Chapter 24: The Young Lady's Insight

In the rear courtyard of Pingkang Pavilion, within the boudoir where Shangguan Yiren resided.

As soon as she returned from the front hall to her small chamber, Shangguan Yiren closed the door, dismissing her attendants.

Her gaze was fixed intently on the sheet of white paper atop the round table.

Looking at the elegant, unfamiliar calligraphy and the neatly paired verses, Shangguan Yiren could not help but rest her chin lightly in her hands, a teasing smile curling at the corner of her lips.

"Yesterday, a solitary plum, graceful upon the snowy peak. Its beauty endures, leaving but a lingering fragrance?"

"The beauty endures, leaving but a lingering fragrance…"

Shangguan Yiren softly repeated the line, her eyes suddenly gleaming as she murmured to herself, smiling, "After searching so many years, I have finally found you—my kindred spirit!"

At once, she summoned someone to call for the mistress of Pingkang Pavilion—Madame Wang.

It was not long before Madame Wang arrived outside Shangguan Yiren's chamber.

"Shangguan, dear niece, are you truly… leaving now?" The richly dressed middle-aged woman, her figure robust though not remarkably beautiful, stepped across the threshold and spoke hurriedly.

"Yes," Shangguan Yiren glanced at Madame Wang standing outside, smiled gently, and offered the salute of a Daoist, "I have troubled you for long enough, Aunt Wang, and it is time for me to depart. I ask for your understanding."

Madame Wang paused, inhaling deeply, then asked with uncertainty, "Is it… because of that young Master Li?"

She had only just heard some rumors, yet her heart remained doubtful. To find a soulmate amidst the vast sea of people is like searching for a needle in the ocean—nearly impossible.

Thus she asked.

"It is indeed him, Aunt Wang!" Shangguan Yiren answered without hesitation, nodding deeply with a smile.

Madame Wang was stunned for a long while before regaining her composure. Suddenly, she smiled at Shangguan Yiren, curiosity sparkling in her eyes, "Niece, may I see the writing of this Master Li?"

"Please, Aunt Wang." Shangguan Yiren gestured with a light wave of her hand.

Madame Wang did not stand on ceremony, stepping lightly to the round table and gazing at the sheet of paper.

"Yesterday, a solitary plum, graceful upon the snowy peak. Its beauty endures, leaving but a lingering fragrance?"

She silently recited the verse in her heart, then froze in surprise, nodding repeatedly, "This Master Li is truly your soulmate, niece!"

The first line depicted a proud, pure plum blossom standing alone atop the snowy mountain—much like Shangguan Yiren herself, untouched by vulgarity.

The line that Li Yi responded with spoke of the plum, though standing long upon the snowy peak, remaining proud as ever, its fragrance lingering without end.

Both verses echoed Daoist philosophy and resonated with Shangguan Yiren’s own heart.

Having grasped the poem's essence, Madame Wang was now certain.

Her heart stirred for a long time before she turned to Shangguan Yiren, her expression full of comfort, "Since it is so, all the better! Niece, take Little Peach with you back to the temple for cultivation."

"Thank you, Aunt Wang." Shangguan Yiren bowed in Daoist salute, accepting gratefully.

"Go on, both of you." Madame Wang smiled and shook her head, "This is not the place you should stay, and that silly girl Little Peach, pure and simple at heart, does not belong here either!"

"Very well." Shangguan Yiren, without undue formality, nodded and carefully gathered the paper, departing the room.

Watching Shangguan Yiren’s departing figure, Madame Wang snorted in discontent, her cheeks tinged with anger, "Yuan Tiangang, you heartless wretch—this time, even you must admit, there is some skill here…"

...

Outside Pingkang Pavilion, on the long, straight stone-paved avenue.

Countless noises echoed—hawkers’ cries, bustling crowds, a lively tumult.

Li Yi and Yue’er, having left Pingkang Pavilion, made straight for the mansion of the Minister, but just then, a voice called urgently from behind.

"Master Li, please wait! Please wait for me, I have something to tell you!"

The sudden, pressing voice of a young woman rang sharply in Li Yi’s ears.

"Hmm… Who’s calling me?" Li Yi paused, glancing at Yue’er, who looked just as puzzled.

"Master Li!" At that moment, Little Peach finally caught up, standing before Li Yi.

Yet she was not even out of breath, standing calmly as if nothing had happened. At a glance, Li Yi knew this girl must be skilled in martial arts.

Otherwise, she could never have run so far without a trace of fatigue.

"May I ask, miss, what business do you have with me?" Li Yi smiled gently, his gaze as clear as water.

"Master Li," Little Peach smiled shyly, taking from her sleeve a token of blue jade and handing it to Li Yi, "My sister asked me to give you this token, and hopes you will visit Changsheng Temple when you have time."

"If, at that time, you wish to hear music, I am sure my sister will not be stingy," Little Peach hinted, her smile serene.

"Uh… Is that really appropriate?" Li Yi felt bewildered, not intending to accept the token.

However, Yue’er beside him had caught the meaning in Little Peach’s words, and her lips pursed slightly as she felt a sudden pang of displeasure.

Seeing this, Little Peach covered her mouth and smiled like a blooming peach blossom, pressing the token into Li Yi’s hand, "Master, you must keep it well. I’ll be going now."

With Li Yi still looking astonished, Little Peach turned and left.

Li Yi glanced helplessly at the blue jade token in his hand, then at Yue’er, "Yue’er, what does she mean?"

Yue’er pouted, bowing her little head, her voice flat, "Master, it seems Lady Shangguan has taken a liking to you!"

Li Yi was speechless, feeling it all rather incredible.

But when he saw Yue’er’s gloom, he was secretly amused.

"Look, Yue’er, your young master is so handsome, elegant, and talented—just a few words and I’ve won the favor of the famed courtesan of the capital!"

As he tucked the token into his bosom, Li Yi grinned boastfully, "Tell me, if those who worked so hard to win Lady Shangguan’s attention heard of this, would they not cough up blood in anger?"

Yue’er was left speechless, suddenly feeling that Li Yi’s face had grown even thicker.

Having followed Li Yi these days, she noticed he only teased her and never truly punished her, so her courage had grown.

"Master, Yue’er finds you are becoming more formidable!" she ventured.

"Ah, now that’s something I like to hear!" Li Yi nodded in satisfaction, rubbed Yue’er’s little head, and gave her a thumbs up, smiling, "You are truly perceptive!"

Yue’er’s mouth twitched, but inwardly she thought, "Master, what I mean is, your shamelessness grows ever more profound…"