Chapter 55: Desire Her

Previously, Liu Chuyan had discreetly inquired whether anyone in the capital was named Jin Juncheng, but found nothing. The Han household knew little of the Jin family; after much indirect questioning, she learned only that Jin Zhongheng had seven or eight daughters and a single legitimate son, but that son was not called Jin Juncheng.

Other Jin families were even more distant from her, making information harder to obtain.

Now, the knowledgeable Old General Liu had gone ahead, and she could not ask him. As for Madam Jin, Liu Chuyan had only exchanged formal greetings with her moments ago, making it impossible to approach her boldly.

Regarding Jin Ling, Liu Chuyan knew precious little, and her heart was full of questions with nowhere to seek answers.

All she had heard was that he had been unhealthy as a child, sent to his uncle's home in Hangzhou at the age of seven or eight to recuperate, returning only during festivals for a few days.

Hangzhou!

Yes—he was in Hangzhou, he was frail, his surname was Jin. Though it was puzzling that he had a courtesy name before coming of age, he was called Juncheng, and that was enough.

There are coincidences in the world, but not so many as this. He must be her Juncheng brother.

Liu Chuyan, overcome with emotion, clenched her delicate fists, her heart almost leaping out of her chest.

Madam Xue was unconcerned about Xue Ao suffering a loss, so she lagged behind and walked alongside Liu Chuyan. Observing her holding her breath, her eyes distracted and anxious at first, lost in thought, and then seeming to reach a sudden understanding—were it not for others present, she might have leapt in delight.

Only yesterday, Madam Xue had learned that Xue Ao harbored feelings for Liu Chuyan, yet she had long favored Liu Chuyan as Xue Tan's bride, nearly half of Jinling knew it. Moreover, after what happened in the palace yesterday, it was clear Liu Chuyan had some affection for Xue Tan. But Xue Ao was her own son, and however unruly, she could not bear to scold him.

So Madam Xue thought to test Liu Chuyan—if she favored Xue Ao, she would abandon her previous plan; if her heart was set on Xue Tan, she must hasten to settle his marriage. Thus, upon hearing that the Liu household intended to adopt her as a goddaughter, she had been investigating the general's residence. Knowing they were finally free to handle the matter today, she arrived uninvited.

But Madam Jin was truly vexing—because of past grievances, she made light of her son's marriage and even dared to compete for the bride. So, upon hearing that Jin Ling was provoked by Xue Ao, Madam Xue simply laughed, feeling no urge to rebuke. If the cousins brawled, she would only feel relieved.

Thinking thus, she took Liu Chuyan's hand and held it warmly. "Chuyan, what are you thinking about?"

Liu Chuyan was deep in thought and failed to notice Madam Xue approach. Only when she called her did she return to herself, answering in a daze, "Aunt, what is it?"

"You child, what are you thinking?" Madam Xue smiled, patting her arm and walking with her.

"Nothing," Liu Chuyan denied immediately.

"Are you thinking about their fight?"

"No, not at all." Liu Chuyan turned her head, seeing a sharp glint in Madam Xue's eyes, and suddenly realized—she could ask her. Lowering her voice, she said, "Aunt, just now Grandmother Liu mentioned Juncheng—is that the eldest son of the Jin family?"

"Yes, Juncheng is Ling’s courtesy name." Madam Xue turned to her in surprise. She had meant to probe whether Liu Chuyan was worried about Xue Ao, thus testing her feelings, but had not expected her attention to be on Jin Ling.

Liu Chuyan hesitated before continuing, "They say one only receives a courtesy name after coming of age, but isn’t the eldest Jin son only eighteen?"

"Ah." Madam Xue understood—Liu Chuyan’s confusion lay here, and she had overthought. After pondering a moment, she explained, "His courtesy name was bestowed before his birth, given by his grandfather in memory of a departed friend. Only those close to him know it, and occasionally he is called by it. That’s why the custom was broken."

