Chapter 5: The Collapse

Behind He Xuanhui stood Li Jifang, the heir of the Changling Marquis estate, and Liu Huan’an.

The three men each possessed distinct qualities one gentle and scholarly, another sharp and imposing, and the last refined and dignified all bearing the dragon countenance and phoenix posture. Within the peach grove, the noble young ladies couldn’t help stealing glances at them.

Ignoring the onlookers, Liu Huan’an furrowed his brow and approached Liu Shunhua, asking softly, “Zhenzhen, are you alright?”

Liu Shunhua shook her head. “Brother, I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

He Xuanhui glanced at He Rongxuan before his gaze settled on Liu Shunhua beside her.

She stood gracefully, half turned away, with sparse shadows from the peach blossoms falling upon her, creating a hazy silhouette.

For some reason, he felt the scene was strangely familiar, as if it had appeared in a dream.

Noticing him staring at Liu Shunhua, He Rongxuan grew even more irritated. She glared and called out, “Eldest Brother!”

He Xuanhui snapped out of his reverie, his brow furrowing as he said sternly, “Rongxuan, what are you doing?”

Pouting in frustration, He Rongxuan retorted, “Eldest Brother, other people’s brothers know to care for their sisters first, yet you scold me.”

He Xuanhui knew she had always been spoiled, and being publicly reprimanded by him naturally made her feel wronged. His earlier anger subsided considerably, replaced by a wave of softness.

He sighed lightly and bowed to Liu Shunhua. “Miss Liu, my sincere apologies. Rongxuan has always been blunt but means no harm. Please do not overthink it.”

Liu Shunhua lifted her eyes, regarding He Xuanhui coldly.

Just like their first meeting in her previous life, He Xuanhui carried himself with the grace of an aristocratic family. His features were handsome, his gaze perpetually gentle, reserved, and serene enough to make one instinctively fond of him.

Had she met him three years ago, Liu Shunhua would have been overjoyed, willing to laugh off any grievance.

But she had already witnessed his cold indifference, the bone chilling frost in his heart.

His smile now stung her eyes, and even his warm, mellow voice grated on her nerves.

Suddenly, she recalled their wedding day how he had spoken in that same clean, gentle tone, yet uttered the most heartless words.

“This marriage between us is not my wish. I… I don’t want to hold you back. You should rest early. I’ll be in the study.”

Remembering that moment, Liu Shunhua’s resentment surged.

If he hadn’t liked her from the start, why hadn’t he refused the marriage proposal outright? Why marry her only to let her waste three years in the ministerial residence?

In truth, He Xuanhui was no different from He Rongxuan.

He Rongxuan was openly domineering, never regarding others with respect.

He Xuanhui, however, was inherently cold hearted, never holding anyone in his heart.

Noticing Liu Shunhua’s gaze, He Xuanhui felt an inexplicable unease and looked up at her.

Liu Shunhua had already schooled her expression. “Young Master He, I did not sense any malice from Miss He. By saying this, are you implying that Miss He intended to harm me, or that I am petty?”

Her tone was light and soft, sounding to others like a young girl’s playful complaint.

But He Xuanhui could distinctly sense the underlying chill in her words.

He couldn’t quite explain it, but he clearly felt that this young woman somewhat disliked him.

He Xuanhui grew restless.

“Miss Liu, you must not overthink it. Trust your instincts you’re right. She meant to humiliate you.”

He Xuandu had somehow appeared, leaning lazily against a peach tree, idly fanning himself as he watched the drama unfold.

He Xuanhui’s gaze sharpened. “Second Brother, do not speak recklessly.”

He Xuandu fanned himself leisurely. “Elder Brother, you are mistaken. ‘Words must be honest, actions must be loyal and upright’ is the He family motto. I am merely speaking the truth and following our ancestors’ rules.”

Liu Shunhua couldn’t help but laugh. The sixteen year old He Xuandu was quite amusing.

Seeing her smile at him, He Xuandu closed his fan and nodded to her with satisfaction.

As the host, Li Jifang noticed He Xuanhui’s awkward position and quickly changed the subject. “Everyone, aside from enjoying flowers and feasting today, there is another matter I must trouble you with.”

The guests became intrigued. “Is there something even Young Master Li cannot handle?”

Li Jifang pointed to the stone tablet by the pond. “Look, this tablet has become worn from years of exposure. I’ve been thinking of replacing it, but the inscription has me stumped. As you know, my ancestors were all military men with little literary talent. Today, I wish to request a calligraphy treasure from each of you, from which I’ll select the most suitable. I hope you will not spare your brushes.”

Many present enjoyed literary pursuits and immediately agreed. “Excellent.”

Someone suggested, “In my opinion, the words ‘Floating Rosy Clouds’ are most fitting. There’s no need to seek new phrases.”

Li Jifang nodded. “Reasonable.”

