Longing for Love (Twice Reborn) - Chapter 10

Li Ling hastily rose to bow in greeting.

Song Mo nodded in acknowledgment and stated with utmost seriousness that having recently been promoted to the central administration overseeing the Ministries of Works and Revenue, he had encountered several unclear points while reviewing the Ministry of Works archives. He wished to seek Li Ling’s counsel that evening.

Having toiled in the Ministry of Works for years yet remaining a mere fifth rank official, Li Ling had never qualified to speak with someone of Song Mo’s stature. He was astonished that such an eminent figure would approach him for such trivial matters the very mention of “seeking counsel” left him overwhelmed with flattery.

Throughout their exchange, Song Mo maintained perfect composure, his expression unchanging and gaze unwavering, as if this were purely official business.

Only before departing did he show any hint of remorse for discussing work matters during a rest day, slightly inclining his posture to present the newly acquired prize a basket of tribute cherries, plump and glistening with vibrant hues to Juchen by brushing it against her temple.

“These are for you.” The familiar warm, deep voice sounded by her ear. Juchen instinctively looked up, meeting his eyes as the corners of his lips curved into a gentle smile tinged with languid elegance. “Don’t stand on ceremony,” he said with scholarly refinement. “Have your fill.”

Juchen’s cheeks instantly flushed as if brushed with rouge, helplessly recalling certain… incidents involving herself and cherries.

Seeing Juchen momentarily frozen, Li Wanyu, fearing they might appear discourteous, hurried forward to accept the gift.

Noticing her sister’s attempt to take it, Juchen made to intercept.

With swift reflexes, Song Mo gracefully evaded both reaching hands and with a soft click, placed the basket directly before Juchen.

Li Ling, observing his daughters’ apparent impropriety, rushed to bow in apology. Song Mo retained his polished smile, shaking his head to indicate no offense taken.

His gaze lingered imperceptibly on the girl whose entire being seemed petrified by the cherry basket, remarking with studied nonchalance, “These aren’t so rare. If your daughter enjoys them, this prince can send more. No need for… competitive acquisition.”

He enunciated “competitive acquisition” with particular clarity.

Juchen kept her head lowered, feeling prickles down her spine.

No wonder they’d been rivals in their past lives.

This man was clearly born to be her nemesis!

Li Wanyu, interpreting Song Mo’s glance at Juchen and the faint mockery in his tone as defense of herself, blushed with gratification.

Her eyes followed his retreating figure until it disappeared from view, leaving her with a sense of loss.

The Prince of Pengshan participated in no further events that day.

He showed not the slightest interest in the glittering prizes displayed by the incense timer as if his sole purpose had been delivering that particular basket of cherries.

As sunset painted the western hills, the banquet gradually dispersed.

Walking home behind her family, Li Wanyu remained distracted by memories of that tall, striking figure. Staring at the cherry basket in Juchen’s grasp, she burned with desire to claim it. Yet Song Mo’s words “no need for competitive acquisition” echoed relentlessly in her mind. While ostensibly mocking her elder sister, the phrase had also preemptively barred any overt contention between them.

Having heard such a declaration, should rumors later spread of their squabbling over the gift, she would be utterly disgraced in his eyes.

Torn between competitiveness and pride, Li Wanyu could only watch helplessly as Juchen kept possession of the cherries, her heart sinking with frustration.

No one understands a daughter like her mother. Aunt Wu glanced back at Li Wanyu and, seeing her so dejected, couldn’t bear it. Summoning her courage, she stepped forward to walk alongside Li Ling, taking Wuyou’s hand.

Seeing her mother join them, Li Wuyou beamed and said, “Mother! Father just promised to buy me a rattan ball too when we get back. I want to be as skilled as Prince Pengshan!”

Aunt Wu stroked Wuyou’s cheek, her face lighting up with joy. This was exactly what she had hoped to hear.

She then turned her gaze to Li Ling. “Will you be working with Prince Pengshan later, my lord?”

“Yes,” Li Ling nodded slightly, unable to conceal the pride on his face.

Li Wanyu, walking behind them, perked up at the mention of Prince Pengshan.

She quickened her steps to stay close, ears straining to catch every word.

Juchen trailed at the rear, silently listening as Aunt Wu flattered her father and praised Prince Pengshan. Eventually, with feigned concern, she carefully steered the conversation toward Li Wanyu’s marriageable age of sixteen.

“That Prince Pengshan is truly exceptional his bearing and demeanor are impeccable. If my future son-in-law could possess even a tenth of his qualities, I’d have no worries for the rest of my life.”

This half serious hint was obvious to everyone, especially to Li Ling as her father.

But Li Ling, who prized his dignity above all and prided himself on his integrity, was not one to grovel before the powerful. He despised the idea of currying favor with nobility, fearing it would tarnish his scholarly reputation.

When the heir of Prince Guangping sought a wife, Li Ling had allowed Li Wanyu to try her luck only because the old princess consort valued character over status, and the heir, though wealthy and titled, held no real power at court.

This was entirely different from the influential Song Mi.

At first, Li Ling had flatly refused Aunt Wu’s suggestion to propose a match with Song Mi.

