The next day, at the third crow of the rooster, dawn broke.
The Changxin Marquis, needing to rush to morning court, quietly lifted the quilt, careful not to disturb his sleeping Madam.
But just as he put on his boots, the woman in the bed curtains also sat up, rubbing her eyes.
“Did I wake you?” The Changxin Marquis turned his head. “It’s still early, Madam, sleep a bit more.”
Zheng Shi shook her head. “No, I’m up too.”
The Changxin Marquis was puzzled. “It’s not even fully light yet, why are you up so early?”
Zheng Shi got out of bed. “I have things on my mind. I keep worrying that Ranran isn’t used to Changan yet. Don’t be fooled by the child’s constant smile— she’s actually very clever and perceptive.”
The Changxin Marquis fell silent.
After a while, he said, “The child just returned; it’ll take some time for her to adjust.”
“I know, but after so many years, I’m used to it. Even with her home in the manor, I can’t help but worry.”
Zheng Shi pulled a bitter smile. “To be honest, it still feels like a dream. I can’t believe our daughter is really back.”
The Changxin Marquis sighed, drew his Madam into his arms, and patted her shoulder. “It’s all in the past now. From now on, our family will be together and never separated again.”
The couple shared a moment of tenderness before each went to wash up and dress.
After breakfast, the maid sent to inquire at the West Courtyard returned.
“At the first crow of the rooster, the Young Lady was already up.”
The maid’s face was full of excitement. “When I got there, the Young Lady was practicing boxing in the courtyard— she was brimming with energy!”
“Boxing?!”
Both the Changxin Marquis and his Madam looked shocked.
Zheng Shi put down her chopsticks. “I’ll go take a look.”
The Changxin Marquis stood up, just about to follow, but Zheng Shi turned her head. “Why are you coming? Hurry and get to court. If you’re late, that old Yang will surely impeach you again.”
The Changxin Marquis: “……”
He really wanted to watch his daughter box, but thinking of Yushi Yang Jian’s pettiness, he could only take his official hat and put it on. “When I return from court today, Madam, you’ll tell me all about it.”
The couple left through the main courtyard gate, one heading east, the other west, parting ways.
Yun Ran’s Listening Summer Pavilion was on the west side of the Marquis’s Mansion, near the garden— a quiet spot, yet not remote.
When Zheng Shi arrived, Yun Ran had just finished a set of Taiji Boxing and was starting on Baduanjin.
The morning light of early summer was still gentle, the air seemed to shimmer with fine gold, and in the lush courtyard, a girl in a white sleep robe was holding a horse stance, leaning forward, slowly and steadily moving her head and body.
The maids on either side saw Zheng Shi and hurriedly saluted. “Greetings, Madam.”
Hearing the commotion, Yun Ran turned her head but didn’t stop her movements.
She called out crisply, “Morning, Mother. I have two or three moves left to finish. Please go in and sit for a while, I’ll be right there.”
“No rush, no rush.”
Zheng Shi smiled. “I just had breakfast, so standing for a bit helps with digestion.”
She watched Yun Ran practice. Though not an expert, she could tell her daughter’s horse stance and movements were solid— this was no skill gained overnight.
When the set of Baduanjin was done, Yun Ran’s whole face glowed, her eyes bright.
By then, daylight had fully broken, the sun climbing high.
Zheng Shi led Yun Ran inside and handed her a handkerchief to wipe her sweat. “Look at you, working up a sweat so early in the morning.”
“My Master said that during the hour of the Dragon, yang energy is just rising, and the Intestinal Meridian, Stomach Meridian, Liver Meridian, and Spleen Meridian are all active. Practicing at this time is best for health.”
Yun Ran wiped her forehead. “Mother, why did you come so early?”
Zheng Shi replied, “I heard you got up early to practice boxing, so I came to take a look.”
“I see.” Yun Ran understood. “Does Mother also get up early every day? If so, we could practice together—it’s good for the body.”
Having finally become the Madam and no longer needing to get up early, Zheng Shi: “…Let’s talk about it later.”
Afraid her daughter would press further, Zheng Shi quickly changed the subject, asking about “how did you sleep last night”, “do you find the bed unfamiliar”, “do you like the incense”, “are the maids obedient”, “is there anything lacking in the courtyard”.
After Yun Ran answered “everything is fine,” Zheng Shi finally felt at ease and turned to the head maid, Qingling. “Has the kitchen brought breakfast?”
Before Qingling could answer, Yun Ran said, “No rush, I want to finish my morning lessons before eating.”
Zheng Shi frowned. “Morning lessons?”
Yun Ran nodded. “We were always on the road before, so I couldn’t calm my mind. Now that things are settled, I plan to use the empty room next door as a Daoist Temple and later place an Ancestor Master’s Statue there. That way, I can recite scriptures and perform repentance rituals every day.”
At these words, Zheng Shi’s expression turned a bit complicated.
Yun Ran noticed, her long lashes trembling, her voice softening. “Mother?”
