Chapter One: Why Can't I Ever Learn My Lesson?

Lu Residence, Capital City.

It was early winter, and the air had grown frigid. A few coals burned in the brazier, but they were far from enough to warm the room. Jiang You’an sat painting, and before long, she had to stop to breathe warmth into her chilled hands.

The cotton curtain was lifted. She glanced up to see Qiulan entering and frowned.

“Did you quarrel with those housekeepers again?”

Qiulan’s face was downcast as she dusted off her clothing with a handkerchief. “I only asked for a few pounds of coal, but they refused outright and said all sorts of unpleasant things—one even chased me out with a broom.”

Jiang You’an shook her head. “I told you not to bother. Those women are all snobs. None of them would curry favor with a poor relation like me.”

Qiulan sighed, then peered at Jiang You’an’s painting and praised, “Miss, this painting is truly beautiful. It should fetch a good price.”

“We’ll hang it up at the shop and see. But business hasn’t been great lately—the last two pieces are still unsold.”

With her days of fine clothes and rich food long gone, Jiang You’an could only rely on her own skill, eking out a meager living by selling her paintings.

She carefully rolled up the artwork, and with Qiulan in tow, prepared to head out.

But before they reached the gates, the noise from the front courtyard reached their ears. Qiulan went to inquire and returned with news—the eldest young master had returned from his assignment.

Jiang You’an’s expression shifted. “Why is he back so soon? I thought he wouldn’t return for a few more days?”

Whenever Young Master Lu returned, the whole household would turn out to welcome him. If she didn’t join them, she’d be accused of neglect—she knew better than anyone how petty he could be.

She had no choice but to postpone her outing and hurried to Lady Dowager’s Rongshou Hall.

Inside, the room was lively with conversation. No one noticed her as she slipped in and quietly took the last seat. Lu Xuanheng, who was speaking to the elders, spared her only a cool glance, his eyes tinged with displeasure.

Jiang You’an pretended not to notice, ducking her head and making herself invisible.

A few younger sisters clustered around Lu Xuanheng, chattering. With a smile, he said, “I’ve brought back some gifts for you all. Go and see.”

The attendants brought forward several redwood boxes, and gifts were distributed to every younger brother and sister. All were delighted—except Jiang You’an, who sat empty-handed.

Lu Yunzhu glanced her way, curling her lip before deliberately raising her voice. “Eldest Brother, all the girls have gifts except for Cousin You’an. Isn’t that showing favoritism?”

Jiang You’an hadn’t cared at first, but Lu Yunzhu’s words drew everyone’s eyes. She couldn’t help but feel awkward.

Lu Xuanheng only replied coolly, “She’s different.”

Indeed, she was nothing more than an orphaned girl whose family was ruined, living on the charity of the Lu family because her mother and Lu Xuanheng’s mother were cousins. How could she expect to receive a gift from the exalted Young Master Lu?

Jiang You’an’s lips curved in a faint smile. “The Lu family has already shown me the greatest kindness by taking me in. If I accepted anything more, it would be shameless of me—I’d feel uneasy in my conscience.”

She rescued herself from embarrassment, and the others quickly dropped the subject. She thought she heard Lu Xuanheng give a faint, cold laugh.

Jiang You’an kept her composure, quietly clenching her hands.

Beside her, Lu Yunyao leaned over and whispered, “Sister You’an, I received two hairpins—let’s each take one.”

Jiang You’an felt a trace of warmth in her heart and smiled. “No need. You keep them. That color suits you best—wear it to the banquet in a few days.”

When they left Rongshou Hall, Jiang You’an’s face was clouded.

Qiulan, watching her, felt a pang of sympathy. “I heard Young Master brought back several chests of goods from Yangzhou—every courtyard received something, even the youngest sixth son. Only you were left out, on purpose, just to slight you.”

Jiang You’an gave a cold snort. “Who cares for his gifts? Even if he gave them, I wouldn’t want them.”

The pair left the Lu residence and made their way to a calligraphy and painting shop in town.

Jiang You’an’s works were regularly displayed here for sale, and the shopkeeper, an old acquaintance, greeted her with delight. “You’ve come at just the right time, miss—those two paintings of yours were just bought!”

Jiang You’an’s eyes lit up. “Who bought them?”

“No idea, but they paid a handsome price.”

She accepted the heavy pouch of silver from the shopkeeper, her smile brightening.

Qiulan beamed. “See? There are still those who recognize true art.”

Jiang You’an’s mood improved markedly. She left her latest painting with the shopkeeper for consignment, then took Qiulan to buy some food and winter clothes.

The two returned to the Lu residence with their bundles, chatting and laughing, when someone blocked Jiang You’an’s path.

Lu Xuanheng’s attendant, Xiuzhu, stood there and bowed. “Cousin, the young master requests your presence at Lanyue Pavilion.”

Lanyue Pavilion was tucked away in the northwest corner of the residence, a secluded spot favored by Lu Xuanheng.

He wore dark robes, holding a cup of steaming tea as he stood at his desk, perusing a painting.

A knock sounded at the door, and Xiuzhu announced, “Young master, your cousin has arrived.”

He put away the painting and finally allowed her in.

Jiang You’an entered with her head half-bowed. “May I ask why you summoned me, young master?”

“Must I have a reason to call for you?”

“If there’s nothing, I’ll take my leave,” she replied curtly, turning to go.

“Did I say you could leave?” His tone was casual, yet there was an unmistakable edge.

Jiang You’an froze as his presence loomed behind her.

“I’ve been away for so long, and upon my return, everyone comes to greet me—everyone but you, who arrives at your leisure. The moment you leave Rongshou Hall, you run off again. You’re nowhere to be found.”

He drew her close by the waist and lifted her chin. “What, are you deliberately avoiding me?”

Jiang You’an turned her face aside, voice cold. “How would I dare? At your command, didn’t I come straightaway?”

“You call that obedience?” He snorted mockingly and produced an exquisite brocade box. “Stop sulking. Your gift is here.”

Jiang You’an opened the box to find a red agate bracelet inside.

Once, she had been the pampered daughter of a wealthy family—she could recognize true value at a glance. This bracelet was of the highest quality.

“A gift this precious is too much for me. Young master, you should take it back. After all, I’m not like Lu Yunzhu and the others—how could I be worthy?”

“How are you different? Don’t you know in your heart?”

Jiang You’an glared at Lu Xuanheng, her eyes flashing with anger—only for his lips to descend on hers the next instant, forcefully parting them.

“Mmm—”

“Just accept it. Must you always have the last word?”

Jiang You’an was rendered breathless, unable to speak, and in her anger, bit his lip.

“Tsk, when will you ever learn?”