But just then, someone outside came urging them—it was time to depart.
Xie Linxu gave her one last look and said: “Forget it. Let’s go.”
There was no time to change; they might be late. So the two left together.
The Xie and Li families were old friends. Today, apart from the Duke, who was busy at the Ministry of Personnel, and the Dowager Madam, who excused herself with illness, the rest of the Xie family went to offer congratulations.
The Duke’s household had two branches. The main branch was Xie Xiu’s line; the second branch was his younger brother, also born of the Old Madam.
The Duke’s mansion was vast, five courtyards deep. The second branch lived in another wing. Apart from festival visits, they rarely interacted. The distance between courtyards was tiring, and with little closeness, the ladies were too weary to bother.
Today, however, the second branch joined the main branch in going to the Li household. Under the blazing sun, Jingxi sat in a carriage with the second branch’s madam, chatting idly. The two young ladies of the second branch rode with Xie Jinfei. The second branch also had a son, but he had caught a chill recently and did not come. His wife did, riding with the pregnant Madam Huang and Jingxi.
Xie Linfu could not fit in their carriage, so he rode alone. Seeing Xie Linxu and Song Xingyue arrive, he waved: “Elder Brother, Sister‑in‑law, my carriage is empty—come ride with me.”
No one else paid them much attention. Xie Linxu said nothing, but he and Song Xingyue joined Xie Linfu’s carriage.
When Xie Linfu saw Song Xingyue, his eyes flashed with undisguised admiration. He smiled and praised: “Sister‑in‑law, you look very well today.”
But since she and Xie Linxu had just quarreled over this matter before leaving, both their expressions were strained. Especially Song Xingyue—Xie Linxu had already ruined her mood. Hearing Xie Linfu’s compliment, she only gave a dry laugh and said: “Perhaps it’s just the lip rouge.”
Xie Linfu shook his head. “No, I think it’s this outfit. It suits you well. Sister‑in‑law is young—you should wear bright colors like this.”
Xie Linfu was naturally boisterous, accustomed to speaking bluntly.
The atmosphere grew more awkward. Even he sensed it. Touching his nose, he asked uneasily: “What’s wrong? Did I say something wrong?”
At last, Xie Linxu spoke. He glanced at him and asked: “How are your studies lately? Bring them to me tomorrow—I’ll find time to check them.”
Xie Linxu had been a *tanhua* (third place in the imperial exam), his learning beyond question. But he was busy, seldom able to supervise Xie Linfu. As a child, when Xie Linxu tutored him, he was stricter than any teacher.
In front of a teacher, mistakes might earn only a scolding, not harsh punishment. But with Xie Linxu, it was different—when he struck, he spared no face.
After Xie Linxu’s words, Xie Linfu lost all interest in speaking. He pouted, leaned against the carriage window, and said nothing more.
About half an hour later, the party arrived at the Li residence. Eldest Master Li held the post of Minister of Works, while Old Master Li was Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. On his birthday, many guests came. Though it was still early in the morning, by the time the Xie family arrived, numerous carriages were already lined up at the gate.
Fine carriages and noble horses arrived in endless succession.
The Xie family had not yet handed over their invitation when they were warmly welcomed in. The young man at the gate was a colleague of Xie Linxu’s from the Hanlin Academy. Seeing him, he pulled him aside for a few words of greeting.
Song Xingyue followed, her lips fixed in a polite smile. The quarrel from that morning could not be carried into public. Standing beside Xie Linxu, she could sense with the corner of her eye that others were glancing their way—no wonder; together, their looks and bearing were striking, hard not to notice.
Song Xingyue wore a sky‑blue robe with a standing collar, her brows arched like willow branches, her eyes clear as autumn water, her slender neck and shoulders like a white magnolia blooming in the light.
Xie Linxu wore a dark round‑collared brocade robe, his figure tall and straight, his aura restrained yet cold.
There were whispers, though what was said could not be heard.
Young Master Li exchanged only a few words with Xie Linxu, then led them inside. At the end, he gave Song Xingyue a courteous smile, nothing more.
When the matter between Xie Linxu and Song Xingyue had first come to light, the Li family had indeed been displeased. Even Grand Tutor Li had been angry with him. Only after repeated apologies did his temper ease somewhat. Later, Xie Xiu offered the Li family a favor, and the matter was considered closed. Both families treated it as fate denied, not a fault to be blamed.
Still, while the Lis no longer resented the Xies, seeing Song Xingyue was another matter. She was not the same as them. Now, only for Xie Linxu’s sake did they extend her courtesy, giving her a measure of face as his wife.
Song Xingyue sensed Young Master Li’s distance and hostility, but she did not dwell on it, following Xie Linxu inside.
The two walked side by side toward the main hall. Along the way, Xie Linxu was greeted by acquaintances, and he responded to each.
When they reached the hall, the Li men and women were busy entertaining guests. The Third Miss, Li Huaixin, was the first to notice Xie Linxu’s arrival. She came forward, smiling, and greeted them: “Changzhou, Xingyue, you’ve come.”
