Unintentional Surprise (GL) - Chapter 1

An autumn rain brings with it a chill.

Outside the window, withered yellow leaves fluttered down, adding an untimely sense of desolation to the normally lively Fuxian Lingyin Pavilion.

But Fuxian Lingyin Pavilion should never feel desolate. On the contrary, by nightfall, it was the liveliest place in all of the capital. Every romantic young man in the city would flock here, seeking joy in this place that was both elegant and decadent.

Perhaps it was still early, or perhaps the usual clamor of the other sisters in the courtyard was absent today, allowing the autumn scenery to dampen Wen Dinglan’s good mood.

Wen Dinglan was lying on her dressing table, her chin resting on a slender arm. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of the falling leaves outside the window through the copper mirror.

Wen Dinglan was the lead zither player of Fuxian Lingyin Pavilion, one of its most sought-after stars.

The new copper mirror was a gift from a patron. His name? She’d already forgotten.

Wen Dinglan didn’t have the best memory—but then again, not every patron’s name was worth remembering.

She had intended to simply close her eyes and drift back into sleep through this peaceful morning. But her dream was interrupted by a loud shout that pierced through the quiet courtyard and rang in her ears:

“My dear goddess! Still sleeping? You’re the most carefree one in the whole pavilion right now!” The voice belonged to Dongqing, the head dancer of Fuxian Lingyin Pavilion.

Dongqing and Wen Dinglan were on good terms, so she was likely here in a hurry for something important.

And indeed, it was urgent—

“The Prime Minister’s estate is hosting a banquet tonight to celebrate the new top scholar. You’re the lead performer!” Dongqing rushed into the room. “Heavens! You haven’t even washed up yet? Look at that messy hair—if someone saw you like this, they’d think the title of ‘peerless beauty’ had been taken away!”

“Let’s see who dares take it. Let’s see if anyone can take it.” Wen Dinglan responded lazily, deliberately provoking Dongqing just to annoy her. Her tone was part carefree, part disdainful—the posture of someone who had long since earned her pride.

“Yes, yes, no one can take it…” Dongqing muttered as she picked up a sandalwood comb and started to do Wen Dinglan’s hair.

Only then did Wen Dinglan sit up.

It wasn’t that she had forgotten about the Prime Minister’s banquet—she just wasn’t all that interested.

And when her mood lacked interest, she naturally had to find something amusing to focus on.

“Hey, Dongqing—how come this year’s top scholar gets such grand treatment? Just passed the exams and already invited to the Prime Minister’s residence?” Wen Dinglan’s thoughts were anything but “still.” She was curious about this so-called top scholar.

“How would I know? If you’re really that curious, I’ll ask around later.” Dongqing’s hairstyling skills were top-notch—within moments, she’d secured the jade hairpin perfectly in Wen Dinglan’s bun.

The simple elegance of the accessories, paired with her enchanting gaze, might have clashed on anyone else—but on Wen Dinglan, it was perfectly harmonious.

“If I wait for you to ask around, the flowers will have withered.” Wen Dinglan pouted slightly—her lips were naturally red and alluring without any rouge.

“Oh, now you’re mad at me? If you’re that eager, go check him out yourself tonight! But listen, this banquet is a big deal—no room for mistakes. Be extra careful, you hear?” Dongqing warned.

“I hear you loud and clear—”

Only after hearing Wen Dinglan promise did Dongqing feel at ease.

She wanted to say more, but Wen Dinglan began nudging her out: “Go on now. If I keep listening to your chatter, the music in my head will turn into your endless nagging.”

“Kicking me out already? I just got here.” Dongqing still wanted to linger.

But Wen Dinglan wouldn’t allow it. She used the excuse of having to tune her instrument and change her clothes to drive her out and stop the chitchat.

After much effort, she finally got Dongqing to leave. She closed the door, leaned against it, and let out a long sigh of relief.

Then she turned her gaze to the crystal zither resting on the table—the one she would be playing tonight—and frowned slightly.

She wondered what kind of music the new top scholar would prefer.

Something quiet and graceful? Or lively and spirited?

Hopefully, she wouldn’t make the mistake of showing off—or worse, end up playing pearls before swine.