Looking at her daughter’s delicate, budding face, Zheng Shi hesitated a moment, feeling she needed to speak plainly.
“Ranran, Mother knows you grew up in a Daoist temple and are used to such things. But now, you’re a noble Young Lady of the Marquis’s Mansion— you don’t need to be a Daoist nun anymore.”
Zheng Shi raised her hand, gently tucking a strand of Yun Ran’s hair behind her ear. “These things— reciting scriptures, worshipping gods— they’re not what a young noble lady should be doing.”
Yun Ran was a little stunned. “Then… what should a noble lady do?”
From her earliest memories, she had followed her Master and senior sisters in morning and evening lessons, never missing a day, no matter the season. These things were ingrained in her daily life.
But now, her Mother said she shouldn’t do them.
If not these, then what should she do?
Zheng Shi was stumped for a moment.
After a pause, she summoned her personal Granny. “Go to Wan Niang and see if she’s free today.”
Yun Ran was puzzled. “Mother, why are you looking for Elder Sister-in-law?”
Zheng Shi said, “Before your Elder Sister-in-law was married, she was known as a model of a noble lady among all the great families. Follow her for a while, see what she does day to day, and you’ll know what a noble lady should be like.”
Yun Ran: “…”
Though she felt it was a bit strange, Daoism emphasized going with the flow, so she decided to see how things went.
–
After hearing Granny Liu’s message, Li Wanrong gladly agreed, not feeling troubled at all.
First, as the eldest daughter-in-law and Elder Sister-in-law, it was her duty to guide and care for her sisters.
Second, she also wanted to get closer to her little sister-in-law.
The Marquis of Changxin Manor had a simple household, with more men than women. Besides her mother-in-law Zheng Shi, the only other mistress was Third Sister-in-law Qian.
Li Wanrong came from a family of scholars, raised on rules and etiquette, and carried herself with a certain pride.
Because of this, she looked down on Qian, who came from a merchant family and married into the manor using unorthodox means.
But in the whole manor, aside from herself and Qian, there were no other young women.
Sometimes, Li Wanrong felt bored and wanted a companion to play chess, arrange flowers, or play backgammon, but she was too proud to befriend Qian.
Now, out of nowhere, she had a little sister-in-law.
And such a fair, pretty girl at that.
“Please tell Mother that I was just about to go out to buy spices today. If my sister is free, she can come with me. It’ll be a good chance to tour Changan and get familiar with the capital.” Li Wanrong nodded with a gentle smile.
“That’s wonderful, I’ll go report back at once.”
Granny Liu bowed politely and left.
When Yun Ran learned she could go out shopping today, her eyes sparkled with joy.
She quickly finished breakfast, changed into a light blue floral robe and skirt, and took Qingling straight to the eldest branch.
After a brief greeting with Li Wanrong, the two set out together.
Who would have thought, just as they reached the second gate, they ran into the third sister-in-law, Qian Sijin.
They ran right into each other. Yun Ran, being the youngest, quickly greeted, “Good morning, Sister-in-law.”
“Good morning, Little Sister.”
Qian Sijin smiled and nodded at Yun Ran, then glanced at the eldest sister-in-law Li Wanrong, who still wore that lofty, untouchable, Bodhisattva-like expression.
Qian’s smile faded a bit, but she kept to etiquette and gave a formal bow. “Elder Sister-in-law.”
Li Wanrong glanced at Qian Sijin’s bright red Jiangnan Brocade dress. “Mm.”
Qian Sijin: “…”
She rolled her eyes inwardly, then turned to Yun Ran, smiling again. “You look so fresh today, Little Sister, like a cool jade in the summer.”
Yun Ran smiled with curved eyes. “Sister-in-law, your red dress is beautiful too— it makes you look like a peony, a true National Beauty and Heavenly Fragrance.”
“Oh my, your little mouth must be smeared with honey—”
No one dislikes being complimented, especially by a pretty younger sister.
Qian Sijin’s lips curled up as she touched her Dingxiang Gold Earrings. “I may have some looks, but I can’t possibly deserve the words ‘National Beauty and Heavenly Fragrance’.”
“You do, absolutely do. Sister-in-law, you’re the most charming and lovely lady I’ve seen since coming to Changan.”
Yun Ran spoke sincerely, not forgetting the eldest sister-in-law beside her. “As for Elder Sister-in-law, you’re the most dignified, gentle, and elegant lady I’ve ever met.”
“I’m truly lucky. Since coming to Changan, not only do I have loving parents and brothers, but I also gained two beautiful and outstanding sisters-in-law.”
Yun Ran cupped her cheeks in both hands, her sparkling eyes gazing at the two sisters-in-law, sighing, “I even envy myself!”
Li Wanrong couldn’t help but laugh at her exaggerated manner.
Catching Qian Sijin’s glance, she quickly raised her sleeve to cover her lips, returning to a dignified look, though her eyes still held a smile. “Sister, your mouth is really good at compliments.”
Yun Ran giggled.
