Chapter 3 I Want to See Your Leg

The figure before her felt somewhat familiar, yet utterly foreign.

Beneath the vermilion gate, He Xuandu stood facing the wind, his reddish brown peacock gold embroidered brocade robe fluttering gently. His jet black hair flowed like clouds, his complexion was as pale as jade, and his clear peach blossom eyes tilted slightly upward. His jade like fingers, slender as bamboo joints, idly massaged his forehead.

Liu Shunhua emerged from behind a tree and walked step by step toward He Xuandu.

Her mind was completely blank. Originally, she had only intended to steal a glance, but upon truly seeing him, other desires unexpectedly arose within her.

Toward He Xuandu, she always harbored an inexplicable, indescribable emotion one that lay beyond her control.

Before the vermilion gate, He Xuandu cast a lazy glance and his eyes instantly brightened at the sight of Liu Shunhua blocking his path.

Another admirer captivated by his beauty, and a stunning one at that.

How utterly amusing.

He shoved aside two bothersome servants, unfurled the five colored feather fan in his hand to cover half his face, tilted his head, and leaned closer.

The servants glanced at He Xuandu and couldn’t help but feel a pang of anxiety for the beauty before them.

Though she was beautiful, her plain, understated attire and overall demeanor happened to be the type their young master disliked the most.

For such beauties, the young master typically had only one line.

Sure enough, He Xuandu raised an eyebrow and said, “Beauty, care to join me for some cockfighting?”

Liu Shunhua was dumbfounded…

Before she could recover from her confusion, she suddenly realized something even more shocking.

He Xuandu’s legs were healed.

In her past life, she could sense that He Xuandu cared deeply about his legs.

Whenever she spoke of rural landscapes or galloping on horseback, a rare spark would flicker across his usually indifferent face, his eyes seeming to gleam with light.

She often thought that if He Xuandu had healthy legs, he would never have been confined to the estate.

A person of his lofty purity ought to be playing the jade qin amidst bamboo groves or listening to the rustling of pine trees in the mountains and waters, at ease with the world, untainted by worldly dust.

Overwhelmed with joy, Liu Shunhua disregarded everything else, took a few steps forward, and pointed at his legs, her voice trembling, “Your legs… your legs…”

She stared fixedly at He Xuandu’s legs, her gaze so fervent that her behavior seemed almost deranged.

He Xuandu’s smile froze on his face, and he snapped his feather fan shut in alarm.

This woman hadn’t been scared off by him; instead, she was acting so crazily she must be utterly infatuated with him.

Fearing she might try to touch his legs at any moment, he backed away as he spoke, “Hey, hey, hey! What are you doing? Stay away from me, or I’ll call for help!”

Liu Shunhua snapped back to her senses and hurriedly explained, “No, it’s just… I only wanted to see your legs.”

Wanted to see his… legs.

So, she was a female libertine.

A living, breathing female libertine, and he had encountered one.

He Xuandu retreated several steps, pulled the two servants in front of him, and peered out with half his head, stammering, “You… you’re audacious! How dare you flirt with me, young master?”

Seeing that her explanation was futile, Liu Shunhua grew even more flustered. “No, it’s not like that. Listen to me, I just didn’t expect your legs to be fine, I…”

He Xuandu refused to listen. “Stop right there! Stand where you are and don’t move.”

Liu Shunhua stood frozen in place, staring blankly at He Xuandu.

He Xuandu cautiously circled to the side and then broke into a run.

As he fled, he glanced back with lingering fear, worried she might chase after him.

“What are you still gawking at? Run!”

The image of He Xuandu aloof and ethereal, dressed in pristine white as he sat in his wheelchair floated before her eyes like a phantom, starkly contrasted by the figure she had just seen fleeing in desperate, unrestrained haste.

Liu Shunhua stood frozen in place, taking a long moment to collect herself.

She wandered back in a daze.

That person had undoubtedly been He Xuandu, but why had he appeared… in such a state?

And more puzzlingly, why had his legs suddenly healed?

