Chen Third Master was someone who believed that actions spoke louder than words, and he usually didn’t talk much. In her presence, he spoke a bit more. When he was in a bad mood, he would just eat in silence, occasionally putting food in her bowl. In the eastern side room, only the sounds of bowls and chopsticks could be heard, creating a heavy atmosphere.

Jin Chao heard the thunder outside and smiled as she said to the Third Master, “When I was little, I was very afraid of thunder. Whenever there was a thunderstorm, I would hide in my grandmother’s quilt and pretend to be a little mouse biting her hand… It would startle her.”

Chen Yan Yun looked up at her. He had never heard her mention her childhood before, and a hint of a smile appeared on his face. After thinking for a moment, he said to her, “On our wedding night… when you secretly hid under the covers eating peanuts, so that was a habit from your childhood.” He had found her extremely adorable at that time.

Outside, a flash of lightning suddenly lit up, followed by a roll of muffled thunder.

Chen Yan Yun saw her lowering her head to eat green vegetables, seemingly with great reluctance, chewing several times before swallowing. He couldn’t help asking, “Are you still afraid of thunder now?”

Jin Chao shook her head, “Naturally I’m not afraid anymore now that I’m grown up. Why do you ask?”

He made a sound of acknowledgment and said, “Just asking.”

Jin Chao, however, detected a hint of regret in his tone.

What was there to regret… Jin Chao couldn’t quite understand.

The heavy rain came and went quickly, stopping after lunch. Chen Third Master did not return to his study, but instead reclined on the lohan bed reading a book. Jin Chao sat on the other side, taking the cloak out of the bamboo basket. She noticed that Chen Third Master did not look comfortable leaning against the lohan bed to read; he had changed positions several times.

Jin Chao beckoned Qing Pu over and whispered a few instructions. Shortly after, she brought over a backrest pillow and asked Chen Third Master to use it.

Chen Third Master waved his hand, “I’m not used to it, it’s not necessary.”

…Not used to reading this way, yet still staying here to keep her company.

Jin Chao asked Qing Pu to step aside and said nothing more.

The sun came out, its rays shining through the latticed windows. When Jin Chao looked up, she saw the sunlight illuminating Chen Third Master’s profile, accentuating his straight nose. His downcast eyes as he read appeared very focused, and she was entranced by the sight. Chen Yan Yun’s appearance, at first glance, was not stunning—not like Ye Xian’s celestial beauty. But the more one looked, the more profound and gentle he seemed, bringing peace to one’s heart. When Chen Third Master raised his head, he suddenly met her gaze.

He smiled faintly, “What are you looking at?”

Jin Chao shook her head and stammered, “…Nothing.” She had only embroidered one bamboo leaf on the cloak…

Chen Third Master sighed helplessly, “When you look at me, I can’t concentrate.”

He noticed the sky-blue cloak in Jin Chao’s hands, with its dark-colored border and embroidered stone bamboo pattern. Such an item probably wasn’t for her use. He put down his book and walked to her side, smiling as he said, “The needlework of ordinary ladies is usually delicate and fine. Your embroidered bamboo, however, has a certain sharpness to it… There’s some artistic conception within.”

Jin Chao had copied his ink bamboo painting. His praise was indirectly praising himself, though she wasn’t sure if he realized it…

Chen Yan Yun’s finger traced the pattern of the bamboo branches, “But the bamboo structure is dispersed, with well-balanced shades of ink, requiring areas of blank space.” After a pause, he said, “Come with me.”

He led the way to the eastern end room, where Jin Chao’s study was set up.

Jin Chao asked Qing Pu to put away her things and followed Chen Third Master into the eastern end room, where she found he had already laid out paper and was pointing to the inkstone, indicating she should grind ink for him. Jin Chao rolled up a section of her sleeve and began grinding ink for him.

Chen Third Master selected a brush, first moistened it with water, then dipped it in ink. His hands, with their distinct knuckles, held the brush beautifully. With just a few strokes, the upright form of bamboo stalks appeared vividly on the paper. Jin Chao had tried copying this for a long time but could never capture this feeling, so she moved to the side to watch carefully.

