Chapter Forty-Five: Now He Is a Youth

That night was extraordinarily quiet. Lu Ying had never realized how cold the world could be when her younger brother was not by her side, when there was no one else in the house or outside but herself. Only now did she discover that all her courage and strength sprang from the presence of family, from being needed by someone.

On this night, she did not read, nor did she go to bed early. Instead, she lit a candle and, as the wax dripped steadily down, she sat silently, lost in thought.

She had no parents, no kin, not even reliable friends to depend on. Though she knew that she could find A Yun through that nobleman, she was powerless—she simply lacked the strength.

She had no resources, either; she was merely the daughter of a ruined household.

It seemed she would have to find another path. Lu Ying plucked at the wick of her lamp, lowered her gaze, and slowly stood. When she blew out the candle with a soft puff, the bright moonlight outside spilled in through the window, stretching her shadow long across the floor.

The next day dawned with blazing sunshine; the earth bathed in brilliant light, the patches of pale and deep green stirring a restlessness in the heart.

This time, Lu Ying took two gold ornaments from Ping Yin’s collection and went out. When she returned in the afternoon, she carried two sets of silk garments for men.

Back in her room, Lu Ying sat quietly for a while before rising. She slowly undressed from her female attire and donned a set of light silver silk clothes meant for a young man.

When choosing the fabric, she had selected the finest, and the clothes were tailored exactly to her figure. Thus, when she dressed in silk and styled her hair into a young man’s topknot, the reflection in the bronze mirror revealed a handsome youth, with a hint of feminine delicacy beneath his refined features, yet also a spirited, lively beauty.

After examining herself closely in the mirror, Lu Ying opened the door with a gentle creak and stepped outside.

In the courtyard, she did not rush to leave but instead recalled the daily gestures, gait, and speech of the young men she had seen, and practiced them over and over. Only after nearly an hour, when she felt confident, did Lu Ying take up a chess box, gather a few small ornaments, and stride out of her house.

When Lu Ying arrived at the side gate of the Yin residence, the sound of a door opening was followed by laughter: “Brother Wang speaks truly, but as for Lord Lin…” The speaker turned mid-laugh to see Lu Ying, and his gaze fixed on her.

He was not the only one stunned. Following the unfamiliar, elegantly dressed youth out were Yin Che and another young man. All three, aged fifteen or sixteen, wore exquisite clothes and accessories. But at that moment, each stared at Lu Ying in surprise—especially Yin Che, who stood with his mouth agape, dumbstruck.

Seeing their astonished faces, Lu Ying curled her lips into a faint smile and bowed deeply. “Lu Yun of the Lu family greets you, gentlemen.”

Yin Che: “…”

The other two quickly returned the greeting. The youth surnamed Wang gazed at Lu Ying, sighing, “Lu Yun of the Lu family? Truly as radiant as jade, lively and full of spirit.” The other nodded repeatedly, agreeing.

Lu Ying smiled again, modestly saying, “I dare not claim such praise. I have urgent matters and must take my leave.” With that, she turned and walked away briskly.

Watching the slender-waisted, upright youth whose demeanor and appearance were unlike any they knew, the young man surnamed Wang turned to Yin Che and asked, bewildered, “Lu Yun of the Lu family? Ah Che, how is it that I never knew you had such a remarkably graceful neighbor?”

Yin Che: “…” Under the scrutiny of his two friends, he swallowed several times before mumbling, “He didn’t appear much before.” The words came out awkwardly.

Of course, he instantly recognized that the youth introducing himself as Lu Yun was actually Lu Ying in disguise. But what could he say? He was still reeling in shock.

This time, Lu Ying hired an ox cart. After paying five iron coins for the round trip—much more comfortable and refined than a donkey cart—she closed her eyes and rested as she traveled.

A day after her last visit, Lu Ying once again arrived at Harmony Garden. Though the sun had begun to dip westward, its light was still dazzling.

She stepped from the ox cart, her face pale as jade, holding a large wooden box, and walked swiftly to the main gate. Bowing to the two surprised Golden Guard officers, she said calmly, “Lu Yun of the Lu family, here by invitation of the esteemed master.”

The guards exchanged glances, then looked at Lu Ying again. Standing in the sunlight, her skin was fair, her gaze clear, and though her attire was not the very finest, it was of excellent quality. Altogether, she appeared to be a noble youth, as flawless as jade. Moreover, her manner of speech and request to see the master were perfectly natural.

After a brief hesitation, one of the guards nodded. “Please wait a moment, young sir.” Their attitude was worlds apart from yesterday’s. Lu Ying lowered her eyes, smiling softly.

After a quarter of an hour, a guard hurried over, his gaze somewhat strange as he scrutinized Lu Ying before announcing, “My lord says he awaits you at the pavilion where you met yesterday.”

“Thank you.”

Lu Ying bowed, then strode inside.

Soon, she arrived at the spot where she had met the nobleman the day before.

Unlike yesterday, the nobleman was standing amidst the peach blossoms, smiling as he looked at her.

The sunlight was just right, and as Lu Ying walked quickly through the flowers, a light sheen of sweat appeared on her nose, and her fair cheeks were faintly flushed. The coldness that had marked her gaze as a girl was now transformed, lending her as a youth a striking charm that softened her refined features. At first glance, one could only believe that she was a beautiful young man—perhaps a touch too beautiful.

Lu Ying strode up to the nobleman. Meeting his deep, unreadable eyes, she bowed deeply. Then, placing the wooden box beside her, she straightened and clapped her hands, calling, “Attend me.”

At her clear command, two maids hurried over. Seeing that the speaker was an unfamiliar, handsome youth, both were startled.

Without so much as a glance at them, Lu Ying looked up, her dark eyes meeting the nobleman’s, and commanded, “Prepare two couches and a chess table.”

The maids looked to the nobleman for direction.

He had been watching Lu Ying intently and, upon hearing her, gave a low, gentle laugh. “Very well, do as she wishes.”

“Yes, sir.”

Before long, the couches and table were arranged. Lu Ying opened the wooden box, calmly placing the black and white pieces, and spoke in a cool, clear voice: “A board must be square, reflecting the earth; the path must be straight, embodying virtue; the pieces are black and white, representing yin and yang; their arrangement mirrors the constellations. With the four directions set, the outcome lies in the players—such is the governance of kings. Sir, please.”

She neither explained her purpose nor asked for his agreement, nor did she state terms or discuss right and wrong; she simply set the board.

Had she come all this way just to play a game of chess with him?

How amusing!

A flash of light gleamed in the nobleman’s eyes. He gave a low laugh. “How interesting.” He took his seat opposite Lu Ying.