Luo Tan had been feeling rather out of sorts lately.
The entire Luo family had moved to Longye and settled there for good. After Shen Miao became the Empress, she was no longer as free as before. Between taking care of Chuyi and Shishi and managing the imperial harem—though Luo Tan found it quite baffling, since the harem of Great Coolness consisted solely of Shen Miao—what was there to manage?
But Shen Miao was indeed busier now, and Luo Tan found herself somewhat bored.
However, she had never been one to sit idle. So she spent her days traveling and sightseeing, seeking her own amusement.
This didn’t sit well with the second branch of the Luo family.
Ma Shi nagged daily, "You’re no longer a child. Even Jiaojiao’s son is over a year old now. If you want to remain an old maid, that’s your business, but how can you still be so reckless all the time?"
Luo Tan was thoroughly annoyed. She thought being single was just fine—eating, drinking, and having fun as she pleased. Marriage was nothing but trouble, with all the responsibilities of managing a household and keeping a husband’s heart in check. If the husband was decent and didn’t bring in a bunch of concubines, then there was the pressure to bear children early. And after giving birth, she’d have to raise them herself. A woman’s youth was so fleeting—why waste it on such trivial matters? Far better to take advantage of her prime years to travel and explore the world’s wonders. That was what she called meaningful.
Truth be told, the Luo family wasn’t particularly conservative, nor were they in any rush to marry off their daughter at a young age. But as parents, they naturally hoped their child would find a good match sooner rather than later. Luo Tan, however, remained carefree and seemingly uninterested in romance. If she ever took a liking to anyone, it was usually some handsome actor she spotted on the street—regardless of gender—a fleeting fancy no different from admiring flowers or scenery. Waiting for Luo Tan to awaken to matters of the heart might take who knew how long.
Ma Shi pressed, "Tan’er, be honest with me—is there really no man you fancy?"
Exasperated, Luo Tan replied, "Mother, where would I find such a man?"
"Even Qian’er has a girl he likes now, and he’s younger than you," Ma Shi lamented, using Luo Qian as an example. "There are so many good men in this world—how is it you haven’t taken a liking to even one?"
Luo Tan scoffed. "So many? I haven’t seen many at all."
"This won’t do," Ma Shi declared, slapping the table. "I can’t let you carry on like this. Now that Jiaojiao is the Empress, she must know a few outstanding young men. I’ll ask her to help arrange some introductions, and you will attend them properly."
Luo Tan stared at her in disbelief. "Mother, you can’t be serious. It’s not like I can’t get married."
"It’s not about whether you can or can’t—it’s that you don’t even understand the point," Ma Shi retorted. "You’re going, and if you refuse, don’t expect to leave this house again!" Without waiting for Luo Tan’s response, she stood and marched out.
...
Ma Shi asked Luo Xueyan to accompany her to the palace to discuss the matter with Shen Miao.
Though Shen Miao was now the Empress, her temperament hadn’t changed. She remained as warm and approachable as ever with her family. Both the Luo and Shen families treated her just as they always had, with no difference in their interactions.Ma Shi brought up Luo Tan with a headache and asked Shen Miao, "Jiaojiao, you usually interact with many noble people. Could you help Tan'er find a few suitable matches? The family background isn’t too important—what matters most is character. It must be upright and honest. Tan'er is naive and doesn’t understand the intricacies of household politics, so it’s best if the family is clean and simple, without any messy relatives. Ahem... and preferably, the man should be handsome." Ma Shi looked somewhat embarrassed. "Tan'er likes pretty things. If he’s good-looking, she’ll probably be happier herself."
Shen Miao was surprised and glanced at Luo Xueyan, who also said, "Yes, Jiaojiao, you should really help Tan'er look."
"Finding matches isn’t a problem, but..." Shen Miao hesitated before asking, "Does Cousin really not have anyone she likes?"
