Madam Zheng spoke up, “As women, we can discuss topics related to us without any reservations. Madam Shen, please feel at home and speak freely.”
“Indeed, indeed. Since our host has spoken, we should not hold back. Let’s share our thoughts openly,” Zhu Yan chimed in, going along with the flow.
Madam Tang gently sipped her tea, “The tea is rich and aromatic. This must be the new Biluochun from this year.”
“Madam Tang, you have a discerning palate. This is indeed the new Biluochun,” Madam Zheng replied. “I carefully selected these tea leaves. Since we are gathered here today, I thought it fitting to serve them. Please, Madam Shen, try some. This tea is truly exceptional.”
Zhu Yan felt a bit uneasy but quickly joined Lu Chuchu in tasting the tea.
Madam Tang set her cup down and turned to Zhu Yan, “It’s been some time. How is the progress on the case?”
Zhu Yan smiled and nodded, “It’s going well. We should catch the culprit soon.”
Madam Zheng sighed, “I hope so. The entire city of Chang’an is on edge. Even children are afraid to play outside.”
“You can’t blame the Internal Affairs Office for inefficiency,” Madam Tang interjected warmly. “The culprit is cunning, evading capture time and again. Don’t you agree, Madam Shen?”
Madam Tang’s gaze held a hint of challenge and mockery.
“Yes, indeed,” Zhu Yan replied, her face pale, responding to Madam Tang’s words.
Lu Chuchu, sensing the undertone, quickly added, “Exactly! If the culprits weren’t so sly, we might have caught them by now. It’s causing such unrest. When we do catch them, they won’t escape justice.”
Madam Tang chuckled softly, “Lu Daren, your determination is admirable. I toast to your success in capturing the culprit soon.”
Lu Chuchu was momentarily taken aback but quickly raised her cup to toast with Madam Tang.
As the conversation shifted away from serious matters, Madam Zheng skillfully steered it back to women’s topics.
When the discussion turned to skincare, the women became animated, exchanging tips and stories.
At that moment, a servant announced, “Madam, the Grand Secretary has arrived.”
Hearing this, Madam Zheng glanced at Zhu Yan, “It seems the Grand Secretary and his wife share a deep bond. He couldn’t bear to be apart for long.”
“Madam Zheng, you jest,” Zhu Yan replied, blushing slightly and lowering her head.
This scene was fully observed by Shen Du as he approached.
It was the first time Shen Du saw Zhu Yan display such a demure and bashful demeanor, and he found it captivating.
Shen Du entered the pavilion, noticing Zhu Yan engaged in lively conversation with the other ladies. He approached and said, “I hope I’m not intruding.”
“Not at all,” Madam Zheng quickly replied. “When women gather, we tend to discuss women’s matters. It doesn’t interfere with anything. Please, have some tea, Grand Secretary.”
Shen Du sat beside Zhu Yan, glancing at her. Zhu Yan remained composed, nodding slightly in acknowledgment.
Suddenly, Zhu Yan remembered her purpose for visiting the Liang residence and asked, “Last time I was here, I met a clever maid. I haven’t seen her today. Where is she?”
Madam Zheng looked puzzled, “We have many maids. Which one are you referring to, Madam Shen?”
Zhu Yan thought for a moment, “I don’t know her name, but she had a distinctive bracelet—a red string with a peach-shaped silver ornament.”
“Oh…” Madam Zheng realized, “You must mean Tao’er. That girl was clever. A few days ago, she accidentally broke an antique vase, a gift from the late emperor. My brother was furious but merciful and sent her back.”
“Where was she sent?” Zhu Yan inquired further.
“Back to the matchmaker who introduced her. We returned her intact, so she could find work elsewhere.”
“I see…” Zhu Yan nodded, piecing together the situation in her mind.
At that moment, Liang Jiren arrived with his entourage. Madam Zheng quickly stood up, “My brother is here. You can ask him directly.”
Liang Jiren, overhearing the conversation, approached, “What’s this about? What do you need to know?”
Madam Zheng greeted him with a smile, “It’s nothing much. It’s about the maid who made a mistake. It turns out she had some connection with Madam Shen.”
“You mean the maid named Tao’er?”
Madam Zheng nodded repeatedly.
Liang Jiren turned to Zhu Yan, “I didn’t realize the maid had a connection with you, Madam Shen. She made a mistake, so I returned her to the matchmaker. But before she left, I gave her some extra money for her time here.”
“Liang Daren, your generosity is commendable. I admire it,” Shen Du interjected, exchanging a knowing glance with Zhu Yan.
“Since she’s gone, it’s no matter. By the way, I brought some calming incense from Foguang Temple,” Zhu Yan said, producing a carefully wrapped incense block. “Though Foguang Temple isn’t as renowned as Ximing Temple, it has a long history and profound teachings. The last time I visited, I noticed Madam Wei seemed unwell. This incense might help her sleep better. I brought it as a gift for her.”
Upon hearing this, both Liang Jiren and Madam Zheng’s expressions changed.
The others remained silent, with Madam Tang quietly observing as if the matter didn’t concern her.
“Since it’s a sincere gift from Madam Shen, it must be effective. Liang Daren, you shouldn’t waste her kind gesture,” Shen Du said, standing up.
Liang Jiren, feeling embarrassed, quickly replied, “Of course, since it’s a heartfelt gift from Madam Shen, how could I refuse?”
Liang Jiren led the way, gesturing for everyone to follow.
The group followed Liang Jiren to the courtyard where Madam Wei resided, finding her sitting in the doorway, lost in thought.