Five days truly passed in an instant. Since the household was holding a wedding banquet, Duke Shuguo had taken leave from his duties a day early, staying in the residence to oversee arrangements for receiving and seeing off the male guests on the day of the celebration.

In an instant the household seemed to be filled with many more people. Mei Fen stepped out of her own courtyard and headed toward Yi Peng Xue, and halfway there she saw serving women and matrons coming and going without cease. She and Ba Bao stood watching from afar; Ba Bao said: “If the betrothal had not been dissolved, tomorrow the young mistress going to be married would have been you.”

And so Mei Fen was filled with gratitude toward Yun Pan — Si Si was the living bodhisattva who had rescued her from a sea of suffering.

She was just wondering what fragrant items the serving women were carrying on those trays when she heard two matrons passing through the courtyard gate, striking their palms together and reciting words of good fortune: “The bride’s pure ceremonial gown has been delivered.”

Mei Fen hurried and pulled Ba Bao along into Yi Peng Xue. Inside, she saw Nanny Yao leading a few of the fully-blessed matrons in receiving the garment; they carefully arranged the wedding dress on the upright clothes rack, which stood level and straight.

Mei Fen looked up — the black deep-robe was as dense as the night, with exquisite crimson trim adorning the collar and sleeve edges; spread open on the clothes rack, it hung like a great curtained canopy. She was rather puzzled, and turned to ask Nanny Yao: “Si Si’s wedding dress — why is it different from everyone else’s?”

Nanny Yao smiled: “Because the young master is a duke. It is not like ordinary families where the bride and groom wear bright red and green — our young mistress is to follow the Zhou rites. The bride wears the ceremonial deep-robe, the groom wears the ceremonial cap and tunic, and all is conducted with great solemnity, in keeping with the proper forms for members of the imperial clan.”

Mei Fen murmured in understanding, then glanced at Yun Pan standing nearby, looking up at the dress too — she seemed rather like an outside observer, curiously examining all the intricate accessories, until she finally pointed at the embroidered handkerchief with the mandarin duck pattern and asked: “What is this?”

Nanny Yao said: “This is the ceremonial sash. When the bride departs, her mother personally ties it on for her — that is called ‘binding the sash.'”

The mention of mother stirred a pang of sorrow in Yun Pan, and she said softly: “If only Mother were here — how wonderful that would be!”

Girls on the eve of their wedding always feel a deep need for their mothers. Nanny Yao, seeing that she was missing the County Princess, offered gentle comfort: “Young mistress, there is no need to worry — when the time comes, Madam will tie it on for you herself. Madam treats the young mistress as her own daughter.”

Having an aunt, at least, meant that the longing for her mother could be somewhat soothed. Yun Pan’s smile returned.

More jewelry was delivered at the gate, and Mei Fen called her over to look — compared to the hairpins and earrings, the jade pendant ornaments at the waist seemed weightier and more elegantly classic. For a young woman, what part of a wedding is the most worth savoring? It is surely these countless small, intricate objects.

There were so many things, it was impossible to examine them all; Yun Pan invited Mei Fen up to the small garden pavilion to drink tea and take some air.

Opportunities for the two of them to sit face to face like this, sharing tea, would be few from now on. If Mei Fen were willing to venture out, they could visit each other freely at any time — but she rarely left the house, and should Yun Pan wish to come and see her, it might not always be convenient; after all, living in someone else’s household, one had to be mindful of what the senior members and Duke Weiguo might think.

A cup of tea was set before Mei Fen, and Yun Pan said with a self-deprecating laugh: “Before the betrothal with the Commandery Duke’s household was dissolved, I once dreamed of Mother, and she told me to go ‘slowly.’ This time when I want to hear what Mother thinks, I can no longer dream of her no matter what I do.”

Mei Fen’s thinking was simple: “She probably feels that this young man is quite good, and so there is no need to tell you to be slow about it — just let things take their natural course.”

In truth, Mei Fen regarded almost all strangers with wariness, yet toward Duke Weiguo she had never uttered a single unkind word, and in fact occasionally said something complimentary about him. It was not merely that she was sincerely trying to recommend him to Yun Pan — she genuinely respected his character.

Now was not the time to keep deliberating whether the young man was worthy or not. Yun Pan took a sip of tea and set the cup gently on the tea tray, then asked Mei Fen: “A’Jie, what are your plans from now on?”

Mei Fen answered without a moment’s thought: “I will simply stay here in Zi Lan Garden. If Father and Mother find that my being at home is blocking Brother’s marriage prospects, then they can have a small Daoist shrine built for me — I will go there and become a Daoist nun.”

