"Day after tomorrow is the Forum on the Dao, the day after that is the banquet, and the rest of the time is for Xu Changming to make his inquiries." Zhou Zhilán handed over the jade slip.
Xie Zhaolin scanned the schedule, noticing how carefully every event was arranged. "The invitation from the Li family in the south of the city—was that you too?"
"Just used it as a pretext." Zhou Zhilán pursed her lips with a smile. "Master Li has quite the interest in go. Hearing a hidden master had arrived, he naturally wanted a meeting. Whether he'll 'happen' to mention the encounter from three years ago…"
She trailed off, but Xie Zhaolin already understood.
"The most important day is the eighteenth of this month." Zhou Zhilán suddenly lowered her voice. "Xu Changming, as usual, will visit the families that day. I'll have people deliver a batch of new spiritual herbs, giving you the perfect chance to claim an old ailment and stay behind closed doors."
Xie Zhaolin nodded. "The herbs are just a ruse?"
"Just for the household to see." Zhou Zhilán traced a circle on the table. "Xu Changming will also bring his two disciples, which conveniently allows you to handle… some personal matters."
She didn't spell out the details, but Xie Zhaolin understood perfectly.
"Over the next half month, you only need to do three things." Zhou Zhilán raised a finger. "Play go, discuss the Dao, and enjoy the flowers. The more open and proper you appear, the less suspicion he'll have."
Xie Zhaolin found it amusing. "You've really thought of everything."
"Now we're grasshoppers on the same vine." Zhou Zhilán tapped the stone table lightly. "If you want a clean identity, you can't afford a single slip with me." She raised her eyes slightly. "You only need to appear when necessary."
The sounds of the night watch came from outside. Zhou Zhilán stood to leave. "Tomorrow, around Chen (7–9 am), Xu Changming will probably come seeking your guidance. Don't hesitate to make him think a little longer."
She paused at the door and turned back. "Oh, I've prepared water from the Beiya Cold Pool for tea. Xu Changming tried it last year, so he'll find it familiar."
Xie Zhaolin watched her leave, a faint smile curling her lips.
Every step Zhou Zhilán planned was perfect—subtle, yet ensuring Xu Changming would unconsciously strengthen his impression of Mingyue Sanren.
Such a meticulous layout was truly admirable.
The next morning, at first light, a maid brought tea brewed with Beiya Cold Pool water.
Xie Zhaolin took a sip. The water was crisp and sweet, with a faint whisper of pine—exactly Xu Changming's favorite taste.
As Chen arrived, footsteps sounded outside the courtyard.
Xie Zhaolin set down her cup, watching Xu Changming stride in wearing his black robe. He looked better than yesterday, and the gloom between his brows had eased slightly.
"Mingyue Daoyou." Xu Changming cupped his hands. "I've thought over yesterday's game and have a few variations I'd like to ask about."
Xie Zhaolin gestured for him to sit. Her fingers tapped the board lightly. "Please, Steward Xu."
During the game, Xu Changming casually brought up old matters, seemingly in conversation, but each mention was a subtle probe.
Xie Zhaolin responded naturally, occasionally correcting his misremembered details—these were all carefully prepared by Zhou Zhilán.
"Daoyou truly has a wide range of knowledge." Xu Changming placed a stone, then shifted the topic. "By the way, have you ever visited the Lu family in Qingzhou?"
Xie Zhaolin's hand paused slightly over the board, then she moved as if nothing happened. "Passed through once ten years ago. Played a few games with Old Master Lu."
"How coincidental." Xu Changming's eyes glinted. "Miss Lu mentioned recently that a certain Daoyou Mingyue's style closely resembles her grandfather's."
This caught Zhou Zhilán off guard—it wasn't in her prepared notes.
Xie Zhaolin remained calm, tracing the edge of the stone container. "That girl should've entered the Dao by now. When I last saw her, she was just a mischievous little girl always meddling in games."
A flicker of surprise crossed Xu Changming's eyes, but he quickly smiled. "Daoyou even remembers such trivial things. Miss Lu joined the Dan Sect two years ago, now an outer disciple."
Xie Zhaolin smiled faintly.
This question wasn't part of Zhou Zhilán's plan. But back when she was 'Yun Qingyue,' she inevitably had dealings with prominent families, Lu's among them.
Miss Lu did exist, and she did see the "Mingyue Sanren" ten years ago—but that was a different person entirely.
At that moment, Zhou Zhilán appeared around the corner of the corridor, carrying a purple sandalwood tray with delicate tea treats.
"Steward Xu arrives early today." She walked lightly into the courtyard, placing the tray on the stone table. "Seventh Uncle specially instructed the chefs to prepare snacks for your game."
Xu Changming's gaze lingered on her waist for a moment. The sachet had been replaced with a simple bamboo pattern—no twin lotus like yesterday.
"Much obliged." Xu Changming nodded, then asked, "I heard Miss Zhou is skilled in tea. Do you know the origin of this Beiya Cold Pool water?"
Zhou Zhilán poured steadily. "My father brought this back during his travels. It's said to come from beneath the ice of the northern cliffs." She pushed the cup toward Xu Changming. "You tried it last year, do you remember?"
He sipped lightly, relaxing. "Still crisp and pure."
Xie Zhaolin picked up a white stone and tapped it on the board. "Your move, Steward Xu."
The game resumed, his probes deftly guided aside.
Zhou Zhilán sat quietly beside them, occasionally interjecting a remark just enough to keep the mood natural, never forced.
An hour later, the game ended. Xu Changming stood to leave, casting Xie Zhaolin a meaningful glance. "Daoyou's skills are remarkable. I'll seek your guidance again."
Once his footsteps faded, Zhou Zhilán set down the teapot. "I've taken care of the Lu family matter. Miss Lu is indeed in the Dan Sect, currently on a three-day mission collecting herbs. She won't return to the sect for three months."
Xie Zhaolin traced the board lightly. "Xu Changming is suspicious."
"No." Zhou Zhilán shook her head, collecting the cups. "He's just probing out of habit. The Mingyue Sanren from back then was a friend of my father's."
Xie Zhaolin raised an eyebrow. "Your father?"
"When he was young, my father had some talent and traveled widely, making many connections. That Mingyue Sanren passed away three years ago."
"No wonder." Xie Zhaolin nodded.
"If he hadn't been reckless in his youth and damaged his foundation, he wouldn't have stopped at mid-Foundation Building." Zhou Zhilán's tone was calm. "Now he works at the spirit herb workshop and rarely returns home."
No wonder he needed a separate path.
Xie Zhaolin understood. Mid-Foundation in a prominent family, especially a branch line, offered little room to grow.
"What's your next move?" she asked casually, changing the subject.
"Let him dispel his doubts himself."