The Bao Estate buzzed with activity as servants and attendants hurried through the expansive courtyards, ensuring every detail was perfect for the Young Lord's grand birthday celebration. Bao Yu, the heir to the Bao family's legacy, was turning twenty, a significant milestone that came with the weight of tradition and expectation. Lanterns painted in auspicious red and gold swayed gently in the evening breeze, casting warm light across the estate, while the air hummed with the sounds of music and laughter. Guests from noble families in nearby towns had arrived in droves, not merely to celebrate but to present their daughters, each groomed and adorned, hoping to catch the eye of the eligible heir. It was whispered that Lord Bao himself was pressing his son to take a wife—or perhaps a few concubines—to secure the family's future.
Bao Yu, however, remained indifferent to the spectacle unfolding around him. As the fourth son of Lord Bao, he was the only male heir among seven sisters, each born of a different concubine. His mother, the lord's favorite and most esteemed concubine, had died tragically during childbirth, leaving him to be raised by the estate's eunuchs. Despite his noble birth, Bao Yu had grown up in quiet solitude, devoid of maternal warmth but steeped in the expectations of his lineage.
He sat reclined in a high-backed chair in the main hall, his cheek resting against his palm, a picture of bored detachment. Before him, a troupe of dancers moved with practiced grace, their silken sleeves fluttering like butterfly wings. The music swelled, vibrant and lively, but to Bao Yu, it was nothing more than background noise. His gaze drifted toward the window, where the horizon glowed faintly as the sun dipped lower. How he longed to be free, to spread wings like a bird and fly far from the suffocating grandeur of his own life.
"Young Lord?" A soft voice broke his reverie. He turned his head lazily, meeting the concerned gaze of one of the eunuchs who had served as his surrogate caretaker since birth. The man cleared his throat and bowed slightly. "Young Lord, the Chang family has arrived. Shall I invite them in?"
Bao Yu's expression tightened, his distaste evident. With a faint wrinkle of his nose, he waved a dismissive hand. "Gong Gong, I think I'd prefer some fresh air." His voice was weary, tinged with the unspoken plea of a man seeking reprieve. He glanced back out the window as twilight surrendered to the first glimmers of stars.
The eunuch hesitated for a moment before sighing in resignation. "Very well, Young Lord." Clapping his hands sharply, he dismissed the performers, who gathered their flowing garments and retreated from the hall. A rare smile graced Bao Yu's lips as he rose from his seat, eager to escape the suffocating festivities.
Together, they strolled into the courtyard, the evening air cool and fragrant with the scent of jasmine. The soft gurgle of a stream flowed beneath an arched bridge, the tranquility of the scene a stark contrast to the cacophony of the banquet behind them. Bao Yu leaned against the wooden railing, gazing down at the pond where brightly colored carp swirled, their movements quick and chaotic as they jostled for scraps of food.
"Gong Gong," he murmured, his voice low and uncertain. "Must I truly get married?" His question hung in the air, weighted by the vulnerability he seldom showed.
The eunuch stood beside him, his hands folded neatly. "It is your duty as the heir," he replied, his tone calm yet firm, though his eyes softened at the sight of the young lord's turmoil.
Bao Yu sighed deeply, picking up a small pellet of fish food. He held it aloft, watching the carp below ripple the surface with their eager anticipation. "I feel like this pellet," he said, his voice tinged with melancholy. "And they are like those fish—selfish, greedy, hungry." His fingers clenched tightly around the pellet, grinding it into dust that drifted away on the night breeze.
The eunuch said nothing, his presence a steadying anchor as Bao Yu gazed into the water, his reflection shimmering alongside the writhing fish.
A low, frustrated moan escaped Bao Yu's lips as he turned abruptly from the pond, his hands brushing against his silken robes as if to shake off the tension weighing him down. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice the servant girl hurrying toward him until it was too late. The collision sent her sprawling to the ground, the heavy basket of trash she carried tipping and scattering its filthy contents across the stone pathway—and staining the hem of his immaculate robes.
"I'm sorry," Li Yunwu mumbled, her voice small and trembling as she rubbed her head, still dazed from the fall. She lifted herself slightly, but before her wide eyes could meet Bao Yu's, the eunuch at his side stepped forward, his fury obvious.
"Insolent, foolish girl!" the eunuch barked, his voice cutting through the cool night air. He raised his hand, poised to strike, his expression dark with anger. Li Yunwu flinched instinctively, bracing for the blow, but it never came. Instead, Bao Yu's hand shot out, catching the eunuch's arm mid-swing.
