ATLAS TRANSLATES

In the courtyard, flowers and trees rustled.

Inside the room, silver and jade adorned the curtains, filling it with fragrance. Qi Lian from the Chengyu House trembled as she looked up. Through the curtains, she could faintly see a lady sitting there. With the help of her maids, the lady was tying ribbons at her chest. Her skirt trailed like flower petals, and her figure was shapely. Qi Lian heard muffled voices saying things like “too tight” and “miss’s chest seems bigger” and “need new clothes.”

Lingyu, the maid who brought Qi Lian in, coughed and announced her arrival. After a moment of silence, the lady emerged from behind the curtain. Her beauty was heavenly, like a reflection in a pool or flowers falling on clothes. She was so dazzling that one could hardly look at her directly.

This lady was Miss Luo.

“I was putting on rouge and didn’t hear that Qi Lian had arrived…” said Miss Luo.

Qi Lian bowed deeply, thinking: Of course, of course, I didn’t hear any talk about “chests” or anything like that.

To prove her words, Miss Luo ordered her maid: “Bring my newly made rose cream.”

The maid Lingxi didn’t move, looking at her in confusion until Miss Luo gave her a secret glare. Lingyu was more quick-witted and expressed surprise: “Miss spent all night making just one small bottle, and now you’re giving it away?” Even though Qi Lian was Lingyu’s good friend, Lingyu felt it was too precious…

This was exactly what Miss Luo wanted people to know – her thoughtfulness. She brushed back her hair, pleased to see Qi Lian’s nervous state. She pretended to scold: “Such a small thing for a lady’s use, why make such a fuss… Go quickly!”

The rose cream was made by mixing rouge juice with flower extract in precise amounts, then carefully refining and steaming it. The cream was like water and milk combined. Just a touch on cheeks and lips would make them glow beautifully with a lovely fragrance.

After some polite back and forth, Qi Lian nervously accepted the precious rose cream, thinking how kind Miss Luo was. Since the lady was so kind, she must try her best to help fulfill the lady’s wishes!

After putting on enough airs and letting people see how good she was, Miss Luo finally sat gracefully on the cushioned couch.

She rested her chin on her hand and said softly: “I’m not good at dancing, though I learned before. In Ruyang, I even joined a dance group with other ladies. But shamefully, I grew lazy later and my skills got rusty. I haven’t practiced for years. I asked you here to help demonstrate my song and dance for the ‘Flower Goddess Selection.’ Both the song and dance must follow my vision. Help me win the selection, and I’ll help your dance skills stand out at Chengyu House. It benefits us both – what do you think?”

Qi Lian quickly agreed.

She knew that noble ladies like Miss Luo learned dance and music. But when it came to public performances, they saw it as beneath them and wouldn’t perform themselves. They would find dancers to collaborate with instead. This wasn’t the first time, so Qi Lian knew the routine well.

Miss Luo said softly: “When I teach you to dance, I’m very strict with high standards. Don’t be scared of me.”

Qi Lian smiled, thinking how could such a gentle lady be very strict? She agreed easily.

Miss Luo said: “Then let’s begin. The dance is called ‘Racing to the Moon,’ based on the legend of Chang’e flying to the moon. We only have half a month until the Flower Goddess Selection. We don’t have much time, so you must practice hard.”

Qi Lian smiled lightly: “Yes.”

Miss Luo gave a slight smile.

As a professional dancer, Qi Lian was only average looking but very slim and graceful. Standing below, she looked up at Miss Luo charmingly, creating a beautiful scene.

The next moment, Miss Luo’s face turned cold. Her voice became icy as frost: “Why are you just standing there stupidly? Is this place for practicing dance? Shouldn’t you show me your current abilities so I can see your skill level? Shouldn’t you tell me your situation in detail so I can judge if you can meet my requirements? Don’t you need to ask what style I want? Or are you already sure I can’t challenge you…”

Qi Lian stumbled back a step, shocked to see Miss Luo’s ice-cold face: How scary that the lady has two completely different faces… Is it too late to say no and leave?

