chapter 5

Lin Zhiyun left me at the gates of the Luo residence without going inside.

As I passed the main hall, my cousin caught my arm.

“Why did Lin Zhiyun bring you back? I sent the coachman to fetch you.”

“We must have passed each other. I did not see him. Where is Uncle?”

“After I told Father what happened at the restaurant, he went to the palace. Do not worry.”

I nodded.

Her attention promptly shifted. “What did you and Lin Zhiyun speak about on the way home? Did you get along?”

Neither of us had said a word for most of the journey.

So I told her the truth. “I said he had a tea leaf stuck to his tooth.”

She froze, then closed her eyes. “Han’er, your martial arts instructor is on leave, but you must not neglect your practice.”

I knew.

My parents did not manage me, and my wet nurse could not. Afraid someone might beat me to death, my cousin had hired a martial arts instructor for me years ago.

At least I would not have to stand still and take a beating.

Later, I became so thoroughly mute in public that no one ever had a chance to appreciate my skills.

Uncle and Father returned together and took their seats at the dinner table looking relaxed.

Father repeatedly cast approving glances at my cousin and personally placed food in her bowl.

“This is all thanks to Zhaozhao and her good judgment. You have brought honor to the Luo family.”

She thanked him. “It was only right. As a daughter of the Luo family, I should consider the family’s welfare.”

Father stroked his beard with a broad smile. “No need for modesty, Zhaozhao. Word of what you did at the restaurant has spread through every street. The scholars are full of praise. Who does not know now that the Luo family has a young lady every bit as capable as a man?”

Confusion clouded my cousin’s face. “Second Uncle, I did nothing at the restaurant. As soon as I heard what they were discussing, I came home to tell Father. What could anyone be praising me for?”

Father faltered. He glanced at me, his smile growing strained.

“Still so modest. Who besides you could have stopped the Qin family from damaging our reputation? The Luo family does not have another daughter with such ability.”

At the restaurant, I had said only that my surname was Luo. Naturally, when word spread of an admirable young lady of the Luo family, everyone assumed they meant my cousin.

She looked at me thoughtfully. “Second Uncle, I truly did not do it. I did not say a single word to those scholars. They must have been praising Han’er. She remained behind for quite some time to look for her bracelet.”

She tugged my sleeve. “Han’er, what did you say to them?”

I had just set down my chopsticks when someone laughed.

“Zhaozhao, stop teasing Han’er.”

My cousin and I both stared at Mother.

She hid her smile behind a handkerchief. “We all know how close you sisters are, and that you mean to give Han’er the credit. But if this story gets out, no one will believe it. They will only think Han’er stole your achievement. That would be truly embarrassing.”

My cousin frowned, anger rising in her face. “Aunt, you are the one joking. I—”

I pressed down on her hand and stopped her from arguing.

She looked at me, lips tight.

“Father and Mother understand themselves very well,” I said.

Father’s expression soured the instant he heard my voice. “What is that supposed to mean?”

I smiled. “Neither of you has achieved much. How could you possibly raise an accomplished daughter? I am a mirror, forever reflecting my parents. When you both live with your tails between your legs, how could I ever lift my head and seek the limelight?”