Chapter 23: Entering the Mansion

“Yun Qinwang, has the young heir been acting strange these past few days?” Chen Si quickly walked into the study, concern evident on her face as she directly raised the question.

“You’re here.” Su Bai calmly raised her eyes to look at the newcomer, then returned her gaze to the chessboard, unhurriedly saying: “Come play a game with me.”

Su Bai and Chen Si were close in age, with Su Bai being only one year older. Though they had a master-servant relationship, their bond was deep, like sisters.

Years ago, Su Bai was forced to enter the palace as a hostage, while Chen Si was a minor medical official in the Imperial Medical Institute. Later, the male concubines in the back palace constantly fought for favor, and the way to gain favor was to give birth to princesses.

Everyone in the back palace knew the principle that a father’s status rises with his daughter’s, so they resorted to any dirty means to fight for the position of heir. The medical officials in the Imperial Medical Institute walked on thin ice, knowing that the slightest mistake could cost them their lives.

Chen Si, having just entered the palace, was inexperienced. Because of her inability to bear children, she faced bullying and ridicule from other medical officials. As a doctor unable to heal herself, the favor-seeking men in the back palace sneered at her medical skills.

It so happened that Su Bai had just arrived at that time and often felt unwell due to the change in environment. Chen Si was assigned to serve Su Bai, and the two hit it off immediately. Chen Si has accompanied her ever since, but due to persecution, she lost her medical skills.

“How can you not be worried at all?” Chen Si frowned, walking over to sit by the chessboard, speaking to herself: “In my opinion, the young heir must have someone he likes. These days, the young heir has changed completely, surely you’ve noticed too. Plus, we know nothing about what the woman the young heir likes looks like or what her character is like. Moreover, the young heir is naive by nature, inexperienced in worldly affairs, and especially ignorant about matters between men and women, so we must send someone to investigate this person! I’m worried the young heir might be deceived.”

“It won’t happen.” Su Bai’s expression remained unchanged as she asked, “Do you want to play black or white?”

“I’ll play black.” Chen Si glanced at the chessboard. She was in no mood for chess now, casually placing a black piece somewhere on the board as she anxiously asked, “How do you know it won’t happen? The world is treacherous nowadays, people’s hearts are hard to fathom. If someone has ill intentions towards the young heir…”

Although there was a rift between this mother and son, Yun Qinwang was particularly attentive to the young heir and would not let him suffer any harm. After the young heir fell into the water and was rescued last time, Yun Qinwang spent three whole days not eating or drinking before the lord’s spirit tablet.

It was unexpected that today she would be so calm. It was truly puzzling.

“It’s your turn.” Su Bai placed a white piece on the board, reminding her.

Chen Si took out another black piece and placed it on the board, her brow furrowing as she asked, “You really aren’t worried?”

“I’m not worried. It’s good if Qingwan likes someone. Besides, you should know Qingwan’s personality very well.” Su Bai paused, suddenly smiling calmly as she returned the chess pieces to the box. “Forget it, since you’re not focused on playing chess with me, go help me invite an important guest.”

A guest? An important guest at that? Chen Si was stunned. This was the first time she had heard of such a thing.

The Yun Qinwang mansion had never had any guests before, except for the current emperor. Even when dignitaries from court personally came to visit, Yun Qinwang would refuse to see them. What guest could there be?

Puzzled, Chen Si curiously asked, “Who?”

Su Bai’s eyes twinkled with amusement as she replied concisely: “Professor Lu from the Imperial Academy, Lu Yuner.”

What! Lu Yuner?

Chen Si suddenly had a flash of insight, her eyes widening slightly as she recalled that “Yun” character and asked, “You already knew the person the young heir likes is Lu Yuner.”

Su Bai’s lips curled into a meaningful smile as she nodded.

That’s right, she had known for a long time. After Hua Ying’s investigation, she learned that Qingwan’s lifesaver was Lu Yuner. To be honest, this Lu Yuner had impressed her.

Ever since Qingwan’s accident, she had sent people to secretly protect him, but she hadn’t expected the child to develop feelings for Lu Yuner… However, it was also time to consider Qingwan’s lifelong happiness.

Chen Si came back to her senses. Yun Qinwang had told her that after saving the young heir’s life, this Lu Yuner didn’t claim credit or ask for rewards, but instead didn’t mention it at all. In this world, there were so many people who loved power and craved authority, all struggling desperately to climb up. How many wealthy and powerful people in the capital wanted to curry favor with Yun Qinwang, only to be turned away at the door?

In contrast, Lu Yuner’s actions were truly puzzling. Was she genuinely without ulterior motives? Or was it all an act?

Since it involved the young heir, she also wanted to meet this person.

Lu Yuner turned to face the newcomer, a middle-aged woman with a kind face and robust build. Judging by the fine silk of her clothes and her proper manners, she was clearly someone who understood etiquette.

She searched her memory carefully, confirming that she didn’t know this person at all, and asked, “Yes, that’s me. May I ask who you are?”

The moment Lu Yuner turned around, Chen Si’s heart skipped a beat, her eyes flashing with admiration. She had been observing Lu Yuner since she got out of the carriage. Wearing a blue robe, from a distance her graceful bearing was evident, her every move exuding a scholarly air.

Especially those peach blossom eyes, clear and pure. If she were to smile faintly, it would surely be enchanting, beautifully captivating.