After finishing her morning lessons, Luo Yunhuan ran out of the room excitedly to watch her sister train the dancer. She had been hearing sounds from the courtyard all morning, with occasional flowing music, and the young miss’s heart had already taken flight. Plus, seeing Miss Luo use the same scary manner she used to train herself to train others made Yunhuan feel… satisfied.

She crouched down, watching with great interest.

“Wow!” Yunhuan exclaimed with her face in her hands. It was her first time seeing Miss Luo dance – how rare! It was unusual to see Miss Luo take action herself. With her stiff posture, teaching another house’s professional dancer how to dance… Miss Luo’s uncoordinated limbs and furrowed brow as she stood thinking in the courtyard trying to make Qi Lian understand her meaning was quite interesting.

The “Snow Trace Court” was lively as maids stood in the yard watching their lady teach dance. During the noisy commotion, a woman’s amused voice asked: “What is the lady so busy with?”

Miss Luo, exhausted in the courtyard, turned to see the beautiful maid Jingyue in blue-green servant clothes standing at the courtyard entrance. Jingyue was the personal maid of Third Young Master Lu from the Second Branch’s “Clear Court.” Since the Second Branch only had one young master now, people would give Jingyue some respect wherever she went in the Lu family.

Miss Luo paused: How to put it… she really didn’t want to have anything to do with Third Young Master Lu anymore…

Jingyue seemed to expect her reaction. Without waiting for Miss Luo’s greeting, she walked in and handed an invitation to Miss Luo’s personal maid Lingyu: “It’s a happy occasion. Our Third Young Master finally has an official position instead of staying idle at home. Some Imperial Censor position – I don’t really understand, but they say it’s not an empty title but a real working position. The Old Madam is especially happy and is holding a banquet tonight to celebrate. I came personally to deliver the invitation to Miss Luo.”

Jingyue sighed: “It’s been so long since I’ve seen Sister Lingyu, I really missed you.”

Lowering her eyes: “Why doesn’t Young Miss Huan come play at our courtyard anymore?”

Before, Miss Luo would send things to “Clear Court” every day – sometimes flowers, sometimes pastries, not just for Third Young Master Lu but for Jingyue too. The maid Lingyu had many dealings with Jingyue and also invited little sister Yunhua to come play. They had become quite familiar. But unexpectedly, after Miss Luo returned from Mount Zhong, she stopped sending things… Jingyue had to come personally to see what was going on.

At Jingyue’s words, Miss Luo remained composed, but Yunhuan’s face turned red with embarrassment. Growing up beside her sister, the young miss naturally knew what kind of person her sister was – when there was nothing to gain, she would turn away immediately. Poor Sister Jingyue surely didn’t know that “Clear Court” had been abandoned by Miss Luo.

Yunhua stammered with a red face: “I-I-I…”

Miss Luo smiled properly: “Huan’s studies haven’t been good lately, so I’m keeping her confined for a few days. As for tonight’s banquet, I won’t be attending… As you can see, I’m busy teaching dance. The Flower Goddess Festival is coming soon, and I don’t have time.”

Jingyue’s eyelid twitched, her beautiful eyes widened, and she looked at her strangely.

After a while, Jingyue sighed: “The lady’s response is exactly as Third Young Master predicted. He said not to waste effort trying, as you would surely refuse like this.”

Miss Luo’s smile froze as she gritted her teeth: Lu Yun…

As soon as Jingyue spoke, she could imagine Lu Yun’s appearance. He must have been completely relaxed, casually listening to his maid with one ear while busy with his own affairs. That elegant noble young master would show a sneering expression, his peach blossom eyes looking up, his sarcastic lips opening and closing to mock her…

Miss Luo said with difficulty: “It’s not what you think…”

Jingyue stared at her steadily: “Miss, our young master asked me to tell you that if you come tonight, he will tell you some news; if you don’t come, you’ll regret it later.”

Miss Luo: …Hmph!