In her previous life, she had first heard of He Xuandu half a year after marrying into the Prime Minister’s residence.

At the time, the elderly madam was gravely ill. After attending to her medicine, Liu Shunhua was returning to her courtyard when she overheard an old maidservant scolding some servants in the passageway.

“From now on, you lot must be more clever in your duties. The Second Young Master returned to the residence yesterday. With his unpredictable temperament, who knows what trouble might stir.”

Having lived in the residence for over half a year without ever meeting this Second Young Master, Liu Shunhua asked Miaoling when he had arrived.

Miaoling, assigned to her by the elderly madam, knew a little about the household affairs.

Yet Miaoling hesitated and evaded, only saying that the Second Young Master had previously been in Liangzhou.

Assuming he was an overlooked illegitimate son, Liu Shunhua did not press further.

It was only later, after she and He Xuandu developed a half mentor, half friend relationship, that she gradually learned of his background.

But regarding the cause of his leg disability, most in the residence kept silent. Even those who served He Xuandu refused to say a word. Fearing that excessive curiosity might hurt him, she never inquired again.

Unaware of the truth, Liu Shunhua had always believed he had been disabled since childhood.

If that were the case, then He Xuandu must have become disabled within the next year.

No, his legs must not be broken she had to find a way to prevent it.

Last night had been a muddled, dreamlike state, Liu Shunhua’s mind filled with fragments of her past.

At times, it was He Xuanhui’s cold, harsh words; at others, the fire at the Prime Minister’s residence that had claimed her life.

Though she had been entangled with He Xuanhui in love and resentment for three years, she had long since given up on him. Despite the lingering bitterness, it was not a deep seated hatred.

As for the fire, given how her previous life had turned out, it was perhaps a form of release.

She could only console herself with that thought.

The deeply entrenched power of the Prime Minister’s residence was not something a sheltered woman like her could shake.

The past was empty, gone beyond recall. All she wanted now was to protect her family and live this life peacefully and securely.

In this life, her father and brother would no longer be implicated and suppressed in court because of her.

And Tanghua what use was being an empress? It was better not to pursue it. She only wished for her to live a smooth and happy life.

If there was any regret in this life, it was He Xuandu.

“Young Miss, it’s time to rise.”

Liu Shunhua slowly opened her eyes and, through her drowsiness, saw Fangcao entering with a copper basin of washing water.

Peering through the red silk bed curtains, she caught a glimpse of the faint shadows of peonies in the ceramic vase by the window, then turned over and went back to sleep.

Just as Fangcao set the basin on the stand and dampened a towel, she noticed papers scattered on the floor, blown astray by the wind.

She carefully wiped her hands, gathered them one by one, and upon looking, smiled warmly. “Young Miss, when did your handwriting become so beautiful?”

Liu Shunhua’s eyes flew open. She leaped from the bed, threw aside the curtains, and rushed to snatch the papers from Fangcao’s hands.

Covering the pages, densely repeated over and over, were three characters: He Xuandu.

Her cheeks flushed with heat. Liu Shunhua rolled up the papers, tucked them into a drawer, and deliberately changed the subject. “What beauty? It’s clearly an eyesore.”

Fangcao smiled and turned to wring out the towel before handing it over: “Young Miss, you’re not teasing me, are you? Though I barely recognize any characters, I can still tell good handwriting from bad. I’ve seen your previous handwriting before.”

Liu Shunhua teased, “Since you’re so clever, why not learn to read as well?”

Fangcao waved her hands repeatedly: “Young Miss, spare me! I could never learn such things.”

Liu Shunhua immediately responded, “That’s because you haven’t found the right approach to studying. For people like us, if we start by reading classics like the Imperial College Students, we naturally find no enjoyment and struggle to continue. Look at how I used to be I’d be terrified at the mention of studying, but ever since He…”

She suddenly stopped speaking. This was three years ago she and He Xuandu hadn’t even met yet.

