As summer had entered its hottest period, each day grew hotter than the last. On this day, the scorching sun blazed in the sky without a trace of wind. Yuanxi sat beneath dense flowering trees, earnestly examining the account books in her hands. Though the tree shade overhead blocked the sun, she still felt stifling heat. After sitting for just a short while, her thin shirt was already soaked with sweat from her back.
Though ice had been prepared early in her room to beat the heat, she always felt too stifled inside and craved the fragrance of these gardenia flowers, so she still came here daily to read. An’he stood behind her, together with another round-faced little maid, gently fanning her. The round-faced little maid was specially assigned to her by Xiao Du, named Ying’er. Only fifteen years old this year, she had a lively and innocent nature that got along very well with An’he. Though not as careful and understanding as Rong Qiao, she was much more trustworthy.
Yuanxi looked back at the two who were fanning while constantly raising their sleeves to wipe sweat, feeling somewhat sorry for them, so she said, “No need to fan anymore. You both go rest in the pavilion for a while.” An’he, concerned for her young mistress, bit her lip with some hesitation. Yuanxi smiled, “With you fanning back and forth like this, you’re making the pages of my book fly around. How can I read peacefully?” Only then did An’he feel reassured, saying to her, “Then Madam can read first, we’ll come back to serve you later.” She then happily pulled Ying’er away to chat and play.
Yuanxi focused on the account book before her, but her heart couldn’t settle down. In the grove ahead, birds chirped and cicadas sang, making her increasingly agitated and restless. With Concubine Wang’s death still unresolved, all the affairs and accounts of the marquis residence had been handed over to her. But she was only seventeen years old after all, and had never had experience managing a household, so she had to rely on Steward Zhou Jingyuan’s assistance for almost everything, truly feeling overwhelmed. Fortunately, these miscellaneous tasks kept each day packed full, leaving her no time to think about that book, that person, or those unclear and indescribable sorrows. She took out her handkerchief to wipe the sweat constantly sliding down her forehead, couldn’t help but frown and sigh, feeling increasingly hot and bothered.
Just then, a little maid walked over from outside. Yuanxi recognized this as Xi Qiu, a maid who often followed Xiao Du. As soon as Xi Qiu arrived, she bowed to her, then took out an exquisite porcelain bowl from the food box in her hands and placed it before her. Yuanxi looked down and discovered it was actually a bowl of cherry ice cream. This was a dessert she rarely ate even in the chancellor’s residence—fresh, tender cherries paired with chilled sweet cream, appearing especially refreshing and tempting in this stifling weather.
Xi Qiu said, “This is what the marquis had me bring you. He said Madam works too hard every day, so he specially had the kitchen make this cherry ice cream for you to beat the heat.” After speaking, she covered her mouth and smiled, adding another sentence: “The marquis is truly extremely thoughtful toward Madam. It really makes us bystanders envious!”
Yuanxi’s face reddened, and she felt somewhat strange—how did he know she was here reading? But before she could ask more, Xi Qiu had already bowed with a smile and taken her leave. The dessert before her was truly tempting. Without thinking much, she scooped a spoonful and put it in her mouth. The sweet and sour cherries paired with the cool and refreshing sweet cream immediately dispelled all the heat in her heart—sweet and cool, melting between her lips and teeth, then seeping into her heart and spleen.
She continued scooping spoonful by spoonful, unconsciously hanging a light smile at the corners of her mouth. Just then, she suddenly heard the sound of rushing water. Looking up quickly, she saw a clear stream cascading down from under the eaves not far away, hanging and splashing like a waterfall. Yuanxi stared in amazement with wide eyes. Looking more carefully, she realized there was a huge water storage jar on the roof continuously pouring water down. The clear stream stirred up waves of coolness, the gardenia trees swayed gently pushed by the water flow, stirring up a gentle breeze carrying the fragrance of flowers and leaves. As Yuanxi watched, she understood this was imitating the cool halls of the imperial palace, specially arranged to dispel heat for her. Without question, this must also be Xiao Du’s thoughtfulness. She sat down and picked up the account book again, but this time accompanied by gentle water sounds and a cool breeze, her heart felt only coolness and joy.
