Chapter 76: Dressed as a Woman

Therefore, I considered it perfectly normal that I hadn’t heard of Maple Leaf City or the Maple Leaf Auction, even if others found me peculiar for it. There was nothing amusing about it, nor would I let it wound my pride. After all, there were plenty of ignorant people in the world—I certainly wasn’t the most ignorant among them.

It was only from Kong Juelin’s lips that I learned how grand the Maple Leaf Auction truly was. Legend had it that this auction was held once every three years, drawing people from all corners, each bringing their treasures to be sold to the highest bidder. Countless rare and wondrous objects changed hands; most people lacked the means to bid, but merely glimpsing such marvels was a blessing in itself. At the very least, one could boast about having been there—which, truthfully, was my own intention.

For a hundred years, the auctions of Maple Leaf City had been renowned for their integrity, and the city itself was prosperous, rivaling the most flourishing districts of any nation. Though it nominally belonged to the Yuehua Kingdom, and dutifully paid tribute each year, once the city gates closed, it became a world unto itself.

Li Yexuan, a prince of Yuehua, probably came to Maple Leaf City with the intention of investigating matters. Such a wealthy place might only feign allegiance to Yuehua; should a rebellion ever arise, it would be a truly formidable opponent. There was no need to imagine the sour expression Li Yexuan must wear. Yet I sensibly pretended ignorance—after all, the more one knows, the sooner one meets their end, especially if they are clever. I met both qualifications, so caution was best.

As the three of us walked through Maple Leaf City, there weren’t many eyes fixed on us—so many outsiders had arrived that no one could keep track. I grew a bit self-conscious; dressed as a young man, squeezed between two tall and stately gentlemen, I must have appeared like a mere bean sprout. Li Yexuan’s condescending gaze in particular irked me. Perhaps I should get myself some stilts next time, just to see if I can tilt his eyes back down. A prince, yet forever looking down his nose—what an image. I, too, wished to be taller, but alas, fate seldom grants one’s wishes. Best not to dwell on it.

“You probably don’t know this,” Kong Juelin said, ever the well-informed guide, “but the most famous attraction in Maple Leaf City is the Maple Forest. Since there are still a few days until the auction, why don’t we go have a look?” He seemed like a living map, leading the way, albeit at a leisurely pace, but at least we never got lost. I had no objection, and a glance at Li Yexuan showed he didn’t mind either. So the three of us turned and followed Kong Juelin toward the Maple Forest.

The mountains were blanketed in crimson leaves, covering the land in a fiery red. Maple leaves fluttered through the air and fell to the ground, turning the entire mountainside scarlet.

I had seen beauty before, but never anything like this. The red maples covered the hills, their leaves drifting onto the streams below and flowing down the mountain. Amidst the sea of crimson, a spring cascaded from the summit down to the base, where countless people knelt by the water to sip from the clear stream.

If you thought the beauty ended at the foot of the mountain, you’d be mistaken. There, the forest spread out, a vast expanse of maples—the famed Maple Forest.

It was, indeed, a place of remarkable poetry and atmosphere. I had seen many landscapes in my previous life, most of them laboriously landscaped by human hands, but nothing as breathtakingly perfect as this. Even I was struck speechless. Yet here, with no phone or camera, the only way to preserve this beauty was in memory.

“What do you think of this place?” Li Yexuan asked, watching me. Perhaps my awestruck gaze at the Maple Forest had surprised them.

“It’s truly wonderful—let’s go have a closer look.” Even from afar, it was stunning. I skipped ahead, unable to contain my excitement.

Li Yexuan and Kong Juelin, knowing my true identity, understood why I moved so freely, but some of the onlookers cast curious glances my way. I paid them no mind.

The two men exchanged a smile and quickened their pace—long legs had their advantages, and they easily caught up to me.

At the entrance to the Maple Forest, a few carriages stood parked, likely belonging to wealthy families whose young ladies had come to visit. A large stone slab bore three characters: Maple Forest.

The calligraphy was bold and vigorous, the strokes deeply etched into the stone.

“What fine writing.” I tapped my folded fan against my hand, unable to suppress my admiration.

Sure enough, Li Yexuan and Kong Juelin glanced at me, their eyes questioning: You understand calligraphy?

I couldn’t help but hum with pride as I strode into the forest. In my moment of triumph, I forgot that my companions were both exceptionally intelligent. My lack of restraint might arouse their suspicion.

It takes an expert to recognize truly good calligraphy. These three characters, though unadorned, exuded immense strength. For a woman to remark upon their quality was unusual; anyone paying attention might remember it.

Perhaps because it was midday, there weren’t many people in the Maple Forest.

Small groups strolled beneath the maples, many couples hand in hand.

If only Yun Heng and I could walk like this—how wonderful that would be.

But recalling Yun Heng’s circumstances, I couldn’t help but suspect that everything between us had been premeditated. Sorrow welled up in my heart, eclipsing my earlier joy.

