Spring in the Hall of Paintings

The Fucha family belonged to one of the prestigious Upper Three Banners, the Bordered Yellow Banner. As an aristocratic family of merit, its most accomplished member was the second master, Maqi. He held the position of Minister of War and had recently led negotiations between the Qing Empire and Russia, contributing significantly to the signing of the Treaty of Nerchinsk. His achievements earned the admiration of Emperor Kangxi. If Yun Lan were present, she would surely marvel at this, as the Treaty of Nerchinsk was one of the few equal treaties in Qing history.

“Sister Wei, let’s go sit in the octagonal pavilion. From there, you can see the entire lake. At this hour, the scenery is at its best, with the evening glow spreading across the sky, the shimmering waves—it’s truly spectacular,” Huixin suggested.

Hand in hand with Yun Wei, she pointed towards the pavilion. Yun Wei smiled and said, “As you wish, Sister Huixin.”

The octagonal pavilion seemed to hover over the lake, with each corner stretching outward as if ready to take flight and soar into the clouds. Maidservants had already placed cushions on the stone stools, and the stone table was adorned with seasonal fruits, nuts, and other snacks that were popular among the young ladies of the household.

Yun Wei sat by the lake, lost in thought as she gazed at the reddened waters reflecting the sunset. Her mood was bright, and her smile grew even more radiant and enchanting. The gentle evening breeze caressed her cheeks, playfully lifting her neatly trimmed bangs. Her pitch-black eyes seemed to take on a different hue, like mysterious whirlpools that could draw anyone in, even if it meant no return.

Absorbed in the beauty of the lake and mountains, Yun Wei was unaware that she herself was a painting—a masterpiece of unparalleled beauty.

Huixin, three years younger than Yun Wei, had delicate features and an adorable charm. As the daughter of Maqi, she was cherished in the Fucha household. Yet after meeting Yun Wei, she finally understood what it meant to possess a beauty so captivating that it was impossible to look away—a beauty admired by both men and women alike.

Resting her elbow on the stone table, Huixin gazed not at the lake but at Yun Wei. The more she looked, the more captivated she became. She recalled the soft, boneless touch of Yun Wei’s delicate hands earlier, her light pink nails. She found herself wishing to hold them and play with them endlessly.

“Sister Wei, doesn’t embroidery hurt your hands?” Huixin licked her lips and asked enviously, “I can’t do it at all. I always end up poking myself, see, look, I even have needle marks on my hands.”

Yun Wei smiled, her dimples deepening as her gentle gaze, as warm as a spring breeze, fell on Huixin’s outstretched hand. Lightly tracing the red marks with her fingers, Yun Wei softly said, “Sister Huixin, you’re pressing too hard. A small embroidery needle is a rigid object, while silk and your fingers are soft. If you learn to use just the right amount of force, you won’t hurt yourself. With dedication, you’ll naturally achieve good results.”

Playfully winking, Yun Wei added cheerfully, “Think of the embroidery as a painting, with the needle as your brush. Imagine sketching the colors and scenery you desire on the silk. It feels wonderful and not tiring at all; instead, it’s quite enjoyable.”

“Sister Yun Wei…”

At this moment, Yun Wei’s face lost some of its gentle elegance, replaced by a liveliness and charm. Huixin stared, dazed, and murmured, “You’re so beautiful. I’ve never seen anyone as stunning as you.”

“No,” Yun Wei shook her head, the ornaments in her hair jingling softly. “Fourth Sister—my cousin Yun Lan—is even more beautiful than I am. She’s radiant and captivating, with pride shining in her eyes. Sister Huixin, she always attracts everyone’s attention. Even at a young age, she excels in all the arts—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She’s truly a prodigy, and her talents must be even more refined now.”

“Did you grow up together? Would she ever…” Huixin pursed her lips, mumbling, “You’re so wonderful. She wouldn’t, would she?”

“Why wouldn’t she?” Yun Wei smiled, closing her eyes slightly as the evening breeze brushed past her ears. “Sister Huixin, I’m just an ordinary person. I’ve felt envy and jealousy—it’s only natural.”

