Early the next morning, Yining went to pay her respects to Lin Hairu in the main room. Little Nan had just woken up, and Lin Hairu was dressing him in a small jacket. The boy rubbed his eyes with his chubby hands, looking adorable.

Yining had breakfast with Lin Hairu. Little Nan, who had just learned to walk unsteadily, let go of his mother’s arm, insisting on walking by himself. He toddled to Yining’s side, hesitantly reaching for his cloth tiger toy behind her. Yining suddenly caught his hand, startling him.

She helped him retrieve the toy and handed it to him. “Little Nan, what’s this?”

The boy quickly hugged his tiger and ran back to hide behind his mother. Lin Hairu patted his bottom, saying, “Don’t be afraid. Call her ‘Sister-in-law’!”

Concubine Qiao and her daughter came to pay their respects. Concubine Qiao soon left, looking sickly. Luo Yilian stayed to learn kitchen work from one of Lin Hairu’s maids, sipping tea with a bland expression.

“Let me introduce you to the household managers,” Lin Hairu said. “You’ll need to know them to manage the household in the future.”

Soon, the managers filed in. Seeing the new Third Young Mistress sitting on the right, they bowed respectfully despite her youthful appearance. Lin Hairu introduced those in charge of the kitchen, stables, and various departments to Yining.

Some of the older servants had come from Baoding, and Yining recognized a few, able to recall their names.

Lin Hairu then briefed Yining on the household situation: “…Except for your father who returns every few days, everyone else lives in the mansion. Next door is your eldest aunt’s residence, and across the alley is the Cheng family—I believe their fourth young master, Cheng Lang, is your cousin. I don’t often socialize with the Cheng ladies, but your eldest aunt does.”

Just then, a maid announced the arrival of the Third Young Master.

Luo Shen Yuan entered wearing a gray-blue robe, tall and straight-backed, with a jade pendant at his waist. The servants and managers all bowed to him, as did Xuan’er and Concubine Guo. He was, after all, the one who held power over life and death in the household.

He sat down for tea. Luo Yilian slowly stood up from her chair and softly called him “Third Brother.”

Luo Shen Yuan gave a faint “Mm” in response, always distant with this sister.

The wet nurse brought Little Nan to Luo Shen Yuan, urging the boy to call him “Third Brother.”

Little Nan, not close to him, refused to speak. Luo Shen Yuan merely patted his head, causing the child to retreat to Lin Hairu’s arms.

Lin Hairu found this amusing and explained to Yining: “Once when Little Nan had a high fever and wouldn’t take his medicine, your Third Brother spanked him. Since then, he’s held a grudge and won’t warm up to him.”

Luo Shen Yuan calmly added, “Young children never seem to take to me.”

Yining realized this was true. Even she hadn’t liked him before age seven, and Xuan’er seemed afraid of him too. Despite his handsome features that attracted countless women, he somehow could frighten children.

Sitting beside Luo Shen Yuan, she smiled and asked, “Then what will you do with your children in the future?”

Luo Shen Yuan looked at her steadily and replied, “That’s a question for you, isn’t it?”

Yining, catching his meaning, blushed and coughed, changing the subject: “Third Brother, didn’t you just come from Uncle’s place? Why did you come here?”

“I wanted to show you around the mansion,” Luo Shen Yuan said, extending his hand to her. “Shall we? Have you met all the managers?”

So he had come to personally give her a tour.

Yining bid farewell to Lin Hairu and followed him out of the main room, watching his back. As they walked through the corridor, sunlight dappled his shoulders. The courtyard exuded an ancient charm. He walked straight-backed with his hands behind him, looking exceptionally handsome, as if he had stepped out of a painting, as timeless as the courtyard itself.

“The lotus pond here is planted with pink lotuses. The flowers and leaves have withered now. In summer, water chestnuts grow here, and you can pick the tender ones to eat. That newly built stage hasn’t been used yet, but it’s quite cool in summer. Next to it is a pavilion perfect for escaping the heat.”

“Across this bridge is a jujube grove. The trees are full of red dates now. Would you like to pick some?” he suddenly turned and asked her.

She used to love eating jujubes as a child. Once, she and Luo Yixiu had snuck in to steal jujubes and loquats from his courtyard, but he caught them. He ended up sending a basket to her grandmother’s place to tease her.

Yining, who had been intently listening to his explanation, replied, “Oh… jujubes?”

Luo Shen Yuan looked at her for a long moment, then smirked, “I’m talking to you, and you’re lost in thought?”

“No, I wasn’t,” Yining quickly denied, moving to massage his shoulders. “How could I be distracted when you, busy Luo Daren, are taking the time to show me around? I was listening intently.” She couldn’t very well admit she had been lost in thought while staring at his back!

Luo Shen Yuan then gestured for a servant to bring a bamboo basket. He led her across the bridge into the west side courtyard, where several jujube trees stood at the entrance. The trees were thriving, laden with ripe red dates. Sunlight filtered through the branches, filling the courtyard with the fragrance of jujubes.

