Emperor Jingxuan had the ability to deliver items silently into Cuiwei Garden, and Yun Wan was not surprised—after all, he was the most powerful man in the realm.
What puzzled her was why he had suddenly sent her such a chest of precious spices.
Yun Wan guessed it was to hasten her completion of that particular incense blend, especially when she noticed the tiny character "Luo" carved inside the chest. She became even more certain.
These spices were likely the very batch the foreign merchant Luo Yongcheng had brought back from the Western Regions during his recent travels.
She hadn’t expected them to remain so intact after the fire a few days ago, nor that they would eventually end up in her hands.
Thinking of the merchant’s gruesome death and his hidden identity as a foreign spy in the capital, Yun Wan felt a mix of emotions.
She supposed His Majesty believed her explanation for visiting Anli District that day, and these spices were his indirect way of urging her to finish the incense soon.
The pressure weighed on her, filling her with unease.
The capital had been drenched in rain for three days straight, leaving everything damp. A single step outside would soak one’s shoes and socks, so Yun Wan simply stayed indoors.
Pushing open the window lattice, a breeze carrying the scent of wet earth brushed against her face, fresh and invigorating. Lifting her gaze, she watched as strings of raindrops cascaded from the gray-tiled eaves like a beaded curtain.
Such weather and scenery were perfect for solitude.
Yun Wan kicked off her shoes and socks, curling up sideways on the daybed with her delicate feet tucked beneath a thin blanket. She held a book of miscellaneous tales, engrossed in its pages, her cascading dark hair loosely pinned up with a single hairpin. Her posture was relaxed, exuding an air of leisure.
Since she was in her own quarters, she wore only a pale pink underrobe tied with a slender sash. The silk fabric, faintly iridescent, draped over her jade-like skin.
The loosely crossed collar slipped slightly with her movements, revealing glimpses of snowy-white skin that shimmered like pearls—a sight so mesmerizing it could steal one’s breath.
Lu Changning entered and froze at the sight, unable to look away.
Aunt Yun Wan was truly the most beautiful woman she had ever seen...
When the light before her dimmed, Yun Wan glanced up and saw the girl standing there dazed. Setting the book aside, she called out, "Changning?"
Snapping back to reality, Lu Changning flushed crimson, realizing she had been staring. She touched her burning ears and hurried forward. "Aunt Yun Wan, what are you reading?"
Yun Wan glanced at the cover. "A storybook I bought the other day, just to pass the time."
Lu Changning had only asked out of politeness, having little interest in such tales.
Noticing this, Yun Wan straightened slightly. "Did you need something?"
Lu Changning nodded, about to speak when her eyes flickered downward. Blushing, she stammered, "Aunt Yun Wan, your robe..."
Following her gaze, Yun Wan realized her collar had slipped further. Flustered, she turned away to adjust it.
"My apologies. How embarrassing."
Lu Changning shook her head, unfazed.
In her own chambers, especially during the sweltering summer, she too preferred bare feet, rolled-up sleeves, and lounging on a bamboo mat to enjoy the breeze. It was pure bliss.
But...
Glancing down at her own flat chest and duller complexion, Lu Changning clicked her tongue, resolving to drink milk daily from now on.
After retying her sash, Yun Wan rose from the daybed and selected a green outer robe from the rosewood rack. Returning to the table, she poured Lu Changning a cup of floral tea.
Lu Changning composed herself. "Aunt Yun Wan, I came today to thank you."
"Your advice the other day opened my eyes. I thought it over carefully and finally spoke openly with Father two days ago."
Her face brightened with joy.
Yun Wan smiled, her eyes tender. "You seem so happy. I take it the outcome was favorable?"
"Yes!" Lu Changning nodded emphatically, her pretty face alight with delight. "You were right—I am Father’s only daughter, after all. He does care for me. After hearing my thoughts, he summoned Concubine Zhong and reprimanded her."
Recalling the scene, she felt a surge of satisfaction, the stifling resentment she had harbored finally dissipating.
Her tone grew animated. "Father promised not to discuss my marriage until after my coming-of-age ceremony, and he’ll seek my opinion then. Even Grandmother won’t be allowed to decide arbitrarily."
With her father’s assurance, Lu Changning felt a weight lift from her shoulders, her youthful spirit shining through.
Yun Wan shared her happiness. "That’s wonderful news. Congratulations, Changning."
"Still, I owe it all to you, Aunt Yun Wan. Without your guidance, I might have remained trapped in my stubbornness."
Lu Changning gazed at her with heartfelt gratitude.
"Oh! Father gifted me several bolts of fabric—perfect for spring and summer attire. I’d like you to pick a few as my thanks."
Yun Wan declined. "There’s no need for gifts. Those were given to you by the Duke."
Lu Changning waved her off. "It’s fine! Since they’re mine, I can do as I please. I want you to have them—please don’t refuse!"
She called out to the servants outside, "Quickly, bring them in!"
Attendants filed in, each holding samples of exquisite fabric, lining up for inspection.
Seeing her determination, Yun Wan pointed at two muted selections. "Then these will do."
Lu Changning frowned. "They’re too plain. I think these suit you better—vibrant but not gaudy, with patterns that complement your complexion."
Yun Wan glanced at the bold hues she had chosen—rouge red, lilac, and rosy peach—and shook her head slowly. "Too flashy. They’re not appropriate for me."
If she wore such colors, the Dowager would summon her to Cixin Hall for a lecture that very day.
Lu Changning disagreed, draping the fabrics over Yun Wan’s shoulders. "Nonsense! Someone as beautiful as you should dress splendidly. Who cares what others say?"
"At the very least, you could wear them in your own courtyard. Just seeing yourself in such lovely attire would lift your spirits!"
As the fabric settled against Yun Wan, Lu Changning gasped in awe. "See? I told you these shades suit you! Even as a mere drape, they make you radiant. Imagine how divine you’d look in a finished gown!"
She turned to the others. "Don’t you agree?"
Yue Ya nodded eagerly. "The young mistress is right. This fabric is perfect for you, madam."
Yue'e added, "She makes a fair point. Your wardrobe is full of subdued tones—why not try something different this year? If you don’t wear them, you can always store them away."
Yun Wan wavered under their persuasion. "With all of you ganging up on me, I’ll have no peace unless I accept."
Her acquiescence delighted Lu Changning, who immediately ordered the fabrics sent to Cuiwei Garden.
Each bolt was of the finest quality—far too mature for her own youthful frame. She couldn’t fathom why her father had given them to her.
But they were absolutely perfect for Aunt Yun Wan!
