Spring was a season of blooming flowers, and it was also the season that gave Xiao Nanhui the greatest headache.
The sound of women’s soft giggling, mingled with a heavy scent of pollen, drifted toward her. She let out a loud sneeze and looked up to survey her surroundings.
Though called a side courtyard, this was in fact the rear garden of the Prince of Xuanyuan’s mansion.
The entire garden was nearly half the size of the Marquis’s estate. It was currently the height of spring, and the rare, expensive flowers—clearly cultivated with a fortune in silver—were each blooming with delicate brilliance. Winding streams and small bridges meandered through rockeries; it seemed as though even a single stepping stone by the path had been meticulously carved and polished.
It was a Prince’s mansion, after all; it possessed the expected grandeur.
Yet, for some reason, she found herself thinking of the Mei estate she had once visited. That courtyard had been tended to by only a single old servant named A-Chiu, and it was far from being as meticulously curated as this place. However, that garden of plum trees had possessed a vibrant, passionate vitality amidst its quiet beauty, allowing one to truly feel the heart and soul the master had poured into it.
The scenery before her was beautiful, certainly, but because everything was so perfect, it felt strangely indistinct.
“I usually have people look after this garden. It lay fallow for a long time, and I spent quite a bit of effort to bring it to its current state.”
Lady Bo gazed at the clusters of blossoms with a sense of heartfelt pride.
Xiao Nanhui stole a glance at the other woman’s hands—plump, white, and thick, without a speck of dirt to be found—and offered a strained compliment. “The Lady has truly gone to great lengths.”
Lady Bo clearly didn't care for her reaction. She continued walking, rounding a cluster of hydrangeas to reveal over a dozen young women dressed in pinks and greens.
Most of these women were no older than twenty, in the prime of their youth. They stood or leaned against the flower terraces set amidst the clear water. The silks and satins used for the game of *Shefu* were draped around their young, supple bodies. Their feet, clad in fine gold-threaded shoes, skipped lightly, occasionally knocking over shimmering silver trays or porcelain bottles. Bright, succulent fruits rolled out, and honeyed floral wine spilled across the ground, sending up a heady, intoxicating aroma under the spring sun.
Amidst this vivid spring scene, one person was particularly eye-catching. She wore a gauze robe of gold and red, with a snow-white satin bandeau adorned with pearls. Her waist was cinched exceptionally tight, and her chest was pushed up quite prominently. The intricate bun atop her head was like a mountain of treasure, laden with hair ornaments. In the center, a solid gold phoenix hairpin with kingfisher inlay stood out like a monument erected on level ground.
With all those trinkets on her head, Xiao Nanhui wondered if the weight totaled twenty or thirty pounds.
Xiao Nanhui’s mind wandered for a moment. By the time she snapped back to reality, the beauties on the flower terraces had stopped their play and were looking at her with curiosity.
She quickly withdrew her gaze, trying to shrink herself into a corner.
The woman in the gold and red gauze eventually turned around. Upon seeing Lady Bo, she hurried down from the terrace.
“Aunt, you’ve come at just the right time. *Shefu* is truly dull; I was just discussing with them to switch to *Cang Gou*. Aunt, join my side, come quickly...”
The woman in red called Lady Bo "Aunt," so they were relatives. However, their temperaments seemed worlds apart.
Lady Bo remained unmoved, the smile still fixed on her face.
“Wanwan, do not lose your manners in front of a guest.”
“Yes, My Lady.”
The woman called Wanwan adopted a crestfallen expression, and only then did she notice the person following behind Lady Bo.
It wasn't surprising she hadn't noticed earlier. Xiao Nanhui had left the house in a hurry today and chosen a set of plain, ordinary clothes. Only upon arriving did she realize the color was, by sheer coincidence, identical to the uniforms worn by the mansion's servants.
“And she is...?”
Lady Bo’s smile didn't reveal her teeth, but her voice was brighter than before.
“This is the adopted daughter of the Marquis of Qinghuai, Miss Xiao Nanhui. She will be joining everyone shortly.”
The garden, which had been filled with laughter a moment ago, suddenly fell silent.
Countless curious and probing gazes landed on a single spot. These women of the official households had all heard more or less about what had happened at the Jiaosong Ceremony. They weren't curious about whether the girl was truly involved in the affairs of the previous dynasty; rather, they were interested in the rumors regarding the various entanglements of love and hate between her and the Marquis of Qinghuai.
Xiao Nanhui stood where she was, unable to move forward or retreat.
She prayed for someone to suddenly appear and rescue her from this ordeal, but that person never came.
