Peach Blossoms

Chapter 2

The area under the jurisdiction of Guangyue Pavilion was located on a flat piece of land beside the stream, nestled against the mountains and beside the water, truly a wonderful place for appreciating literature and poetry. However, when Lin Suyang saw that the place was crowded with people, he began to feel irritable. Seeing that Feng Hanyu was busy making arrangements, he told Guo Qing that he would just wander around. Guo Qing told him to come back early, and although Lin Suyang agreed, he had already walked towards the stream outside the crowd.

Seeing Lin Suyang leave alone, Qin Yu called out to Qin Hao, "Brother, I'm going to go for a walk, I'll be right back." He didn't hear what Qin Hao said, but squeezed through the crowd and followed behind Lin Suyang.

Lin Suyang went to the stream, washed his face, wrung out his hands, and turned to walk upstream. He soon noticed someone following him, smiled, and headed deeper into the peach grove. Qin Yu had been quietly following Lin Suyang, unaware of where they were, until he suddenly lost sight of Lin Suyang in a dense forest. He then frantically searched around.

"Hey Miss, how much longer are you going to turn around?" Just as Qin Yu was wondering what to do, Lin Suyang's soothing voice came from behind her. Qin Yu turned around and saw Lin Suyang sitting leisurely under a peach tree, a blade of grass dangling from her mouth. A gust of wind blew by, and several delicate pink petals fluttered down, swirling and dancing with her hair. Qin Yu, however, had no time for infatuation. She asked in surprise, "You... how did you know I'm a girl?"

Lin Suyang spat out the weeds in his mouth: "You can tell if you look closely. Tell me, which young master still has pierced ears?" Qin Yu abruptly covered her ears. "And," Lin Suyang continued, "which man is as petite as you?" "You...you're not exactly burly either." What's wrong with her? It seems like she can never clearly explain herself to him. "Oh. So you're saying I'm not a man?" Lin Suyang raised an eyebrow. Qin Yu looked at his dashing and debonair appearance and immediately denied it: "No..." "So, the fact that you're a woman is easily judged by your eyes." Lin Suyang smiled again. Qin Yu was speechless.

Lin Suyang stood up, dusted herself off, and said to Qin Yu, "Let's go." Qin Yu's eyes widened. "Go? Where to?" "You've been following me all this time. I want to walk around a bit. Aren't you coming?" Lin Suyang looked at her. "Oh."

Lin Suyang wandered aimlessly through the peach grove. Qin Yu followed behind, feeling dizzy and disoriented. She asked breathlessly, "Hey, do you know the way? Do you know how to get back?" Lin Suyang glanced at her indifferently, "No." "What?" Qin Yu raised her voice. "Then what are we going to do? We'll get lost." Why was this woman so noisy? Lin Suyang waved her hand impatiently, "If you're scared, go back." Qin Yu stopped talking, but grabbed Lin Suyang's sleeve. Lin Suyang turned around and asked, "What?" Qin Yu pouted, "I'm afraid you'll abandon me." Lin Suyang looked at her pitiful appearance and sighed. Then she pulled her hand into her own and held it tightly, "Now you can rest assured." She then led her forward.

Lin Suyang's hands weren't large, yet they felt very warm to Qin Yu. The soft, smooth skin made Qin Yu's face flush red, and her heart raced involuntarily. Lin Suyang noticed that Qin Yu's hands were a little hot and, thinking she was ill, asked with some concern, "What's wrong?" Qin Yu kept her head down, not daring to look at Lin Suyang. "N-nothing...nothing," she took a deep breath, then looked up at Lin Suyang and said, "Let's go." Lin Suyang looked at her still slightly flushed face and didn't say anything more.

About two incense sticks' worth of time passed. Lin Suyang faintly heard the sound of flowing water not far ahead. He said happily, "Finally found it." Qin Yu looked at him suspiciously, "Found what?" Lin Suyang didn't answer. He simply led her around a towering rock. A small, deep green pool appeared before them. Several large rocks were scattered around the pool. Water overflowing from the pool seeped through the cracks in the soil and rocks, forming a trickle that flowed outwards. So this was the source of the stream.

