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As evening approached, the fine rain in Jiangnan had ceased.
Mei Ruolan stood under the corridor of the Li residence's side courtyard, gently fiddling with the fragrance pouch at her waist, her gaze deep and contemplative.
Today, she wore a simple-colored Hanfu, with wide sleeves and her hair styled in a cascading cloud bun, adorned only by a silver hairpin.
Her expression was serene, yet there was a hint of an imperceptible chill at the corners of her lips.
Qing Xing lowered her head and presented a cup of tea, softly saying, "Miss Mei, do you remember what Madam instructed?"
Mei Ruolan took the cup, her fingers tightening slightly as ripples danced on the surface of the tea.
She replied lightly, "Of course I remember. However, some matters may not unfold as Madam wishes."
Qing Xing bowed her head in silence.
After standing quietly for a moment, Mei Ruolan suddenly chuckled softly. "Qing Xing, do you know what is most difficult to find in this world?"
Qing Xing was taken aback. "This servant is dull-witted and dares not speak recklessly."
"The hardest thing to find is the human heart." Mei Ruolan slowly set down the tea cup, her voice barely above a whisper. "Whether in love or power, it ultimately revolves around the human heart."
Qing Xing seemed to understand but merely nodded in agreement.
As dusk fell, Li Lingfeng returned from outside.
He still bore the dust of travel on him, his blue attire unfastened, and there was a hint of fatigue in his expression.
Mei Ruolan watched him, a strange light flickering in her eyes.
She stepped forward slowly, kneeling in greeting, her voice soft: "Young Master Li, it must have been a tiring day outside."
Li Lingfeng furrowed his brows slightly, nodding with a distant expression. "Miss Mei need not be so formal. There are many matters in the residence; you may act as you wish."
Mei Ruolan suppressed the turmoil in her eyes and smiled brightly at him. "You need not stand on ceremony, Young Master. Ruo Lan is merely staying in the residence temporarily and has already caused quite a disturbance."
Li Lingfeng did not say much more and was about to leave when Mei Ruolan suddenly spoke softly, "Young Master, Ruo Lan has something to say, though I am unsure if it is appropriate."
He paused briefly, turning to look at her with a hint of impatience in his gaze. "Speak freely."
Mei Ruolan lowered her eyes, her expression slightly tightening. "Last night, Ruo Lan happened to overhear the maids in the residence discussing that you did not return to the main courtyard at night. The people are gossiping that the Li family has no sons and that it may be related to the Madam."
Li Lingfeng's expression darkened instantly, his voice turning cold. "Such idle gossip is not worth your concern."
She raised her gaze to meet his, her eyes clear yet sharp. "While you may not care for it, the Madam is kind-hearted and worries daily without anyone knowing. Ruo Lan has seen many prominent families in Jiangnan; without a son, the main wife ultimately cannot escape the fate of having a concubine to bear heirs. However, you and the Madam share deep feelings, and others often speak thoughtlessly. Ruo Lan truly cannot bear to see both of you suffer such grievances."
Li Lingfeng remained silent for a moment, his cold demeanor unchanged. "Since you have entered the Li residence, you should behave yourself. Matters within the household are not for you to comment on."
Mei Ruolan replied softly, yet a hint of self-mockery appeared at the corners of her lips.
She said gently, "Ruo Lan only feels pity for the Madam; please do not take offense."
Her tone was light and gentle, perfectly placing herself as an observer—neither offensive nor eliciting disdain.
Li Lingfeng chose not to respond further and left directly.
Mei Ruolan gazed thoughtfully at his retreating figure.
Her humble identity meant that without a letter from Su Wan'er, she would have never qualified to step into this grand residence.
But now, Li Lingfeng was not only the head of the Li family but also had significant connections in the court.
If she could attach herself to such a person, perhaps her and her mother's lives could change for the better.
She closed her eyes, her fingertips trembling slightly.
Having grown up in poverty with her mother bedridden, she had barely managed to survive through her dancing skills and poison arts.
Now that an opportunity lay before her, how could she resign herself to being just an outsider bought for a night?
As night fell deeper, the main courtyard of the Li residence was dimly lit.
Su Wan'er sat by the window, quietly mending a light blue skirt.
Her expression was gentle, yet there was an unspoken worry hidden in her eyes.
Mei Ruolan quietly entered the main hall and softly said, "Madam, it’s late and the dew is heavy. Why aren’t you resting?"
Su Wan'er looked up and, seeing her, a faint smile appeared on her face. "Ruo Lan has come. There’s nothing pressing tonight; I just can’t sleep, so I came out to sit for a while."
Mei Ruolan walked closer and sat beside her, casually saying, "Are you worried about matters concerning the Li residence?"
Su Wan'er’s fingers paused momentarily as she smiled gently. "Household trivialities hardly warrant concern. Ruo Lan, have you been adjusting well these days?"
Mei Ruolan's gaze dimmed slightly as she replied softly, "Ruo Lan has wandered since childhood; how could I speak of being accustomed? Being by your side is already a form of stability."
She paused for a moment and sighed softly, "It's just that I have some words in my heart that I must express. Would you be willing to listen, Madam?"
