Chapter 52 Harmony of a Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the P

u instead. Are you touched"Yun Qianyue looked at Nan Lingrui’s fan as it opened and closed before her eyes, familiar lines flashing past momentarily. She thought about what connection he had with her....Chapter 52: A Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix

How long has it been since she last saw Ye Tianyi

Yun Qianyue felt like it had been a very long time. It seemed that from some point in time, she no longer wanted to think about him. Now, seeing this face again made her feel rather unfamiliar. Even the features on his face, which once resembled those of Xiao Qi (Seventh Young Miss), were now completely unrecognizable; everything was strange.

Ye Tianyi landed gracefully and paused when he saw Yun Qianyue's swollen red eyes and traces of tears on her face.

Yun Qianyue's thoughts wavered as she seemed to want to search through her memories for the fragments related to this person who had been entangled with her life over the years. Unfortunately, after a moment, she could not recall anything and decided to give up on that idea. She then looked at Ye Tianyi, who was staring at her in shock, and said coolly, "Seventh Prince, are you here for the Mid-Autumn Festival"

Ye Tianyi snapped out of his daze; he was hurt by Yun Qianyue's cold tone and gaze. He stepped forward with a hoarse voice, "Qianyu!"

"Seventh Prince, I suggest you stop here! This is the Snow Moon Pavilion, not your residence." Yun Qianyue spoke in an icy tone.

Ye Tianyi's steps faltered; he seemed to be wounded by Yun Qianyue's cold expression and tone. "Qianyu, when did you become so indifferent towards me In my eyes, am I now a complete stranger Or have I even fallen below the status of being a stranger"

"Those who are not on the same path do not plan together. Seventh Prince, please leave! Do not come back in the future!" Yun Qianyue ignored Ye Tianyi's hurt and pointed westward with her hand, saying coldly, "Or perhaps you just entered the wrong residence The Seventh Prince’s mansion is over there."

"Very well, 'those who are not on the same path do not plan together.' Qianyu, with whom have your paths aligned" Ye Tianyi's wounded expression suddenly turned cold. "After ten years of knowing each other, you just toss me aside Because I wanted to love you and failed to do so, did this make it okay for you to treat me like this Or even refuse to give me a good face again"

"Ye Tianyi, all these years, the curtain hiding our entanglements merely revealed mutual concealment. We never truly shared our hearts with each other. What I want and what you want are clear to both of us; why must you come here to speak about it Indeed, we are not on the same path and do not plan together. My words were correct."

"Heh, all these years, mutual concealment You speak so lightly. Actually, I was just a fool who got played around with and deceived by you in every way. Now that you've found someone to replace him in your heart, you quickly cut off ties with me like tangled threads, is that right" Ye Tianyi suddenly gave a bitter, cold laugh.

Yun Qianyue's expression slightly changed.

"The Crown Prince of the Eastern Sea Kingdom, Yu Zishu The person you've been yearning for all these years, who can recite the Communist Manifesto Is he the one you sought from childhood" Ye Tianyi slowly approached Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue's eyelids flickered as she thought that it wasn't strange for Night Qingran (Night Tianren) to know about what happened between her and Yu Zishu in River Valley County. She looked at Ye Tianyi, who was approaching, and said coldly, "So what if I am When I was young, I did mistake you for him, but that was only when I was very little. Later on, I clearly distinguished the two of you; he is not like you. All these years, I believe I have been kind to you as much as possible without offending you in any way. You don't need to blame me because of this."

"Is that so Indeed, you've treated me with utmost kindness and righteousness. But why must you treat me with such kindness" Ye Tianyi approached step by step; the dusty scent from him followed as he neared Yun Qianyue's face. "Now what Your kindness has run out, so it’s time to throw me away Do you feel tired of me or have found someone else worthy of your utmost kindness and righteousness, thus discarding me"

Yun Qianyue frowned and said coldly, "Seventh Prince, please stop! This is the Snow Moon Pavilion."