Better to rely on oneself than on others.
Since she couldn't leave for the time being, she took a deep breath and stepped forward of her own accord.
“I have just arrived and have never played these games before. I must ask the ladies for their guidance.”
Lady Bo glanced at her, seemingly surprised by how quickly she had adjusted her state of mind, but her expression soon returned to normal.
“A guest is a guest. Wanwan, why don't you let Miss Xiao join your group?”
*Not good, not good at all.*
Xiao Nanhui shook her head frantically in her mind, and the woman named Wanwan clearly didn't like the idea either.
“To answer My Lady, we are seven to a group. The numbers are just right; we can't fit anyone else.”
Xiao Nanhui felt a surge of joy. The words to gracefully decline were already at the tip of her tongue when Lady Bo spoke again.
“Can she not serve as the ‘Flying Bird’?”
In the game of *Shefu*, the players are divided into two sides. When the total number of players is odd, the extra person can move between the two sides, and is called the "Flying Bird."
Of course, Xiao Nanhui, who had never played the games of *Shefu* or *Cang Gou*, knew none of these details.
As soon as the drum sounded, she was like a sparrow that had blundered into a cage, pushed back and forth by these noble, noisy golden birds.
Two maidservants beat hand drums on the side. When the drums sounded, everyone linked sleeves and began to frolic and play, using the commotion to hide the movement of passing the "hook." When the drums stopped, the upper side could no longer move, and the lower side had to guess who was holding the object.
The rules seemed simple, but to women living in the depths of noble estates, it was a rare pastime where they could relax their posture slightly.
Xiao Nanhui watched for a while until she understood the gist of it. She felt that when these women weren't putting on airs, they had a certain charming innocence to them, so she happily followed along as a background character.
Her eyesight was far beyond that of an ordinary person; seeing the small movements beneath the sleeves was as easy as turning her palm.
But no matter how dull or socially inept she was, she knew better than to show off at a time like this.
Thus, for three consecutive rounds when it was her turn to guess, she missed every time.
Wanwan was the leader of the upper side. Having won several times in a row, she was quite satisfied. Her eyebrows, which swept toward her temples, seemed to rise even higher, and her entire being radiated high spirits.
As soon as this round ended, she walked to the center and scanned the field.
“Playing like this is a bit boring. Why don't we hide something with a prize attached?”
Several young girls were already intrigued, whispering about what the prize might be.
Xiao Nanhui, however, was feeling the effects of her missed sleep from the night before. She began to yawn repeatedly, following along with the soft, feminine voices in casual agreement.
In the next moment, she saw the other woman reach up and touch the dazzling gold hairpin on her head.
“How about we hide this gold hairpin?”
The women were instantly excited. Although Xiao Nanhui didn't know much about such things, she could judge from the reactions around her that the gold hairpin must be extremely precious and rare.
*Such a valuable thing—is she truly willing to use it as a prize?*
Before the doubt in her heart could be answered, the group had already enthusiastically started a new round, ready to show off their skills.
Xiao Nanhui was squeezed among the excited young girls, her nose filled with the scent of various powders. Her mind wandered, her attention focused on the sneeze brewing in her nose.
After an unknown amount of time, she finally let out an "A-choo!", and the sound of the hand drums stopped abruptly.
Wanwan immediately pointed a finger at the dazed Xiao Nanhui.
“It’s in your hand!”
Xiao Nanhui shook her head blankly. “It’s not with me.”
Unexpectedly, another woman beside her suddenly spoke up.
“Miss Wanwan guessed correctly! I did indeed pass it... pass it to Miss Xiao just now.”
In an instant, every gaze in the garden snapped toward Xiao Nanhui.
Xiao Nanhui blinked. Her soul, which had drifted away due to lack of sleep, finally returned to its place. She was instantly alert.
Su Pingchuan had warned her repeatedly to be careful, yet she had still been careless and underestimated her opponents.
She couldn't be blamed. In her world, the only things that could hurt people were blades, spears, swords, and halberds. Who would have thought that a needle would be hidden within this world of warmth, fragrance, and soft jade?
Lady Bo watched from not far away, intentionally waiting a moment before asking.
“Miss Xiao, is the item in your hand?”
Xiao Nanhui continued to shake her head. “No.”
Someone else whispered a reminder from the side, seemingly out of kindness.
“Miss Xiao, if you like that gold hairpin, just say so. Do not lose the great for the small.”
She didn't like hairpins or jewelry.
Whether it was made of gold, silver, or some divine stone from the nine heavens, she didn't like it.
