A pair of white jade guardian lions flanked the vermilion-lacquered gates of the Marquis’s residence. Above the door hung a gold-flecked plaque inscribed with bold, sweeping characters—“Residence of the Marquis of Wuwei.” It was said these four characters were personally written by His Majesty, a testament to the Marquis’s extraordinary imperial favor.
Past the screen wall, three ceremonial gates stood in succession. Beyond the carved archway lay the main hall of five bays.
To celebrate Ling Heng’s birthday, crimson silk draperies and twelve-branch bronze lamp trees adorned the estate. Guests in splendid robes crowded the space with laughter and greetings—festive and lively throughout the manor.
Receiving guests, presenting gifts, taking seats, serving dishes—
Soon, the banquet officially began.
Considering Jiang Zhuo’s recent arrival at the Music Bureau—and knowing she wished to avoid seeing the Marquis—Qin Liuyun arranged for her only to manage instrument preparation.
To ensure quick coordination if anything happened, Jiang Zhuo and the other music officials waited behind the folding screens.
After the third round of wine came the specially prepared Music of the Longevity Feast, beginning with a soothing solo on the sheng, serene and elegant.
Lotus-shaped meat pastries were served with the music, adding auspicious meaning.
When the piece ended, applause filled the hall.
“I heard the young lady of the Jiang family is now a Music Officer in the Etiquette Bureau. Has she come today as well?”
As soon as Ling Heng spoke, murmurs rose throughout the seats—many tinged with mockery.
“To think a proper young lady would lower herself to perform in public—what a disgrace.”
“Well, everyone chooses their own path. Some people just love plucking strings. Even as a noble-born young miss, she’s only suited to the work of a servant.”
“Isn’t today perfect? Why not have her perform for the young marquis? Let’s see how the playing of a ‘proper young lady’ differs from that of trained entertainers.”
“Music Officers belong to the Etiquette Bureau and hold official ranks. Young Master Wang, you jest too far.”
Amidst the frivolous, mocking voices of noble youths and ladies, Shen Guanzhi’s calm defense stood out clearly.
Jiang Zhuo’s eyes warmed.
“Replying to the Marquis—Music Officer Jiang is indeed here today. However, she injured her hand while practicing the other day and is unable to perform.” Qin Liuyun, already anticipating this situation, responded gracefully. She cast a subtle glance toward Caiyun. “If the Marquis wishes to hear string music, many in our bureau are skilled at the pipa. We can provide a performance.”
Ling Heng, seated at the head table, showed neither approval nor refusal.
Caiyun stepped forward with her pipa and sat down.
So Caiyun played the pipa as well. No wonder she harbored such hostility toward Jiang Zhuo.
Jiang Zhuo felt a bit embarrassed.
One can know a person through their music—Caiyun’s playing differed greatly from hers. It was lively, bright, and energetic, though somewhat impatient in certain passages.
Just as Jiang Zhuo relaxed, thinking the dangers aimed at her during this banquet had passed, a fellow musician tugged anxiously at her sleeve and whispered:
“Music Officer Jiang, the flute player Madam Li said she needed the privy as soon as she entered the manor. It has been three quarters of an hour. She hasn’t returned. Could she be in trouble?”
The flute was essential for Gathering of Immortals in High Tones, the highlight of the banquet. Though the piece centered on the thirteen-string zheng, without the flute’s soaring notes, the performance would lose much of its brilliance.
Jiang Zhuo checked the list of accompanying musicians—indeed, one was missing.
Seeing Qin Liuyun still occupied managing the banquet’s flow, Jiang Zhuo gritted her teeth and made a decision.
“I’ll go look for her. You go inform Music Officer Qin.”
In her past life, Jiang Zhuo knew the back courtyards of the Marquis’s estate like the lines of her palm. Finding Madam Li in the lavatory should not be difficult.
After giving final instructions to the musicians waiting to go onstage, Jiang Zhuo hurried into the rear courtyard toward the eastern latrine.
The peonies were as vibrant as she remembered. The jagged Taihu rockery cast sharp shadows under the lantern light.
Walking the familiar nine-turn corridor, Jiang Zhuo felt as if she had spun back into the hateful cage of her past life. She quickened her steps.
“Hey! Who are you?”
A voice called out sharply in the night.
Jiang Zhuo turned and found a woman in a pale embroidered robe. Though the lighting was dim, her snow-like complexion and ink-black hair were unmistakable—her brows held a proud, striking beauty.
Jiang Zhuo recognized her instantly.
Ling Heng’s favored concubine, Lin Rou’er.
“I’ve never seen you before. Don’t tell me you’re another little concubine the Marquis has taken in?” Lin Rou’er asked haughtily.
“Please don’t misunderstand, Madam. I am a Music Officer from the Etiquette Bureau. His Majesty bestowed music upon the Marquis’s residence today. I am here to help coordinate the musicians. One of them has not returned after excusing herself, so I am searching for her.”
Jiang Zhuo offered a respectful bow, giving Lin Rou’er full courtesy.
Before her disfigurement in the previous life, Jiang Zhuo had been hostilely competitive with Lin Rou’er—each vying for Ling Heng’s favor, comparing jewelry and clothing, clashing constantly. But after Jiang Zhuo’s face was ruined, it was Lin Rou’er who, unexpectedly, helped her in times of need.
Thinking back now, Lin Rou’er had never been malicious—only too dependent on Ling Heng.
And as a concubine, what else could she depend on besides her lord’s affection and any children she bore?
Lin Rou’er circled Jiang Zhuo slowly and lifted her chin with a finger, scrutinizing her by moonlight.
“What kind of ‘proper music officer’ looks this seductive? I think you’re pretending to be an official just to seduce the Marquis.”
“Madam has misunderstood, I—”
“This must be Music Officer Jiang, yes? A musician lost her way earlier and asked us to fetch you.”
A maid with twin buns approached with a lantern, bowing to both Lin Rou’er and Jiang Zhuo.
“Hmph. Just make sure I don’t find you inside the Marquis’s chambers.”
Though her tone softened slightly, Lin Rou’er still left a final warning before departing.
“Please don’t mind her, Music Officer. That is our Lady Lin. She has always been cherished by the Marquis, so her temper is a bit proud. But she means no harm.”
The lantern-bearing maid spoke softly and kindly as she led the way—not toward the latrine, but northeast of the courtyard.
Perhaps Madam Li was waiting in one of the rooms.
Jiang Zhuo suspected nothing.
However, something about the maid’s sweet, gentle voice tugged at her memory.
“It’s nothing. Thank you for your help today. May I ask your name?”
“Music Officer is too polite. This is merely a servant’s duty.” The maid turned and smiled sweetly. “You may call this servant Bitong.”
Bitong?
The memories of her previous life surged like a rising tide.
The crazed, distorted face in her nightmares aligned with the twin-bun maid before her.
Jiang Zhuo remembered—
The one who destroyed her face in her past life was Bitong!