"Stop" Ye Tianyi suddenly laughed. His gaze was filled with bitterness, hurt, pain, sharpness, and resentment; he did not stop but instead walked rapidly towards Yun Qianyue, his eyes fixed on her, "If I refuse to stop What will you do then"

"Ling Lian, Yi Xue, Mo Li! Escort him out!" Yun Qianyue remained standing still and said in a cold voice.

As soon as she spoke, Ling Lian and Yi Xue, who had been standing by her side, rushed forward to block Ye Tianyi. At the same time, a figure dressed in black clothes appeared from the shadows—this was Mo Li.

Ye Tianyi looked at the three people blocking Yun Qianyue's path and suddenly burst into laughter. His laugh echoed through the Snow Moon Pavilion, sounding desolate and like something had broken.

"Seventh Prince, please leave!" Ling Lian watched Ye Tianyi warily and spoke to send him off.

Yun Qianyue looked at Ye Tianyi indifferently. He still wore the azure brocade robe but was visibly thinner due perhaps to his continuous efforts in flood control with Rong Jing. She suddenly remembered a few months ago when he returned from the northern border, and their meeting stopped by Cloud Mist Mountain; Rong Jing had gone to greet him, while she heard the soft sound of snow falling inside her carriage that seemed beautiful compared to this desolate laugh now. She turned away, not wanting to look at him anymore.

"Every year on Mid-Autumn Festival, I would send you a gift; it's no different this year. Returning from afar, I wanted to personally deliver the gift for peace... but even such an opportunity is denied me by your stinginess with your kindness." Ye Tianyi stopped laughing and his voice turned cold, "From now on, am I truly just a stranger in your eyes Tell me!"

Yun Qianyue pursed her lips and turned to look at him straight in the eye, answering simply: "Yes."

Yitian Yi's body trembled slightly, and a faint green glow seemed to flicker across his forehead. As he stared at Yun Qianyue’s face without flinching, she didn’t avoid looking back into his eyes either. After a moment, he suddenly sneered coldly, "Very well! This is your choice, so I will tell you my decision."

Yun Qianyue clearly saw all the emotions fade from Yitian Yi’s eyes, replaced by determination. Her heart grew cold.

"Qianyue Yun, starting today, I decide that I must marry you! Even if it means taking you by force or risking life and death, you will belong to me." Yitian Yi left a sentence in the air before flinging his sleeve away, a flash of light appearing in his hand as he hurled it straight at Yun Qianyue. He then turned and quickly floated out of Qianyue Hall.

Qinglian, Yixue, and Molie were all startled. They all reached out to intercept the cold beam flying towards Yun Qianyue. However, its speed was too fast and it had great momentum; they all retreated a step after being pushed back by it as soon as they tried to block it.

Even if it didn’t strike her in the face and wasn’t particularly lethal, half of her hair would probably be cut off. Qinglian and Yixue simultaneously cried out, "Miss!"

Yun Qianyue was almost stunned by Yitian Yi’s resolute aura and words alone; she couldn’t avoid such a fast object even if she tried to.

In that critical moment, an arm stretched in front of Yun Qianyue. A thick mist appeared as it swirled, followed by the sound of tearing fabric and a muffled groan before several bells fell with a clattering sound.

Yun Qianyue was startled awake and looked up to see a pale young man holding his arm standing some distance away. A faint mist surrounded him as blood dripped from his hand, staining the bluestone on the ground red. Her expression changed slightly; she had never seen his face before but recognized his aura immediately. She asked hurriedly, "Qingying, are you alright"

Qingying withdrew from the thick mist that protected him and pursed his lips as he shook his head, "It’s just a small injury, I’ll be fine!"

"How can it be just a minor injury Let me take a look at you!" Yun Qianyue walked over to Qingying.