Her features were exquisite, naturally beautiful without need for rouge or powder. Her lips were red without being painted, her brows green without being drawn. From the inside out, she radiated the gentle elegance of a talented woman, yet with a touch of cool aloofness.

This Lu Yuner was indeed otherworldly beautiful. No wonder the young heir…

Chen Si’s eyes narrowed slightly as she politely replied, “I am Chen Si, the housekeeper of the Yun Qinwang mansion. I’ve come today because Yun Qinwang wishes to invite Professor Lu to the mansion for a meeting.”

Yun Qinwang? A meeting at the mansion?

What was this about? Lu Yuner was slightly stunned. Yun Qinwang wouldn’t invite her to the mansion for no reason, unless…

Qiu Yi was incredulous, her eyes wide and round. This was the unattainable Yun Qinwang! Everyone in the capital knew of her. This Yun Qinwang was a famous and illustrious figure. It was said that many officials and nobles wanted to associate with her, but were all turned away at the door.

Unexpectedly, today she had personally sent someone to invite her master. Qiu Yi’s eyes darted about as she suddenly recalled that the young heir Su seemed to have some connection with her master. It must be thanks to the young heir Su’s introduction to Yun Qinwang.

Seeing that her master seemed lost in thought, Qiu Yi suppressed her excitement and quickly leaned close to whisper in her ear, “Master, it’s your turn to respond.”

Lu Yuner came back to her senses and asked uncertainly, “Housekeeper Chen, may I ask why Yun Qinwang is seeking me out?”

These words nearly drove Qiu Yi to despair. Yun Qinwang is asking for you, so just go! Why ask why? This is a rare opportunity. Besides, doesn’t asking that make you seem ungrateful? How could her master suddenly become so muddle-headed?

Chen Si was slightly taken aback, then replied frankly without any evasion, “To discuss the matter of the young heir Su. Yun Qinwang says you know the reason.”

Lu Yuner lowered her dark lashes, her expression obscure. It seemed this matter had become even more complicated.

Yun Qinwang Mansion.

Lu Yuner followed Housekeeper Chen into the mansion. As soon as they entered, the servants secretly observed them. It was rare for a guest to come to the mansion, especially such a beautiful woman. They all speculated about why this woman had come.

They walked along a winding corridor, taking in the scenery around them. Servants came and went constantly, and in the distance pavilions and towers were arranged in an imposing and solemn manner, surrounded by mountains and embraced by water.

Just as they were about to pass through the back garden, lush with blooming flowers, fragrant with floral scents, and verdant with grass and trees.

“Elder Sister Yuner!” A clear and melodious voice came from afar, the person not yet visible but their voice preceding them.

Lu Yuner’s brow furrowed slightly. This young heir had forgotten his manners again. As a modern person, she didn’t pay much attention to formalities. It wasn’t inappropriate for someone younger to call her “elder sister”, but this was the Yun Qinwang mansion, where distinctions of rank mattered.

She stopped following and looked towards the source of the voice, her expression slightly dark.

Chen Si also heard the young heir’s affectionate and sweet way of addressing Professor Lu. The corners of her mouth curled into a smile as she too stopped walking.

The servants coming and going around them all stared blankly for a moment, then immediately busied themselves as if nothing had happened, though their eyes secretly glanced this way from time to time.

At this moment, as the sun was setting in the west, Su Qingwan was running towards her from the other end of the long corridor, bathed in light. His bright eyes were visibly brimming with happiness and tenderness. The lazy sunlight shone on his body, coating him in a soft halo, brilliant and moving.

“Elder Sister Yuner.” Su Qingwan quickly ran up to Lu Yuner, stopping just in time, slightly out of breath. His eyes were originally curved in smiles, but the moment he saw Lu Yuner’s expressionless face, concealing her emotions, he cautiously corrected himself immediately, “Professor Lu, why… why have you come to the mansion today?”

His gentle voice trembled slightly, his weak gaze unconsciously trying to look at Elder Sister Yuner out of the corner of his eye, his hands nervously clasped together in his sleeves.

After not seeing her for several days, he really missed Elder Sister Yuner… Who would have thought that as soon as they met, he would make her uncomfortable again.

Chen Si noticed the young heir’s instant change, and though puzzled, she immediately went up to him, concernedly saying first: “Young Heir, you ran here so hastily, please catch your breath first. The reason Professor Lu has come to the mansion is because Yun Qinwang invited her for a meeting. It’s just women playing chess together, chatting, having some drinks…”

“No!” As soon as Su Qingwan heard about drinking, he immediately became anxious. He stepped between the two, shielding Lu Yuner behind him. Recalling Elder Sister Yuner’s drunken state in the carriage last time, his face flushed slightly as he said in a soft voice: “Professor Lu… she can’t drink alcohol.” As he spoke, he lowered his head in embarrassment, his voice becoming smaller and smaller.

The young heir’s actions were clearly protective of Lu Yuner, which also surprised Chen Si. She could see the indescribable relationship between the two.

She didn’t think there was anything wrong with what she said. Wasn’t it normal for women to drink together and chat? Moreover, given Yun Qinwang’s refined tastes, she would surely have a small drink.

Unexpectedly, the young heir would defend Lu Yuner like this. But come to think of it, how did the young heir know that Lu Yuner couldn’t drink? She turned her gaze back to the young heir’s flushed face. Could it be…

Just as Su Qingwan was at a loss for what to do in his embarrassment, the person behind him spoke up, “I indeed cannot drink alcohol. I have to teach tomorrow, so it’s not appropriate for me to drink.”