liu Nian simply sent servants to keep a close watch on the inn, ready to report any movement.

Because of her mistress, Hong Mian couldn’t help but worry for Kong Sheng.

The Liu family was the city’s greatest house after the Yangs, powerful and influential. If Kong Sheng remained at odds with Liu Nian, trouble was inevitable. Though Hong Mian didn’t care much for Kong Sheng, her own feelings didn’t matter; what mattered was Yang Xue Ruo’s affection for him. Out of loyalty, Hong Mian found herself standing on Kong Sheng’s side.

“That Liu Nian is no good either,” Hong Mian muttered to herself. “Always causing trouble and chasing women. If not for the county governor’s protection, he’d have met a bad end long ago.”

Hong Mian hurried into the inn.

Liu Tong, a servant of the Liu residence, emerged from the silk shop beside the inn with a sullen face, watching the entrance. He thought, That girl is Yang Xue Ruo’s maid—why is she visiting the inn? Could it be... the Yangs and Kong Sheng’s family have renewed their marriage agreement? If Kong Sheng is still the Yang family’s son-in-law, even nominally, my young master can’t act recklessly.

With this thought, Liu Tong rushed toward the county governor’s residence. This was important; if he delayed reporting and something happened, the governor would not forgive him.

But the governor had left town early that morning to inspect his counties, and was not at home; Liu Tong had no choice but to report to the young master.

Liu Nian, draped in a robe, gazed darkly at the nervous Liu Tong standing below him. Ever since the scandalous incident, Liu Nian’s temper had become irritable and foul. None of the servants dared provoke him and avoided him unless necessary.

“Liu Tong, are you sure it was Yang Xue Ruo’s maid, Hong Mian? Are you certain the Yangs and that scoundrel Kong Sheng are still in touch?”

Liu Tong bit his lip and answered softly, “Second Young Master, it was Hong Mian. I did not make a mistake.”

He dared not say more, nor express any opinion. His duty was simply to report the facts; judgment and decisions belonged to his master.

Liu Nian snorted angrily, pacing the hall with hands clasped behind his back, his pale face tense with agitation.

Though a notorious troublemaker, he was not a fool. Hong Mian was the Yang family’s cherished maid and rarely ventured out. If she went to Shunsheng Inn to see Kong Sheng, it must have been at Yang Xue Ruo’s behest. If Yang Xue Ruo sent her maid to visit Kong Sheng, the reason was obvious to anyone with sense.

Thus, Liu Nian knew he could not openly strike at Kong Sheng. Yang Qi’s power in Jiangnan was immense, far exceeding his father’s. As long as the Yangs showed any care for Kong Sheng, the Liu family could only watch helplessly.

Arranging for servants to ambush Kong Sheng in the street, as in the past, would no longer satisfy his repeated humiliation and rage. Without an outlet, Liu Nian could not rest easy.

He resolved—if it came to it, why not secretly have someone eliminate that wretch once and for all! Rage boiling in his chest, Liu Nian’s narrowed eyes suddenly widened, gleaming with murderous intent, startling Liu Tong.