The Underdog Romance of the Scholar and the Beauty

Hong Niang's plan began with a step called "secret communication."

She knew well that to maintain the confidence of this pair of star-crossed lovers under such pressure, they needed a stable and reliable communication channel. Though romantic, the message conveyed through zither music was too limited in content, far less direct than words on paper.

And so, Hong Niang became the busiest "carrier pigeon" in Pujiu Temple.

Every day, she could find all sorts of excuses to shuttle back and forth between the west wing and the embroidery tower.

"Young miss, Master Zhang says he read 'The Book of Rites' today and was inspired to write a poem. Would you like to 'critique' it?"

"Master Zhang, the young miss embroidered a pair of mandarin ducks today, but she's unsatisfied with her needlework and would like a great talent like yourself to 'advise' her."

She cleverly concealed those little notes filled with words of longing in handkerchiefs, food boxes, and even her sleeves.

Zhang Sheng's notes were elegant in style and tender in sentiment. He transformed all his love and yearning into the most beautiful verses.

"Since parting from your fair countenance, time has flown swiftly. Thoughts of separation fill my heart, adding to my haggard appearance."

"Who at dawn stains the frost-covered forest with drunkenness? It is always the tears of one who pines."

Yingying's replies were reserved and subtle, yet every word revealed her true feelings. She wrote of her sorrows, her helplessness regarding her mother, and especially her hopes for the future.

"Upon reading your letter, I was truly alarmed. Your intentions must not be revealed."

"Lonely in my fragrant chamber, I have no way to enjoy the spring. I know the one who recites poetry aloud must pity the one who sighs in longing."

These little notes became their only solace in the darkness. Each delivery was like a secret rendezvous, full of both risk and sweetness.

Although Madam Cui kept Yingying under close watch, she never imagined that her most trusted personal maid had become her daughter's "accomplice." Hong Niang's cleverness and loyalty had become the strongest shield for their love.

That day, Zhang Sheng wrote another note, containing a bolder poem titled "Thoughts on a Moonlit Night":

"Waiting beneath the west wing in moonlight, the door half-open to welcome the breeze.

When flower shadows stir against the wall, I imagine it might be my jade beauty arriving."

This was no longer simple communication of feelings, but an explicit invitation to meet! He hoped to see Yingying face to face, even if just for a moment.

When Hong Niang received this note, her heart skipped a beat.

She knew the time was right. Mere words on paper could never resolve their situation. They needed a real meeting to strengthen their resolve.

She hid the note in her hair bun and returned to the embroidery tower.

Yingying was staring blankly out the window. Seeing Hong Niang return, she immediately went to meet her, her eyes full of expectation.

Hong Niang took out the note from her hair bun and handed it to her.

Yingying opened it and her face instantly flushed red, the blush spreading all the way to her neck.

"Waiting beneath the west wing in moonlight... I imagine it might be my jade beauty arriving..." she murmured, her heart pounding like a frightened deer, feeling embarrassed and afraid, yet with a hint of irrepressible excitement.

He... he wants to meet me?

"This fool! How... how dare he!" Yingying clutched the note tightly in her hand, half angry, half amused.

Hong Niang leaned in, winking suggestively: "Young miss, I think Master Zhang is no fool, but a poet of love! The poem is so well written, so vivid! Under the moonlight, in front of the west wing, with flower shadows swaying, he mistakes them for you, the great beauty! Tsk, tsk, I'm almost moved to tears."

"You wicked girl, always so glib!" Yingying scolded her, though her face was full of a maiden's shyness and hesitation. "But... mother watches me so closely, how could we possibly..."

"This mountain girl has her clever ways!" Hong Niang patted her chest proudly. "Young miss, just tell me, do you want to go or not?"

Yingying lowered her head in silence.

Did she want to go?

Of course she did. She dreamed of it.

She wanted to see with her own eyes if he had truly grown thin. She wanted to tell him in person that her feelings remained unchanged.

Seeing her silence, Hong Niang knew she was already tempted.

"Don't worry, young miss. I'll handle the old madam." Hong Niang's eyes glinted as a plan formed. "Tonight, I'll tell the old madam that you've been feeling dejected lately, unable to eat properly, and wish to get some fresh air in the moonlit back garden. No matter how strict she is, she surely won't refuse such a small request?"

"The back garden?" Yingying was taken aback.

"Yes!" Hong Niang pointed out the window. "Our embroidery tower is closest to the back garden. And the back garden is separated from Master Zhang's west wing by just a low wall! I'll keep watch while you two... hehe..."

She smiled with a knowing, suggestive grin.

Yingying's heart was in complete turmoil.

Reason told her this was transgressing propriety, violating decorum.

But her emotions were screaming wildly: Go! Go see him!

In the end, the desire for love triumphed over the fear of breaking social norms.

She bit her lip and nodded to Hong Niang, gently but with absolute determination.

"Alright."