Qin Yu couldn't help but exclaim, "So beautiful." She slowly walked to the water's edge and dipped her hand into the icy water, waving it back and forth. Lin Suyang crossed his arms, looking at the vine-covered cliffs surrounding the pool, and murmured, "An autogenous spring?" Qin Yu slowly looked up at Lin Suyang, who stood not far away, lost in thought. His flowing robes gently swept across the tall weeds, and the gradually dimming sunlight blurred his face, also obscuring the hazy look in Qin Yu's eyes.

Volume One, Peach Blossoms, Chapter Five: Peach Blossoms in Full Bloom (Part Two)

Lin Suyang glanced at the sky, then reached out her hand to Qin Yu and said, "It's getting late, let's go back." Qin Yu looked at Lin Suyang's fair and slender fingers and gently grasped them. Lin Suyang held Qin Yu's hand, which was still cool from the water, and frowned slightly: "Cold water in March is harmful; girls should avoid it."

Qin Yu nodded silently, then let Lin Suyang pull him back.

The paths in the peach grove were intricate and complicated. Lin Suyang was glad that he had marked the trees when he came. However, they had walked too far and it took them a long time to see that there were very few people left in the Guangyue Pavilion area.

Guo Qing's anxious expression eased as he saw Lin Suyang and Qin Yu approaching. He ran over to Lin Suyang and complained, "My dear young master Lin, you've finally arrived! My master has been waiting for you for so long, he was even about to send someone to look for you." Feng Hanyu, hearing the commotion, turned around and saw Lin Suyang holding Qin Yu's hand. He suddenly felt a tightness in his chest, and his face darkened. Qin Hao, seeing Qin Yu return, also breathed a sigh of relief. He called out to Qin Yu, "Yu'er, it's time to go." Qin Yu immediately shook off Lin Suyang's hand and ran towards Qin Hao. Perhaps due to the angle, Qin Hao didn't see their hands, which had just been clasped together.

Seeing Qin Yu standing obediently beside him with her head down, Qin Hao didn't pay much attention, assuming she was tired. He then cupped his hands in greeting to Feng Hanyu and Lin Suyang, saying, "It's getting late, my brother and I should head home. Brother Lin, Brother Feng, see you another day." Feng Hanyu nodded, "Take care, Brother Qin." Qin Yu followed Qin Hao for a few steps, then turned back to Lin Suyang, saying, "I'll come again tomorrow, you have to play with me." Lin Suyang smiled and said, "Okay, I'll wait for you." It seems that playing is a girl's nature, regardless of time.

Feng Hanyu's face grew even darker. He said to Guo Qing, "Prepare the carriage." Then he turned and walked alone towards the hillside where the carriage was parked. Guo Qing didn't understand why his young master was angry, thinking it was because Lin Suyang had returned late. He slipped to Lin Suyang's side and whispered, "Come back earlier next time." Lin Suyang smiled; Feng Hanyu really had a temper.

It was now completely dark, with a hazy crescent moon. The carriage rumbled towards the west gate. The atmosphere inside was somewhat somber. Lin Suyang glanced at Feng Hanyu, who had his eyes closed, and softly called, "Brother Hanyu, Brother Hanyu, Hanyu." Seeing no response, he realized he seemed to be asleep. Lin Suyang looked around and finally took a cloak from a wooden box under the bed, gently covering Feng Hanyu with it. Lin Suyang knocked on the carriage door, signaling Guo Qing to stop: "Xiao Qingzi, I'm not going back to Guangyue Pavilion today." Guo Qing gave a blank "Oh." Lin Suyang lifted the curtain and stepped out, saying, "Take good care of your young master. If he wakes up, tell him I've returned to the manor and will come back tomorrow." Lin Suyang watched the carriage gradually disappear into the night before heading towards the Lin residence.

Feng Hanyu hadn't slept, but he didn't know what to say. When Lin Suyang approached him, the faint fragrance wafting from the side made him feel suffocated for a moment. He didn't open his eyes until Lin Suyang jumped out of the car and finished instructing Guo Qing. Feng Hanyu looked at the cloak draped over him, his hands on his knees tightening, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

As Lin Suyang approached the door, she noticed the light was still on in her room. Who could be in the room at this hour? Was it the nanny? No, she shouldn't know she was coming back. Without thinking, Lin Suyang pushed open the door and saw Lin Ziyan lying on her bed, holding a book.

