Chapter 1: An Unexpected Rescue
It was the third month of spring, in an elegant old courtyard in the capital city. A peach blossom tree stood gracefully in the center of the yard, its pink buds bursting into bloom, like clusters of rouge-colored clouds fallen from the sky, gorgeous and brilliant.
"I'm afraid I'll be late again!" Qiu Yi looked anxiously at the darkening sky, her feet moving faster and faster.
She hurried past the peach tree, stirring up a gust of wind that scattered several colorful petals, which quietly nestled in her messy hair, adding a touch of playfulness.
At this moment, in a simple and elegant room, wisps of smoke rose from a glazed incense burner, and light gauze curtains fluttered in the breeze.
Lu Yuner was lying on a soft couch with her eyes closed, resting.
However, her delicate brows were furrowed, and she seemed to be in pain. A thin layer of sweat seeped from her fair forehead, as if something unpleasant was haunting her dreams. Her pale fingers clutched the soft quilt, tightly gripped together in her struggle.
After a long while, her tightly clenched fists slowly relaxed and opened, leaving the abused quilt still crumpled.
Lu Yuner breathed lightly, slowly opening her eyes to stare blankly at the canopy above, as if lost in thought.
Her unmoving eyes were like rushing mountain spring water, gathering into a great river as time passed, until finally all was calm, without a single ripple or wave.
She had had another nightmare.
Qiu Yi stood outside the study door, hesitating for a long time with pursed lips, her hand raised in the air but not yet falling on the door.
Today was the day the master had arranged to meet with the Director of Studies and General Liu at Mingyue Tower. It was almost time, but the master had yet to get up.
Qiu Yi knew it wasn't the master's fault. Ever since she had taken the position of Minister of Revenue, she had been diligent in her duties, working hard on government affairs, personally handling matters late into the night every time.
Fortunately, thanks to the Director of Studies specially requesting the Emperor's decree, the master had been appointed as a professor at the Imperial Academy. Entering the Academy to teach classes and grade papers would allow her to relax more in the future, without being so exhausted.
Now at the end, with the many official matters to hand over, she had only been able to rest after finishing work at dawn.
Just as Qiu Yi was at a loss for what to do, suddenly a pleasant female voice came from inside the room.
"Qiu Yi, are you anxious again?"
With a creak, the door opened, and Lu Yuner stepped out wearing light blue plain clothes. Her ink-black hair was tied up with a red ribbon, revealing the graceful lines of her neck. Her eyebrows were like autumn waters, her jade-like skin caressed by the gentle breeze, her light clothing unable to conceal her refined beauty.
Hearing this, Qiu Yi breathed a sigh of relief and stepped forward with a smile to adjust the master's clothes.
"Master, you're finally awake. If we're late, the Director of Studies and General Liu will have to wait a while longer." She couldn't help but remind the master.
The Director of Studies was fine, but that General Liu would surely tease them.
Lu Yuner stood still, cooperating as Qiu Yi tidied her appearance.
She raised her head to look at the twilight gathering around them, her captivating almond eyes curving in a smile. Though she appeared casual and relaxed, her gaze was pure and clear, enough to soften anyone's heart.
"It's alright, I know what I'm doing. Look, the timing is just right. Even if we're a bit late, they won't blame me," she said with a smile.
Lu Yuner turned to look at Qiu Yi, noticing the dark circles under her eyes. Her tone softened, "By the way, you don't need to accompany me today. It's just friends having tea and chatting. You worked hard staying up with me until dawn last night, so stay at home and rest well."
As she spoke, she noticed several peach blossom petals in Qiu Yi's hair and fell into thought: The peach blossoms were blooming again, another year had passed since her soul transmigrated.
"Qiu Yi, after all these years with me, why haven't you improved that impatient nature of yours? In the future, don't rush things, take it slow." She raised her hand and only tidied Qiu Yi's messy bangs.
After all, haste makes waste.
Hearing the master's words of concern, Qiu Yi felt a warmth in her heart and obediently replied, "Yes, master."
Night fell, and the lanterns were lit.
The night market in the capital was bustling, with crowds of people in the lively streets. Two young gentlemen were weaving through the coming and going crowds.
"Young master, please slow down!" Xiao Yuan called out breathlessly, watching the graceful figure darting about in front of him.
Su Qingwan wore a thin veil, half-revealing a pair of bright phoenix eyes. The corners of his eyes tilted upwards, with scattered starlight in their depths. His eyelashes fluttered like raven feathers. Though his full appearance was hidden, it was still difficult to conceal his otherworldly beauty.
At this moment, he frowned slightly, as if very displeased, and said coquettishly, "Xiao Yuan, we've only walked a few steps! Look how tired you are. I'm never bringing you out again, you're such a killjoy!"
Xiao Yuan pursed his lips, looking pitiful. He had been scolded by the young master again.
He cautiously tried to persuade, "Young master, we've been out sneaking around for so long, it's time we should return to the manor. Otherwise… the mistress will be angry again!"
As he finished speaking, his eyes quickly darted over the young master's face, nervously gauging his emotional reaction.
As soon as Su Qingwan heard the word "mistress", those bright phoenix eyes instantly filled with a trace of coldness, and his tone sank a few degrees, "No. It's rare that I can come out today, so I want to wander until I'm satisfied. No one can stop me! Besides, what are you afraid of? If anything happens, I'll cover for you."
Xiao Yuan lowered his eyes at this point, not daring to speak again.
Suddenly, the sound of gongs and drums came from not far ahead. People rushed forward, and the scene instantly erupted like a pot boiling over, with constant cheers and applause.
Su Qingwan stood on tiptoe to look ahead, his bright eyes flickering with excitement. He said, "Let's go look up front. It seems the September Hundred Performances Troupe is performing?"
Seeing the young master rushing off, Xiao Yuan had no choice but to hurry after him.
At this time, Lu Yuner was on her way to her appointment. She lightly opened her fan with one hand, her fair jade-like hand gracefully fanning, as if a spirit butterfly had come from among the flowers, opening to release the fragrance of a hundred blossoms.
Though dressed plainly, her otherworldly charm naturally drew the burning gazes of the young men on the street.