Xie Jiayan saw the person rushing towards him and wanted to step back, but feared she would miss her footing and fall.
In the moment of hesitation, Yu Mingyue had already rushed forward. Although she didn't throw herself into his arms, her arm naturally hooked onto his elbow, making them appear extremely intimate from a distance.
But Yu Mingyue's eyes held no one else at that moment. Brother Jiayan was truly her savior. She was being scolded by the tutor when he arrived.
"When did Brother Jiayan come to Qinghe?"
"Just now!" Xie Jiayan replied with a smile.
He and Xinye were on their way to pay respects to the head of the Cui family, passing by this area, and happened to hear the tutor reprimanding a disobedient student.
The young ladies of the Cui family widened their eyes in surprise. Sister Mingyue was too... bold.
Hadn't she just rushed into that young gentleman's arms? And that gentleman was so handsome.
"Tutor!" Xie Jiayan cupped his hands in greeting to Tutor Yao.
Once a teacher, always a teacher. Tutor Yao had taught him for two years.
Tutor Yao, walking slowly, had been left behind by Yu Mingyue. Now he saw that the two clearly knew each other.
He had taught countless students, and Xie Jiayan was the most talented and diligent. As for this Yu Liu Niang, she had some talent, but it was such a waste on her. Her mind was not on her studies; she had a knack for specious arguments.
"I heard you were sent by imperial decree to Jiangzhou to establish official schools," Tutor Yao said, stroking his beard, happy to see his student.
"Indeed. I came to visit the Cui residence today and happened to encounter Tutor." After speaking, Xie Jiayan glanced at Yu Mingyue with a smile. "Sixth Niang is mischievous; you've been troubled by her."
"It's alright, it's alright!"
Tutor Yao glanced at Yu Mingyue. Troubled was hardly the word. These young ladies were all very delicate. Although he was strict, he had never truly punished them.
"My second uncle once tutored Sixth Niang for a year. She fears being punished with copying the most. Perhaps next time, Tutor could punish her by making her recite instead," Xie Jiayan said, teasingly while interceding for Yu Mingyue.
Yu Mingyue's handwriting was not bad, but it couldn't be called beautiful, mainly because she was too lazy and neglected practice.
Moreover, a woman's handwriting was always expected to be delicate, while Yu Mingyue's was more like the uninhibited style of young men. Those who liked it found it very individualistic, while those who disliked it felt her attitude was perfunctory. Even if she finished copying, Tutor Yao would likely not be satisfied.
However, she had a photographic memory; after reading a book twice, she could recite it. Recitation suited her very well.
Tutor Yao nodded. "In that case, the punishment of copying will be changed to recitation, but you will have to recite five more pieces."
Yu Mingyue obediently accepted. She had already gained an advantage, so she couldn't push her luck further.
"Thank you, Tutor. Xinye and I are going to visit Elder Cui. I will visit you another day."
Hearing Xinye's name, Yu Mingyue's smile faltered for a moment. She looked at the young man beside Xie Jiayan. Could he be Chai Xinye?
"Brother Jiayan, who is this?" Yu Mingyue suddenly asked.
"I am Chai Xinye, at the entrance of the Cui residence," the man introduced himself with a smile.
Although the smile on Yu Mingyue's face did not fade, her eyes lacked warmth.
It was indeed him.
The prime culprit who had caused Brother Jiayan's death and harmed the Cui family.
She had already intended to find an opportunity to meet him, and she hadn't expected to encounter him so soon.
He had the appearance of a scholarly gentleman, but he possessed the heart of a venomous snake.
"So it's Mr. Chai. I've heard much about you." Yu Mingyue quickly composed herself.
"I dare not, I dare not. Madam is too kind."
"Brother Jiayan, Mr. Chai is someone my maternal grandfather relies on. It's wonderful that Brother Jiayan and Mr. Chai know each other. You have matters to attend to, so hurry along. I'll find you later." Yu Mingyue smiled innocently.
Others might not know Yu Mingyue's temperament, but Xie Jiayan was well aware that when she smiled like this, she was usually hatching a wicked plan. Who was she going to scheme against this time?