Madam Ming was, of course, delighted to agree. She hastily summoned a handmaid and instructed her to escort Zhao Zhongyan into the inner courtyard to see the young lady.

At a moment like this, everyone knew better than to intrude. Madam Ming called out a casual reminder: “Dinner will be ready soon — just exchange a few words and then come out together.”

Zhao Zhongyan assented and hurried off toward the inner courtyard. Left behind, Yun Pan and Madam Ming exchanged a smile. Yun Pan said: “It is fortunate that this Zhao Surveillance Commissioner is a man of sincerity. Had it been someone else, the He family’s performance today might well have made him think twice.”

Madam Ming could not have agreed more. After such a heated confrontation, she felt somewhat drained. She sat in the armchair, pressing her hand to her temple and sighing — marveling that people so utterly shameless could exist in this world. Then she raised a hand and pointed toward Duke Shuguo: “Your family’s ancestral graves must be letting out black smoke — the young ones are wicked, the old ones are unreasonable. Today we only managed because Zhao Zhongyan was here to back us up. Otherwise I truly don’t know how we would have dealt with your insufferable sister.”

In situations of this kind, Duke Shuguo inevitably became collateral damage — whenever Madam Ming railed against the Xiang family’s relatives, she never forgot to drag him into it too. After all these years, Duke Shuguo had grown accustomed to it, though he offered a small amount of resistance and attempted to defend himself: “That is the He family’s ancestors whose feng shui has gone bad — it has nothing to do with our Xiang family…” No sooner had the words left his mouth than Madam Ming leveled him with a sword-sharp glare, and he did not dare utter another syllable.

Such was the daily life of a long-married couple — no matter how things stood, they always folded inward toward each other in the end.

Xiang Xu and Yun Pan looked at one another, smiling in spite of themselves. They watched the two push and nudge each other as they went off to the inner quarters to change their clothes.

Xiang Xu had only just come off duty and was still in his official robes. He ought to have gone in to change — yet he felt no particular urgency to leave.

This was the first time, since Yun Pan’s marriage, that the two of them had found themselves alone together. By rights, they ought to have observed propriety and kept their distance. Yet he lingered, thinking in his heart: just a little longer — just a few more words… just two more words, and that would be enough.

The south-facing window was open, and the bamboo curtain was rolled more than halfway up. The air had turned faintly cool at this time of year. A light wind arose and scattered the fog that had accumulated through the day. The light was a pale, bleached white — utterly unlike the scene that had greeted him when she had first arrived in the capital.

Only half a year had passed, and yet everything was changed. At times he could not help but feel a dim, disoriented melancholy — lamenting that certain things had slipped through his fingers just like that.

He managed a faint smile. “Yesterday I went to the Nanqiao market and passed by the Qingchuang Pavilion… You once spoke of opening a shop — I never imagined it would truly come to be. Congratulations.”

Yun Pan’s manner of dress had changed since her marriage, but the expression on her face was the same as before she had left home — carrying that faint and gentle smile. She seemed to have no complaints whatsoever about her present life, as she said happily: “On that side, both Grandmother and Mother-in-law are very open-minded. When they heard I wanted to open a shop, they raised no objections.”

Xiang Xu nodded. “The last time I had a casual conversation with Duke Weiguo, I could see he was a man of discernment — I imagine he is also very supportive of you having your own endeavors…” As he spoke, his hands were at a loss for what to do; he picked up his official hat, turned it over a couple of times, then turned aside to set it down.

He wanted to ask her one question, but feared it was presumptuous, and could not bring himself to face her directly. He turned his head just slightly and asked: “Is Duke Weiguo good to you?”

The daylight outside fell slant into the room. He had his eyes lowered; his long lashes interlaced, making them appear all the more dark and deep. He had always been a little shy — even now that he had entered government service, there was no great change in his manner.

Yun Pan said yes. “The Duke treats me very well and respects my wishes. I live very comfortably in that household. And what of Elder Brother? I heard that Sister Nianci suddenly changed her mind — the two of you seemed perfectly settled, so how did it come to this?”

At the mention of his own marriage, a shadow of melancholy crossed Xiang Xu’s face. He sighed and said: “It is entirely my fault. I had only just entered my post and had my whole heart set on my duties, neglecting Nianci without even realizing it. In the end I hurt her feelings, and she reported it to her parents — she no longer wished to pursue the match.”

He felt a genuine remorse toward Nianci for it — he had failed her affection for him. But fortunately the damage was not lasting, and no great harm had been done.

