Chapter 3

My parents had already finished their conversation in the old madam’s courtyard.

A girl my age sat beside her, beautiful and composed in exquisite clothes.

There was a cleverness about her face that reminded me very much of Mother.

As I entered,

the old madam held the girl’s hand and said affectionately, “I’ve watched Shuyi grow up, and she doesn’t wish to leave me. Then let us settle it: Shuyi will stay here. Whenever you have time, come and see her.”

By the sound of it, Shuyi wouldn’t be going home with my parents.

Before we’d come here,

Mother had told me, “Your father and I have discussed it. We can afford to raise two daughters. It depends on what you both choose.”

It seemed Zhou Shuyi had chosen the marquis’s household.

Mother saw me come in.

She hurried over and poked my forehead. “Where have you been? You’re soaked! What if you catch a chill? You’ll be making a fuss again, tricking your brother out of his money and ordering your father to buy you treats.”

Without waiting for an answer, she turned apologetically to the old madam. “Might this child have some dry clothes?”

After a moment’s thought, the old madam asked Zhou Shuyi to take me into the inner room to change.

On the way,

Zhou Shuyi turned her head and asked softly, “Do you think I’m an ungrateful wretch for refusing to go home with your parents and taking your place?”

I touched her pretty bracelet enviously. “No. Anyone would want a life this comfortable. Your bracelet is lovely. Do you mind if I touch it?”

She studied me, then sighed. “Your mother said you were a little silly. It seems she was right.”

While I changed, Zhou Shuyi gave me her bracelet and picked out the prettiest outfit for me.

She lowered her head to straighten my sash, looking me over. “You look like Mother. Especially your eyes.”

She meant the mother who had died.

I thought for a moment. “When you have time, take me to her memorial tablet. I’ll bow three times and offer her incense. From now on, I’ll pay my respects with you every year on the anniversary of her death.”

This time, Zhou Shuyi was silent for a long while.

She put her arms around me. “Little sister,” she said gently, “there was something suspicious about Mother’s death. I need this family’s influence to avenge her.”

Oh.

What?!

Er…

I stared at her. “Does this involve murder? Arson? Prison? How many years would we get?!”