"Gong Gong, that's not necessary," Bao Yu said, his voice calm yet firm, a quiet authority undercutting his soft words. His sharp gaze flicked to the eunuch, whose anger momentarily faltered as he lowered his arm, though his eyes still burned with disapproval.
"Consider yourself at the Young Lord's mercy," the eunuch spat at Li Yunwu, his tone dripping with disdain.
Li Yunwu's heart raced as she finally looked up, her eyes meeting Bao Yu's for the first time. Realizing the enormity of her mistake—interrupting the Young Lord on his birthday, no less—her face blanched. Panic seized her as she hastily kowtowed, her forehead nearly striking the cold stone. "I-I'm sorry! I'm very sorry," she stuttered, her voice quivering with fear. Sweat beaded on her brow and trickled down her cheeks as her entire body trembled.
The eunuch narrowed his eyes, his lips pressed into a thin line. "You beg for forgiveness but not punishment?" he asked, his tone carrying a note of quiet scrutiny. "What unit do you work under? It seems the servants there have grown disobedient."
Before Li Yunwu could respond, her mother came rushing into the courtyard, breathless and visibly distraught. Dropping to her knees beside her daughter, she kowtowed with desperate fervor. "Please, Young Lord, show mercy to my daughter. For her mistake, I accept full responsibility. Punish me instead," the woman cried, her voice cracking as she pressed her forehead to the ground. Her frail body trembled with every word, her fear tangible.
Li Yunwu lifted her head to gaze at her mother in disbelief, tears shimmering in her hazy, wide eyes. The dim light of the lanterns reflected the vivid swirl of melted bronze and jade within them, a mesmerizing contrast that caught Bao Yu's attention and momentarily stilled his thoughts.
The eunuch's voice cut through the moment. "You have raised a poorly disciplined daughter," he sneered, his glare fixed on Li Yunwu. Her mother immediately forced her back into a deep kowtow, pressing her down with trembling hands. "One hundred and fifty lashes," the eunuch declared coldly, sending an icy shiver through Li Yunwu's body.
"No!" Li Yunwu gasped, her voice breaking as she clutched her chest. "Please don't. My mother is too old and frail—punish me instead. I beg you!" Tears streamed freely down her cheeks, her vibrant green eyes glistening with desperation under the faint light.
"Who allowed you to speak out of turn?" the eunuch barked, his tone sharp and merciless. Li Yunwu lowered her head, her tears falling silently to the ground as she quivered under the weight of his words.
"That's enough!" Bao Yu's voice rang out, cutting through the tension like a blade. His brows knitted in frustration as he turned to the eunuch. "No one is getting punished. No one is receiving any lashings," he said firmly, brushing the grime off his stained robes with a quiet sigh. His disapproval was evident, his composure betraying a rare flicker of irritation.
Li Yunwu's mother gasped audibly, her trembling voice filled with gratitude. "The Young Lord is kind and virtuous to show mercy to this lowly one," she stammered, her head still pressed to the ground. Her eyes darted sideways to ensure her daughter remained kneeling.
Bao Yu's gaze lingered on Li Yunwu. He extended a hand, his voice soft yet commanding. "Rise," he said.
The eunuch bristled, his tone dripping with contempt as he interjected. "The Young Lord commands you to rise, you insolent girl!"
"Gong Gong," Bao Yu sighed, his exasperation evident. He glanced at the eunuch with a warning look, silencing any further protest.
Li Yunwu hesitated, her heart pounding against her ribs as she slowly raised her head. Her teary eyes locked with Bao Yu's for the second time, and her breath caught. He stood tall, his posture regal and commanding, his strikingly handsome face framed by jet-black hair neatly tied into a high bun adorned with an opulent crown. His lavish robes, though now marred by mud and grime, still shimmered with rich colors under the lantern light. His piercing phoenix eyes bore into hers with an intensity that made her nervous, her doe-like gaze trembling under their scrutiny.
For a moment, the world seemed to fall silent, the noise of the banquet fading into the background as Bao Yu studied the girl before him.
Bao Yu extended his hand, his fingers brushing tenderly against Li Yunwu's tear-streaked face. His thumb moved slowly, wiping away the glistening trails of sorrow that marred her delicate cheeks. He found himself entranced by her eyes, shimmering like jade flecked with gold, their beauty amplified by the lanterns' soft glow. The world around him seemed to fade into the background as he gazed into her trembling expression.
