Stretching her back, Zhuo Qing lifted her head slightly and was astonished to discover three or four mature kapok trees planted beneath the courtyard wall by the lake. They were exquisite—tall, robust branches stretched out vigorously, adorned with large, blazing red blossoms in full bloom. From afar, they resembled clusters of flickering flames, their fiery hues blending harmoniously with the emerald lake, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Yet, why would Lou Xiyan's courtyard cultivate kapok trees?
Zhuo Qing stepped forward, gently picking up a fallen flower, lost in thought. Early in the morning, Lou XiwU, having rushed over, saw her still lingering in Lou Xiyan's courtyard and shouted, "Qingfeng, why are you still here? Don't think that just because my brother permits you to stay in the Zhaxing Pavilion, you are truly the mistress of the Lou family. You're nothing more than a concubine, remember that!"
Zhuo Qing kept her gaze lowered, fixated on the flower. Puzzled, Lou XiwU wondered what was so captivating about a withered blossom. She stepped behind her and impatiently called out, "Hey, are you even listening to me?!" Zhuo Qing ignored the outburst, running her fingers along the sturdy trunk as she asked, "Have these kapok trees always been planted here in this courtyard?"
"Do you even know what kapok is?" Lou XiwU was momentarily taken aback but soon wore a triumphant smile. "You're somewhat knowledgeable. Our Qiong Yue has no kapok trees. The seeds were tribute from a small southern border kingdom many years ago. Only the Western Empress Dowager's palace has a grove of kapok. These few trees were bestowed upon my brother by the Western Empress Dowager when he was appointed Chancellor."
"The Western Empress Dowager? Is there an Eastern Empress Dowager as well?" Zhuo Qing asked casually.
"Of course." Lou XiwU lifted her head proudly. "The Eastern Empress Dowager is my aunt."
"Lou Xiyan and the emperor are cousins?" No wonder their relationship last night seemed more than just ruler and subject. Seeing Zhuo Qing's attitude today was less arrogant and, after last night, she wasn't so detestable anymore, Lou XiwU nodded approvingly and replied, "More or less. My aunt has long been the ruler of the Eastern Palace but bore no children. The Virtuous Consort of the Western Palace—now the Western Empress Dowager—was favored by the late emperor and had two sons and a daughter. The eldest son was adopted by my aunt and made crown prince. When we were young, my brother and I often went to the palace, so my brother grew up with the emperor as close as brothers."
Feigning understanding, Zhuo Qing nodded and smiled, "Such a rare tree gifted to Lou Xiyan—then the Western Empress Dowager must favor your brother greatly."
Lou XiwU giggled coquettishly, "Naturally. She even intended to marry her daughter, Princess Chaoyun, to my brother."
Gently stroking the petals in her hand, Zhuo Qing furrowed her brows. So, they are not enemies. Then why send him kapok? Was it accidental, or...?
Her face darkened as she fixed her gaze on the withered flower. Mistaking her concern for anxiety over her own position, Lou XiwU stepped forward and whispered, "Don't worry. Our Lou family is not one to be fickle or to covet power. As long as you serve my brother well, no one will trouble you."
Zhuo Qing snapped back to reality with a bitter smile. Whom Lou Xiyan marries has nothing to do with her! She was merely curious.
Beneath the kapok trees, the two women harbored vastly different thoughts when suddenly a teasing, flirtatious male voice cut through the air: "Tsk tsk tsk, where did this little beauty come from?"
Zhuo Qing and Lou XiwU turned simultaneously to see Jing Sa standing beside a man in white. Zhuo Qing's expression instantly darkened—it was the man who had stirred up trouble back at Niujiazhuang!
Ignoring him completely, Zhuo Qing turned toward the winding bridge beside the lake. Unexpectedly, Qi Tianyu was relentless and approached her. She raised her head, meeting his cold gaze.
Drawing closer, Qi Tianyu noticed two deep scars on the right side of her cheek, marring her flawless, jade-like beauty. From afar, she had appeared in simple clothes, holding a fallen flower, standing aloof and commanding. Up close, the damage on her face was unmistakable. Most women with disfigurements would hide behind their hair or lower their heads to avoid attention, but she was different—her long hair was neatly braided without adornments, and her face was boldly exposed to all.
Especially her eyes—sharp and proud. Their locked gazes made his heart skip a beat. This woman was truly intriguing, and his interest in her deepened.
Blocking her path, Qi Tianyu wore what he believed to be his most charming smile and asked, "So, you're an ice beauty after all. I like that. May I ask your name, miss?"
With a faint raise of her hand, the flower in her grasp fell to the ground. Zhuo Qing responded coldly, "I despise frivolous men. They are unclean."
Qi Tianyu's smile faltered, while Lou XiwU stifled a laugh. She had never seen Qi big brother so defeated before. Seeing his embarrassed face, Lou XiwU kindly said, "Brother Qi, her name is Qingfeng."
Qingfeng. She was Qingfeng. How could her face have become like this? Qi Tianyu's doubts deepened, but he still bowed, smiling, "Miss Qing, I am at your service."
She dislikes frivolity—he must be a scholarly type!
"I despise pretentious men even more. Disgusting." Qi Tianyu's smile froze, looking worse than if he were about to cry. Lou XiwU couldn't hold back her laughter any longer, and even the stoic Jing Sa smirked faintly.
Qi Tianyu felt helpless. Had he offended her?
"What's got you laughing so heartily?" Just as everyone was enjoying the moment, Xue Xianxin arrived gracefully with several maids. Qi Tianyu bowed slightly, smiling, "Long time no see, madam. You remain unchanged."
Xue Xianxin's tone turned mocking, "Oh, it's Young Master Qi. No wonder our XiwU is so happy. Girls shouldn't be kept at home too long!"
It's best if she leaves early. Such a headstrong temper is only fit for a bustling household like the Qi family!
Lou XiwU's eyes anxiously scanned Jing Sa beside her, then she called out sharply, "Second Madam, don't speak nonsense!"
Zhuo Qing raised an eyebrow. Could the young lady be experiencing her first stirrings of affection?
Seeing Lou XiwU clench her fists in frustration, Xue Xianxin teased further, "You're even embarrassed now!"
As Lou XiwU grew more frantic, Qi Tianyu tried to mediate with a smile, "Madam, you must be joking. XiwU is still young. I treat her like a little sister."
"Fine, brother and sister it is!" Xue Xianxin, wary of Lou XiwU losing control as she did last night, walked forward, turning to Jing Sa, "What of Xiyan? Has she risen yet?"
The medicine in the maid's hands resembled the potion from last night. Zhuo Qing considered for a moment and stepped forward, "Give me the medicine."
"To you?" Xue Xianxin turned, circled Zhuo Qing, and hissed, "Do you truly think you are the mistress of this house? How laughable! Last night, I overlooked it because Xiyan was ill. You better behave yourself."
So, it was for the title of mistress!
Zhuo Qing replied indifferently, "I have no interest in that title, but I currently control her medicine."
No interest? Then why does she meddle?
Xue Xianxin sneered, "Such arrogance. Who gave you the audacity to run wild in the Lou residence? Jing Sa, throw her out!"
Jing Sa remained silent. Just as Xue Xianxin prepared to lose her temper, the door to the small building slowly opened, and Lou Xiyan's low, gentle voice sounded, "It is I who gave her the courage."