Chapter Forty-Five: The Enchanting Colors of the Alley

The moon had reached its zenith, and the poetry gathering for the Qixi Festival at the Heir’s Mansion drew to a close. The eldest heir personally escorted every guest out, his demeanor gentle and approachable.

“Today, I am deeply honored that His Highness the Imperial Grand Tutor attended our poetry gathering. I hope that in the future, you will visit often, so that I may learn from you. I pray you will not be stingy with your guidance,” said Jing Min, the eldest heir.

Yang Yaozong, holding the reins of his black horse, replied courteously, “Thank you for your gracious hospitality. I am honored to have been invited. I dare not speak of instructing; I should be the one to learn from you, for you have made so many friends—something I greatly admire.”

Jing Min laughed heartily. “Then let us learn from each other.”

Yang Yaozong laughed as well. “Indeed, let us learn from each other. Thank you for seeing me off; I take my leave.” With that, Yang Yaozong mounted his horse in a manner both dashing and elegant.

Yin Ruoxin, who had accompanied the heir in bidding farewell to the guests, offered a curtsy and said, “I shall take my leave as well.” By then, few guests remained.

The eldest heir looked at her tenderly. “Allow me to escort you home.”

Yin Ruoxin smiled calmly. “There's no need to trouble you, Your Highness. Ruyi has been waiting in the carriage over there.” She pointed to the carriage not far ahead, where Ruyi was already standing.

“Well… as you wish. I shall visit you another day.” His voice remained gentle.

“I shall await Your Highness’s visit,” Yin Ruoxin replied, curtsying gracefully before heading toward Ruyi.

“Yang Yaozong—” Before Yang Yaozong had gone far, Mu Qinghan called out to him.

He reined in his horse, waiting as Mu Qinghan’s carriage drew near. Leaning closer to the window, he asked, “Miss Mu, what is it?”

“Mu Elder Sister—” It was Qin Xueyao, who had stepped down from a carriage ahead. She hurried to Mu Qinghan’s carriage and declared, “Today I want to stay with Elder Sister Mu.” Then, turning to Yang Yaozong, she gave him a playful “hmph” and made a face. Before Mu Qinghan could speak, Qin Xueyao climbed into the carriage. Had it not been night, it would have been clear that Qin Xueyao’s delicate face flushed red upon seeing Yang Yaozong.

Yang Yaozong found her attitude toward him utterly baffling but was not offended, still smiling at Mu Qinghan.

Mu Qinghan had originally hoped to use the excuse of Yang Yaozong escorting her home to discuss Nangong Qingyi with him. Now, with Qin Xueyao in the carriage, she had no pretext and could only ask, her face reddening, “Have you had any news of Qingyi lately?”

Yang Yaozong smiled awkwardly. “Uh… no.”

Mu Qinghan nodded, as expected. “I see. Well, I’ll be on my way then.”

Yang Yaozong nodded. “Farewell, Miss Mu.”

Mu Qinghan blushed. “Farewell.”

Yang Yaozong noticed Yin Ruoxin’s carriage passing by and followed at a respectful distance.

A crescent moon hung in the sky, casting gentle, silvery light upon the earth.

Ruyi lifted the curtain at the side of the carriage, peering behind, then turned and smiled at Yin Ruoxin. “Miss, Young Master Yang has been following us all the way.”

Yin Ruoxin blushed and tapped Ruyi’s head, feigning annoyance. “You meddle too much!”

Ruyi rubbed her head, laughing at Yin Ruoxin’s shy expression.

Back at the Heir’s Mansion, all guests had departed and the lights grew dim.

In the study at the rear of the mansion, Jing Min sat behind his desk, his brows tightly furrowed, eyes brimming with anger as he glared at the man before him. At last, his voice cold and deep, he said, “Is this what you call a job well done? Didn’t you say you had investigated thoroughly? That Yang Yaozong was supposed to be weak and sickly! Look at him today! He’s nothing like what you described! And you advised me to invite all these bookish scholars who can’t think for themselves, each boasting of their talents. After Yang Yaozong composed two poems, not one dared utter a word. Hmph! Useless, all of them! And you—you are the most useless of all!” His fury could not be contained; he stood and slammed the table, pointing at the trembling man before him.

