The opera began with the clanging of gongs and cymbals. The fourth act, *Searching for Her Husband*, was being performed.

After the death of her parents-in-law, Zhao Wuniang had begged her way to the capital to find Cai Bojie. Along the road, she encountered snow. Holding a broken bowl, trembling, she sheltered in a ruined temple, filled with longing for the happiness of reunion with her husband.

Unlike the gentle, restrained style of Yue Opera, Zhao Wuniang’s aria was deeply felt and boldly expressive, her singing style passionate and free-flowing. Even when she sang of her own desperate circumstances, though sorrowful, there was no bitterness or resentment… That, perhaps, was the individual charm of different opera forms.

Eleventh Miss found it utterly captivating.

It was said that in Yanjing, aside from the Geyang style, the Kunshan style and Yuhang style were also popular. She wondered what the Kunshan and Yuhang styles were like? Judging by their names, all three were named after places, which must mean they were connected to their places of origin. Come to think of it, both Kunshan and Yuhang belonged to the Jiangnan region, yet back when she had lived with the Luo Family, she had never heard of an opera style named after Yuhang… Or perhaps, because the Luo Family had been in mourning, she simply hadn’t known about it…

She was letting her mind wander when a little maidservant came running in to announce: “Dowager Madam, the Fourth Madam has arrived.”

Everyone in the room was startled. The First Madam was the first to rise to her feet. “That child,” she said, an edge of reproach in her voice even as she was already heading for the door, “her health is so poor — why does she have to join in the excitement?”

Eleventh Miss immediately stood and followed.

She saw Wen Yiniang, Nanny Tao, and others clustered around a sedan chair as it was carried toward them.

The Dowager Madam hurried to the doorway of the side room. “Bring her in quickly, bring her in quickly.”

The sedan chair was carried all the way inside.

In the daylight, Yuan Niang’s complexion showed an icy, waxy pallor.

The Dowager Madam said with gentle reproach, “If there was something you needed, you could have just sent someone with a message. Why come yourself?”

The ladies who had followed her all chimed in: “Exactly — if you keep pushing yourself like this, you’ll only stir up another illness!”

Yuan Niang lay listlessly in the sedan chair, forcing out a smile with visible effort. “Since all the ladies are here, I simply had to come and pay my respects.”

“We’re not outsiders,” said Madam Huang, quick-tongued as ever. “What need is there for these formalities! Just rest and take care of yourself — your health is what matters.”

On the stage nearby, the performers had noticed the commotion and, not knowing what had happened, had stopped singing.

The courtyard fell suddenly quiet.

“That’s exactly why!” the Dowager Madam said with a gentle scold. “Getting better is what matters most. There’s no one here who is a stranger!” Although her words carried warmth, it was not the same as when she spoke of the Second Madam, whose smile would reach all the way to the depths of her eyes, nor was it like when she spoke of the Fifth Madam, with all that fond indulgence.

There was not a foolish person in that room. Everyone could hear the difference.

The First Madam’s expression stiffened slightly, and the atmosphere grew a little cool.

Fifth Madam quickly smiled and said, “The weather is warm today — it’s actually good for Fourth Sister-in-law to come out for a little while. Otherwise, being cooped up indoors every day, you’d fall ill from the confinement even if you weren’t sick to begin with.”

“Exactly!” Yuan Niang smiled, addressing Fifth Madam by her given name, Danyang, with easy familiarity. “You always understand me.”

A few pleasantries were exchanged, and the group stepped aside to let Yuan Niang’s sedan chair be carried in, where it was set down beside the low couch on the left. The bearers withdrew, and naturally others stepped forward to attend to her.

Several young ladies came forward in turn to greet Yuan Niang, who received them with what effort she could muster. Everyone knew she was unwell, and no one took offense at her halting responses. By the time she had greeted them all, Yuan Niang’s forehead was glistening with sweat. Wen Yiniang quickly produced a handkerchief to wipe it away.

Fifth Madam personally poured tea for Yuan Niang. “Fourth Sister-in-law, the fourth act has just begun — you’re still in time.”

Yuan Niang accepted the teacup, supported by Wen Yiniang — as though she no longer had the strength even to hold it herself.

“The fourth act, *Searching for Her Husband*…” she murmured thoughtfully. “Just as my sister-in-law says, I am not too late after all.”