Yun Pan considered this slowly, and nodded: “Actually, that is not a bad way. As long as you are happy, that is what matters.”

“You can also come and visit me in my little Daoist shrine — to arrange flowers and drink tea together. I will wait for you every day.” Mei Fen said with a smile, but even as she smiled, a layer of sadness drifted across her face. She lowered her head and said: “Father and Mother must be utterly disappointed in me by now.”

Yun Pan said no: “Uncle holds an official rank, and Brother will enter the civil service in time — no one in the household is depending on you to uphold the family name. All they want is for you to live well, and they will not place any further demands on you.”

Though that was what one said, the damage to her reputation was real. Word had long since spread that the daughter of the Xiang family had episodes of delusion — it had become fodder for other people’s gossip over tea. It was fortunate that her family cared for her, or else a perfectly good betrothal could not have been relinquished so readily.

As for Mei Fen — she was normally quiet and reserved, but her mind was as clear as a mirror. Seeing the two serving women below the pavilion at the edge of the little stream, scooping out fallen leaves, and with no one else nearby, she seized Yun Pan’s hand and said: “Si Si, once you are there, you must take great care of your own safety.”

Yun Pan was surprised — she had not expected her to bring this up so suddenly — and asked: “A’Jie, how do you see the Duke Weiguo household?”

Mei Fen said: “The original match for me was arranged by my paternal grandmother and Madam Hu — and now the Empress Dowager herself has gone so far as to personally broker this one, putting her intentions openly on the table. The people of Duke Weiguo’s household are not fools — how could they not be on guard against you? If there is ever any movement or suggestion of something amiss, you must absolutely pretend you know nothing, have seen nothing — otherwise they may move against you.”

For Mei Fen, who had always kept to herself and avoided all trouble, this warning was something entirely unprecedented.

Yun Pan certainly understood the dangers and difficulties that lay ahead on her path. But to receive such a genuine and heartfelt warning from her was a true comfort. She gripped Mei Fen’s hand in return and said: “A’Jie, do not worry — I will look out for myself. People’s hearts are hidden, as the saying goes, and after all I have witnessed within my own family, how could I not know this? Aunt has also spoken to me about the Empress Dowager’s intentions — I understand that what lies ahead will not be smooth sailing, but I am not afraid. Look — I managed to escape from such a vicious scheme by my concubine-mother’s hand. Once I am in Duke Weiguo’s household, I will certainly be able to manage.”

Mei Fen let out a slow breath. “If you can manage, I will feel easier. If it was because of me that disaster was planted in your path, then even in death I could not face you.”

Yun Pan laughed: “What a thing to say — talking of death out of nowhere! Tomorrow is my great happy occasion. A’Jie must say only auspicious things — wish me smooth sailing in that household, building up a prosperous and flourishing home!”

Her laugh was infectious. Mei Fen thought to herself that this ability to remain at ease and contented even amid adversity was something she could never hope to match in all her life.

This was very good. If she did not suffer, then her own heart could rest easier as well.

As they were speaking, a matron came from outside to report that the young miss from the Participating Advisor’s household, along with several young ladies from the Academician households, had all come together to see Yun Pan.

Mei Fen stood up at once: “Why have so many come all at once…”

Had it been only Nian Zi, it would have been more manageable — she would have been willing to meet her. But this time far too many people had come at once, and she felt no desire to socialize. She said hurriedly: “Since they are here, I will just head back to my own courtyard.”

Yun Pan tried to persuade her: “They are all even-tempered young ladies — let me introduce you.”

But Mei Fen said no, no — “Some other time… next time…” and hastened off through the small corner gate at the rear.

Once out of Yi Peng Xue, her racing heart only gradually began to settle. She had practically fled in panic, and was glad she had been fast enough — she had no sooner reached the corner gate than she could already hear the laughter of those young women. Had she left even half a step later, she would have run straight into them.

She and Ba Bao exchanged a glance, still pleased at having narrowly escaped. She was winding her way along the little path of decorative stones past the artificial rockery, making her way back to Zi Lan Garden, when she suddenly came face to face with someone.

The person seemed to have appeared from nowhere; there was no time to dodge. Mei Fen stumbled and nearly fell, and then a rush of musk scent hit her nose directly. She shrank back in alarm, and only then could she make out the smiling face before her — it was He Xiao.

What was he doing here? Mei Fen’s heart nearly leapt into her throat, her ears buzzing. She looked around for escape and saw none — it seemed, once again, there was no escaping him. In a panic she retreated and hid behind Ba Bao.

