Chapter 18 - Chapter 18: Settling into the Prime Minister’s Residence (Part 4)

With a soft yawn, Zhuo Qing rubbed her eyelids; she was utterly exhausted. Her breathing gradually evened out, prompting Lou Xiyan to gently close his book. His gaze lingered on this peculiar woman—he had not absorbed a single word earlier, distracted under her watchful eyes. Strangely, he found himself fixated on her until the carriage came to a halt and Mo Bai's voice sounded outside. Only then did Lou Xiyan regain his composure."Master, we have arrived."Mo Bai's low call also roused Zhuo Qing from her brief rest. Drawing back the curtain, she was the first to leap from the carriage, completely disregarding Lou Xiyan, her master. Upon steadying her footing, Zhuo Qing was struck silent by the imposing bronze gate before her—five to six meters tall and seven to eight meters wide. The spacious and austere lintel bore the two vermilion characters "Xiang Residence" set against a gilded plaque, suspended at its center.Contrary to Zhuo Qing's expectations, no stone lions flanked the entrance, nor were there any formidable guards radiating an aura of dominance. Instead, a garden of rugged rocks blocked the view beyond, simultaneously signifying the owner's grandeur. Though the gates stood wide open, an indistinct yet potent aura of dignity and nobility permeated, inspiring awe and caution.As Zhuo Qing stepped inside, Jing Sa, clad in dark attire, greeted her promptly. A flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes upon seeing Zhuo Qing but quickly vanished. He bowed slightly to Lou Xiyan behind her, addressing him respectfully:"Master."Only then did Zhuo Qing recall Lou Xiyan's presence. She realized she should have waited for her master to lead her inside, not barged in on her own. She stepped back politely, awaiting Lou Xiyan's entrance with what she deemed courtesy."Master…" Jing Sa began to speak, but a clear, melodious female voice rang out from afar:"Brother!"From behind the rocks, a figure in pink hurried toward the gate, her flowing skirt fluttering like a delicate butterfly. Zhuo Qing worried she might trip on her own hem, but the young woman reached Lou Xiyan unharmed. Lou Xiyan gazed at her tenderly, a faint indulgent smile playing on his lips:"What's the rush?""Waiting for you."The girl looked up, her rosy lips slightly pouting, bright eyes shimmering with a mixture of grievance and stubbornness. Her voice, tinged with hurt and irritation, muttered:"Princess Chaoyun's phoenix carriage has been waiting ages for you. Second Madam urged me to catch you at the gate. As soon as you returned, you hurried to serve in the flower hall—hmpf, spineless!"What was so special about the princess?! Acting like a lapdog—since when did the Lou family stoop so low as to serve anyone? Such disgrace!Judging by Xiwu's expression, Lou Xiyan seemed to understand the situation. Gently patting her shoulder, he chuckled:"You and your mouth! Alright, I get it. Go rest now."Reluctantly, Lou Xiwu turned away. Lou Xiyan then instructed Jing Sa:"Jing Sa, prepare the Star Picking Pavilion, find some clever maids to attend to Miss Qing, and have the doctor treat her injuries later.""Yes, sir."Jing Sa's sword-like brows knitted tightly, his dark face growing even grimmer.Lou Xiwu halted mid-step. The Star Picking Pavilion adjoined Lou Xiyan's Moon Embracing Tower, famed for its breathtaking starry views—hence its name. Yet, since Lou Xiyan preferred solitude, the pavilion was usually unoccupied. Who could possibly merit residing there?Curious, Lou Xiwu glanced back to see a slender woman standing idly nearby."Brother, who is she?"Lou Xiyan smiled calmly:"Miss Qing from the Haoyue Kingdom.""Qingfeng?! Her?!" Lou Xiwu exclaimed incredulously. Could this ragged-haired woman, with her haphazardly tied hair, the green garment no servant would dare wear, and the fierce scars carving her right cheek, truly be Qingfeng? Ridiculous!Lou Xiwu sneered disdainfully as she scrutinized Zhuo Qing:"Haoyue Kingdom, huh? Sending over such a hideous monster? The rumors can't be trusted—didn't they say the three Qing sisters were all breathtaking beauties, elegant and graceful? What a joke!"Ugly? Zhuo Qing gently touched her now barely aching cheek. Frankly, she had yet to properly see her own face. But if this little girl thought such words could sting her, she was grievously mistaken."Xiwu, who taught you to be so rude!" Lou Xiyan's voice dropped sharply, intimidating enough to scare Xiwu. Yet recalling this woman's plainness and her relation to her brother, Xiwu's frustration only deepened:"I'm stating facts. She originally…""Excuse me."A cold voice interrupted softly. Zhuo Qing crossed her arms, a trace of impatience in her smile:"I don't mind you siblings reminiscing, but could you please escort me to the guest chambers first? I'm utterly exhausted. As for my appearance, feel free to debate it at your leisure."Lou Xiyan paused, then chuckled quietly. Every woman cherishes her pride; this one, however, seemed indifferent. Hearing of Princess Chaoyun's arrival had clearly dampened his mood, but now it seemed somewhat lifted."Jing Sa, show Miss Qing to rest.""Right this way, Miss Qing."Smiling faintly at them, Zhuo Qing nonchalantly added:"Carry on.""You!" Lou Xiwu's fury nearly made her eyes pop.Ignoring her completely, Zhuo Qing brushed past Lou Xiwu, heading toward the inner courtyard. Lou Xiyan smiled softly and proceeded toward the flower hall in another direction."Hey—" Lou Xiwu glanced left and right, stomping in frustration. Her brother clearly favored that ugly woman! She wouldn't let it go so easily! Hmph!As dusk descended, the day's most enchanting hour, fragmented golden light pierced the clouds, staining the azure horizon crimson. Alongside the garden's blossoms and rugged stones, the glow also caressed Lou Xiyan's smiling lips, reflecting his excellent mood.Stopping before the flower hall's courtyard gate, Lou Xiyan murmured:"Mo Bai, keep a close watch on her."Given her nature, she would never remain docile within the Xiang Residence. Too many mysteries surrounded her, and until they were unraveled, he would not allow her beyond his control."Understood."No sooner had Mo Bai spoken than he vanished between the rocks, disappearing like a phantom—frightening to any onlooker but familiar to Lou Xiyan. He straightened his robe lightly, lips still curved faintly, yet his eyes betrayed no warmth. Stepping forward, he entered the flower hall's adjacent courtyard.As Lou Xiyan crossed the threshold, Yan Ruxuan, seated in the seat of honor, immediately spotted him. The setting sun cast a golden glow behind him, as if he strode upon beams of light. His purple-gold jade crown and dark red, flowing robe enhanced his majestic and handsome presence.Most striking was the barely perceptible smile at his lips—light, gentle as a feather, faint and subtle—each glimpse quickening her heartbeat.Before Lou Xiyan fully entered, Yan Ruxuan rose slowly to greet him. Her pale gold gown swayed softly, her smooth hair lifted slightly as she stood serenely. Her composed and elegant aura could captivate anyone, not to mention her visage, radiant as the moon.Suddenly rising, Yan Ruxuan was joined by Xue Xian, who quickly stood as well. Following her gaze, they saw Lou Xiyan approach, smiling knowingly.As soon as he entered the flower hall, Yan Ruxuan playfully reproached him:"Xiyan's back! Princess Chaoyun has been waiting for you for quite a long time."