It was late spring, and spring rain pattered down. When the night had passed and the wind and rain subsided, scattered petals fell into the dust and mud. Luo Xianzhi leaned against the railing and gazed into the distance. Jianye was the imperial capital, naturally less quiet and secluded than Gusu.
Gusu was the City of a Thousand Lakes, filled with little bridges and flowing water, murmuring streams winding around bend after bend, and riverbanks paved with bluestone. The Luo Clan had been in Gusu for decades, nearly a century. The terraces and pavilions throughout its estate, the winding corridors like a woman's slender waist, all captivated Luo Xianzhi. In his eyes, they far surpassed the solemn, imposing splendor of the imperial capital.
Fortunately, Luo Youzhi had planted a great bamboo grove in the Luo Residence in Jianye. The scholars of Jiangzuo liked this plant, so elegant even at a glance. Luo Xianzhi rested a hand on the corridor railing, dressed in crimson official robes. He wore no cap, his hair simply tied up, and a white jade pendant engraved with the Luo character hung at his waist. His eyes were clear, their black and white distinct, bright with light.
It was getting late. After the steward brought the carriage around, he headed to the Xie Clan Residence. Xie Daoyun waited outside its gates, wearing a jade-green blouse and skirt, something she rarely wore. Her figure was already light and slender, her skin fair, tender, and lustrous as ivory. Set against her emerald clothes, she looked all the more lovely and enchanting. This was a Xie Daoyun Luo Xianzhi had never seen.
"Daoyun, get in. We'll go together."
Xie Daoyun did not shy away. Though still a little bashful, she climbed straight into Luo Xianzhi's carriage. Everyone in both the