Chapter 111: Revealing One's Identity

On the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, Qiongjiang reopened its doors after being closed for over a month.

Liu Qin had previously discussed with Uncle Cheng that since Qiongjiang had now directly confronted the Fang family, if Liu Qin and her companions continued to appear frequently at Qiongjiang, it would easily draw the Fang family’s attention, leading them to suspect and investigate Liu Qin.

If the Fang family discovered Liu Qin’s true identity, it would spell trouble not only for Qiongjiang but also for the Liu family.

To preserve their strength and trusting Uncle Cheng and Datong, Liu Qin handed over full responsibility for the shop to them. Apart from periodic audits of the accounts by Fang Nuo, Liu Qin would no longer interfere.

That day, Liu Qin once again went to the northern city.

The carriage weaved through the streets and alleys. From afar, Liu Qin glimpsed the bustling Qiongjiang filled with guests and felt relieved. Only then did she instruct Uncle Niu to turn southwest.

Yan Yu Lou, which usually did not open in the morning, made an exception for Liu Qin for the third time.

Qing’er greeted them at the entrance. This time, Qing’er showed no displeasure, perhaps because the New Year had just ended. Dressed in a pink outfit, she looked much more lively and charming.

They did not go to the first room by the stairs nor the chamber where Wei San was recovering. Instead, Qing’er led them through a long corridor to an inner room. Lifting the curtain, she announced softly, “Sisters, they have arrived.”

Besides Jiang Li and Xiao Wu, Fang Nuo noisily followed along. The four entered in sequence.

Wan Yue and Hong Jing were inside, kneeling by a small table, drinking tea.

Even kneeling, Wan Yue leaned back lazily, exuding an alluring charm that stirred the imagination, while Hong Jing sat upright, displaying the posture common to those trained in martial arts.

The two parties were now familiar with each other, so there was no more formal politeness exchanged. Liu Qin softly called out, “Sisters,” and Hong Jing smiled faintly without rising. Wan Yue pointed ahead and said, “Young masters, please sit.”

Four small tables had been set with a tea cup and two plates of snacks on each, with cushions placed for seating.

Jiang Li and the others each found a spot to kneel, but Liu Qin plopped down fully, bending her legs into a yoga pose.

“This is Meishan Yunwu tea from the peak of Meishan Mountain. Young masters, please enjoy.”

She gently brushed aside the foam on the tea. Long tender leaves unfurled in the water, shifting from yellow back to emerald green, tinting the cup with verdant hues. The aroma was fresh and invigorating, filling the lungs. A sip left a fragrant aftertaste on the palate—a truly exquisite tea.

After a while, Wan Yue asked, “Young master, have you come on some matter?”

Liu Qin set down her cup and replied with a smile, “Nothing in particular. Just came to see my sisters.”

Originally, she wanted to express gratitude for Yan Yu Lou’s assistance, but the words changed as they reached her lips. “Also, to let you know that Qiongjiang has reopened today.”

For some reason, she found herself unable to voice her thanks directly to Wan Yue and Hong Jing. Some things were better left unspoken; speaking them aloud would lessen their weight and feel like a desecration to the other party.

Wan Yue and Hong Jing seemed to understand her unspoken meaning. Hong Jing smiled and said, “It is a joyous occasion for Qiongjiang to reopen. As for past matters, young master need not worry.”

Liu Qin chuckled and nodded. Actually, she had another matter to mention. “Sisters, I am not a young master.”

Wan Yue and Hong Jing exchanged a glance. Hong Jing nodded to Qing’er, who stepped outside and closed the curtain, standing guard at the door.

Only then did Wan Yue ask, “Oh? What do you mean by that, young master?”

“My surname is Liu, given name Qin. I am a daughter of the Liu household. Sisters, I do not mean to deceive you; it’s just inconvenient to reveal before. Now that I sincerely befriend you both, I no longer hide it. I hope you will not blame me.”

Hearing this, Hong Jing was taken aback, mouth agape, then burst into a hearty laugh.

Wan Yue’s expression remained calm, though her tone was now faint, lacking its former warmth. “But your family is the esteemed Lord Liu’s household?”

“Yes.”

“Forgive me, miss, but a humble woman like me dares not associate with someone of your status. Please forgive me and do not come again.”

“What do you mean, sister?”

“It’s because I am lowly and unworthy.”

Wan Yue raised her cup, signaling dismissal.

“Sister, you are mistaken. There is no distinction of noble or lowly among people, only different circumstances. Some are born noble but not noble at heart; some are born lowly yet are like lotus flowers emerging unstained from the mud. I respect you both as lotus flowers—pure and noble—hence my sincere friendship. If you insist on distinctions of rank, then I have misjudged you.”

Liu Qin’s resolute words stunned everyone present.

Because no one had ever thought or said such things before.

Unstained by the mud, unstained by the mud.

Wan Yue and Hong Jing’s eyes glistened with tears.

No one had ever treated them so. Those around them—whether flattering, doting, or even loving—had never truly respected their inner selves more than their outward appearances.

Yet these words came from a little girl born into a noble family, who never looked down on them, never considered them filthy, never felt ashamed to associate with them from the start, always addressing them as “sisters.” How could they reject such a profound bond?

Perhaps only genuine hearts could meet genuine hearts.

Wan Yue blinked, turning tears into a smile. “I was wrong. I was too attached.”

“From now on, just call me Qin’er. But please keep my identity secret,” Liu Qin said, giving a meaningful glance.

“Of course. In public, we will still call you young master,” Wan Yue responded, warmly accepting Liu Qin.

Wan Yue’s playful side returned as she coquettishly cast a charming wink at Liu Qin.

Ah, Liu Qin felt herself intoxicated again.

Wan Yue rose and approached an ancient zither, gently sweeping the strings to produce a cascade of melodious notes, like droplets of water dancing.

“Today we have gained a good friend; my heart is joyful. Let me play a piece to enhance our pleasure.”

The music flowed, tinkling and resonant.

Liu Qin could not understand the tune but watched the slender, jade-like hands beneath wide sleeves. The fingers, long and pale as peeled scallions, danced across the strings, plucking and pressing, weaving a stream of notes that poured out like flowing water.

Jiang Li, who had been bowing his head, now looked up, entranced by Wan Yue’s playing. In her music, he saw that distant mountain village from his memories—the quiet yet lively dusk, the setting sun, curling smoke, women standing by their doors, farmers returning with hoes, children laughing and running.

He saw his mother busy at the stove, smelling the aroma of food with a satisfied expression, and his father setting down his scroll, tending the fire. The red flames lit up his face and eyes.

Though their days were humble, warmth and love flowed endlessly.

Xiao Wu gazed out the window with deep, distant eyes, as if wandering somewhere far away.

Fang Nuo held his cup, smiling, but no one knew that tears mixed with his laughter, his sorrow buried deep within, tied to a name.

Father, where are you?

The melody continued, tinkling and ringing, like mountain springs dripping through cliff crevices. Dusk turned to silent night, night welcomed dawn, the sun rose and the moon set, stars shifted, seasons cycled, and decades of life passed swiftly—yet the smoky village of their homeland remained unchanged, the dripping spring eternal, and the figure standing vigil by the door steadfast.

Only when the piece ended did everyone slowly return to themselves.

The lingering notes softly echoed, faintly surrounding their ears.

(To be continued.)