Volume One, Chapter 12: Master, Your Servant, and Elder Brother Share a Conversation

“Madam Xue, this way, please.”

Xue Shuyao ascended the steps, steadying herself with the hand of her maid, her eyes flickering as she inquired, “When did Governor Dantai receive a madam into his residence?”

Shopkeeper He’s face darkened with reluctance. “I... truly don’t know, Madam. Some days ago, a madam came to the Precious Jade Pavilion to buy jewelry, saying it was to be delivered to the Dantai residence. I’m not certain if she is truly Governor Dantai’s wife.”

Half a month earlier, Xue Shuyao had painstakingly persuaded the heir of Pingyang, Liu Wuyi, to enter the estate. Yet, the young servant sent that day was brutally murdered in an alley, and Liu Wuyi was nowhere to be found. She had assumed the villains who killed the servant had abducted Liu Wuyi as well.

Unexpectedly, she encountered Liu Wuyi here, now residing in the mansion of Dantai Kanan. But since Dantai was a palace eunuch, known to shun women, marrying a madam would be the talk of the capital. How could it be so silent?

Observing the simple, cheap hair ornaments and the absence of any attendants around her, it was clear she was not valued—far from the madam of Dantai Kanan.

It was quite possible that Liu Wuyi was merely someone Dantai Kanan happened to rescue, with no real connection between them. This thought gave Xue Shuyao some clarity. Liu Wuyi had grown considerably since three years ago; her delicate features and graceful bearing stirred envy in Xue Shuyao’s heart. She was a perfect match for the lecherous heir of Pingyang.

Recalling the contract of servitude sent by the Music Bureau half a month ago, Xue Shuyao devised a plan. She beckoned to her maid and whispered a few words. The maid turned and left the Precious Jade Pavilion, while Xue Shuyao, accompanied by Shopkeeper He, gleefully admired the jewelry.

The young servant led Liu Wuyi to a secluded back door and stopped. Standing before it, Liu Wuyi’s excitement was barely contained as she reached out to push it open. But then she remembered her current status as an official courtesan and the notorious treacherous eunuch she was now linked to.

Her brother, upright and loyal, resembling their grandfather and father, was a man of pure and noble character, as bright and clear as the moon. Would he not scold her for bringing shame upon the family? Would he still recognize her as his sister?

Liu Wuyi did not regret her decision, but the thought of her brother’s reaction pained her. She suppressed her excitement, her expression dimming, her hand hovering before retreating.

With a creak, the door was pulled open from within.

“Standing at the door, why not come in?”

A young gentleman in flowing robes stood inside, smiling gently at her, just as he had in their youth—a refined and elegant scion of a distinguished family. He was taller, a little darker and thinner, his features sharper and more heroic.

At a single glance, tears welled in Liu Wuyi’s eyes. She could tell her brother had endured much hardship these past eight years.

Liu Wenyuan’s heart ached at the sight of his sister’s tears, and he hurriedly ushered her inside, pulling her into a protective embrace, gently patting her back to comfort her.

Leaning into her brother’s strong arms, Liu Wuyi was transported back to the Liu estate. At five or six years old, she was already sturdy; their grandfather and father struggled to carry her and had grown reluctant, but her brother adored her. He had once insisted on hiring a master of martial arts to train him, so he would be strong enough to carry his sister forever.

Their father had laughed it off, and their grandfather smiled approvingly. The painful past faded away as Liu Wuyi’s sobs grew more intense, as if to release all the grievances of the last eight years.

Liu Wenyuan’s eyes reddened as he teased, “Yuniang, you still cry just like when you were little.”

After a while, Liu Wuyi pulled away from his embrace. Though her tears had ceased, her face was blotched and unrecognizable.

Liu Wenyuan looked upon his sensible sister with pity, retrieving a handkerchief from his sleeve to patiently wipe away her tears.

“You used to cry until I’d have to give you three or four gifts before you’d stop. Now you’ve grown more forgiving of your brother.”

