Chapter 19: Strange Occurrences

Xue Ao observed her—her gentle allure, her delicate charm, so soft and lovely that even surrounded by others, he dared not act out. He chuckled inwardly. All said the Han household’s cousin was matchless in beauty, but to his eyes, she was merely so-so. Especially compared to his elder brother Xue Tan—she was not worth mentioning at all.

Yet Xue Tan clearly adored the poem Liu Chuyan had composed. Pointing to the graceful characters on the rice paper, he praised it together with General Liu, and those present all echoed their admiration.

Liu Chuyan heard Xue Tan’s words and took in everyone’s reactions. But while the others gazed longingly at the handsome men, she felt much more at ease. Only Xue Ao stared at her brazenly, not averting his gaze, which made her somewhat embarrassed. After all, he was a man; her cheeks grew faintly warm. Seizing a moment when no one was watching, she shot him a glare.

Xue Ao hadn’t expected Liu Chuyan to glare at him, but he was never one to yield to pressure. He glared right back.

The two of them locked eyes in this childish contest, unnoticed by all but Liu Guanju.

Liu Guanju found their petty squabble quite exasperating, but she genuinely liked Liu Chuyan. With a light laugh, she stepped forward and took Liu Chuyan’s arm. “Sister Chuyan, will you come visit the General’s Manor often?”

Liu Chuyan lowered her head and smiled faintly. “Thank you for your kindness, Miss Guanju.”

“But you haven’t agreed yet,” Liu Guanju replied, easily sensing the caution in Liu Chuyan’s words. Without her mother’s permission, no one dared enter the General’s Manor freely—except that rascal Xue Ao. So she looked to her mother, fluttering her lashes in a pleading manner.

Though Madam Liu had been chatting with Xue Tan, her attention never strayed from the young women. Initially, she had intended to invite Han Shujing; she hadn’t expected Liu Guanju to choose Liu Chuyan immediately, leaving no room for negotiation. Still, Liu Guanju’s fondness for Liu Chuyan was unsurprising—her daughter had always loved beauty. But to invite an unmarried young lady like Liu Chuyan to the manor as a teacher would certainly raise objections from the Marquis of Wukang’s household. If it were Han Shujing, the matter would be far simpler. Madam Liu sighed inwardly.

Seeing her mother’s silence, Liu Guanju grew anxious—her heart skipped a beat. Was her mother going back on her word? She’d been promised the choice, and Liu Chuyan was certainly impressive: skilled in poetry and calligraphy, and most importantly, able to spar verbally with Xue Ao. With her as an ally, she’d have help teasing him in the future.

Liu Chuyan noticed Madam Liu’s hesitation, and quietly averted her eyes. Patting Liu Guanju’s hand, she said, “Miss Guanju, today is your birthday banquet. With the scholars’ table cleared, the next entertainment is about to begin, and the feast will soon start.”

Liu Chuyan’s words reminded Liu Guanju of her responsibilities—this was a grand affair, and she could not afford any missteps. If anything went wrong, her mother would never let it pass. But if she performed well today, she could ask for whatever she wished afterward, and even enlist her father’s support.

“Mother, please instruct them to begin the feast,” Liu Guanju said, lifting her skirts and hurrying to Madam Liu, trying her best to be sweet and obedient.

Sensible enough, thought Madam Liu. It seemed Liu Chuyan’s influence was considerable—her daughter listened to her every word. Perhaps there was a way to teach this troublesome girl. With a nod, she signaled for the banquet to begin, already considering how best to invite Liu Chuyan over.

A banquet was always the same: plenty of people, wine, and conversation.

As the crowd dispersed and the focus shifted, Liu Chuyan finally had a moment to enjoy her tea and pastries in peace. But unexpectedly, someone from a distant table made her way over.

“Huai Jin, Huai Yu, this is the Dowager Lady of the Marquis of Wukang—do you remember her?” The visitor was Lady Jin of the Duke of Xingguo’s household, Xue Ao’s mother. Two young girls of remarkable beauty accompanied her, both around thirteen or fourteen. Lady Jin made a grand entrance, drawing the attention of the Marquis of Wukang’s family, and greeted the Dowager Lady with great warmth. “Strictly speaking, Dowager Lady, we are distant relatives—I ought to call you Aunt.”

Though the two families had only exchanged pleasantries on formal occasions, Lady Jin’s sudden approach startled the Dowager Lady, who quickly motioned for Liu Chuyan and the others to make room.

Lady Jin settled herself by the Dowager Lady and introduced her daughters. “Aunt, this is my eldest, Huai Jin, and this is my second, Huai Yu. You met them before, but they were only five or six then—perhaps you don’t remember. Huai Jin, Huai Yu, greet your great-aunt.”

“Greetings to Great-Aunt. We wish you health and happiness,” the girls said demurely, their faces adorned with gentle smiles.

“How you’ve both grown! But I’m old now, my eyesight isn’t what it used to be—come closer so I can have a good look.” These two were indeed exquisite. Even as curiosity flickered in her heart, the Dowager Lady pressed her doubts down, smiling kindly as she stroked their hands. “This is Huai Jin? Fourteen this year, I suppose? And Huai Yu—I believe I met you again two years ago, just after you turned twelve, wasn’t it?”