If he were to speak his true feelings: when Nianci proposed that their engagement be ended, there had been a moment when he had felt — suddenly — unburdened. He had even thought, in a small and selfish corner of himself: at last, he no longer had to keep pretending to be pleased. In truth he was not pleased at all; he had not looked forward to that marriage. He did not know what it was he was searching for — he felt like a person standing on a dock, the boat only a step away, yet perpetually unable to decide whether or not to step aboard.

Perhaps if someone had given him a push, he would have stepped on and stayed on, not thinking about it too much, drifting along. But now the boat had sailed away, and he found he was not particularly heartbroken — because he knew himself well enough to know he had never been truly sincere, and Nianci was a good girl who deserved someone who would not have to force their happiness, someone who would genuinely feel fortunate for the match.

As for what he himself truly wanted — he did not know, even now. It was like watching someone fly a kite. Occasionally you looked up, saw the kite floating peacefully — and even though the string was in someone else’s hands, you felt a sense of quiet contentment.

There were feelings that could never be spoken — not in an entire lifetime. Because the moment had passed, and there would never be another chance. Yesterday his thoughts had been scattered and wandering; without quite knowing how, he had walked to the Nanqiao market and stood across from the Qingchuang Pavilion, gazing at it, thinking that perhaps if she happened to be there, they might just happen to meet.

But he stood for the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, and she was not in the shop. And then he felt as though he might be a little foolish. Yet it was just as well she had not been there — for if they had truly met, what would have dissolved that inexplicable awkwardness between them?

As for feelings — during the time she had been staying at the residence, he had only carried a faint and quiet liking for her. Nothing so profound. It was only after she married Duke Weiguo that something had surged forward in him unilaterally — all his entanglement and confusion had somehow formed only after her marriage. Perhaps this was the incomprehensible sentimentality of a scholarly man.

Thoughts grown too elaborate had yanked the feelings into motion, moved himself to feeling himself, and the whole thing was, honestly, a little laughable. Just now, when he had walked in and seen her there — in the midst of all that noise and clamor, with his aunt weeping and wailing — he had felt joy quietly rising inside him.

As for Yun Pan — she had no desire to read too deeply into another person. All her thoughts needed only to be placed on Li Chenjian. So when Xiang Xu said what he did, she simply felt a sympathetic sort of wistfulness and said: “Nianci has such a fine nature, and the two families are so well matched in rank. If Elder Brother were willing to go back and plead his case, perhaps she might yet change her mind.”

But Xiang Xu said to leave it. “I have a collection of old manuscripts I need to restore right now, and I genuinely cannot find the time. Even if I coaxed her back, without the time to maintain things, she would only end up regretting it again.” He shook his head, laughing quietly at himself. “Let it go… let it go…”

Yun Pan could not offer much in the way of counsel — after all, it was his private affair and it was not her place to press the matter.

Shortly afterward, Mei Fen and Zhao Zhongyan came in together, and Yun Pan turned her attention to Mei Fen’s state of mind. She had expected the He family’s visit to have left some effect — yet when Mei Fen was beside Zhao Zhongyan, not a trace of anger or distress showed on her face. She said quietly: “Now that this has blown over, it should be quiet from now on. I never want to hear another word about He Xiao — or anyone connected to him.”

Duke Shuguo said: “Have no worry — Father will handle everything. If they refuse to go back, I will have them escorted home to Luoyang by force.”

Madam Ming was busy heaping food into the bowls of Yun Pan and Zhao Zhongyan. The mere mention of He Xiao’s parents had ruined her appetite, and she furrowed her brow. “Let us say no more about those two wretched creatures — they will take the flavor right out of this roasted lamb.” She turned to Mei Fen: “You just keep your heart steady. Everything outside is for Father and Mother to deal with — it has nothing to do with you. As for Zhao Zhongyan — everything that happened before was no secret from you, after all. A few troublemakers at the door should hardly shake your resolve.”

Zhao Zhongyan said: “I pay no mind to such miscellaneous people. So long as the young lady herself does not drive me away, I am committed to this match, and no one’s scheming will change that.”

Mei Fen was deeply grateful for his steadfastness. The two turned to look at one another — a restrained and tender smile passed between them. Yun Pan, watching, felt warmly moved. She raised her wine cup and said: “This matter is past — no more dwelling on it. I drink to A’Jie and Zhao Surveillance Commissioner.”

Zhao Zhongyan quickly rose to his feet, smiling: “I should be the one toasting you. Thanks to Duke Weiguo making inquiries on my behalf, I have recently been transferred to the Left Wuwei Guard — I no longer need to serve as the Right Gate Reception Commissioner.”