Hearing the noise, Lin Ziyan looked towards the door and saw Lin Suyang. He immediately jumped up and hugged him, saying, "Brother, you're back." Lin Suyang patted his back and asked in surprise, "Yan'er, when did you get back?" "I just got back today."

Lin Ziyan had practiced martial arts since childhood. Two years ago, Lin Cheng asked him to work under his old friend, General Xin Min. Without a word, he packed his bags and left for the military camp the next day, causing his mother, Madam Lin, to weep bitterly, saying that Lin Cheng had forced him to go. She also vehemently questioned why Lin Suyang hadn't been sent, only to be intimidated by a cold glare from Lin Suyang. Unexpectedly, this kid proved quite capable; after just over a year, he was promoted to general, truly bringing honor to the family.

Lin Ziyan buried his head in Lin Suyang's neck and mumbled, "Brother. I missed you." Lin Suyang looked at his younger brother, who was now taller than him, yet still hugged him like a child after not seeing him for so long. "Brother. I missed you." Lin Suyang felt a sweet warmth in his heart. Because Lin Ziyan was the first person besides his nanny to make him feel like he had a home.

"By the way, Yan'er, weren't you supposed to wait a few more years before returning to Yundu? Why are you back now?"

"General Xin said my military leadership skills are better suited to defending the capital. He submitted a letter of recommendation to the Emperor. I came back this time to participate in the Emperor's test. If I pass, I can stay in Yundu," Lin Ziyan explained, releasing Lin Suyang. Better suited to defending the capital? Perhaps Old Master Lin couldn't stand the Second Madam's constant nagging, and coupled with his own protectiveness of his son, he conspired with others. Lin Suyang thought disdainfully to himself.

"Then would you be willing to stay in Yundu?" Lin Suyang was worried that this would restrict Lin Ziyan's mind.

"How could I not want to be with my brother every day? Besides, protecting the capital is also very important," Lin Ziyan replied, seemingly serious but not entirely. In any case, as long as Ziyan is happy, that's all that matters. After all, Lin Suyang only has this one younger brother.

"I came back today and didn't see you. Dad said you went to study at Guangyue Pavilion. So I've been waiting in your room. I didn't expect to actually wait for you." "Are you silly? It's not like I'm not coming back. What if I didn't see you?" "If I don't see you today, I'll go to Liuci Lane to find you first thing tomorrow morning... Brother, are you really going to take the imperial examination?" Lin Ziyan asked Lin Suyang seriously.

“You know the old man’s temper; he won’t give up until he gets what he wants, so it’s only right that we try. It’s true that I’m at Guangyue Pavilion, but I’ve been free these past two days because of the Peach Blossom Banquet.” Lin Suyang lowered his head guiltily and sipped his tea.

"The Peach Blossom Banquet? Isn't that a gathering of weak scholars? You went too?" Lin Suyang nodded. "Yes, I'm a member of Guangyue Pavilion, after all." "Are you going again tomorrow? I'll go with you." Lin Ziyan stared into Lin Suyang's eyes, and only after Lin Suyang agreed did he climb into bed and say, "I'm so tired today, let's go to sleep early." Lin Suyang looked at his bed, which was already mostly occupied, and climbed in dejectedly.

Early the next morning, Lin Suyang and Lin Ziyan each rode a tall horse towards the western suburbs.

Not far from the city gate, Lin Suyang heard someone calling him. He turned around and saw Qin Yu standing by the moat, waving at him. Dressed in light-colored women's clothing, Qin Yu looked even more beautiful and charming. Her delicate features resembled a porcelain doll he used to collect, as if it would shatter at the slightest touch. He said to Lin Ziyan, "Wait," and then turned his horse around to ride towards Qin Yu.

As she got closer, she asked, "Where's your brother?" Qin Yu didn't answer, only saying, "Do you still stand by what you said yesterday?" She was referring to Lin Suyang's promise to accompany her yesterday, and Lin Suyang nodded, "Of course." Upon hearing this, Qin Yu immediately said happily, "Then let's not go to the Peach Blossom Banquet today. Let's go to Bai Xun Tower."