Chen Yan Yun put down his brush and said to her, “Past the Tanshan Courtyard there is a place called Bamboo Wilderness Hall, where I lived when I was young. The name of Bamboo Wilderness Hall comes from Du Xunhe’s poem ‘Inscription for My Nephew’s Study.’ I used to enjoy observing bamboo, and after seeing enough of it, I could capture its essence in painting.”

“Window bamboo shadows sway upon the desk, wild spring sounds enter the inkstone pool.”

Jin Chao loved these two lines of poetry.

She picked up the brush and asked Chen Yan Yun, “May I try, Third Master?”

Chen Third Master smiled, “That’s exactly what I wanted to teach you.” He moved to the side and began grinding ink for her.

Jin Chao tried to imitate his style but felt something was missing. To have the dignified Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion grinding ink for her… She felt a bit self-conscious and put down the brush, saying, “I’m very slow-witted in this respect; I can never paint well.”

Chen Yan Yun walked behind her, holding her hand, “Let me guide your brush strokes.” His other hand rested beside her, seemingly enveloping her in his embrace. Her hand, guided by his, moved with great strength. Jin Chao could smell the faint sandalwood scent on him, and with a sidelong glance, she saw the agarwood Buddhist prayer beads on his wrist. His chin rested on Jin Chao’s head as he spoke softly, “Press the brush tip firmly, hold the brush slightly angled, and let the ink spread.”

His hand was large, completely enveloping hers. Jin Chao could only concentrate on listening to him speak.

When Chen Yan Yun released her hand, he asked, “Do you understand?”

Jin Chao had only grasped the general idea and nodded, saying, “I probably need more practice.”

Chen Yan Yun reassured her, “This isn’t something you can master immediately; it’s natural not to do well at first. When I was young, my handwriting wasn’t good. I had to practice a small seal script twenty times each day for three years before it became somewhat presentable. If there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask me. With your husband’s knowledge, I should be able to answer.”

As they were talking, Xiang Fei announced from outside that Zhu Tao, from Old Madam Chen’s side, had arrived.

Jin Chao returned to the western side room to meet Zhu Tao, who had almond-shaped eyes and peach-like cheeks, making her look quite vibrant. Smiling, she curtseyed and said, “Greetings, Third Madam… First Madam Wu and Second Madam Wu have come over, and they’ve invited Third Madam to join them for conversation. It’s more lively with more people.”

Jin Chao informed Chen Third Master, changed into another jacket, and went to Old Madam Chen’s quarters.

Before she even entered, she could hear a commotion from the western side room. Upon entering, she found that a square table with scrolled grass patterns had been set up, and First Madam Wu and Second Madam Wu were playing mahjong with Old Madam Chen and Madam Wang. Old Madam Chen smiled and asked Jin Chao to sit beside her, saying, “Your Second Sister-in-law went to burn incense at Baoxiang Temple today and happened to meet First Madam Wu and Second Madam Wu. They returned after taking shelter from the rain there and decided to play mahjong…”

She then asked if Jin Chao would like to try, offering to give up her seat.

Jin Chao thought to herself that Chen Third Master must be keeping Chen Sixth Master’s matter from Old Madam Chen; otherwise, they wouldn’t be playing mahjong here.

Jin Chao smiled and shook her head, “I can recognize a few cards, but I don’t understand mahjong.”

Madam Qin, who was sitting on the side drinking tea, smiled and said, “Then, Sister-in-law, come sit over here and keep me company for a while.” Beside her sat Madam Sun, who was just over a month pregnant, and Chen Zhao, who was playing cat’s cradle with a little maid.

Old Madam Chen added, “Jin Chao, sit for a little longer. Xiang’er should be coming soon.” She then instructed Lu Luo to bring over an embroidery frame and needlework, “When she arrives, you can teach her first.”

Jin Chao understood Old Madam Chen’s good intentions. Chen Xiang was a shy child and didn’t visit her often. If this continued, they would never grow close.

Madam Sun smiled and called her Third Aunt, asking about her affairs, “I heard that Aunt is from Shi’an. The shortbread from Shi’an is very delicious.”

