Fortune Across the World

Chapter 18: Invitation to Meet the Lady for a Heart-to-Heart (Part 1)

"Of course he was listening!" Qing'er confidently asserted, continuing, "Young Master Ding wasn't admiring the flowers or the lake; he was resting under a tree in this heat. What else could he have been doing but enjoying your music, Miss?" She paused, then added, "I almost didn't recognize him today. Dressed in formal robes, he looks entirely different—transformed from a village carpenter to a handsome young gentleman. Truly, clothes make the man..." Qing'er seemed to have found her stride, chattering away.

Although Ding Qiyu was a village carpenter, Lu Weixi had always felt that his innate demeanor surpassed that of many wealthy young men she knew. Her curiosity piqued about Ding Qiyu's appearance today, she instructed Qing'er, who was still searching for words to praise him, "Since Young Master Ding is here at Yaolu Residence, Qing'er, please invite him in for a visit."

Lu Weixi's boudoir had two floors, with her bedroom upstairs and the ground floor serving as a study and a place to meet friends and guests. In Qianguo, societal restrictions on women, especially noblewomen from wealthy families, weren't overly stringent. Ladies like Lu Weixi were not confined to "deep chambers" unknown to the world; they could make friends, attend gatherings, and go out freely, provided they maintained decorum and observed basic gender boundaries. Overall, they enjoyed considerable freedom.

Qing'er, with a cheeky grin, teased Lu Weixi, "Miss, you seem quite interested in Young Master Ding!"

Having grown accustomed to such teasing from Qing'er due to the countless suitors she had, Lu Weixi playfully poked Qing'er's forehead with her finger, playing along, "Yes, I'm very interested. Can I trouble you to invite him over?"

When someone remains unfazed by your jokes, it can be quite disheartening. Qing'er's teasing spirit was promptly dampened by her mistress's response, and she obediently went to invite Ding Qiyu in.

Meanwhile, Ding Qiyu, having listened to a piece and sensing no further music coming from inside, decided to leave and start her work, noting that the time was right.

Just as she was about to exit Yaolu Residence, Qing'er called out to her. Recognizing Lu Weixi's maid, Ding Qiyu politely asked, "Is there something you need, miss?"

Qing'er, now standing before Ding Qiyu, noticed how much more refined and handsome he appeared up close, and how he seemed taller than a month ago. She bowed slightly and explained her purpose, "Young Master Ding, I am Qing'er. You may call me Qing'er. My mistress invites you to the pavilion for a chat." Considering their height difference, Qing'er felt it inappropriate to refer to him as "young master" in the diminutive way she had before.

"Ah? Miss Lu?" Ding Qiyu blurted out in surprise, not expecting this turn of events. How did Miss Lu know she was here? But not wanting to be rude, she quickly replied, "Alright, please lead the way, Qing'er."

Qing'er, having a good impression of Ding Qiyu, was eager to share his heroic deeds with Lu Weiming. After several encounters, Qing'er found Ding Qiyu far from uncouth, quite the opposite—kind and far superior to many spoiled noble sons. She was happy for her mistress to associate with such a person. Seeing Ding Qiyu's courteous demeanor, Qing'er felt at ease leading the way, engaging him in conversation, "Young Master Ding, were you listening to Miss's zither earlier?"

Realizing Qing'er likely saw her listening under the tree and told Miss Lu, leading to the invitation, Ding Qiyu felt a bit caught in the act, smiling sheepishly, "Yes, I was just wandering and happened upon this place, captivated by Miss Lu's music."

Qing'er found Ding Qiyu's honest demeanor amusing and remarked, "My mistress is a master of music. Her zither skills are renowned in Xingcheng and throughout Qianguo. People say she is the 'number one talented woman in Qianguo.' Whether she is the best in all of Qianguo, I can't say, but I'm confident that she's the best in the northern region!" Qing'er had absolute admiration and trust in her mistress.