Chapter Eleven

A careless stroke had left the page in utter disarray.

Xie Linxu looked up and saw that Song Xingyue was still seated in the same spot, unmoved. He spoke softly, “You should go back and rest first; I still have some things to attend to.”

Song Xingyue shook her head and replied, “I’ll wait for you.”

She had to wait here for him; if she didn’t, he might just fall asleep right there in the study again.

Xie Linxu said, “I’ll be late.”

“That’s all right. I want to wait for you.”

He was too weary to argue further. If she wanted to wait, then let her. After a while, she would tire of it and stop coming.

Waiting idly was dull for Song Xingyue, so she rose and tidied the bookshelf. But the shelf was already immaculate, carefully arranged by someone else. Any meddling on her part would only make it worse. She moved to the window, intending to water the lotus plants, but seeing no need, she refrained. Then she approached Xie Linxu’s desk and ground some ink for him. Beyond that, there was nothing else to pass the time.

She glanced at the bookshelf and asked, “Changzhou, may I look at your books?”

“Be my guest,” he replied.

Finding a way to occupy herself, Song Xingyue happily began browsing. Before the grand huanghuali bookshelf, she randomly picked up a copy of the “Records of Transmission and Learning.” Usually, she would read simple tales to pass the time, but there was none here. The “Records” quickly made her drowsy.

Time slipped by unnoticed, as did the time waiting for Xie Linxu. Eventually, exhaustion overcame her, and she collapsed asleep with her head on the table.

The long night was silent, save for the endless symphony of rain and insect chirps. Inside, even the sound of turning pages had ceased.

Xie Linxu looked up and saw Song Xingyue had fallen asleep at the desk, unaware of when she had dozed off.

Her head resting on the table, her neck would soon ache from the posture.

Rising, he moved beside her.

She seemed utterly exhausted; her breathing was heavy, and her brows were slightly furrowed.

Her closed eyes framed by thick, curled lashes cast a shadow beneath them. A few stray strands of hair lay still against her cheek, lending a rare tranquility to her expression.

Just moments ago, she had been restless, pacing here and there. Now, overcome by sleep, she was finally still.

Xie Linxu bent down, gently lifting her in his arms and carrying her toward the bed behind the folding screen. His movements were careful and light, yet as he laid her down, Song Xingyue half-awoke.

“Alang...” she murmured, clinging to his collar in a daze. Her usually clear, gentle voice now thick with sleepiness and reluctant affection.

“I’m here,” he replied.

Hearing his voice seemed to calm her; she loosened her grip with a soft “hm,” then turned her head and fell asleep again.

Xie Linxu knelt to remove her embroidered shoes, adjusted her position on the bed, and straightened her head.

Finally, he reached for a quilt and draped it across her abdomen.

Song Xingyue had a peculiar habit when sleeping: she never liked her belly area to be uncovered. Even when hot and sweaty, she would stubbornly pull the quilt back over that small patch, as if guarding a treasure, refusing to let it catch cold.

Amused, Xie Linxu teased her quietly a few times while she slept, pulling the quilt away only to have her tug it back.

He gave up on further mischief. Originally intending to return to his work, he found himself growing drowsy. He blew out the lamp and lay down beside her.

*

The dawn’s light brushed over the white jade screen. Song Xingyue woke to find Xie Linxu still absent. Glancing at the screen lantern and the surroundings, she knew he had spent the night in the study.

Recalling the previous evening, she must have dozed off while reading, her head tilting as she fell asleep.

It was likely Xie Linxu who had carried her to the bed.

She thought no more and rose.

Having obtained his promise the night before, the following days brought her much happiness.

*

During the day, when free, she busied herself with embroidery at home. At night, she still went to the study to wait for him, inevitably spending the night there.

Xie Linxu seemed to find this troublesome, never expecting her to be so persistent. Growing impatient, he said, “You never last long waiting. Why not just go back and sleep comfortably?”

She shook her head and smiled, “No, as long as you’re here, I’m comfortable.”

He warned her, “If you keep this up, I’ll be too busy at Mid-Autumn Festival to take you out.”

She was always like this—her actions and manner unpredictable and unrestrained.

Refusing to rest in a proper room, waiting until she fell asleep only to cling onto him again.

Her words made him purse his lips tightly; finally, she whispered shyly, “I can’t sleep alone... Changzhou, stay with me, or let me stay with you.”

Xie Linxu glanced at her, “Speak plainly. Why do you have to sound so clingy?”

Her head throbbed a little—why did he have to control even how she spoke?

He wanted her to be assertive, so she straightened her neck and said seriously in a steady voice, “I’ll wait for you. This time, I won’t fall asleep first.”

Around midnight, they finally returned to their room, no longer resting in the study.

After lying down, Song Xingyue was utterly exhausted but still clung to his chest, “Alang, don’t tire yourself out. What will I do if you get sick?”

In the deep, quiet night, Xie Linxu rarely spoke without a cold expression or a subdued tone.

He said, “After the autumn examination, the Ministry of Personnel has a major project before year’s end.”

Recently, Ji Jianyun had returned to the capital. Emperor Jingning resumed early court sessions and began discussing the reconstruction of Taoist temples. Petitions poured in, and the prime minister refused to let Xie Linxu return to the Hanlin Academy. But as the Academy’s teaching official, his duties could not be neglected. One man had to do the work of two, and even the strongest would find it overwhelming.

