“Skip rope would be better!” Shiyiniang glanced around. “Shuttlecock is a children’s game.”

“No, shuttlecock is far better,” Xu Sijian said with a face full of smiles. “Skipping rope is nothing but a test of stamina — how could we possibly compare in a test of stamina!”

“Shuttlecock, skipping rope, or even football — aren’t they all for the sake of strengthening the body? Otherwise, why would we be here working up a sweat at all? We might as well sit inside and read books.” Shiyiniang laughed. “Since there’s no real difference between them, then it doesn’t matter whether it’s shuttlecock or skipping rope!”

Xu Sijian immediately countered: “Exactly as Fourth Auntie says — since there’s no real difference, then I say we go with shuttlecock!”

The two of them went back and forth at each other.

Zhun Ge quickly said: “Why don’t I compete with Third Brother on Mother’s behalf?” With the air of a peacemaker: “Everyone stop arguing!”

Shiyiniang watched him and laughed.

Xu Sijian, however, said: “That won’t do — this matter needs to be settled properly.” He was clearly bent on debating with Shiyiniang over which was more entertaining, shuttlecock or skipping rope.

Shiyiniang was only too happy to tease Xu Sijian back.

The two of them traded volleys of words with lively spirit.

At first Zhun Ge listened from the side with some concern, but as the exchange grew more and more amusing, he propped his chin on his hands and listened with rapt attention. Only Xu Sijie stepped forward and kicked Xu Sijian: “Don’t argue with my mother, don’t argue with my mother…” Xu Sijian had not seen it coming, and was struck squarely, grabbing his shin and yelping.

Shiyiniang was stunned. A moment later, she gathered herself and pulled Xu Sijie into her arms: “A gentleman uses words, not his hands. You absolutely cannot go around hitting people.”

Xu Sijie looked at Shiyiniang, his expression carrying a trace of grievance.

Zhun Ge had already stepped forward to apologize to Xu Sijian on his behalf: “He’s still small and doesn’t know any better… Did he hurt you anywhere?”

Xu Sijian, seeing Xu Sijie’s crestfallen look, naturally would not pass up the chance to give him a scare. He raised his eyebrows, rolled up his sleeve, and said: “Just you wait — I’ll go and bring Eldest Brother and Second Brother over here, and then you’ll get what’s coming to you.”

“Third Brother, please don’t be angry, please don’t be angry!” Rather than frightening Xu Sijie, Xu Sijian had startled Zhun Ge instead. He hurried forward to pull Xu Sijian’s arm and plead: “Third Brother, don’t you want a cricket cage? That bamboo-patterned one of mine — take a look at it. I also have a purple clay one. You can pick whichever you like.”

Zhun Ge knew how to placate someone!

Was this natural instinct, or the growth of experience?

Shiyiniang burst out laughing.

Xu Sijian, looking at the anxious Zhun Ge, couldn’t help but laugh himself.

In an instant the room was filled with laughter, lively and warm.

…

On the fifteenth day of the first month, Xu Lingyi, the Old Dowager, and Shiyiniang entered the palace in their full formal regalia befitting their respective ranks. Xu Lingyi proceeded to the Hall of Heavenly Purity, while the Old Dowager and Shiyiniang made their way to the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.

Waiting by the door of the Eastern Warm Chamber was Eunuch Lei. Seeing the Old Dowager and Shiyiniang, he stepped forward quickly, cupped his hands, and said quietly: “Noble Consort Xian, Noble Consort Jing, Imperial Concubine Song, the Princess Imperial, Princess Ancheng, Princess Yong’an, and Madam Zhou are inside.” He then added: “Yesterday at noon, His Majesty took his midday meal at the Imperial Noble Consort’s quarters. The Imperial Noble Consort herself brewed a cup of biluochun to offer him. But the tea was too hot and scalded His Majesty. His Majesty was greatly displeased. Today for the fireworks viewing, he did not extend an invitation to the Imperial Noble Consort.”

Shiyiniang’s heart stirred at hearing this.

Never mind that the Imperial Noble Consort was serving tea to the Emperor — even when she herself served tea to Xu Lingyi, she was always careful about the temperature. How could she possibly have scalded him? And then to think of the imperial edict specially summoning Xu Lingyi, the Old Dowager, and herself to come to the palace to view the fireworks… was there some particular intent behind the Emperor’s actions?

She quickly looked toward the Old Dowager.

