46. Chapter 46: A Different Kind of Warmth

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Dantai Jing had never imagined she would find herself in such a moment. Dantai Shanchang hurried off to the government office, leaving Ma Yuantong behind to be received by Dantai Jing. Dantai Shanchang had made it clear: Ma Yuantong was a great benefactor who had helped clear the Dantai family’s name, so Dantai Jing must treat him well.

Dantai Jing found it somewhat amusing. If Ma Yuantong truly was such a meritorious figure, why did Dantai Shanchang not receive him in person, leaving a mute girl like herself to do so? Even though Dantai Shanchang recognized Ma Yuantong’s promising future and spoke grandly of it—indeed, Ma Yuantong had become a rising star in Ze City, with boundless prospects ahead—there was always the possibility he might surpass him someday. Hence, everyone treated him with a certain reverence, Dantai Shanchang included, though tinged with a hint of sanctimoniousness.

Since Dantai Shanchang wished to foster a connection between Dantai Jing and Ma Yuantong, he naturally provided ample opportunity, such as offering up his study for Dantai Jing to receive Ma Yuantong herself.

At this moment, before the study’s desk, Dantai Jing stood quietly, lifting a wolf-hair brush to solemnly write two characters on a pale lilac letter paper: “Thank you.”

Ma Yuantong, observing proper etiquette, stood about ten feet away, carefully studying the delicate young lady before him. Her expression at the main gate earlier had startled him; in that gaze, he saw stubbornness, hatred, and a faint despair tinged with bitterness toward the world.

The Third Miss could not have held back her feelings. At merely twelve years old, with her birth mother gone, already in deep anguish, and facing such a stepmother and stepsister, now even being publicly confronted at her own doorstep—who could bear it?

At that moment, the Third Miss wore an autumn-scented moon-white trimmed armored jacket, beneath which was a pale blue-green brocade skirt. Her hair was adorned with two pearl pins and a gilded butterfly hairpin that shimmered softly, enhancing her naturally elegant and gentle features.

After writing the two characters, Dantai Jing looked up and met his gaze. He stood neither too near nor too far, staring intently at her. Slightly startled, she pressed her lips together and gently raised her slender hand, signaling Ma Yuantong to step closer. How could he read the words from a full ten feet away?

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Ma Yuantong looked at her soft hand and her faintly rosy lips, feeling a warmth spread over his face. He restrained himself from showing any unusual reaction and took two steps forward, stopping three feet away—close enough to read the letter yet still maintaining proper decorum.

A faint scent of lotus drifted in the air, pure yet lingering, like the gentle rain outside weaving through the garden, pulling his heart toward the Third Miss.

If he had been indifferent or dismissive of Wang Ziyu’s words before, now he understood—he truly loved the young lady before him. He did not mind her being mute, nor did he care if she was to become a concubine or childhood companion to others. He simply liked seeing her quietly beckon to him, smiling gently in return.

Having understood this, Ma Yuantong felt a flush of heat surge through him, though confident his darker complexion concealed it.

In the outer hall, Madame Jiang and Madam Gui, separated by a thin beaded curtain, exchanged knowing smiles. This Master Ma, upon seeing their young lady, had not said a word yet already blushed like a boiled shrimp—who could doubt his feelings for her?

“Third Miss, please don’t be so formal. Wenqing’s help was but a small favor,” Ma Yuantong said, eager to grow closer to her despite knowing his status was not quite worthy.

Dantai Jing was momentarily surprised. Ma Yuantong often called himself “Yuantong” when speaking to her, but now he used “Wenqing”—his courtesy name. At sixteen, the courtesy name was usually given by elders at twenty, so...

“Wenqing is the name given to you by Magistrate Zheng?” she wrote on the letter.

To be honest, Dantai Jing was at a loss for words to speak to Ma Yuantong, especially with such an openly private meeting. Though Madame Jiang and Madam Gui said they were attending nearby, the difference between attending closely and waiting outside was vast.

Madam Xu and Su Xin were even more excessive. Madam Xu claimed she went to the main kitchen to ask Madame Zou about the banquet dishes; Su Xin said she was going to prepare tea. In the blink of an eye, both had vanished, leaving the mute girl alone to “converse” with someone!

Ma Yuantong nodded excitedly. Since the Third Miss could not speak, he would say everything for her. He had many things he wanted to share—about the county exam, the banquet after passing, and so forth. These were usually topics his parents forbade him from mentioning, but somehow, when facing the Third Miss, he wanted to pour it all out.

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Ma Yuantong recounted in detail when he had set out, the fellow students he met on the road, that year’s exam questions, how he answered them, and how, after passing, he had planned to return home but was stopped by several other successful candidates. They invited him to a banquet for this year’s examiner, Magistrate Zheng, where he had been plied with wine until drunk, yet unexpectedly won the favor of the magistrate.

Dantai Jing sat quietly behind the desk, listening intently. When Ma Yuantong’s tone brightened, she smiled softly; when he spoke of drunkenness, her delicate brows furrowed.

Outside, the rain pattered gently, carrying the scent of freshly washed grass. Inside the study, a faint aroma of agarwood incense filled the air—a peculiar afternoon, warm and unhurried.

Until Madam Xu pushed open the door and exchanged a smile with Madame Jiang and Madam Gui before saying, “Third Miss, Master has returned from the office. Would you prefer dinner served in the study or under the rose arbor in the courtyard?”

Ma Yuantong lowered his head. Dantai Shanchang had returned home, so he need no longer be hosted by the Third Miss. He saw her rise gracefully, pointing toward the window, signaling dinner would be served in the courtyard. The rain had stopped, the evening sun cast dappled shadows—it was the perfect time to enjoy the view. The Third Miss’s choice was always so thoughtful.

Yet, no matter how splendid the scenery, without a cherished companion, there was little to admire. Ma Yuantong looked toward Dantai Jing and asked gently, “Tomorrow the academy opens. Has your health recovered? Will you attend classes?”

Dantai Jing looked at him in puzzlement. He had been recommended to study at the National Academy; what did it matter to him whether she attended or not?

Ma Yuantong pressed his lips and smiled. “I will stay in Ze City for a while longer, leaving after the Double Ninth Festival. I cannot neglect my studies, so I will continue attending the academy for over a month.”

Dantai Jing hesitated. She was already well versed in the academy’s teachings; attending or not made little difference. Mainly, she wished to avoid seeing Wang Ziyu. If she did not meet him, there would be no entanglements or troubles.

Just as Dantai Jing was about to wave Ma Yuantong off, signaling she would not attend the academy, Mingxin came hurriedly in with short quick steps, calling out anxiously, “Third Miss, something’s wrong!”