Seven thousand and seven

The consequence of a wavering will is exactly like Shen Shuyao’s condition: exhausted during the day, weary in bed at night, and barely able to rise this morning, her back and waist aching painfully.

After last night’s episode, she had excitedly hoped Xie Yi would try something new, but it was the same old routine—her excitement was all for nothing. Yet there was a small novelty: Xie Yi had left a distinct red mark just above her collarbone, so obvious that today she had to wear a high-necked dress. The heat coursed through her body, flushing her cheeks a deep rosy hue.

In the morning rush, she hastily chose her clothes without close inspection. The dress she wore was a vibrant coral red, its lively hue highlighting the snow-white purity of her skin. She surpassed the beauty of the blossoms, radiant and enchanting. With every breath, her chest rose and fell—full and soft—an unspoken invitation.

But there was one drawback: the dress hadn’t been worn for quite some time and had shrunk slightly, especially around the chest, where it constricted her painfully, making breathing difficult.

Shen Shuyao felt the tightness across her chest and couldn’t help but curse Xie Yi inwardly. He had never left marks on her collarbone or neck before; yet last night he did, causing her aching waist and, in the morning’s frantic dressing, the wrong choice of attire. It was truly tormenting. She resolved to find time later to return to Lanyuan and change, fearing that wearing the dress all day would suffocate her.

Taking deep breaths to ease her discomfort, she barely had a moment before Lin Shi tugged at her sleeve twice, signaling that guests had arrived and she should stop dawdling.

Lowering her gaze to her sleeve, Shen Shuyao quickly brightened her face and followed Lin Shi to greet the visitors.

“Lord Qin and Lady Qin, welcome—please come inside,” Lin Shi announced.

The Marquis of Yongning and his wife were connected to the royal family by ties of kinship; their visit was indeed an honor. Shen Shuyao nodded in acknowledgment, listening as Lin Shi exchanged polite conversation with them.

“Madam Xie, you look radiant today—surely there is joyful news,” Lady Qin remarked.

In the capital, information flowed freely among the great families, especially regarding matrimonial alliances. Secrets were rare, and even if there were any, a little inquiry would reveal them. Lady Qin clearly understood Lin Shi’s thoughts and teasingly made her comment.

Lin Shi took no offense; instead, she laughed softly, covering her mouth with delight, then drew Lady Qin aside to whisper, “Later, Lady Qin, please help me keep an eye out. Your judgment is impeccable.”

Though spoken quietly, Shen Shuyao caught the words. She lowered her eyes but smiled inwardly. Lin Shi had long been scheming; flattering Lady Qin now was a way to foster goodwill and build rapport. Surely, Lady Qin would not take such words at face value. Both women understood that such gatherings were best suited for cultivating relationships, and the earlier remark was merely a polite compliment.

Shen Shuyao disliked such false pleasantries but was helpless. At every banquet, similar formalities were unavoidable; she herself had uttered many insincere words. Otherwise, how could her reputation have improved? It was all due to these hollow exchanges.

Lin Shi and Lady Qin chatted happily. Shen Shuyao, however, barely heard what was said afterward. After a while, she looked up to find both women smiling warmly at her.

Puzzled, Shen Shuyao could not catch their words but smiled quietly in response.

Lady Qin appraised her for a moment and said, “Young Madam grows ever more stunning. The Xie household’s environment is truly nurturing.”

Lin Shi was pleased by the compliment; praise of her daughter-in-law was praise for herself.

“Lady Qin, you flatter us. Let’s go inside—the banquet is nearly ready.”

After a long while, the conversation finally ended.

Shen Shuyao exhaled deeply, feeling momentarily relieved, only to be met with another round of courteous greetings. She thought to herself how nice it would be if her concubines could meet the guests, or if Xie Qun’s two aunts-in-law could help. She could then relax a little.

With most guests assembled, Shen Shuyao planned to slip away to Lanyuan to change clothes. By noon, the sun would be scorching, and she was already suffocating in her attire.

She glanced toward Lin Shi, who was beaming with joy, showing no sign of fatigue—a good moment to speak.

Her red lips parted just as Shen Shuyao spotted a familiar figure entering. Her flushed face instantly lit up with a radiant smile.

“Shuyi.”

It was Chen Shuyi. She had taken a long time to prepare and nearly missed the appointed hour but had arrived just in time.

“Yaoyao.”

The two friends hardly concealed their joy, clasping hands and nearly embracing at an inappropriate moment.

Unable to contain her happiness, Shen Shuyao’s voice was sweet and melodious. Biting her lip, she turned to Lin Shi. “Mother, I’ll take Shuyi inside first.”

