Chapter 1

The thirteenth day of the fifth month, in the twentieth year of Zhengde.

The gardenias were blooming beautifully, their fragrance filling the courtyard.

A breeze stirred, carrying a faint restlessness.

I waited at the gate with the steward and my senior maid, eagerly watching for him.

Today my husband, Shao Jing’an, the Jiangzhou Transport Commissioner, was coming home.

A distant aunt of his had died some days before. Since she too had lived in Jiangzhou, word of her death had been sent to our house. Jing’an had left that very night with his manservant to attend the funeral.

Almost half a month had passed in the blink of an eye.

A carriage stopped outside the Shao residence. The curtain lifted, and Jing’an stepped out in a blue-green robe.

He was tall and slender, his hair black as ink, his features touched with a scholar’s refinement.

I was about to go forward and greet him when he turned and held a hand back into the carriage.

My heart sank.

A moment later, a pair of slender, pale hands reached out to rest in his, and a woman emerged with unhurried grace.

Her robes were whiter than snow. She looked very young, with willow-leaf brows and almond eyes: a pretty face indeed.

Jing’an helped her down with exquisite care, as though she were a priceless treasure.

Inside my wide sleeves, my hands clenched until my nails bit into my palms.

“Jing’an, you’re home at last. We’ve all been waiting so long.” I lowered my eyes, went forward a few steps, and smiled gently.

Only then did he turn back and give me a warm smile. “My dear, this is Yilian. A younger cousin from my aunt’s family.”

My expression faltered, then I smiled again. “Since you’ve brought this young kinswoman home, Jing’an, of course she must be well looked after.”

He nodded, pleased. “Let us talk inside.”

“Of course.”

We went straight into the front hall.

After a few polite exchanges, he came to the point. “My dear, Yilian’s surname is Zhang. There was an attachment between us in the past.”

I laughed coldly to myself, but showed nothing. My smile remained gracious and mild. “Then take her as your concubine, husband.”

A smile spread across his face. “You always understand me best. I’ll leave the arrangements for Yilian to you, then.”

“It is my duty. There is no need to thank me.” My lips curved into the perfect smile taught to every wellborn girl.

“Very well. I’ll go to the study and deal with the official work that’s piled up. I’ll come to your courtyard tonight.”

My hands tightened. “You’ve taken a new concubine today. Naturally you should go to her. You mustn’t neglect her on her very first day here.”

Jing’an laughed heartily. “What a virtuous wife. Then I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He took Zhang Yilian by the hand and led her out of the courtyard.

Watching their retreating backs, I felt my eyes redden.

Once, he too had held my hand like that, so careful with me, treating me as his dearest treasure.

Only ten years.

I beckoned to Chunhe, my senior maid. “Find out what you can about our new arrival.”

She answered and went out.

Then I dismissed everyone else attending me.