“I am truly unharmed! It is indeed only a minor wound. Miss Qianyue, there’s no need for concern! I shall now take my leave!” Qingying took a step back and shook his head at Yun Qianyue as he spoke; without waiting for her response, his figure turned into a cloud of mist before dissipating.

Yun Qianyue watched Qingying’s departing form frown slightly. She looked down at the object that had fallen to the ground and saw it was a set of wind chimes connected by two rings. These particular wind chimes were unique, producing clear and pleasant sounds when blown by the wind, like a hundred birds singing. She recalled she’d once mentioned these singing wind chimes to Yitian Yi, noting there used to be such things created by a genius a century ago. She had joked that if she could find one, she would hang it above her bed for daily listening. This must have been the wind chime he referred to! Such unique items were not available in stores. Her lips tightened as she stared silently at the lying wind chimes.

Qinglian and Yixue both visibly relaxed when they saw Yun Qianyue was unharmed; Molie’s expression darkened, feeling useless after being called by his master for the first time since returning from the South Frontier where he’d been recuperating. None of them spoke.

"A Hundred Birds Welcome Phoenix Chime! The Seventh Prince has shown great thoughtfulness!" Rong Jing’s voice suddenly rang out behind her.

Yun Qianyue turned and saw that Rong Jing had somehow appeared at the doorway. He was currently looking at the lying wind chimes, his jade-like face expressionless. She released her pursed lips and asked him, "How did you get up Go back to bed and rest!"

Rong Jing turned away from the wind chime and smiled warmly at Yun Qianyue, "I’m not that weak!"

"You know very well what my situation is! Get back in bed quickly. I just woke you up; I won’t let anyone else do so again." Yun Qianyue turned around and reached out to push him back to rest. Yitian Yi’s arrival had made such a commotion that he couldn't have remained asleep.

Rong Jing stood his ground, looking at the wind chimes on the floor again as he told Yun Qianyue, "This is an excellent ancient item; it would be a pity to throw it away! Returning it isn’t necessary either!"

Yun Qianyue frowned and looked up at Rong Jing’s expression.

"Put it away then," Rong Jing met Yun Qianyue’s gaze again as he said.

"This is something given by Yitian Yi; since we no longer have anything to do with each other, why should I keep his things" Yun Qianyue shook her head in disagreement.

"What does it matter that these are gifts from Yitian Yi If it’s a good thing, then take them! What matters is not what you have but your heart. Besides, don’t you like wind chimes This one is the best!" Rong Jing looked at Yun Qianyue, "Moreover, you’ve already kept many of his things over the years; this wouldn't be a problem."

Yun Qianyue stared at Rong Jing’s face and saw no unusual signs. She reached out to touch his head, asking, "You’re not running a fever, are you"

Rong Jing grabbed Yun Qianyue's hand and shook his head with a smile, “Of course not!”

"Have your injuries caused brain damage I don’t recall you ever being so generous before!" Yun Qianyue murmured under her breath. Normally, he would have been the first to throw this out.

"It's just a matter of course. Besides, he threatened to take you by force, so I look at this wind chime every day as a reminder and keep an eye on you." Rong Jing's gaze turned towards the wind chime in the courtyard, his expression calm.

Yun Qianyue thought of Night Tianyi's words earlier. Her lips tightened. Would she still feel the same about him if she had known things would turn out this way The answer was unknown. After all, these years of blank time were filled by him, whether it be with black, white, or colorful moments. Even though they are now like strangers to each other, Night Tianyi has been an indelible presence in her life, and will always be a river of memory in her heart. Even if she wants to deliberately forget him, what she can only forget are the fragments of the past; she cannot forget that person.

"Pick it up!" Rong Jing reached out to touch Yun Qianyue's face tenderly.

"Ling Lian, pick it up," Yun Qianyue instructed Ling Lian.