Yun Pan had not heard Li Chenjian mention this; no doubt, for him, it was too minor a matter to speak of. She smiled and said: “We are all one family — Surveillance Commissioner is being too formal.” Then she turned to raise her cup to those present: “Uncle and Aunt, and Elder Brother as well — I drink to all of you.”

Xiang Xu raised his cup. As her gaze passed briefly over his face, he felt — even in that fleeting pause — that it was an immense gift.

After the meal, Zhao Zhongyan took his leave. Mei Fen went to see him out. Yun Pan and Madam Ming sat in the reception room drinking tea, and Yun Pan said with feeling: “I can see that A’Jie is calm and composed — it must be due to Zhao Surveillance Commissioner’s kind words. I truly never expected it — A’Jie’s fate was waiting here all along. From now on when I come to call, I won’t dare monopolize A’Jie’s time — she has her own matters to attend to.”

Madam Ming was well satisfied with every aspect of Mei Fen’s situation. Her only worry was for Xiang Xu. “Your elder brother’s marriage prospects have fallen through again. He is getting older, and I don’t know what will come of things.”

In Yun Pan’s view, Xiang Xu’s marriage was nothing to fret over. “Elder Brother has barely passed his twentieth year, and his career prospects are already so bright — who is to say he may not one day become a chief minister? Noble families throughout the capital who have daughters will have their eyes on him. Once word gets out that the betrothal to the Counsellor’s family has come to nothing, there will certainly be people coming forward to arrange other matches.”

On this point, Madam Ming had no worries — her concern lay in Xiang Xu’s stubbornness, his tendency to follow one road straight to the end. But this was something she could not say to Yun Pan, so she nodded vaguely.

Glancing at the hour, she saw it was already past midday. Yun Pan stood up and said: “Our Duke at home has no doubt long since returned — I have been enjoying myself here with Aunt and quite forgotten about him.”

Qin Dan came forward and helped her put on her cloak.

“Come with him next time.” Madam Ming took the cape ties from Qin Dan and fastened them at her collar. “The Season of Beginning of Winter has arrived — be careful going in and out, and do not catch a chill. How has Ji Fu been lately?”

Yun Pan said: “There have been some ailments with the cold weather setting in, but nothing serious. Aunt needn’t worry.”

Madam Ming said good, and walked her out of the reception room. In the front courtyard they encountered Mei Fen returning. Mei Fen said in surprise: “Si Si, won’t you stay a little longer?”

Yun Pan shook her head, teasing: “A’Jie has her own young man to see off — and I have my young man to look after. I must be getting home.”

Mei Fen could hear she was being playful. The two sisters laughed and jostled each other all the way to the porch. But once past the main gate, they both assumed a perfectly dignified manner, exchanged formal farewells, and Yun Pan stepped up into the carriage and returned to Duke Weiguo’s residence.

On the road, she thought to inquire about the shop’s operations. Nanny Yao said: “These past days, Nanny Pan has been keeping watch there. There is no shortage of women patrons coming and going each day — some who host banquets book one of the private rooms, bringing their close companions to brew tea and enjoy the pastries.”

“In truth, the largest portion of household expenditure goes to the women’s allowances — yet those men do not understand this, and look down their noses at me behind my back.” Yun Pan said with a wry laugh. Then she asked: “How are things going with the storefront on Horse Market Street? If the price is agreeable, we should secure it quickly and begin the fitting.”

Nanny Yao said: “We are still negotiating the price. The two shops that were there before — one was an apothecary for throat medicines, the other a stationery shop. Since they are not in the lively market district, business was poor, and there seems to be good room to bargain them down. But, my Lady — the area is quite out of the way. Why do you want premises there?”

Just then the carriage came to a stop. The footman outside lifted the curtain. Yun Pan stepped down leaning on her handmaid’s shoulder and smiled: “Precisely because it is out of the way — but it is close to the city gate. Our carriage hire business is aimed at ordinary people who cannot afford to keep their own carriages but need to travel. Opening in the market district would not serve that purpose — those with leisure to browse the market stalls have no need to hire a carriage.” She arrived at the main gate and asked the gatekeeper: “Has the Duke returned?”

The gatekeeper said yes: “He returned before noon, and even asked whether the Lady was at home.”

