The carriage was rolling through the streets, the silence between Qin Yufei and Shen Wei grew heavier. She sat with her hands folded in her lap, her gaze fixed on the curtains.

Shen Wei, on the other hand, had not stopped staring at her. His gaze was the same as it had been during his lessons—intense, probing, and unwavering, as though he could see through the calm façade she wore.

Finally, he broke the silence. "Lady Qin," he began, his tone measured but carrying an air of familiarity that she couldn't ignore. "You enjoy tea don't you?"

Yufei blinked, the unexpected question drawing her attention to him. She hesitated for a moment before replying, "I do. Why do you ask, Shifu?"

He leaned back against the carriage wall, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "The city is full with energy. The flower festival is approaching, and the streets are bustling with merchants and performers. I thought perhaps you might like to stop for tea... and perhaps browse the shops. A small diversion could do you good."

Yufei's eyes narrowed slightly, unsure of his intentions. "I appreciate your offer, but I'm not sure if it would be appropriate, given... the current circumstances."

Shen Wei tilted his head, his gaze never leaving hers. "Appropriate? You're no longer bound by the palace's rigid rules, Lady Qin. You're free now—free to make your own choices, even small ones like deciding whether to drink tea."

His words stung, though she wasn't sure why. Perhaps it was because a part of her knew he was right. She looked down at her hands, her mind wrestling with the idea.

Noticing her hesitation, Shen Wei added, his tone softer, "Consider it a gesture of goodwill. Today is on me."

After a long pause, Yufei finally nodded. "Very well, Shifu. Tea sounds nice."

Shen Wei's smile widened ever so slightly. "Good. Then it's settled."

He rapped on the side of the carriage, signaling Feng Jiu. "Take us to Yunxi Pavilion," he ordered.

The carriage changed direction, heading toward the bustling heart of the city. As they approached, the lively sounds of street vendors calling out their wares, the cheerful laughter of children, and the melodies of street musicians grew louder. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the aroma of freshly cooked food.

When the carriage stopped, Shen Wei stepped out first, offering his hand to Yufei. She hesitated only briefly before accepting it, allowing him to help her down.

The streets were vibrant, adorned with colorful banners and flower garlands. Shops displayed intricate decorations, exotic teas, and rare silks, while performers showcased their talents to delighted crowds.

Shen Wei gestured toward a nearby tea house with a modest yet elegant exterior.

"Shall we?" he asked, his tone light but his eyes as sharp as ever.

Yufei nodded, letting him lead the way.

On the balcony of Yunxi Pavilion, Qin Yufei sat quietly, her hands cupping the warm porcelain of her tea cup. From their table, she could see the vibrant street below, alive with the bustling energy of the festival preparations. Children ran through the crowd with paper lanterns in hand, merchants loudly advertised their wares, and performers in bright costumes danced to the rhythm of drums and flutes.

For the first time in days, a small, genuine smile graced her lips. The stress and sorrow that had been weighing on her seemed to lift, even if only for a fleeting moment. She took a sip of the fragrant tea, savoring the floral notes that danced on her tongue.

"This is..." she began softly, her voice almost drowned out by the noise of the street below. She hesitated, searching for the right word. "Nice."

Across from her, Shen Wei leaned back slightly, his arms crossed as he observed her intently. His lips curved into a faint, amused smile as he watched her. She looked almost like a child seeing something for the first time, her eyes wide and sparkling with a mix of curiosity and delight.

"Have you never enjoyed tea like this before?" asked Shen Wei.

She glanced at him, her smile faltering slightly as she considered his question.

"Not... like this," she admitted. "Most of the time, tea is served during formal occasions or as part of lessons. There's always a purpose to it—etiquette, appearances, or hospitality. Drinking tea just to enjoy the moment... feels almost..."

Shen Wei, the sound of his voice low and smooth. "It's such a simple pleasure, yet it's one many forget. Sometimes, Lady Qin, it's the quiet moments like these that hold the most value."

Yufei lowered her gaze, her fingers tracing the rim of her tea cup.

"I suppose I've never thought about finding peace that way."

Shen Wei poured more tea into her cup.

"Then allow this shifu to teach you this today. Now that you have the chance to step away from all of that, perhaps you can start living for yourself."

His words struck a chord within her. She looked up at him, her brows furrowing slightly.

"Is that what you do, Shifu? Live for yourself?"

His smile faded slightly, replaced by a contemplative expression. He took a sip of his own tea before replying.

"Have you not seen how I try to not care about what others think of me? They call me the Black Ghost. Whatever they call me, whatever they think, I brush it off. Why should I care?"

Yufei tilted her head, intrigued by his response. There was something about Shen Wei—something enigmatic and layered. She couldn't tell if his words were meant to guide her or if they revealed a deeper truth about his own life.

For a brief moment, they were just two people sharing tea on a balcony, removed from the expectations and chaos of the world around them. And in that moment, it was enough for her to feel a faint of peace.

✤

The carriage pulled to a stop in front of the gates of the Qin manor. Shen Wei stepped out first, offering his hand again to Qin Yufei. She hesitated for a moment before taking it, the weight of their earlier outing still lingering in her mind. During the time she was with Shen Wei, she had forgotten the world she had to return to.

Just as she was about to step through the gates, Shen Wei's voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Lady Qin," he said, his tone calm.

She turned to face him, her hands clasped nervously in front of her. His eyes were steady, piercing, as if he was searching for something in her expression.

"Do you still wish to improve your zither skills?" he asked, his voice low and deliberate.

The question caught her off guard. After everything that had happened—the engagement, the scandal, her abrupt departure from the palace—she hadn't thought much about the zither or the lessons they had shared.