She didn’t want to see Lu Yun, didn’t want to face that awkwardness and frustration. When she saw him, she would remember how they first met, think of what she had done in front of him, and how many times she had lost face… As for Lu Yun’s threatening words, she wasn’t concerned. With no connection between them, she didn’t believe he would have the free time to meddle in her affairs. Miss Luo gracefully brushed her hair by her ear and said firmly: “I won’t go. I need to teach Qi Lian to dance.”

Yunhuan said pitifully: “Sister, I want…”

Miss Luo: “Huan also wants to learn the zither.”

Yunhuan covered her face: “No, I don’t…”

But no one was listening to what she had to say anymore.

Someone must have gossiped, because soon the news that Miss Luo had refused Third Young Master Lu’s banquet spread throughout the Lu family. It was the first time Third Young Master’s invitation to a lady had been refused, and the Lu family young masters felt… quite pleased—

“First time seeing Third Brother rejected by a woman, so happy!”

“So Miss Luo has such noble character, unmoved by good looks!”

For almost half a month, Miss Luo was busy composing music and choreographing dance, preparing for the “Flower Goddess Selection.” Since returning from the last banquet, Miss Luo hadn’t seen Lu Yun. His “you’ll regret it” message delivered by Jingyue had worried her for two days, but when nothing happened she relaxed. Miss Luo focused on choreographing with Qi Lian. While her own rusty dance skills improved greatly, Qi Lian’s daily encounters with this lady changed from initial happiness to later fear—

“More flowing! More ethereal! We love light and floating style, how can you be so heavy?”

“Lift your leg higher!”

“Keep your waist straight! When I say flexible I don’t mean boneless like a snake!”

“Wrong again, do it over!”

Qi Lian was constantly criticized by Miss Luo: Wah, this lady is so scary when she’s serious…

While Miss Luo was busy with her dance, Lu Yun was also overwhelmed with complicated political matters. Prince Chen Liu Shu had offended Prince Hengyang, and Prince Hengyang was applying pressure in various ways, taking advantage of the Emperor’s favor to squeeze Prince Chen’s people. Prince Chen Liu Shu was used to acting without speaking, and his trusted officials were suffering terribly from Prince Hengyang’s faction’s attacks. The worst hit was the newly appointed Lu Yun. Lu Yun had just taken the position of Imperial Censor, and before he could figure anything out, he was dragged into the fight between the two factions—no, it should be called one-sided bullying.

Prince Chen was being bullied by Prince Hengyang, and had gone to catch bandits in the suburbs of Jianye.

He kept retreating at every step, just wanting to keep Prince Hengyang happy.

The young masters saw his sorry state and felt it was unfair: “Father Emperor favors Prince Hengyang too much! We’ll help speak up for you!”

Prince Chen, knowing the inside story, shook his head: “No need.”

He was bearing Prince Hengyang’s bullying on behalf of his father, to prevent Prince Hengyang from suspecting his father’s intentions. Whatever grievances he suffered, his father knew in his heart. Rather than complain, better to let the Emperor feel guilty… After all, when the Son of Heaven feels guilty, he will always compensate doubly…

However, such constant busyness made Prince Chen Liu Shu forget about the arrival date of scholar Zhou Tan’s daughter Zhou Yangling to Jianye. He was busy catching bandits during the day, and only when he returned to his mansion and was reminded by his retainer did he learn that Zhou Yangling had already arrived in Jianye. But neither Prince Chen nor Third Young Master Lu had appeared at the dock.

By the time Prince Chen’s people rushed to the dock, they couldn’t find where Zhou Young Lady and her group had gone. Prince Chen’s people were also surprised: “Young Master, you and Third Young Master both said Zhou Young Lady was a rare beauty, so we thought she would cause a stir like that Lu family’s young cousin did when she entered Jianye that day…”

A beauty standing on the shore, as stunning as a wild goose in flight.

So Prince Chen’s people who went to receive her weren’t in such a hurry. Who knew when they reached the dock, there was no one waiting.

Liu Shu, who had just returned to the mansion and hadn’t even had a cup of tea, felt parched and slightly suffocated: “…”

He asked: “Did Third Young Master… also… forget the date?”

