Chapter Fifteen: The Jade Pendant Mistakenly Delivered

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In her heart, there was actually a second half of the sentence she never spoke aloud—fortunately, he was a man. If he were a woman with such a bewitching face, she would surely be a dangerous enchantress, bound to stir up countless troubles.

Mo Youli was momentarily stunned, then quickly recovered, letting out a soft chuckle. He raised his hand and put the hood back on, softly asking, “Is this better?”

Luo Ningsang sighed slowly, her eyes glazing over as if lost in a daydream, murmuring, “Ah... if only you could swap places with my elder brother, and be my emperor brother.”

These words were purely a spontaneous flicker of thought, spoken casually.

Luo Ningsang simply considered that Mo Youli was the perfect example of the ideal son in the emperor’s eyes—intelligent, capable, a model for others in every way.

In contrast, her own brother was constantly nagged by the emperor for being useless and was frequently scolded.

If Mo Youli were the emperor’s child, the emperor would probably wake from his dreams laughing.

Hearing this, Mo Youli’s lips curved into a bitter smile, the curve laden with disappointment.

He bitterly believed that Luo Ningsang only saw him as a brother. Their recent close companionship and her attentive care were purely sibling affection, entirely devoid of romantic feelings.

Beneath the hood was Mo Youli’s gradually breaking heart, but even so, he could not bear to give up. Even if he were only a brother by her side, as long as he could be near her, it would bring him moments of joy.

“Our food is good, isn’t it? The shop is giving some snacks as a gift; you two can take them along for the road.”

The shopkeeper knocked and entered, his face beaming with a smile as he handed over two packets of plums.

“The flavors here are really quite good. Across Yan Chi, there are few shops that compare.”

Luo Ningsang praised without reservation, thinking to herself that if it weren’t so expensive here, she would come every day.

She reached for her purse to pay.

The shopkeeper was quick and stopped her, his smile broadening: “Today is my birthday. All guests dining here today eat for free; consider it my treat. I love lively gatherings, and seeing so many come to eat makes me happy.”

This was not entirely untrue. Over the years since opening the shop, he had seen various noble officials dine here, most ordering a table full of dishes but barely tasting them, unlike today’s two guests who finished the dishes cleanly—clearly true admirers of the cuisine.

“Looks like our luck is good today, catching the shopkeeper’s birthday. Since you don’t charge for the meal, this birthday gift must be accepted.”

Luo Ningsang fumbled through her small bag and pulled out a roughly embroidered pouch.

Somewhat embarrassed, she handed it over and explained, “I just found out it’s your birthday and didn’t prepare anything else. This pouch is embroidered by my own hand and is a token of my feelings. I hope you won’t mind its plainness.”

She scratched her head, knowing well that her embroidery skills were hardly refined, but she had nothing else suitable at hand.

“Thank you, miss. This is the first birthday gift I’ve received today; how could I possibly dislike it?”

The shopkeeper accepted it with both hands, holding it close before exchanging a few polite words and then leaving.

Mo Youli watched the shopkeeper leave with the pouch, feeling a pang of sourness in his heart.

After a while, he couldn’t help but say, “It’s my birthday too. Could you embroider a pouch for me?”

He silently resolved to find a chance to take back that pouch. Although not exquisitely made, it held immense meaning for him. Even if it were hideous, it would still be a treasure.

“Don’t be silly. You’re the emperor of a nation; there’s no way anyone would give you such a humble gift.”

Luo Ningsang rolled her eyes, recalling the scene of the emperor presenting birthday gifts to Mo Youli.

According to the emperor, the treasures sent by the Great Qi kingdom for Mo Youli’s birthday were not even considered top-tier. Gifts from other countries, and even officials within Great Qi itself, were rare and priceless, any one of which could astonish the world.

Compared to that towering pile of rare wonders, her humble little pouch was nothing.

“But I’ve never received a pouch before. My mother died young, and no one has ever embroidered one for me.”

Mo Youli lowered his voice, his hoarse tone imbued with an inescapable sadness that pierced Luo Ningsang’s heart.

Her heart softened. After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded and said, “Then I’ll do my best for your birthday. You just saw my handiwork—it won’t be beautiful, so remember to keep it tucked away so no one sees it.”

She thought to herself that she could only try not to make it too ugly, hoping Mo Youli wouldn’t embarrass himself by showing it around.