Fangcao pursed her lips and smiled: “I didn’t know when Young Miss started studying. The young master is waiting outside anyway, and he’s not here to see you putting on airs.”

Only then did Liu Shunhua remember she had promised her brother yesterday to visit the Floating Cloud Garden of the Marquis of Changling Estate together to admire the flowers.

The carriage passed through the city gate and headed toward the eastern suburbs.

Once outside the city, a fresh breeze carrying the scent of flowers stirred the carriage curtains, mingled with the crisp fragrance of grass and trees in the air.

Liu Shunhua took a deep breath, overwhelmed by a long lost sense of familiarity.

Seeing the smile on her face, completely unlike her dazed state from yesterday, Liu Huan’an knew bringing her out today had been a wise decision.

Liu Shunhua relaxed her shoulders and asked, “Is Brother acquainted with the heir of the Marquis of Changling?”

“I’ve only met the heir of the Marquis of Changling a few times. This invitation is likely due to Cao Tingwei’s influence.” Liu Huan’an shook his head, then added: “My recent promotion was recommended by Cao Tingwei.”

Cao Tingwei, formerly known as County Magistrate Cao, had been Liu Huan’an’s superior all along.

Because this person had recommended her brother, Liu Shunhua had paid particular attention to him. He seemed to appear every year at Chancellor He’s birthday celebrations as well.

Could it be that Chancellor He intended to win over her brother?

Her brother was deeply passionate about classics and history, with remarkable talent and learning. Among the various schools of thought, he particularly advocated for Legalism.

He often said “circumstances change and methods must adapt accordingly” if Da’an wished to maintain lasting peace and order, it should govern the world through laws and statecraft rather than stubbornly clinging to old ways.

Filled with passion and hoping to achieve great deeds and establish his career, he had indeed once gained the emperor’s favor and risen to the position of Palace Censor.

But all that came later why would Chancellor He already be thinking of winning over her brother so early?

Suppressing her doubts, she smiled and said, “So it seems the heir of the Marquis of Changling invited us today to get to know Brother.”

Liu Huan’an didn’t respond, only gazing out the window with a complicated expression.

Liu Shunhua knew he harbored lofty ambitions and didn’t want to get involved in power struggles. But serving in the court, it was difficult to remain isolated. However, her brother’s temperament reassured her after all, the Chancellor’s residence would likely rebel in the future, and she didn’t want her brother implicated by the Chancellor’s household.

She sighed inwardly and changed the subject: “I wonder which important figures the Marquis of Changling has invited this time. I’ve always been rather inexperienced I hope I don’t accidentally offend anyone.”

Liu Huan’an finally smiled: “No need for such modesty everyone knows how clever you are.”

“But this time, there really is someone important. I heard the eldest young master of the Chancellor’s residence will be there today.”

Liu Shunhua frowned. So He Xuanhui would indeed be present.

Her thoughts then turned elsewhere as she casually remarked: “I’ve heard the Chancellor’s residence also has a second young master.”

Liu Huan’an’s expression darkened as he cautioned Liu Shunhua, “He may not necessarily participate in such refined affairs. However, if we encounter this Second Young Master in the garden later, it would be best to keep your distance.”

Liu Shunhua arched her delicate brows. “Why?”

Being a gentleman who disdained gossiping behind others’ backs, Liu Huan’an simply stated, “This Second Young Master possesses a handsome appearance but is notoriously frivolous.”

That He Xuandu was a wastrel this wasn’t the first time Liu Shunhua had heard such remarks.

Since the old madam fell gravely ill and He Xuandu returned to the residence, she had frequently overheard such comments. Yet, the longer she interacted with him, the more she understood his true character, dismissing it as slander spread by the Prime Minister’s wife and never taking it to heart.

After yesterday’s encounter at the Prime Minister’s residence and her brother’s words just now, her mind was in turmoil.

Liu Shunhua replied perfunctorily, “Rumors aren’t necessarily true. Besides, I won’t actively provoke anyone, so rest assured, brother.”