Prince Chen’s people nodded gravely: “Third Young Master seems to have been busy all day and completely forgot about Zhou Young Lady’s matter.”

Liu Shu rubbed his forehead: “Send people… to search.”

Jianye wasn’t that big, and Zhou Yangling was from a minor branch family with no old friends to help her in Jianye. Where could a lone weak woman run off to?

After sending people to search and having a cup of tea and changing clothes, Prince Chen decided to visit the Lu mansion. After a busy day, Third Young Master Lu had also just returned to rest for a moment. He had just finished bathing, his black hair loose, his young master’s robe hanging loosely, his chest white as jade. He was lying on his side on the couch with his eyes closed when Jingyue told him Prince Chen had arrived.

After the servants all left and ensuring no one would know about his stutter, Prince Chen spoke urgently and haltingly about not finding Zhou Yangling. Lu Yun was unconcerned: “Don’t worry, that lady is very clever. Even if it’s her first time in Jianye, she won’t get herself lost…”

Prince Chen: “I-I heard you say she’s often sick and weak… how absurd! If she’s sickly, how could she run around?”

Lu Yun raised an eyebrow: “Others also say my cousin Luo is gentle and refined – do you think she’s that kind of person?”

Prince Chen’s pupils jumped: “…”

Third Young Master Lu’s words meant that the lady was different on the inside than the outside.

Prince Chen felt a bit more relieved – as long as Zhou Yangling was safe and sound, that was good… Now more relaxed, Prince Chen had time to hear Lu Yun talk about other matters. It was only when Liu Shu brought it up that Lu Yun remembered something. Third Young Master Lu got up from the couch and went to get a wooden box from the shelf behind it. Sitting back down, facing Liu Shu’s confused look, Lu Yun calmly explained: “Earlier this year I opened a glasswork shop to research ‘liuli glass’ – you remember this, right?”

Prince Chen nodded.

“Liuli” glass came from the Western Regions and was an imported good, always expensive and priceless. Now with the South and North countries not getting along and the North blocking the way, trade between the South and Western Regions was much more difficult.

Lu Yun, though not well-educated, simply found a master craftsman and opened a “Liuli Workshop” to research producing glass himself. If the research succeeded, not to mention Lu Yun’s own wealth, the noble families of the South would surely chase after it endlessly.

Liu Shu was shocked: “The research succeeded?”

He couldn’t help laughing and crying: “You… you fool around… and actually… got results?”

Lu Yun smiled mysteriously and opened the wooden box. On black velvet lay a string of glass bracelet beads. The beads were round and smooth, polished to a soft luster.

Taking it in hand to admire, Liu Shu thought to himself: The color is still dim, the quality not as good as the Western Regions, still needs some time… But having achieved this much already, to get even better and catch up to Western Region technology was just a matter of time.

Lu Yun: “If it gets even better, we can sell ‘liuli’ to the North. The noble families there would go crazy for it…”

Liu Shu’s eyebrows jumped as he imagined the huge potential profits hidden within. He slapped the table: “Excellent!”

Lu Yun rubbed his temples: “I originally wanted to give this glass bracelet to Zhou Yangling to welcome her to Jianye, to show our respect for those from humble backgrounds… For now, I’ll have to keep these beads. Hopefully in a few days, our craftsmanship will improve and I can give her even better quality glass bracelets.”

Liu Shu nodded. This glass bracelet was the first successful product from the “Liuli Workshop,” making it very significant. Though the quality was murky and couldn’t compare to what noble ladies usually saw and used… Zhou Yangling was scholar Zhou Tan’s daughter. She would surely understand the meaning behind it.

Liu Shu’s face flushed red as he tried to hide his excitement, saying softly: “Xuechen, you… you keep it for now.”

Lu Yun smiled and casually placed the glass bracelet in his robes. He had shown this item just to reassure Prince Chen. They chatted about some other things, discussed some official matters, and when the sky turned completely dark, Prince Chen bid farewell. Lu Yun stood up to escort him out of the mansion.

The two young men walked one in front and one behind, moving gracefully.