But no one present would believe her. in their eyes, she was merely an orphan girl of humble and bitter origins, with unreformable bad habits.
In essence, no different from Mo Chunhua.
She looked up, gazing at the figures surrounding her.
Those faces, still somewhat youthful, were full of innocence and frailty. No one could pick out a single speck of filth from amidst the powder and rouge.
And yet, something was hidden right there.
Was this *Cang Gou*? This was clearly harboring malicious intent.
Xiao Nanhui sighed and walked straight toward a woman standing in the corner.
“Miss, does your lower back feel a bit uncomfortable?”
The woman’s face flushed red. Clearly, something had been hit upon, but she still didn't intend to give in easily.
“What are you saying...”
Xiao Nanhui said no more. She stepped forward, her long arm reaching around the woman’s back. Before the other could react, she had already taken the troublesome object into her hand.
“The lady hid the item in her waist sash; she must have forgotten to take it out.”
The bright gold hairpin reflected a dazzling yellow light under the sun, as if mocking them silently.
Wanwan’s composure was far inferior to her aunt’s; her face was already becoming difficult to maintain. Xiao Nanhui, however, had already walked toward her, raising her hand to stick the gold hairpin back into that mountain-like bun.
“This item is so precious; the lady should look after it herself.”
Lady Bo, who had been watching the play in silence, finally spoke. She addressed her niece, her tone carrying a hint of reproach that was hard to gauge.
“Since you wore this hairpin out, you must take proper care of it. With your forgetful nature, what would you do if you lost an imperial gift? Why haven't you thanked Miss Xiao yet?”
Upon hearing Lady Bo mention the origin of the gold hairpin, Wanwan felt a surge of joy again. She forced a wronged expression onto her face and intentionally touched the kingfisher feathers on the head of the pin.
“I only felt earlier that beautiful things should be brought out to see the breeze; I didn't think much of anything else. In my view...” Wanwan’s gaze swept around and landed on Xiao Nanhui. “Sister Xiao also technically guessed correctly just now. This hairpin looks like it would suit you well. Why don't I give it to you?”
*What kind of move is this? Framing didn't work, so now this?*
Xiao Nanhui’s heart was roaring, and her face was beginning to lose its grip.
*Which eye of yours sees that glittering gold hairpin as matching me? Anyone here would probably match it better than I do.*
Before her words of refusal could leave her mouth, Lady Bo had already taken up the conversation.
“You are indeed straightforward, but you do not realize that this gold hairpin is an imperial gift and cannot be easily given to others. Although Miss Xiao comes from a Marquis’s estate, she would not be able to bear such a gift.”
Was this meant for her? But why say it to her?
Xiao Nanhui’s patience was exhausted; she felt only absurdity. Watching the back-and-forth between the two, the sense of weariness in her heart was about to overflow.
She had accompanied them long enough; it seemed it was time to take her leave.
“I previously heard General Zuo mention matters regarding the Guangyao Camp, and some details have yet to be settled. I should go to the front hall and wait; I won't disturb you ladies any longer.”
She spoke these words quickly on purpose, making it clear they were merely an excuse. She had no desire to give them any opportunity to push further.
However, Lady Bo suddenly seemed unable to read the room. Before Xiao Nanhui could take half a step back, she spoke.
“Wait.” Her voice was still soft, her eyes curving. “I took note when we met at the Yan estate previously. Since we’ve met again today, as an elder, I shall make some arrangements for the younger generation. The Marquis of Qinghuai comes from a distinguished background, but his estate has been a bit lonely these past years. With you being the only girl in the house, I fear there are many inconveniences. You should find a good family soon. I happen to know many of the talents here in the capital. One day, come to the mansion to find me, and I will look into it for you. If you find someone you like, I’ll have someone present the marriage cards and perform a divination...”
This woman truly refused to let her go.
First, she had implied she was short-lived and lacked luck, and now she was playing matchmaker, insisting on saddling her with a marriage. What exactly did she want?
She didn't believe for a second that this person was acting out of kindness like Du Juan. How could someone who viewed General Feilian as a boorish woman truly respect her origins?
Seeing that Xiao Nanhui didn't respond, Wanwan immediately and cleverly began to flatter her aunt.
“My Lady is kind-hearted, not minding how these trivial matters consume one's energy, and is even willing to arrange things personally. These juniors are truly blessed.”
*Whoever wants this kind of 'blessing' can have it. I certainly can't stomach it.*
The scent of rouge and pollen in her nose seemed even more pungent. Xiao Nanhui tried her best to keep her tone neutral.