Yining thought it would be nice to pick some to make jujube tea. She asked the servants to pick several baskets, as the dates were ripe and would spoil if not eaten soon.

As the maids and servants busied themselves, Yining joined in the picking. For the higher branches that she and the servants couldn’t reach, she naturally looked to Luo Shen Yuan. Being tall came with greater responsibilities, after all.

Luo Shen Yuan sighed and stepped forward. His height allowed him to easily reach the reddest and largest dates, which he placed in her basket by the handful. “Is this enough?” he asked.

Yining wiped one clean with her handkerchief and offered it to him. “Third Brother, this is your payment.”

Luo Shen Yuan nodded and smiled, “Yining, my name is on the deed to this courtyard. Are you using my property as payment? You’ve calculated well. Perhaps we should put you in charge of the household accounts. We certainly won’t lose out.”

Yining stuffed the date into his mouth, saying, “It’s good to have something to eat, isn’t it?”

He patted her head, reminding her that he was, after all, an imperial official.

After touring the courtyard, Yining returned with a basket full of fresh dates.

The evening meal was served in the main room, with Luo Chengzhang present and Concubine Guo standing by to serve him. The family from the eldest branch also came.

Yining hadn’t seen such a scene in many years, not since Old Madam Luo was alive.

Luo Huaiyuan asked Luo Shen Yuan about his evaluation at the Ministry of Rites.

He had been observing government affairs at the Ministry for over a year now, still as a senior clerk.

“The Ministry of Rites is a leisurely post, but I dare not slack off. I’m not sure how this evaluation will go…” Luo Huaiyuan’s voice was full of concern. “If I don’t pass, I might be sent away.”

“The Emperor places great importance on rites, music, and sacrifices, with major ceremonies every year. Your position in the Ministry of Rites is good, with high chances for promotion if you seize the opportunities,” Luo Shen Yuan calmly replied. “The examining official for your position as Supervising Secretary is a good friend of Yang Ling. I’ll put in a word for you. The evaluation is secondary; what matters is whether you can make an impression on the Emperor.”

Luo Huaiyuan seemed to relax, smiling as he raised his cup in a toast.

Yining listened thoughtfully. On their way back, she asked him, “Third Brother, is it appropriate for you to ask Lord Yang for help?”

“I could speak up myself, but it might seem too forward. Besides, as the Vice Minister of Works, it’s not convenient for me to interfere with the Ministry of Rites. Yang Ling and the others are of the same rank, making it easier for them to talk,” Luo Shen Yuan explained.

Yining hesitated, wanting to ask why he was helping Luo Huaiyuan. But she realized that her Third Brother, Luo Huaiyuan was still part of his faction, despite their differences.

“As long as I’m in the capital, he won’t be able to attain an official rank above fifth grade,” Luo Shen Yuan suddenly told her. “He’ll eventually have to be transferred away to avoid suspicion of nepotism. But if he’s set on staying in the capital, so be it.”

As they reached the entrance, someone came rushing to find him: “My Lord…”

It seemed there was something urgent to discuss. Luo Shen Yuan’s expression turned serious. Yining went in ahead. There were too many dates to eat, so she had the servants dry some for later consumption.

The discussion in the study seemed to last quite late that night, and he even went to the front courtyard after midnight.

Yining didn’t feel him come to bed when she was sleeping, and she didn’t see him when she woke up. Later, she called a servant: “When the Third Young Master stays up late again, wake me as well. I can’t sleep while he’s busy.”

She could at least help by making tea or grinding ink.

The servant looked troubled: “When the Master returned, he specifically instructed us not to disturb your sleep. We even walked softly to avoid waking you. He said you’re still growing and need more rest.”

Yining was taken aback by this.

In the afternoon, when she visited Lin Hairu, Lady Chen and the two Lady Zhous were there as guests. They were discussing the colors and fragrances of lip rouge. The younger Lady Zhou was particularly knowledgeable about this topic.

“The Cheng family has an important guest today,” Lady Chen said. “Madam Cheng has invited us to watch a play. Why don’t you bring Yining along? She’s just married into the family and should get to know the local ladies and madams.”

Lin Hairu dismissively replied, “Why bother mingling with those people? They all seem so pretentious to me.”

Lady Chen’s face stiffened. Lou Mama quickly stepped forward from behind Yining and said with a smile, “The First Madam has a point. Our Third Madam is new here and should go.”

Lady Chen had good intentions. Neighbors were often more helpful than distant relatives. Moreover, the nearby families were all officials and private connections among their wives could be useful.

The importance of the ladies’ social circle was self-evident. Yining thought for a moment and then tugged at Lin Hairu’s arm, saying, “Why don’t we go? I’d like to hear some opera.”

Lin Hairu turned to her and asked bluntly, “But don’t you dislike opera?”