"Young Lord!" the eunuch exclaimed, his voice sharp with disapproval as he took a step forward. His stern expression deepened, his disdain barely concealed as he watched Bao Yu's uncharacteristic display of tenderness.
"Please don't cry," Bao Yu murmured, his voice low and soothing. The soft caress of his thumb against her cheek was almost imperceptible, yet it held a quiet reassurance that melted her defenses. "You nor your mother will be punished," he added, his tone resolute as he glanced briefly at the older woman still kowtowing at his feet.
Bao Yu leaned closer, his breath warm against Li Yunwu's ear as he whispered, "Such beautiful eyes should never shed tears." His voice was as soft as a breeze, and his words lingered like an intimate secret between them. With a final gentle swipe of his thumb, he wiped the last tear from her eye. Her body trembled under his touch, the vulnerability of the moment sending her heart into a chaotic rhythm.
The eunuch's lips curled in contempt, his nose twitching as though he could no longer stomach the scene. "Consider yourselves fortunate," he spat. "The Young Lord is feeling merciful tonight." His frown deepened as he turned away, his posture rigid with frustration.
Bao Yu straightened, his expression now composed as he addressed her firmly but kindly. "Please, take the remainder of the night off." Without waiting for her reply, Bao Yu turned and began to walk away, his silk robes sweeping behind him. The eunuch, still visibly disgruntled, hurried to follow, his sharp footsteps echoing in the courtyard.
"But, Young Lord—" the eunuch began, his tone insistent.
"I said enough," Bao Yu interrupted, his voice curt and unyielding. His strides quickened, leaving no room for further protest. The eunuch turned once more to cast a venomous glare at Li Yunwu and her mother before reluctantly trailing after the Young Lord.
Left in the courtyard, Li Yunwu broke down, her tears flowing freely once again. "Mama, I'm so sorry," she sobbed, her voice barely audible through the lump in her throat. Her mother reached for her, pulling her trembling daughter into a tight embrace.
"A-Yun," her mother said softly, stroking her hair, "the Young Lord was merciful tonight. But please, be more careful next time." Though Bao Yu had excused them from their duties, the mother and daughter returned to their tasks, their fear of disobedience outweighing any desire for rest.
That night, Bao Yu remained restless. Reclining in his chamber, he could not banish the image of Li Yunwu's tearful eyes from his mind. Their vivid green, like leaves on the verge of autumn's golden turn, lingered in his thoughts. His father grew increasingly irritated as the night wore on, noticing Bao Yu's complete lack of interest in the noblewomen who sought his attention during the celebration.
"Young Lord," the eunuch spoke carefully as he entered the room, watching Bao Yu's distracted expression. "Are you still troubled by that insubordinate servant girl? If you wish it, punishment can still be carried out."
Bao Yu sighed heavily, his annoyance breaking through his calm demeanor. "Gong Gong," he began, his tone clipped, "why do you harbor such contempt for her? It was an accident. Nothing more."
The eunuch's brows furrowed in disapproval, his arms folding across his chest. "The Young Lord is generous to a fault. Such kindness can be easily exploited by the servants if you are not careful." His words were sharp, laced with a warning born of years of experience.
Bao Yu rolled his eyes, his patience wearing thin. "Enough," he snapped, rising abruptly to his feet. "I wish to sleep. Send the guests off on my behalf." Without another word, he swept from the room, his steps quick and purposeful.
The news of the Young Lord's abrupt departure spread like wildfire through the estate. Rumors soon reached the servants' quarters, where Li Yunwu's mother held her daughter close.
"A-Yun, you mustn't dwell on this," her mother said gently, though her trembling hands betrayed her fear. "If the Young Lord changes his mind, then so be it. I will gladly take your punishment."
"No, Mama," Li Yunwu whispered, her voice cracking as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. "It was my fault. I am more than capable of handling the punishment." She buried her face against her mother's shoulder, her sobs muffled by the fabric.
The two women retreated to their sleeping quarters, where they joined Li Shizi, huddling together for warmth and comfort. Despite her mother's soothing words, Li Yunwu could not stop the tears from spilling over. She lay silently, her heart heavy with guilt and shame as the quiet of the night enveloped them. Only the sound of her soft weeping broke the stillness, echoing faintly in the dark.