Chapter 18: Jealousy Unnoticed

“Ahem…” Shen Yu cleared his throat, coughing lightly to break the atmosphere in the study.

Yun Ci and Han Chu both turned their gaze toward the doorway, one calling out, “Zi Feng,” the other bowing in respectful greeting. Their actions were so coordinated, it seemed as if they’d arranged it beforehand.

A pang of discomfort flickered through Shen Yu’s heart. He looked at the two within, so open and at ease, brushed aside his distracting thoughts, and stepped inside, smiling as he addressed Yun Ci, “Am I disturbing you?”

“Not at all,” Yun Ci replied with a smile. “In fact, I’ve been sitting in the study all day and I’m feeling a bit tired.”

He closed the books on the desk and asked, “You’re free today?”

“Yes, it’s been a while since we’ve dined together. Recently, I chanced upon a skilled chef and specially invited him to the Eastern Courtyard for you to try his cooking,” Shen Yu paused, then added with a smile, “He’s from Fangzhou.”

“In that case, I must not refuse,” Yun Ci replied, smiling. He happened to be from Fangzhou himself, and knew well that Shen Yu’s invitation was not a coincidence but a deliberate gesture.

Shen Yu nodded, then, as if inadvertently, swept a glance at Han Chu and spoke calmly, “You see your master has arrived, and you don’t know to serve him tea?”

Han Chu snapped to attention and hurried toward the side hall.

Shen Yu watched her disappear around the corridor, a faint trace of resentment in his expression. He’d seen clearly from the doorway: Han Chu smiled sweetly at Yun Ci, but when she saw him, she turned into a statue, expressionless.

Her attitude was worlds apart!

The more Shen Yu thought about it, the more irritated he became, his face darkening.

Yun Ci noticed him staring at the small door to the side hall and, with some helplessness, said, “She only forgot to pour tea; why are you so quick to anger? Who always prides himself on his gentle treatment of women?”

Hearing this, Shen Yu withdrew his gaze, disgruntled. “Let’s just say I find her disagreeable!”

Yun Ci couldn’t help but laugh. He was about to speak in Han Chu’s defense when she returned with a cup of tea, hastily and respectfully presenting it to Shen Yu.

Shen Yu snorted, taking the cup from Han Chu but only holding it, not drinking.

Han Chu was slightly nervous. She recalled Shen Yu’s abrupt actions that night and Cha Cha’s exaggerated demonstration. Though it had been half a month since, the memory remained vivid and forced her to stay alert.

Yun Ci noticed Han Chu’s discomfort, quietly amused by the odd tension between the two. Shen Yu, usually so gallant with women, now gave Han Chu a cold face; while Han Chu, typically quiet and composed, seemed clumsy before Shen Yu.

Yun Ci wished to help Han Chu, so he looked to Shen Yu and said, “Didn’t you say you’d invited a chef to the Eastern Courtyard? Let’s go to the dining hall.” He glanced at Han Chu, “Chu Xiu, you may go rest.”

“Chu Xiu?” Han Chu felt relieved, but Shen Yu’s low voice came from beside her, “What’s this name?”

Han Chu’s heart skipped, a sudden sense of guilt washing over her. She didn’t look up at Shen Yu, but sensed his displeased gaze upon her, deep and cold.

“I overstepped,” Yun Ci explained timely. “She said she had no name, so I took the liberty of naming her. Strictly speaking, she’s yours, and you should have named her.”

Yun Ci, seeing Han Chu’s predicament, spoke again in her defense. Shen Yu paused, then replied with apparent indifference, “She really has no name. ‘Chu Xiu’ is a good one; let her use it from now on.”

Yun Ci sensed Shen Yu’s lack of enthusiasm and gave Han Chu a meaningful look. “Zi Feng is your true master. Now that he’s acknowledged the name, you should thank him.”

Han Chu quickly bowed again to express her gratitude.

Shen Yu caught the fresh fragrance from Han Chu’s sleeve as she bent, his expression easing slightly, though he still said nothing to her.

Yun Ci, noticing Shen Yu’s persistent gloom, said to Han Chu, “Zi Feng and I will dine; you may go.”

Han Chu felt as if she’d been pardoned, gratitude evident on her face as she turned to Yun Ci. Just as she was about to leave, Shen Yu suddenly spoke, “When your master dines, shouldn’t you be there to serve?”

His words carried a certain authority. Yun Ci, accustomed to Shen Yu’s carefree ways, was surprised, but remembering that Han Chu ultimately belonged to Shen Yu, he said nothing more.

Han Chu had no choice but to follow them to the dining hall.

Though she had been at the Eastern Courtyard for half a month, today was Han Chu’s first time in the dining hall. Dan Xin had arrived early and had been busy for some time. Seeing Yun Ci and Shen Yu, she smiled, “Masters, please be seated. I’ll tell the kitchen to bring the dishes.”

Han Chu wanted to follow Dan Xin to help.

