It was said that *Stealing Fragrance, Seizing Jade* was currently the best‑selling erotic picture book in Huzhou. The artist’s brushwork was delicate and elegant, the figures sensual yet not vulgar. While passing through Huzhou on official business, they had heard much talk of it. But copies were scarce, circulating only among a few wealthy households. Wang Shaowei had regretted not obtaining one during their hurried departure. To his surprise, his cousin had already secured a copy.
Wang Shaowei chuckled awkwardly, teasing: “Heh… well drawn! Very well drawn!”
Xiao Mo frowned but said nothing more.
By the time Xu Shuyao’s shabby carriage reached the city gate, the sky had indeed opened with rain.
The sparse line of carriages ahead grew restless—everyone wanted to hurry inside before the gates closed and find shelter. The black clouds overhead promised a heavy downpour.
Street vendors at the gate quickly packed up their pots and tables. Carried on the cool wind, tantalizing aromas drifted into people’s noses.
Nestled against his sister, Xu Shuheng’s round little nose twitched, and he finally woke.
“Elder Sister! Are we there?”
The seven‑year‑old boy, still full of childishness, craned his head toward the scent.
Nanny Zheng worried that such behavior in a crowded place might draw unwanted attention, but seeing Xu Shuyao remain calm, she swallowed her words.
Xu Shuheng peeked through a small slit in the curtain, then quickly closed it again. He glanced sheepishly at his sister and Nanny Zheng.
Xu Shuyao smiled inwardly, but asked gently: “Are you hungry, Heng?”
She handed him a box of pastries. “Have some cakes to tide you over. The vendors here cater to passing merchants, often only once, so their prices aren’t fair.”
She was right. And with rain falling and everyone anxious to enter, she didn’t want any delays.
Xu Shuheng, embarrassed that his sister had guessed his thoughts, still accepted the box. He first offered a piece to his sister, then another to Nanny Zheng.
On this journey to the capital, all the maids and servants who once attended them had been dismissed. Only Nanny Zheng insisted on accompanying them.
At first, Xu Shuheng had treated her with polite formality, but now he truly regarded her as a trusted elder.
Xu Shuyao was gratified by her brother’s thoughtfulness, and Nanny Zheng smiled as she accepted the cake. The carriage filled with the sweet fragrance of pastries.
Meanwhile, the line of carriages crept forward, but progress was slow. The rain grew heavier, and suddenly a commotion arose ahead.
The carriage jolted violently. Xu Shuheng nearly struck his head on the wall, but his sister caught him in time. Nanny Zheng barely steadied herself.
All three turned pale. Xu Shuyao lifted the curtain and asked the driver:
“Sir! What’s happening?”
She saw their carriage had pulled aside, while the others in line were turning back.
Though their carriage was old, the driver was a simple, honest man—skilled at handling the reins, and charging less than others.
Although Xu Shuyao was not so poor as to pinch every coin, she knew well that when traveling, the less attention one drew, the safer it was.
In just that short while, she had already seen several carriages ahead overturn in the chaos, throwing passengers out. Her choice of a plain, sturdy carriage had been wise.
“Miss! The city gates are about to close. We may not be able to enter until tomorrow.”
She didn’t need to be told—the commotion ahead made it clear. People were loudly debating as they turned back in the rain.
Watching the scattered carriages and crowds, Xu Shuyao frowned. Would they really have to spend another night outside?
The journey from Huzhou to Tongzhou had been smooth by boat, with only one night’s rest in Tongzhou. Now, so close to the capital, to be blocked outside the gates was bitterly frustrating.
She regretted not following Nanny Zheng’s earlier advice. If only she had urged the driver to hurry and greeted Wang Shaowei’s party, claiming kinship with Duke Cheng’s household—after all, the duke’s wife was Wang Shaowei’s aunt. Surely he would have extended a favor and brought them in, sparing them this predicament.
As she thought this, her eyes drifted toward the gate—and by coincidence, she saw Wang Shaowei’s group entering the city.
Almost as if sensing her gaze, a man on horseback turned to look back. He wore black riding clothes with a rain cloak, his posture straight and commanding. But it was not Wang Shaowei—it was another man, colder and sterner in bearing.
Xu Shuyao stared at him through the curtain of rain, unsure how she appeared in his eyes—likely with a trace of helplessness and envy she could not conceal. From afar, she saw him speak briefly to a guard, then ride away.
Who was this man, with such an overwhelming presence? Her thoughts flickered only for a moment before she accepted reality. She had missed her chance to approach Wang Shaowei, and now could only steel herself.
She began to instruct the driver: “Sir, please turn the carriage…”
But before she finished, a city guard approached. Bowing, he asked: “Is the young lady inside perhaps a cousin of Marquis Qingyuan’s household?”
The words stunned Xu Shuyao. After a pause, her cheeks flushed as she answered softly: “I am.”
The guard seemed unconcerned with her hesitation. Hearing her reply, he said promptly: “Then please follow me.”
Nanny Zheng and young Shuheng were bewildered, while Xu Shuyao herself grew more suspicious.
Cousin? True, she could claim distant kinship with Wang Shaowei, but how could he possibly know?
She reasoned it must be simple courtesy—he had told the guard she was his cousin only to ensure a vulnerable girl was not left outside in the storm.
Others nearby looked on with envy. The guard himself felt the weight of their stares.
Merchants from Tongzhou had crowded this gate, with goods to inspect and travelers to register. With the closing time near, those at the back had no chance of entry.
Yet the girl in this carriage was clearly kin seeking refuge in the capital. Since Wang Shaowei had gone in, how could his “cousin” be left outside?
Besides, she was fair‑skinned and delicate, traveling with a younger brother and an old servant—pitiful indeed in the driving rain.