That man was Wang Youwei. One day, while drinking at a tavern, he passed by a private room on the second floor and glimpsed the Qin brothers, Qin Haizhou and Qin Haifan, seated inside. At the door, he overheard them quarreling in hushed voices. Qin Haifan said, “Don’t think I won’t speak my mind just because you’re my elder brother. I like whom I like—has nothing to do with you. I’ve met Yang Yaozong; he’s weak and incapable, a sickly fellow. On the day Nangong Qingyi married him, he only fell into the water by accident and was rescued by Qingyi. The two had to support him just to complete the ceremony. Someone like him isn’t worthy of Qingyi’s smallest finger!”

Wang Youwei, afraid of being caught eavesdropping, left after hearing Qin Haifan’s words. He tried to verify the story, but after several days at the Nangong residence, he saw no sign of Yang Yaozong. He finally learned that Yang had been invited into the palace by the Imperial Grandson for daily lessons. Knowing Qin Haifan to be straightforward, always speaking truthfully, Wang Youwei believed his account and reported it as his own investigation to the heir, even suggesting that rumors be spread among the populace to defame Yang Yaozong and implicate the Emperor and Imperial Grandson.

He then confidently proposed the Qixi poetry gathering, advising the heir to invite renowned scholars and talents to the mansion, along with Yang Yaozong, so they might prove Yang’s incompetence. This, he said, would also expose the Emperor and Imperial Grandson as foolish and incapable. The heir was delighted by this clever, interconnected scheme and praised him.

Yet events unfolded entirely contrary to their expectations. By tomorrow, Yang Yaozong’s reputation would likely spread throughout the capital and beyond, and the Emperor and Imperial Grandson would be lauded for their wisdom in choosing talent. How could this not enrage Jing Min? The plan had backfired completely.

Wang Youwei trembled, then collapsed to his knees and kowtowed. “I failed to investigate thoroughly. I am incompetent. Please punish me, Your Highness.”

“Punish you? Punish you? Is that all you’re good for? If you make another mistake, don’t bother coming to see me! Handle it yourself!” Jing Min’s gaze was vicious, his tone full of threat.

Wang Youwei shivered. “I will not disappoint you this time. Recently, I…”

Their conversation faded to a low murmur, indistinct and buzzing.

Inside the carriage, Qin Xueyao clung to Mu Qinghan’s arm, her lively eyes fixed on her. “Qinghan Sister, Yang Yaozong is amazing! Did you see the expressions on those so-called talents after he finished his poems? Hahaha! They had been gossiping and slandering him, but once confronted with real talent, they shamelessly asked for his guidance. Hmph! If I were Yang Yaozong, I’d simply ignore them.”

Mu Qinghan smiled and shook her head. “You! The day you overheard Yang Yaozong, didn’t you spend the whole day scolding him? If it weren’t for him telling your family to apply a cold compress to your ankle, your foot wouldn’t have healed so quickly.”

Qin Xueyao wrinkled her nose and pouted. “That day was that day—he was a scoundrel then. But Qinghan Sister, I always feel something different every time I see Yang Yaozong. Today he seemed taller, sturdier… I don’t know why he tans himself so dark, but he looks much more pleasing than those pale scholars. And his temperament! He’s nothing like he was at the Red Temple Festival. If he hadn’t changed much in appearance, I’d think I’d mistaken him for someone else.”

Mu Qinghan furrowed her brows, pondering the matter.

Qin Xueyao saw Mu Qinghan lost in thought, and laughed. “Hmm… ‘If love is enduring, why care for morning and evening?’ How could he come up with such evocative lines? Maybe he truly misses Qingyi Sister. Qinghan Sister, the feelings between Yang Yaozong and Qingyi must be deep and strong! If Qingyi Sister knew he composed this Qixi verse for her, she’d surely be moved to tears. Ah! It’s such a pity—they just married, and now are separated across the land. Those damned barbarians, always causing trouble on the border! If not for them, Qingyi Sister and Yang Yaozong could live happily together. Hmph, damn the barbarians!”

Mu Qinghan listened to Qin Xueyao’s fanciful chatter, her brows knit even tighter.

Yang Yaozong followed behind Yin Ruoxin’s carriage, arriving at her little courtyard.