Su Wan'er put down her needlework and replied gently, "Though we have known each other for a short time, I know you are straightforward. Speak your mind."
Mei Ruolan raised her eyes, which seemed to be veiled with mist. "Madam, I mean no harm. It's just that tonight I happened to overhear the servants in the manor whispering about how the Young Master has been staying out more often lately, and with no children in the household, they fear you may have to relinquish your position as the mistress..."
Su Wan'er's expression changed slightly, her fingertips unconsciously tightening, yet she forced herself to remain calm. "You need not pay attention to such talk; rumors in the manor are always like this."
However, Mei Ruolan was relentless, her voice low yet piercing. "Madam, though I am humble, I am not ignorant of the world. The Young Master comes from an extraordinary background and is now the head of the Li family. If he remains without heirs, others may not let it go easily. You should think not only of yourself but also of the Young Master."
The corners of Su Wan'er's lips trembled slightly as she suppressed the bitterness rising in her heart. Her tone remained gentle. "Mei Ruolan, you need not worry about me; these matters are for the Young Master to weigh."
Seeing that she remained composed, Mei Ruolan scoffed inwardly but feigned a look of concern. "Madam, please do not blame me for speaking out. It is just that I have seen too many women in Jiangnan abandoned or neglected due to lack of children. You possess such noble virtues; if you were truly harmed by rumors, it would be too unfortunate."
A flash of pain crossed Su Wan'er's eyes, but her voice grew even calmer. "Mei Ruolan, life is unpredictable and fate is hard to defy; there is no need for you to say more."
Noticing a shift in her demeanor, Mei Ruolan seized the opportunity and lowered her voice further. "Madam, if I may be so bold to ask, does the Young Master... have any dissatisfaction with you?"
Su Wan'er's fingertips lightly stroked her knees as a hint of confusion and self-mockery flickered in her gaze.
She recalled Li Lingfeng's promise from last night, and a bitter taste rose in her heart.
She spoke softly, "The Young Master has always treated me well and has no grievances; it’s just... as a family, there are always unspoken difficulties."
Seeing that she had struck a chord, Mei Ruolan's tone became even softer. "Madam, I only feel that although the Young Master is calm and reserved, he cares deeply about family matters. If you could plan a thing or two for him, it might not be a bad thing. I am merely an outsider and dare not speak recklessly; I only hope you will not be swayed by others' provocations."
Su Wan'er looked up at her, tears glistening in her eyes as she offered a faint smile. "Thank you for your concern; you should return to your room and rest."
Mei Ruolan stood up and bowed. As she retreated to the door, she suddenly turned back, her expression complicated. "Madam, I know my lowly status. If I can alleviate your burdens, even if it costs me my life, I will have no regrets."
Her voice was extremely soft and slow, yet it inadvertently placed herself in the lowest position.
Su Wan'er watched her frail figure, a tremor running through her heart.
As night deepened, outside the main courtyard, Li Lingfeng stood side by side with Zhao Ziming.
Zhao Ziming looked at him, his expression serious. "Li Lingfeng, the rumors in the manor have been escalating. Are you truly going to ignore them?"
Li Lingfeng's demeanor was cold and his gaze profound. "Rumors cease with the wise; I know how to handle this."
Zhao Ziming sighed and said, "That girl Ruo Lan appears weak on the surface, but her mind is very deep. You should be cautious."
Li Lingfeng paused slightly, his tone heavy. "If she remains well-behaved, the Li Manor will treat her kindly. If she harbors ill intentions, she should not blame me for being ruthless."
Zhao Ziming hesitated for a moment before softly saying, "Su Wan'er has too kind a heart; one must always be wary of others."
Li Lingfeng remained silent for a while, gazing at the starry sky in the night. His heart was filled with mixed emotions.
He suddenly spoke in a low voice. "Ziming, do you think... there is already a rift between Su Wan'er and me?"
Zhao Ziming was silent for a moment before replying softly, "You know in your heart."
Li Lingfeng slowly closed his eyes, the pain and resentment that had been suppressed within him for so long nearly consumed him.
He thought of Su Wan'er's gentle care and remembered how she quietly shed tears late at night, feeling a wave of frustration wash over him.
Yet he could not deny that the recent estrangement and coldness had created an insurmountable chasm between them.
The night was deep, and the silence in the residence was so profound that even breathing could be clearly heard.
Mei Ruolan returned alone to her secluded courtyard, removed her hairpin, and slowly sat down by the window.
She took out the handwritten letter from Su Wan'er, her fingertips gliding over the paper inch by inch, a cold smile appearing at the corners of her mouth.
"Su Wan'er, you are a clever person, yet too kind. You think that gold and silver can buy you a lifetime of peace, but alas, human hearts are insatiable."
She murmured to herself, her gaze icy.
"Li Lingfeng, you possess power and influence, yet you are bound by emotions. The world says you are ruthless and unyielding, but I will make you taste the bitterness of separation."
She closed the letter, her smile deepening.
"Since neither of you is willing to take action, let me fulfill your desires."
The night breeze began to rise, causing the window paper to rustle softly.
Mei Ruolan stood up, opened the door, and walked lightly toward the main courtyard.
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