"With her temperament, waiting for her to take the initiative is impossible." Ma Shi waved her hand, looking as though she didn’t want to dwell on it. "If Tan'er were even half as sensible as you, I wouldn’t be so worried."
They were sisters, yet Shen Miao had the discernment to recognize a hero early on, securing Xie Jingxing—a rare and peerless man—in her youth, creating a legendary tale. After marriage, she had Xie Jingxing wrapped around her finger. The ruler of a nation had no other women in his harem besides the Empress, making Shen Miao the envy of countless women. Moreover, Xie Jingxing’s own qualities were exceptional.
Now, look at Luo Tan. After all these years, not only had she failed to win over a peerless man, but there wasn’t even a hint of an ordinary suitor. Initially, Ma Shi and Luo Liantai had imagined that once their daughter grew up, suitors would flood their doorstep, with countless families vying for her hand—what a lively scene that would be. Yet now, it was eerily quiet, without even a shadow of a suitor in sight. It was beyond frustrating.
"Has Cousin Tan agreed to this matchmaking herself?" Shen Miao asked.
"How dare she refuse!" Ma Shi added, "Jiaojiao, you’re close to her. Please take some time to advise her more. What kind of young lady spends her days visiting brothels? She knows every gambling den in Longye like the back of her hand—it’s truly a disgrace to the family."
Luo Tan had always been this lively, disregarding rules and etiquette, living freely—but it also made her an easy target for criticism.
Shen Miao readily agreed, "Alright, I’ll start keeping an eye out for Cousin right away. But whether it works out or not will depend on whether she likes them herself."
"Thank you so much, Jiaojiao." Ma Shi was overjoyed.
...
That night, Shen Miao held a long scroll, reading through it page by page, staying up late into the night.
When Xie Jingxing returned to the bedchamber after handling official documents, he saw her still reading by the lamp and asked, "Didn’t I tell you to sleep first?"
"There’s something I haven’t finished reading yet." Shen Miao didn’t look up, her eyes still glued to the scroll.
Xie Jingxing walked over and saw that each page of the scroll featured a portrait of a man, alongside his name, family background, official position, and even his hobbies and skills.
Xie Jingxing closed the scroll and asked, "What are you looking at this for?"
"Move aside." Shen Miao snatched the scroll back from him. "Aunt asked me to find some reliable matches for Cousin Tan. Don’t interrupt."
"Luo Tan?" Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow. "She’s getting married?""Auntie worries too much, it's just a small favor." Shen Miao suddenly thought of something and turned to Xie Jingxing: "Speaking of which, what exactly does Gao Yang mean by this?"
"What do you mean by 'what does he mean'?" Xie Jingxing was puzzled.
"About Cousin Tan," Shen Miao eyed him. "I can see he seems to like Cousin Tan, but he doesn’t say anything. If we wait for her to figure it out herself, we might be waiting forever. Cousin Tan might not understand, but Gao Yang is a shrewd man. What’s his game in dragging this out?"
Xie Jingxing frowned, pondering before saying, "Does Gao Yang like Luo Tan?"
Shen Miao elbowed him lightly. "Are you blind?"
"How should I know what Gao Yang is thinking?" Xie Jingxing sounded aggrieved.
When it came to his own affairs, he was sharp and decisive, but regarding his friends' romantic lives, he was utterly clueless. Shen Miao realized Xie Jingxing was just as oblivious and decided it was pointless to ask him.
However, Xie Jingxing suddenly spoke up, saying, "Gao Yang is a smart man, but sometimes intelligence can be one's own downfall."
Shen Miao immediately grasped his meaning. She turned to him and asked, "Are you saying Gao Yang might already know his own feelings but is deliberately keeping quiet, waiting for Cousin Tan to make the first move?"
"Not everyone is as... adaptable as your husband," Xie Jingxing smirked.
"Hmph," Shen Miao shot him a sidelong glance. "Why don’t you just say not everyone is as shameless as you?"
