Chapter 2: The Lady's Grace

“Nothing much...” Nan Yan brushed her temple. “Did you take all the talismans for safety?”

“Yes.”

“Then let’s head back.”

Nan Yan rested her hand on Bie Zhi’s arm, leaning half her weight on her. Bie Zhi didn’t dare relax in the slightest.

The two of them descended the long stairway of the Buddhist temple. Not far off, a shadow slipped by quietly.

Once on the carriage, Nan Yan’s heart was still pounding wildly.

Why had last night’s dream come true?

Even if one dreams of what one thinks about by day, she shouldn’t have dreamt of someone as distant as Xia Qingfei.

A faint unrest stirred deep within Nan Yan’s heart.

By the time they returned to the mansion, dusk was near. Nan Yan was exhausted. Just as she stepped down from the carriage, Aunt Fen blocked the doorway.

“Young Madam, the Eldest Madam requests your presence!”

“Mother?” Nan Yan furrowed her brows, forcing herself to follow.

In the Eldest Madam’s courtyard, the Grand Madam was also present. Both were calmly sipping tea when Nan Yan entered, though beneath the surface tensions simmered.

“Pay respects to Mother and Grandmother.”

Nan Yan bowed deeply, lowering her gaze submissively, eyes fixed on the ground.

The Grand Madam didn’t even lift her eyelids. “You’re already grown up, no need to pay respects.”

Her tone was laced with barbs. Nan Yan thought carefully—could it be that the peach blossom pastries delivered today from the Su Yi Bakery hadn’t pleased the old lady?

“Rise.”

The Eldest Madam Meng Li spoke, and Nan Yan stood up. The Grand Madam also raised her eyes to look over.

Seeing Nan Yan dressed plainly, with only a light touch of powder and no hair ornaments, the two exchanged a glance.

The Grand Madam shot a sharp look at Nurse Liu and whispered, “You should have the doctor check your eyes.”

Where was this flamboyance? If you want to find fault, at least make it legitimate.

Nurse Liu lowered her head deeply, silent, but her side glance toward Nan Yan was full of resentment.

The flamboyance was just a pretense; the real aim was to cause trouble for Nan Yan. Unfortunately, the effort displeased the old lady.

The Grand Madam understood perfectly but did not reprimand Nurse Liu further. Instead, she gave Meng Li a look meaning, “Handle it as you see fit.”

Meng Li immediately became the scapegoat.

Earlier that day, the Grand Madam had stormed over, furious, accusing her daughter-in-law of impropriety and lacking virtue, asking her to take charge.

As a mother-in-law, Meng Li naturally had to intervene, even if she knew she was being used as a pawn.

But now that Nan Yan had returned so plainly dressed, how could she dare say such harsh words about her?

Since it was Meng Li who had sent Aunt Fen to fetch her, this burden naturally fell on her shoulders.

Words of blame hovered on her lips but softened into concern.

“You’re back... must be tired? It’s the fifteenth today. You worked hard going to Baohua Temple to pray for the family’s blessings...”

“Then... Aunt Fen!” Meng Li called out, “Bring the bird’s nest chicken soup from the kitchen!”

Aunt Fen complied, and Meng Li smiled, saying, “I specially had the kitchen prepare it for you today. Drink more!”

Seeing the expressions on the Grand Madam and Nurse Liu’s faces, and the slight awkwardness behind Meng Li’s smile, Nan Yan understood the situation.

She returned a gentle smile. “Thank you for your care, Mother. I am indeed a little tired today and wish to rest early.”

“Very well!”

Meng Li was relieved. Just then, Aunt Fen arrived with the soup and quickly said, “Bring this to the Young Madam’s quarters!”

Aunt Fen hesitated, then carried it away again.

Meng Li rose and approached Nan Yan, gently patting her hand. “You don’t look well; rest properly.”

Nan Yan looked toward the Grand Madam. “The peach blossom pastries from Su Yi Bakery will arrive soon. Tonight, I won’t accompany Grandmother to the opera.”

“No matter. There are many sisters at home; someone will accompany me. You should rest.”

Without the excuse to cause trouble, the Grand Madam simply wanted to bring things to a close.

Nan Yan bowed and was about to leave when a maid announced, “Young Master has returned!”

The three women’s faces brightened.

They all went to the front hall. Nan Yan immediately spotted Meng Boji’s dark blue robe, then turned to see another young master.

This young man wore a simple white robe, looking weak and ill but remarkably handsome.

With a graceful, ethereal bearing, his brows and eyes were like a painting, untouched by earthly dust, pure as a celestial being—refined and clear.

A strange thought flashed in Nan Yan’s mind.

Could he be a fairy who does not partake in worldly affairs? Otherwise, how could he emanate such a pure aura?

Even the Grand Madam and Meng Li’s gazes were drawn to him. Standing beside him, Meng Boji seemed somewhat mundane.

“Boji is back? And this is...?”

“Mother, this is my close friend, Jiang Li, Young Master Jiang.”

Meng Boji introduced his family one by one: “This is my grandmother, mother, and my wife... Yan’er, come here!”

Nan Yan stood beside Meng Boji and bowed. “Young Master Jiang.”

Lowering her head, she noticed a white jade flute tied at his waist, its texture warm and smooth, almost blending with his skin.

Jiang Li nodded slightly. “Madam, you are polite.”

His voice was like snow, very soft, and slightly cold.

After bowing, he lifted his eyes, and Nan Yan’s heart skipped a beat as she met his ink-black gaze—

His dark pupils were deep as an abyss, hiding an unfathomable mystery, yet tinged with a strange... allure.

He was staring straight at her!

Realizing it, Nan Yan immediately lowered her gaze but still felt the oppressive weight of his stare linger on her.

Meng Boji said, “Young Master Jiang is unwell and came to the capital seeking treatment. I have him stay at our residence for a few days.”

Turning to Jiang Li: “I’ll take this opportunity to find a fine residence for Brother Jiang!”

Jiang Li cupped his hands. “Thank you, Brother Meng.”

He was looking directly at Jiang Li, but his gaze fell repeatedly on Nan Yan.

That oppressive feeling never faded. Nan Yan’s lowered lashes cast long shadows under her eyes, all fully observed by him.

After the pleasantries, Meng Boji repeatedly reminded Nan Yan to take good care of Jiang Li. Nan Yan agreed and led Jiang Li toward the guest rooms.

They walked in silence. Nan Yan’s face showed no emotion, but the palm of her hand was damp with sweat on her silk handkerchief.

Once away from Meng Boji and the others, Jiang Li’s gaze became even more unabashed.

Nan Yan disliked being stared at so intently, as if... stripped bare and examined thoroughly.

He was not alone; beside him walked a quiet boy of about thirteen named Dan Zhu, also accompanying him, taciturn and reserved.

Finally reaching the guest room courtyard, Nan Yan stepped aside. “Young Master Jiang, if you need anything, just send someone. I live in the neighboring courtyard.”

Jiang Li, supported by Dan Zhu, clenched his fist to his nose and coughed lightly. His face was extremely pale, as if any strain might shatter him.

Nan Yan also worried about Meng Boji. She bowed in farewell. “Young Master Jiang is ill; I won’t disturb you further.”

She started walking with Bie Zhi but heard Jiang Li’s coughing worsen. Dan Zhu quickly patted his back.

That sound was so fragile it seemed he might truly break.

Nan Yan sighed and closed her eyes, then turned back. “Young Master Jiang, are you alright?”

“Not a problem,” he recovered and spoke calmly, “I’ve just arrived in the capital and am unfamiliar with its ways. Might I ask you a few questions?”