Jiang Ci followed Yan Shuang Qiao and Shao Ji Zong back to the Shao mansion, feeling that things were not as simple as they appeared on the surface, yet unable to figure out what exactly the big crab intended to do. Could it be that he was just trying to curry favor with this Young Master Shao?
Back at the Shao mansion, Yan Shuang Qiao and Jiang Ci exchanged a glance, shaking off the overly polite and formal Shao Ji Zong, and returned to the side room where Yan Shuang Qiao was staying.
Closing the door, Yan Shuang Qiao grabbed Jiang Ci’s ear and said angrily, “You little wretch, what’s going on?”
Jiang Ci burst into tears, about to tell the truth, but remembering Pei Yan’s threatening words before leaving, she sobbed for a while and said softly, “I was foolish and owed the Earl money, so I had to work it off.”
Yan Shuang Qiao felt a pang in her heart. Looking closely at Jiang Ci, she saw that she was quite haggard, having lost some of her former plumpness and beauty. Knowing she had suffered a lot, and remembering how she had been pampered by their master since childhood, never understanding the vicissitudes of life and the fickleness of the world, a surge of pity welled up in her. She pulled Jiang Ci into her arms and wiped away her tears, saying, “Alright, don’t cry anymore. Learn from this mistake and don’t be so reckless in the future.”
Jiang Ci leaned into her embrace, feeling both warmth and helplessness. She burst into loud sobs, crying until she was exhausted, then asked Yan Shuang Qiao between hiccups how she had come to the capital and how she knew this Young Master Shao.
Yan Shuang Qiao explained in detail, and Jiang Ci learned that after she had sneaked down the mountain, her senior sister had become very anxious. Fortunately, their junior master had just returned from his travels. The two of them had discussed and decided that the junior master would search southward while the senior sister would search northward.
Yan Shuang Qiao remembered that Jiang Ci had once boasted about wanting to experience the bustling capital. Although she was extremely reluctant to return to this place that had broken her mother’s heart and spirit, she still entered the capital. Unexpectedly, as soon as she entered the city, she was injured by Shao Ji Zong. Young Master Shao had sincerely invited a doctor to treat her, and the doctor said her leg couldn’t move much for several days. With no other choice, she had to stay at Young Master Shao’s home and asked him to help search for Jiang Ci.
That night, Young Master Shao had invited her to go to the theater. She was tempted and couldn’t resist his persuasion, so she went with him to Li Zi Garden, where by coincidence, she met Jiang Ci.
As for Shao Ji Zong, Yan Shuang Qiao heard him say he was the second son of Minister Shao Zi He of the Ministry of War. He didn’t like martial arts but enjoyed reading and writing. He had once ranked third in the imperial examinations and was now a professor at the Imperial Academy, in charge of national scholars and examination affairs, making him a figure not to be underestimated.
Jiang Ci felt somewhat relieved after hearing this. It seemed that the big crab was indeed trying to curry favor with this son of the Minister of War and professor of the Imperial Academy, which was why he was willing to give face and let her leave with her senior sister. However, figuring out how to coax her senior sister into staying in the capital for a while longer, so she could find a way to get the antidote before leaving with her, was truly giving her a headache.
She thought for a while but couldn’t come up with a foolproof plan, so she decided to stop thinking about it. Besides, she was too tired from crying earlier, and now reunited with her loved one, her heart was at peace. In no time, she fell asleep in Yan Shuang Qiao’s arms.
Early the next morning, Yan Shuang Qiao dragged Jiang Ci to the front hall. After breakfast, seeing Shao Ji Zong smiling at her, she blushed slightly. After hesitating for a long time, she finally stepped in front of him and curtsied.
Shao Ji Zong was at a loss, not daring to help her up, and repeatedly said, “Miss Yan, please don’t do this. I don’t deserve such respect.”
Yan Shuang Qiao said softly, “Young Master Shao’s great kindness is something my junior sister and I can never repay. We can only sincerely pray day and night for Young Master Shao’s prosperous future and lifelong peace. However, we have been away from home for a long time and are not accustomed to staying in this capital. We need to return home as soon as possible, so we’ve come to bid farewell to Young Master.”
