Two days after the Festival of Ten Thousand Longevities, His Majesty bestowed many nourishing medicines upon Xu Lingyi, while the Empress sent a robe of black fox fur, along with a pair of black fox fur knee wraps. Chief Eunuch Lei delivered the gifts with a smile, saying, “Her Highness the Empress says that since the Marquis need no longer attend the early morning court, he should still take care — the morning winds are at their sharpest.”

This was plainly a message sent to inform Xu Lingyi.

Luo Shiyiniang let out a great breath of relief upon hearing it. She accepted the robe and said to Xu Lingyi with a satisfied air, “Wear it for the new year.” She had the look of a woman managing every coin carefully.

Xu Lingyi could not help but laugh. He rose and went to the Banyue Pond.

During this period, Xu Siqin and his brothers had been spending all their time at the Grand Madam’s side, so Luo Shiyiniang had sent Zhen Jie’er over as well. The house was quiet and still. She sat on the heated platform doing needlework when a young maid came in to report: “Madam, Nanny Hang from the household over at Bowstring Lane has come.”

At this hour?

She was quite surprised, and had Nanny Hang shown in.

Nanny Hang was wearing a dark crimson Zhangbao cotton jacket, a large red silk flower pinned in her hair — festive and cheerful-looking. She entered with a bright smile and curtseyed: “Yesterday the Elder Master returned to the capital, bringing with him the Fourth Young Master and his new bride, the Twelfth Miss, the Fifth Yiniang, and the Third Yiniang. Madam sent me especially to bring this news to the Eleventh Young Madam, and to invite you to come over tomorrow for a meal…”

Before she had even finished speaking, Luo Shiyiniang let out a soft exclamation: “The Fifth Yiniang came too?”

“Yes indeed!” Nanny Hang smiled warmly. “There’s no one left in the household, and one couldn’t very well leave the Fifth Yiniang there all alone. The Elder Master convinced her — the Fifth Yiniang can still observe her devotions at home, and there can be a Buddhist shrine set up right in the house. He persuaded her to come.”

Luo Shiyiniang had not seen the Fifth Yiniang in two years…

Could she say she missed her? She had not consciously thought of her. Could she say she did not? There was always something about Yuhang that felt like it held her.

She sat for a moment in a kind of daze.

Nanny Hang was already smiling again: “The Third Master and the Third Young Madam have been invited as well, and the Fourth Son-in-law and the Fourth Young Madam; the Fifth Son-in-law and the Fifth Young Madam; the Tenth Son-in-law and the Tenth Young Madam.”

It seemed to be a family gathering.

Luo Shiyiniang took a long breath and collected herself. “Please tell the Madam I will be there first thing in the morning.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Nanny Hang’s face.

The Eleventh Young Madam had a mother-in-law above and a husband to answer to. To return to her family home, she ought to need to arrange things first — yet here she agreed without so much as a word to anyone. By the look of it, this Eleventh Young Madam was a person of considerable capability, having established a firm footing in the household in a mere three or four months…

The thought passed in a flash, and she was already smiling her agreement. The two exchanged a few pleasantries, and Nanny Hang rose to take her leave. Luo Shiyiniang gave her a parting gift and had Lvyun see her out. She sat for a moment afterward with a nameless feeling in her chest, then called for Hupo to summon Dongqing, Binju, and Zhuxiang. She told the three of them that the Elder Master had returned from Yuhang.

All of them broke into smiles upon hearing the news — Zhuxiang in particular, her face lighting up: “Did the Fifth Yiniang come too? Is she staying? Madam, you must dress especially well when you go to see her tomorrow — the Fifth Yiniang will feel so much better seeing you.”

Luo Shiyiniang watched her and felt something complex stir in her chest.

Perhaps the one who had been thinking of the Fifth Yiniang most was not her, but Zhuxiang…

“Yes, yes, yes.” Binju chimed in enthusiastically and pulled Zhuxiang off to help Luo Shiyiniang pick out her clothes.

But Hupo’s expression became hesitant: “Should we not say something to the Marquis… The Fourth Son-in-law is the sort who loves visiting family. The Fifth Son-in-law is very skilled with people — he is sure to go. If the Marquis happens to have something on, we’d best make arrangements early…”

What she was implying was that she feared Xu Lingyi might not go. It would not look right if all the other married daughters came with their husbands, while only she arrived alone — as if she had been looked down upon by her husband’s family.

