Chapter 040: Eyes on the Pot While Eating from the Bowl

On this day, it was Master Yu’s fifty-first birthday. Half a month earlier, the old matriarch had already begun preparations for the celebration. By the time evening arrived, everything was ready, and the banquet commenced. Many guests had been invited, and Ning Qian and Ruan Qi were among them.

The feast was held at a waterside pavilion, and opposite it, a stage had been erected for performances. The most renowned Yanqing Troupe had long been engaged to deliver a grand opera.

Tonight, Master Yu was especially cheerful, shedding his usual cold demeanor and even showing a hint of a smile. His three sons each presented their gifts, further lifting his spirits. With his mood so bright, his drinking capacity seemed to have increased; cup after cup disappeared, and already there was a trace of drunkenness about him.

Seeing this, the old matriarch hurriedly said, “Master, pace yourself. You’ve been coughing lately. Too much wine isn’t good for your health.”

Master Yu waved her off, “It’s fine, it’s fine. Tonight I’m happy; it’s no matter.” Rarely, he even smiled at her—a gesture he never bestowed in ordinary times. One could almost believe they were enemies in a past life, for they never saw eye to eye in this one.

Madam Yu Chen, one of Master Yu’s concubines, laughed, “Sister, today is Master’s special day. He’s rarely so joyful; let him drink a few extra cups.”

The old matriarch shot her a glare. “Just because he’s happy, should he drink more? Master’s health is poor. You may not know, but surely you do. Instead of urging him to stop, you fan the flames—what are you thinking?”

Yu Chen was startled into silence, and after a moment, she timidly replied, “Sister is right. I—I didn’t think it through, I truly didn’t.”

“Hmph!” The old matriarch snorted coldly.

Master Yu slammed his cup heavily on the table. “Is there no end to this? Even on such a festive day, you must spoil the mood. Do you ever let anyone have peace?” He turned slowly to look at her. “Are you set on keeping me unhappy?”

The old matriarch glanced around. Only family sat at the table: the sons and their wives, and Master Yu’s concubines. Now that he was criticizing her openly before everyone, her usual temperament would have let loose. But as it was his birthday, she could not go too far.

She clenched her fists and bit her lip, forcing herself to say, “It is my fault. I shouldn’t have dampened your spirits on such a happy day. I’ll keep quiet, I’ll keep quiet.”

“Hmph, best you say nothing at all.”

Another concubine, Yu Han, seated to Master Yu’s right, laughed, “Master, today is a joyful day. Why lose your temper? Sister is only concerned for your health.”

“Yes, yes, Master, Sister isn’t wrong,” Yu Chen chimed in quickly, clever enough to echo Yu Han’s words. After all, the old matriarch was the mistress of the Yu household. Should she be offended, even with Master Yu’s backing, their days would not be easy.

“Enough, enough. No need to speak for her. Always looking for trouble. Let’s drop it and watch the opera.” Master Yu loved opera dearly, and tonight had already ordered several performances.

Ning Qian had little fondness for opera. Sitting at the table with Master Yu, she dared not speak much, nor eat or drink freely, and sat awkwardly, feeling quite miserable.

After her hundred and first sigh, she idly played with a jade pendant at her waist. Suddenly, a large hand reached across and covered hers.

Ning Qian quickly lowered her head, trying to push away Yu Ziqi’s hand. Yet his grip was strong, impossible to break free. She stole a glance; Yu Ziqi wore a righteous expression, conversing with Yu Zixin beside him.

Ning Qian inwardly grumbled—this man, outwardly so proper, but underneath, quite the schemer. Helpless, she quietly withdrew her hand beneath the table, lest anyone notice and stir up trouble.

At that moment, the stage featured “The Legend of the White Snake.” The actor playing Xu Xian was exceptionally handsome, drawing whispers and giggles from the maids and older women throughout the garden. Even the concubines and elder ladies blushed. Ning Qian found it amusing, wondering if this was ancient fandom. Just as she thought this, she heard Shuni behind her chirping, “Sister Nianyu, look! Xu Xian is so handsome. He’s the best-looking Xu Xian I’ve ever seen.”

Nianyu snorted playfully, “You little minx, is your heart fluttering?”

“What are you saying? Don’t tease. I just think he’s good-looking. Sister Nianyu, don’t you agree? Look, not just women—even the men are charmed. Look at Second Young Master; he hasn’t blinked once.”

“Who says?” Nianyu turned to glance at Second Young Master.

The words were innocently spoken, but not so innocently heard. Ning Qian instinctively looked toward Second Young Master, Yu Zihao, and found it just as Shuni said—he stared unblinkingly.

She found it odd. Women admiring handsome Xu Xian was understandable, but Yu Zihao was a true man—why would a man gaze so intently at another man? Looking at the other young masters, their eyes were fixed on the beautiful actress playing Lady White. Ning Qian chuckled inwardly; Second Young Master Yu Zihao had rather peculiar tastes.

“That Lady White is truly a rare beauty. Indeed, very beautiful.” A familiar voice sounded in her ear.

She turned to see Yu Ziqi, eyes riveted on the actress playing Lady White, sighing repeatedly in admiration, like a fly drawn to a rotten apple.

At this, Ning Qian angrily shook off his hand—this wretched man not only had a wandering eye but a roguish heart. Eating from his own bowl yet coveting the pot, and openly flirting with another woman before her—did he take her for dead?

Yu Ziqi showed no annoyance when his hand was brushed away, his face betraying nothing. But if one looked closely, a suspicious smile lingered at the corner of his lips.

As Ning Qian inwardly cursed Yu Ziqi, she noticed his hand reaching for hers again. Frustrated, she pinched him hard, and didn’t release until the flesh beneath her fingers turned blue. When no one was looking, she shot him a fierce glare.