Jiang Ci was startled and was about to speak when Shao Ji Zong said, “Miss Yan, you’re too kind. I don’t deserve this. However—”
Yan Shuang Qiao, feeling genuinely grateful to him, said gently, “Young Master Shao, please speak freely.”
Shao Ji Zong stood up and bowed, “I am unworthy, but I would like to invite Miss Yan and Miss Jiang to stay in my mansion for three more days, allowing me to fulfill my duties as a host. After three days, I will host a farewell dinner for Miss Yan.”
Yan Shuang Qiao hesitated, and Shao Ji Zong continued, “Yesterday, it seemed that both Miss Yan and Miss Jiang enjoyed watching the opera. As it happens, the most famous opera troupe in the capital, the great artist Su Yan from Lan Yue Lou, is premiering a new performance tonight. I heard it’s based on a true story, titled ‘Mistaken This Life.’ I have already reserved seats. Would Miss Yan do me the honor of accompanying me to watch the opera?”
Jiang Ci was delighted. She had been thinking about going to Lan Yue Lou to see Su Yan and find a way to confirm her true relationship with the big crab and the faceless cat, and then have her pass a message. Hearing Shao Ji Zong say this, she quickly whispered in Yan Shuang Qiao’s ear, “Senior Sister, Su Yan’s opera singing is truly excellent, on par with yours. Let’s give Young Master Shao a face and go listen.”
Yan Shuang Qiao hesitated for a moment before finally nodding slightly. Shao Ji Zong and Jiang Ci smiled simultaneously.
That night, Lan Yue Lou was brilliantly lit, with crowds of people flowing in. The young masters of the capital, hearing that Su Yan had composed a new opera that was supposedly spectacular and premiering tonight, had all reserved seats at Lan Yue Lou. That night, both the main hall on the first floor and the private boxes on the second floor of Lan Yue Lou were fully occupied.
Knowing that she could go to Lan Yue Lou to watch the opera tonight, and also aware that the big crab’s people were watching her constantly, Jiang Ci wasn’t in a hurry to leave the Shao mansion. She spent the day talking with Yan Shuang Qiao. After dinner, the three of them boarded a carriage and headed to Lan Yue Lou.
The three entered the main hall of Lan Yue Lou and sat down at a table near the west side of the first floor. Waiters promptly served fragrant tea and snacks. Yan Shuang Qiao carefully observed the stage settings, remembering her mother who had died with resentment, feeling a pang of sorrow in her heart.
At a quarter to nine, the sound of a qin suddenly arose. After several clear notes, the chatter in Lan Yue Lou instantly ceased, and all eyes turned to the stage at the north end of the main hall.
“As the bright moon rises, lights flow like water, with flowers in her hair and painted eyebrows, she descends the western tower, gently pushing aside her little sister’s hand, to wander in the bustling market—” With light percussion and joyful qin music, Su Yan, dressed as a young female lead, her phoenix eyes gleaming, emerged from backstage with small steps. She gently brushed aside the hand of a girl about ten years old and, supported by a maid, stepped out of the mansion gate with a smile on her face.
As she stepped out of the gate, she seemed to see the bustling scene on the street. Her face was full of longing and anticipation, and her orchid finger brushed past her temple, fully expressing the excitement of a young lady going out to enjoy the town. This elicited a round of applause from the audience.
Jiang Ci also clapped along with the crowd, praising, “See, Senior Sister? I wasn’t wrong. Su Yan’s opera singing is truly excellent.”
After waiting for a moment without hearing her senior sister’s response, Jiang Ci turned her head to look. She saw Yan Shuang Qiao looking uneasy, staring intently at Su Yan on the stage.
Surprised, Jiang Ci reached out and shook Yan Shuang Qiao’s right arm. “Senior Sister, what’s wrong?”
Yan Shuang Qiao just stared blankly at Su Yan on the stage, murmuring, “So similar, it’s too similar!”
“Similar to what?”
Yan Shuang Qiao suddenly turned her head and looked at Jiang Ci, asking, “Xiao Ci, do you remember what my mother looked like?”
Jiang Ci thought for a moment and shook her head. “Aunt Rou passed away when I was still young. I really can’t remember her appearance clearly.”