At this moment, Lin Ziyan also rode over on horseback. He glanced at Qin Yu and asked Lin Suyang, "What is it?" Lin Suyang looked at Qin Yu and said to Lin Ziyan, "This young lady is a friend I met yesterday, Qin Yu." Then he pointed to Lin Ziyan and said, "This is my younger brother, Lin Ziyan."

Lin Ziyan nodded indifferently to Qin Yu, while Qin Yu merely glanced at him before waiting expectantly for Lin Suyang's reply.

Upon hearing that Qin Yu wanted Lin Suyang to accompany her to Bai Xun Tower, Lin Ziyan immediately frowned and refused, "No way." The other two turned to look at him, and Qin Yu said angrily, "Why? I'm asking about your brother, not you." "My brother's business is my business. Besides, why should someone put aside their own affairs to accompany you?" Lin Ziyan frowned.

“I promised her.” Lin Suyang stopped Lin Ziyan from continuing. “It’s half a day’s journey from here to Xiangkong Mountain. Going back and forth, I’ll probably not be back until tomorrow night. Are you sure you want to go?” Seeing Qin Yu nod firmly, he said to Lin Ziyan, “Then you should go back first. Also, send someone to tell Feng Hanyu of Guangyue Pavilion that I can’t go today.”

Lin Suyang bent down and reached out to Qin Yu, saying, "Get on." Then, with a strong pull, Qin Yu sat steadily in front of Lin Suyang. Lin Suyang held Qin Yu in his arms, shook the reins, and spurred the horse to gallop in another direction.

Lin Ziyan stood there, watching their gradually disappearing figures, lost in thought: Qin is the royal surname, and this woman is bold and reckless yet possesses an extraordinary temperament. Just who is she?

Qin Yu, the younger sister of the current Crown Prince Qin Hao, was bestowed the title of Jingyang by the Emperor.

Volume One, Peach Blossoms, Chapter Six: Princess Jingyang

Bai Xun Pagoda on Xiangkong Mountain is one of the three famous scenic spots in Yundu. Actually, Bai Xun Pagoda isn't a real pagoda, but rather a cliff face. The highest peak on Xiangkong Mountain is called Chuyan Peak, its entire body shaped like an irregular semi-cone. Chuyan Peak appears as if it were cleaved in two with an axe, removing the sun-facing half, while the remaining half stands prominently among the surrounding peaks, hence its nickname "Half of the Country." The most peculiar feature is its broken side, what is now called a fault line, where the different colors of sandstone and shale layers create a huge pagoda-shaped pattern. The carved corners and pavilions are lifelike, predominantly gray and white, hence the name Bai Xun Pagoda.

Nature's incredible craftsmanship not only amazes modern people, but also made the ancients revere it as a miracle.

Lin Suyang's warm breath brushed against Qin Yu's ear, making her feel restless. Her hands, gripping the horse's mane tightly, were sweaty. Seeing the overcast sky that looked like it was about to rain, Lin Suyang immediately quickened her pace. The clatter of hooves startled the birds in the roadside woods, causing them to flutter and fly in all directions.

Having finally reached the foot of Xiangkong Mountain, they were still caught in the long-awaited rain. Lin Suyang led Qin Yu into a cave. Fortunately, their clothes weren't soaked. Lin Suyang found some dry firewood, lit it with a flint and steel, and then took off his outer shirt to dry it.

The clothes were dried quickly, and he handed them to Qin Yu, saying, "Change into these." Then he set up a makeshift rack and hung Qin Yu's wet clothes on it.

Lin Suyang walked to the cave entrance and looked at the continuous drizzle outside, saying, "This rain is probably not going to stop." Qin Yu wrapped himself in his outer robe, sat on the ground, hugged his knees, and stared blankly at the crackling fire.

“Do you think I’m shameless?” Qin Yu suddenly spoke, her eyes still fixed on the fire in front of her. “A young lady not only shows her face everywhere, but even goes out alone with a man she’s only known for a day… disgracing the family…” “I’ve never thought of it that way.” Lin Suyang interrupted her, walked over and sat down next to her. “Do what you like, why care what others think?” Lin Suyang lazily picked up a stick and poked it in the fire.