Moreover, the major project was only three years away, so no work could slacken.

Previously, he had purposely stayed out, sulking over Song Xingyue, but later, he was genuinely busy.

Song Xingyue understood his meaning. He wanted to earn a favorable assessment in this project to advance sooner from the Hanlin Academy. But it was exhausting. She said, “You’re already exceptional. Don’t work so hard; you’ll wear yourself out.”

Fearing he wouldn’t believe her, she repeated softly, “Really, Alang, you’re very impressive... very impressive indeed.”

Xie Linxu disliked hearing people strain their voices, mumble, or act coquettishly.

He was cold and ruthless like an uncarvable jade, harshly rejecting all he disliked.

Someone like Song Xingyue was impossible for him to like.

They were too different.

There was nothing about the other that could inspire affection.

He did not like her.

She did not like him.

Yet, those vague words reached his ears and made the skin around his ear and the vein leading to his heart tingle.

After a long pause, he laughed softly from his throat and asked, “If I were not outstanding, if I were not the heir apparent, would you have lain on my bed back then?”

Did she also drug others? Anyone who could be climbed onto, she could seduce?

Now that Ji Jianyun had returned, was her heart unsettled again?

For two years, Xie Linxu had always asked himself this, always wanting to drag her to answer.

But what use was asking?

She would always dodge with jokes and nonsense, never speaking sincerely, easily brushing those matters aside.

He finally asked this question in the dead of night, but Song Xingyue, overwhelmed by sleep, passed out again. The question remained unanswered.

*

The fifteenth day of the Mid-Autumn Festival arrived unhurriedly.

Tonight the moon was exceptionally full, hanging high and clear. A thin veil of mist wrapped the bright orb like gauze, the carved dragon tiles, blue stone steps, and the winding corridors all draped in translucent moonlight. The illustrious Duke’s mansion resembled a celestial terrace.

Maidservants moved about beneath the corridors, carrying trays piled with fruits and dishes. Nearby, glass cups held crab roe mooncakes with the Xie family crest delicately embossed—intricate and exquisite.

A family feast was arranged at the Rongming Hall, gathering members of the Xie family’s first and second branches, along with the matriarch.

The banquet had been prepared under Jingxi’s orders. Though Song Xingyue had been part of the family for over two years, there was still no sign she was being taught household matters. Even a family feast was not entrusted to her.

Clearly, Jingxi still refused to accept her as a daughter-in-law.

Rarely gathered together, the Xie family made the most of the occasion. Xie Xiu and the second young master drank heartily, while the two madams whispered to each other, their topics unknown.

The young members, similar in age, sipped fruit drinks and talked about where they might stroll later. The second branch’s concubines and several children were present. Huang Xiangtang chatted and laughed with the second branch’s daughters-in-law. The matriarch sat in the main seat, eyes sparkling faintly with amusement.

The cool, yellowed moonlight crept in along the windowsill, and at this moment, even the chirping of autumn insects fell silent. Fragmented moonlight danced across the hall. Tonight, the household was lively.

Song Xingyue sat quietly beside Xie Linxu, quietly partaking in the meal.

He disliked talking while eating, so she kept silent with him.

Lost in thought, she ate mechanically, her mind filled with anticipation of their upcoming outing.

Xie Linxu was always busy, and even when free, never considered accompanying her.

Now, with this rare chance, how could she not be joyful?

Thinking of their impending stroll, her spirits lifted, and her appetite improved. After the meal, she slowly bit into a piece of mooncake.

At that moment, the seldom-speaking matriarch spoke.

She looked at Jingxi and asked, “Was this feast prepared by Xu gege’s wife?”

Jingxi paused, puzzled by the question’s meaning, but answered truthfully, “I organized it.”

The matriarch doubted, “Xu gege’s wife has been married here over two years. Why hasn’t she helped you? Are you reluctant to put her to work, treating her like a treasure?”

Half teasing, half questioning, the room gradually fell silent upon hearing this.

Everyone knew Song Xingyue’s position in the Xie household and why Jingxi avoided involving her. Song Xingyue herself knew, so how could the matriarch not?

Now that the question was raised, it carried a tone of feigned ignorance.

Jingxi’s expression faltered but she held back from snapping back.

No one could guess the matriarch’s true intent. The matriarch then smiled and said, “I’m tired now. You all continue eating; I’ll go rest.”

Jingxi rose, “I’ll see mother back.”

She was curious how, after merely sending a message to the matriarch, Song Xingyue had managed to win her favor.

Truly, smooth words and cunning could easily sway hearts.

With this thought, Jingxi shot a glance toward Song Xingyue before following the matriarch out.

Xie Xiu, having served as an official for years, understood Jingxi well. He called out, “Suìqǐ, don’t make mother angry!”

Jingxi retorted, “Thanks for the reminder!”

After this, the atmosphere grew awkward; the remaining guests fell silent.

Song Xingyue felt uneasy, knowing she had caused discomfort.

Just then, Xie Linxu spoke, “Yue and I will go out first. Father, uncles, and aunts, please enjoy your meal.”