After hearing from Xiao Yue about a temple, she was eager to try her luck, hoping to find a wise monk who could resolve her doubts.
Today, seeing Long Junhao and Lin Bo leave early, Lan Lan found the men’s clothing Xiao Yue had obtained. Dressed as a handsome young gentleman, she looked charming, though slightly short. She left a note and slipped out the back door.
After asking locals for directions, she headed north alone. Walking on a deserted road, she felt incredibly lonely, wishing she had brought Xiao Yue, whose chatter would prevent loneliness.
After walking most of the day, she reached the foot of Li Mountain. A tea house below allowed travelers to rest before ascending.
Inside the tea house, two groups were present: an elegantly dressed gentleman with another person, and two women from official families, accompanied by a maid and two guards.
Her entrance caught attention. She smiled faintly, sat down, ordered tea, and began to drink calmly.
Wanting to rest quietly, she was unexpectedly approached by Liu Jiaorong, daughter of a third-rank official in the capital.
Today, her cousin Liu Xiangrong was visiting the Hongfa Temple to fulfill a vow. Bored, she had brought two bodyguards in hopes of a potential romantic encounter.
Seeing a handsome youth, her desires stirred. He appeared around fifteen or sixteen, slightly short and not fully developed—she preferred shy boys. The bashfulness heightened her sense of conquest. She signaled her maid to invite him over.
“Young master, our miss would like to invite you to join her,” the maid said, blushing.
“Sorry, please tell your miss that I do not enjoy sharing a table,” Lan Lan deliberately spoke loudly enough for the young lady to hear. He disliked pampered women and preferred to stay away.
However, Liu Jiaorong, known for her reputation, couldn’t accept rejection. Infuriated by the young scholar’s indifference, she approached Lan Lan with an arrogant demeanor. “Young master, I am Liu Qi’s daughter, Liu Jiaorong. Would you be willing to accompany me?”
She believed her father’s reputation would sway him, as he managed all scholars’ examinations and appointments. In her experience, many scholars had become her playthings through this trick.
