Deep within the Li Residence, an old pearwood table sat beneath a large tree. Li Yu'er sat quietly before it, personally brewing two cups of tea.
Heavy footsteps approached from behind.
“Father,” she called softly, turning around as she stood up to greet the newcomer.
Looking at his daughter, who had grown into a graceful young woman, the Li Family Patriarch felt as though it had happened in the blink of an eye.
His eyes, usually filled with authority, now held a touch of guilt and heartache. “Yu'er, I have wronged you by forcing you to take such a risk on this trip.”
Li Yu'er paused in surprise. She had never seen her father like this before. In her memory, he had always been a stern, solemn patriarch who rarely smiled.
Catching sight of the gray hair at his temples out of the corner of her eye, a sudden pang of sadness tightened her chest.
He had aged.
“Our family's survival is at stake, Father. I am not wronged,” Li Yu'er said softly, shaking her head as she suppressed the bitterness in her heart. Then, her tone turned somber. “On this trip, Senior Mo Laodao clearly stated that he is unwilling to intervene. His exact words were...”
Li Yu'er paused, deep concern etched between her brows. “‘The one who made the promise to Jia Fu is Fengqingzi. I am old now and no longer a match for this younger generation.’”
The Li Family Patriarch fell silent, looking instantly much more defeated. He let out a long sigh. “It seems we have truly come to this.”
Although Fengqingzi did not have a reputation for bloodthirstiness or cruelty, no one who roamed the jianghu ever had clean hands.
With a man like him involved, lives were bound to be lost.
Father and daughter sat opposite each other in silence, resting quietly on the stone stools, savoring the peaceful calm before the impending storm.
Yet both knew clearly in their hearts that the situation among the three major kingdoms of the Central Plains was already teetering on the edge. An era of war was fast approaching, and when it arrived, the imperial court would surely be plunged into turmoil. Even the Li Residence would struggle just to survive in such chaotic times.
They might not even survive the immediate crisis before them...
As the night breeze rustled fallen leaves and a solitary lamp shone over cooling tea, the Li Family Patriarch left with a brief instruction for her to rest early. Li Yu'er remained sitting in the courtyard alone for another fifteen minutes.
Her gaze remained fixed on the cup of tea—from when it was first held warm in her hands to its current chill, forgotten and left untouched...
That night, some were destined to lie awake until dawn.
However, that person was certainly not Jiang Moran. When the first ray of morning sunlight shone into the room, he was sprawled ungracefully across the bed, sound asleep.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door. “Young Master, are you awake?”
Hearing the voice, Jiang Moran rubbed his eyes and got up, yawning sleepily.
“Who is it?” Trailing his loose nightgown, he strolled over to open the door.
The moment the door opened, morning sunlight flooded inside, blinding him for an instant. He only felt a few stray strands of hair brush gently across his face in the breeze.
“Young Master, it is time to wash up.”
As his eyes gradually adjusted to the bright light, Jiang Moran finally made out the figure standing outside. Ning Qingzhu, dressed in a plain robe, was holding a washbasin, waiting with her eyes cast down.
The light breeze blew past her, carrying a subtle, pleasant fragrance.
The corners of Jiang Moran's lips curled up slightly. This was the first time he had experienced such a good mood early in the morning. He didn't dislike the feeling.
After washing up quickly, he took the young girl to enjoy a wealthy family's breakfast. Guided by a servant, the two arrived at a courtyard within the Li Residence.
From afar, they spotted Li Yu'er sitting on a wooden chair, a lavish breakfast spread out before her.
Looking at the dazzling array of breakfast dishes, Ning Qingzhu did not even dare to sit down. She simply stood obediently beside Jiang Moran.
He, on the other hand, was entirely nonchalant, casually pulling the girl down into a seat beside him.
At the sight, Li Yu'er covered her mouth with a soft chuckle, her eyes curling into crescents as she said curiously, “I thought Young Master would be somewhat reserved, but I did not expect you to be so free-spirited.”
Jiang Moran picked up a piece of osmanthus cake and took a bite. The fragrance of osmanthus filled his mouth, and he nodded in satisfaction. “Miss Li worries too much. People of the jianghu have never been sticklers for formality.”
Hearing this, Li Yu'er's fingers trembled slightly, her smile fading a bit as a complex look entered her eyes while looking at Jiang Moran.
“So Young Master is a member of the jianghu. Forgive this humble woman for her lack of foresight.”
“Think nothing of it.”
Their conversation came to an end, and the three of them quietly ate their breakfast. However, even Ning Qingzhu noticed the heavy silence in the air.
Though Li Yu'er said nothing, the sorrow between her brows could not be hidden. The porridge in her bowl remained completely untouched.
She merely stirred it gently with her spoon.
Jiang Moran lowered his eyes without speaking. If he guessed correctly, the Li Family had likely run into serious trouble. Her trip out of the city yesterday was probably to seek reinforcements. Unfortunately, judging by the persistent gloom on her face, she had most likely returned empty-handed.
He reached out and picked up another piece of osmanthus cake. The taste was still wonderful. This table of breakfast had clearly been prepared with care, even though he and Ning Qingzhu were merely outsiders staying for a few days.
Sigh.
Jiang Moran set down his chopsticks and tapped his fingers lightly against the table. The rhythmic tapping drew Li Yu'er's gaze.
“Sometimes, speaking of what weighs on your mind makes you feel better.”
Li Yu'er started slightly at his words, then slowly lowered her eyes and pressed her lips together in silence.
Jiang Moran watched her quietly for a moment before giving a small shake of his head. Since she had no intention of speaking, he had no intention of interfering.
Seeing him put down his chopsticks and leave, Ning Qingzhu lost her appetite as well. She stood up and followed behind him, her steps growing light and springy, perhaps because she had just tasted delicious food she had never had before.
Li Yu'er instinctively watched their departing figures, a faint, inexplicable envy emerging in her eyes.
“If I were just an ordinary woman, would I be free of all these troubles...”
The thought drifted softly into her heart, then quietly faded away.
As if it had never existed.
Ning Qingzhu stepped carefully, placing her feet right where Jiang Moran had just walked. When he sped up, she sped up; when he slowed down, she slowed down.
“Young Master?”
“Hmm?”
“Were you trying to help Miss Li just now?”
Jiang Moran raised an eyebrow in slight surprise and smiled. “You are quite perceptive.”
“Then why...”
“Little girl, not everyone wants your help. And when someone doesn't want it, offering your help becomes a burden.”
Ning Qingzhu choked on her words. She opened her mouth, but could say nothing in return, because he was right.
Neither of them spoke again. They walked on in silence—past the gardens inside the residence, through the winding corridors, and along the meandering paths.
“Young Master.”
“Hmm?”
“I'm not a little girl.”
“Hahaha!” Jiang Moran burst into laughter, the corners of his mouth curving upward to add a touch of charming grace to his demeanor. “Let's go, little girl. I'll take you out to experience Linchuan City.”
Ning Qingzhu looked straight at Jiang Moran, her own lips curving into a smile despite herself.
“Mm!”
...
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