Early the next morning, Wen Yiniang and Qin Yiniang came to visit.

Xu Lingyi had already gone to the outer courtyard. Shiyiniang lay in bed, her face flushed pink, as though running a fever.

The two of them attended to her with great attentiveness, one pouring tea and the other passing water.

Shiyiniang responded to their fussing with a listless air, and was just about to dismiss them when Zhen Jie’er, Zhun Ge, and Xu Sijie came to wish her well.

Since the illness had been declared a chill, the children could only call their greetings from a distance.

Zhen Jie’er and Zhun Ge were composed enough, but Xu Sijie fixed his glistening eyes on her and kept calling out “Mother.”

Zhun Ge quickly stepped forward and whispered to him, “Mother is sick — don’t make noise. If you do, it’ll take longer for her to get better.”

Xu Sijie struggled to hold back his tears and gave a small nod.

Shiyiniang felt all the more guilty, and quickly had Hupo bring out sweets for the children. Then Xu Siqin, Xu Siyu, and Xu Sijian arrived as well. She exchanged a few more words with them, and after that, various wives and senior maids of note came to call as well. By mid-morning, the room was as busy as a marketplace, and Shiyiniang felt more exhausted than if she had been genuinely ill.

Seeing that things were getting out of hand, Hupo began turning everyone away at the door. Only then was Shiyiniang able to eat her midday meal in peace.

She was just about to take a short rest when Luo Da’nainai arrived.

Shiyiniang and Hupo exchanged a glance.

“Word travels fast!”

She quickly sent Lvyun to invite Luo Da’nainai in.

When Luo Da’nainai entered and saw Shiyiniang lying in bed in the middle of the day, she was startled. “What has happened to you?”

It seemed she had misunderstood.

Shiyiniang could not help but smile, and turned the question back to her. “Is there something the matter, Elder Sister-in-law?”

Luo Da’nainai sighed. “Yesterday at noon, Wang Family came and carried Tenth Brother-in-law’s body back. They have calculated an auspicious date — the funeral will be held in five days.”

Shiyiniang immediately asked, “And the case — what has been decided?”

Luo Da’nainai smiled bitterly. “The Ren family’s manservant has been sentenced to autumn execution.”

Which meant all of Jiang Furen’s efforts had been in vain.

Though it was the outcome she had expected, hearing it confirmed still left Shiyiniang silent for a long moment.

—

Seeing Shiyiniang’s silence, Luo Da’nainai also grew somber. She offered some comfort: “There is nothing to be done about it. The Ren family’s servant confessed openly, and the evidence was airtight. On top of that, with Princess Changning pushing things along from behind the scenes, even if the Shuntian Prefect knew who truly committed the murder, there was simply no way to convict that person.”

In her previous life, she had been a lawyer. She understood every turn of this more clearly than most. Knowing, however, was one thing; understanding was another; accepting was yet another entirely. This was precisely why she had chosen to practice family law, to handle divorce proceedings — and why, the more money she made, the quieter she became.

Wang Lang was, after all, the Luo family’s son-in-law. Luo Da’nainai had no wish to dwell on the matter any further. She asked after Shiyiniang instead. “What has happened to you?”

Some things are better not examined too closely.

Shiyiniang, too, had no desire to linger on that subject.

“Nothing serious,” she said lightly. “I have just been feeling a little unwell. Imperial Physician Liu came to see me and said it was a chill — he prescribed a few doses of medicine and told me to rest for a few days.” Then, without leaving a trace, she shifted the topic. “Elder Sister-in-law made a point of coming all this way — is there something you wished to discuss with me?”

Luo Da’nainai was clearly more concerned with Shiyiniang’s health. She passed over Shiyiniang’s question and returned to what had come before. “Are you feeling any better? You fell ill and couldn’t even send someone to let me know. I still have two fifty-year old sand ginseng roots at home. I will have someone bring them to you when I return.”

“It truly is only a minor chill,” Shiyiniang said, declining repeatedly, then pulled the conversation back on course. “What made Elder Sister-in-law think of coming to visit today?”

Luo Da’nainai had already made up her mind to spread the news of Shiyiniang’s illness when she returned home, so she dropped the subject and spoke plainly. “For Tenth Brother-in-law’s funeral, the three sacrificial offerings and the condolence gifts — every family has its own customs for these things. Your Elder Brother’s thought is that, beyond all of that, we each contribute an additional thirty taels of silver per family, kept off the formal gift register, to be given directly to Tenth Sister-in-law. As for Fifth Sister-in-law’s share, your Elder Brother will advance it on her behalf — she is nearly due, and expenses are mounting for her.”

“I will defer to Elder Brother and Sister-in-law in all of this,” Shiyiniang said. Now that she knew Luo Zhensheng was covering the Fifth Sister-in-law’s portion, she felt it would not be right to let him bear the full cost. “Let me contribute half.”