Xie Jingxing’s expression darkened slightly, but Shen Miao continued, "But you’re right—intelligence can be one’s own downfall. Gao Yang’s habit of wanting to control everything, yet expecting Cousin Tan to figure it out on her own, might just backfire."
Xie Jingxing mused, "What are you planning?"
Shen Miao stared at him. "Of course, I’m going to help Cousin Tan." Then she leaned in threateningly and added, "Don’t you dare tell Gao Yang!"
Gao Yang was Xie Jingxing’s subordinate, and Xie Jingxing occasionally gave him advice. Xie Jingxing caught her hand and grinned suggestively, "Then that depends on how well Madam performs tonight."
...
True to her word, the very next day, Shen Miao prepared a booklet. It listed three names, which she had Luo Xueyan deliver to the Luo residence. Ma Shi was so grateful she wanted to personally visit the palace to thank Shen Miao, but Luo Xueyan reassured her, "We don’t even know if Tan’er will like them yet. Let’s wait until things are settled."
Ma Shi trusted Shen Miao’s judgment completely. This time, she even had Luo Sui and Luo Liantai review the candidates, and both nodded in approval. Luo Liantai, who now held an official post in Great Coolness, was familiar with the various officials. The three men Shen Miao had selected were all distinguished young talents with reputable family backgrounds, clean histories, and most importantly, impeccable character.
Luo Tan had assumed Ma Shi was just talking and that Shen Miao, being on her side, would never actually make her meet these suitors. To her shock, not only did Shen Miao indulge Ma Shi’s whims, but she even sent over the booklet. Furious, Luo Tan sat in her room, staring into the mirror and lamenting how her dear cousin had betrayed her.Though reluctant at heart, Luo Tan still had to meet these three young gentlemen. The reason was simple: Luo Liantai had cut off her allowance and forbidden her from leaving the house. If she didn’t comply obediently, who knew how long she’d be confined? Moreover, Ma Shi had tearfully pleaded before her. Luo Tan, being someone who yielded to softness rather than force, felt guilty for causing Ma Shi such distress and thus agreed to meet the three suitors.
The first was the son of a Grand Secretary, a man of profound learning and refined manners. However, his conversation nearly lulled Luo Tan to sleep. She spent the entire afternoon drowsing and later told Ma Shi that living with such a dull man would surely drive her to cheat on her husband.
Horrified, Ma Shi immediately arranged for the second suitor.
The second was a young deputy general with a promising future ahead. Though handsome, his stern demeanor was intimidating. Luo Tan remarked that marrying him would make her fear being slain in her sleep by such a fierce man.
Ma Shi pondered this and agreed. Though Luo Tan was bold and unrestrained, pairing her with a hardened military man might lead to endless clashes, as neither would back down in an argument. Thus, the second candidate was also dismissed.
On the third day, the final suitor arrived—He Shaoye, the young master of the Vice Minister’s household. At just twenty years old, he was still youthful. Though his family was of scholarly background, he was also trained in martial arts, making him a rare talent of both civil and military prowess.
Upon meeting Luo Tan, he immediately took an interest in the small dagger at her waist.
It was a blade Luo Tan had acquired at great cost—unremarkable in appearance but a precious sword capable of slicing through iron. Most wouldn’t recognize its worth, but He Shaoye spotted its quality at a glance. Delighted, Luo Tan found him handsome and pleasant in demeanor. As someone who adored beautiful things, she was more than willing to converse with him further.
Their conversation revealed He Shaoye to be truly remarkable—well-traveled and knowledgeable. He regaled her with fascinating tales from distant lands, captivating her attention. Though erudite, he never flaunted his learning or spoke in obscure terms, instead tailoring his words for Luo Tan’s understanding. Their discussion was so engaging that they talked until nightfall without realizing it.
The day passed far more pleasantly than she had imagined.
He Shaoye seemed equally satisfied with Luo Tan, and they agreed to meet again the next day for an outing.
