Did he say something to you today? Please don’t listen to him. The Master has always been devoted to Young Master and even called off an engagement for your sake.”
Yun Mei lowered his eyes. “He didn’t say anything. I’m just overthinking.”
“Young Master?” Dao’er looked worried.
“I’m fine,” Yun Mei smiled faintly, then fell silent. After a while, he sighed, “If only I were him. If I were Xu Yi, things wouldn’t be like this. I could be with the one I loved.”
Meeting Dao’er’s concerned gaze, Yun Mei forced a smile. “Is the Mistress busy today?”
“I’m not sure, but I heard she was in the account room checking ledgers all morning, didn’t eat lunch, and only went out in the afternoon,” Dao’er answered carefully.
“When did she return? Did she have dinner?” After asking, Yun Mei was surprised at himself for paying attention to her. In their two-year marriage, they had been indifferent to each other.
“Young Master?” Dao’er looked helpless, not knowing when the Mistress had returned.
The silence stretched on. Eventually, Yun Mei felt increasingly uneasy and got up to put on a warm coat. “Dao’er, I’m going to the Mistress’s room. Prepare some refreshments.”
Dao’er was incredulous, “Young Master, now?”
“Yes, now,” Yun Mei decided. “I’ll go alone. Stay here.”
“No, Young Master. I’ll accompany you.”
“No,” Yun Mei’s face reddened, seeming slightly embarrassed.
He dressed carefully, tidied his hair to one side, and was about to leave when Dao’er called out, “Young Master, take this so you don’t get cold.” Dao’er handed him a warm bottle and draped a cloak over him before he departed.
After Yun Mei left, Dao’er stirred the calming grass in the incense burner, anxiously sitting by the charcoal brazier. The Young Master seemed very different today, and he hoped nothing would go wrong.
Yun Mei carried a red lantern towards Jin Yu’s room. The cold wind blew, making the candlelight flicker.
The wind lifted a few strands of his hair, brushing against his face. He pulled his cloak tighter and continued forward.