But Luo Shiyiniang had no intention of asking him to come.

Xu Lingyi occupied a position of such authority and rank that the Luo family had never dared regard him the way they would an ordinary son-in-law. If he went, the gathering would either fall into strained silence, or become a very stiff and formal affair — and besides, Xu Lingyi now had his “foot ailment,” which meant he ought to be resting properly at home…

But before she could speak, Dongqing said: “What manner of man is the Marquis? Let alone the Fourth Son-in-law and the Fifth Son-in-law — even the Tenth Son-in-law doesn’t compare.”

Her meaning was that going was an honor for the Luo family, and not going was equally acceptable.

Luo Shiyiniang disliked this manner of thinking in Dongqing.

Sometimes others could climb right onto your back because you were the first to bow down.

“Whatever else he may be, he is still the Luo family’s son-in-law,” Luo Shiyiniang said mildly. “It is simply that the Marquis currently has his foot ailment, and less walking about is advisable.”

Dongqing sensed the displeasure in Luo Shiyiniang’s tone and quickly explained, “Madam, that is not what I meant. I only thought that since the Marquis conducts himself with such propriety, and the Fourth Son-in-law and Fifth Son-in-law have only a degree to their names, it might make everyone uncomfortable if he were to come.”

Luo Shiyiniang had wanted to correct Dongqing — but after a moment’s reflection, she had been raised under that very code of hierarchy, with its clear distinctions of high and low. There was no sense in letting her flounder in confusion. She simply smiled and said, “You are not entirely wrong.” Then she rose. “Since I am going back to Bowstring Lane tomorrow, I ought to go and let the Grand Madam know.” She led Hupo to the Grand Madam’s quarters.

When the Grand Madam learned that the Luo Elder Master had returned, and that the Madam of that household wished for Luo Shiyiniang to come back for a meal, she said immediately, “Wonderful — the whole family gathered together, go and have a fine day out.” She then had Nanny Du bring out two thirty-year-old ginseng roots: “Send these to the Elder Madam of the Luo family.” Then a packet of swallows’ nests: “For the Yiniang.” Then four identical gold-gilded pearl-inlaid hairpins: “For the Luo daughters and the new Fourth Young Madam.”

Luo Shiyiniang expressed her thanks and turned to Zhen Jie’er: “Would you like to come with me?”

Zhen Jie’er was taken aback, and after a long pause murmured, “Me, I’m going too…”

Luo Shiyiniang smiled. “The Twelfth Miss is coming as well — she is two years younger than you. She has a very agreeable nature; the two of you may well get along.”

Seeing that Zhen Jie’er was still hesitant, the Grand Madam smiled and said, “If you want to go, then go along. That is your maternal family too — go and enjoy yourself.”

Only then did Zhen Jie’er answer in a respectful voice, though her eyes brightened like the morning stars.

Luo Shiyiniang watched this and smiled quietly to herself.

The Grand Madam asked after Xu Lingyi: “…He used to attend the morning court, and now that he no longer does, I still barely see him.”

Luo Shiyiniang smiled quickly: “The Marquis has gone to the Banyue Pond. He said he had something to discuss with his advisors.” She added, “Although the Marquis no longer needs to attend court, the year’s end is approaching, and there are social calls to be made all around — it is no less demanding than when he was attending court.”

The Grand Madam said no more.

Luo Shiyiniang stayed to keep her company in light conversation, until a young servant boy came in to report: “…Sir Zhou and Sir Wang have come to call on the Marquis, who has set up a table in the outer wing to receive them. He says he will not come for midday, and will come to pay his respects to the Grand Madam in the evening.”

As they say — speak of the one and he appears.

Luo Shiyiniang had only just mentioned Xu Lingyi had many social calls, and here one had come already. The Grand Madam glanced over at Luo Shiyiniang with a smile and asked, “Which Sir Zhou? Which Sir Wang?”

The servant boy answered brightly: “Sir Zhou Shizheng and Sir Wang Li.”

“Ah, so it is those two!” the Grand Madam said cheerfully. “Tell them I have noted it.” The servant boy went off with her reply.