"I..." she began, her voice faltering.

She looked away, unsure of what to say. Did she want to continue? Did he... still want to teach her?

Seeing her hesitation, Shen Wei took a step closer, his voice softening.

"You have potential. It would be a waste to let it wither away. If you're willing, I can continue to teach you. Not as a duty... but because I believe in what you can achieve."

His words stirred something within her. For someone as exacting and cold as Shen Wei to speak so earnestly about her talent felt almost like a daze.

After a moment of silence, she met his gaze.

"If Shifu doesn't hate teaching this student, I'll gladly accept."

A faint smile curved his lips, one that softened the sharpness of his usual demeanor.

"Good," he said simply. "Then come to the zither shop in two days."

Without another word, Shen Wei stepped back, his hands clasped behind him as he gave her a slight bow.

"Until then."

Yufei nodded. She stood there for a moment, the wind rustling the hem of her dress, before turning to face the gates of her manor. Perhaps, amidst all the chaos of her returning to this house, there was still something she could hold onto.

Qin Yufei stepped into the familiar courtyard of the Qin family manor, and the warmth she had felt during her outing with Shen Wei evaporated instantly. The gates closed behind her. The butler, a stern man with an impassive expression, stood waiting for her near the entrance.

"Second Young Lady," he began with a bow, his voice measured but clipped, "the master has returned. He is in his study and requests your presence."

Her heart sank. Her father was back? Wasn't he supposed to come later this month just before the wedding?

Without saying a word, Yufei followed the butler's lead. She could already imagine the sharp tone of his voice, the disdain in his eyes—things she had grown accustomed to over the years but never quite managed to steel herself against.

The study doors were pulled open, and there he was General Qin Peiheng. He sat behind his imposing desk, his piercing gaze fixed on her the moment she stepped in. His expression was as she had expected: cold, stern, and deeply disapproving.

"Where have you been?" he asked, his voice cutting through the room like a blade.

Yufei bowed respectfully, her eyes lowered to avoid his glare. "Yufei hopes father had a smooth travel. I was strolling in the city, Father," she lied smoothly, though her heart pounded in her chest.

"Strolling?" His voice rose, and he slammed a hand onto the desk, making her flinch. "You think now is the time for leisure? After what happened in the palace, you have the audacity to wander around like a commoner?"

She clenched her hands tightly at her sides, struggling to maintain her composure.

"Do you understand the shame your actions have brought upon this family? The engagement was annulled, and now your sister has taken your place. Do you think anyone in the capital isn't talking about us?"

Yufei felt a lump in her throat, but she forced herself to meet his eyes. "I did nothing father."

"That's enough!" he barked, standing abruptly and towering over her. "You've embarrassed this family enough. If you had been smarter, if you had been more careful, none of this would've happened! How did you even manage to get selected in the first place?"

Her lower lip trembled, but she refused to let herself cry.

"Stop making that face!" he roared, pointing a finger at her. "From now on, you are to stay within this manor unless I allow otherwise."

Yufei bit her lip to keep her emotions in check and nodded.

"Yes, Father," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Good. Now turn your back to me," he ordered.

Yufei bowed and kneeled for a while, taking on the angst of her father. After some time, he stopped.

On her way back to her room, she tried to keep her head high, but the tears threatened to spill over.

When she finally reached her quarters, Xiao Tong was waiting for her, concern written all over her face.

"My Lady, are you alright?" she asked softly.

Yufei nodded, though her trembling hands gave her away. "I'm fine, Xiao Tong," she said, her voice cracking. "Just... leave me alone for a while. I will apply the ointment myself."

"My Lady... Call for me if you need anything."

Xiao Tong left, closing the door gently behind her. Tears were now pouring on her face and she felt helpless. How could she believe in the words Shen Wei told her when her life was such a mess? When no one tolerated her face, actions, and even her whole existence...

✤

For two days, Qin Yufei remained confined to her room, wrapped in a cocoon of silence and pain. Her wounds weighed heavily on her, making even the smallest movements feel impossible. The sunlight that streamed through her window felt oppressive rather than comforting.

Her meals sat untouched on the small table beside her bed. Xiao Tong came in regularly to check on her, her face etched with worry, but Yufei waved her off each time with a weak gesture. She couldn't bear the thought of talking, explaining, or even existing beyond the walls of her room.

Today was supposed to be the day she met Shen Wei for their zither lesson, but how could she in this situation? Moreover, her father's constant presence in the manor did not help her at all.

Xiao Tong entered the room quietly, holding a fresh set of clothes.

"My Lady," she said softly, placing the garments on a chair, "it's nearly noon. Imperial Preceptor Shen will surely be expecting you."

Yufei didn't respond, her gaze fixed on the wood of her bed. She knew Shen Wei wouldn't wait for her if she didn't show up. It should be fine. He could even forget and not care about her not coming.

Xiao Tong hesitated before speaking again. "My Lady... since you can't go see him, perhaps I could go and deliver a message?"

She closed her eyes, shaking her head lightly. "No," she whispered, her voice hoarse from disuse.

The maid reluctantly nodded and left the room. As the door closed softly behind her, Yufei sighed deeply, feeling the weight of her helplessness pressing down on her chest.

Unbeknownst to her, two days after, he arrived at the gates of the Qin manor. Shen Wei, dressed in his usual black robes, stood quietly, his expression colder than ever as he was greeted by the butler. He informed him that Second Young Lady Qin was unwell and unable to leave her room, but he didn't want to listen.

Bursting inside, he called for General Pei.

"General Pei, I dare you to not come greet me when I come to your manor!" he ordered, his tone icy.