Qin Yu chuckled, "You're quite different... Do you know why I wanted to come to Xiangkong Mountain?" Before Lin Suyang could answer, Qin Yu continued, "To find something." Lin Suyang remained silent, waiting for her to continue, "My mother was a very beautiful woman. I once thought no one in the world could be more beautiful than her, so you're an exception." Qin Yu glanced at him, "My mother gave all her love and tears to one man, a man who could have many wives and concubines. For him, my mother ran to the top of Baixun Tower. When she came back, she told me she had lost something very important there. I asked her what it was, and I promised to find it. She touched my head, her smile was desolate, 'It will never be found again'... I didn't know what she had lost, I just wanted to help her find it because I didn't like seeing her sad. Until she died in despair, I was unable to fulfill her wish, or perhaps it was just my own." Much later, Qin Yu learned that what her mother, that very beautiful woman, had lost was truly gone forever, because what she had lost was her heart.

As evening approached, the rain finally stopped. Lin Suyang went out to fetch the horse, and Qin Yu, having finished dressing, was about to leave when he saw Lin Suyang sauntering back. Qin Yu looked at him questioningly, and Lin Suyang said with a half-smile, "The horse is lost."

Earlier, in order to avoid the rain, Lin Suyang did not have time to tie up the horse properly. He thought that there were not many people around this place, so he let it find a place to stay on its own. Who knew that it would run away? Now, not to mention where to stay in this desolate wilderness, even if he survives tonight, the way back tomorrow has become a problem.

"What do we do then?" Qin Yu asked. "What do we do? It's getting dark, we'll just have to make do here for the night and figure it out tomorrow." Lin Suyang went into the cave, gathered a pile of dry grass, spread it on the burnt-out fire, and then started a fire next to it. After he finished, he clapped his hands and said to Qin Yu, "You rest here for a bit, I'll go out and find something to eat." Then he left the cave.

Lin Suyang wandered around for a long time without finding anything to fill his stomach. Just as he was about to turn back, he suddenly heard a groan coming from the woods ahead. He lifted his foot but then pulled it back. Lin Suyang found it amusing. What kind of day was this? One thing after another happening?

Lin Suyang hurried over. He saw an ordinary-looking man in blue robes lying unconscious in the grass. A spotted venomous snake was biting his bare arm and wouldn't let go. Lin Suyang's heart sank. He immediately rushed over, grabbed the snake by its neck, and threw it aside. Then he looked down and saw that the man's hand was completely black. Saving the man was the priority. Lin Suyang immediately began sucking on the wound. After spitting out several mouthfuls of black blood, he saw the color gradually turn bright red. Lin Suyang then tore a piece of cloth from his own robe and wrapped the wound before releasing the man.

Lin Suyang wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. He noticed two bright red fruits beside the man. He picked them up and examined them. He said to the still unconscious man on the ground, "I saved your life. Consider these fruits your reward." With that, he got up and left.

Lin Suyang was that kind of person. He would only lend a hand when he happened to encounter someone in need. But he would never be kind to the end. So he never considered whether leaving an unconscious person there would lead to encounters with poisonous snakes or other wild beasts like the one just now. However, he didn't notice that the jade pendant at his waist was snagged by a dry branch on the ground when he got up and landed right next to the man in blue.

As soon as Lin Suyang entered the cave, he noticed two other people besides Qin Yu. Lin Suyang wondered why these two were there.

"Brother," Lin Ziyan called out. Lin Suyang wiped the fruit off his hands with his sleeve. Then he walked over and handed it to Qin Yu, who was sitting on the haystack, saying, "Couldn't find any other. This will have to do." After Qin Yu took it with a complicated expression, he went to another spacious place to sit down. He propped one leg up and put his hand on it. Seeing that the two were still standing there, he asked, "Aren't you going to sit?"

Qin Hao sat down next to Qin Yu with a blank expression, while Lin Ziyan walked over to Lin Suyang.

“This morning, after you and Gong… uh, after Miss Qin left, Brother Qin arrived. We heard that there have been thieves on Xiangkong Mountain recently, so Brother Qin and I were very worried and came here. But we were delayed by a rainstorm, so we only arrived now,” Lin Ziyan explained, breaking the silence.