Ling Lian hurriedly complied and walked over to pick up the wind chime and handed it to Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue took it with her hand and shook it gently, making a clear and pleasant sound. Listening closely, indeed like birds singing, each gust of wind made different sounds, large or small winds producing different tones. She turned her head to Rong Jing and asked, "It's said that if you speak to it, it can remember your words, is this true"

"You could try," Rong Jing replied.

Yun Qianyue looked down at the wind chime in her hand and suddenly said to it, "I miss Rong Jing."

Rong Jing was slightly startled.

"I-miss-Rong-Jing," the wind chime seemed to have decoded a few notes, making tinkling sounds. Listening closely, indeed were such tones.

Yun Qianyue was delighted and said, "It really can remember!"

Rong Jing's beautiful face lit up with a smile as he hugged Yun Qianyue in his arms, resting his head on her shoulder, whispering softly, "Yun Qianyue, what did you just say Can you repeat it"

Yun Qianyue blinked and said, "What did I just say"

"If you don't say it, I will kiss you here," Rong Jing whispered in her ear with a low voice only they could hear. He glanced at Ling Lian and Yi Xue. Yun Qianyue's face turned red as she whispered back to Rong Jing, then spoke to the wind chime again, "I miss Rong Jing."

"I-miss-Rong-Jing," the wind chime repeated in a pleasant tone.

Satisfied, Rong Jing let go of Yun Qianyue and took the wind chime from her hand. He then said to it, "Rong Jing misses Yun Qianyue."

"Ro-ng-Jing-mi-ses-Yu-nQian-yue," the wind chime repeated the fragmented tones.

"How childish!" Yun Qianyue laughed, and that laughter dispelled the gloom Night Tianyi had brought her.

Rong Jing's smile spread as his gaze turned to Mo Li who was standing with bowed head in the courtyard. He said to Yun Qianyue, "You've been neglecting your bodyguard! Clearly a jade, but you use him like brick and mortar. Why don't you give him to me"

Mo Li was startled by his words, lifting his head slightly to look at Rong Jing.

Yun Qianyue looked at Mo Li, clearly seeing the fleeting shadow of gloom on his face. She did not answer Rong Jing and smiled as she asked Mo Li, "Are you healed Your last injury was too severe; your arm is less flexible now"

The force from Night Tianqin's wind chime was indeed great, but by Mo Li’s abilities, he shouldn't need Qing Ying to defend him. He likely hasn’t fully recovered due to the severity of his previous wound.

"Replying Miss, I'm healed!" Mo Li lowered his head.

"I've been unfair to you over these years! As Rong Feng said, I am somewhat arrogant and accustomed to relying on myself; I never got used to depending on others. So often, I forgot about you." Yun Qianyue rubbed her forehead with her hand. "Since Rong Jing wants you, why don't you follow him from now on How does that sound"

Mo Li bowed his head and did not respond.

"I value his life more than my own," Yun Qianyue added.

When Mo Li heard this, he suddenly knelt down on one knee and said solemnly, "Thank you, Prince Jing! Mo Li is willing!"

"Good then, let's do it like that!" Rong Jing casually tossed a jade token to Mo Li and told him, "Take this jade token now and go to the Chu family among the top ten noble clans. Someone will tell you what to do."

Mo Li reached out and took the jade token. Seeing the 'Chu' character on it, which was a token of the head of the Chu family, he was startled and his expression moved slightly, "Prince Jing, my subordinate..."

"Just go!" Rong Jing didn't want to say more, waving at Mo Li.

Mo Li swallowed back whatever else he wanted to say, nodded his head, put the jade token in his pocket, and left Qianyue Manor lightly on his feet.

Yun Qianyue turned her head to look at Rong Jing, appraising him from top to bottom with a raised eyebrow. "So you're already trying to poach my talent How do you know I won't use Mo Li Originally, I planned to give him tasks after he returns from the Southern Frontier and recovers his injuries, but now you've snatched him away so quickly! What are you going to compensate me with"

"What if I give Qing Ying to you as a bodyguard" Rong Jing asked, smiling down at Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue immediately shook her head. "Forget it, I can't afford him!"

