The carriage entered through the side gate of the Su residence and coincidentally ran into Second Uncle's group, who had just returned, seven-tenths drunk, from a night of drinking. He asked a few questions about Su Tan'er's experiences that evening—whether she had enjoyed the poetry gathering, and so on. Su Tan'er responded calmly and politely, as usual.
At this time, many poems were still circulating throughout the city. Shui Diao Ge Tou was undoubtedly a fine piece, but it had yet to cause a sensation or earn the title of the night's best. The rebuke from Kang Xian at the Zhi Shui Poetry Society had not yet spread, and for the average person, the difference between top-tier poems was often indistinguishable. While this poem was certainly excellent, in comparison to works by well-known figures like Cao Guan and Li Pin, it might be seen as only on par with them. Due to their established reputations, some might even regard Shui Diao Ge Tou as slightly inferior. Only those with profound literary knowledge could truly perceive the poem's deep meaning, simplicity, and elegance, and sense the distinction.
Su Zhongkan had spent the night talking business, indulging in wine and the company of courtesans. He cared little for poetry, and any news about Ning Li Heng had yet to reach his ears. After exchanging a few words with his niece, the two went their separate ways on the road. Su Tan'er and her three maids returned to their small courtyard. Aside from the large lantern still lit outside the gate, the courtyard was silent, with only the moonlight gently cascading from the sky.
Su Tan'er glanced up at the dark second-floor room. Xiao Chan asked, "Miss, should I go call the Master?"
"No need. He's already asleep, let's not wake him. Chan'er, prepare some warm water. Xing'er, Juan'er, you both should go to bed early... Chan'er, if you're still up for it, could you tell me the story the Master shared with you tonight?"
Chan'er smiled and nodded. Juan'er and Xing'er eagerly raised their hands.
"Miss, miss, we're not sleepy!"
"We want to listen too!"
Su Tan'er shot the two maids a playful glare, then chuckled. "Fine, you can join too. Now that I think about it, it's been a while since we've heard any stories."
"I remember when Miss used to read us stories from books…"
"Yes, yes! I still remember that…"
The group of girls chattered happily as Su Tan'er went upstairs. Juan'er and Xing'er helped Chan'er prepare warm water, bringing the basin and towels upstairs together.
The distant lights of the city gradually dimmed. Within the quiet courtyard, the warm yellow glow of the lamps illuminated the second-floor window, casting shadows of the mistress and her maids chatting and laughing.
No one knew how much time had passed, but the night deepened, and eventually, the three maids left the room, quietly closing the door behind them as they headed downstairs. Back in her own room, Chan'er closed the door and gently leaned against it, clutching her chest with both hands. She looked up, breathing deeply, her innocent face now showing a mix of emotions—joy, confusion, fear, and longing, all intermingled.
Su Tan'er had taught her many things, so naturally, she was no longer entirely innocent. She had her own little thoughts, but those thoughts were always for the sake of the people and things she cherished—like her mistress, the Su family, and now, perhaps, even Ning Li Heng.
In the past, she was able to confidently rebut Master Qin at the chess stall over matters concerning the Su family. Over time, as she spent more time with Ning Yi, she came to understand his personality better. Though he had a calm and indifferent nature, he also showed a playful and humorous side. While he didn't engage in much serious work, he handled things with such ease and nonchalance, never appearing flustered by anything. He treated her kindly, and naturally, she grew fond of him.
On the other hand, her feelings toward her mistress weren't just fondness; they were also filled with gratitude and a sense of duty to repay her. In short, she liked her mistress very much. She was well aware of Miss's previous frustrations and had a general idea of what Miss liked. Now that she had discovered that the Master wasn't the bookish nerd he was rumored to be, she naturally began to consider their marriage. If they could grow to like each other and naturally come together, that would be ideal. As for her, she didn't need to do much—just help Miss see what was good about the Master and let the Master see how wonderful Miss was. After all, this was part of her job as a personal maid.
She knew that Miss liked poetry, but the things the Master had written before weren't really anything worth showing. Sometimes, she even thought he deliberately wrote them as a joke. However, when she saw him compose Shui Diao Ge Tou tonight, even though she wasn't particularly well-versed in poetry, she could still sense how exceptional it was—like discovering a hidden treasure. Immediately, she brought the poem to the Puyuan Poetry Gathering, planning to show it to Miss at some point. Then, when Xue Jin came over, she realized something important would likely be uncovered, so she went along with the flow and presented the poem. No matter what, the poem was certainly excellent, and it wouldn't lose any points.
What she hadn't anticipated was just how highly everyone else would regard the poem.