The Old Dowager wore a gracious smile, no different from her usual manner. She slipped something into Eunuch Lei’s hand: “Thank you, Eunuch Lei. It’s so cold out — you’ve been working hard.”

Eunuch Lei smiled, tucking whatever it was smoothly into his sleeve without any visible reaction: “Old Dowager and the Marchioness of Yongping, please follow me.” He led them into the Eastern Warm Chamber.

Shiyiniang dared not dwell on her thoughts, and followed close behind the Old Dowager, paying her respects to the Empress, to Noble Consort Xian and the other three consorts, and then exchanging greetings with Madam Zhou.

“Please, there is no need for such formality.” The Empress’s color looked far better than the last time Shiyiniang had seen her. She smiled warmly, her manner unhurried, and in the leisurely tone peculiar to women of the highest standing, had palace maids bring an embroidered stool for the Old Dowager.

The Old Dowager offered her thanks and sat down.

Shiyiniang stood behind the Old Dowager, and stole a quick glance at the three consorts seated around the Empress.

They all appeared to be in their late teens — figures graceful, features delicate, yet their manner of dress and adornment leaned toward the garishly showy, with an abundance of coy charm but lacking anything truly striking. In fact, they could not compare to the Empress herself, who in her formal court regalia and phoenix crown carried a dignified, stately beauty all her own.

The Empress then inquired after the Old Dowager’s health in recent days.

The Old Dowager answered each question in turn.

Madam Zhou, who stood behind the Princess Imperial, caught Shiyiniang’s eye and smiled at her with lips pressed together.

Shiyiniang did not know what to make of it, and did not dare move, so she stood with her eyes fixed straight ahead, the very picture of composed propriety.

Then a palace maid came in to announce that the Marchioness of Jianninghou and the Marchioness of Shouchang Bo had arrived.

The Empress summoned them in, and greetings were exchanged all around. The Empress again had palace maids bring embroidered stools. The two of them had barely given their thanks and sat down when a palace maid came in to announce that Princess Changning had arrived.

With the exception of the Empress and the Princess Imperial, all others rose.

Shiyiniang couldn’t help but study the newcomer.

Princess Changning appeared to be around forty years of age — fair-complexioned, her figure slightly on the fuller side, her features bearing four or five points of resemblance to the Emperor. Though her dress and adornment were elaborate, her expression was drawn tight, her bearing deeply grave.

Behind her trailed a woman who appeared to be in her mid-twenties — slender and tall, with a neatly coiled round bun in her hair, wearing a step ornament of solid gold set with ruby, and a true-purple brocade jacket. Her complexion was sallow and her expression listless, with the look of someone recently recovered from a long illness.

Princess Ancheng smiled and greeted Princess Changning: “Changning, I thought you weren’t going to come at all! I heard you haven’t been well these past days — are you feeling better now?”

Princess Changning paid her respects: “Thank you for your concern, Elder Sister. The cold weather brought on a slight chill; I am quite recovered now.” As she spoke, she managed a strained smile.

Princess Ancheng looked at the woman behind Princess Changning and smiled: “Look at you, you’ve grown so much thinner — all that exhaustion from nursing Changning, I suppose?”

The woman hastily curtsied: “No, no, not at all…”

At the corner of Princess Changning’s eyes, a chill flickered — she was clearly not very satisfied with that response.

“Jinkui, I haven’t seen you in quite some days.” The Princess Imperial looked over with a smile and beckoned to the woman. “Come, let me have a look at you.”

The woman addressed as Jinkui glanced timidly at Princess Changning.

Princess Changning’s brow furrowed faintly, and she said in a measured tone: “The Princess Imperial is calling for you.”

“Yes!” Her voice barely above a whisper, she walked over to the Princess Imperial’s side with an air of nervous, shrinking deference.

The Princess Imperial took her hand: “That outfit today suits you well — pomegranate flower pattern, a new design this year.”

A slight flush rose to Jinkui’s face, and she said softly: “It was a gift from the Princess.”

The Princess Imperial smiled and nodded approvingly: “Changning, you are still the one who treats her daughter-in-law best.”

Shiyiniang looked at Jinkui with a measure of quiet surprise.

She had not expected Ren Kun’s wife to be like this — her comportment as timid as a new bride. Looking again at the way Princess Changning regarded her, it seemed the Princess was none too pleased with this daughter-in-law.

“She is my only daughter-in-law. Naturally I regard her as I would my own daughter.” Princess Changning’s expression softened somewhat at this. She stepped forward to greet the Empress and the Princess Imperial and the others, and then Madam Zhou and Shiyiniang went forward to pay their respects to Princess Changning.