Everyone laughed in polite appreciation.

Yuan Niang then asked, “Why don’t I see the other young ladies?”

Fifth Madam smiled. “Miss Lin, Miss Qiao, Miss Tang, and the Fifth Miss of the Luo Family have gone to Second Sister-in-law’s rooms. The Third and Seventh Misses of the Gan Family and the Tenth Miss of the Luo Family have gone to the garden to fly kites…” She gestured toward Eleventh Miss. “This one, though, is like me — she enjoys listening to opera!”

Yuan Niang smiled faintly. She showed no sign of surprise at Tenth Miss’s sudden appearance, which led Eleventh Miss to suspect that she had known all along that Tenth Miss had arrived.

After a few more jokes, everyone settled back down. Fifth Madam sent the nanny beside her to signal the troupe to resume the performance.

The First Madam pulled a brocade stool up beside her daughter. Eleventh Miss had no choice but to stand behind the two of them.

On stage, Zhao Wuniang sang through her tears: “…Misfortune struck when famine came to our village, the grain harvest failed, leaving little food or clothing. Through the first year, I spun and wove day and night without rest…”

Behind her, the wife of the Tang household and Madam Qiao spoke in hushed tones.

Their voices rose and fell just enough for her to catch snatches of it: “…not even bothering to rest properly. These past few years it has been the Third Madam managing the household… has to show off in front of relatives and old acquaintances, not even thinking about the Third Madam’s position…”

Eleventh Miss could not help glancing at Yuan Niang.

Yuan Niang lay against a silver-red pillow embroidered with colorful circular patterns, her eyes half-closed, as though she had dozed off.

She turned to look at the First Madam.

Her brow was slightly furrowed, her face taut. She had clearly overheard the two women’s conversation.

Eleventh Miss let out a silent sigh.

Those who accomplish great things do not trouble themselves with small matters. Yet Yuan Niang’s behavior here would indeed easily give others the impression of a narrow and petty nature. But these were not words she had any right to say. It was better to stand here quietly and listen to the opera.

With that thought, she turned her attention back to the stage.

Wrapped in a blue satin patchwork garment that half-concealed her powdered face, the performer’s expressive eyes moved with sorrowful tenderness. Zhao Wuniang’s voice rang out in a high, piercing melody: “I went begging from every neighbor to the east and west, sold my spinning wheel, then sold my clothes…”

“Eleventh Sister,” the person in front of her suddenly called out — a soft voice, but with a core of resilience. “When you were at home, where did you live?”

Eleventh Miss was momentarily startled, and only after a moment did she collect herself. Yuan Niang was speaking to her.

“In reply to Elder Sister,” she said respectfully, “I lived in Lvyun Tower.”

“Lvyun Tower?” Yuan Niang had opened her eyes. She gazed at the stage, her expression calm and clear. “Where was it? Where in Jiaoyuan?”

“In the rear garden.” Eleventh Miss described it as clearly as she could. “Going out through the back gate of Zhiyun Pavilion and heading east, there is a covered walkway. Passing through the walkway and heading north, there is a covered corridor. At the end of the corridor is a grove of boxwood trees, and Lvyun Tower was built to the west of that grove.”

“To the west!” Yuan Niang recalled, “I remember there was a heated chamber there. What happened? Was the heated chamber demolished and Lvyun Tower built in its place?”

“It wasn’t demolished!” Eleventh Miss said with a smile. “Lvyun Tower is not far in front of it.”

Yuan Niang nodded.

On stage, the scene came to an end, and the sudden silence of the gongs and drums seemed to pass unnoticed by her. She went on chatting idly with Eleventh Miss: “When I was small, I often read in that heated chamber. What is it used for now?”

Everyone in the room could hear her voice.

Eleventh Miss lowered her own voice. “When it snows in winter, Mother has people light the underfloor heating, and we sisters all gather there to do needlework. It’s bright and warm.”

Yuan Niang smiled and turned to the ladies seated nearby. “My energy is poor, so I shall only keep you company for this half act — it is a token of my regard.”

Maidservants moved quietly about, refreshing everyone’s tea.

The ladies all said at once, “Quite right — do go and rest!”

Yuan Niang smiled. “I heard there is to be a fireworks display this evening. I shall stay a little longer to enjoy that as well.”

