2002

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Lady Lin resided in the Quiet Lotus Garden, which was somewhat distant from the Orchid Garden where she lived, requiring a bit of time to get there. She walked steadily but not hastily. On the way, she encountered two of the Duke’s concubines, which delayed her for a moment.

The Duke, Xie Qun, had two young concubines, still graceful and alluring. When they spoke, they covered their lips and giggled coquettishly, carrying a certain vulgar air. Their eyes held a theatrical gleam, which Shen Shuyao naturally noticed. This only confirmed her suspicion that Lady Lin’s visit was likely ill-intentioned. She was too indifferent to bother arguing with them; after all, neither concubine had children, and the Xie household’s future was ultimately decided by Xie Yi. There would be times when they needed to curry favor with her instead.

The gatekeeper girl at Quiet Lotus Garden, upon seeing Shen Shuyao’s arrival, hurried inside to inform Lady Lin. When Shen Shuyao entered, she saw Lady Lin seated above, beckoning her with a bright smile.

“Come quickly, come quickly. The Dragon Garden’s Shengxue tea just arrived. Come and taste it.”

One doesn’t refuse a smiling face, especially when Lady Lin was so warm. Shen Shuyao dared not embarrass her, lest rumors sully her reputation. She curved her brows gracefully and made a proper bow before taking a seat. Lady Lin observed this with great satisfaction.

“This tea arrived just at noon. I immediately sent someone to invite you over. Hurry, taste the fresh brew.”

“Mother remembers me kindly; I am truly delighted.”

After a year of playing these polite and cordial scenes, Shen Shuyao had become skillful and polished. Even the smile she wore was practiced before a mirror, flawless to any observer. Though she herself felt the smile was somewhat forced, it mattered little as no one could tell.

She sipped the tea and her eyes brightened instantly, praising, “Light yet mellow, leaving a fragrant aftertaste—an excellent tea.”

After tasting, she didn’t forget to flatter Lady Lin, “Tea from Quiet Lotus Garden is always exquisite. Every visit here is a treat.”

Lady Lin was pleased by these words, bending slightly in a bow and complimenting her twice on her sweet tongue and knack for coaxing. Her laughter faded, then she softened her tone, “You two truly are a perfect couple; you say exactly the same things.”

Shen Shuyao paused briefly, her expression slightly unnatural, but she quickly restored her composure. She knew Lady Lin was about to get to the point.

“Yi’er came over just now. I noticed he looks stronger than after the New Year, full of spirit. You have taken good care.”

Shen Shuyao lowered her head slightly, revealing a slender, pale neck with a delicate curve—very alluring. Upon hearing this, she raised her eyes, offering a graceful, gentle smile, which only pleased Lady Lin further.

“He is my husband, so naturally I care for him. That is what a daughter-in-law should do.”

Lady Lin placed her hands folded on her lap; the hairpin atop her head swayed slightly with her nodding. Her tone softened even more. “Marrying you is his blessing.”

Lady Lin was adept at sweet talk, but such words were only to be heard, not believed. If taken seriously, she would be foolish.

Sure enough, before Lady Lin finished, she added with concern, “But you seem thinner. Did you catch a chill recently? Are you not fully recovered?”

The late spring cold had been severe. Though Shen Shuyao was generally healthy, she had indeed caught a chill. It had been seven or eight days, and she was mostly recovered now.

“I took the medicine Doctor Wang prescribed and have fully recovered.”

Lady Lin scrutinized her, knitting her brows, yet still spoke with concern, “Doctor Wang is skilled. If he says you’re well, then it’s nothing serious.”

She looked up toward the door where bright light spilled in, slightly dazzling. Lady Lin squinted, her expression growing more serious.

“It’s no wonder you look frail—you have to manage both inside and outside the estate, wearing yourself out. Such a vast Orchid Garden, yet only you attend to it, without any help. Since you joined the household, I have treated you like my own daughter. Seeing you work so hard pains me.”

After speaking, Lady Lin turned to look at her, “So, I have found someone for you. Bring her home; when you are busy, she can assist you, so you can find some relief.”

At this point, if Shen Shuyao didn’t catch the implication, she would be terribly naive. She had suspected something before coming; after a year, Lady Lin could no longer restrain herself from pushing someone into the Orchid Garden. What to do?

