This young master, wearing such a precious ring, had just thrown it down so casually to send a warning.
The man instantly sobered up, a chill running down his spine. When he looked up again, the young master had already taken Chuxue by the hand and entered a private room.
Moments later, the man, with his followers, left in embarrassment, and the commotion in the hall subsided, with men and women alike discussing the incident. In a corner, a man sitting alone, who had been obscured by the shifting lights and shadows, now turned his gaze back, his smile carrying a deep, enigmatic meaning.
The madam had the fragments of jade picked up and personally carried them into the private room. Inside, the air was subtly scented with white musk. The young master reclined on the couch, eyes slightly closed, while Chuxue leaned against his knees. She said something that made him smile faintly, though the smile did not reach his eyes, which remained clear and bright.
“Sir, how should we deal with these broken pieces?” the madam asked with a laugh. “Putting them back together seems difficult, but these larger pieces could be carved into several ear studs.”
“The madam can decide how to dispose of them,” the young master said lazily, then gently stroked Chuxue’s hair, frowning. “Dealing with such people every day must be hard on you.”
Chuxue gave a faint smile; she knew he was inquiring about her redemption, but the more he did so, the more an inexplicable stubbornness grew in her heart. Even though she longed for it, she held back, not asking for it.
The young master, looking at her flushed cheeks and her hesitant expression, seemed to recall something, paused briefly, then smiled, “How about this, madam, could this piece of jade redeem her freedom?”
The madam’s eyes widened at the jade the young master had unhooked from his waist, stuttering, “This… this—”
“Will it do or not?” the young master asked patiently.
“Yes, yes!” The madam hurriedly bowed and said, “I’ll have someone fetch the contract right away.”
Once the contract was transferred, Chuxue stared at him in a daze and whispered, “Master Xia, this deal isn’t profitable for you… Those broken blood jade ear studs could buy this entire Jade Spring Pavilion, let alone your personal jade.”
“Those are just external possessions. Although this madam loves money, I’ve heard she’s never forced you into anything unwillingly. Considering this, letting her profit a bit is only fair.” Master Xia smiled slightly, his gaze lingering on her delicate profile for a long time before he said softly.
Chuxue stood up, bowing deeply to him, “Thank you, Master. From now on, Chuxue’s life and death are in your hands.”
After a moment of silence, Master Xia picked up the contract with his fingertips and slowly moved it towards the candle flame. The flame licked at the paper, consuming it. As the candle flickered, someone outside called out, “Miss Chuxue, someone from the Di Mansion has come, saying they need to see you. Will you see them or not?”
Chuxue was no longer part of Jade Spring Pavilion, so there was no obligation to meet them. She pondered for a moment, seeing Master Xia calmly sipping his tea, and asked, “Master, what do you think?”
“An old friend, perhaps?” Master Xia’s lips curled slightly. “If it’s troubling you, meet with them.”
“The young master of the Di family, known as the Flower King of Luoyang, was quite generous, often coming to listen to me play the zither,” Chuxue said. “They must have come for a performance.”
The visitor was the steward of the Di family. Chuxue smiled, “How are Master Di and Miss Di?”
“They’re well,” the steward replied with a smile. “We’ve just heard that Miss Chuxue has found a good match, congratulations.” He then glanced curiously at the young master, momentarily taken aback by his beauty, unable to look away.
“Chuxue thanks Master Di for his past kindness,” Chuxue said with a faint smile. “What does Master Di need?”
“My lady at our mansion wants to hear your zither again…” The steward smiled awkwardly. “I wonder if now…”
“Is it Miss Di?” Master Xia suddenly asked.
“No, not Miss Di,” the steward laughed. “It’s the lady who hasn’t yet entered the family, living in a separate courtyard. She’s heard Miss Chuxue play and was very impressed.”
Chuxue looked back at Master Xia questioningly.
Master Xia nodded slightly, “If you wish to go, then go.”
“Thank you, Master, thank you, Miss,” the steward was overjoyed and arranged a time before leaving.
That night, Chuxue did not leave Jade Spring Pavilion, waiting for Master Xia’s residence in Luoyang to be renovated before moving in. She escorted him to the door, then reluctantly parted ways.
Master Xia walked alone on the east street of Luoyang. The night was deep, with few passersby. He looked up at the moonlit sky, where stars were sparse and dew was thickening, and suddenly smiled, “You’ve been following me for quite some time now.”
Before his words settled, several figures with wooden sticks charged at him, swinging wildly. A male voice commanded, “Beat him! Beat him to death!”
Though numerous, their attacks were disorganized. Master Xia stepped back a few paces, shaking his head slightly, and without much effort, the four or five assailants were on the ground, moaning in pain, unable to get up. He adjusted his jade crown, his expression a mix of amusement and nonchalance, looking towards a large tree.