Rong Jing chuckled softly. "Mo Li is truly wasted in your hands. You have the Red Pavilion, and compared to that, Mo Li's usage value is greatly diminished. Furthermore, you cherish his loyalty from childhood and don’t want to send him away. It would be better for him to stay with me."

Yun Qianyue smiled as she glared at him, thinking of Qing Ying's injuries and sobered up immediately. "Qing Ying was just injured but wouldn't let me see his wounds. Do you want to call him over to take a look The injury should be quite serious."

"If he says it’s not severe, then there’s no need to worry," Rong Jing shook his head as weariness showed on his face.

Yun Qianyue said, "Let's go back and rest." Seeing that Rong Jing looked weary, she pulled him back into their room.

Rong Jing allowed her to pull him all the way to the bed. Yun Qianyue moved aside for him to lie down, tucking him in with a gentle tone, "Be good and go to sleep. I’ll prepare something delicious for you that you haven’t tasted before. When it’s ready, I’ll call you out for moon watching at night."

Upon hearing this, Rong Jing stopped pulling her up onto the bed and nodded with a smile.

Sitting by his side, Yun Qianyue waited until he fell asleep before getting up to head for the door. She instructed Ling Lian and Yi Xue briefly, then headed towards the small kitchen together with them.

Other than steak and egg noodles, Yun Qianyue could make one more thing—dumplings. In past New Year’s celebrations, it was always Little Seven who made dumplings while she watched on the side. He had a knack for making beautiful-looking dumplings; whenever she wanted to help out, he would always refuse her, saying that only if someone makes them alone can they focus entirely and not go astray. She may have felt happy at the time, but secretly resented him for it. When she was alone, she learned how to make dumplings in secret, eventually mastering the art so well that what she made looked exactly like Little Seven's work. He never knew about this though. In one year when she wanted to surprise him by taking over the task of making New Year’s dumplings, something unexpected happened and he didn’t come back. That year, she didn't eat any dumplings at all; everything remained untouched while she sat alone in front of a flickering lamp throughout the night.

Thinking back to those times, even now that she had seen Little Seven again, she still felt a bit sad because some things are destined to stay eternled in one's heart forever.

Suddenly, she wanted Rong Jing to taste dumplings.

The people of this world didn’t seem to make dumplings; she hadn't seen any during all the years. No matter if it was an imperial banquet or a duchy’s feast, nor even a commoner's table—she had been everywhere, seen everything and eaten varied dishes but never encountered those things which were supposed to be eaten every year in her world.

When they arrived at the small kitchen, Mrs Zhao and Ting Xue and Ting Yu were already preparing for it.

Yun Qianyue briefly explained the new food item she wanted them to prepare. Mrs Zhao, Ting Xue, and Ting Yu, upon hearing about a new dish from their mistress, became excited and hurriedly prepared according to her instructions.

Ling Lian and Yi Xue were also curious and joined in the preparation work.

They divided tasks among themselves under Yun Qianyue's guidance, making the small kitchen lively with activity.

A moment later, footsteps entered Qianyue Manor. Ling Lian peeked out and told Yun Qianyue, "Miss, it’s Prince Yun Li!

Yun Qianyue clapped her hands and poked her head out. Seeing Yun Li walking towards the room, she softly called out, "Brother, you're looking for me."

The footsteps of Yun Li paused. Through the beaded curtain, he only saw a person lying down; he initially thought it was Yun Qianyue. Upon seeing her, his mind went blank for a moment and he looked inside again. The person was facing inward with the blanket covering them, so he couldn’t see their face. Thus, he took a step towards Yun Qianyue. He was smart enough to figure out why upon reaching Yun Qianyue's side— who else could be lying in her bed except for one person So he asked softly, "Prince Jing has come back to accompany you during the Mid-Autumn Festival"

"Yes!" Yun Qianyue nodded with a smile.