“Come back!” Shen Yu saw her trying to slip away, his handsome face instantly frosted as he called her back, “Stay and serve.”

Han Chu returned to the table, unsure where to stand behind which master.

Fortunately, Shen Yu paid no mind to such details. He tapped the table lightly, signaling Han Chu, “Why are you standing there? Don’t you see the drinks?”

Han Chu looked at the two vessels on the table—one a glass night-light flask with fine wine, the other a porcelain white jade flask with morning dew.

Knowing Yun Ci’s preferences, Han Chu picked up the porcelain flask, preparing to pour water for him. Glancing over, she saw Yun Ci subtly shake his head and glance at Shen Yu.

Han Chu realized: Shen Yu was her true master! But now that the porcelain flask was already in hand, how could she switch to the wine? She had no choice but to fill Shen Yu’s cup first, then pour for Yun Ci.

She watched Yun Ci’s expression as she poured, and seeing his barely perceptible nod, she let out a silent sigh of relief.

Just as she set down the flask, Shen Yu spoke again, scolding, “You’ve been in the Eastern Courtyard for fourteen days and still don’t know who drinks water and who drinks wine?”

Despite his words, Shen Yu’s expression was not too severe. Seeing Han Chu pour water for him first, he felt a little pleased, and pointed at his wine cup, “Fill it up for me!”

Han Chu, baffled by the repeated reprimands, wondered why Shen Yu was so irritable today. Although she was puzzled, she dared not slacken, and quickly poured out the morning dew from Shen Yu’s cup, refilling it with wine and respectfully apologized.

Shen Yu’s expression returned to normal as he placed the cup on the table. He glanced at Han Chu again, but spoke to Yun Ci, “Wan Zhi, you’re too lenient with your servants. This mute maid has been spoiled by you.”

Yun Ci knew he should not defend Han Chu further, lest it backfire, so he smiled lightly and remained silent.

Dan Xin soon returned from the kitchen and stood beside Yun Ci, while Han Chu served Shen Yu.

That evening, Yun Ci and Shen Yu enjoyed lively conversation, reminiscing about their youth and discussing the current affairs of the two nations. Even Han Chu, listening quietly, felt the depth of their camaraderie.

Shen Yu drank alone, but the spirited atmosphere made him ever more enthusiastic. Han Chu was kept busy, pouring wine and serving dishes for him.

Yun Ci watched in silence, concerned about Han Chu’s shoulder injury. She’d spent the day grinding ink and now served at night, without even a chance to eat.

Thinking this, Yun Ci gently pressed his wine cup, stopping Shen Yu from drinking more. “Zi Feng, you’ve had quite enough tonight; you should stop.”

Shen Yu’s gaze was clear, still unsatisfied. “Ha! Don’t you know my capacity? Wan Zhi, you underestimate me. It’s rare to have such an opportunity; why not let me drink my fill?”

Yun Ci was helpless, and seeing Han Chu seemed unharmed, he said no more.

But Dan Xin spoke up, “Young Marquis, please have mercy. Chu Xiu and I have been busy all day and haven’t even had a sip of water!” She pouted, using Yun Ci as her shield. “Besides, the master doesn’t stay up late. You may be a night owl, but the master needs his rest!”

“Dan Xin!” Yun Ci was displeased and rebuked her for overstepping.

Dan Xin bowed her head as if aggrieved and said no more.

Had Han Chu really not had a sip of water? Shen Yu felt a pang of guilt. He realized he’d neglected her, focusing only on his annoyance and deliberately making things difficult for her.

The atmosphere grew awkward, so Shen Yu quickly spoke to ease it. “Dan Xin is right, it’s my oversight. Wan Zhi, don’t blame me.”

It was merely pouring wine and serving dishes—not a heavy task. He only wanted to see her more, but forgot she hadn’t even eaten.

The more he thought, the more he pitied her. He said to Dan Xin, “You’re absolutely right. Go serve your master’s rest; I’ll have the chef save food for you both.”

He said “you both,” not “you,” making his meaning clear. With this thought, he got up and glanced at Han Chu, commanding softly, “I’m not good with wine; help me back to the Western Courtyard.”

Not good with wine? Who had just contradicted Yun Ci, boasting of his drinking prowess? Han Chu, reluctant and resigned, helped Shen Yu, who feigned unsteady steps, leaning on her as he smiled at Dan Xin, “Serve your master well; I’ll take my leave.”

Shen Yu was always so unpredictable, and Yun Ci was used to it. He looked at Han Chu again, and their eyes met. In that lingering gaze, each saw the helplessness mirrored in the other.

Han Chu quickly lowered her eyes, a faint smile at her lips.

“What are you daydreaming about? Help me back! Don’t want to eat?” Shen Yu, oblivious to their subtle exchange, snorted. As he caught a whiff of her delicate fragrance, his mood brightened inexplicably.

Han Chu dared not delay, quickly supporting Shen Yu out of the dining hall toward the Western Courtyard…