Across the crystal water curtain, Xiao Du sat on his couch watching her from afar. Seeing her previously furrowed brow finally relax and sweet smile appear at the corners of her lips, his heart surged with indescribable satisfaction. He suddenly understood why ancient foolish emperors would spend a thousand gold pieces just to make a beauty smile. Just then, a servant outside called, “Master Luo has arrived.”
Xiao Du quickly lowered the bamboo curtain and walked to sit at his desk, saying, “Please show him in.”
As soon as Luo Yuan entered, he heard the sound of flowing water dripping outside the window and smiled, “The marquis’s study certainly has quite an interesting atmosphere.”
Thinking of the person still reading outside the window, Xiao Du revealed a meaningful smile, “Naturally so.”
Luo Yuan sat down and said, “I wonder what matter the marquis seeks me for today?”
Xiao Du’s expression gradually grew serious, “You know about Concubine Wang’s affair, don’t you?”
Luo Yuan nodded, “I heard roughly about it. Chancellor Xia’s move was indeed sinister—first using Madam’s matter to force the marquis to investigate thoroughly, then bringing troops to arrest people at the crucial moment, making Wang Shoucheng think the marquis had private dealings with the Xia family. I heard Wang Shoucheng has been claiming illness and staying home for several days since his sister’s death, unwilling to go out. He must have blamed this entire account on the marquis residence.”
Xiao Du shook his head, “If not for his sister, how could he have climbed up to the marquis residence’s connections? How could he have had money to establish relationships in court? But ultimately, it was our marquis residence that paved his way. He shouldn’t turn his back on us so quickly.”
Luo Yuan said, “Though this is so, all people are like this. He’ll remember the kindness as being from his sister, but since his sister is dead, the grudge will naturally be blamed on the marquis residence.”
Xiao Du sighed, “Fortunately, he’s had many entanglements with the marquis residence over the years and is at odds with the Xia family, so he probably won’t defect so quickly. But I fear Concubine Wang’s matter has other hidden circumstances.”
Luo Yuan frowned, “Didn’t they say the evidence was conclusive? What other hidden circumstances could there be?”
“Those few days, pressed by Chancellor Xia’s urgency, we could only follow the investigation into Rong Qiao’s death, and coincidentally all clues pointed to Concubine Wang. Only later did I realize this was all too logical, as if someone had deliberately orchestrated it. Moreover, to plot Rong Qiao’s murder required more than one person, but despite our long investigation, we couldn’t find who among Concubine Wang’s associates could be an accomplice. After Concubine Wang was imprisoned, she died mysteriously, which makes me even more suspicious.”
Luo Yuan frowned, “The marquis suspects there’s still someone problematic in the marquis residence? This person is hiding behind the scenes causing trouble and pushed everything onto Concubine Wang?”
“Exactly,” Xiao Du said. “Moreover, I suspect this person has private contact with Chancellor Xia. So I must dig him out, but unfortunately we still can’t find any leads.” He rubbed his forehead and asked, “By the way, has there been any movement at the border these past few days?”
Luo Yuan said, “According to reports from Hangu Pass, the Wu people have made several small-scale incursions at the border recently, all driven back by General Zheng and his men. His Majesty was greatly pleased and ordered rewards for the entire army.” He looked up at Xiao Du with a meaningful smile, “If I’m not mistaken, the Wu people’s attacks at exactly this time, preventing Chancellor Xia from finding opportunity to move against the Xiao family army—this should also be a good move arranged by the marquis, right?”
Xiao Du smiled, “I merely had someone convey the current situation to Zheng Long. Having followed me for so long, they naturally know what to do.” He instructed further, “Keep a close watch for me. If there’s any disturbance from Chancellor Xia’s side, you must come report to me immediately.” Luo Yuan nodded in agreement. The two talked for a while longer before Luo Yuan took his leave. As he passed through the courtyard gate and walked onto the covered bridge, he suddenly stopped and bowed forward, “Madam Xiao.”
Yuanxi was leading An’he and Ying’er back to her room when she saw the person before her. Her heart trembled, many words surging to her throat, but she only nodded lightly in return. Neither spoke, just lowered their heads and passed each other. After walking a few steps, Yuanxi suddenly turned around and said softly, “Young tutor, I’m sorry.” Sorry for not being able to respond to your feelings.