"So that’s how it is." Half of Liu Chuyan’s doubts were eased. If so, he really was the one. For he truly was Jin Juncheng, and that was why he had once told her this name. Yet, judging by Jin Ling’s demeanor, he clearly had no recollection of her, regarding her entirely as a stranger. Her heart fell. But after more than ten years, it was only natural he didn’t remember. She herself had changed greatly since childhood; though her features still held familiar traces, they had matured, recognizable only to those who knew her well.

Lost in thought, the group arrived at the training ground, where two figures could be seen sparring, one with a sword, one with a spear. The swordsman was already at a disadvantage, his stamina failing.

Xue Ao, exhilarated, paid no heed to Jin Ling’s sweat-soaked brow and labored breath, his movements broad and forceful, attacking from afar and defending up close, his spear technique fierce as rolling waves.

Jin Ling truly was no match for him, and after years without sparring together, could not grasp his cousin’s tactics. For the moment, he could only parry.

Their fierce clash of spear and sword held the crowd in silent suspense, nearly forgetting to breathe. Madam Jin trembled with anxiety, fearing Xue Ao might injure her son. Fortunately, Xue Ao knew his limits, pressing Jin Ling without harming him, always holding back.

After several rounds, Jin Ling could no longer withstand Xue Ao’s strength, retreated a step and fell to the ground.

Madam Jin, seeing Jin Ling defeated and seated on the ground, breathed a long sigh of relief. Yet Liu Chuyan cried out in surprise, drawing curious glances, then forced a smile to appear calm—her reaction was truly puzzling.

Jin Ling knew that Xue Ao’s spear technique was perfected, almost innate; not only was he outmatched in strength, but even his swordplay would be dismantled in moments. His resolve was useless against Xue Ao, who was famous throughout Jinling for his prowess—there was no shame in defeat. He smiled at Xue Ao, stood up, and brushed the dust from his clothes.

"Son, are you hurt?" Madam Jin hurried forward to ask, seeing the contest resolved and Jin Ling already standing.

"It’s nothing. My cousin and I were only sparring, no need to worry." As Jin Ling spoke, his gaze passed over her shoulder and met Liu Chuyan’s anxious eyes. There was a faint shimmer in her gaze, a hint of hope, perhaps even affection? They had only just met, yet she seemed to have feelings for him? It was only natural for him to fall for her at first sight—her beauty unparalleled, her talent unmatched, a rare woman of both intellect and charm. But her feelings for him? He glanced at Xue Ao—he could not match him in martial skill, argument, or influence. What could she possibly see in him?

Liu Chuyan did not notice his expression, only observed him closely—his sword-like brows and clear eyes, high nose, lips neither thin nor thick, skin a shade pale from childhood illness and years indoors, but undeniably a handsome youth. Today he wore a robe of pale gold embroidered with emerald patterns, collar open, the black jade belt at his waist loosened from the fight, yet his bearing remained exceptional, his figure upright and vigorous, clearly accustomed to exercise. Though he was now so different from the chubby boy of years past, the contours of his brows and eyes, and the upward curve at the corner of his lips, were much the same.

She was now certain—it was him.

Her Juncheng brother.

Liu Chuyan instinctively touched her neck, suddenly remembering the cool circlet she wore—she had left her jade pendant at home. Otherwise, today she could have acknowledged him.

Xue Ao, elated at defeating Jin Ling, was eager to share his joy, but saw Liu Chuyan’s beautiful eyes fixed on Jin Ling, not blinking. The depth of feeling and admiration in her gaze was unlike anything he had seen, without a trace of restraint. She ignored him, focusing on Jin Ling. Then she touched her neck, her face falling with disappointment, as if she had made some mistake.

Indeed, she wore an unsightly necklace instead of the jade Guanyin he had given her.

Had she forgotten him?

Xue Ao’s heart plunged into an icy abyss, and even the spear in his hand lost its appeal. With a clang, he threw it aside. "Mother, I’m going back to the residence."

Madam Xue noticed Liu Chuyan’s odd demeanor, but said nothing, instead signaling someone to stop Xue Ao from leaving so hastily. "You’re such a mess—aren’t you going to tidy up?"