But Aunt Wu had a secret weapon her darling Wuyou. Seeing Li Wanyu’s reddened eyes, the child tugged at his sleeve all the way home, pleading for him to help her second sister, even if just by making an introduction.

Li Ling, delighted by Wuyou’s affection, couldn’t stop smiling. Swept up by the child’s coaxing, he impulsively agreed.

“Very well, I’ll try.”

A gust of wind carried these seemingly rigid words down the corridor, striking Juchen’s ears and sending a sudden pang through her heart.

She could only grip her basket of cherries tighter, fighting back the sting in her nose.

If Song Mi were to choose Li Wanyu… there was nothing Juchen could do.

What surprised her more was that her proud, aloof father would go to such lengths for his children.

Juchen couldn’t help but recall her three years of exile in her past life.

Back then, Li Ling had cared only about his wounded pride, offering no comfort or effort to ease her hardship through his connections.

Even when Lady Wen tentatively suggested it, he had coldly retorted, “Do you expect me to beg favors for her?”

—

Silently, Juchen veered away from their path and returned alone to the main house.

Mingluan was brewing tea inside the house when she heard familiar footsteps approaching. She hurried out to greet her, only to frown at the basket of cherries in her hands. “Didn’t you dislike these? When I saw them at the market as a child, I woke before dawn to queue up and buy them for you only for them all to end up in my stomach.”

Juchen’s wandering thoughts were abruptly summoned back. A faint smile touched her lips as she shoved the basket into Mingluan’s arms. “So this time, they’ll still end up in your stomach.”

Mingluan gasped, clutching the basket. “This much? How could I possibly finish them all? These spoil so easily too aren’t you just wasting money?”

Juchen replied leisurely, “Someone gave them to me.”

“Gave them? Such luck exists?” Mingluan’s expression brightened, her eyes gleaming as she plucked one cherry and held it up against the sunset glow.

The quality was unmistakable this had to be imperial tribute.

Watching Mingluan’s delighted expression, the heaviness in Juchen’s chest dissipated somewhat.

Mingluan giggled foolishly for a long while before squinting. “That person gave them to you?”

Juchen choked.

She had always been extremely picky about food. If someone gifted her something she disliked, she would find ways to politely refuse and never bring it home.

There was only one person Mingluan had ever seen whom Juchen dared not refuse.

Because of this, Mingluan’s smile faded, replaced by displeasure. “Didn’t he know you don’t like these?”

Juchen pinched her cheek lightly without answering, only instructing, “Wash them and send half to Mother’s quarters.”

At this, Mingluan pursed her lips, hesitating.

Her troubled expression made Juchen press sternly for answers, only to learn that Lady Wen was packing her belongings to move out of the main house.

By the time Juchen entered, even the vanity had been cleared.

Under Juchen’s questioning, Lady Wen flushed awkwardly, stammering before finally explaining: Her father had visited that afternoon. He mentioned that Concubine Wu had suffered a difficult birth with Wuyou, leaving both mother and child frail. He wanted them to take this opportunity to soak in the imperial medicinal baths available only in the main house to recuperate.

To persuade her to vacate the quarters, Li Ling had unusually invited her to stay with him, which Lady Wen accepted.

Her explanation to Juchen was, “What could I do? She’s the Li family’s benefactor.”

Only Mingluan objected: “But Madam, have you considered that if you give your rooms to Concubine Wu, and she comes with the Second Young Lady and Third Young Master, where will that leave the Eldest Young Lady in this courtyard?”
Lady Wen faltered. “I’m only giving up my quarters. Chen’er will remain where she is. We’re all part of the Li family.”

Mingluan bluntly interrupted, “You’re forcing the Young Lady to move out, yet this courtyard is rightfully hers.”

Lady Wen’s face darkened with anger. “Mingluan! Your manners grow worse by the day!”

As fury flashed in Lady Wen’s eyes, Juchen stepped forward, swiftly pulling Mingluan behind her as she calmly met her mother’s gaze.

Lady Wen paused, lowering her head slightly without meeting her daughter’s eyes.

Juchen’s gaze fell to the hairpin atop her head. With a soft smile, she asked, “Mother, it’s been a long time since you wore this kingfisher-feather coral phoenix hairpin, hasn’t it?”

Earlier, while directing servants to pack her vanity, Lady Wen thinking of moving to Li Ling’s quarters had dressed carefully.

This phoenix hairpin was Li Ling’s token of love when they were betrothed.

When Concubine Wu entered the household, Lady Wen had angrily sealed it away in a box, vowing never to wear it again.

Madam Wen reached up to touch the tassels on her hairpin, hesitating for a moment before answering indirectly. With sorrowful eyes, she said, “Chen’er, you understand your mother’s difficulties, don’t you?”

Having lived through a lifetime, Juchen already knew that some questions left unanswered were answers in themselves.

Without making a scene, Juchen turned and left with Mingluan in tow.

As they passed through the waterside pavilion, Mingluan could no longer contain her indignation. “But you also suffer from cold hands and feet in winter and need medicinal baths to warm yourself. Has Madam forgotten that?”