Yan Shuang Qiao turned back to look at Su Yan and said softly, “That’s right, you were too young then, so you can’t remember clearly. But for me, all these years, I’ve been dreaming of my mother. This Su Yan looks too much like her.”
The sound of gongs gradually faded as the moon lute’s melody rose. Su Yan lifted her skirt and cheerfully stepped onto a small bridge, seemingly absorbed in admiring the scenery. A gust of wind blew her silk handkerchief high into the air, causing it to fall towards the bridge below.
Suddenly, the gong sound intensified as a wusheng (male martial character) tumbled out, making a dashing appearance. He picked up the handkerchief from beneath the bridge, then leaped in front of Su Yan, bowing low and presenting the handkerchief to her.
Su Yan lowered her head shyly as she retrieved the handkerchief, singing melodiously, “Look at his bright eyes and brows, see his gallant demeanor. Meeting by chance in the wind, connected by a handkerchief, my heart races. Could this be a predestined love from a past life, or is he the proud gentleman of my fate?”
The wusheng, with his handsome figure and clear voice, responded, “Look at her delicate charm, see her alluring gaze. Meeting under the lanterns, bonding beneath the moon, my heart pounds. Could we be like butterflies paired together, could my wishes come true?”
As this duet concluded, the audience seemed to envision the scene at Double Waters Bridge: a dashing young man and a gentle maiden, brought together by a handkerchief, silently pledging their love.
Jiang Ci watched with delight and patted Yan Shuangqiao’s hand, saying, “Senior Sister, she sings so beautifully. But if you were to sing, I’m sure it would be just as wonderful.”
As her hand touched Yan Shuangqiao’s, she felt it was ice-cold. Turning to look, she saw Yan Shuangqiao’s face had turned pale, her lower lip bitten, a look of deep sorrow on her face.
Just as Jiang Ci was about to speak, Yan Shuangqiao turned to Shao Jizong and asked in a trembling voice, “Young Master Shao, how old is this Su Yan?”
Shao Jizong thought for a moment and replied, “Sister Su should be about thirty-three or thirty-four years old. I’m not sure if she was born in the year of Yi Chou or Bing Yin.”
Yan Shuangqiao took a deep breath to calm herself and asked again, “Do you know anything about her background, Young Master Shao?”
“I’m not entirely sure, but I’ve heard she was once a young lady from a wealthy family. Due to some misfortune, she entered the official courtesan registry. Later, during a general amnesty, Madam Ye took a liking to her and brought her to this Lan Yue Lou—” Shao Jizong was about to continue but stopped when he noticed Yan Shuangqiao’s troubled expression.
At this moment, on the stage, the story took a dramatic turn. News of border unrest arrived, and it was revealed that the young lady’s father was a great general at the frontier. The wusheng, eager to make a name for himself, decided to join the ranks under his future father-in-law.
On one side, the young lady was consumed by thoughts of love, missing both her father and her lover, only to discover she was with a child. On the other side, the border conflict intensified, with the clash of weapons and battle cries filling the air.
Unexpectedly, the lover betrayed them, revealing crucial military intelligence to the enemy. The young lady’s father suffered a crushing defeat, forced to retreat hundreds of miles. Though he narrowly escaped with his life, he was summoned to the capital to face punishment from the imperial court.
The emperor was furious. The young lady’s father was exiled thousands of miles away. Unable to bear the shame after years of loyal service, he took his own life in the prison of the Ministry of Justice. Upon hearing of her husband’s suicide, the young lady’s mother hanged herself with a white silk rope, following her husband in death.
The music turned mournful. The once noble young lady, having just buried her parents with her young sister by her side, was then surrounded by fierce officials and taken to the official brothel to serve as a courtesan.
The music grew more intense, filled with grief and anger. In the brothel, the young lady suffered through childbirth, with her younger sister by her side. As the newborn girl was placed in her arms, the sisters wept uncontrollably. The audience in Lan Yue Lou murmured in sympathy, some unable to contain their curses for the unfaithful lover who had abandoned all sense of honor and conscience.
The drumbeat grew more somber and urgent. Before the infant girl was even a year old, the brothel overseer, annoyed by her presence, ordered the young lady to throw the child into the river, claiming she was a distraction from her duties as a performer. To save her daughter, the young lady desperately jumped into the river. Her younger sister, sacrificing herself, followed, but was rescued. The raging currents swept away all traces of the elder sister and her niece.