The Grand Madam explained to Luo Shiyiniang: “Zhou Shizheng is the third son of the Princess of Fucheng — he has grown up alongside Old Fourth from childhood. Wang Li was originally the Chamberlain of His Majesty’s former residence, and is now the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works and Keeper of the Imperial Seals.”

It was clear that these were among Xu Lingyi’s close friends.

Luo Shiyiniang smiled and nodded, quietly committing this to memory. At midday she and the Third Madam attended the Grand Madam together for the noon meal, then returned with Zhen Jie’er to her own rooms, sorting out the clothes and accessories she would need for the next day’s outing. She also took some time to give Zhen Jie’er an introduction to the Luo household — so she would not feel lost upon arriving.

They were still in the middle of this when Xu Lingyi came home.

Zhen Jie’er curtseyed and took her leave.

Luo Shiyiniang stepped forward with a smile to help him off with his cloak.

Catching the faint trace of wine about him, she attended him with a hot towel to wipe his face, then had someone brew a strong cup of tea: “To clear the wine.”

Xu Lingyi lounged against the large bolster and sipped the tea, a rare ease settling into his brow.

“What is all this?” He glanced at the accessories scattered across the dressing table and asked idly.

Luo Shiyiniang told him that the Elder Master had returned with the Fifth Yiniang from the capital: “…I’ve been invited to go back for a meal tomorrow.”

“Going back to your family home…” He paused, looking somewhat puzzled, then asked, “When will you be back? And — was I not invited?” He seemed genuinely confused.

Does it necessarily follow that you must be invited…

Luo Shiyiniang almost laughed, but reminded herself that she stood between her husband’s family and her own, and that she could not let distance grow between them. So she said warmly: “How could the Marquis not be invited? I simply said on your behalf that you have your foot ailment, and sent your regrets.” Then, with an eagerness to please: “Qiao Yiniang played the zither for you last night, didn’t she? How about tomorrow I have a whole table set and sent over to Qiao Yiniang’s rooms — the two of you can drink and enjoy the music…”

Xu Lingyi stared at her. After a long silence, he made a sound of acknowledgment, then pointed to the tea cup: “Have another one brewed.”

Luo Shiyiniang told a young maid to go and brew fresh tea.

Xu Lingyi pointed to another young maid standing nearby: “Go and call the Steward Bai.”

The young maid went off at once.

Xu Lingyi then murmured something under his breath.

Luo Shiyiniang could not quite make it out and walked over: “Does the Marquis have instructions?” The words had barely left her mouth when, in a flash, she was pulled into his arms.

The sudden change startled a small cry from her.

Xu Lingyi was already pressing his face into her hair at her temple: “What have you been doing all day?” The warmth of his breath, carrying the scent of wine, brushed against her cheek — mingled with his low, mellow voice — and filled the air with something altogether too intimate.

Her face flooded scarlet in an instant. “The Marquis has had too much to drink…”

“A little.” Xu Lingyi’s voice was a warm blur, but his hand was already slipping inside the front of her padded jacket.

“It is broad daylight!” He had sent away only the two young maids who had been directly attending him — but there were still two more standing at the doorway to the inner chamber, and others at the curtained entrance to the sitting room, not to mention the main door… Luo Shiyiniang scrambled frantically to catch hold of that unruly hand.

“In broad daylight — what is there to be afraid of?” A note of playful teasing ran through Xu Lingyi’s voice — but Luo Shiyiniang was too flustered to hear it. “I have a headache. Come and lie down with me for a while.”

“But you called for Steward Bai just now…” Feeling the ties of her skirt come loose, Luo Shiyiniang was truly flustered — she shoved hard and rolled to the side to get away, forgetting that the low table sat right behind her. A crash rang out, followed by the sound of breaking porcelain… and the panicked cry of a young maid who did not know what to do.

Both of them froze.

The tears rushed to Luo Shiyiniang’s eyes before she could stop them.

This was simply too much.

If word of this got out, how would she ever hold her head up again?

Xu Lingyi looked at the young maid who was still standing there in stunned bewilderment, his expression turning thunderously dark. “Why are you still standing there? Get out.”

The young maid bolted out in blind panic.

Luo Shiyiniang had already pressed her lips together and sat up, composing her clothing.

Xu Lingyi was deeply vexed.

Who would have thought the maids in her room had so little sense…

—