Chongwen Gate belongs to the eastern city. Because it is close to the canal wharf, many wealthy merchants and traders gather nearby. By contrast, most of the noble families’ residences are in the western city, hence the saying: “The east is rich, the west is noble.”
Duke Cheng’s mansion sat at the end of Ping’an Street in the western city. Two massive, imposing stone lions stood guard at the gates, flanked by pines and bamboo.
This place was not hard to find. Even if a coachman had never been to the capital, asking any passerby would suffice—almost everyone knew where Duke Cheng’s mansion was.
The carriage turned into Wutong Alley, which led to the back gate of the mansion. Nanny Zheng reported their identity at the gatehouse, and Xu Shuyao and her younger brother stepped down from the carriage, waiting under the porch.
Although the coachman had already been paid, he did not leave immediately.
Just then, Xiao Mo returned from the palace after meeting the sovereign. Lifting his eyes, he unexpectedly saw a familiar carriage parked there. He glanced at it with some surprise.
Unlike Xu Shuyao’s party, the gatekeeper immediately opened the door for him with great deference, then stood respectfully under the porch, watching his figure disappear inside.
At that moment, the messenger returned with a stewardess. Seeing Xu Shuyao and her brother, she hurried forward to greet them.
As Xu Shuyao followed the stewardess, she suddenly felt that the young man who had just entered seemed familiar. Dressed in black riding clothes, his attendant carried a jade-threaded rain cloak. A spark of recognition flashed in her mind—wasn’t he the gentleman she had glimpsed briefly at the city gate, arriving together with Wang Shaowei?
Who was he? Why was he here, at the Duke Cheng’s mansion?
The thought passed quickly, and her steps did not falter.
Nanny Wu, stewardess to Second Madam Chen, studied the girl. Though plainly dressed, her face was delicate and fair, and when she lifted her eyes, her peach-shaped gaze shimmered like autumn water. Nanny Wu was secretly astonished. This cousin from Huzhou was strikingly beautiful—perhaps even surpassing the pampered daughters of the mansion, and not inferior to the famed Miss Liu.
Earlier, the Second Madam had received word from Huzhou but had not yet sent for her niece. Soon after, another letter arrived saying the girl had already set out on her own. The lady had only frowned slightly, saying nothing more.
As Nanny Wu exchanged pleasantries, she continued to observe the slender girl beside her, feeling quietly relieved.
The Duke’s mansion was vast. Inside, they first passed a reddish-brown screen wall, then wound through fragrant gardens, past rockeries, covered walkways, arched bridges, and pavilions, along stone-paved paths. In the distance, several courtyards glowed with lamplight. Through trees and walls, winding paths connected them, casting a dim yellow glow in the drizzle of night.
Xu Shuheng, clutching his sister’s hand, was sweating lightly in his palms and at his temples. Compared to the sprawling grandeur of the mansion, their home in Huzhou was but a tiny courtyard. Though shocked, he knew better than to show fear. He lowered his head, letting his sister lead him. Yet his tightly clenched hand betrayed his nerves.
Xu Shuyao gently squeezed his hand in reassurance. She herself was only fourteen. But her mother had died when she was eight, and her father was often occupied with official duties. The burden of managing the household and caring for her younger brother had fallen on her shoulders. At times like this, she became his anchor, her resilience evident in every word and action.
After about a quarter of an hour, they reached a small courtyard. Xu Shuyao looked up—the inscription above the gate was weathered and hard to read. Nanny Wu stepped forward, smiling warmly as she pushed open the door: “Come in, young master and young lady. The Second Lady knew you were arriving and had this place specially prepared. It may be small, but it is quiet and pleasant. If anything feels unsuitable, you may tell me at once.”
As she spoke, her gaze lingered on Xu Shuyao, subtly gauging the girl’s temperament through her response.
Among the three, two were masters, and the young boy was too small—so the young lady’s attitude was of utmost importance.
Xu Shuyao was a little surprised. She had thought they would first go to pay respects to her aunt, but instead they were brought directly to their lodgings.
She quickly smiled, looked around, and said: “Nanny Wu, there’s no need to be so polite. Please tell Aunt that Shuyao finds this place very suitable. I’m grateful for her trouble, and also thank you for guiding us here so late.”
Nanny Zheng promptly handed over the prepared reward money.
Nanny Wu declined at first, then accepted, her smile now more genuine:
“Then I shall go report to Second Madam. You should rest first. Soon she will send attendants over. As for food—neither young lady nor young master have had supper yet, have you? I’ll have the servants prepare it.”
Xu Shuyao agreed with a smile. From Nanny Wu’s words, it seemed her aunt was not in a hurry to see them. She glanced at the swaying lantern outside, knowing it was indeed late.
She did not dwell on it. After all, the two families had not been in contact for many years, and only now, when they had nowhere else to turn, did they come knocking. Who would feel entirely comfortable about that? They were, in truth, the kind of relatives people called “fair‑weather kin.”
But with her younger brother needing her protection, her heart could not stay hard.
She exchanged a look with Nanny Zheng and began unpacking. They had not brought much clothing. Fortunately, she had already arranged for their belongings to be sent from their calligraphy shop, and she trusted the steward would soon have them delivered to the capital.
Before long, footsteps approached. Four maids in crimson vests entered, lined up neatly, and greeted: “We pay respects to Cousin Miss and Cousin Young Master! Greetings to the two masters!”
Xu Shuyao smiled and invited them in, asking each of their names. For now, she assigned Yuzhu and Molan to look after her brother, while Qiaowei and Huixiang stayed by her side.
After a quick wash, supper was served. Once they had eaten and settled, they rested with the help of the new maids.
The courtyard had one main room, a hall, and two side rooms. Xu Shuyao and her brother each took one. Beside the side rooms were two small chambers for the maids, and a back room for the older servants.
Before bed, Xu Shuyao checked on her brother in the right side room, then told Nanny Zheng to rest. With new attendants around, it was not the time to say much.
She lay down, closed her eyes for a few breaths, then turned over—meeting the gaze of a little maid. The girl looked shy, but whispered:
“Miss, do you feel hot? Shall I fan you?”
Xu Shuyao shook her head and asked: “Your name is Huixiang? How long have you been in the household?”
“Yes. I’ve only been here half a month. If Miss wants to ask anything, I can fetch Sister Qiaowei.” Her words stumbled nervously.
Qiaowei was already resting in the side chamber.
Xu Shuyao quickly stopped her: “No need. I’m just asking casually. Tell me what you know.”
From Huixiang, she learned that Qiaowei was a second‑class maid serving her aunt, Yuzhu was third‑class, while Huixiang and Molan were newcomers to the household.
Arriving in a strange place, she had thought she would not be able to sleep. Yet with the maid’s chatter and the patter of rain outside, she drifted off quickly.
In her dream, the Lantern Festival was bright as day, the crowd noisy and bustling. She was seized, her mouth and nose covered, carried away. Behind her, voices cried out desperately: “Taotao! Taotao…”
The cries were hoarse, the voice so familiar. She thought and thought, but could not recall who it was.
Huixiang, keeping watch, saw her mistress asleep and went to the side chamber, unaware that the girl on the bed was frowning deeply, her forehead damp with sweat, trapped in some nightmare.