Chapter 128: Envy

Gradually, Lu Ying awakened from the indescribable complexity and melancholy that had enveloped her. Thinking of the jade pendant, she pondered, "I have accepted the patron’s jade pendant; without absolute freedom, I cannot afford to wait idly." Biting her lip, she asked, "Then how should I reply to the letter..."

Before she could finish, the merchant gave a wry smile and shook his head. "The benefactor only said to deliver this message and letter to Lady Lu. As for a reply, he said it’s unnecessary. Besides, I may not leave Chengdu for several years."

After a few more words, hearing voices nearby, the merchant thought it unseemly to linger too long with Lady Lu and excused himself to leave.

Only after he had gone a good distance did Lu Ying lower her gaze to the envelope in her hand.

The letter was thick, at least fifteen or sixteen pages, written in elegant, refined calligraphy. It recounted in detail everything that had transpired since Yin Che’s arrival in Luoyang. Every word dripped with longing and yearning.

Through that letter, Lu Ying seemed to see the lonely, ink-wash painting-like figure of the young man—pure and handsome—who, amid solitude and countless life-and-death struggles and betrayals, guarded the bright moon and slowly poured out his heart onto the pages.

Each sentence in the letter appeared to have been carefully carved and polished.

...Could it be that love arises unknowingly yet grows profoundly?

For the first time, Lu Ying found herself unable to rest properly for two consecutive nights.

On the third day, just as she opened the main door, she saw Luo Zi leaning against the wall. Months had passed since they last met. He had grown taller, his frame slender and elongated, but a new scar marked his forehead. His robe was clearly worn and tight, giving off an aura of poverty and embarrassment.

Luo Zi seemed to be dozing, his eyes closed, hair on his forehead still damp—no one knew how long he had been there.

Hearing Lu Ying cough, Luo Zi opened his eyes. When their gazes met, his eyes lit up. He quickly approached and, imitating the scholars, bowed deeply to Lu Ying, calling out, "Ah Ying, I’ve come."

The youth’s eyes shone with vitality, clearly delighted to see her. Yet, like Aunt Yang, he appeared more haggard than when in Hanyang.

"Why didn’t you knock and wait outside?"

Luo Zi grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "I haven’t been here long." In that smile, Lu Ying noticed the bluish tint at the corners of his lips—evidence of a recent fight.

Without saying much, Lu Ying invited him inside. "No need to do that in the future. You must be thirsty and tired—have some water first."

She handed him tea. Seeing his restless demeanor, she said, "I have three or four hundred taels of gold on hand and want to start a business. Recently, I’ve also met several wealthy local families in Chengdu with whom I might form alliances. If the capital is insufficient, we can raise more."

She looked at Luo Zi. "What kind of business do you think I should start?"

Luo Zi, about the same age as Lu Yun, appeared far more experienced due to his early assumption of family responsibilities after his father’s death. His eyes darted shrewdly, exuding a certain sharpness born of worldly cunning.

"Chengdu is a big city, with many wealthy people. I think it’s best to focus on necessities—clothing, food, transportation, and lodging," he said thoughtfully after a moment’s reflection. Then his eyes brightened with excitement. "A few days ago, I got into a gambling house..."

Lu Ying shook her head, cutting him off. "Not now. That kind of business must be operated discreetly when the time is right, not openly."

Luo Zi was momentarily stunned. Scratching his head, he murmured, "Then how about opening a tavern?"

Lu Ying stood and took a few steps, smiling gently. "Luo Zi, you’re right. No matter what, we must focus on the essentials of life. Let’s go visit some taverns first."

After pondering so long without a conclusion, she thought it best to explore the taverns with Luo Zi and see if there was a way forward. "Wait here a moment—I’ll prepare."

"Alright."

As Lu Ying gracefully entered the inner chambers, Luo Zi’s eyes glazed over slightly. Scratching his head, he thought silently: Ah Yun is truly blessed. If only I had a sister like her.

Earlier, when Lu Ying briefly introduced herself, despite the few words, he felt the immense power behind them.

He, a young man who had come from Hanyang to Chengdu, had found it hard to build connections or even secure a meal. Chengdu seemed to have everything, but all the opportunities were already occupied. Even beggars had their territories; outsiders could scarcely find a foothold. When hunger gnawed fiercely and he tried to scavenge scraps in the market, he faced fierce competition.

