An Jiu couldn't care less about such meaningless scolding. Along the journey, she would open the window to enjoy the scenery whenever she woke up, and go back to sleep once she'd had her fill.
Mo Sigui wanted to chat with An Jiu, but despite talking until his mouth went dry, she remained indifferent.
They had set out at dawn and hurried along, finally entering the city just before the gates closed.
The Mei family owned several residences in Bianjing. Though none were as vast or luxurious as Plum Blossom Village, they all had exquisite pavilions and beautiful scenery.
The residence arranged for them by the clan was small yet refined. The main courtyard consisted of a hall and a garden. The front garden wasn't large, but it had pine trees, bamboo, strange rocks, fragrant grass, and a small pond, creating an elegant atmosphere.
Unlike the distinct multi-courtyard layout common in the north, the rear living quarters were divided into four buildings hidden among rockeries and groves—three were residences, while one particularly secluded small courtyard served as a study.
The snow-covered landscape lacked the lush greenery of summer, but compared to open architecture, this compact and crowded arrangement made winter feel much warmer.
After settling in, Mo Sigui came looking for An Jiu.
As the New Year approached, shops extended their business hours, and the authorities postponed the night curfew.
"We came out with the steward. The household only has three days to purchase New Year goods—we can't waste time," Mo Sigui said, practically dragging An Jiu into the carriage.
Their small residence was located in the bustling market district. Before the carriage had even steadied, An Jiu could hear the clamor outside.
Yao Ye brought out a veil, but An Jiu refused to wear it. Covering her face during assassinations was one thing, but why should she have to hide while strolling around?
Yao Ye pleaded earnestly, "Only poor women and maids go unveiled on the streets. You must wear it outside."
Even the moderately attractive courtesans from brothels wore veils and mantles when going out.
"Then I'll go back and change into a maid's clothes," An Jiu frowned.
Yao Ye thought to herself that her mistress hadn't been this stubborn before. Since her return, it was like she'd become a different person. Taking lives might make one more intimidating, but the changes in her mistress went far beyond that!
"Your bearing—even dressed in coarse linen, you wouldn't look like a maid. Please, I beg you, wear it," Yao Ye said miserably, casting a pleading glance at Mo Sigui.
Mo Sigui watched the scene with amusement. "If she doesn't want to wear it, so be it. It's not that big a deal!"
Yao Ye's face darkened. "Mind your words! Don't encourage such improper behavior!"
Mo Sigui snapped his fan shut. "We'll go to a tailor shop later and get you a set of men's clothes that fit. Then you won't need a veil tomorrow. Just bear with it for today."
"Fine," An Jiu nodded.
Yao Ye was overjoyed, her earlier grievances against Mo Sigui instantly forgotten.
After much difficulty, they finally disembarked.
Shops lined both sides of the street, their entrances illuminated by lanterns. Vendors crowded the roadway, their pots emitting plumes of steam.
An Jiu paused for a moment before moving toward a nearby stall.
Mo Sigui followed and saw the vendor making candy. "Shopkeeper, two portions," he said.
The vendor's face lit up at the sight of their fine clothing. "Ah, what filling would the young master and mistress like? We have peanut, sesame, mountain walnut..."
Mo Sigui replied, "One of each.""Please wait a moment," the vendor said, taking out a few clean sheets of oiled paper and deftly wrapping five fist-sized bundles before handing them to Yao Ye beside him. "That'll be fifty coins in total."
Ten coins per small bundle, each containing roughly four or five pieces.
Mo Sigui tossed a small piece of silver. "Keep the change."
"Thank you, young master!" The vendor cheerfully pocketed the silver.
An Jiu took one of the bundles from Yao Ye, unwrapped it, and immediately popped a piece into her mouth.
"Young mistress, you shouldn't—" Yao Ye whispered in protest. "Let's find a proper room to enjoy these properly."
An Jiu ignored her. Stuffing her mouth with candy, she wandered over to the next stall.
The pastry vendor, having noticed Mo Sigui's generosity, grinned widely as An Jiu turned his way. "Would the young mistress like to try these mung bean pastries? They're humble fare, but a nice novelty."
"Pack two portions," Mo Sigui interjected.
"Right away!"
In no time, Yao Ye was holding two more small bundles.
Since she needed to attend to An Jiu at all times, she handed the packages to a nearby servant.
An Jiu kept stuffing candies into her mouth one after another, stopping at every stall to look around.
After walking about twenty meters, the servant beside them was already laden with packages. Yao Ye had initially thought An Jiu was simply unfamiliar with these things, but soon realized her mistress was drawn to any vendor who greeted her with a beaming smile. The items she bought—those she didn’t like were handed to the servant, while those she favored were given to Yao Ye.
Mo Sigui thought An Jiu at this moment resembled nothing so much as a five- or six-year-old girl.
"Young mistress, there's always tomorrow," Yao Ye gently reminded her.
As the group approached a tavern, Mo Sigui glanced at the sky. "I have some business to attend to. Rest here for a while; I'll be back in half an hour."
An Jiu asked Yao Ye, "Do we have money?"
"Plenty of it," Yao Ye assured her.
