Fortune Across the World

Chapter 61: Protecting the Beloved, Confessions in the Western Courtyard

Ding Qiyu rushed back home, quickly cleaning and bandaging her wound before heading to audit Lu Weixi's qin class. She had been silently attending every session without Lu Weixi noticing her presence.

Since the day of the Law of Heaven class, "Ding Qiyu" had become a well-known name among her peers. She had become the object of admiration for many young women and the subject of envy among young men. Despite receiving numerous invitations to poetry discussions, her heart was solely focused on Weixi. She spent her free time either developing mechanisms or learning mechanical arts, and any remaining time was dedicated to Weixi. Gradually, people recognized her unwavering devotion, and those interested in her withdrew with a sigh of regret.

Comfortably seated with her legs crossed, leaning against the wall, Ding Qiyu watched her beloved's back through the bamboo curtain. In the cacophony of qin sounds, she easily picked out Weixi's playing and tuned out all other "noise," focusing solely on her music. Sometimes, Ding Qiyu wondered why she was so captivated by Weixi's qin. Did she fall for Weixi because of the music or did her love for Weixi deepen her appreciation for the qin? Or perhaps both? Emotions are subtle and complex, and while Ding Qiyu couldn't pinpoint the cause, she was certain she loved both the person and her music.

As the qin class ended, Ding Qiyu watched Lu Weixi leave, feeling that something was amiss. Glancing down, she noticed the makeshift bandage on her hand was soaked with blood and loosening, causing her to wince in pain as she re-wrapped it with a pitiful expression.

Not far from there, Lu Weixi and Qing'er were stopped by two individuals. The princess, with her fierce maid in tow, blocked their path, her expression contemptuous.

Lu Weixi glanced at the princess, unwilling to engage, and attempted to move past them. The princess's maid quickly stepped forward, blocking her path.

With a furrowed brow, Lu Weixi turned to the princess, asking directly, "What do you want?"

"How dare you! The princess of Yong Wangfu, Zhao Tianran, is not someone you can address so casually!" the fierce maid barked.

"Xiao Yue," Zhao Tianran admonished theatrically, turning to Lu Weixi. "Miss Lu, the qin score the teacher lent you—I want to see it. Please be so kind as to lend it to me." Though her words were courteous, her tone was arrogant and demanding. Zhao Tianran harbored resentment towards Lu Weixi, having endured many frustrations in qin class. Unable to bear it any longer, she dismissed her usual entourage to confront Lu Weixi alone and humble her.

Lu Weixi's expression turned cold, "Since you know the score belongs to the teacher, I have no right to lend it to anyone. If you wish to see it, you'll need to speak to the teacher yourself."

"Oh, are you boasting that the teacher only appreciates your qin skills?" Zhao Tianran retorted sarcastically. "Lu Weixi, let me tell you, this isn't your general's mansion. Anything I, this princess, want, I get! Xiao Yue—" She signaled her maid, who immediately moved to seize the score from Qing'er.

"This isn't your estate either. Are you planning to rob me?" Lu Weixi asked coldly. It was clear reasoning wouldn't work with these troublemakers. The atmosphere grew tense, with the maid reaching for the book. Qing'er clutched it tightly, refusing to let it go.

Ding Qiyu, having just re-bandaged her hand, emerged from the compartment and witnessed the scene. Alarmed, she rushed forward, pulling the fierce maid away and shielding Lu Weixi and Qing'er. She demanded, "What are you doing?"

"Qiyu..." Lu Weixi was too pleased to see Ding Qiyu to wonder why she was there, feeling her heart settle instantly.

"Why are you being so aggressive?" Zhao Tianran hadn't anticipated Ding Qiyu's sudden appearance, let alone her assertiveness. As the cherished princess of Yong Wang, she wasn't used to such defiance.