She was a graceful woman, dressed in a pale blue gown, her voice clear, her steps calm and measured, each one carrying poise.
Even though Song Xingyue had no thought of competing, the moment she saw her, she felt a pang of inferiority. Today she wore the new clothes the Old Madam had given her, hoping only to stand with the Xie family with dignity. But perhaps because of Xie Linxu’s earlier words, seeing this woman now, her mind could not help but wander. Had she truly been wrong to wear new clothes today?
As she wrestled with these thoughts, Li Huaixin reached them. Seeing no one behind, she asked: “Where is Aunt?”
Xie Linxu and the others had come down from two separate carriages. After disembarking, Xie Linfu went to find Madam Huang, and the family naturally split into two groups.
Xie Linxu said: “Perhaps they met acquaintances on the road and were delayed in conversation. They should be behind us.”
Li Huaixin had known Xie Linxu since childhood. The two families had long been close, and the children grew up together. Both were admired for their talents and beauty—cool, striking, a pair that seemed heaven‑made. Their betrothal had once drawn envy and praise from all. That it never came to pass was a source of regret.
But Li Huaixin was open‑hearted and clear‑minded. She had no notion of “must be him.” Since Xie Linxu had erred first, there was no need to continue the marriage. The Lis accepted the broken engagement with grace, and afterward treated him as though nothing had happened, remaining friends.
Hearing Xie Linxu’s explanation, Li Huaixin did not press further. She turned to Song Xingyue and said: “Grandfather has been longing to see Changzhou. He is waiting inside. Let teacher and student meet. You and I can go to the women’s seats—shall we?”
Song Xingyue could hardly refuse. She was about to answer “Yes,” when Xie Linxu spoke first: “Then I will go find my teacher.”
Her words stuck in her throat, left unsaid. She could only turn to Li Huaixin and say: “Then I must trouble Miss Li.”
Li Huaixin smiled: “Hosting guests is my duty. How could it be trouble?”
Though Li Huaixin and Xie Linxu were close, her relationship with Song Xingyue was distant. “Matching doors” was not only for marriage but also for friendship. Children of noble families grew up together, their households intertwined. Those of lesser standing rarely even met them, let alone became friends.
And because of the past scandal, Li Huaixin was destined never to be close to Song Xingyue. Between them there was only awkward politeness.
Li Huaixin led Song Xingyue to the women’s seats on the west side. Seeing her arrive late, one of the older ladies waved: “Come quickly, Third Miss! Why so late? We’ve been waiting to chat and laugh with you. Sit with me.”
The speaker was a dignified matron.
Though Li Huaixin’s beauty was cool, her manner was warm and skillful, winning favor everywhere. After the broken engagement with the Xies, she had not remarried, and many ladies still thought highly of her.
Li Huaixin laughed at the teasing, took the lady’s hand, and said: “Madam, please sit. I am young, unworthy of such welcome. The seats are already arranged; else I would gladly sit with you.”
Hearing the polite refusal, the lady was not offended. She laughed even more: “Very well, very well. It was my mistake. Please take your seat.”
Li Huaixin then beckoned to Song Xingyue, who had been left at the doorway, and said to the group: “The heir’s wife from Duke Ding’s household has also come today.”
The room fell into a brief, awkward silence.
Song Xingyue didn’t mind—after all, every time she appeared, it was always like this. She asked Li Huaixin: “Third Miss, where is the Xie family’s seat?”
Helpless, Li Huaixin led her to the front left side. “Sit here first,” she said.
Li Huaixin did not continue to accompany her, but went on to greet other guests at the table.
On the large zitan table inlaid with mother‑of‑pearl were all kinds of delicacies, with bowls of cooling pears and hawthorn. Yet looking at the spread, Song Xingyue’s brows knit slightly—she had no appetite.
In conversation, someone brought up the two women’s clothes.
Today, one wore sky‑blue, the other pale blue. Both long robes paired with horse‑face skirts, both with a decorative cord. Too similar, inevitably inviting comparison.
“I think Third Miss’s outfit is the latest style. It truly flatters her—she looks wonderful in it.”
Another laughed: “No, it’s the person who flatters the clothes. Third Miss looks good in anything. If someone were born with a petty, vulgar air, how could they carry such clothes?”
Hearing the pointed remark, Song Xingyue lowered her head to look at herself, then raised her eyes to Li Huaixin. The two outfits were indeed alike.
Clothes. Always clothes… How could a single outfit stir up so much trouble? Now she was angry at herself for wearing new clothes at all.
Others, seeing the situation, laughed mockingly.
Song Xingyue tried to feign deafness, but someone refused to let her off. The same speaker leaned forward and asked: “Does the heir’s wife think this is true? Is there reason in it?”
Everyone could hear the open mockery. Yet she was not even allowed the chance to play dumb.
Song Xingyue had been holding back her anger since leaving home. Now she could bear it no longer. She set down her teacup, lifted her eyes to the speaker, and said: “There is no reason.”
“What?”
She repeated: “I think Madam’s words are without reason.”
“If clothes cannot flatter a person, then they might as well be cut clean to pieces.”