Hearing this, An Jiu turned and led Yao Ye into the tavern. The entourage of guards followed noisily, leaving only the two men Elder Qi had assigned to stay with Mo Sigui.
"Ungrateful wretch!" Mo Sigui lamented, patting his now-empty purse. He’d been blind to think she seemed like a little girl just moments ago.
Upstairs, in a private room by the window, a group of elegantly dressed young men had observed An Jiu’s shopping spree in its entirety.
A robed youth clicked his tongue. "Whose young mistress is that? She’s practically a bandit!"
"Don’t be absurd—she paid for everything!" an older man chided with a laugh.
"Can’t you see?" Another handsome youth in blue brocade lounged against the windowsill, a delicate celadon wine cup in his slender fingers as he gazed downward.
The others followed his gaze to the carriage’s emblem—a slender plum blossom.
"So it’s the Mei family. No wonder," one remarked, suddenly intrigued. "I’ve heard their daughters are all stunning. Shall we go take a look?"
He turned to the blue-clad youth with a teasing grin. "Dare you, Rongjian?"
The room erupted in laughter.
Last time they’d gone on an outing, they’d made a bet—the loser had to wander through a haunted graveyard. Hua Rongjian, true to his word, had entered the burial grounds after losing. But the group waited outside in vain—he never came back out.Hua Rongjian was the legitimate heir of the Hua Clan. If anything happened to him, they couldn’t bear the consequences! As midnight approached—the time when yin energy was said to be strongest—the group hastily went in to search. When they found Hua Rongjian, his clothes were disheveled, prompting teasing that he must have been frolicking with some female ghost in the graveyard.
“This time, it’s truly a young lady! If Brother Rongjian can pull it off like last time, we’d truly be impressed,” someone joked.
Hua Rongjian set down his cup and stood up with a radiant smile. “Just watch.”
“You’re really going?” An older man grabbed his arm. “They’re just egging you on. Why are you being so reckless?”
“It’s not like you’ve just met me today.” Hua Rongjian straightened his collar and strode out the door.
The man followed, lowering his voice. “Rongjian, isn’t your family currently negotiating a marriage alliance with the Mei Clan? If this causes trouble, Chief Grand Secretary Hua won’t let you off easy!”
Hua Rongjian paid no heed. He stopped a waiter to ask where the Mei women were seated and marched straight over.
Meanwhile, An Jiu had just entered the private room. Yao Ye was about to close the door when a hand pressed against it.
The two guards at the door hadn’t even had time to react!
“I am Hua Rongjian, here to request an audience with the Mei lady,” he announced.
Hua Rongjian stood a full head taller than Yao Ye, who had to crane her neck to meet his roguishly handsome face, now uncomfortably close. His teeth were white and even, his lips clean, his complexion fair yet masculine, and though his gaze was flirtatious, it wasn’t lecherous—making it hard to dislike him.
“Young master, please restrain yourself,” Yao Ye said, not needing An Jiu’s instruction. What unmarried young man would seek a private audience with a maiden?
“I have a matter to discuss with Lady Mei. If it’s inconvenient to enter, I can ask outside, but…” Hua Rongjian grinned. “The subject might not reflect well on your lady’s reputation.”
Yao Ye hesitated. “If you have something to say, this servant can relay it. Please consider the reputations of both families.”
“Then I’ll write a letter and have my servant deliver it,” Hua Rongjian said.
The room wasn’t large, and An Jiu heard every word. “Let him in!”
“My lady!” Yao Ye stood firm at the door, blocking the way.
“That’s an order,” An Jiu said flatly.
Yao Ye bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before reluctantly stepping aside. The Mei family had a history of short lifespans, so they didn’t place as much emphasis on chastity and reputation as other families. Even if rumors spread, it wouldn’t matter much.
Hua Rongjian entered and, through the crystal bead curtain, saw a slender woman sipping tea under the lamplight, the bamboo forest on the Suzhou embroidery screen behind her rustling in the imagined breeze.
When Hua Rongjian reached to lift the curtain, Yao Ye quickly blocked him, gesturing to a chair in the outer chamber. “Young Master Hua, please sit.”
Hua Rongjian lowered his hand and took a seat. “My lady, you kept my jade pendant and handkerchief. Does that mean you fancy me?”
Yao Ye, pouring tea, jolted at his words, spilling scalding liquid across the table. “Young master, you mustn’t speak nonsense!”
Jade pendants, handkerchiefs, and hairpins could all be considered tokens of affection. If a man and woman exchanged such items without a formal matchmaker or betrothal, it would imply an improper relationship.
An Jiu recalled that she had indeed robbed Hua Rongjian in the mass graves, taking his jade pendant, handkerchief, and dagger…
But Hua Rongjian’s presence in the graveyard was suspicious, so she had no intention of admitting it. “Do you even know who I am?”
“Yes, don’t mistake her for someone else,” Yao Ye urged anxiously."Mei Shisi." Hua Rongjian immediately identified her.
An Jiu was somewhat surprised. She had never revealed her ranking within the Mei family, yet this person had spoken it without hesitation—proof that he knew the Mei clan quite well. He had probably also learned about the shady dealings the Mei family conducted in secret.
How should she respond to make this interesting? (To be continued...)
OpenNovel