Upon returning home, Ma Shi asked, “Tan’er, what do you think of He Shaoye?”
Luo Tan replied, “Not bad. As a friend, he’s quite excellent.”
Ma Shi and Luo Liantai were nearly moved to tears. Luo Tan judged people solely by her whims, and for someone to earn the title of “friend” from her was already half the battle won. Hearing from Luo Tan’s maid how well the two had gotten along, Ma Shi finally relaxed most of her worries.
That night, while discussing the matter with Luo Liantai, Ma Shi suggested, “Should we pay a visit to the He residence? I’ll send an invitation to Madam He for a gathering soon.”
“What’s the hurry?” Luo Liantai said. “We haven’t even gotten to the first stroke of the character yet.”"That's true," Ma Shi sighed. "I don't worry about Qian'er, but Tan'er's marriage is what weighs on my mind. Speaking of which, I thought Dr. Gao was quite good back then. He seemed to like Tan'er from his demeanor, but... later there was no further indication, so I suppose I must have misread his intentions."
Ma Shi had taken a liking to Gao Yang—handsome in appearance, without the complications of a large extended family, living independently in his own residence. If Luo Tan married him, she would immediately become the mistress of the household, needing only to manage the servants. But who knew Gao Yang didn't seem interested? Ma Shi had her pride—no matter how outstanding you were, even if you were a genius from the aristocratic family of Great Coolness's renowned physicians, if you didn't fancy my daughter, then so be it. My girl isn't lacking in suitors.
Meanwhile, Luo Tan rested her chin on her hand, thinking it had been a long time since she last saw Gao Yang.
Gao Yang had now returned to the Gao family. Though he didn't live with them, he had been reinstated in the family register. Gao Zhan had many matters to discuss with him. Gao Yang used to visit Luo Tan frequently, but his visits had dwindled. The most recent one had been a month ago.
For some reason, Luo Tan felt a little downcast.
But then she reconsidered—perhaps it was just the absence of a playmate. Fortunately, He Shaoye was quite amusing now, and they got along well. Ma Shi also liked him a great deal. Since that was the case, she might as well treat it as a change of company.
Luo Tan didn't know that someone had spotted her having tea with He Shaoye at the teahouse earlier that day.
At that moment, Ji Yushu was feeding his parrot and remarked, "It's been a while since I last went to play with Luo Tan. Why hasn't she come over these days?"
Gao Yang was taken aback. "What's the matter?" If Ji Yushu suddenly brought up Luo Tan, something must have happened.
"On my way back today, I saw Luo Tan walking with a man," Ji Yushu mused. "They seemed quite happy. Has she decided to play with someone else from now on?"
Gao Yang froze. "What did you say?"
...
The next day, Luo Tan indeed went to play with He Shaoye again.
She had heard that He Shaoye was very capable, with a promising career ahead of him, but she hadn't expected him to be such good company. Luo Tan had thought she knew Longye City inside out from her daily explorations, but once He Shaoye took the lead, she realized she wasn't a native after all. He knew many obscure shops and taverns that were refreshingly novel. Luo Tan loved such novelties, and her recent listlessness vanished as if she were visiting Longye for the first time. She bought many things.
The two of them seemed cut from the same cloth—fond of eating, playing, and brimming with energy.
They played until sunset before reluctantly parting ways, with He Shaoye escorting Luo Tan back to her residence.
When Gao Yang arrived at the Luo residence, he happened to see Luo Qian coming out, likely on his way somewhere. He was no longer the impulsive youth of before—he had grown much taller, and his once-boyish face was gradually taking on the firmness of a man.
But his lively temperament remained unchanged, truly a match for his sister.
As soon as he spotted Gao Yang, he called out, "Dr. Gao!"
Gao Yang: "..."
Both siblings insisted on calling him "doctor," but his status was far from that of an ordinary physician. Besides, he held an official position, didn't he?
