Chapter Three: Freedom to Step Outside

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Yue Lianyue, dressed impeccably, stepped out of Orchid Fragrance Garden with Ziling and Lanshui by her side. Draped in a peach-hued fox-fur cloak embroidered with flowers, she wore no hat, and her glossy black hair was styled into two charming buns by Lanshui’s deft hands, secured only with a pair of silk cords whose material was anyone’s guess. No excessive ornaments adorned her; only a pair of pomegranate seed earrings dangled from her delicate ears. Her skin was fair and luminous, her large eyes brimming with wit and liveliness. Mingye and Lanshui, both cloaked in deep blue, only served to set off Yue Lianyue’s radiant beauty all the more.

“Miss, the young master, upon hearing you were going out, specially ordered Qingfeng to prepare the carriage. It’s already waiting at the front gate,” Qingfeng, Yue Lingjun’s attendant, stepped forward and announced.

“My brother is indeed well-informed. Go and tell him that I’ll return after dining at Auspicious Pavilion. It’s only two streets away, so I won’t be taking the carriage there. And you needn’t follow either; just have the carriage wait outside Auspicious Pavilion after noon. With Sister Lan and Ziling accompanying me, I’ll be quite safe.”

Qingfeng’s face clouded with concern. “But, Miss, there are all sorts of people in Lingyang City these days…”

“With Sister Lan here, it matters not how mixed the crowd is. Besides, your Miss is hardly a pushover!” Yue Lianyue shot a glance at the troubled Qingfeng. “Or could it be that you doubt Sister Lan’s skills and wish to spar with her yourself?”

Qingfeng’s face flushed crimson, and his eyes shifted to Lanshui. “I would never doubt Miss Lan’s abilities. When my swordsmanship improves, I’ll be sure to seek further instruction. Since Miss Lan is with you, I’ll take my leave.” He saluted Yue Lianyue and turned away.

Yue Lianyue watched him go, amusement in her eyes. “Ziling, did you see that? Qingfeng still hasn’t gotten over his defeat last month. Sister Lan is in for it now.”

Ziling glanced at the impassive Lanshui, then back at her mischievous young mistress. Imagining Lanshui being hounded by Qingfeng for sparring sessions in the future, she shivered. “It’s all your fault, Miss. Last month you insisted on a contest with the young master, and when you were about to lose, you had Sister Lan step in. All four of the young master’s top men were bested. If they weren’t so busy, I’m sure the side gate of Orchid Fragrance Garden would be worn down by their visits by now…”

“It’s just a few sparring matches—no need for you two to worry. If we don’t leave soon, though, even though the restaurant is only two streets away, at your pace, Miss, we’ll miss out on a window seat, and the joy of hotpot will be greatly diminished,” Lanshui remarked, smoothly steering the conversation away from their earlier topic as she watched the pair lost in their musings. As expected, mention of food instantly captured Yue Lianyue’s full attention.

“You’re right, Sister Lan. Ziling, keep up! I want… window seat… late…” Yue Lianyue’s words faded into the swirling snow, her footprints marking a path across the thin white blanket, testifying that someone had passed this way. Little did Lanshui realize that her casual mention of a few sparring matches would cause her endless trouble in the days to come.

Perhaps because she hadn’t left Orchid Fragrance Garden for a month, the ordinarily unremarkable two streets seemed lively and novel to Yue Lianyue. Here she pinched a sugar figurine, there she tugged at a string of candied hawthorn; to the left she bought a jade hairpin, to the right, some rouge. The journey was bustling and cheerful. By the time the three of them finally entered Auspicious Pavilion, only one window seat remained. As they started up the stairs, led by a waiter, they heard someone behind them inquiring about a private room, prompting Yue Lianyue to pat her heart in relief and head toward the remaining seat with a bright smile.

In the private room, Ziling helped Yue Lianyue remove her cloak. Hardly had Yue Lianyue sat down at the table when the waiter arrived with freshly brewed snow chrysanthemum tea, filling the room with its delicate fragrance. The waiter’s melodious voice followed: “Miss Yue, as usual, a mandarin duck hotpot, four cold starters, premium beef and lamb, and crystal noodles?”

Yue Lianyue nodded. “Your memory never fails to impress. Bring whatever fresh vegetables you have as well.”

Ziling drew a silver ingot weighing a full two taels from her pouch and handed it to the waiter. “Here, a reward for you from Miss.”

The waiter’s delight grew brighter as he accepted the silver, his voice rising with joy. “Thank you, Miss! Please wait a moment, I’ll go urge the kitchen. Your dishes will be out presently!” With Yue Lianyue’s nod, he closed the door and hurried off toward the kitchens.