Li Shujun smiled. “In that case, shall we move to the Flowing Spring Pavilion? I’ve already had tables, chairs, and writing materials prepared.”

On the way to the Flowing Spring Pavilion, everyone tactfully forgot the earlier incident.

Li Jifang led He Xuanhui and Liu Huan’an at the front, while Liu Shunhua walked unhurriedly at the rear.

Two young women lagging behind, apparently displeased with He Rongxuan and emboldened by the earlier events, didn’t bother lowering their voices in Liu Shunhua’s presence.

“This so called request for calligraphy treasures is just flattering the He family. Just watch she’ll show off again soon.”

“Wasn’t it the same at the palace banquet last time? A whole crowd served as her backdrop. The most irritating part is that her calligraphy is truly flawless.”

Liu Shunhua’s steps faltered slightly. She didn’t know how skilled He Xuanhui and He Rongxuan were at calligraphy.

But He Xuandu’s handwriting she was all too familiar with it.

Ethereal as wandering clouds, naturally possessing an air of ease and brilliance truly divine quality.

The Flowing Spring Pavilion stood against lush green mountains, bright and spacious inside a perfect spot for resting and enjoying the scenery.

A square table had been placed facing the water indoors, with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones already prepared.

As the group took their seats, He Rongxuan remarked, “Today’s arrangement is delightful appreciating both flowers and calligraphy. Most elegant.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, except He Xuandu who inappropriately yawned in his corner.

Li Jifang addressed the crowd. “I’ve already discussed with Elder Brother He he won’t be participating today, only serving as judge.”

The guests laughed. “Excellent! Everyone knows Elder Brother He writes beautifully. If he competed, we’d only make fools of ourselves.”

Li Shujun pointed at them playfully. “In that case, none of you can escape.”

The woman who had praised Liu Shunhua earlier cooed to Li Shujun, “You’re truly hateful! You know how poor my handwriting is… Hmph, you just want to see me embarrass myself.”

The green clad woman beside her pouted. “What are you afraid of? Someone will cover for you.”

The first woman contemplated this, then lowered her head with a suppressed smile.

Liu Shunhua wasn’t familiar with them and didn’t know who they meant by this backup person.

Nor did she care.

At the moment, what worried her was that she often practiced calligraphy by imitating He Xuandu’s handwriting, which bore some resemblance to his.

If someone were to notice, it would be difficult to explain.

When the time came, she would have no choice but to come up with some excuse.

In the brief moment Liu Shunhua was lost in thought, three or four people had already written their pieces, and it was soon Liu Huan’an’s turn.

Liu Huan’an strode forward, sat upright in the chair, and began writing with effortless grace, finishing in one go.

Li Jifang picked it up and exclaimed in admiration, “Indeed, the writing reflects the man bold strokes, full of strength and vitality.”

Liu Huan’an modestly replied, “Not at all, I merely offer my humble effort to draw forth better work.”

With that, he subtly made his way over to Liu Shunhua.

He was well aware of her calligraphy skills. If they didn’t come up with something, she was bound to embarrass herself.

Liu Huan’an tilted his head and whispered, “Zhenzhen, don’t worry. If you’d rather not write later, I’ll find a way to excuse you.”

Liu Shunhua shook her head and casually replied, “Brother, you should be the one at ease. Though I may not win the prize, I certainly won’t disgrace myself.”

Liu Huan’an was slightly taken aback. “Where is this confidence coming from?”

Li Jifang scanned the room, his gaze settling on He Xuandu in the corner.

“Second Young Master He, may we have the honor of your calligraphy treasure?”

He Xuandu rose lazily, walked to the long table, but did not sit down. Instead, he casually picked up a brush and began to write.

Liu Shunhua perked up, her clear, shimmering eyes fixed intently on He Xuandu.

He stood tall and graceful, his movements relaxed and effortless, exuding a captivating charm even in the simplest of actions.

“Brother, barring any surprises, you are about to witness true calligraphy,” Liu Shunhua declared with pride.

Liu Huan’an glanced at He Xuandu and remarked, “Him? The notorious playboy of Chang’an. No offense, but what makes you think so?”

Liu Shunhua was slightly annoyed. “Look at how he holds the brush so natural and unrestrained. Such free spirited elegance is bound to produce extraordinary writing.”

With the final stroke completed, He Xuandu tossed the brush onto the table.

A gentle breeze rustled the paper, making it flutter as if ready to take flight.

Li Jifang stepped forward and carefully lifted the paper.

Liu Shunhua widened her eyes, thrilled at the prospect of seeing He Xuandu’s authentic work once again in her lifetime.
Li Jifang slowly turned the paper to show the crowd.

In an instant, it felt as though a storm had swept through, something overwhelming crashing down, and the world seemed to collapse around them.

The writing, scrawled like chicken scratches, was actually from He Xuandu’s hand.