The younger sister, prostrate at the boat’s bow, wailed in utter despair, her childish voice filled with anguish, “If only I could slay that faithless man and bring back my parents and sister! Heaven, if you have any mercy, please open your eyes and protect my sister and her child, let them escape this calamity and live on in this world!”
As the young sister’s laments continued on stage, the audience below was in tears. Suddenly, there was a loud thud as Yan Shuangqiao fell backward, chair and all.
Jiang Ci cried out in alarm, “Senior Sister, what’s wrong?”
Shao Jizong quickly helped Yan Shuangqiao up, pressing her philtrum. As Yan Shuangqiao slowly regained consciousness, she struggled to her feet, pushing away the two, and walked slowly towards the stage.
The audience turned to look at Yan Shuangqiao. In the lamplight, her face was as pale as paper, seeming to use all her strength to move forward.
On stage, Su Yan noticed the young woman’s intense gaze and emotional state. An inexplicable shiver ran through her as she watched the approaching face. Unable to contain herself, she spoke, “Young lady, you are—”
Jiang Ci caught up and supported Yan Shuangqiao, repeatedly apologizing to Su Yan, “Sister Su Yan, I’m so sorry. My senior sister didn’t mean to disrupt your performance—”
Yan Shuangqiao smiled through her tears and asked softly, “May I ask, are you Yan Shuwan?”
Su Yan staggered, taking several steps back, her hand on her forehead. After a long moment, she suddenly rushed down from the stage, gripping Yan Shuangqiao’s shoulders tightly, and slowly said, “Who are you? How do you know my former name?”
Tears streamed down Yan Shuangqiao’s face as she slowly opened the front of her robe, pulling out a red silk cord from around her neck. The cord held nothing, and its color had darkened slightly with age.
Yan Shuangqiao removed the red silk cord and, looking at the stunned Su Yan, said through her tears, “When I was born, you and mother had nothing. To pray for Buddha’s blessing for me, you made this silk cord from the red curtains of the brothel boat and hung it around my neck. All these years, I’ve kept it on, never daring to remove it.”
Su Yan felt faint as the memories from over twenty years ago flooded back—in the brothel boat, her beloved sister giving birth, herself weaving this cord and holding the infant in her arms as they wept together. How could she ever forget that moment?
Su Yan reached out with trembling hands, crying, “You, you are—”
Yan Shuangqiao stepped forward and embraced Su Yan tightly, “Yes, Aunt, I am Shuangqiao, Yan Shuangqiao, your niece!”
Unable to withstand the sudden shock, Su Yan felt dizzy and began to collapse. Yan Shuangqiao quickly supported her, calling out, “Aunt! Aunt!”
In Lan Yue Lou, the hundreds of guests were stunned by this scene, their expressions a mix of emotions as they stared at Su Yan and Yan Shuangqiao.
Jiang Ci was initially too shocked to speak. She had only vaguely heard her senior sister mention her mother’s past, but the details were unclear. She never dreamed that the kind Sister Su Yan would turn out to be her senior sister’s long-lost aunt.
Seeing Su Yan and Yan Shuangqiao embracing and weeping, Jiang Ci’s vision blurred with tears. Her feet felt as if they were cast in lead, unable to move. Suddenly lowering her head, a teardrop fell, bringing her back to her senses. She quickly wiped her eyes and went forward to support Yan Shuangqiao and Su Yan, “Please don’t cry anymore. You’re reunited now, it’s a great blessing. Please, stop crying!”
Su Yan gradually quieted her sobs, realizing they were still in the main hall. She gripped Yan Shuangqiao’s hand tightly, “Come with me!” Without even acknowledging the guests in the hall, she led Yan Shuangqiao towards the back hall, with Jiang Ci hurrying after them.
After the three disappeared, the guests in the hall finally reacted, buzzing with discussion.
Outside Lan Yue Lou, the cold moonlight filtered through the window lattices into the hall. In a corner of the building, a black figure gracefully descended from the carved beams, like a swallow piercing through clouds. It slipped out through the window and climbed up to the third floor of Lan Yue Lou.