After crossing Sycee Bridge, they followed a path where green willows embraced the spring waters until the water’s end revealed Floating Cloud Garden.

The carriage halted, and the two alighted one after another.

Outside the garden gate, carriages and horses were already bustling, with several young servants greeting them with smiling faces.

Inside, pavilions and towers stood tall, while miles of peach blossoms competed in full bloom some pale pink and jade tender, others vividly enchanting clustering together like rosy clouds, filling the air with rich fragrance.

Liu Huan’an glanced back at Liu Shunhua. “Earlier I thought your attire was somewhat plain, but now it seems perfectly suited to this scenery.”

Liu Huan’an presented his visiting card, and after a glance from the two servants at the gate, they were escorted into the garden.

Liu Shunhua followed behind Liu Huan’an, winding past a stone bridge, through meandering waterside pavilions, and onward until they reached the main hall.

A servant smiled and said, “Young Master Liu, our young master is inside and has been awaiting you for some time.”

Liu Huan’an turned to Liu Shunhua. “Feel at ease enjoying the flowers. If anything arises, send someone to find me.”

A maid from the garden led Liu Shunhua further ahead.

After an indeterminate distance, a pink wall blocked the view ahead, with only a cluster of peach blossoms arching over the moon gate, blooming vigorously in the breeze. Laughter and chatter drifted continuously from beyond the wall.

After guiding Liu Shunhua into the peach grove, the maid smiled and took her leave.

Within the peach grove, He Xuandu strolled ahead, waving his feather fan, followed by three or four young men.

“Xuandu, you’ve arrived quite late today. You must drink an extra cup later.”

“Exactly! Waiting for you made me miss my chance to admire the beauties.”

He Xuandu snapped his fan shut and tapped Qiu Changlin on the head. “Vulgar, utterly vulgar. Those noble maidens are all affectation and woodenness what beauty is there in that? Instead of appreciating the spring scenery filling the garden, you gaze upon such foolish things.”

Qiu Changlin rubbed his head. “You’re accustomed to romantic affairs and have discerning tastes who can compare? I happen to adore these dignified and charming ladies.”

He Xuandu raised his fan to adjust his hair. “It’s settled: today, I’m only here for the scenery. If you want to look at vulgar people, don’t drag me along. I fear my exceptional presence might steal your limelight.”

The group burst into laughter.
“He Xuandu, with your reputation, you have no self awareness at all!”

“If you don’t make a fool of yourself, we should thank the gods steal the limelight indeed?”

“Listen, if you inquire around, which noble young lady in Chang’an doesn’t shake her head at the mention of you?”

He Xuandu stroked his chin and raised his head with smug satisfaction. “What do you common folk know about my virtues? Just yesterday when I went out, I was even teased by a woman. It’s not that I intend to be frivolous it’s just that this face of mine is far too prone to attracting admirers.”

Qiu Changlin didn’t believe him. “You? Teased by a woman? Right at the Prime Minister’s residence?”

He Xuandu nodded. “Absolutely true. My two servants witnessed it. Luckily, I ran fast who knows how she might have pestered me otherwise.”

“Truly an extraordinary tale. Such a thing actually happened?”

“That woman must have been hideously ugly. Otherwise, why would you run so fast?”

He Xuandu thought for a moment. “As for her looks… she was actually quite beautiful. It’s just that her attire was far too plain and lifeless, like a young widow. If only ”

Before he could finish, Qiu Changlin exclaimed, “Look, look! Over there!”

Deep within the peach grove, a woman’s sleeves fluttered gracefully, her dark hair flowing like smoke as if riding the wind. The hem of her Jade Purity Skirt swept over fallen blossoms on the ground, their shadows dancing across her luminous face. Picking up a flower, she smiled a beauty so ethereal she seemed to have stepped out of a painting.

Liu Shunhua looked up at the sound and met He Xuandu’s gaze directly.

He Xuandu froze momentarily, then straightened his collar with a practiced hand.

He sighed dramatically. “So you’ve come after me after all. Speak what exactly are your intentions toward me?”