“It’s precisely because of Fourth Sister that today’s Yun Wei exists. Everyone has their own path to walk. Even if I can’t surpass Fourth Sister, I will live a life that is uniquely mine—full of its own brilliance.”

A sudden splash interrupted her words. Yun Wei’s eyes flew open as she turned toward the sound. A boy, around thirteen or fourteen years old, was struggling in the water. He tried to stand but was entangled by the lake’s currents and began to panic more and more. Yun Wei immediately stood up and rushed to the pavilion’s railing. She quickly assessed the water’s depth and called out in her delicate voice, “Don’t panic! It’s not deep. Just take it slow, stand up slowly. Stay calm!”

The boy stopped struggling, staring dazedly at Yun Wei in the water. Forgetting to move, he sank slightly, and water splashed into his nose, making him choke. Yun Wei gripped the railing with one hand, cupping the other around her mouth to amplify her voice. Though her tone was still sweet and gentle, she shouted, “Hey! Can’t you hear me? Don’t panic—it’s really not deep. Just calm down!”

The boy coughed from choking on water, and Yun Wei didn’t turn around. “Sister Huixin, quickly call for help! Someone has fallen into the water.”

Huixin rushed to Yun Wei’s side, glanced at the boy in the water, blushed, and stomped her foot. “Brother, you…”

“He’s your brother?” Yun Wei paused for a moment, recalling what her mother had mentioned before. Judging by his age, the boy in the lake must be the legitimate son of Uncle Maqi. Yun Wei suppressed her panic and looked around. Spotting a few bamboo poles by the pavilion, she hurried over, picked one up, and extended it toward the boy in the water, speaking calmly, “Grab it. You’ll be fine. Just stand up, and you’ll be safe.”

The boy reached for the bamboo pole, feeling a firm pull from the other end. For some inexplicable reason, his heart felt sweet, and he was reluctant to get up. Yun Wei continued pulling with all her strength, her delicate brows furrowing. Was he not listening to her? She had never heard anyone say that Maqi’s son was a fool.

If the boy had known Yun Wei was thinking this, he would have regretted his dazed behavior immediately.

The coldness of the lake water finally woke him up. Worried that he might pull Yun Wei into the water, he exerted a little force and stood up. The water barely reached his knees. His expression turned awkward, but he still didn’t want to let go of the bamboo pole. “Thank you… thank you for saving me, Miss. Um… no, thank you for your help…”

He knocked his head with his hand in frustration. Knee-deep water? What life-saving debt?

Huixin mischievously laughed and said, “Brother, how are you planning to repay Sister Yun Wei for saving your life?”

Yun Wei’s face turned as red as a piece of cloth. The bamboo pole in her hand felt scorching, and she hastily pushed it away, scolding, “Sister Huixin!”

The boy, staring at Yun Wei’s delicate features, didn’t even realize what he was saying. “I’ll repay… I’ll repay… A life-saving debt must be repaid with marriage… a life-saving debt…”

“Brother, hurry and get out of the water,” Huixin said, holding her forehead, and then turned to Yun Wei to explain, “Sister Yun Wei, my brother isn’t usually like this. Today… I don’t know what’s gotten into him. His academic talents are exceptional, and he’s apprenticed under a renowned master. He’s quite a well-known gentleman in the capital.”

Yun Wei smiled softly, her teeth hidden, and playfully blinked, repeating, “A gentleman? Hmm, the esteemed gentleman of the Fucha family.”

The boy’s fiery gaze stayed fixed on Yun Wei as he cupped his hands together in the water and said, “Sister Yun Wei, my surname is Fucha, and my given name is Zheng.”

His features were handsome, and although he stood in the water with his drenched clothes making him look a little disheveled, the boy exuded an air of sunny nobility that naturally drew people in. Yun Wei curtsied gracefully, her smile as delicate as a blooming flower. “Fucha Zheng, Cousin Zheng, I’ll remember your name.”

Fucha Zheng scratched his head, his smile growing brighter. The sunset bathed the young boy and girl in its warm glow, while the evening breeze stirred something in their hearts.