"I was originally planning to ask about your family banquet. It seems like I won't be participating then" Yun Li asked with a smile.

"No participation! I haven't participated for the past ten years!" Yun Qianyue shook her head.

According to tradition, after attending banquets in the palace, there would also be a family banquet at night in their residence. However, since ten years ago, Yun Qianyue had not attended the prince's family banquets because she did not want to see Concubine Feng and others. This year, Concubine Feng and her daughter Yun Xianghe were absent from the Prince's household as she was managing it herself now. But she merely acted as an overseer; all matters were handled by Lüzhi and Yuzhuo. With Yun Muhuan leaving this year and Yun Li returning, there still remained those women of the prince’s household and concubines' daughters whom she found meaningless. Furthermore, with Rong Jing's return, she naturally prepared her own meals in her Qianyue Pavilion.

"Since Prince Jing has returned, it is unnecessary to participate! You haven't seen each other for days," Yun Li smiled and said, "I just saw Little Marquis Dye and Prince Maple. People from the Duke of Virtue's household came looking for Little Marquis Dye to attend their family banquet; he sent them away and seems intent on spending time with you."

"Oh, right. I forgot about them. Looks like I'll need to make extra dumplings," Yun Qianyue suddenly remembered Rong Feng and Ye Qingran.

"Dumplings" Yun Li was puzzled.

Yun Qianyue gave him a mysterious smile, "It's a delicious food. Would you like some"

Yun Li had some difficulty, "Princess Seven is coming to attend the family banquet with me. Moreover, as I've just returned to the household this year, it wouldn't be good not to participate."

"Oh, Princess Seven has come to accompany you at the family banquet! Your romantic path is really smooth," Yun Qianyue elongated her tone; seeing Yun Li blush, she said with a smile, "No worries. You can eat less from your family banquet and I'll take on more work by making an extra portion for you; someone will send it to Western Maple Courtyard at night so that you can also enjoy them."

"That would be best! Thank you, little sister!" Yun Li didn't refuse but agreed with a smile. Then he added, "However, Grandpa has very keen ears; you should also think about sending him some."

"Old geezer!" Yun Qianyue grumbled.

Yun Li laughed and shook his head, "I'll leave now and inform Grandpa as well. He originally instructed me to find you and asked if you would participate in the family banquet this year; however, he won't force you to attend if he knows Prince Jing has arrived."

"Alright!" Yun Qianyue nodded.

Yun Li didn’t say more, smiled, turned around, and quickly walked out of Qianyue Pavilion.

Yun Qianyue drew back her body and told Aunt Zhao to make extra preparations. Aunt Zhao said with a smile, "I knew Lady would share new things with others; don't worry! I've prepared plenty."

Yun Qianyue smiled and nodded.

While chatting and talking, they worked busily. Tianxue and Tinxue had been serving less at Yun Qianyue’s side since Linglian and Yixue arrived; now that an opportunity presented itself, the two were chattering non-stop.

Aunt Zhao spent most of her life in the kitchen and learned quickly. Tianxue and Tinxue often assisted Aunt Zhao in the kitchen, naturally picking up skills fast too. Linglian and Yixue fell behind since they were from Hong Pavilion where they only learned various arts; as a result, their cooking was infrequent. Compared to the dumplings made by Yun Qianyue and others, theirs looked quite poor, causing both of them to blush.

Yun Qianyue chuckled at the pair while comforting them, "When I first started making them too, they were like that. It took me a long time before I could make good ones!"

Aunt Zhao and Tianxue and Tinxue quickly chimed in about their initial kitchen experiences; it was normal to be inexperienced at first but one gets used to it with practice. The pair's faces returned to normal.

As they were chatting, a head suddenly poked into the room curiously asking, "Little girl, what are you doing"

"Making dumplings!" Yun Qianyue looked at Ye Qingran with a smile and teased him, "You sneaked in like a thief; anyone not knowing would think there's a little burglar here in my Qianyue Pavilion!"