When they reached the stone bridge, they suddenly heard a lady’s voice coming from beside the lake.

The lake water was clear, and the lady’s voice carried on the wind. Because the voice was so familiar, Lu Yun’s steps paused for a moment.

That female voice scolded harshly: “No stopping! I haven’t rested so why are you tired? Who’s the dancer here anyway?”

Another woman mumbled nervously in response.

Lu Yun’s lips curved slightly.

Prince Chen: “Who is… that?”

He turned back and in the darkness saw Third Young Master Lu’s ambiguous smile. Prince Chen: “Oh, it’s Miss Luo.”

Prince Chen thought for a moment, remembering what he saw at the banquet half a month ago, how the lady dealt with Chen Xiu… Prince Chen had only seen Miss Luo twice – the first time he thought she was delicate, the second time he felt she was somewhat… He said softly: “Let’s go take a look.”

Lu Yun was unwilling: “Let’s not… What’s there to see about her?”

Lu Yun said lazily: “Two eyes and a nose, looks the same as everyone else, nothing worth seeing. Let’s go.”

Liu Shu ignored him and went straight down the bridge. Lu Yun stayed in place for a moment, saw Liu Shu firmly not looking back, and could only follow unwillingly. Actually he didn’t need to go over – he knew what Miss Luo was doing.

Miss Luo’s attitude toward him was so obvious – using him when needed, discarding him when not.

Third Young Master Lu was annoyed – after he had given her a way out once, did he have to do it every time?

Besides, why should he try to please her – a vain woman who was different on the inside than the outside!

The two young men went down the bridge and stone steps. The clear lake water reflected their faces as they saw the graceful figure of a lady with her back to them, and a strange woman with tears in her eyes. Miss Luo seemed to be practicing dance with a woman by the lake. Lanterns were thrown among the reeds, the maids had been sent away, and despite how dark it was, the two women hadn’t left.

Qi Lian: Wuwuwu.

Her eyes spotted Prince Chen Liu Shu and Lu Yun walking over, her eyes lit up and she was about to speak: “Miss…”

“Pa!” Her palm was struck by Miss Luo.

Miss Luo: “How can you get distracted again? Qi Lian, if you’re this useless, we might as well not compete and just admit defeat…”

Qi Lian: “My… my lady…”

Miss Luo: “Don’t interrupt me! My reputation rests on you, everything depends on that day. You now…”

Qi Lian: “But… but miss, behind you…”

Miss Luo remained unmoved and continued scolding Qi Lian. Like a fierce demon she showed no mercy, making Qi Lian feel ashamed, especially with two handsome young men watching. Miss Luo spoke for a while, saw Qi Lian’s expression was really strange, and stopped. Just as she felt confused, Miss Luo heard a man’s voice from behind: “Miss Luo.”

Miss Luo: “…”

That unfamiliar male voice!

Had she said anything inappropriate while having her back to this young man?!

Miss Luo was silent for a while, adjusting her expression. She slowly turned around, smiling at Liu Shu. She paused, and while bowing to Prince Chen, Miss Luo’s eyes stopped when she saw Third Young Master Lu Yun staring at her with deep eyes behind Prince Chen.

In front of Prince Chen, Miss Luo was always someone’s good cousin.

She greeted Lu Yun radiantly: “Third Cousin, it’s been a while. Has Third Cousin been well?”

“Cousin is also well,” Lu Yun said with an ambiguous smile. His eyes looked at her as he said slowly, “Not seeing you for half a month, cousin seems to have grown more beautiful.”

Miss Luo: “…”

Lu Yun was complimenting her beauty?!

Though Miss Luo was delighted in her heart, she complained: “What are you saying, cousin!”

Lu Yun stared at her chest, looking for a long time, puzzled: “Seems… also fatter?”

Fatter?!

Miss Luo: “…”

Prince Chen Liu Shu quietly watched the two of them: Though he was the one who suggested coming to see Miss Luo, in the end he couldn’t get a word in as it became just the two of them.

How rude, how rude. His fault, his fault.