She waited alone by the gate. Before Yang Yaozong could approach, she threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly—her longing finally finding release.

In the quiet alleyway, the two embraced, their figures melting into one.

After a long while, Yin Ruoxin slowly raised her head, her eyes misty. Yang Yaozong lowered his gaze, seeing the deep affection within her eyes, and gently kissed her moist, alluring lips. The kiss, light as a dragonfly touching water, left both breathless, especially Yin Ruoxin, who nestled in his arms, her face flushed, breath fragrant and quick, her every gesture stirring Yang’s passion.

Yang Yaozong’s hands gently caressed her burning cheeks, cradling her face as he kissed her again—this time fiercely, pouring out all the longing he had felt for her.

Yin Ruoxin let him kiss her as he pleased, already lost in the love he bestowed.

Yang Yaozong’s tongue parted her lips, seeking hers, capturing it and drawing it into his mouth, sucking deeply. Perhaps too deeply—Yin Ruoxin frowned, a soft moan escaping her nose.

Feeling her discomfort, Yang Yaozong’s movements grew gentler.

Yin Ruoxin felt his kiss turn tender and shyly responded, awkwardly touching his tongue with hers.

Savoring her clumsy response, Yang Yaozong kissed her, sometimes gently, sometimes passionately, until she seemed about to faint. He finally released her after two light kisses.

Yin Ruoxin clung to him, her body limp, barely able to stand without his support. She felt the change in his body—he had been aroused twice already that night. She bit her lip, making a resolute decision, raised her head to meet his gaze, her eyes shining with determination and tenderness. “Will you… stay with me tonight?” She kept her gaze fixed on him, silently conveying her decision to give herself to him.

Yang Yaozong was moved by her words, his eyes misting, making his gaze even brighter.

He lowered his head, his nose gently brushing hers. “I want to wait until our wedding night to claim my precious Ruoxin.”

Yin Ruoxin was intoxicated by his loving words. She leaned into his shoulder, whispering in his ear, “Doesn’t it… hurt you?”

Yang Yaozong held her tight, her delicate form melting into his embrace. “It’s Heaven’s test for me, to endure hardship before I can claim my treasure.”

Hearing herself called his treasure, Yin Ruoxin’s heart filled to the brim with his love and devotion. She looked up into his eyes. “Ruoxin is willing to give herself to you.” Then, she kissed him, imitating his movements, clumsily slipping her tongue into his mouth and drawing his into hers.

Her hand, trembling, moved to his body, touching and then bravely grasping his heated, firm manhood.

Even through his trousers, Yang Yaozong was stirred by her boldness, his breath growing heavier as he seized the lead in their kiss. He pressed her against the courtyard wall, guiding her hand with his own.

Yin Ruoxin was aroused, pressing her legs together tightly, as if that could alleviate the inexplicable emptiness within her.

After a long while, Yang Yaozong suddenly stopped, holding her hand tightly over his arousal. His other arm wrapped around her, as if he could meld her into himself, a heavy groan escaping his nose.

Both were drenched in sweat, their foreheads pressed together, the moisture mingling before running down their temples.

Yang Yaozong’s breath gradually steadied. Seeing the beauty resting her head on his shoulder, too shy to look at him, he swallowed, moistening his dry throat. “Thank you, Ruoxin.”

Yin Ruoxin blushed even more, her arms tightening around his waist, her head pressing harder to his shoulder. She murmured, “Will you be staying in the palace again tomorrow?”

Yang Yaozong nodded lightly. “Mm.”

Yin Ruoxin raised her head, meeting his gaze. “You really won’t stay?”

“I haven’t been home at the Nangong residence for more than half a month. I should go back. And tomorrow morning I must return to the palace,” Yang Yaozong replied gently. Though their love was sweet, he too was reluctant to leave her.

Yin Ruoxin nodded. “Mm. Then… go, rest early.” She bit her lip, her beautiful eyes casting him a seductive glance. “If love is enduring, why care for morning and evening?”

Yang Yaozong chuckled softly. “It truly was written for you.”

Yin Ruoxin nodded, still biting her lip as she looked at him.

Yang Yaozong laughed. “Next time we meet, I’ll sing you a lovely song—just for you.”

The moon tilted, the alley empty of their figures, yet the lingering scent of their intimacy left the night colored with romance.