Luo Qian asked, "Dr. Gao, are you here to see my sister? She's not home."Gao Yang was taken aback and asked impassively, "Oh? It's so late, and she hasn't returned yet?"
Luo Qian waved his hand, deliberately affecting an air of maturity. "Ah, she went out with that Young Master He. Probably having too much fun to find her way back."
"Young Master He..." Gao Yang mulled over the name, but before he could ask further, Luo Qian exclaimed, "Oh! Speak of the devil, here they come!"
Following Luo Qian's gaze, Gao Yang turned to see a handsome young man walking alongside Luo Tan, followed by a servant carrying a pile of items. Luo Tan was enthusiastically saying, "When I travel across the land and gallop freely, I'll count you in! It'll be so much fun!"
Young Master He smiled. "I'd be honored."
The corner of Gao Yang's mouth twitched.
Luo Qian called out to Luo Tan, "Sis! Doctor Gao is here to see you!"
Only then did Luo Tan notice Gao Yang. He walked over, first smiling at Luo Tan before turning his attention to the legendary Young Master He.
Young Master He appeared refined and scholarly, having clearly enjoyed his conversation with Luo Tan. Upon seeing Gao Yang, he said to Luo Tan, "Since you have a guest, I won't disturb you further." He then instructed his attendant to bring forth a small box, adding, "I happened to see this on my way back yesterday and thought you might like it." He scratched his head sheepishly. "I hope you don't find it unworthy."
Luo Tan accepted it happily. "Thank you! I've always trusted your taste."
Watching them converse as if no one else was present, Gao Yang felt increasingly stifled. After finally seeing Young Master He off, Luo Tan asked Gao Yang, "Did you come to see me for something?"
Gao Yang narrowed his eyes at her. "Can't I come see you without a reason?"
"That's not what I meant," Luo Tan replied. "I thought you'd be busy with matters back at the Gao family." As she spoke, she eagerly opened the box from Young Master He.
Inside was a bracelet. Luo Tan typically had little interest in jewelry, but this piece featured a delicate gold chain with a pendant shaped like an exquisitely crafted tiny knife—no larger than a fingernail—so lifelike and utterly charming. She immediately began admiring it with delight.
Seeing this, Gao Yang grew even more displeased. "In that case, accompany me for a walk."
"Why should I—" Before Luo Tan could finish, Gao Yang grabbed her arm and pulled her outside. Despite her martial skills, she was no match for Gao Yang. Though he usually appeared gentle and refined, he was far from weak. Unable to break free, Luo Tan had no choice but to follow.
Luo Qian waved at them from behind. "Come back soon, Sis!"
Gao Yang didn't release her until they reached a secluded alley.
Luo Tan's wrist ached from his grip, and she shook it out, complaining, "Have you lost your mind?"
Gao Yang seemed to snap out of it and let go. After a long pause, he said, "I've been busy, but you've been free enough?"
"Huh?" Luo Tan didn't understand.
"Having fun with Young Master He, were you?" Gao Yang scrutinized her, his tone oddly strained. "You've only known him a few days, yet you say 'always'—are you that close? Do you trust him that much?"
Gao Yang was acting bizarrely today. Luo Tan couldn't make sense of it and instinctively retorted, "Are you sick? Who I'm close to is none of your business. What's wrong with you today? Did you take the wrong medicine? Did your grandfather scold you?"Gao Yang took a deep breath before saying, "If I didn’t come to find you, you’d just go off sightseeing with someone else?"
Luo Tan was baffled by Gao Yang’s tone today. She wasn’t a patient person either, so she retorted, "You’re being too domineering. If you don’t come to see me, of course I’ll find someone else to have fun with. Or should I just sit around and die of boredom? There are so many people in the world—of course I’d want to make more friends."
"Just friends?" Gao Yang stepped closer. "Haven’t you already started looking for a future husband?"