Ba Bao was frightened too — He Xiao had glared at her once before, and it had stayed with her until now. But then she recalled that Yun Pan herself had given this cousin a sharp reply once, and what had come of it! So, timid yet grimly resolute, she squared herself in front of her young mistress and stammered: “C-Cousin, this is the inner courtyard — you have come to the wrong place.”

He Xiao, however, had no regard for this small serving woman. “We are all of the same family — what is wrong with a man entering the inner courtyard?” With that, he brushed Ba Bao aside as if dusting off a speck of lint.

He regarded the cowering Mei Fen with a look of quiet amusement. “Why is my sister so afraid of me? Is she still brooding over what happened when we were children, all these years later?”

Mei Fen was so frightened she could barely draw breath, yet since he had brought up the past himself, she found the courage to press for an answer: “I will ask you one thing. Was it you who pushed me into the water that day?”

He seemed almost surprised, regarding her with an indifferent expression: “Eleven years have passed, and sister still has the same single question. Shall I call you persistent, or shall I call you dull?”

These words startled Ba Bao, who cried: “Cousin, mind how you speak—” But before she had finished, He Xiao grabbed her by the throat.

“When the masters are speaking, when is it your place, a lowly servant, to interrupt!” He said through gritted teeth; his face, which by any measure was quite handsome, had turned somewhat frightening. He told her to get out. “One more word, and I will let you die here.”

Mei Fen grew frantic, wanting to pull Ba Bao free but not daring to lay hands on him. She thought — then let me call for help. As long as someone came, He Xiao’s pretense of being a gentleman would be exposed.

But before she could act, He Xiao cut that idea off at the root. “Does sister wish to cry out? If you cry out, there will be nothing you can say to clear your name — being found behind the rockery in a private meeting with your cousin. What would others think? Even if you brought it before Uncle and Aunt, do you think they would believe you, or believe me?”

Mei Fen was struck speechless. Her parents’ disbelief — that was the thing that put her at the greatest disadvantage.

Ba Bao was nearly choked; fortunately, he had no intention of taking her life. He gave her a shove and pushed her away, then turned his smiling face back to Mei Fen: “Tomorrow was supposed to be sister’s wedding banquet. Uncle is still busy in the front of the house right now. I came with the sincere intention of offering sister my congratulations — yet who could have expected the bride to change just like that, as if it were nothing at all. What are sister’s plans going forward? Having been rejected by a suitor, with all of the capital knowing now that you are unwell — I fear no one will ever dare come to the door with a marriage proposal again. I was thinking — there is hardly anyone in the capital with a more distinguished background than Duke Weiguo. You could settle for someone with a different sort of name, sister, and perhaps salvage a little of your reputation.”

Mei Fen felt as though this He Xiao were an evil spirit clinging to her, refusing to leave — once attached, he would not let go until death. Not knowing what fresh mischief he was plotting, she and Ba Bao steadied each other, retreating half a step: “You… what do you want?”

He Xiao shrugged innocently. “Nothing at all — I am only making plans on sister’s behalf. Wait a few more days — wait until that meddlesome girl has left the house — and then I will come and propose to sister. Sister’s reputation is ruined now, and only family can overlook that. Let people outside say you refused Duke Weiguo because your heart was already set on someone — then sister can clear her name at once, and have something to say to Uncle and Aunt as well.”

Mei Fen, losing all control, burst out: “Don’t even think about it!”

He Xiao raised an eyebrow. “Shout a little louder and I will even save the trouble of betrothal gifts.” And then he smiled lightly again: “Or perhaps sister would prefer to remain in her chamber, kept for another three or five years, until after I marry — and then I will take sister as a concubine. By that point Uncle and Aunt will still be grateful to me, thanking me for being willing to take in this old maid of yours who cannot be married off.”

What he said made Mei Fen weep outright: “What grievance do I have against you? Why do you harm me like this?”

He Xiao’s mockery slowly cooled into something more contemptuous. He said almost with disdain: “I have no grievance against sister. More than that — I rather like you.”

But this liking meant he loved to watch her fall into the water and thrash about frantically — why had he pushed her in all those years ago? Simply to teach her a lesson.