“I did not come here to pry open your strongbox,” Luo Da’nainai said with a laugh. “When you take over as household manager, you won’t need to ask — I will come to you for your share then.”

Shiyiniang laughed.

Just then, a young maid announced, “Madam, the Marquis has returned!”

Luo Da’nainai said, “In all likelihood, Wang Family sent word of the death, and the Marquis has come in to let you know.”

Before she had finished speaking, Xu Lingyi strode in, full of energy and presence.

Seeing Luo Da’nainai, he greeted her graciously. “Elder Sister-in-law is here!”

He was unsure at a glance whether Luo Da’nainai had come to visit Shiyiniang or to consult with her about Wang Lang’s affairs. He glanced at Shiyiniang — she seemed a little subdued. He was still not certain whether her listlessness was due to a poor night’s sleep or the news about Wang Lang.

Shiyiniang was in the midst of pretending to be ill and could not get out of bed to bow. She simply greeted him: “My lord is back!” and instructed a young maid to bring over a high-backed chair for Xu Lingyi and to serve him tea.

Luo Da’nainai stepped forward to bow, then explained her purpose: “The Duke of Maoguo’s residence sent word of mourning to Gongxian Lane. I came to arrange with Eleventh Sister-in-law when we might go together to call on Tenth Sister-in-law. I did not know she was unwell. What unfortunate timing!”

So Shiyiniang already knew.

“I also came about this matter,” Xu Lingyi said, glancing at Shiyiniang with a hint of concern. “I have just received the mourning notice from Wang Family. I was about to consult with Zhensheng on how to proceed.”

Luo Da’nainai said modestly, “We are from Yuhang, and the ways of Yanjing are quite different — to say nothing of the thousands of li between Yanjing and Yuhang. We must ask the Marquis to guide us. I will go home and relay whatever is decided to my husband.”

The two of them settled on visiting the Wang residence together the following morning at the hour of Chen to pay their respects.

With all that needed to be said now said, Luo Da’nainai rose to take her leave.

Xu Lingyi moved to sit at the edge of Shiyiniang’s bed. “Do not worry. I cannot involve myself in the matter of Wang Lang’s official case. But for Tenth Aunt’s affairs, I will see to it personally.”

“Man proposes, and Heaven disposes,” said Shiyiniang. Her concern was more for the Xu family’s wellbeing than for the tangle of the Wang family’s affairs. “Please do not strain yourself on our account, my lord.”

She was just preparing to rise and dress when Weiwei, a maid from the Dowager Marchioness’s quarters, arrived. “My lord, the Dowager Marchioness is taking dinner with Fifth Madam this evening and asks that you take your meal in your own rooms.”

By the count of days, Fifth Madam was nearly due.

Shiyiniang asked, “Has there been some movement on Fifth Madam’s side?”

Weiwei smiled. “Nothing escapes Fourth Madam’s notice. Fifth Madam has indeed shown signs!”

Shiyiniang immediately called for Hupo. “Go to Fifth Madam’s quarters and find out what is happening. Come back and tell me at once. And convey my apologies — I am unwell and cannot come to see her in person. Please ask her forgiveness.”

Hupo acknowledged the order, and she and Weiwei left together.

The following morning, at the third quarter of the Chou hour, Fifth Madam safely delivered a baby girl.

Shiyiniang let out a breath of relief upon hearing the news.

In ancient times, childbirth for a woman meant standing at the threshold between life and death.

After a time, Xu Lingyi returned.

He had finished his evening meal and gone directly to Xu Lingkuan’s quarters, where the two brothers waited together in the study for news.

“The little girl is truly beautiful. Her eyes and nose take after Fifth Sister-in-law, while her hair and mouth are all Fifth Brother,” Xu Lingyi said, evidently pleased. “Great-grandfather was an only son. Grandfather was an only son. In Father’s generation, there was only the Empress as a daughter. Now, at last, in our generation, we have two young ladies in the family.”

“Fifth Sister-in-law has delivered safely — you can rest easy now,” Shiyiniang said with a smile, stepping forward to help him change his clothes. “We are still to go to Wang Family to pay our mourning respects first thing tomorrow.”

Xu Lingyi saw that she was wearing only a thin pale white jacket and pulled her straight into the covers. “Mind you don’t actually catch cold.” He called for Lvyun, who was on duty, to come and attend to his washing. When he returned to bed, he found Shiyiniang already lying curled on her side. In the lamplight, her dark hair was spread across the apricot-yellow pillow. The serene expression on her face gave it a purity like pear blossoms; the gentle warmth in her eyes gave them a softness like spring water. She was utterly quiet and natural — and yet there was a charm about her impossible to put into words.

Without altering his expression, he lay down and gathered her into his arms.

The cold air he had carried in with him made Shiyiniang shrink back slightly, but his warm chest soon enveloped her in comfort.

She had been anxious all evening about news from Fifth Madam’s quarters, and she was already heavy with drowsiness.

Shiyiniang adjusted her position, tilted her head to the side, and closed her eyes.