A shadow of sadness flickered in Juchen’s eyes as she smiled bitterly. “Let it be. I’m used to it.”

The sun had already dipped below the mountain ridge.

After settling into their new quarters, Juchen and Mingluan, both famished, headed straight for the communal dining hall in the main building.

As they passed the second gate near Madam Lu’s courtyard, they happened upon Lu Yun sitting by the window.

Spotting Juchen from afar, Lu Yun grabbed a handful of cherries from the table and leaned out to greet her. “Juchen, where are you off to? Want some cherries?”

In no mood for pleasantries, Juchen politely declined with a curtsey, stating she didn’t care for cherries.

Unexpectedly, Song Mi and Lu Feng, who had been playing chess inside, appeared at the window simultaneously upon hearing this.

Song Mi frowned slightly. “You don’t like cherries? Then why did you snatch them before”

“To snatch a man?” Lu Feng completed seamlessly.

As if struck by lightning, Juchen immediately accepted the cherries from Lu Yun’s hand, forcing a bright smile. “No, that I was just being shy earlier. I love cherries! They’re my favorite!”

Yet throughout their walk to the dining hall, though Juchen chatted amiably with Lu Yun, Song Mi noticed she never touched the cherries in her hand.

Was her earlier despondency because they had all misunderstood her preferences?

Song Mi began to realize she had seemed unhappy ever since appearing outside the window.

Upon entering the dining hall, Lu Yun spotted familiar faces and cheerfully pulled Juchen toward a table occupied by female companions.

Lu Feng and Song Mi naturally took seats at an adjacent table, with Song Mi sitting directly behind Juchen.

As attendants served freshly brewed tea, Xue Wan asked Juchen brightly, “How was your first hot spring experience?”

Several classmates from Jifang Academy joined the conversation, mentioning how the Empress Dowager had specially granted them scented medicinal packets for their baths.

“Mine was osmanthus.”

“Mine was plum blossom.”

“Mine was chrysanthemum.”

“Juchen, what was yours?”

After a pause, Juchen admitted truthfully, “I changed rooms and haven’t had the chance yet.”

Xue Wan and the others gasped in unison. “Why?”

With a brief silence and a wry smile, Juchen quipped, “Naturally because I’m so well-mannered yielding pears and dates, helping others selflessly.”

After further questioning, they learned Juchen had given up her room for her younger siblings.

Juchen cheerfully reminded them, “Make sure to spread this story far and wide.”

Since she gained nothing material, she might as well earn some goodwill.

Lu Feng finished ordering the dishes and turned to find Song Mu holding his teacup motionlessly. Waving a hand before his eyes, he remarked, “You’re actually spacing out?”

This was truly rare, making him wonder if Song Mu had been overworked with official duties lately, causing him to zone out even at dinner.

Song Mu instinctively glanced back, took a sip of tea, and casually hummed in response, his mind drifting back to the dream he had the previous night.

In that dream, she had once saved him leaving him indebted to her.

Night draped over the city as lanterns flickered to life.

In the dining hall, young women huddled together, their flower like youth brimming with dreams of the future, chattering endlessly.

Song Mu and Lu Feng had already eaten their fill, while Juchen’s first main course had just been served.

A palace maid carrying a lacquered tray stood beside Juchen, who moved aside to make space. Glancing back absentmindedly, she noticed the man behind her had already left.

Recalling that he had official matters to discuss with Li Ling that evening and Li Ling’s promise to Aunt Wu Juchen’s gaze darkened. For the rest of the banquet, her mind wandered.

Once the feast ended, Juchen returned to her courtyard under the cool night breeze, just as Li Ling came back from Song Mu’s quarters.

Aunt Wu and Li Wanyu stood anxiously at the door, spotting him from afar and rushing over.

Juchen paused at the entrance, listening.

“It’s settled,” Li Ling said, though he sighed.

Li Wanyu widened her eyes in delight, puzzled by her father’s sigh.

From inside the hall, Li Ling noticed Juchen lingering at the door and beckoned her in with a faint smile.

Hesitantly stepping into the main hall, Juchen heard him say, “Prince Pengshan has heard of your exceptional skill in arithmetic. Coincidentally, he is reviewing the Ministry of Revenue’s accounts tonight, but there are few officials from the ministry on the mountain. If you’re free, go assist him.”
Prince Pengshan had indeed agreed to meet the young lady of their household, but it seemed he had misunderstood Li Ling’s matchmaking intentions. His mind was wholly occupied by official duties, buried under mountains of paperwork.

Summoning the eldest daughter was merely because she was a newly appointed female official his mother’s subordinate and having her assist was perfectly reasonable.

Having never met before, and with Song Mu’s reputation for integrity and restraint well known throughout the capital, there seemed no reason for summoning a female official to his study beyond official business.

Li Wanyu stomped her feet in frustration.

Late into the night, staring at the pitch black sky outside her window, she still couldn’t fathom documents, documents, what was so fascinating about documents?!

Meanwhile, in Huaqing Palace, Prince Pengshan was already embracing a beauty in the hot springs.