Yining: “…”

Lady Chen’s carriage was waiting at the gate, and it was just a short distance from the Cheng family’s residence. The Cheng family, with their scholarly background, had naturally built an imposing and luxurious mansion. The carriage passed through the entrance and arrived at the newly erected stage. After alighting, they greeted the two Cheng family madams. Lady Chen then introduced Yining to the surrounding ladies and madams. Upon learning that Yining was Luo Shen Yuan’s wife, they all gave her a few extra glances.

The Cheng family’s First Madam led them to their seats. Lady Chen then asked her, “I heard there’s an important guest today. Who might it be?”

The First Madam lowered her voice, “Have you heard that our Fourth Young Master is engaged?”

“Of course, but I don’t know to which family,” Lady Chen replied.

The First Madam smiled, “It’s the Second Miss Xie. The Old Master insisted that we take good care of her. That’s why we hurried to set up this stage.”

Cheng Lang’s birth father was the Cheng family’s Third Master. The Cheng family had four young masters, but only Cheng Lang was exceptionally talented, and his mother was Lǔ Jiaxue’s sister. The whole family favored him, so even his two aunts from different branches were concerned about his affairs.

Lady Chen was surprised, “It’s her… Isn’t she the current Empress’s niece?”

“Indeed,” the First Madam smiled. “She’s also the Xie Grand Tutor’s legitimate granddaughter. Otherwise, how could our Old Master agree to let her marry Cheng Lang!”

Yining sipped her tea silently. Soon enough, she saw Xie Yun being helped down from a carriage.

The First and Second Madams of the Cheng family personally went to receive her. Xie Yun’s expression was indifferent, showing neither happiness nor displeasure, still looking like the center of attention. As she walked over, her eyes immediately fell on Luo Yining, who was sitting among the ladies, drinking tea.

Yining had no desire to provoke the Second Miss Xie. Had she known the esteemed guest was Xie Yun, she would have preferred to stay at home and watch Concubine Qiao and her daughter. After all, the latter only used glares and subtle jabs, while the Second Miss Xie preferred more confrontations.

Xie Yun didn’t acknowledge her, simply sitting down next to her to watch the opera.

After lunch at the Cheng residence, the ladies gathered in groups of four to play cards. Yining played a few rounds but had poor luck, losing the 100-tael silver note she had brought. Luo Yixiu, who was keeping her company, also lost badly. Having lost all their money, the two withdrew from the game and went outside for some air. As they sat down in a pavilion outside the flower hall, they saw Xie Yun walking towards them.

Xie Yun wore a water-red gold-embroidered jacket with a plain embroidered skirt and a mutton-fat jade pendant at her waist.

She sat beside Yining and after a long while, finally spoke in a cool tone: “Tell me, why you?”

“He doesn’t love you. What’s the point of staying with him?” Xie Yun said. “If you maintain a sibling-like relationship, do you think he’ll always be with you?”

Xie Yun was a clever person. She could guess why Luo Shen Yuan had married her.

Yining remained silent.

“If you were sensible, you’d realize he’s only pitying you,” Xie Yun said with a slow smile, somewhat arrogantly. “He and I can discuss poetry and literature, and I can assist him in official matters. What can you do? Now that you’ve married him, you’re just a burden.”

“Second Miss Xie is overthinking,” Yining calmly looked at her. “Now that you’re engaged to Cousin Cheng Lang, why concern yourself with others?”

Xie Yun didn’t take her seriously at all, playing with her bracelet. “If you had been willing, you could have come to me then. I could have had my aunt find you a marriage. Now that you’ve married him, don’t blame me for targeting you. We might even be neighbors in the future. My future husband and I will surely visit you then.”

Xie Yun’s expression carried her usual nobility, a trait she was born with rather than directed at anyone in particular.

Luo Yining lowered her head, then slowly smiled. She stood up and said, “Second Miss Xie, my affairs with Luo Shen Yuan are none of your concern. Even if Third Brother doesn’t like me, what business is it of yours? Could it be that he likes you instead?”

Xie Yun hadn’t expected her to retort.

“As for whom I choose to marry, that’s my own business. It’s not for you to question,” Luo Yining said firmly.

Xie Yun also stood up, surprised by Luo Yining’s firm stance, but she too smiled. “Miss Wei can certainly deceive herself. Spend your life with him if you wish, but to him, you will always be just an inner court woman.”

“It seems Miss Xie considers herself everyone’s ‘white moonlight’ and ‘udumbara flower,'” Yining replied with a slight bow. “Forgive my bluntness, but in my eyes, there’s no difference between you and other women. Your jealousy clouds your reason, and your self-importance hasn’t led to any meaningful achievements. Your name, Xie Yun, is supposed to evoke the elegance of a talented lady, but instead, you resort to using power to oppress others. Isn’t that pathetic?”

“If I, Ruo Shui, choose to be an inner court woman, what does that have to do with you?” Yining concluded, paused briefly, and then turned to leave.