"Oh," Lin Suyang said casually, "You have two horses, right? That way you can go up the mountain earlier tomorrow. Our horses are lost."

"No way." Qin Hao immediately refused when he heard that he was planning to go to Bai Xun Tower.

Lin Suyang ignored him and just stared at Qin Yu, saying, "If you want, I'll go with you."

Qin Yu silently munched on the red fruit in his hand, and after a long while, he softly uttered two words: "Damn it."

The wind was strong at the mountaintop, making it hard to open one's eyes. Qin Yu stood alone on the edge of the cliff, gazing blankly at the mountains shrouded in twilight. Lin Suyang and the others stood far behind her, not uttering a word, only their clothes fluttering in the wind.

Guo Qing waited outside the Lin residence for a long time. When he had almost worn a hole in the ground, Lin Ziyan came out apologetically and said to him, "Why don't you go ahead first, young brother? My brother and I will follow shortly."

Lin Suyang had been sleeping since returning yesterday afternoon and was still asleep. Guo Qing arrived at the Lin family early this morning, saying that his young master insisted that he attend the Peach Blossom Banquet with Lin Suyang. Guo Qing sensed that his young master's mood hadn't been good lately, and he didn't know what was wrong. He just wanted to make sure he didn't make a mistake, so as soon as Feng Hanyu asked him to pick up Lin Suyang, he immediately drove his carriage to the Lin residence.

After waking up, Lin Suyang felt full of energy. After washing up, she went out and saw Guo Qing sitting absentmindedly on the steps.

"Oh, Xiao Qingzi doesn't seem to be in very good spirits today." Lin Suyang was in a good mood. "Young Master, you're finally awake! Let's go, the Peach Blossom Banquet is about to begin." Guo Qing said anxiously, seeing Lin Suyang's nonchalant attitude. "Alright, let's go now, but I won't ride in your carriage, I'll ride a horse." "But..." Guo Qing was about to persuade him when he saw Lin Ziyan leading a pure white steed over.

"You go first, our horses are faster than yours." Because Lin Cheng usually travels by sedan chair, the Lin family doesn't keep many horses. The two best ones are Lin Suyang's Yi and Lin Ziyan's Chi. However, Yi was lost when they went to Xiangkong Mountain that day, so today he and Lin Ziyan have to share a horse and head towards the Peach Blossom Banquet.

Volume One, Peach Blossoms, Chapter Seven: Achieving Fame in One Fallen City

Today is the last day of the Peach Blossom Banquet. The outstanding works recommended by everyone in various districts over the past three days will be displayed again today, and the best works will be selected to hang in the main halls of various bookstores in Liuci Lane. This is the greatest honor for those who make a living from literature.

Upon arriving at their destination, Lin Suyang saw that Guo Qing had just parked his carriage and was waiting. They weaved through the crowd and headed towards the special path leading to Liuci Lane, overhearing many people discussing the Peach Blossom Banquet along the way. "Liu Ming's writing is truly exceptional; I'm certain his work will be displayed in the main hall of Liuci Bookstore this year." "Yang Lianxuan's lyrics are also quite good; though the words are simple, they are full of charm." "Ouyang Yufeng's work is even more remarkable; the words, phrases, and paragraphs flow seamlessly, and it's extremely timely. I bet he'll be on the list."...

At the end of the road, you will arrive at the central venue of the Peach Blossom Banquet. In the center of a large open space, there is a tall platform with a row of wooden boards in front of it, displaying the selected masterpieces. Two rows of chairs are set up on the platform for the person in charge of Willow Lane to sit.

Lin Suyang spotted Feng Hanyu sitting in the first chair at a glance. Feng Hanyu seemed to sense this and looked over. When he saw Lin Suyang walking towards him, a hint of barely perceptible pleasure flashed in his eyes.

Lin Suyang strode up the platform and smiled at Feng Hanyu, saying, "Hanyu, you've arrived early." Feng Hanyu smiled and nodded, then said to Lin Ziyan beside Lin Suyang, "Brother Ziyan, you've arrived too." Lin Ziyan gave a slight bow and replied, "Greetings, Brother Feng." Lin Suyang then remembered that he had asked Ziyan to deliver a message to Feng Hanyu that day; they must have met. Seeing that the other people from the library had also arrived, Feng Hanyu said to the two of them, "Please have a seat, I'll go and greet them." With that, he left his seat and descended the platform.