“A woman who goes about with that imperious manner — ask anyone in the entire connected family and they all know she does as she pleases. And now she has raised a daughter just like herself… that Mei Fen, who laughs at everyone she meets — she is going to be a troublesome one in future…”

These were words he had heard his parents say outside his study. At the time he had been reading the Record of Rites, Book of Etiquette chapter, which said: “Do not climb high, do not approach steep edges, do not speak ill carelessly, do not laugh carelessly” — none of which Mei Fen seemed to possess. A girl like that was simply unfit to be a girl at all. As his mother said, a woman ought to conduct herself with restraint and composure, obedient to her husband’s will in all things. That one lesson, viewed ten years later, had produced results — she now kept herself behind closed doors and scarcely took a step outside. This, at last, was how a daughter of a noble household ought to behave.

He Xiao was very satisfied with the outcome. And now that she had dissolved her betrothal with Duke Weiguo, picking her up to continue her instruction would not be unwelcome. Of course, if she insisted on seeking death rather than consenting, that was her own fault; in that case, bestowing upon her the position of concubine would already be a grace and favor extended to her.

Mei Fen trembled with fury, stamping her feet with reddened eyes: “Do not think I will stand for this! I will tell everything you said today to Father — I will let Father see through your true face, and have him demand justice for me!”

He Xiao merely laughed twice. “Feel free to go and tell him. At worst, I will go before Uncle once more and tell him that I have long held tender feelings for you. Let us see what Uncle says.”

Mei Fen was a young lady of the inner chambers, raised and cherished in the palm of Duke Shuguo’s hands since birth. No one had ever spoken to her harshly before — she could not even hold her own in a battle of words.

Ba Bao saw her face had gone bloodless and her hands beneath her sleeves were cold as ice, yet forgetting she had nearly been strangled to death a moment ago, she braced herself and stepped in front of her young mistress, and said, stammering: “Y-you wait — I will be a witness for our young mistress and expose you together with her!”

He Xiao looked at her with narrowed eyes and gave a cold smile: “You will eventually be sent along as a bridal attendant to your young mistress, will you not? Daring to speak to me like this now — do you truly not wish to go on living?”

This was a threat to her life. It frightened Ba Bao until she was tripping over her own words. There was clearly no point in trying to reason with him anymore. Ba Bao tugged Mei Fen’s sleeve and whispered: “Young mistress, let us run along the side path!”

There was a small path nearby that could go around him. Ba Bao pulled Mei Fen and they ran as fast as they could. After a good distance, Ba Bao looked back — the man was already gone.

“That cousin is terrifying — what manner of demon is he!” They had finally fled into Zi Lan Garden. Ba Bao said this breathlessly, then in a flurry bolted the courtyard gate. She then raised her head toward Mei Fen: “Young mistress, look and see — is there a strangling mark on my neck? If there is, let us go to Madam this instant and report everything that just happened.”

Mei Fen searched Ba Bao’s neck as hard as she could, but the girl had had rough skin since birth, and despite the force He Xiao had used, not a single red mark had been left behind.

Mei Fen could not help but feel defeated. She drooped her shoulders and cried: “One day I will surely die at his hands…”

Ba Bao said not to be afraid. “Yun Pan is about to be married, and after tomorrow she will be a duke’s wife. If the Master and Madam won’t believe the young mistress, we can go to Yun Pan and ask her to help find a way — even if it means asking Duke Weiguo to come forward on the young mistress’s behalf, so that justice can be had.”

But Mei Fen shook her head again and again. “I have already caused her so much trouble — how could I have the face to trouble her again?”

Ba Bao did not know the reason behind this, and said in puzzlement: “Yun Pan is married to Duke Weiguo now — a family of such high standing. How has she been harmed in any way?”

Yet Mei Fen’s indecisiveness was always like this — she thought too far ahead and too far behind, and in the end could only resign herself to bearing it alone.

Ba Bao, compared to her, was actually much more spirited, and said crossly: “If the young mistress won’t speak, then when the time comes I will go and tell Yun Pan myself.”

Mei Fen was afraid of her being reckless — and on such a joyous occasion, she did not want to upset Yun Pan. She could only put her off: “Just for these two days, let it rest. After the wedding, when she comes back for the third-day visit, we will speak to Si Si then.”

The next day was the grand wedding banquet. The day before, friends and relatives who had come to help gathered together and a preliminary celebration was held in the front of the residence.

Mei Fen had not dared to leave her own courtyard again, worried about running into He Xiao among the coming and going crowd. She kept her head down and stayed in her bedroom, and even skipped the evening meal.

By the second day — the actual day of the celebration — the household was livelier than ever. The noble ladies and young women filing in and out of the inner chambers came in a steady, unending stream. Mei Fen stood by the east wall, pressing herself close to it, listening to the sounds from outside.

Two entirely different worlds lay on either side of that wall. Yi Peng Xue was so close by — and yet she could not bring herself to step out and see Si Si off.