Bai Shi adjusted the folds of her dress as she stepped into the serene garden courtyard of Madam He's tea pavilion.
The scent of jasmine hung thick in the air, mingling with the sharp undertone of fresh gossip. The women, three of them, all dressed in expensive, tasteful pastels, were already seated around a carved rosewood table, their porcelain cups steaming.
"Dear Shi, you're late.." one of them drawled, her lips curved into a tight smile.
"I had family matters to attend to.." Bai Shi replied smoothly, taking her seat with practiced grace.
"Oh?" chirped Madam Xu, the most venomous of them, her eyes glinting. "Let me guess. More surprise marriages in the family?"
There was a round of delicate, ladylike chuckles.
Bai Shi gave a measured smile. "Xuelan's wedding was a private arrangement. The Jiu family requested it that way."
Madam He raised a brow. "You must be so proud. The Jius… that's no ordinary connection..mhm."