What else but accept? If she refused, others would claim her virtue was a facade—a notion she could not allow, as it contradicted her nature.

Meeting Lady Lin’s scrutinizing gaze, Shen Shuyao smiled sweetly as always, “Mother’s consideration is heartfelt. How could I not be grateful? Moreover, if Mother has chosen her, she must be worthy. Your judgment never errs.”

Her words brought a broad smile to Lady Lin’s face, and all her doubts vanished. Before entering, she had worried if Shen Shuyao was like Lady Shen—jealous and petty. Now, all worries were gone. Shen Shuyao was broad-minded and tolerant.

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Lady Lin nodded, then turned to instruct Madame Zhao to bring the girl forward so the young mistress could see.

She sighed with feeling, “You are so sensible, I am at ease. In the future, Yi’er will be busy at court, but with you managing the household, he can focus without worry.”

Shen Shuyao smiled silently, thinking to herself: she was compliant and would turn a blind eye as long as they did not target her. She hoped the concubines in the rear were as well-behaved and refrained from causing trouble.

As silence settled, the lighting near the door dimmed; Madame Zhao brought the girl in.

Shen Shuyao set aside the now-cold tea and glanced at the newcomer. It was not the famed courtesan, but a young woman she had not seen before—graceful and modest in appearance, not gaudy. The girl cast a furtive glance at Shen Shuyao, noticed the scrutiny, and immediately lowered her head, showing some timidity.

Shen Shuyao turned back to Lady Lin with a smile, “Mother’s eye is good; her figure and looks are top-notch. She surely is blessed.”

“Whether she is blessed depends on her own fate,” Lady Lin replied, raising her hand to beckon the girl closer. “Come, let the young mistress have a look.”

The girl bowed timidly, not daring to meet Shen Shuyao’s eyes.

After examining her, Shen Shuyao asked, “What is your name? How old are you?”

“My name is Ruyi, and I am eighteen this year.”

Eighteen—one year younger than Shen Shuyao. She nodded, about to ask more when Lady Lin interjected.

“Question her thoroughly later; there is plenty of time.”

Ruyi’s bright eyes darkened slightly. “Yes, Mother.”

Choosing a virtuous girl was far better than a courtesan, which Shen Shuyao could accept.

She certainly did not want to share a roof with a woman from the brothel.

—

Ruyi was taken back to the Orchid Garden. Zhiwei and the others glanced at each other, immediately sensing the situation. The once playful atmosphere vanished, replaced by solemnity.

After dealing with Lady Lin, Shen Shuyao felt drained and exhausted. She weakly instructed, “Set her up properly, then send for Nurse Liu.”

Nurse Liu was the steward of the front courtyard, elderly and steady—someone Shen Shuyao trusted.

Once the girl was taken away, Shen Shuyao completely lost energy, leaning on the table with a sigh. Zhiwei quietly approached and asked, “Young Mistress, what do you plan to do?”

“She’s here now. What else? Let her stay for now, and you all keep an eye. Don’t let anything slip.”

Zhiwei, the head maid, steadier than Suihua and the others, understood her meaning instantly.

“Don’t worry, the entire estate is filled with our people.”

Xie Yi was fully absorbed in his official duties, leaving the Orchid Garden entirely under her control, with no outsiders allowed. Unless he replaced her, she would remain in charge.

From the moment Ruyi arrived in the afternoon, the comings and goings in the Orchid Garden became cautious and quiet. Everyone spoke and acted with care, wary of the newcomer.

Shen Shuyao barely touched her evening meal, setting it down early, troubled. Before nightfall, she lay down to rest. Usually, if Xie Yi was late, she would read while waiting, but now she had no desire.

After a year of pretending, sometimes she just wanted a break.

Xie Yi returned past midnight. The Orchid Garden was silent; the night watch servants nodded off one by one, leaning against the walls. The man lifted his eyelids upon seeing the main bedroom light still on. His heart skipped a beat as he hurried over.

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He thought Shen Shuyao was waiting for him. Instead, he found her already on the bed, not asleep but wide-eyed, watching him enter before lying back down.

Xie Yi said nothing, his eyes briefly scanning the table but finding noI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.