Secret tales of feiyun: Hidden Beauty in the Inner Chambers, the Second Miss's Sword Shadow and Book Fragrance spread quickly through the streets of Liyue Harbor, just as Lovia had expected.
Sanyu Bookstore reprinted it several times, yet it still couldn't keep up with demand; during post-meal chats, eight or nine times out of ten, the topic of conversation revolved around that Second Miss of the Feiyun Commerce Guild.
This wind naturally blew into the Feiyun Commerce Guild as well.
At first, it was just subtle ripples.
Maidservants and servants gathered to whisper, falling silent immediately whenever Xingqiu or the Butler passed by, their eyes shifting with a mix of curiosity, scrutiny, and the excitement of knowing a "huge secret."
Eyes that used to look at the Second Young Master with only respect now couldn't help but linger on him a bit longer.
"Hey, don't you think... the Second Young Master's skin is a bit finer than that of an average man?"
"His voice does seem quite clear and bright; I used to think it was just a youth's voice, but now that I think about it..."
"And that figure—I used to think he was just thin from studying, but now that the book pointed it out, looking at those wide robes again, they really do seem like they're meant to hide something..."
"Chest Binding... is it really more tiring than sword practice?"
"Shh! Keep it down! Do you want to die?"
Gossip was like spring willow catkins, getting in everywhere. Even some of the older Managers in the guild looked at Xingqiu with a somewhat indescribable complexity in their eyes.
They didn't necessarily believe the absurd story, but they couldn't resist how bizarre and interesting it was, making them mumble a few words to themselves.
Xingqiu himself, as he had said before, believed that "rumors end with the wise" and remained composed, as if the book depicting him as a resentful lady in the inner chambers had nothing to do with him.
He still read, practiced the sword, and went out to meet friends as usual, even taking the book to discuss plot holes with Chongyun with great interest (often making Chongyun flush with embarrassment).
This transcendent attitude actually made some who were originally skeptical waver—the Second Young Master was so open about it, it must surely be nonsense, right?
Besides, the end of the book clearly stated that the stories and settings within were not to be taken seriously.
However, many people did believe it.
Not just internally; the guild's unrest was more evident externally.
First, the number of visitors increased for no apparent reason.
Many merchants who usually only had a passing acquaintance with the Feiyun Commerce Guild, and even some unrelated literati, visited for various reasons. Claiming to discuss business or literary talent, their eyes would involuntarily drift toward Xingqiu, their words full of probing.
"Young Master Xingqiu is truly accomplished in both letters and martial arts; this temperament, this style, is rare even among women!" Someone deliberately flattered him this way, carefully observing Xingqiu's reaction.
Xingqiu only smiled slightly, fanning himself as he replied, "You flatter me, I am unworthy of such praise; I still have much to learn."
His answer was airtight, leaving the prober confused instead.
Even more ridiculous, Matchmakers began to visit, not to propose for the "Second Young Master," but to ask indirectly if the guild really had a "Second Miss" waiting to be married, even hinting that some families didn't mind the talk of "fate" and were willing to propose.
This left Xingqiu's parents between laughter and tears, forced to politely decline while stating the book's story wasn't real, all while cursing that nonsense-talking "Lovia" countless times in their hearts.
One day, the guild welcomed a special visitor—Captain Beidou and some of the crew from the Alcor under his command.
Beidou had a bold personality and long-standing business ties with the Feiyun Commerce Guild; he was there to settle a payment for some goods.
In the hall, after the business was concluded, Beidou drank tea, his sharp gaze sweeping over the accompanying Xingqiu. Suddenly, he burst into loud laughter and slapped Xingqiu hard on the shoulder (making him stumble).
"Xingqiu kid, not bad! I didn't expect you to be more famous in Liyue Harbor than my fleet! Now everyone at the docks is talking, saying the Second Young Master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild I often deal with is actually a delicate Second Miss! Hahahaha!"
Xingqiu winced from the slap but could only smile helplessly. "Captain Beidou, you're joking. It's just street rumors, not to be taken seriously."
"Not to be taken seriously?" Beidou raised an eyebrow, leaning in closer, his voice lowered with the boldness of the sea breeze. "To be honest, I never noticed before, but you are quite handsome, kid—much more delicate than some of the rough men on my ship. Why don't you come out to sea with me to see the world? I guarantee no one will take you for a lady!"
The crew members nearby also joined in the teasing: "Exactly! Second Miss... oh no, Second Young Master, come play on our ship!"
Xingqiu: "..."
He first felt a bit unable to handle such overly blunt teasing.
Even within the guild, some ridiculous "care" began to appear.
The kitchen Matron began to secretly add medicinal ingredients said to "replenish qi and blood" to Xingqiu's snacks, muttering, "The master... oh, the child is still growing, don't get too tired."
When the laundry maids delivered the clean clothes, they would specifically whisper, "Second Young Master, your inner garments are all made of the softest fabric. If you feel uncomfortable, just let us know."
Even the Shop Assistant in charge of purchasing would quietly ask Xingqiu's Personal Servant, "Does the Second Young Master... need... that... some specially customized... more comfortable linings?"
Facing this "kindness," Xingqiu didn't know whether to accept or decline, only maintaining an awkward yet polite smile, gaining a deeper understanding of what Chongyun meant by "destroying your reputation."
This really is... Xingqiu couldn't help but sigh.
That afternoon, as Xingqiu was handling some guild documents in his study, his Elder Brother pushed the door open and walked in, his face carrying an unmistakable weariness and helplessness.
"A-Qiu." His Elder Brother sighed, placing a stack of invitations on the table. "This is already the dozen-plus 'noted scholar' this month who wants to come and'see the Second Miss's style.' Father's side has also been annoyed to no end by several old friends asking about it."
Xingqiu put down his brush and rubbed his brow. "I've caused trouble for the family."
"The trouble is secondary." His Elder Brother looked at him, his expression turning more serious. "I'm just worried about you. Although these rumors are absurd, gossip is a fearful thing; it will eventually damage your reputation. Should the guild step in to clarify? Or... find that author 'Lovia' who spread the rumors?"
Xingqiu was silent for a moment, then shook his head.
"Brother, the truth speaks for itself. The more solemnly we clarify, the more it seems like we have a guilty conscience, making the rumors spread even more fiercely. As for finding Mr. Lovia..." He picked up the copy of secret tales of feiyun on the table, his fingertip lightly brushing the cover. "This gentleman has brilliant literary talent and an extraordinary imagination; I actually think he's a talent. Besides, his book, in a way, has actually helped our Feiyun Commerce Guild."
His brother was stunned upon hearing this. "Helped? Where did that come from?"
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