“Great-Aunt, your eyes are as sharp as ever; you haven’t mistaken us despite our resemblance. And your memory is remarkable—you recall our ages so clearly,” flattered Xue Huaijin.

Han Shujing glanced at Liu Chuyan, her eyes filled with astonishment. Was the sun rising in the west today, that Lady Jin would come courting the Dowager Lady’s favor? There had to be some scheme at work. And for the usually proud Miss Xue to actually give compliments—if the sun wasn’t rising in the west, then surely red rain would fall…

Liu Chuyan was just as surprised, giving her head a slight shake to show she was equally puzzled.

Lady Jin, unconcerned with the glances of others, continued warmly, “Dowager Lady, my two girls are restless by nature, but as they grow older, they cannot always be out and about. Your household has several young ladies of similar age; why not let them gather often, so they may be companions? So here I am, thick-skinned, asking if a few of your girls might visit our home.”

“Such gracious hospitality cannot be refused,” the Dowager Lady replied with a hearty laugh, gesturing to Liu Chuyan and the others. “Shujing, Chuyan, Weiwei, come greet Lady Jin.”

“Peace to Lady Jin,” the girls said, kneeling with grace and dignity, their manners impeccable. Lady Jin nodded in satisfaction.

“Truly first-rate girls. Huai Jin, Huai Yu, you must learn from them.”

“How could my girls compare to those of a duke’s household? You jest, Lady Jin,” put in Madam Han at last, seizing the chance to speak.

Though the Marquis of Wukang ranked lower than the Duke of Xingguo, the Dowager Lady had always forbidden anyone to belittle her family—least of all their own. Yet Madam Han, ever tactless, had tried to curry favor by disparaging their own girls, earning a fierce glare.

Madam Han, unaware of her misstep, wilted under the Dowager Lady’s warning and hung her head in aggrieved silence, inwardly gnashing her teeth.

Lady Jin caught the Dowager Lady’s displeasure and quickly tried to smooth things over. “Everyone knows the Han girls are each more delightful than the last. Even Miss Guanju favors your girls. This young lady, is she not the daughter of the former Prefect Liu? Her mother was from Hangzhou, wasn’t she?”

“Yes,” replied Liu Chuyan, surprised that Lady Jin even knew her background. But it was no true secret, so she only answered softly.

But Lady Jin was not about to let her go. Taking Liu Chuyan’s hand, she examined her closely. “What a lovely girl, the very image of your mother. Your mother was the great-granddaughter of one of the founding ministers, the Grand Astrologer—such a pity she was taken so young. And your father, so devoted, never remarried. I’m not sure how he passed, but he left behind such a fine daughter—truly deserving of affection.”

Though the words seemed kind, each one reminded Liu Chuyan of her misfortunes, and tears gathered in her eyes. All the more bewildered by Lady Jin’s hidden meanings, she wondered what the woman intended.

“Oh, listen to me—thinking of old friends brings loose tongues, and now I’ve made you sad,” Lady Jin said, gently tapping her lips and offering comfort. “You may not know, but I met your mother when I was young. We even discussed embroidery together once. She only visited the capital twice, spending the rest of her days in Hangzhou, so we didn’t meet often, though we did exchange letters. You may call me Aunt if you wish.”

“Aunt?” Liu Chuyan was astonished. Lady Jin lowering herself to seek favor with the Han family was one thing, but to deliberately mention old ties with her—what could her purpose be?

Seeing Liu Chuyan so bewildered, the Dowager Lady thought her a foolish girl. Whatever Lady Jin’s intentions, there was no harm in addressing her as Aunt. She chuckled quietly, “Lady Jin, Chuyan has been raised in seclusion, unaccustomed to the world—please forgive her.”

“Not at all… I find her most delightful—so gentle and serene. If my daughters were half as lovely, I’d be overjoyed.” Lady Jin laughed, still waiting for Liu Chuyan to address her.

“Silly child, Lady Jin wants you to call her Aunt; why are you hesitating?” Madam Han rose from her seat, came over, and tugged Liu Chuyan’s sleeve. She had seen clearly that the Duke of Xingguo had praised Liu Chuyan earlier and, given her background, if the Duke’s family proposed, Liu Chuyan would hardly be able to refuse. Lady Jin must have come for Xue Tan’s sake. Though it might not be in Liu Chuyan’s best interest, it would be highly advantageous for the Marquis of Wukang’s household. To have ties with the Duke’s family would boost everyone’s prestige. She must think of her own children.

Prompted by Madam Han, Liu Chuyan came to her senses and, nervous, softly called, “Aunt.”

“Good girl, so sweet and lovely,” Lady Jin said with satisfaction. Unfastening a gold and jade bracelet from her wrist, she slipped it onto Liu Chuyan’s arm. “Let this be your meeting gift.”

“This… it’s far too precious. I cannot accept it,” Liu Chuyan protested at once, feeling as though she were being traded away, and hastily tried to refuse.