Lin Suyang and Lin Ziyan found two seats in the corner of the second row. Lin Suyang glanced listlessly at the audience, not seeing Qin Yu and Qin Hao. After returning yesterday, Lin Ziyan had told him Qin Yu and Qin Hao's true identities. Upon hearing this, Lin Suyang simply lay wearily on the bed and said, "What does it have to do with me? I know Qin Yu and Qin Hao, not some princess and prince." Then he fell fast asleep, leaving Lin Ziyan speechless.

The crowd below grew larger, and several of their conversations caught Lin Suyang's attention. "Hey, did you hear? The Ninth Prince is coming today." "You mean that handsome Ninth Prince Yin, skilled in both literature and martial arts?" "Is there another Ninth Prince? They say he's quite fond of literature. If it weren't for the need to defend the country, we could probably see him at the Peach Blossom Banquet every year. But I wonder why he has time to come back this year." "You don't know this, do you? I heard the war in the south has stopped. The Yan-Liao Kingdom submitted a letter of surrender requesting peace talks, and the Emperor agreed by offering six cities in exchange. Now that the war is over, what's the Prince doing there?" "That's true. It seems our peaceful and prosperous times are about to begin." "Yes, yes..."

The empty seats on the platform gradually filled up, and acquaintances exchanged nods as a greeting. Lin Suyang's right was Lin Ziyan, in front of him was Feng Hanyu, and to his left sat a young man in a white brocade robe. From the side, his face was sharply defined, and a hidden domineering aura emanated from him, unlike Qin Hao's unreserved presence; this aura was unusually restrained. This aura didn't repel Lin Suyang; instead, it felt somewhat familiar. Suddenly, he noticed a string of sandalwood beads carved with Buddha images on the man's wrist, and the feeling of déjà vu grew stronger. Lin Suyang wanted to examine the man's face more closely, but he didn't turn around, and Lin Suyang felt too embarrassed to approach him, so he gave up.

Just as the event was about to begin, Lin Suyang spotted Qin Yu at the back of the crowd. Qin Yu looked at him anxiously. Taking advantage of a moment when no one was looking, Lin Suyang quietly slipped behind Lin Ziyan, circled around to the edge of the platform, and jumped off.

As soon as she reached Qin Yu's side, she pulled him aside and said, "I heard you're very talented in writing. Could you write a poem for me right now?" "Right now?" Lin Suyang wondered why she was in such a hurry. "Yes, hurry up, even one you wrote before will do. There's paper and pen here." Qin Yu grabbed his sleeve and shook it vigorously.

Lin Suyang sighed, took the paper and pen from Qin Yu, thought for a moment, then spread the paper on the ground and wrote a poem by Han Yuanji, "Six Prefectures Song". Peach Blossom:

The east wind is blowing. First, a small peach branch.

Her skin was flushed and smooth. She looked as if she were drunk. Leaning against the vermilion door...

A year has passed. A new makeup is subtly revealed.

Standing by the water's edge. Spring is almost halfway through. The clouds and sun are warm.

The slanted bridge turns. West of the city wall.

The grass is soft and the sedge flat. Horses trudge across the willow-lined ferry. Jade bridles neigh fiercely.

Her eyebrows were delicately arched and her face was flushed with rouge.

I once peeked through the embroidered door, and now I am filled with lingering resentment.

Where we walk hand in hand, fragrance lingers like mist.

Red petals follow the steps, lamenting the lateness of spring.

Sluggish and emaciated, who will ask?

Only the flowers know, their tears fall in vain.

The swallows that once graced the hall, now fly in pairs amidst the mist and rain.

As people grow old, spring remains evergreen, and dreams of a happy reunion continue.

Who was he in the past? How many romantic escapades have been there? Even the flowers should grieve.

But in the vast twilight, my gaze fell upon the stream in the forest.

The past is hard to recall

There is neither Liu Lang nor Wulingxi in this time and space, so Lin Suyang changed some words in the poem so as not to affect the overall effect of the poem.