Had she known beforehand just how outstanding it was, she never would have taken it out so recklessly. Now, it seemed that her attempt to show Miss the Master's talent had backfired—Miss seemed genuinely shocked when they were on the boat, utterly unprepared for it, leaving her feeling guilty. She had only intended to give Miss a little surprise, but the surprise turned out to be too big, and she ended up startling even herself…
Sigh, how did it turn out like this...
The flickering lamplight swayed gently. Not feeling particularly sleepy, Xiao Chan sat at the table, resting her chin in her hands, deep in thought. In front of her lay the original manuscript of Shui Diao Ge Tou, written by Ning Yi himself. She read it over a few more times.
Master, it's fine that you're talented, but did you have to be this talented? How am I going to explain this to you tomorrow...
It's definitely the Master's fault.
Pouting, she extended her finger and gently poked the rice paper twice. When she reached the last line, her face slowly turned red again. Finally, she carefully folded the paper and tucked it away in the bottom drawer.
Blowing out the oil lamp, her face grew hotter and hotter as the little maid fumbled her way to bed in the dark, moving slowly.
"Though miles apart, we share the same moon... hehe..."
In the early morning, a white mist once again enveloped Jiangning City, while the bright sun began to rise above the fog, casting a magnificent morning glow.
After a good night's sleep, Ning Yi felt refreshed, his energy mostly restored. One more day of rest should be enough, and by tomorrow he could return to teaching. As for today, he thought he might bring some wooden dummies or sandbags from the security office to practice. This body of his had been weak for so long—he needed to start training seriously.
The manager at the security office was surnamed Zhang, if he remembered correctly. Given the atmosphere in the Su family now, Old Master Su still seemed to look after him fairly well. However, Ning Yi had to consider the potential shock Su Tan'er and the others might feel if he suddenly started bringing wooden dummies and sandbags into the courtyard. A scholarly man going for a run wouldn't be too odd, but if he suddenly started practicing martial arts, they might think he'd lost his mind.
He needed to let them gradually accept that he was a bit different, but it had to be done slowly. This might be happening a little too fast, he thought, idly weighing his options. During breakfast, as they sat together sipping meat porridge, he noticed Su Tan'er seemed to be watching him, her gaze a little odd.
After glancing at her a few times, Ning Yi finally put down his bowl and chopsticks and exchanged a puzzled look with his wife. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Su Tan'er smiled softly and shook her head. "I just think my Lord seems full of energy this morning."
"Oh, I think the illness is pretty much gone now. Ahem... my throat's still a bit dry, but after today, I should be fine and able to go to the academy."
"As long as you're healthy, that's good. You might actually be quite busy in the coming days."
"Busy?"
"Mm." Su Tan'er nodded but didn't elaborate. She resumed sipping her porridge slowly and elegantly. Puzzled, Ning Yi thought her smile seemed a little like the Mona Lisa's...
What could she mean? Is the academy going to give me more work? Ning Yi pondered her words as he finished breakfast and returned to his room. It wasn't until Xiao Chan timidly approached and explained what had happened the previous night that he finally grasped the emotions hidden in Su Tan'er's gaze.
"I-I'm sorry, Master. I only wanted to show Miss the poem, but that Xue Jin was just too awful..."
Ning Yi listened to her explanation, momentarily dumbfounded. Then, after a brief pause, his expression softened, and he laughed with amusement.
"Oh, it's fine. It's really not a big deal."
Seeing he wasn't angry, Chan'er nodded enthusiastically. "That's right, Master's talent is—" Before she could finish, Ning Yi flicked her forehead with a light thud.
"Who said I'm talented? Don't tell people that from now on."
"...Oh." The little maid hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
"Well then, I guess I won't be going out today." Ning Yi chuckled, thinking aloud, "Looks like I'll need to stay 'sick' for a few more days..."
Sunlight streamed through the window as Ning Yi picked up a storybook and walked back to bed, preparing to feign illness and laze around. After a moment, he waved at Xiao Chan, finally putting her nerves at ease. She hurried over to the corner of the room, grabbed the Go board and the small table for Five-in-a-Row, and came running back with a delighted skip in her step...
Last night had been the Mid-Autumn Festival, and many people had stayed up late, so most of the city had gotten up later than usual this morning. Jiangning didn't return to its usual bustling state until about half an hour later than normal. By noon, news of what had happened at the Zhi Shui Poetry Gathering, mixed with other poetry-related rumors, began to spread widely. The impact of Shui Diao Ge Tou also started to create waves in Jiangning City, a ripple that would continue to grow over the next few days, gradually expanding in influence...