Chapter Seventy-Five: Affections Begin to Stir

Within the Gu family estate, Yang Birou sat quietly beneath the pear tree. She gazed at the ripe fruit, felt the cool summer breeze, and inhaled the fresh fragrance of pears, experiencing a comfort that was difficult to describe. The days she had spent in the Gu family estate were the most peaceful of her sixteen years. Though it lacked the delicacies and luxuries of the imperial palace, life here was free from conflict and scheming. She no longer had to live in constant fear of harm, as she had since her mother's death. She and her brother had always been cautious, knowing that in the palace—a place where people devoured each other—carelessness could cost them their lives, even though she was a princess of noble birth.

Here, she could relax in the courtyard when she was idle, and stroll through the streets when she was bored. As long as she wore a veil and dressed simply, few paid her any attention. There were no exotic dishes, but she lacked nothing; the cooks were ever inventive in preparing her meals. The longer she stayed, the more she admired the woman who had arranged her lodgings. Though no one here knew her true identity, everyone treated her with the utmost respect and never showed a hint of impatience. The mistress was absent, yet as a guest, she was cared for as if she were the lady of the house. She had never been neglected. That woman had also chosen a clever maid for her, Meier, who served her with dedication, so much so that Yang Birou found herself reluctant to part with her.

At that moment, Meier approached with a plate full of peeled and sliced pears, smiling brightly. “Miss, the weather is hot; have some pear to cool off,” she offered.

Yang Birou smiled and nodded, speaking gently, “Meier, I may soon be leaving here. Would you be willing to follow me?” She had overheard talk in the streets that Yang Rui of Xiyuan had forced his father to abdicate and was now king. Perhaps her brother would soon send for her.

Meier answered respectfully, “If Miss does not mind, I would be honored.”

Yang Birou laughed, “Why would I ever mind? You are so clever and considerate; I like you very much. If you wish, I will have the princess transfer your bond of service to me, and then you can stay with me.”

Meier bowed deeply. “Thank you, Miss.” She had been bought to serve Yang Birou, never the princess herself. Seeing how well Yang Birou treated her, she agreed, unaware that the lady she served was a princess of Xiyuan.

“Miss, are we leaving soon?” Meier asked, sensing from her mistress’s tone that their time here was limited.

“I believe so,” Birou replied, nodding, feeling an unexpected reluctance to depart. A familiar figure flickered through her mind, startling her—she realized that someone had quietly taken up residence in her heart. Each time he visited, he would walk into the courtyard filled with pear trees, stand silently, lost in thought. One day, she had approached him, unable to resist, and asked, “Young Master Gu, are you longing for someone?”

Gu Qinghan glanced coolly at the stunning beauty before him, a hint of displeasure in his eyes, as if blaming her for interrupting his reverie. Birou blushed, realizing her forwardness and feeling awkward. Yet, seeing her embarrassment, a flash of sympathy crossed his heart. He said softly, “I just came to check on the pear trees. My sister loves pears, and I wanted to see if any have been infested with insects. She would be heartbroken if the fruit were ruined.”

Yang Birou had not expected an explanation, and joy flickered within her. Her embarrassment faded, replaced by a shy delight. His voice was pleasant, soothing, and she found herself wishing he would speak more.

“Master Gu, you treat your sister so well,” Birou said admiringly. At that moment, she envied the woman all the more—blessed with a husband who adored her and a brother’s affection; she truly was fortunate.

Gu Qinghan saw the longing in her expression, and a strange ache stirred in his heart. Such a beautiful woman ought to be cherished, yet she seemed to have lived here for quite some time, with no one coming to inquire after her. Was she an orphan?

“Miss Yang, do you have family? Are they good to you?” he asked, seemingly compelled by some unseen force.

“I have a brother, and many half-siblings. My mother is gone, and my father only seeks to use me. Now my brother is in a difficult situation; afraid for my safety, he asked Princess Chun to shelter me.” Birou revealed her circumstances, though she did not mention she was a princess.

Gu Qinghan did not miss her words about her brother’s troubled fate. Looking at this extraordinary beauty, his compassion deepened. That day, they spoke at length. Afterwards, he visited several more times, and their acquaintance grew. They would relax beneath the trees together; sometimes, she played the zither while he listened quietly, as if entranced by music from heaven.

Yang Birou reflected quietly on the moments she had shared with Gu Qinghan in recent days. Though he seldom came to the Gu estate, each meeting was pleasant. She realized she often anticipated his arrival. Counting the days, he had not visited for more than half a month. What was keeping him busy? As if answering her longing, the man appeared again in the pear-filled courtyard. Yet this time, he did not greet her as before, but stared silently at the ripe pears, weighed down by his thoughts.

Seeing his silence, Birou sensed he was troubled. She walked to his side and asked softly, “Master Gu, is something on your mind?”

“My sister is in trouble,” he replied. For him, his sister’s affairs were paramount.

Birou’s heart skipped. Princess Chun in trouble? She had heard earlier that Prince Chun had nearly been killed by her ruthless second brother, and Princess Chun had traveled far to save her husband, her deeds becoming the talk of the town. Later, Prince Chun had recovered, supposedly thanks to a miraculous elixir brought by that woman. They had recently returned to the capital, and now so soon, trouble again? “What happened to the princess?” Birou asked cautiously.

Gu Qinghan recounted the rumors surrounding Pear Blossom. Upon hearing them, Yang Birou frowned. She had not ventured out lately, and was unaware of the news; now, after hearing Gu Qinghan’s account, she realized the situation was indeed grave. It seemed Princess Chun would not know peace for some time.