Half asleep, she felt her chest suddenly cupped in someone’s hand, the tip gently stroked.

Shiyiniang was instantly wide awake.

“My lord…”

“Mm.” A languid response, warm breath brushing against her neck. “Has the illness passed?”

Shiyiniang was mortified.

The night before last, she had said she was sick, and he had used it as an excuse to tease her to no end.

“It has…” Shiyiniang shifted uneasily.

They had gone a very long time without incident. Though last night… but they had never had two nights in a row…

She flipped onto her stomach and buried her face in the pillow.

Xu Lingyi watched and laughed quietly.

Whenever Shiyiniang felt embarrassed, she would cover her face. There was something of self-deception about it.

In reality, it made her more enticing. By turning away from her figure — not especially full in the chest — her beautiful curves and snow-white skin were laid before him entirely, dazzlingly lovely.

He pressed his lips to her back.

Trailing slowly downward.

Shiyiniang shifted uneasily.

Tonight, Xu Lingyi was different from before.

Just the previous night, he had been the same as always — kissing her, yes, but with an air of urgency, and then when she had barely readied herself, he had pressed straight forward… Tonight, however, he seemed unhurried. As though all he was interested in was the kissing itself.

She did not like it.

Her body would suddenly go soft, lazy and warm as if lying in spring sunlight, all strength draining away.

It was too drawn out.

It would be better if he simply finished quickly…

“My lord…”

She suddenly turned over.

Xu Lingyi settled over her naturally.

His body’s readiness was unmistakable.

Yet he continued to kiss her, unhurried — her slender neck, the curve of her shoulders, the graceful lines of her collarbone… one by one, slowly, with careful attention.

Shiyiniang’s temperature began to rise gradually, and a faint flush spread across her skin.

She grew impatient and turned over again.

Xu Lingyi moved to kiss her back.

Shiyiniang trembled slightly.

“My lord…” Her voice lacked its usual clarity; fragile notes crept in at the edges.

Xu Lingyi drew in a deep, slow breath. The blood in his body raced headlong in one direction — as if a single wasted moment would cost him one more chance to be wrapped in that tight, soft, tender, warm embrace. But he could only choose to go on kissing her at the same unhurried pace.

The same mistake could not be made twice.

Just the previous night, he had let himself be drawn in by this same temptation, and rushed forward in haste… only to have her look up at him with tear-blurred eyes and ask, “Can you be quicker?”

Shiyiniang turned over again.

Her face was flushed like the dawn sky.

Foreplay was important, of course. But this time — wasn’t it going on a little long?

Besides, the difficulty between them was that his time was too long — not that hers was too short.

Wasn’t this somewhat backwards?

He was clearly ready, pressing so close against her thigh that she could even feel him trembling.

Just finish already!

Tomorrow her “illness” would be over. She needed to go and see Fifth Madam’s newborn, then go to the Wang family to pay respects, and receive Hui Jie’er’s visit…

She pressed her lips together, and her long, smooth leg wound its way up, hesitant but deliberate.

Soft warmth and firm heat met with a light brush.

Xu Lingyi drew in a sharp breath.

He told himself, *wait a little longer.* But his body had its own intentions. It drove forward with an urgency that would brook no delay.

The feeling of fullness settling through her body made her exhale with relief.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, like a small boat on the open sea — no matter the waves that came crashing, as long as she moved with their rhythm, she would not be pulled under.

In her daze, she began to feel the strain.

A little while longer, and a sharp, stabbing ache would come to replace it.

The thought flashed through her mind, and her body grew slightly rigid.

Xu Lingyi stopped abruptly.

“Moyan.” His breathing was heavy, his warm breath damp against her collarbone as he pressed his lips to it.

Shiyiniang went still.

His pressure was considerable, leaving a trail of red marks blooming across her skin.

She felt her body growing warm again.

Then Xu Lingyi began to move with abandon.

Each time she felt discomfort, he would pull back.

Or press urgently, or slow to a gentle rhythm — fierce at times, tender at others — kissing her and drawing out small sounds from her.

When the heat rose again within her, he would return.

Shiyiniang’s thoughts grew hazy and indistinct.

Her arms locked around his neck, her legs wrapped tightly around his waist…

“Xu Lingyi…”

The rhythm paused for just a heartbeat.

Her voice was soft and delicate, like a quiet complaint — a thread of weeping woven through it. “Don’t kiss me…”

Xu Lingyi laughed.

Light and unrestrained.

“All right.”

He began to give himself over entirely to indulgence.

“Xu Lingyi!”

“Mm!”

“Xu Lingyi!”

“Mm!”

Those three syllables became a spell. She felt like a butterfly breaking free from its cocoon — spreading her brilliant, kaleidoscopic wings and dancing freely through a forest fragrant with the sweetness of chestnut blossoms.

Somewhere, dimly, a warm and mellow voice was murmuring close to her ear, laughing softly: “You really are such a little darling.”

—