Both the Dowager Madam and the First Madam showed signs of hesitation. But the Dowager Madam was after all her mother-in-law, and certain things were not easy for her to say. The First Madam was more direct, and asked outright: “Can your body withstand it?”

Yuan Niang looked toward Fifth Madam. “Just as Danyang said, if I am always shut away at home, I will fall ill from the stifling — all the more so now that I am already unwell. A little movement is precisely what is called for.”

Fifth Madam smiled and nodded repeatedly.

The First Madam looked about to protest further, but Yuan Niang was already saying with a smile, “Mother, do not worry. I will rest in the adjoining courtyard. If I feel up to it, I will come out to keep everyone company; if not, I will watch from the courtyard… Please do not think me discourteous.”

Everyone assented.

The Dowager Madam then summoned Nanny Du, who had earlier gone to fetch kites from the storehouse for the Gan Family’s young ladies and Tenth Miss. “Take a few people to tidy up, then remain there to attend the Fourth Madam. If she wants tea or water, there will be someone to serve her.”

“Thank you for your kind thought, Mother.” Yuan Niang demurred gently. “I have Wen Yiniang and Nanny Tao with me. You cannot spare people from your own side either.” She paused and looked at Eleventh Miss. “Sister, come and keep me company for a while.” She glanced at the Dowager Madam. “If I need anything, calling for Nanny Du will not be too late.”

“Very well!” The First Madam tucked the thin coverlet more snugly around her daughter. “Eleventh Niang has always been steady and composed. With her by your side, I am at ease as well.”

The Dowager Madam saw there was nothing more to add, and gave a nod of assent.

Fifth Madam walked with Yuan Niang as far as the door, where Yuan Niang gently urged her back: “…The room is full of guests and I am only adding to the trouble coming here. Yet I still insisted on joining the excitement. Sister-in-law, please stay and keep Mother company in my place.”

On the other side, the drums and gongs had already struck up a new tune.

Fifth Madam looked at the small cluster gathered around Yuan Niang — Eleventh Miss, Wen Yiniang, Nanny Tao, and a train of maidservants and wives — smiled, and gave a nod. She turned back at the covered entrance and went inside.

Passing through the entrance, Yuan Niang signaled for the sedan chair to be set down. “Let Eleventh Niang support me for a walk. The rest of you, stay and rest here.”

“How could that be acceptable?” Nanny Tao immediately objected.

Yuan Niang raised a hand, her expression resolute.

Everyone fell silent.

Wen Yiniang then smiled and said, “Then why don’t I go ahead and tidy up the room for you? It’s rarely occupied over there — even though it’s swept every day, there’s bound to be some dust…”

“There’s no need.” Yuan Niang smiled. “I only want to find somewhere to talk with Eleventh Sister.”

Her refusal, offered a second time, left everyone standing in the covered entrance.

Eleventh Miss half-supported Yuan Niang out through the passageway and into the small courtyard.

The garden’s Taihu rock rose high above the eaves, blocking the view from the gate. Straight ahead, bamboo swayed in graceful clusters. Behind them, the cheerful sound of drums and gongs drifted over in faint waves, making the small courtyard feel all the more hushed and still.

“In the past I took medicine every day — I got so swollen I looked like a pig.” She laughed at herself, but her voice was cold. “Now even you can support me!”

Yuan Niang was half a head taller than Eleventh Miss.

“That was water retention.” Eleventh Miss spoke in a gentle tone. “Once you stopped the medicine, it naturally went down.”

Yuan Niang stopped and gave Eleventh Miss a look. “You certainly know how to comfort someone!” Her brow arched slightly, carrying a flash of sharpness.

Eleventh Miss gave a quiet smile.

Inwardly, she reflected: before she fell ill, this must have been a very keen and formidable woman.

She showed nothing of this in her manner, carrying herself with easy composure.

Yuan Niang, seeing this, could not help but let a trace of surprise cross her eyes. Then the corner of her mouth curved upward, and she lowered her head and walked on.

Those who have been long confined to a sickbed always develop certain peculiarities that others find hard to understand. Whatever the reason for Yuan Niang’s surprise, as long as one treated her with sincerity, nothing too unmanageable would come of it.

Eleventh Miss smiled and supported Yuan Niang around the Taihu rock, heading toward the main room.

—