“Thank you for your kind intentions, My Lady. However, I come from a military background; my temperament is blunt and my ways are crude. I fear no talented gentleman would be willing to spend the rest of his life with me, and I wouldn't want to bring misfortune upon anyone.”
“What kind of talk is that?” Wanwan covered her mouth and giggled, her words carrying a sort of feigned intimacy. “What woman doesn't marry? Even if there is no man you fancy, you can still find a suitable family. You can't remain alone until you're old; by then, no gentleman from a respectable family will be willing to offer a betrothal gift...”
*Pop.*
Something flew over the heads of the crowd, following a parabolic trajectory and landing squarely on Wanwan’s prominently pushed-up chest, cutting off her incessant chatter.
Her gaze slowly shifted downward. She saw a peach pit, stained with a bit of saliva, firmly stuck to her extremely precious snow-white satin fabric. A peach-colored water stain was slowly spreading out.
The smile on the woman’s face gradually froze. Even with all five fingers spread, she couldn't hide the twitching at the corner of her mouth.
“How... how dare...”
“If she says she doesn't want to marry, then she won't marry.”
A short, stout figure landed in front of Xiao Nanhui with a leap. On her moon-like face, a streak of peach juice had not yet dried.
Bolao stood with her hands on her hips, scanning the field. Her voice was deep and powerful, carrying the air of a palace training matron.
“She’s not a girl from Wangchen Tower. Is it possible she can't live without a man?”
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was shocked.
Witnessing such crude behavior and scandalous speech—those present had likely not seen such a scene in over a decade.
“Bold wench!” Wanwan finally managed to untangle her words. Her cherry-like mouth, which had been pursed earlier, was now open as wide as a washbasin. “Where did this wild quail come from! You low-born creature! You dare speak such madness on the Prince’s grounds? Do you not see what kind of occasion this is? A stinking brat who isn't even as tall as a stove thinks she's worthy to stand here and talk to me?!”
With that last sentence, Xiao Nanhui knew things had gone south.
Of all things to say, she just had to call her short.
Xiao Nanhui felt a large head slowly rising before her. The round bun on that head, which had been combed smooth and sleek, now had several hairs sticking out due to rage.
“Whether I'm worthy or not, only fists can decide!”
Before the words had even faded, a gust of wind swept past the ladies. In the blink of an eye, it had reached the red gauze.
Wanwan had perhaps seen many short people, but she had never seen such a fierce and malevolent one. Her legs went weak on the spot, her eyes snapped shut, and she collapsed onto the ground.
However, the expected blow to the face did not come. She opened her eyes tremulously, only to see a thick, sturdy forearm, like a small lotus root, held horizontally above her head.
Bolao’s palm had not struck her face directly; instead, it was aimed at the bun atop her head. Her palm remained half an inch away, yet the wind from the strike had already broken through with sharp force.
Poor Wanwan felt her scalp tighten and the top of her head go cold. The bun, which had been styled as high as half a scroll, collapsed with a crash. Decorative petals, hairpieces, and jewels scattered in all directions as the mass of hair disintegrated. Her most prized imperial gold hairpin flew out with a *whoosh*, causing the surrounding noblewomen to scream in terror and stumble about.
Seeing the chaos and panic on the flower terrace, Xiao Nanhui was momentarily stunned. Then, she truly couldn't help herself and let out a "pfft" of laughter.
It was at this moment that a voice sounded dozens of paces behind her.
“Miss.”
Then, in an instant, the voice sounded again, just one pace behind her.
“Your hairpin fell.”
Xiao Nanhui’s laughter froze on her lips.
What kind of person could move dozens of paces in an instant without her, a martial artist, noticing a thing?
She must have seen a ghost.
Xiao Nanhui turned her head slowly, but the owner of the voice had already brushed past her and moved forward.
She caught only a glimpse of an aged hand holding the gold hairpin.
Then, a brown hem of a robe drifted past, silent as a shadow.
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
射覆 | Shefu | A traditional Chinese guessing game where an object is hidden under a cover.
藏钩 | Cang Gou | "Hidden Hook," a game where an object is passed secretly among players and one person must guess who holds it.
飞鸟 | Flying Bird | A special role in the game of Cang Gou for an extra player when the numbers are uneven.
绾绾 | Wanwan | The name of Lady Bo's niece.
庚帖 | Gengtie | Marriage cards containing the birth dates and horoscopes of a prospective couple.
卜筮 | Divination | The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means.
望尘楼 | Wangchen Tower | A known pleasure house or brothel mentioned by Bolao.
