Lady Dongyang could certainly see the confusion in Ran Yan's eyes. She lowered her eyelids, seemingly pondering something.
Ran Yan looked up only to unexpectedly catch sight, on the small path outside the pavilion, of Xiao Xuanzhi in plain clothes, his tall figure standing erect among the hibiscus bushes. The hibiscus stood no more than a meter tall, half-burying his slender legs. He breathed unevenly, his face covered with bright sweat, apparently having come in a hurry.
A maid followed shortly after, and seeming to notice Ran Yan's gaze, chose not to speak.
All of this occurred in the brief moment when Ran Yan's eyes flickered; Lady Dongyang, her eyes downcast, had not noticed, simply saying in her usual calm tone, "I give up, for I suddenly realized that what I've been scheming for isn't what Shilang wishes to obtain."
The evening breeze gently brushed through the cluster of hibiscus flowers, and the courtyard was serene.