Liu Wuyi burst into laughter, relieved that her brother still treated her with the same affection as in childhood.

Seeing her smile, Liu Wenyuan’s heart eased. He pulled out a chair and sat with her, offering a cup of tea.

After she took a sip, he asked, “How did you come to be in Dantai Kanan’s mansion?”

Liu Wuyi looked up in surprise, thinking for a moment before replying, “That day, when I was about to be sent into the Pingyang Marquis’s residence, I happened to cross paths with the Governor’s carriage and boldly begged for help. The Governor, kind-hearted, saved me, and since then I have been living at the Dantai residence.”

Though not entirely truthful, her words omitted the troubling details and softened her depiction of Dantai Kanan.

Liu Wenyuan’s lips twitched. Kind-hearted? It was the biggest joke.

He wanted to contradict her with harsh reality, but looking into her clear, moist almond eyes, he found himself unable to speak. Such a lovable sister deserved to be cherished, pure and kind forever. Why taint her ears with those things?

Liu Wenyuan said, “It’s not suitable for you to stay at the Dantai residence. I’ve prepared a generous gift for you to take to him to say farewell. If you encounter any difficulties, come to me immediately.”

“I have arranged a house for you in Yongning Lane, East Market. No one else lives there. You should move in and live with me.”

A warmth rose in Liu Wuyi’s eyes. She lowered her gaze to avoid her brother’s concerned look.

His inquiry about how she came to the Dantai house was really because he had found out she was missing from the Music Bureau and hurriedly sent a message to confirm her safety.

Knowing she was at the Dantai house, he was determined to rescue her no matter the cost.

He spoke of the house he had arranged; though now disgraced, he had long planned to bring his sister out to reunite. Without a home, they would be incomplete.

The estrangement of eight missing years dissolved in this moment.

If only she had waited another half month or sooner, her brother would have come to rescue her from suffering. But now, Dantai Kanan knew she was carrying his child. How could he let her go?

How could she confess these tragic twists to her brother? Doing so would only cause more heartbreak. Her brother remained the same protective, loving sibling—that was enough.

Looking up again, Liu Wuyi smiled faintly. “Brother, the Governor is still busy with the snow disaster outside the city. There’s no chance to meet now. Let’s talk later.”

She could not let her brother confront Dantai Kanan. The terror she glimpsed in him was enough to make her shudder. How could she ask her brother to face such horror? Better to delay and find a reasonable excuse.

“By the way, how have you been all these years? When will you return to the capital?”

Liu Wenyuan frowned, somewhat displeased with her evasive answer. They had been apart many years and he only wished to reunite swiftly without delay.

But since Emperor Wenhua’s ascension, Dantai Kanan had grown immensely favored and powerful. Perhaps it was best not to meet him just yet.

Suppressing his urge to advise, he answered her question. They spoke for a while longer, exchanging mostly happy news and little sorrow.

Noticing the time, Liu Wuyi stood. “Brother, the two maids who came with me should be returning soon. I shall leave first.”

Liu Wenyuan escorted her to the door, reminding her, “If you have a chance to see Dantai Kanan, remember to bid him farewell.”

Liu Wuyi replied calmly with a smile, “Brother, once you return to Shengjing, I can come see you whenever I leave the residence. There’s no need to rush.”

Liu Wenyuan said, “Remember to see me. Give that jade pendant to A Xin or Shopkeeper He whom you met earlier. Arrange a time to meet; they will pass the word to me.”

“You’ve said it three times already. You’re more tedious than the old man. You should go now.” Liu Wuyi feigned annoyance.

Liu Wenyuan currently served as advisor under the Third Prince stationed at the frontier, renowned for his quick wit and sharp tongue. He often won debates and left opponents speechless, storming off in frustration. Yet today, facing his sister, he could only helplessly shake his head.

“All right, go now.”

Watching her leave as the door closed behind her, Liu Wenyuan felt a pang of loss. He also felt as if he had forgotten something important. But caught in the joy of seeing his sister again, he could not recall what it was and chose not to dwell on it.