A man held a woman’s hand as they walked along the stones by the spring, then knelt to scoop up water and offered it to her. She drank without hesitation, though her face flushed bright red.

Mother, are you watching this too? This is the happiness of ordinary people. You often lamented that entering the palace was both a regret and not a regret. The regret was in spending a lifetime within those walls, never knowing the days of common folk, never tasting the simple love of husband and wife, always burdened by rituals and bows and caution. The consolation was Father—the only one privileged to stand by his side, no matter how many women surrounded him.

Yet you never imagined you would not spend your life in the palace after all. The palace destroyed, our family lost, your regrets no longer mattered. In the end, you died together with Father, your lack of regret must have only deepened.

I will fulfill Mother’s wish—not to become part of the imperial family, so I need not suffer as you did. Carrying your hopes, I will live well. Yet some things are decreed by fate; whether I join the royal family is not for me to decide. Perhaps I am bound to it by some inextricable tie.

Lost in such thoughts, tears began to fall from my eyes.

A hand reached out and gently wiped the tears from my cheek.

“Li Yexuan…”

“Why are you crying? If you like it so much, we’ll come back again another time. Look at you—you’re practically drooling.”

At his words, I slapped his hand away and wiped at the corner of my mouth—there was nothing there!

“Come with me,” he said, taking my hand and leading me back the way we came.

“What for? Kong Juelin is still here. He only just came in—why drag him back out?”

“He prefers to be alone.”

“…Well, that actually makes sense. Who else but someone fond of solitude would live alone in Misty Valley?” I chuckled.

At the entrance by the great stone, Li Yexuan finally released my hand.

“Wait here.”

Wait? For what?

I watched as Li Yexuan approached a pair standing by a carriage—a mistress and her maid. He exchanged a few words and handed over some silver. The two smiled happily.

Since when did Li Yexuan develop an interest in chatting up pretty women? I’d never noticed before.

Before I could observe further, Li Yexuan beckoned me over. I followed, still confused. The mistress and her maid led me into the carriage, and I had yet to figure out what was happening.

Surely this wasn’t a kidnapping? Li Yexuan seemed utterly unconcerned.

“You are a lucky young lady, to have such a thoughtful sweetheart,” said the mistress, her words surprising me—how did she know I was a woman?

The maid handed me a bundle.

“These are my lady’s clothes—never worn. This carriage is spacious; you can change inside.”

With a bundle in my hands, I was even more bewildered.

“Forgive me, could you explain what’s going on? How did you know I’m a woman?”

“Your sweetheart told us you were disguised as a man. He thought you’d want to enjoy the beauty of the Maple Forest in proper attire, so he arranged with my mistress to buy these spare clothes for you,” the maid said, smiling slyly.

“He really does know my heart.”

Since Li Yexuan had gone to such trouble—and no one in Maple Leaf City knew Mu Fan anyway—I decided to wear the dress.

I quickly changed, untying my hair and letting the long, dark strands fall about my shoulders.

“I didn’t expect you to be so beautiful,” remarked the lady, removing a hairpin from her head and offering it to me.

“I can’t accept that. You’ve already given me your dress; how could I take your hairpin too?” I protested.

“My sweetheart gave me enough silver to buy all my clothing, and besides, I think you’re lovely. Consider it fate—take it.” Seeing her so sincere, I accepted.

“Allow me to pin it for you,” the maid said deftly, gathering a few strands and securing them in place.

“May I know your name? Since I’m wearing your dress and using your hairpin, it feels only right that we are introduced,” I said shyly.

“My surname is Baili, and my given name is Yue. May I ask yours?”

“My name is Mu Fan—‘Mu’ as in bathe, ‘Fan’ as in ordinary—it’s very simple.”

“Such a life is far from wasted,” she replied.

“Indeed.” Baili Yue truly had a certain grace; she seemed to read my heart with just a few words.

Together, Baili Yue and I stepped down from the carriage, and I walked over to Li Yexuan.

“Sir, this is Miss Baili,” I introduced them.

“My thanks, Miss Baili.”

“You’re too kind, sir. I shan’t intrude on your outing. Farewell.”

“Safe travels, Miss.”

Baili Yue’s carriage rolled away, but Li Yexuan continued to watch it go.

“She’s gone far enough—what are you still looking at?”

He turned his gaze to me, his eyes a little too intense.

Baili Yue’s dress fit me perfectly—even in the carriage, I hadn’t noticed how beautiful it was. The pale apricot skirt, with a sheer gauze overlay, was exquisite.

“Miss Baili has truly fine taste,” I said, spinning lightly to admire it.

“Just lucky, that’s all. Let’s go.”

Li Yexuan walked ahead, and I followed.

“How did you know I wanted to wear a dress?” I asked.

“I saw you crying.”

“So if I cry, you’ll get me anything I want?”

He said nothing.

My words trailed off into awkwardness, and I quickly fell silent.