Luo Tan froze. "How did you know?"
Her words, to Gao Yang’s ears, were nothing short of an admission.
Gao Yang asked, "Then what do you think of him?"
This time, his tone had returned to its usual gentleness. Luo Tan, seeing his expression normal again, assumed he was back to his usual self. She replied, "Not bad. Unlike those overly refined scholars, yet not crude either—quite interesting."
Gao Yang said, "Don’t meet him again."
Luo Tan was baffled. "What’s wrong with you? Why are you saying such strange things today? Not to mention my mother asked me to meet him. But making friends or choosing a husband is my own business, isn’t it? Why are you meddling? Are you going to control who I meet in the future too?"
"Yes," Gao Yang interrupted her.
Luo Tan froze.
"I thought you’d figure it out on your own. But you’re so dense it’s astounding. Or perhaps you’re actually clever and just playing me?" He mused thoughtfully.
Luo Tan didn’t understand his words, only catching that Gao Yang had called her dense. She immediately bristled. "You’re the dense one! Not just dense but also unreasonable. I like spending time with He Shaoye, and if you tell me not to see him, I’ll do it even more. How can you be so—"
Before she could finish, Gao Yang pulled her into his arms and silenced her with a kiss.
His kiss was as gentle as he was, like that of a refined gentleman, yet beneath the softness lay an undeniable strength and insistence.
Luo Tan covered her mouth and stumbled back two steps.
Even someone as careless as her knew what this meant. She had never deeply considered her relationship with Gao Yang. To her, he was a good friend—though he liked to tease, appearing gentle and agreeable on the surface while hiding a mischievous streak—he could still be considered a gentleman.
But now this so-called gentleman had openly taken liberties with her?
If it were anyone else, Luo Tan would have already drawn her blade and chased them through the city, or at least beaten them black and blue. But with Gao Yang, aside from flustered panic, she didn’t feel much anger at all.
As if she had already grown accustomed to such intimate gestures.
Yes, she had.
From Fixed Capital to Longye, living in the Gao residence, for a long time, Gao Yang had been nothing short of a gentleman to her—yet he would occasionally make affectionate advances. Those gestures felt so natural, and Luo Tan, being so carefree, never paid them much mind. It was like silkworms nibbling mulberry leaves, so gradual and seamless that even this outrageous act now seemed almost ordinary.
Luo Tan shuddered.
Seeing her reaction, Gao Yang’s expression softened slightly, his tone gentle as he said, "Don’t see him again."
Luo Tan, torn between embarrassment and indignation, retorted, "Why would you—"
"If even this isn’t clear to you, I’d truly have to wonder if you’re the densest person under heaven," Gao Yang chuckled.
Luo Tan’s face flushed pale, then red, then pale again before she suddenly blurted, "Do you… like me?"
Gao Yang coughed lightly. "I’ve made it quite obvious."
Luo Tan felt wronged. Obvious? He hadn’t proposed, hadn’t written love poems, hadn’t whispered sweet nothings like Xie Jingxing did to Shen Miao. How was anyone supposed to tell?Gao Yang said, "At first, I just found you amusing and wanted to tease you. But later, I realized you were truly interesting. Seeing you get close to others made me uncomfortable. I thought if I let things take their natural course, you'd eventually understand. But now I know—with your head, if I don't say it outright, you'll never figure it out in a lifetime."
He took a step forward, leaving Luo Tan no chance to retreat, and asked, "Do you understand now?"
Luo Tan was a bit flustered by his words and nodded reflexively, "Mm... oh."
"Good, then." Gao Yang cheerfully wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Let's head back to the estate now."
"Which estate?" Luo Tan asked.
"Luo Manor, of course." Gao Yang smiled breezily. "It's time to discuss our marriage with your mother."
A moment later.
"Gao Yang, you're dead!"
–––––– Author's Note ––––––
A belated Merry Christmas to everyone! Happy New Year in advance!
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