Following the garden path back to Shaoguang Court, Jiang Fuyue still couldn’t recall who that person was. So she simply called over Jingzhe, who was known for never forgetting a face:

  “When we came back today, did you happen to notice the young lord from the Duke of Jin’s residence?”

  Jingzhe nodded. “Of course. The young lord has striking features—it was hard not to notice him.”

  “What?” Guyu looked completely puzzled. “The young lord was there today? Where? When?”

  Jingzhe couldn’t be bothered to answer her. She shot her a gnce, then continued speaking to Jiang Fuyue.

  “But the person next to the young lord was unfamiliar to me. I’ve never seen him before!”

  Jiang Fuyue nodded again, falling into thought.

  The young lord of the Duke of Jin's residence appeared carefree and charming, always with a smile for everyone. But in truth, he was a hard man to get along with. For someone to stand beside him so naturally, that person probably wasn’t ordinary either.

  Whatever.

  It had little to do with her.

  “I wonder how the Old Madam is doing…” Jiang Fuyue rested her chin in her hand, murmuring softly, a faint smile in her voice.

  —

  To show respect for Schor Li, the marquis' residence had gone out of their way to refurbish a study in the front courtyard, renaming it Mo Xiang Ju (Fragrance of Ink Residence), for his personal use.

  The courtyard had rockeries and cascading water features, surrounded by flowers and pnts, with a small bamboo grove pnted behind the house. The furnishings were elegant and tasteful, reflecting the care and effort of the hosts.

  When Schor Li stepped into the courtyard and took one sweeping gnce, most of the irritation in his heart instantly dissipated.

  Seeing this, Madam Liu quickly smiled and said, “It seems the schor finds this courtyard to his liking?”

  Schor Li lifted his chin proudly. “Although the craftsmanship feels a bit forced and cks the spirit of true natural scenery, it’s… passable, I suppose.”

  Hearing that, Madam Liu finally rexed.

  The two young masters of the marquis' family were about to begin their education, a matter the Old Madam greatly valued. Schor Li was the most learned teacher they could manage to hire, so she had specifically ordered that he be treated with the utmost respect—any negligence would result in a harsh punishment.

  Madam Liu was the Old Madam’s close servant. While she wouldn't be beaten herself, she’d certainly be on the receiving end of a scolding.

  “As long as you’re pleased!” Madam Liu sighed in relief, quickly instructing the servants to move in Schor Li’s luggage and the rge trunks.

  “The Old Madam has personally arranged a few servants for your use—all clever and capable. Leave the unpacking to them! The Old Madam is waiting for you at Songshou Court and would be honored if you’d meet her now.”

  Though Schor Li came from humble beginnings, someone like the Old Madam was still far above his station. But after what happened at the inn earlier that day, any reverence he might’ve had had long since evaporated. In fact, he even felt a trace of resentment.

  Still, recognizing he was now under their roof, he could only suppress his dissatisfaction. “Very well. Lead the way.”

  “Yes, sir!” Madam Liu eagerly led the way toward Songshou Court.

  Passing through the ornamental archway, they walked for quite some time. Along the way, they saw pavilions and terraces like clouds, rock formations and rare stones artfully arranged among flowering pnts. Servants bustled about, and whenever Madam Liu and Schor Li passed by, they stopped what they were doing and bowed respectfully.

  Just as Schor Li was marveling yet again at the marquis' wealth, Madam Liu turned a corner and suddenly spotted a sneaky figure lurking not far ahead.

  She stepped forward, and as she got a closer look, she realized it was the same servant boy sent out earlier that morning with gifts.“What are you doing here? You’ve already received your reward, haven’t you? Why aren’t you working?”

  The boy scurried up with a fttering smile. “Greetings, Madam Liu! I’ve got important news for the Old Madam! This morning at the inn—”

  “Enough, enough!” Madam Liu cut him off. “Don’t you have any sense? What could be more important than the schor? Wait out here!”

  She didn’t give him another gnce, turning instead to guide Schor Li into the courtyard.

  The Old Madam had been seated in the main hall for some time already. Hair tied high, she wore a gold filigree crown inid with rubies and was decked out in jewels that did lend her a bit of imposing presence.

  Beside her stood two boys, around six or seven years old, dressed in fine robes. Their well-behaved demeanor couldn’t completely mask a hint of impatience.

  As soon as footsteps sounded in the courtyard, the trio looked up.

  Madam Liu entered with a schor dressed in elegant robes and possessing a refined air. The Old Madam didn’t wait for him to salute and instead spoke warmly:

  “You must be tired from your journey, Schor. From now on, you’re one of us. No need for formalities—please, take a seat!”

  Schor Li didn’t stand on ceremony. He walked straight over and sat down.

  A pretty maid immediately brought him a cup of premium Jade Leaf Evergreen tea.

  Schor Li took it casually and sipped slowly.

  Though his origins were humble, the way he conducted himself in the marquis’ residence showed not a trace of awkwardness—on the contrary, his poise and ease impressed the Old Madam even more.

  She decided this man must have great character. Her tone grew more affectionate:“Liao'er, Feng'er, go greet your teacher now.”

  Gu Liao and Gu Feng stepped forward and bowed deeply. “Greetings, Teacher.”

  Schor Li gave a slight nod as a response, without saying a word. Then he raised the cup again and took another sip.

  The two boys gnced at each other, then obediently returned to the Old Madam’s side.

  Many schors looked down on noble households, so even Schor Li’s aloofness wasn’t considered disrespectful. The Old Madam didn’t take offense—in fact, she grew even more accommodating.

  After a few polite exchanges, it was nearly noon. The Old Madam invited Schor Li to stay for lunch and afterward instructed Madam Liu to escort him back.

  She smiled as she watched him leave. But the moment he disappeared, her smile dropped. She sent the boys away and asked her maid to help remove her heavy crown. She leaned back, massaging her temples.

  Moments ter, Madam Liu burst back in, panic written all over her face. “Old Madam! Something terrible has happened!”

  The Old Madam had been resting with her eyes closed. Startled by the noise, she snapped irritably, “What is it now?”

  Madam Liu fired off her report like a machine gun, recounting exactly what the servant boy had tried to tell her earlier.

  When the Old Madam heard what had transpired at the inn earlier that day, her drowsiness vanished. She swept her crown off the table in a fit of rage.

  “That Jiang girl—how dare she?!”

  Madam Liu rushed to her side, anxiety etched into every line of her face.

  “Old Madam, it's already been a whole morning. We can’t keep this under wraps anymore. This concerns the reputationof the marquis' residence! We need a decision—fast!”

  “What decision?!” the Old Madam snapped. “What do you expect me to do—go and sew shut every mouth in the capital?!”

  “Go! Bring that Jiang girl here—now! I must ask her what she’s pying at!”

  The Old Madam was furious. Madam Liu didn’t dare say more and rushed out personally to summon the girl.