Princess Changning acknowledged them with a nod. Jinkui, however, parted her lips slightly and stared at Shiyiniang with an expression of unmistakable astonishment.

Just then a palace maid came in carrying an embroidered stool for Princess Changning to sit. She took the opportunity to move to Princess Changning’s side, and with eyes downcast, took her place behind Princess Changning. Behind the layers of deep crimson silk curtains, her slender figure nearly disappeared from sight.

The women in the room exchanged stories of amusing moments from the New Year celebrations — each one finishing before the next began — yet no one brought up the children of the Xu household, and no one mentioned Ren Kun’s disappearance. Although the silence on those matters was deliberate, the room was nonetheless lively and bustling.

At the third quarter of the afternoon hour, the Empress offered sweet glutinous rice balls for everyone. At dusk, she led the assembled women to the Hall of Imperial Tranquility.

They had barely taken their places when the Empress Dowager arrived.

Everyone hastened forward to pay their respects, and inner attendants guided the company to their seats according to rank.

Shiyiniang and Madam Zhou sat side by side at a long table positioned at the far end of the hall, nearest the doorway.

“I dread coming to the palace more than anything,” Madam Zhou muttered to Shiyiniang, seeing that the Empress Dowager was deep in conversation with the Marchioness of Jianninghou and the Marchioness of Shouchang Bo. “Every time, I end up seated right at the entrance. The moment the curtain stirs, the cold air comes pouring straight in — it’s enough to half-freeze you. And not a single dish comes to the table still hot.”

Shiyiniang suppressed her laughter and sat upright with a composed expression, lowering her voice: “Don’t tell me, Zhou Elder Sister, you were expecting to eat your fill at an imperial banquet?”

Madam Zhou heard this and laughed softly: “True enough.” Then she whispered: “Have you heard? The Imperial Noble Consort has been reprimanded by the Emperor…”

Was Madam Zhou’s information simply too well-sourced? Or had this matter already spread so widely? If the latter, then it warranted careful consideration.

“Who did Zhou Elder Sister hear it from?” Shiyiniang looked suitably astonished.

“Everyone knows already,” Madam Zhou said meaningfully. “You ought to mention it to your Marquis as well.”

At times, the movements in the inner palace served as a weathervane for the outer court.

Shiyiniang smiled and thanked her. Then an inner attendant escorted more people over, and the two of them fell silent at once, sitting up properly with their eyes fixed straight ahead. When the newcomer sat down and called out “Zhou Elder Sister,” Shiyiniang realized that the one now seated beside them was Jinkui.

“Jinkui, dear!” Madam Zhou glanced first toward the dais, saw that the Empress Dowager and the Empress had taken their seats to the right and left, and that everyone was settling in with a rustle of silk — no one’s attention on her — before she quietly returned the greeting, her smile now even more brilliant than before.

Jinkui returned a somewhat shy smile.

Madam Zhou then pointed toward Shiyiniang and said under her breath: “You two haven’t met, have you — this is the Marchioness of Yongping!”

Before her words had fully settled, Jinkui was already saying: “I know. She is the Tenth Young Mistress’s younger sister.”

Madam Zhou was taken aback.

Shiyiniang could only manage a wry smile.

Instead of identifying her as Xu Lingyi’s wife, she had described her as the Tenth Young Mistress’s younger sister — the relationship was being viewed entirely through the lens of Wang Lang. It was clear that Jinkui was well acquainted with the relationship between her husband and Wang Lang.

She nodded toward Jinkui with a touch of awkwardness: “Madam Ren.”

Jinkui, however, said: “I am from Dongyang. My maiden name is Jiang.”

Both Dongyang and Yuhang were in the Jiangnan region — in that sense, the two of them were fellow provincials. But in this sort of setting, under these kinds of circumstances, what was the use of bringing that up? Could it possibly cause her to feel any guilt, or bring the Wang and Ren families to some form of reconciliation?

Why had she said this?

Shiyiniang was puzzling over it inwardly when a flash of clarity struck her.

Dongyang — the Jiang Family… wasn’t this the very family that Fifth Young Mistress had mentioned during their voyage from Yuhang to Yanjing, that Dongyang Jiang Family which had forged marriage ties with noble houses of the capital, and had once produced a dowager consort?

She barely suppressed the urge to press her hand to her forehead.

Truly, the world was remarkably small.

—