Wen Shiqing followed Su Jingyi into his carriage, which was far more spacious than the one she was accustomed to—there was plenty of room even for three people to sit comfortably.
"Brother Wen, you know the second young master of the Li Estate, don't you?" Lin Yuxuan asked, his tone conspiratorial.
Wen Shiqing shook her head. She had been so overwhelmed lately that she hadn't paid any attention to the happenings in the Capital.
Seeing this, a flicker of excitement crossed Lin Yuxuan’s eyes, much like a storyteller about to begin a performance. He shared eagerly, "That second young master of the Li Estate is a notorious playboy in our Capital! He spends his days idling in flower districts and chasing after courtesans. But a while back, he caused a real scene."
Lin Yuxuan paused deliberately, letting the suspense build before continuing, "He actually took up with a male dan actor from a theater troupe and became inseparable from him."
"The two of them were seen acting with great intimacy in the back garden of the Li Estate, completely disregarding anyone else. Eventually, Master Li caught them red-handed. Chancellor Li was so furious that he nearly fainted on the spot; in a fit of rage, he had the actor beaten black and blue and placed his son under house arrest."
"So, the second young master of the Li Estate is... a sleeve-cutter?" Wen Shiqing’s eyes widened.
Lin Yuxuan nodded. "He is a sleeve-cutter, though that itself isn't a secret. But he’s truly the first one to bring someone back to his estate so brazenly and swear a lifelong vow to them."
"Is that why you don't associate with him?"
Lin Yuxuan pursed his lips in disgust. "That’s why I don’t. I really can’t fathom it—young ladies are so gentle, charming, and fragrant. Why would anyone ignore perfectly good women to favor a man instead? It’s just pointless trouble."
Since boarding the carriage, Su Jingyi had remained in a languid pose, one hand propping up his head like a relaxed statue. At this, the corners of his mouth tilted upward into a meaningful smile, hiding a sense of insouciance and rebellion. "I don’t mind it for that reason; I just find him tiresome to be around."
Wen Shiqing raised an eyebrow at this. "Brother Su doesn't mind?"
Su Jingyi’s smile grew more unrestrained as he looked at her. "It depends on the person."
He reached out nonchalantly to pick up a teacup. "Young ladies are certainly fine, but... some matters shouldn't be viewed so absolutely." He turned to her. "What do you think, Lord Wen?"
Wen Shiqing shook her head. "I don't think anything of it."
What could she think? Whether it was a handsome man or a beautiful woman, she appreciated them all.
Watching the two of them, Lin Yuxuan couldn't help but interject. "Brother Su, that’s a vague answer. Could it be that you also..." He drew out the sound, wearing a teasing expression.
Su Jingyi was taken aback for a moment before glaring at Lin Yuxuan. "What sort of filth is in that head of yours? You think of nothing but nonsense all day. I only meant that matters of the heart are inherently complex; they cannot be generalized. Why should one care so much about the eyes of the world?"
He set down his teacup, picked up a pastry from the table, and took a bite, his expression returning to its usual indifference.
Lin Yuxuan gave a dismissive scoff. "Yes, yes, I suppose a young master like you can afford to be indifferent."
"Are you going for drinks today? A new tavern has opened in West City, and I hear the food and wine are exceptional. Shall we go join the fun?" Ignoring Lin Yuxuan’s sarcasm, Su Jingyi turned his question to Wen Shiqing.
Wen Shiqing fished out her sachet, sighed, and shook her head. "I won't go. I have things to attend to at the residence."
"Oh? Is Brother Wen hiding a beauty there? Can’t wait to return to your gentle nest? Is it that childhood sweetheart from Liangzhou?" Lin Yuxuan’s eyes lit up with gossip.
Su Jingyi’s gaze was also drawn to the sachet. He narrowed his eyes, a knowing curve to his lips. "Lord Wen, is there a happy occasion on the horizon?"
"No, there isn't. I told you both before—she and I are not what the rumors suggest, nor is there a deep bond of affection. My official career has only just begun; I have no intention of marrying." Wen Shiqing looked at the sachet, her temples throbbing. "I intend to call off the engagement."
She bit her lower lip, her expression resolute as she looked at Lin Yuxuan and Su Jingyi. "Brother Lin and Brother Su, you both have extensive connections and knowledge in the Capital. If you happen to know of any upright and talented gentlemen, you might consider introducing them to her."
"With her beauty and talent, she deserves a proper match."
Lin Yuxuan was stunned, his mouth hanging open. "Brother Wen, aren't you approaching your capping ceremony soon? If you call off the marriage... aren't you afraid of the Capital branding you as heartless?"
Su Jingyi merely raised an eyebrow. "If he wants to call it off, he can. I trust our Lord Wen has his own reasons."
As they spoke, the carriage suddenly lurched and came to a halt. The driver's anxious voice sounded from outside, "My lords, there is trouble. The road ahead is blocked; it seems there’s a commotion, and we cannot pass."
Su Jingyi looked at the spilled tea spreading across the low table, soaking the hem of his robe. He frowned with annoyance. "If we can't pass, take another route."
"But, my lord..." the driver replied, "this is the only way to the Wen Residence."
Lin Yuxuan irritably pulled back the carriage curtain to peer out. A dense crowd of people was swarming and shouting ahead. "There are so many people; it doesn't look like we'll get through anytime soon."
Wen Shiqing leaned out to check as well. "It really is the only path left."
Once she let the curtain drop, she smoothed her robes with graceful composure. "Brother Lin, Brother Su, I will disembark here. The residence is not far. Tell your driver to turn back; there is no point in waiting here."
"Are you truly not coming for drinks?" Lin Yuxuan flicked his folding fan in front of her.
"Truly not. I have business at home. By the way, are we still heading to the villa in the suburbs in three days?" Wen Shiqing asked, tilting her head toward Su Jingyi.
Su Jingyi sat with his arms crossed, leaning against the carriage wall. "It seems Lord Wen was not paying much attention during the morning court session." A teasing smile played on his lips. "Too busy observing the attire and posture of the officials?"
"Indeed. I made note that Censor Su’s lapels were uneven and his hem was slightly stained." Wen Shiqing’s mouth curled up, a glint of mischief in her eyes.
"What about me? What about me?" Lin Yuxuan was instantly invigorated.
Wen Shiqing’s eye twitched. "Brother Lin, that is hardly a compliment. I didn't write anything about you."
"Ah, Brother Wen, you can't just stare at Brother Su during court. Look at me next time!" Lin Yuxuan persisted, busy adjusting his own clothes.
Su Jingyi smiled at Wen Shiqing. "We leave for the suburbs in two days. I will come to pick you up, and I will prepare whatever is needed."
"Very well. I shall take my leave then."
As soon as her feet touched the ground, the sound of the clamoring crowd rushed toward her. Wen Shiqing looked up and realized that it wasn't just Su Jingyi’s carriage that was blocked; to the right sat another, far more luxurious carriage, crafted from fine ebony and adorned with exquisite dragon and phoenix carvings.