Li Wanrong shook her head with a smile, then looked at Qian Sijin. “Is Third Sister-in-law also heading out?”
“I heard Elder Sister-in-law was going shopping with Little Sister. I’m bored in the manor and want to get closer to Little Sister too.”
Qian Sijin raised her eyes. “Would Elder Sister-in-law mind if I joined?”
Li Wanrong: “…”
Qian Sijin clearly wanted to spend time with Little Sister, so there was no reason to refuse.
“Don’t be silly. The more, the merrier. Why would I mind?”
Just before getting into the carriage, Li Wanrong leaned over to remind Qian Sijin quietly, “Mother wants Little Sister to learn some rules and etiquette. As sisters-in-law, we should set a good example.”
Qian Sijin: “…Got it.”
As if she were so unruly.
The three sisters-in-law went out together. It was just past mid-morning, the sun blazing, and the summer heat at its peak.
The carriage left the Marquis of Changxin Manor in Xuanhua Ward and entered the busiest and grandest street in Changan— Vermilion Bird Avenue.
Tall, lush elms lined the wide avenue, their shade mingling with the sounds of cicadas, footsteps, carts, horses, laughter, and street vendors— all blending together in a lively, bustling scene.
When the carriage reached the West Market, both sides of the street were lined with rows of shops, each storefront bright and colorful, with tall banners flying high. They sold all sorts of silks and brocades, jewels and porcelain, spices and teas…
Everything imaginable was there, dazzling Yun Ran’s eyes. She couldn’t help but sigh again and again, “Changan truly lives up to its name.”
She had thought Yangzhou City was bustling enough, but compared to this, it was nothing.
“This is just the beginning. The West Market only has a wider variety of goods, but the shops themselves are average. The East Market’s shops are truly grand and spacious.”
Qian Sijin lifted her chin and said sweetly, “If we have time later, I’ll take you to my family’s main store in the East Market and let you try this year’s new Biluochun.”
Li Wanrong thought, There she goes again— afraid others don’t know how big her family’s business is.
But she said nothing, only turning to Yun Ran. “I need to buy spices at Wenxiang Pavilion. If you’re interested in incense, you can come with me to pick some out.”
She paused. “Of course, if you’d rather stroll around West Market with Third Sister-in-law, that’s fine too.”
Yun Ran looked at her gentle Elder Sister-in-law on the left, then at her enthusiastic Third Sister-in-law on the right.
Her mind spun quickly. “I’d like to see the spice shop first, then stroll outside. Is that all right, Elder Sister-in-law, Third Sister-in-law?”
Looking at the obedient little sister-in-law with big, bright eyes, Li Wanrong and Qian Sijin: “…”
The two exchanged a glance, then quickly looked away—
“All right.”
So first, Yun Ran followed Elder Sister-in-law Li Wanrong to Wenxiang Pavilion, where she learned about more spices than she’d ever seen in her life.
Her knowledge expanded greatly. She expressed her admiration and promised to ask Elder Sister-in-law for more guidance on incense in the future.
Then she put on her Zhaoyang Veil Hat and went with Third Sister-in-law to stroll through West Market.
“I really don’t see the point of blending incense— it wastes money, time, and effort. If I had that time, I’d just buy a bunch.”
Qian Sijin thought this was just something idle highborn ladies did when they were bored.
Unlike Li Wanrong, she didn’t care much for rules. She affectionately took Yun Ran’s hand. “There are two ready-made clothing shops in West Market with nice styles. I’ll take you to look. If you like anything, I’ll pay for it!”
Third Sister-in-law’s enthusiasm was even fiercer than the summer sun, and Yun Ran was almost swept along without a chance to refuse.
But they had only taken a few steps when a wooden cart covered with black cloth beside them suddenly broke an axle.
In an instant, the cart tipped over, and the black-covered boxes crashed to the ground with a “boom.”
The noise startled the passersby. When they realized what happened, everyone rushed forward to help.
Yun Ran instinctively rolled up her sleeves to help.
But before she could step forward, she heard a series of panicked screams—
“Ah! What disgusting things are these!”
“Hurry, pack them up!”
As the crowd scattered, Yun Ran saw what had fallen to the ground.
All over the ground, in scattered cages, were a pile of hairless, pink, squirming baby rats!
As luck would have it, one cage had broken open, and several little mice were wriggling right toward them.
Qian Sijin’s face instantly turned pale. “Ahhhhhh!”
Her piercing scream made Yun Ran’s ears buzz.
Yun Ran quickly shielded her Third Sister-in-law, then, seeing the two little mice about to reach them, frowned and kicked them back toward the cart.
“It’s all right, Sister-in-law.”
Yun Ran turned to reassure her. “Just a few baby mice, I already kicked them back.”
Before Qian Sijin could recover from the shock of seeing her cute little sister-in-law dare to kick mice barefoot, a harsh, nasty shout came from the cart:
“You little girl, how dare you! Do you know which manor ordered this shipment? How dare you kick it at will!”
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