In the backyard, the wood Qin An had brought had already been sawed, and even the joints had been prepped. All that was left was assembly.
Xiao Luzi followed the craftsman, hammering and pounding away, and before long, the swing frame had taken shape.
Because red paint would be inappropriate for Lin Wanyi's status, the wood was left unpainted. Instead, it had been carefully polished and soaked in oil for a long time, bringing out its natural color and grain.
The mortise and tenon joints were expertly crafted—so tight and seamless that it looked as if the entire structure had been born whole.
After thoroughly inspecting it for safety, Xiao Luzi and the craftsmen moved on to the pergola.
The swing was placed directly opposite the pavilion, so building the pergola was relatively simple. Using the wall as a rear support, they framed half the yard with wooden beams, then added horizontal slats overhead. Though it looked rather bare now, by next year, once the vines had climbed over it, it would be a beautiful, shady retreat.
Chunqi wasn't worried about its current appearance. She turned to Eunuch Qin and said sincerely,
"Sorry to trouble you, Eunuch Qin. If it's convenient, could you help us find some grapevine seeds?"
"That's easy. I'll have someone send them over shortly."
"Thank you, Eunuch," she said, half-kneeling as a show of gratitude.
"No, no—Miss Chunqi is far too polite."
Chunqi hadn't expected to meet such kind people in the palace. She'd feared that palace servants might be arrogant and difficult, but both Eunuch Qin and Xiao Luzi had been easy to work with. Thinking it over, she suspected it was likely because her young lady was favored—or at least likely to be.
Still, seven or eight days had passed with no word from Qian'an Hall. She wanted to ask, but she feared causing trouble for Lin Wanyi, so she forced herself to remain quiet.
But Eunuch Qin could see right through her.
Smiling gently, he said,
"Don't worry, Miss Chunqi. Your young lady is truly blessed."
Though he hadn't said anything specific, Chunqi understood immediately. Her eyes lit up, unable to hide her excitement. Afraid she might overstep, she quickly added,
"Eunuch, wait a moment. I made sweet soup in the small kitchen. I'll bring two bowls so you can all have a taste."
Before Eunuch Qin could respond, she had already turned and run off.
She really had a warm and genuine heart. Hopefully, that sincerity would never change.
While the carpenter continued working, Eunuch Qin pulled Xiao Luzi aside and asked in a low voice,
"How are things? Are you adjusting well?"
"Very well. The young lady has a kind heart—she's never raised her hand or voice. The two maids who serve her are also easy to get along with. Sister Chunqi cooks for me daily, and Sister Xia An always shares nice things with me."
Qin An nodded with satisfaction. It seemed that assigning him here had been the right decision. He patted Xiao Luzi on the shoulder.
"Very good. Work hard. I believe this Miss Lin is no ordinary person. She will have great fortune in the future. Serve her well now, and when her status rises, so will yours."
"You're right, Master. I understand."
Eunuch Qin gave him a look of encouragement before quickly reining in his expression.
When Chunqi returned with the sweet soup, everything looked normal again.
By then, the pergola and swing were nearly finished.
About half an hour later, the construction was complete. Eunuch Qin and his people paid their respects to Lin Wanyi and took their leave.
Once they had gone, Lin Wanyi brought Xia An out to inspect the work.
The swing wasn't large—just enough for one person—but it was very sturdy. Most pleasing was the open space nearby; during summer, she could move a rocking chair over and rest in the breeze.
The pergola had been cleverly built, using the wall and the terrain to enclose half the yard while avoiding the back window of the bedroom. Even when the vines grew thick, they wouldn't block sunlight. And if the wind blew, she might even catch the sweet scent of grapes.
"Eunuch Qin is truly thoughtful. And the person he sent is quite clever too," Lin Wanyi praised sincerely, though her words were also meant for Xiao Luzi to hear.
He immediately knelt down, begging for forgiveness.
"Please punish me, my lady."
Xia An remained calm, but Chunqi frowned. He'd done a good deed—why was he asking for punishment?
Lin Wanyi remained silent, her expression unreadable.
Xiao Luzi realized he had misstepped.
"I shouldn't have relayed your words to Eunuch Qin without permission. I didn't mean to, but I betrayed you. If I had even the slightest ill intention, may I die without a burial place!"
He kowtowed heavily, eyes glistening with tears.
Only then did Chunqi understand. Xiao Luzi didn't originally serve their residence—he belonged to Eunuch Qin.
These past few days of harmony had made them forget that fact.
Luckily, this incident involved only a swing. Had it been something truly serious, Lin Wanyi might have been in danger without ever knowing it. A chill ran down Chunqi's spine.
Her gaze toward Xiao Luzi became more wary, more complex.
The breeze blew gently. The sun had climbed high in the sky.
Its warm rays fell on Xiao Luzi—but he felt no warmth.
His knees had gone numb, and just when he thought he might collapse, Lin Wanyi spoke quietly.
"Get up."
"Thank you, my lady."
He stood with difficulty. Luckily, there had been no stones beneath him—or he might have bled from kneeling.
But he was still uneasy. The young lady hadn't forgiven him yet. If she decided not to keep him, wouldn't he be destroying his own future?
So he clenched his jaw and said with urgency,
"My lady, I've been in the palace since I was six. It's been eight years now. I've suffered all kinds of hardships and met all kinds of people. If not for Eunuch Qin pulling me from the treasurer's post to serve at his side, I wouldn't have the blessing to serve you now. This time, I made the decision on my own. Please forgive me. I won't dare do such a thing again."
His words were heartfelt. Lin Wanyi didn't doubt him.
But a person cannot serve two masters. If he truly wished to stay, he had to make that decision clear.