Lin Shi, delighted, did not object and nodded, allowing her to lead the way.

—

Once out of Lin Shi’s sight, the two relaxed, letting go of restraint. Their expressions became livelier.

Chen Shuyi wrapped her arm around Shen Shuyao’s and smiled warmly. “It’s been so long—I thought you’d forgotten me.”

“How could I? Didn’t I send you an invitation?”

Though born to a military family, Chen Shuyi was gentler in temperament. In the past, she often appeared at poetry and literary gatherings. Shen Shuyao accompanied her then but was indifferent, watching quietly. Since Shen Shuyao’s marriage, their meetings had become rare. Chen Shuyi understood—marriage changed everything.

“I’m joking. I know now you can’t be as carefree as before. But among us sisters, you’re living the best life.”

She teased, scrutinizing Shen Shuyao and winking mischievously. “Lord Xie treats you well, right? You look so radiant; he must be refined and gentle.”

Shen Shuyao smiled, knowing none of Chen Shuyi’s guesses were accurate, but she chose not to contradict her. Chen Shuyi, curious, clung to the topic, teasing her closely.

—

“Yaoyao, you seem taller.”

Shen Shuyao squinted upward, wondering if she had indeed grown. The dress seemed tighter.

Before she could respond, Chen Shuyi added, “And here, too.”

Following her gaze, Shen Shuyao’s cheeks flamed crimson with embarrassment. Hastily, she turned Chen Shuyi’s head away and lightly tapped it.

“Chen Shuyi, you’ve gotten more unruly after just a few days.”

The girl laughed heartily, the sound echoing through the corridor.

“Ha! Now you’re shy like this, forgetting how you dragged me to look at those… books.”

Shen Shuyao was even more embarrassed. In youth, her curiosity had run wild—reading all sorts of books, especially those about men and women. She often pulled Chen Shuyi along. That was why she disliked Xie Yi’s single routine—she knew too much.

Ah, nothing honorable to speak of—best left unmentioned.

“Shh.”

She glanced around cautiously, relaxing only when sure no one overheard. “Don’t tell anyone. It wouldn’t sound good if it got out.”

Chen Shuyi nodded earnestly. “Don’t worry, we’re sisters. I’d never betray you.”

Shen Shuyao trusted those words. Their families were long-time friends, both descended from military lineage and close. She and Chen Shuyi had grown up together with no secrets, so trust came naturally.

Long separated, the two had much to say and had been talking nonstop since arriving.

Shen Shuyao led her to the rear garden to find a quieter spot. The Xie estate was splendid, a noble household with many rare flowers and plants in the garden.

She brushed a handkerchief embroidered with orchids back and forth on a stone, then withdrew it, clutching it delicately.

After a short walk, Shen Shuyao’s cheeks flushed, a stray lock of hair dampening her face. She brushed it aside and sat down lightly.

They chatted for a while, then strolled some more under the sun. Thirsty now, Shen Shuyao wanted water but couldn’t yet leave before discussing serious matters.

After the lighter conversation, it was time to speak of other things. Shen Shuyao considered how to begin, her long lashes drooping, shadowing the emotions beneath.

Her brow furrowed slightly, her delicate face troubled.

After a moment of silence, Chen Shuyi spoke first. “I’ve been troubled lately.”

She looked up, the breeze clouding her eyes. She squinted, brushing the hair from her forehead, and asked what was wrong.

Chen Shuyi kicked her feet back and forth nervously, her expression heavy with concern.

After a long pause, she sighed, “My parents are arranging a marriage for me. They have their eyes on General Ye’s second son, but I…”

Chen Shuyi pressed her lips together, swallowing her discontent, and looked at Shen Shuyao with pleading eyes.

Shen Shuyao parted her lips, sensing the dissatisfaction in those eyes. She did not like General Ye’s son.

“Don’t like him? Why?”

“He’s upright and loyal but rough around the edges. I want to marry a refined gentleman, not a boor.”

The young woman preferred gentle scholars with their elegant air and refined character. Alas, her parents sought a match among military families, which Chen Shuyi disliked.

Shen Shuyao listened and stared at her for a while, then lowered her gaze in thought. After a moment, she raised her rosy face and said, “Let me tell you something.”

“Okay, go ahead.”

After some consideration, Shen Shuyao felt this was the right moment to speak. She would merely act as an intermediary; whether they liked each other was their concern.

As Shen Shuyao spoke, she watched Chen Shuyi’s reaction. Chen Shuyi kept her eyes lowered, occasionally blinking her clear eyes at her, inscrutable in emotion.