Madam Qin put down her teacup and coughed lightly. Madam Sun, however, didn’t notice and continued smiling, “I just love pastries, and I crave them even more now that I’m pregnant. If Aunt likes them, I still have two boxes of pastries at my place, brought by my mother from Suzhou. Suzhou pastries are exquisite…”

Jin Chao didn’t know that Madam Sun was so enthusiastic; in her previous life, she had never spoken with these nieces-in-law. She smiled and agreed.

After finishing a round, First Madam Wu said to Old Madam Chen, “Looking at the daughters-in-law in your family, children are being added one after another. But my eldest son’s wife and third son’s wife show no signs of pregnancy!”

Old Madam Chen smiled contentedly; naturally, she was happy to have her family filled with children and grandchildren. She then pointed to Jin Chao, “…Waiting for her to add another one!”

Second Madam Wu looked Jin Chao over and smiled, saying, “Third Master’s wife is beautiful, with a fortunate countenance. The children she bears will be good too.”

Second Madam Wu not only had a clever tongue but had also learned the art of face reading from her aunt who practiced it.

Old Madam Chen was increasingly satisfied with Jin Chao and said to Second Madam Wu, “A few days ago I was feeling depressed and couldn’t eat. It was she who brought food to me, saying that for minor ailments like this, one shouldn’t take medicine but should use food as a supplement. After eating for several days, I indeed felt better.”

Jin Chao smiled, “I just happened to know.”

The smile on Madam Qin’s face faded somewhat; she hadn’t known about Jin Chao bringing food to Old Madam Chen.

First Madam Wu began discussing the matter of the Wu family’s eldest son with Old Madam Chen, “My eldest daughter-in-law has been married for two years without any sign of pregnancy. All the concubines serving my eldest son are taking medicinal soups. We’re thinking of getting a concubine for my eldest son in two months. We just mentioned it to my eldest son’s wife, and she’s been crying for days, making everyone upset…” With that, the subject of Gu Jin Chao was dropped.

Shortly after, Chen Xiang arrived with her nursemaid to pay her respects.

Old Madam Chen spoke with her briefly and then sent her to Jin Chao.

Chen Xiang obediently paid her respects to Jin Chao, who smiled and asked her to sit beside her, asking, “Has Xiang’er learned this before?”

Chen Xiang answered softly, “Nursemaid An taught me a little.” She remained very reserved, with her fingers intertwined.

Chen Zhao, having finished playing cat’s cradle with the little maid, smiled and took Chen Xiang’s hand, “Fourth Sister, let’s go play outside! The lotus flowers have bloomed behind Grandmother’s courtyard. We can take the maids to pick some and arrange them in the room. We can also ask the nursemaid to steam lotus leaf rice!”

Chen Xiang was tempted for a moment—picking lotus flowers and leaves were much more fun than learning needlework—but she couldn’t say so and could only look carefully at Jin Chao.

Jin Chao looked up and saw that Madam Qin was talking to a maid, seemingly not noticing their conversation.

Old Madam Chen had asked her to teach Chen Xiang needlework, and it might not be appropriate to let Chen Xiang and Chen Zhao go play at this time. But if she didn’t let them go, Chen Xiang might think she was stern and rigid. Jin Chao spoke gently to Chen Xiang, “Learning needlework isn’t something that must be done immediately, but you and Zhao’er are young, and it’s not safe to play by the lotus pond. When I was little, I went to the edge of the lotus pond to pick lotus pods and fell into the water, frightening the maid who was attending me…”

Chen Xiang couldn’t help asking, “You also liked to play by the lotus pond?” as if seeing Jin Chao as a playmate.

Jin Chao smiled and nodded, “If you like, I can also make lotus leaf rice, using mushrooms, peas, and shrimp. It tastes very fragrant.”

Chen Zhao, who had been somewhat disappointed, widened her eyes upon hearing this. Chen Xiang also thought it sounded delicious.

Jin Chao then sent a servant to pick lotus leaves from the pond, and she took the two children to the small kitchen to make lotus leaf rice.