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墨書 Inktalez
As evening approached, the fine rain in Jiangnan had ceased.
Mei Ruolan stood under the corridor of the Li Residence's side courtyard, gently fiddling with the fragrance pouch at her waist, her gaze deep and contemplative.
Today, she wore a plain-colored Hanfu, its wide sleeves flowing gracefully. Her hair was styled in a hanging cloud bun, adorned only with a silver hairpin.
Her expression was tranquil, yet there was a hint of imperceptible coldness at the corners of her lips.
Qing Xing lowered her head and presented a cup of tea, softly saying, "Mei Gu Niang, do you remember what Madam instructed?"
Mei Ruolan took the cup, her fingers tightening slightly as ripples danced on the surface of the tea.
She replied lightly, "Of course I remember. However, some matters may not unfold as Madam wishes."
Qing Xing bowed her head in silence.
After standing quietly for a moment, Mei Ruolan suddenly chuckled softly. "Qing Xing, do you know what is most precious in this world?"
Qing Xing was taken aback. "This servant is foolish and dares not speak recklessly."
"The most precious thing is the human heart." Mei Ruolan slowly set down the tea cup, her voice barely above a whisper. "Whether it be love or power, ultimately it all revolves around the human heart."
Qing Xing seemed to grasp part of it but merely nodded in agreement.
As dusk deepened, Li Lingfeng returned from outside.
He still bore the dust of travel on him, his blue robe unfastened, and there was a hint of weariness in his demeanor.
Mei Ruolan watched him, an unusual light flickering in her eyes.
She stepped forward slowly, kneeling in greeting, her voice soft: "Young Master Li, it must have been tiring outside today."
Li Lingfeng furrowed his brow slightly, nodding with a detached expression. "Mei Gu Niang, there is no need for such formalities. There are many matters in the residence; you may act as you please."
Mei Ruolan suppressed the ripples in her eyes and looked at him with a bright smile. "There is no need for you to be so formal, Young Master. Ruo Lan is merely staying in the residence temporarily and has already caused quite a disturbance."
Li Lingfeng did not say much and was about to leave when Mei Ruolan suddenly spoke softly, "Young Master, Ruo Lan has something to say, though I am unsure if it is appropriate."
He paused slightly, turning to look at her with a hint of impatience in his eyes. "Feel free to speak."
Mei Ruolan lowered her gaze, her expression slightly tightening. "Last night, Ruo Lan happened to overhear the maids in the residence discussing that you did not return to the main courtyard last night. Everyone is gossiping that the Li Residence has no heir, and they fear it is related to the Madam."
Li Lingfeng's expression darkened immediately, his voice turning cold. "Such idle chatter is not worth your concern."
She raised her eyes to meet his, her gaze clear yet sharp. "You may not care for it, but the Madam has a kind heart and worries daily without anyone knowing. Ruo Lan has seen many prominent families in Jiangnan; without an heir, they inevitably resort to taking concubines. However, you and the Madam share deep feelings. The opinions of others can be quite cruel, and Ruo Lan truly cannot bear to see both of you suffer such injustice."
Li Lingfeng remained silent for a moment, his cold demeanor unchanged. "Since you have entered the Li Residence, you should remain obedient and not meddle in household matters."
Mei Ruolan responded softly but a hint of self-mockery appeared at the corner of her lips.
She said gently, "Ruo Lan only feels pity for the Madam; please do not take offense."
Her tone was light and gentle, perfectly placing herself as an observer—neither offensive nor eliciting disdain.
Li Lingfeng chose not to respond further and walked away directly.
Mei Ruolan gazed thoughtfully at his retreating figure.
Her humble identity meant that without Su Wan'er's letter, she would have had no right to step into this grand residence.
But now, Li Lingfeng was not only the master of the Li Residence but also deeply connected to the court.
If she could attach herself to such a person, perhaps her and her mother's lives could change for the better.
She closed her eyes briefly, her fingertips trembling slightly.
Having grown up in poverty with her mother bedridden, she had barely managed to survive through her dancing skills and poison arts.
Now that the opportunity lay before her, how could she resign herself to being just an outsider bought for a night?
As night deepened, the main courtyard of the Li Residence glowed dimly with lights.
Su Wan'er sat by the window, quietly mending a light blue skirt.
Her expression was gentle, yet there was an unspoken worry hidden in her eyes.
Mei Ruolan quietly entered the main hall and softly said, "Madam, it's late and the dew is heavy. Why are you still awake?"
Su Wan'er looked up upon hearing her voice, a faint smile appearing on her face. "Ruo Lan, you're here. There's nothing pressing tonight; I just couldn't sleep, so I came out for a while."
Mei Ruolan approached slowly and sat beside her, casually remarking, "Are you worried about matters concerning the Li Residence?"
Su Waner's fingers paused momentarily as she smiled gently. "Household trivialities are hardly worth worrying over. Ruo Lan, have you been adjusting well these days?"
Mei Ruolan's gaze dimmed slightly as she replied softly, "Ruo Lan has wandered since childhood; how can I say I've adjusted? Being by your side is already a form of stability."
She paused for a moment and sighed softly, "It's just that there are some things in my heart that I cannot keep to myself. Would you be willing to listen, Madam?"
