"Jiangnan examinee Lou Bin, greets Madam, greets Miss."
"Mm, Mr. Lou is a guest of my husband, no need for formalities."
Lady Lan spoke with a gentle tone, easing some of Lou Bin’s tension.
It was only then that he slightly lifted his head to look at the two.
This Lou Bin, born in Jiangnan, indeed carried an air of southern elegance.
His features were delicate, and his manner was graceful.
Though currently just a Scholar, with his abilities and knowledge, success was surely within reach.
Hence, Lan University Scholar took notice of him and specially invited him as a prospective student.
An instant sense of familiarity.
Lan Xianya couldn’t quite describe her feelings towards Lou Bin; it felt as if he was someone familiar.
Like someone from a painting, suddenly coming to life with emotions.
However, with her parents present, she dared not ask more questions.
After exchanging nods, Lan Xianya left with her mother.
And Lou Bin followed Lan University Scholar into the mansion.
As they traveled, the scenery outside the carriage passed by like a moving painting.
On normal days, Lan Xianya would be curious.
But today, her thoughts were consumed by that young man.
Perhaps it was because he hailed from Jiangnan, and she had always yearned for Jiangnan, that she entertained such thoughts.
Shaking her head to clear his image from her mind, her vision gradually focused again.
Lady Lan, closing her eyes to rest in the carriage, missed her daughter’s silent struggle.
Had she been aware, many things might have been different later.
In the Treasure House, Lan Xianya showed little interest.
The items were indeed fine, but when paired with the clothing, they seemed a bit overbearing.
The clothes were already elaborate, and with dazzling jewelry, it was hard to know where to look.
So she curiously asked.
"Does the shop have any simpler jewelry, without gold or inlays, preferably with floral or butterfly motifs?"
The owner, accustomed to dealing with wealthy clients, knew that this person was not unable to afford, but had a higher appreciation for craftsmanship.
Smiling, he took out a more delicate set of jewelry from the inner chamber.
It was inlaid with Tourmaline and Dongzhu, primarily designed around the butterfly and flower motif.
Crafted with a jade-like material, all details were meticulously carved.
Just a glance would reveal its high value.
Lan Xianya glanced at it, then at her mother.
Only then did she speak with a hint of delight.
"This is quite nice."
Lady Lan could see her daughter’s fondness and immediately decided to purchase it.
A single hairpin and a pile of earrings would cost a full seven hundred taels.
Even though Lady Lan felt a bit of heartache, she also believed that as long as her daughter liked it, it was worth it.
With all items chosen, the mother and daughter set off for home.
This time, Lan Xianya had a rare feeling of haste to return home.
Back in her small courtyard, the wind passed without trace.
Yet the maids’ whispers added to her curiosity.
"Miss, I’ve heard that a remarkably talented scholar has come to our mansion, praised even by Master." ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novel_fіre.net
Zhuai Yun spoke; she hadn’t followed Lan Xianya out earlier from the mansion.
Otherwise, she would have seen him just now.
Suddenly, Lan Xianya’s previously settled mind revived.
Unable to suppress her curiosity, she asked.
"What did he say to earn such praise from Father?"
"The details are beyond me, but it’s said he spoke extensively about Jiangnan, which Father particularly liked."
Lan Xianya had always been curious about Jiangnan, and now here was someone so knowledgeable, naturally piquing her interest further.
Perhaps she had stayed in her boudoir for too long, but once these thoughts arose, they became unforgettable.
Several nights of restless sleep followed.
Finding a moment of respite, Lan Xianya fetched a plate of fresh fruits, heading to her older brother’s courtyard.
And Lou Bin was there as well.
This was their second meeting.
Beneath the cool cedar trees, Lou Bin was practicing swordplay.
He wasn’t just a frail scholar; his swordplay was quite splendid.
Though not the season for fallen blooms, Lan Xianya watched in awe.
When he finished, Lou Bin finally stopped.
Turning back, he saw someone at the door lost in thought.
He casually wiped the sweat from his brow and approached.
"Lou Bin greets Miss Lan."
"Mr. Lou, no need to be formal. I am here to see my brother and discuss some matters."
"Oh, then Miss Lan is rather unlucky. Mr. Lan has gone out, invited by a friend, and won’t return for two or three hours."
He’s quite resourceful; in just a few days after joining, he became this familiar with Brother.
Even being asked to inform him of the time when heading out.
Lan Xianya secretly thought it fortuitous since she was only using her brother as an excuse anyway.
Seeing his slightly flushed face and the beads of sweat on his forehead,
in a moment of impulse, she handed him a handkerchief, speaking shyly.
"Mr. Lou, wipe your sweat. It’s still February; if you catch a chill and fall ill, it would be troublesome."
Lou Bin was slightly taken aback, perhaps not expecting Miss Lan to do such a thing.
But seeing her straightforward demeanor, he accepted it without hesitation.
"Thank you, Miss Lan."
One a maiden in the boudoir, the other an outside man.
It wasn’t appropriate for them to stay under the same roof for long, so Lan Xianya found an excuse to leave.
Before leaving, she paused, but ultimately refrained from speaking out.
Watching Lan Xianya’s departing figure, Lou Bin held the handkerchief, its faint fragrance permeating his senses, leaving him momentarily dazed.
February days passed slowly, but with the melting of winter snow, all things were renewed.
There was now the vigorous breath of spring.
Lan Xianya, due for selection, couldn’t go anywhere.
And Lou Bin, with two other scholars, also prepared for their exams, seldom leaving the Lan Mansion.
Studying day and night, enduring hardships.
Whether they could leap to success hinged on this moment.
No one dared to be careless.
The handkerchief had long been washed but remained without opportunity to return.
Though Lou Bin harbored no excessive thoughts, in quiet moments of the night, he sometimes pondered.
Two people in two courtyards, with only fleeting meetings, yet bound as an indelible memory in their hearts.
Until four or five days later, a matter came to light.
Lan Xianya was solemnly brought to the study by someone close to Lan University Scholar for questioning.
Entering, she saw Lou Bin, tightly bound, with new bruises coloring his face.
"Mr. Lou, what’s happened to you? Who beat you ?"
Before he could answer.
Lan’s eldest son, standing nearby, kicked him to the ground, stepping on his face and harshly said.