Yun Pan acknowledged this with a sound, crossed through the front courtyard, and made her way along the back wooden corridor. As she walked, she continued speaking to Nanny Yao: “My thought is to begin with a hire shop, then open a carriage and horse service. The first would rent out vehicles; the second would lease carriage, horse, and driver together — on the one hand to transport goods for larger clients, on the other to provide livelihoods for the many people waiting for work along the banks of the canal.”

Nanny Yao laughed at this: “Our Lady is planning to grow the business bigger and bigger — if those men were to hear of it, their jaws would drop off their faces!”

Yun Pan pressed her lips together with a smile: “The market of this capital is so vast — if one has the ability, one may give full play to one’s gifts. Those who cannot manage it themselves and yet want to reach their hands into other people’s affairs — really, their meddling is a bit too much.”

So saying, she entered Xuzhu Courtyard. She could see that the door to the inner chamber was half-open, which told her Li Chenjian had most likely lain down to rest.

Not wanting to disturb him by making too much noise, she removed her cloak in the corridor — without asking the handmaids standing at the base of the steps — and went into the front room herself, lifting her skirts as she went.

The afternoon hours were always peaceful and pleasant. Though the strong sunlight of summer was gone, hangings and draping curtains had been put up everywhere, making the rooms feel warm and full. And with thick plum fragrance burning, the faint smoke drifted up from the silver incense tray, saturating the whole chamber.

Yun Pan passed through the hanging floor screen, about to proceed to the inner bedchamber, when she turned around the room screen and nearly walked straight into someone — giving her quite a fright.

She looked more carefully: it was Ou’er, the maid who attended Li Chenjian’s dressing. The maid called out “My Lady,” eyes carefully avoiding her gaze, curtseyed, and retreated quickly to the outer room.

Yun Pan was puzzled. Ou’er was one of the household’s senior staff — why would she not know the rules? Coming out of the inner bedchamber at this hour, with nothing in her hands — no garments to be taken away for laundering…

The puzzlement grew heavier. She found herself hesitating, her feet faltering slightly, afraid of what scene she might encounter upon going inside — and uncertain how she would handle it if it were what she most feared.

Yet avoidance was no solution. If there truly was something, she would have to face it squarely.

She steeled herself, rounded the white jade screen, and looked toward the bed: the curtains were half-open, half-drawn, and she could see Li Chenjian had removed only his outer robe and was lying on his side in his underclothes. Relief flooded through her at once. Good — nothing was as she had imagined.

She walked over and quietly stepped up onto the footstool to look down at him. Her rustling skirts must have roused him, for he turned to look at her. “My Lady…”

Yun Pan acknowledged him and asked softly: “Did the Duke lie down after eating?”

He turned over slowly, blinking slowly, and asked: “How long have you been back?”

Yun Pan said she had just arrived — and then she saw his expression shift subtly as he glanced toward the screen. He had evidently detected movement beyond the curtain earlier and assumed it was her.

Yet he said nothing, as if nothing had occurred, and only asked with mild interest about what she had seen and done that day.

Yun Pan, too, made no mention of having encountered Ou’er just now. She sat on the edge of the bed and described to him in detail how He Xiao’s parents had made such a scene at Duke Shuguo’s residence, then sighed: “He Xiao is dead — drowned in the canal outside the city, they say. A true reckoning of heaven.”

Li Chenjian listened and merely smiled faintly. “Perhaps so.”

Since she had returned, there was no more sleeping to be had. He rose and moved to the outer room, where he watched her brew pear-infused warm drink and prepare glutinous rice zongzi and red bean rice balls for him to take a little more of.

It was curious — the two of them chatted about recent happenings, and he did not conceal from her even the situation outside. Yet regarding that small incident just now, the two of them maintained a tacit and perfect silence.

Cradling her bowl in pale hands, she lowered her head and sipped the warm drink. She had been turning it over in her mind for quite some time when she finally said: “My personal attendant Ruolan — she was betrothed to someone in the countryside when she was young. Her young man has been coming to see her these past few days; each time they get only a hurried glimpse before she must return to the inner quarters. I was thinking — a person who has made up her mind to leave cannot really be kept. And yet her household registration is not hers to dispose of. I wonder what the Duke thinks?”

Li Chenjian was unhurriedly eating his pastry, and said casually: “The household registration is entirely at the master’s discretion. If one grants her the grace to marry, it would not be wasted years of service between master and servant.”

Yun Pan nodded. “I think so too…” She turned to look out at the courtyard and murmured: “The handmaids in this courtyard are all grown up. In time, they will all go. I should train up the younger ones, assign them to my side — they will serve just as well.”