She paused before continuing, “I’m sorry, but the book you mentioned might have been lost.”
Luo Yuan’s body shook, his heart filled with indescribable bitterness, but his face only showed feigned lightness as he said, “It doesn’t matter. If Madam Xiao wants to read it, I can find it for you again.”
Yuanxi didn’t dare look at him anymore, lowering her head, “No need to trouble yourself. I probably don’t have time to read anymore now.” After speaking, she quickly turned around, fleeing in panic before tears could flow. Let it be like this—buds that shouldn’t have grown should be ruthlessly cut off before they could strengthen, a good thing for both him and her.
Yuanxi returned to her room dispirited, dazed and not knowing what she ate or did, until at dusk when a little maid suddenly brought news that the princess had summoned her to her room. Yuanxi felt somewhat strange but didn’t dare delay, quickly walking toward the courtyard where the princess resided.
In the main room mixed with sandalwood and medicinal scents, the princess was holding prayer beads with closed eyes. Her complexion was much more rosy than before, and she seemed much more spirited. Seeing Yuanxi, she surprisingly showed some rare smile, saying, “Sit first.”
Yuanxi quickly sat down respectfully, “What does mother-in-law summon me for?”
The princess said, “Too many things have happened in the residence these days. Though I never liked Wang Shuoyao, I never expected she would do such things.” She sighed and continued, “Now that all the residence affairs have been handed to you, can you still manage them?”
Yuanxi hesitated for a moment, then spoke truthfully, “I’ve been in the marquis residence for only a short time and am not skilled at these matters. I have to rely on Steward Zhou’s help for most things.”
The princess shook her head, “Though Zhou Jingyuan is an old hand in the residence, he’s ultimately not the master. Now in times of internal and external troubles, the internal affairs of the residence absolutely cannot have any mistakes, but my health is truly poor. How about this—if you feel overwhelmed, you can ask Concubine Cai for help. She used to serve in the old master’s quarters, is quite capable and reliable in her work, and is familiar with all residence matters. She’s now moved into Xuan’er’s courtyard, so it’s convenient for you to find her.”
Yuanxi thought of Concubine Cai’s consistently peaceful and uncontentious appearance, feeling this was indeed a solution, but she still felt somewhat strange and couldn’t help but look up at the princess with confusion, somewhat hesitant to speak.
The princess seemed to understand her meaning and smiled coldly, “You’re afraid I’ll be wary of her, worried she’ll become another Wang Shuoyao, right? Rest assured, she’s always been timid and fearful. Even if you gave her courage, she wouldn’t dare to act presumptuously. Now having finally gotten her daughter back, she’s eager to prove herself and will definitely help you wholeheartedly.” She sighed again, “Though I resent them in my heart, I must still prioritize the safety of the marquis residence. Can you understand my painful intentions?”
Seeing her say this, Yuanxi felt relieved and thanked the princess, asking after her health a few more times before leaving.
The sky gradually darkened, a bright moon hung on the treetops. Concubine Cai was writing in her room when she suddenly saw a figure flash past outside the window. Her expression changed, then she pretended nothing had happened as she pushed open the door, saying to her maid, “I’m going for a walk. You don’t need to follow.” She then slowly walked out of the courtyard, and seeing no one following behind, quickened her pace to reach a secluded area behind artificial rocks.
Someone was already standing behind the artificial rocks. As soon as she approached, she frowned and said in a low voice, “Why are you coming to find me now? What if someone sees us?”
That person laughed mockingly, “Is Concubine Cai’s status different now, disdaining to see a small character like me anymore?”
Concubine Cai’s expression softened slightly as she smiled, “How could that be? I could have today thanks to you. It’s just that the storm hasn’t passed yet, so it’s better for us to have less contact.”
That person said, “I didn’t want to come find you either, but you haven’t fulfilled what you promised me.”
A cold smile appeared at the corners of Concubine Cai’s mouth, “You mean her? Don’t worry, though she seems to be in her glory now, soon I’ll make her taste what it’s like to fall to rock bottom.”