“Then it’s settled. Don’t forget when my birthday comes.”

Hearing Luo Ningsang’s promise, Mo Youli was filled with joy, never having anticipated his birthday with such eagerness before.

“I keep my word, so don’t worry.”

Luo Ningsang’s eyes curved into a smile as she bounced downstairs, full of energy, saying as she went, “I still have to take you to get the gift I prepared!”

Mo Youli followed leisurely behind, and when no one was paying attention, he quickly made a gesture toward the three shadow guards in the corner.

Their eyes met, and they immediately understood, silently moving in the direction the shopkeeper had taken.

Poor shopkeeper—no sooner had he tucked the pouch into his chest than, before he could examine it carefully, a shadow flashed past, and the pouch was glaringly snatched away.

...

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Shen Shuwan struggled to support Xiao Ze’an. Just as they crossed the threshold of the Grand Tutor’s mansion, Xiao Ze’an suddenly shook off her hand, his face dark with fury, veins bulging slightly on his forehead.

Xiao Ze’an gritted his teeth and snarled, “That Luo Ningsang, how utterly brazen! Her behavior today has completely enraged me!”

“Brother Ze’an, today Sister Ningsang went too far. She’s always been chasing after you, circling around you day and night, so why is she suddenly so heartless?”

Shen Shuwan saw Xiao Ze’an’s sullen face and added fuel to the fire.

“I think she’s got someone else. That woman in red might be her lover.”

Xiao Ze’an raged.

“In this Yan Chi kingdom, in both looks and talent, who can compare to you, Brother Ze’an? Sister Ningsang has been after you for over ten years. How could she suddenly change her heart?”

Shen Shuwan did not believe Luo Ningsang could love another.

Her words restored Xiao Ze’an’s confidence. Indeed, Luo Ningsang could not easily change her affections, but why had her attitude shifted so recently?

For a moment, Xiao Ze’an even feared that Luo Ningsang had fallen for another, though he had never particularly disliked her before.

When one begins to feel curious about a person, cannot help but explore and quietly watch them—that is the beginning of love.

Luo Ningsang understood this perfectly. From the start, she had broken his prior impression to spark his curiosity. Every step of this game was under her control.

Just then, a young servant hurried over, bowing respectfully: “Young master, someone is here to see you at the gate.”

Xiao Ze’an waved impatiently, “Let him in.”

He then picked up his tea cup and took a long gulp, trying to calm his anger.

The servant entered, hands extended with a jade pendant, smiling broadly: “Young master Xiao, this is a jade pendant Lady Luo specially commissioned for you at our shop. Look, it’s a top-quality jade, the material alone is priceless, rarely found even if you search with a lantern!”

Xiao Ze’an took the pendant. It was indeed crystal clear and rare; he had never seen such quality before. The pendant was exquisitely crafted, like the most dazzling star in the night sky.

“This design was drawn by Lady Luo herself. She really put her heart into this for you.”

The servant, a passionate soul, knew Lady Luo had been pursuing Young Master Xiao for years, admiring him and giving her all without winning his heart.

He had seen her buy gifts for Xiao more than a hundred times at their shop. Moved by her dedication, he was determined to speak well of her and do his best to support her cause.

Shen Shuwan stepped closer, lightly touching the pendant, eyes flickering with surprise: “Sister Ningsang, did she say anything? For example... if this is a birthday gift?”

Shen Shuwan found it strange that after such a bitter quarrel, such an expensive gift would suddenly be given.

Could this be the birthday gift Luo Ningsang had prepared for Xiao Ze’an?

“Lady Luo didn’t say, but she’s always been attentive to Young Master Xiao.”

Every word the servant spoke was to advocate for Luo Ningsang.

Xiao Ze’an’s pent-up anger dissipated. He hung the pendant from his waistband.

“I knew her recent behavior was just to get my attention. How could she leave me? No matter how cold her words, her heart is always fond of me.”

He tossed a small coin to the servant and sent him away, his mood inexplicably lightening.

“Brother Ze’an, do you like Sister Ningsang then?”

Hearing this, Shen Shuwan felt a pang of sadness.

“Wan’er, don’t misunderstand. If I had liked her, I would have done so years ago.”

Xiao Ze’an realized his words had caused jealousy and hurried to explain.

“Since you’re free now, Wan’er, I will take my leave.”