Night Qingran reached up and scratched his head, seemingly surprised. "You can cook What are dumplings"

"Right here!" Yun Qianyue pointed at a bamboo lid filled with rows of dumplings.

"These things are called dumplings How do you eat them Can I have one now" Night Qingran curiously walked in and reached for the lid.

"Hey, no! These are raw ones and haven’t been cooked yet!" Yun Qianyue slapped his hand away.

Night Qingran had a hand covered with dough. He shook it off and looked at Yun Qianyue as she efficiently continued her work even while talking to him. It was new to him, so he asked, "I know this is flour, but what’s inside"

Yun Qianyue was speechless; modern people knew about fillings, but ancient ones hadn’t seen them yet. She explained, "It’s called the filling!"

Night Qingran looked at Yun Qianyue with confusion.

Yun Qianyue continued explaining, "It’s minced meat and vegetables mixed together with seasoning."

Night Qingran nodded as if he understood. He glanced at Lady Zhao and the others and said, "I’ll help you!"

"You know how" Yun Qianyue looked doubtfully at Night Qingran.

“If I don’t learn now, when do I” Night Qingran rolled his eyes at her. He then shouted outside, “Rong Feng, come in and help me make dumplings.”

"Okay!" Rong Feng seemed to be heading towards the small kitchen and replied from outside before coming inside slowly. After a quick glance around, he stopped briefly as Yun Qianyue’s hands moved deftly and then went to wash his hands.

Seeing this, Night Qingran also went to wash his hands.

Yun Qianyue watched the two of them in silence. With helpers, she could finish faster. She didn’t mind if they couldn’t make good dumplings as long as they could wrap the filling inside and cook it properly. Her standards weren’t high.

Rong Feng and Night Qingran quickly washed their hands and came to help. Talent was indeed not something to be underestimated, Yun Qianyue watched in amazement as the two of them made dumplings that were even better than Ling Lian and Yi Xue’s. She couldn’t help but sigh. Why did most top chefs seem to be men There was a reason for this! Just from these two, one could see the reason why it happened. Not to mention there was also someone who knew how to make lotus flower braised fish in bed. One could imagine that if Rong Jing were involved, the results would surely be even better.

With two more people joining them, efficiency naturally increased. The small kitchen soon became a bustling place full of energy and meaning.

An hour later, several large lids were filled with dumplings. Night Qingran bravely volunteered to boil the dumplings and pulled Rong Feng into it, taking over Lady Zhao’s job. Lady Zhao followed Yun Qianyue’s instructions and prepared some light dishes while Ting Xue and Ting Yu helped.

Yun Qianyue then left the small kitchen with Ling Lian and Yi Xue. It was already dark by now, and a bright full moon hung high in the sky. The silver glow bathed the earth, illuminating it brightly. The osmanthus flowers in the courtyard reflected the moonlight, emanating a soft glow.

Ling Lian and Yi Xue set up tables and chairs as well as soft beds under the osmanthus trees according to Yun Qianyue’s instructions and laid out fruits and drinks.

Yun Qianyue walked back into her room to see Rong Jing already awake, leaning against his bed looking outside. The room was unlit; moonlight shone through the gauze-covered lattice windows, making his jade-like face look even more elegant in the soft glow. Yun Qianyue was momentarily stunned.

"Did you finish" Rong Jing smiled at Yun Qianyue and asked softly.

Yun Qianyue snapped back to reality and walked quickly to his side, taking his hand with a joyful tone. "Let’s go eat the dumplings!"

Note from Author:

Even though it keeps raining, I’ll stay in good spirits... O(^_-)O~

Thank you all for your votes! You guys are awesome! The monthly ticket count will reset at the end of this month!xt to Rong Jing so close together, although they showed no signs of intimacy, she felt that they were closer and more harmonious than anyone else in this great hall. They monopolized the scenic view h...