His mother lived with him in a dilapidated Taoist temple. She tried to embroider items to sell, but the prices were mercilessly suppressed—barely half what they’d get in Hanyang. Even the temple was contested by beggars. The night before, when they fought over the temple’s clean, open space, he was beaten, his and his mother’s clothes torn. Now, they only had the tattered robes on their backs.

If not for finally receiving news from Lu Ying, with his mother anxiously waiting, he wasn’t sure how they could have held on.

Yet, feeling the hardships of life in Chengdu only strengthened his resolve to follow Lady Lu. In all the people he had heard of, none was as clever or remarkable as her. Over the years, countless commoners had flocked to Chengdu, hoping to make a name for themselves in this wealthy city. Yet, how many had returned in glory?

And Lu Ying? In such a short time, she not only owned property in Hanyang but also had a home in this precious city of Chengdu, with several hundred taels of gold left over.

He thought that if anyone was destined to rise above the rest, it would surely be someone like Lady Lu.

Often, he found himself genuinely envying Lu Yun.

Today, before dawn, he came to the door several times, hesitating to knock.

He resolved that if he was to follow Lady Lu, he must adopt the humble attitude of a retainer. Unlike his tactless mother, who thought that having been neighbors with Lady Lu and having seen her in poverty gave her eternal seniority, he understood the importance of knowing one’s place.

Lost in these thoughts, Luo Zi saw Lu Ying emerge, carrying a bundle.

She handed it to him gently. "Here are two sets of robes made for Ah Yun. They’re a bit large—put them on for now."

At her words, Luo Zi instinctively pressed his elbow. The robe he wore was his best, yet even so, a hole torn by beggars a few nights ago marked the inside of the elbow. His mother’s sewing was skilled; he thought the repair was delicate and discreet enough to go unnoticed.

Yet, unexpectedly, Lu Ying had seen through it at a glance—leaving Luo Zi feeling utterly exposed and embarrassed.

After a long moment, he accepted the bundle, blushing as he nodded. "Thank you, Ah Ying."

Lu Ying smiled. "We’re heading out soon, so change now."

"Yes."

Shortly after, Luo Zi emerged wearing Lu Yun’s robes.

Lu Ying observed him with a smile. "That looks much better."

The fabric she chose for Lu Yun’s robes was at least medium quality, and the style was the most fashionable scholar’s attire. Though the robe was slightly tight on Luo Zi, the exquisite craftsmanship made him look neat and spirited. The scholar’s robe also dispelled much of his rustic coarseness and awkwardness.

Luo Zi felt the change and straightened his back, walking with renewed vigor.

Compared to his attire, Lu Ying’s own was very plain—a worn scholar’s robe once belonging to Lu Yun. Seeing this, Luo Zi was surprised and asked, "Ah Ying, why don’t you wear something better?"

Lu Ying smiled. "It doesn’t matter to me." She knew her natural grace meant dressing finely would make people think she was a pampered daughter of a wealthy family. How could she then conduct business? People would only see her as a rich target to be exploited.

Seeing Luo Zi’s joyful expression in his new clothes, Lu Ying returned inside.

Soon, she brought out another bundle, handing it to Luo Zi softly. "These are my old clothes from Hanyang. Take them to your mother to alter."

Gesturing for Luo Zi to follow, Lu Ying walked outside, asking, "Do you and your mother have a place to stay now?"

"...Yes."

She glanced back at him. "The place doesn’t matter. Once we find a suitable business, I’ve made arrangements."

Her calm assurance gave Luo Zi an unprecedented sense of support. He responded quickly, "Understood."

Quietly, he muttered, "Ah Yun is truly lucky."

The young woman leading the way moved with steady grace, like a mountain one could rely on, like water that could soothe the soul. Lu Yun was indeed blessed.

Lu Ying paid no mind to Luo Zi’s thoughts. After leaving the residence, they came to the marketplace, scrutinizing the shops lining the street.

She said, "There’s a tavern on this street, and another just around the corner. Within two thousand paces, there are five taverns. The one near West Street posted a notice the day before yesterday—it’s up for sale."

Turning, she smiled at Luo Zi. "Let’s go take a look."

"Yes."

Seeing his nervousness, Lu Ying softened her tone. "Luo Zi, you’re my husband. You’ll have to take on more of these public affairs from now on. I know you’re brave, and we’ve known each other since childhood, but don’t hold back. You can do this confidently—I won’t treat you unfairly."

Luo Zi straightened his back and raised his head, responding loudly, "I understand!"

Satisfied with his answer, Lu Ying smiled.

(To be continued.)