Su Wan'er set down her needlework and replied gently, "Though we have known each other for a short time, I know you to be straightforward. Speak your mind."
Mei Ruolan raised her eyes, which seemed to hold a layer of mist. "Madam, I mean no harm. It's just that tonight I happened to overhear the servants in the manor whispering about how the Young Master has been staying out more often lately. With no children in the household, they fear you may have to relinquish your position as the mistress..."
Su Wan'er's expression changed slightly, her fingertips tightening imperceptibly, yet she maintained her composure. "You need not pay attention to such talk; rumors in the manor have always been like this."
However, Mei Ruolan pressed on relentlessly, her voice low yet piercing. "Madam, though I am humble, I am not ignorant of worldly matters. The Young Master comes from an extraordinary background and is now the head of the Li Residence. If he remains without heirs, others may not let it go easily. You must think not only of yourself but also of the Young Master."
The corners of Su Wan'er's lips trembled as she fought back the bitterness rising in her heart, her tone still gentle. "Mei Ruolan, you need not worry about me; these matters are for the Young Master to consider."
Seeing that she remained composed, Mei Ruolan felt a cold laugh rise within her but feigned a hint of panic on her face. "Please do not blame me for speaking out of turn, Madam. It is just that I have seen too many women in Jiangnan abandoned or neglected due to their inability to bear children. You possess such noble virtue; if you were truly harmed by rumors, it would be too unfortunate."
A flash of pain crossed Su Waner's eyes, yet her tone grew even calmer. "Mei Ruolan, life is unpredictable and fate is hard to defy; there is no need for you to say more."
Noticing a crack in her composure, Mei Ruolan seized the opportunity and whispered, "Madam, if I may be so bold to ask, does the Young Master... have any dissatisfaction with you?"
Su Wan'er gently rubbed her fingertips on her knee, a hint of confusion and self-mockery flickering in her gaze.
She recalled Li Lingfeng's promise from last night but felt a wave of bitterness wash over her.
She spoke softly, "The Young Master has always treated me well; I have no complaints. It's just... being family, there are always unspoken difficulties."
Seeing that the moment was ripe, Mei Ruolan's tone grew even softer. "Madam, I merely feel that while the Young Master may seem calm and taciturn, he places great importance on family affairs. If you could devise some plans for him, it might not be a bad thing. I am but an outsider and dare not speak presumptuously; I only hope you will not be swayed by others' provocations."
Su Wan'er looked up at her, tears glistening in her eyes as she offered a faint smile. "Thank you for your concern; please return to your room and rest."
Mei Ruolan stood up and bowed. As she retreated to the door, she suddenly turned back, her expression complicated. "Madam, I am aware of my humble status. If I can relieve your burdens, even if it means sacrificing myself, I would do so without regret."
Her voice was extremely soft and slow, yet it seemed to place herself in the lowest position unintentionally.
Su Wan'er watched her frail figure, a tremor passing through her heart.
The night deepened. Outside the main courtyard, Li Lingfeng and Zhao Ziming stood side by side.
Zhao Ziming looked at him, his expression serious. "Li Lingfeng, the rumors in the residence have been escalating. Are you truly going to ignore them?"
Li Lingfeng's expression was cold, his gaze profound. "Rumors cease with the wise; I know how to handle this."
Zhao Ziming sighed and said, "That girl, Ruo Lan, appears weak on the surface but is quite cunning. You must be cautious."
Li Lingfeng paused slightly, his tone heavy. "If she remains well-behaved, the Li Residence will treat her kindly. If she harbors ulterior motives, she should not blame me for being heartless."
Zhao Ziming hesitated for a moment before finally saying softly, "Su Wan'er is too kind-hearted; one must always be wary of others."
Li Lingfeng remained silent for a while, gazing at the starry sky in the night. His heart was filled with mixed emotions.
Suddenly he spoke softly, "Ziming, do you think... there is already a rift between Su Wan'er and me?"
Zhao Ziming was silent for a moment before replying quietly, "You know in your heart."
Li Lingfeng slowly closed his eyes, the pain and resentment that had been suppressed for so long nearly consuming him.
He recalled Su Wan'er’s gentle care and remembered how she had quietly shed tears late at night, feeling a wave of frustration wash over him.
Yet he could not deny that the recent estrangement and coldness had created an insurmountable chasm between them.
The night was deep, and the silence in the residence was so profound that even breathing could be clearly heard.
Mei Ruolan returned alone to her secluded courtyard, removed her hairpin, and slowly sat down by the window.
She took out the handwritten letter from Su Wan'er, her fingertips gliding over the paper inch by inch, a cold smile appearing at the corners of her mouth.
"Su Wan'er, you are a clever person, yet too kind. You think that gold and silver can buy you a lifetime of peace, but alas, human hearts are insatiable."
She murmured to herself, her gaze icy.
"Li Lingfeng, you possess power and influence, yet you are bound by emotions. The world says you are ruthless and unyielding, but I will make you taste the bitterness of separation."
She closed the letter, her smile deepening.
"Since neither of you is willing to take action, let me fulfill your desires."
The night breeze began to rise, causing the window paper to rustle softly.
Mei Ruolan stood up, opened the door, and walked lightly toward the main courtyard.
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