Yao Ji had layered pigments upon the xuan paper, creating a raised painting of a pear blossom branch. Three blossoms graced the branch: one a tightly furled bud, another poised on the verge of falling, and the last in full, glorious bloom. Even the stamens were vividly rendered. He traced each one with his fingertips, each touch conjuring the blossom's form in his mind, his eyes brightening with each pass.

Finally, Pei Yan closed his eyes and lowered his hand. "It's… beautiful," he murmured. When he opened his eyes, the intense light that had shone within them moments before had faded, replaced by a gentle serenity. "May I have this painting?"

Yao Ji nodded, then, remembering Pei Yan's blindness, quickly added, "This painting was always meant for you, Young Master."

That was why it was so unique, so capable of allowing a blind man to "see."

Pei Yan immediately had someone carefully mount the painting and place it in a long, pearwood box. He didn't entrust it to a servant, but held it close himself. As evening approached and dinner was being prepared, he turned back to Yao Ji before leaving. "Tomorrow, I must travel. You…" He hesitated, wanting to say, "Wait for me at home," but the words felt too forward. Instead, he said, "If there's anything you need while I'm gone, speak to Pei An."

A thousand more instructions crowded his mind, but his position made them inappropriate. He swallowed them down, clutching the box like a precious treasure as he departed.

Back in his quarters, Pei Yan summoned Pei An. "Do you have Miss Song's contract?" he asked.

Yao Ji had entered the Pei household as a servant. Though previously a free citizen, she had been registered as a servant upon arrival and signed a contract. Due to the unusual circumstances of her arrival, her contract was held by Pei An, the head steward.

"Indeed, I do," Pei An replied. "Has she done something amiss?"

Pei Yan shook his head. "Destroy her contract…" He considered having Pei An write to Master Song, intending to visit the Song family himself, but then worried his feelings were one-sided. If Yao Ji didn't reciprocate his affections, wouldn't a visit to her family be presumptuous? He wavered, lost in thought, replaying his interactions with Yao Ji.

Pei An observed his young master, uncharacteristically lost in contemplation, his brow furrowed one moment, his lips curving into a slight smile the next. Unable to contain himself, Pei An coughed. "Young Master?"

Pei Yan returned to the present, a touch of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "Never mind. Bring me her contract. After I leave tomorrow, ensure she's well cared for." He then issued a string of detailed instructions, all revolving around fulfilling any request Yao Ji might have and protecting her from any potential mistreatment.

Pei An listened with growing surprise. He had watched the young master grow up. Pei Yan had always kept his distance from women. Given his status, countless women had vied for his attention, yet he had never shown such concern for any of them. Miss Song is a fortunate woman indeed, he thought. At the very least, her days as a servant are numbered.

Yao Ji was unaware of these developments. The next day, Pei Yan departed the Heavenly Capital with his entourage. With no assigned tasks, she found herself with ample free time. Pei Yan had gifted her the painting set, and she picked up her brushes, spending her days painting in the garden.

Having never been a servant before, it didn't occur to her that a lowly maid couldn't simply use pigments as she pleased without specific permission, let alone be exempt from chores.

Several days passed in this tranquil manner. One afternoon, while admiring the koi in the pond, a stone, seemingly flung from nowhere, struck her. She picked it up and found a paper pellet wrapped within.

Yao Ji’s hand trembled involuntarily. The peaceful days had lulled her into a false sense of security, making her forget her true purpose as an undercover agent. The pellet was a stark reminder, pulling her back to her hidden past.

She slipped the pellet into her sleeve. Ready or not, she couldn’t escape her mission. Back in her room, she unfolded the paper. It read: "Tomorrow, the hour of Wei, Hanmo Studio."

Hanmo Studio was a bookstore in the Heavenly Capital. Servants of the Pei household could request leave for errands. Yao Ji approached Bai Lu, the head maid, explaining that she hadn't yet explored the city and wished to go out. Bai Lu, having received instructions, readily granted her permission.

The next day, Yao Ji left the Pei residence. She strolled through the city, purchasing cosmetics and rouge, before casually entering Hanmo Studio. The shopkeeper greeted her immediately. "Looking for painting supplies, Miss? Right this way."

Yao Ji's heart skipped a beat. The Boundless Sea Pavilion's network within the Pei household was clearly extensive. They knew her every move. They had gone to great lengths to place her within the Pei family, and now, with Pei Yan's favor upon her, she knew they wouldn't let her go to waste. Today, she would receive her orders.

What she didn't expect was that upon entering the small back room, she would find a man in green standing before a painting hanging on the wall. Her heart sank. It was Ye Chonglou himself.