Shen Shuwan didn’t want to stay longer. Though Xiao Ze’an explained, her heart still felt uneasy.

“I originally planned to take Wan’er to the tavern, but this delay has thrown off the plan. How about Wan’er eats something here before returning?”

Xiao Ze’an noticed Shen Shuwan’s mood and tried to cheer her up.

“Some friends will come to my place soon, all people you know. We’ll gather at the lakeside pavilion to brew tea, compose poetry, and study together. Wouldn’t that be pleasant?”

Xiao Ze’an calculated the time; the son of the Chief Justice, Master Zhang, and the son of the Minister of Revenue, Master Li, would arrive shortly.

Several men together was dull; having a lady’s company was much more enjoyable.

Shen Shuwan shyly nodded.

“I’ll tell the kitchen to prepare your favorite dishes. Wait for me—I’ll change my clothes and be right back.”

With a lady by his side, the battered clothes he’d been kicked in would not do.

Shen Shuwan nodded and strolled around the Grand Tutor’s mansion. From afar, she spotted a man dressed in moon-white clothes sitting in a wheelchair.

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Shen Shuwan was puzzled. She had never heard that Xiao Ze’an had another brother. Why was this man at the Grand Tutor’s mansion?

“Wan’er, so you’re here? Let me help you find him.”

Xiao Ze’an saw Shen Shuwan nearing his elder brother’s courtyard and hurried to pull her back.

He knew well that as a younger son, he was impersonating his elder brother’s status to the outside world. Because his brother was often ill and rarely went out, this had been kept secret.

He could not let Shen Shuwan discover the truth. After changing clothes, he saw her heading that way and ran to stop her just in time.

“I was just wandering around idly.”

After pulling Shen Shuwan back to the courtyard, Master Zhang and Master Li arrived shortly.

“Miss Shen, you’re here too. Looks like we’re interrupting you two.”

Master Zhang teased as he saw Xiao Ze’an peeling longans for Shen Shuwan, their intimate manner amusing him.

“Don’t tease so much. Please, sit down. This is my father’s prized Longjing tea, which he rarely allows anyone to drink. You’re in for a treat today.”

Xiao Ze’an poured tea for his two friends. As he handed them their cups, the jade pendant at his waist caught their attention.

“Master Xiao, your jade pendant is quite special. May I take a look?”

Master Li, who loved studying such things, was very interested.

“It’s just an ordinary pendant.”

Xiao Ze’an replied modestly, removing it and handing it over.

“Who is the lady who gave you this?”

Master Li teased, glancing at Shen Shuwan.

“This is from Sister Ningsang. Brother Ze’an likes it very much.”

Shen Shuwan rolled her eyes at Xiao Ze’an.

“For so many years, Luo Ningsang has followed our Master Xiao like a loyal dog, giving countless gifts. Has Master Xiao ever cared?”

“Exactly. Master Xiao is such a handsome young man. In Yan Chi, there’s a queue of ladies admiring him. Luo Ningsang is just deluded. The only one Master Xiao respects is our top scholar here.”

“This jade is truly exquisite.”

Master Li stroked the pendant admiringly.

“If Master Li likes it, I’ll give it to you.”

Xiao Ze’an wanted to curry favor with the Minister of Revenue, so he was willing to part with the pendant.

“Thank you for your generosity, Master Xiao. I will accept this pendant.”

Master Li carefully hung it at his waist, his eyes sparkling.

Seeing Xiao Ze’an give away the pendant so readily, Shen Shuwan also felt that Xiao Ze’an’s heart was not with Luo Ningsang. Otherwise, how could he treat her earnest gift so carelessly?

Meanwhile, Luo Ningsang was rushing with Mo Youli to the jade shop.

“Is the pendant I ordered last time ready?”

Luo Ningsang asked a young servant in the shop.

“Don’t worry, Lady Luo. The shopkeeper has been very attentive to your pendant. It was finished early.”

The servant’s face was full of smiles upon seeing Luo Ningsang.

“Great! Please bring it to me.”

Luo Ningsang had worried that it might not be carved in such a short time but was pleasantly surprised at the speed.

“Lady Luo, the pendant has already been delivered to the Grand Tutor’s mansion. I personally delivered it along with your regards.”

The servant was moved, speaking as if touched.

“What Grand Tutor’s mansion? What regards?”

Luo Ningsang’s mind raced but she hadn’t yet grasped what the servant meant.