After finishing, they remained silent, sitting quietly as the breeze stirred their skirts and tousled their hair.

Shen Shuyao touched her neck, wondering if she had been too forward. It was supposed to be a casual sisterly gathering, not this. If she were Chen Shuyi, she might feel uncomfortable too.

She forced a polite smile, about to change the subject, but Chen Shuyi spoke first.

“Alright, alright.”

Her voice was soft, tinged with uncertain hesitation.

—

Shen Shuyao’s eyes widened slightly. Tilting her head, she leaned closer. “Shuyi, don’t force yourself, really. Don’t endure it just for me.”

Chen Shuyi’s nervous heart relaxed instantly. She chuckled softly and explained, “I’m not forcing it. I think Lord Xie is handsome and spirited, and his younger brother isn’t bad either. Besides, I met him once—he’s quite handsome and refined.”

Now Shen Shuyao was speechless. Unexpectedly, Chen Shuyi truly favored someone like Xie Jun, matching Shen Shuyao’s own tastes.

She laughed awkwardly, then waved for Zhiwei to come over, instructing her to find Xie Jun’s attendant and arrange a meeting in a suitable place.

Zhiwei nodded and promptly left.

Today was Xie Jun’s birthday banquet. Shen Shuyao had thought they’d wait a while, but Zhiwei returned quickly, saying the second young master would arrive soon and that Miss Chen should wait here a moment.

Meeting directly in the rear garden was ideal—quiet and discreet, with few passersby to gossip. This arrangement also implied Shen Shuyao should leave to avoid disturbing them.

Being tactful, Shen Shuyao understood it was inappropriate to linger. She also wished to return to Lanyuan to change, as her current dress was suffocating.

After a few words with Chen Shuyi, Shen Shuyao left first.

—

With all the guests in the front courtyard, returning suddenly to Lanyuan brought much-needed quiet.

Ling Chun was there, and upon seeing her return, asked curiously. Shen Shuyao pointed to her dress and said, “I’m changing. Also, bring a basin of water.”

It was nearly noon; the sun blazed fiercely, making her sweat with every step. Her face was flushed, nearly burning.

Ling Chun brought the water and offered, “Let me help you wipe.”

Shen Shuyao waved them off, preferring to do it herself. She feared the red mark would be noticed, inviting ridicule.

Her slender fingers slowly loosened the dress, her gaze lowered, unaware of the movement at the doorway.

She casually hung the outer garment aside, eyes shifting, suddenly spotting a dark figure approaching. Startled, she hugged herself tightly, tension coursing through her body.

Looking up, she recognized Xie Yi and relaxed abruptly.

“You—you’re back so soon?”

He said nothing, nearly giving her a fright.

Shen Shuyao complained, and seeing no response, looked up to find his eyes dark and intense, fixed on her.

Following his gaze downward, it rested on her chest. She wore only a thin undershirt, stretched taut and high, the fabric too small to conceal her full, fair skin. The edges revealed a glimpse of white—springtime’s infinite beauty—impossible to look away from.

She turned her back to him. “Annoying, stop staring.”

“My clothes got stained with tea; I came back to change.”

Xie Yi’s eyes shifted back to her snow-white back. He had mostly seen her by night; daytime viewing was a first, more visually stimulating. His blood roared, muscles tightening uncontrollably.

She tilted her head, shooting him a glance. He indeed spotted a stain. “Oh, I’ll change too.”

Xie Yi remained silent but did not avert his gaze, scanning her from head to toe. Shen Shuyao’s waist was slender, hips curved, chest full—her figure exquisite.

He was used to seeing her at night; daylight was new and tantalizing, making it hard to look away. Her back was delicate and soft, skin like polished jade, lines flawless, as if a precious gem to hold and admire.

The intensity of his gaze made her shiver. Crossing her arms, she tilted her head and said, “Help me wring out a cloth.”

Xie Yi stiffened, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he tried to suppress the heat rising within him. Turning away to wring the cloth, he forgot everything upon seeing her again.

He could only divert his attention elsewhere.

“Bring me a hundred taels later.”

“For what?”

She hadn’t forgotten the last time with the courtesan.

Xie Yi helped wipe her, explaining as he worked, “Your brother just borrowed a hundred taels from me.”

Hearing her brother’s name, Shen Shuyao forgot whose hand was moving over her back.

“What does that boy need the money for?”

“To forge a sword,” he said.

She scoffed, lowering her hands and forgetting to cover her front. Xie Yi, much taller, stared dumbfounded.

—