"Tidy up for whom? No one’s watching," Xue Ao snapped, glancing at Liu Chuyan. Hearing the commotion, she finally turned to look at him, her expression indifferent.

Han Shujing favored Xue Ao, but today Liu Chuyan, usually reserved, had unexpectedly shown clear interest in the eldest Jin son, provoking Xue Ao’s jealousy to the point he dared to vent on his own mother. Han Shujing stepped forward and tugged Liu Chuyan’s sleeve. "Chuyan, you should be more mindful."

"What have I done?" Liu Chuyan remained oblivious to Xue Ao’s strange behavior, her mind still in turmoil—joy at finding Juncheng brother, worry that he seemed not to remember her. And she had forgotten their "token of affection" at home; she would have to wait for another day to reveal herself.

"Eh, Ling, where’s your jade?" Madam Jin cried out as if her life depended on it, drawing everyone’s attention.

Jin Ling, helpless but amused, pointed to his attendant. "I was afraid it would break if it fell, so I had him keep it safe. I’ll put it back on now, don’t worry."

"As long as it’s not lost. This was given to you by your grandfather, you must take care with it." Madam Jin, her panic eased, took the jade Guanyin from the servant and personally fastened it around his neck.

Liu Chuyan, returning to herself, covered her mouth—ah, it was this jade, he had one too. He possessed two such pieces, so that’s why it was a token of affection? She blushed in silent embarrassment, her face as red as rosy clouds.

She was just lowering her head when Madam Xue suddenly exclaimed, "Ao, where’s your jade? Where’s the jade your grandfather gave you?"

Liu Chuyan looked over to see Xue Ao wipe his nose and grunt, refusing to answer, his face dark as he stared at her.

Had she annoyed him again? How inexplicable. Liu Chuyan pursed her lips, inwardly complaining.

"Ao, I’m asking you—where’s your jade?" Xue Ao did not answer, and Madam Xue would not let go, tugging his sleeve and demanding.

"I gave it away," Xue Ao replied irritably, unable to endure her questioning.

"Gave it away? To whom?"

"I don’t know." Xue Ao’s anger flared at Liu Chuyan’s innocent confusion, so he responded out of spite.

"You don’t know? That jade was given to you by your grandfather, meant for your future wife. How can you say you don’t know?" Had Xue Ao not been so much taller than her, Madam Xue might have pulled his ear for a proper scolding. But with everyone watching, she could only raise her voice.

"I said I don’t know, and that’s that." Xue Ao continued to stare at Liu Chuyan.

Yet Liu Chuyan did not catch the meaning in his gaze, instead turning again toward Jin Ling. They were cousins—Xue Ao’s grandfather was Jin Ling’s grandfather, so their jade must be identical. If so, Juncheng brother giving her the jade was a sign he had chosen her.

Thinking this, she felt even more shy.

Though they were young at the time, after years apart and many twists of fate, ten years without seeing each other, now they had reunited, and Madam Jin even spoke of her marrying into the family. What a destiny this was.

Between her and Juncheng brother, the bond, whether deep or shallow, had never broken.

Even Xue Ao, struggling to restrain his temper, could no longer hold back. He seized Madam Xue’s arm and declared loudly, "Mother, I’m already grown. You should arrange my marriage."

"What?" Madam Xue was stunned that her son would demand a wife.

"Even if my elder brother is unmarried, you mustn’t let that delay me. No, you need to find me a bride right away."

"Oh." Madam Xue’s mouth fell open, her mind unable to process it. Her son was in such a hurry for a wife—could it be…

"Mother, I want no one else, only her!" Sure enough, Xue Ao stretched out his arm and pointed decisively in the direction she imagined.

Author’s note:
First, wishing everyone a happy Lantern Festival and Valentine’s Day, kisses~
Just checked—the number of favorites increased by seven, now at 505. I’ve gone from a true vacuum to a little transparent, so happy~ twirling around~~~~~~~ Thank you all for your support, love you!!! I’ll write well to repay everyone~ mua~
Finally, it feels wrong to leave the story here, you might scold me. Oh well, I’ll run~ Good night~ Wishing you all sweet dreams~(～﹃～)~zz