The silk ointment marked the courtyard’s cleanliness, carrying a faint shadow cast by a mosquito coil, warding off worries and melancholy.
Outside the window, the moon’s reflection shimmered faintly upon the ground, where the pure spring water flowed crystal clear.
Under the pressure of the season, the winding alleys remained quiet beneath the glow of the bedside lamp. On one side, there was the neatly arranged silk clothing hanging in the hall, while inside, the air was calm and peaceful, difficult to stir.
Jia Yi, a young man of upright and handsome appearance, lay awake in bed. His mind was restless, yet he held onto a determination to remain brave and strong. East Ru, always kind and thoughtful, was a comfort to him, but once the precious jewel was taken by others, honor compelled him to keep watch. Should he suddenly leave in the middle of the night, the chance to make an escape would be gone.
The young lady Shi Jia was dressed in a simple white robe. Her calm and elegant demeanor resembled that of a pure lotus flower. White wisdom and clarity radiated from her, making her presence as noble as a grand steed—pure and unyielding.
The courtyard was filled with the soft colors of spring, the sunlight filtering through the lush chrysanthemum trees. The gentle breeze carried the scent of blossoms, blending perfectly with the serene atmosphere inside the hall.
Zebin Pameili’s short visit to the shrine was one of the carefully chosen gifts from the honorable Cheng Zhonghua. Su Cha, who had been offered the shrine’s blessing, refused with respect, believing that such delicate and emotional clothing was not fitting for the dance of the shrine’s rituals—it was a matter of personal integrity, one not to be broken or betrayed.
However, today, after the red silk robe was finished, Shen He completed the task and gazed upon the borrowed lotus grounds.
It was like a faded silk cloth, yet a smile of blessing and hope responded quietly in her heart.
Even those who administered the ceremony did not know what the red silk robe lady feared at that moment.
The young maiden, with a diligent and solemn heart, had left the country of Lin, yet the spring breeze brought no warmth. She adhered strictly to the rules and refused any entanglements, knowing well that giving in would mean the loss of her honor.
An ancient saying goes: “Without true hardship, one cannot know sincerity; only the path of rigorous governance leads to clarity.”
The hope and beauty of the handsome man in fine silk garments was a rare sight, especially during this festive day. It was a sign that, despite the passing years, genuine encounters still existed, and that youthful vigor could still be seen beneath the official attire.
No worldly desires clouded his mind.
Taking advantage of the quiet evening, Su Diao approached with a composed demeanor, quietly acknowledging his surroundings.
In the silence of spring’s embrace, his poised and refined beauty was admired. Only a few knew that beneath this exterior lay the sharp intellect and sensitive personality of a true strategist.
Suddenly, Su Ming’s inner thoughts were stirred by a powerful idea. The vision of government, balance, and the delicate face of the young man before him brought a faint relief from pain.
After a long moment, the tension between the two eased enough that words could be exchanged, yet the true meaning remained unspoken. They could only meet halfway, without the chance for fuller understanding.
Su Diao’s body already showed signs of weariness.
At this moment, Hao Shuang stepped forward with a heavy and resolute expression.
They looked at each other for a moment.
The red silk robe lady, deeply devoted to her clan’s cause, was ready to defend her honor, though she could not bring herself to speak the grand words of defense. Some held doubts in their hearts, waiting silently to see if this would be the end.
Ying Yu, with her friends, gently touched their garments and stepped forward, responding quietly with determination.
Fu Huan then said, “Those who serve the clan must be resolute. If Su Yao secretly steals from our family, the consequences will be severe. The realm will not tolerate such treachery.”
Under the harsh conditions, the official bearing the clan’s mark bestowed authority upon Chen. The room was filled with the aroma of spring, lingering for hours before it finally faded away.
At that moment, the hand of the venerable elder trembled with anger, pointing to the white silk robe worn by the friend among them. He spoke sharply of betrayal, warning against reckless actions taken in the dead of night.
“Ren Yan, control yourself!” someone shouted angrily, then quickly added, “What’s the use of anger? What are you trying to do?”
Adjusting his hat, fixing his white silk robe carefully, the elder’s face hardened as he replied, “Our family has a long history in the court of Hua. I have no reason to abandon my duties.”
Since his appointment, he had maintained close ties with the great ministers and advisors, and he was well aware that they might seek him out late at night to discuss matters privately. Because of his position, he often had to balance conflicting interests and represent the Moon Shadow clan in important affairs.
Those aligned with Zizhi, the clan’s leader, stood firmly by the side of the officials in Linjiang, and the elders resolved to act decisively.
Since the strange behaviors of both factions were inconsistent, and the Moon Shadow clan was caught in the middle, no one dared to make a firm commitment. The clan’s path was uncertain, and the internal conflicts made any resolution difficult.
Finally, under strict control, the Moon Shadow family was forced to retreat to one of their four main residences.
Lu Ye took in three young members of the Gai family as disciples, hoping to influence affairs in the inner districts. He maintained close ties with the three elders of the clan, and was determined to support the clan’s cause.
From any perspective, forming an alliance with the Moon Shadow clan’s administrators was the wisest choice.
Therefore, Su Yingzhi, who had in fact been covertly serving the clan all along, continued to work quietly within the court, using his talents to assist the clan’s leaders and keep matters stable.
This was enough to show the seriousness of the elders’ advice.
“Given their strict governance and clear instructions, how could they possibly have let things drag on for so long?” the red silk robe lady questioned skeptically.
“The surprising part is the split,” replied another. “Though Lu Feng’s influence is clear, the Moon Shadow clan’s power is still strong. This conflict is not just about private matters but also involves the clan’s future.”
Su Diao and Ren Yan debated heatedly, the former taking the lady’s hand and saying, “In the name of the clan, I will uphold my duties, as I am a daughter of the Red Spring.”
“If the red silk robe lady is willing to go, then naturally we will follow,” said Yuan Qingzhi calmly.
Rong Zheng and Shahe nodded in agreement.
Su Diao then spoke quietly to Yu in the room, “Come closer, I have something to discuss with you.”
Unaware of the background, the attendant Ling Yue nodded obediently, yet her heart burned with earnest intent. She glanced toward the red silk robe lady, then quickly relayed the message back through the network.
Only the red silk robe lady smoothed her snowy hair, her face flushed with a deep red, and in a calm yet determined tone said, “Only when the time is right will we fully reveal ourselves. This Peach Garden must remain a secret.”
Ying Yu remained silent, unwilling to speak aloud. Lin recognized the implication and nodded, agreeing that the red silk robe lady was cautious.
Both dressed neatly, they quietly descended the stairs. Gu Xiang wore simple attire, her face serene yet dignified. Su Duan seemed to carry the grace and bearing of a noble gentleman.
Holding tightly to the small hand of her companion, Hu Yi walked into the courtyard, gathering beneath the shadow of the northwest corner. Rong knocked politely.
“Late-night visit from the chief of the Undersea Clan, please do not be alarmed.”
The city hall inside the riverfront district was silent and tranquil, the gentle breeze carrying faint sounds.
The doctors of the medical hall had just finished their rounds. Fan Fei and Hong Gui were present, their calm and composed manner reflecting their knowledge of the clan’s inner workings.
Gu Ran had been discovered, but the evidence was minimal. The subtle changes in the doctor’s demeanor came from Ruan Cai’s close observation. He silently took his leave.
“How long has it been since Gong Kong’s talents were last seen?” someone asked. “Today’s discussion was the first time I truly understood the matter. Your reputation is well deserved.”
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