The household bustled with quiet excitement as blue and white dressed maids walked to and fro the hallways.
The day of celebration had quickly come.
Just outside the door of the inner entrance, Concubine Shen, gleaming in a brocade robe of orchid and silver, stood with a welcoming smile plastered on her face, greeting the wives of officials and noble women with honeyed words.
She had spent days preparing for her daughter's special day and today was the day of reward for all her troubles.
"Madam Shen, your household must be basking in double blessings. The recent victory and your daughter's hair pinning."
The woman's servant held a box in his hand.
"Not at all, not at all. You flatter us, Madam Zhao," Concubine Shen said sweetly. "We're only grateful to have days of peace."
Another woman, Madam Lu, laughed, unveiling her fan.
"Don't be modest, Madam Shen. Your family is currently in favor with the court. Any family will be fortunate to form ties with yours."
"You're too kind. We are all just enjoying His Majesty's grace."
Many more boxes followed filled embroidered silks, jade pendants, hairpins and each time, the servants stepped forward to receive them with a proper bow.
"The Minister is hosting the gentlemen in the west pavilion," she said with gentle grace as the maids and servants ushered the guests in.
Her eyes lingered carefully on the sons who trailed behind their parents; tall, mannered, most already scholars or assistants in ministries.
A good match begins with good observation, she thought. But her Ruxin deserved the best.
In the rear garden, some ladies stood beneath the shade of the stone bridges. They giggled over silk fans as their scarves caught the wind.
"Now that the war is over, do you think His highness, Prince Qi will be returning?"
"I doubt it. He won't dare step a foot in the capital."
"But the war is over."
"Don't you know that Her Majesty is the only one who can decree for him to return? What you think was an order to service was a disguise for banishment!"
"Oh! I heard that he mustn't leave the northern front no matter what."
Some of the women nod in agreement.
"Ladies," a voice said warmly, "why don't we move to the common room for refreshments before the ceremony?"
The guest murmured approvingly and began to move as instructed.
In the east courtyard, Ruyi sat before the mirror as she carefully inserted her jade hairpin into her hair. Her skirt was soft lilac and pale jade.
Hua entered quietly and curtsied. "Miss, she is gone. No one saw." she whispered.
Ruyi's eyes didn't move from the mirror. Instead, while she adjusted a pin on her head, she hummed to herself.
Then she looked at Hua through the mirror, before putting on her veil. "Let's go."
In the common room, a few guests leaned in with whispers.
"The feast His Majesty held in honor of the Commander…"
"They say the Fifth Miss is a beauty in the making. They've kept her so sheltered. What a clever strategy…"
"I had hoped to catch a glance of the Third Miss at the palace banquet for the general. Unfortunately…"
Concubine Shen pretended not to hear, but her smile fell at the mention of Ruyi's name.
Just then, a servant stepped quietly beside her and murmured something into her ear.
The ceremonial gong rang announcing the hour of Wei.[1]
"It is the hour," the steward announced loudly. Servants moved efficiently, guiding the guests to their places in the decorated courtyard.
Noble ladies and officials' wives gathered under shaded canopies on the left, while the minister and young scholars took their place on the right.
Musicians sat at the edge of the pavilion, playing soft music on their guqin and flutes.
At the center of the elevated stage, Concubine Shen sat beside Minister Cai, dressed in ceremonial robes.
A chair beside him remained empty, intended for the Late Madam.
Ruyi found her seat at the far most seat at the back, near the elevated stage.
With graceful steps, Ruxin emerged and knelt before her parents, her head bowed low.
Before her, a table bearing a tea set had been arranged with ceremonial care.
In practiced silence, she brewed the tea. Her fingers trembled slightly, but not a drop spilled.
Just as Ruxin lifted the first cup to offer to her father,
A sharp voice rang out from the entrance:
"The Imperial Consort of Kangning Palace arrives!"
Everyone got on their feet and bowed as a line of palace maids filed in, followed by the bearers carrying the Consort's sedan chair.
With the help of her maid, she came down from the chair clad in silks the color of pale purple tulips.
Everyone chorused. "Greetings to your Ladyship."
Concubine Shen stood quickly, then bowed.
"Your Ladyship, you honor us greatly with your presence."
"Please, don't interrupt the rite on my account," she said gently. "Continue."
She was escorted to the empty seat beside Minister Cai. Her arrival shifted the atmosphere immediately.
Ruyi caught the look of disapproval in her father's eyes. He turned ever so slightly towards Concubine Shen, an unspoken question passing between them:
Did you invite her?
But the concubine gave a shook her head quickly, her face paling a bit.
Around her, Ruyi could already hear the quiet ripple of conversation.
Some were quick to interpret the Imperial Consort's arrival as a political statement, a sign of where Minister Cai's allegiance laid.
The Queen Dowager and the Consort have never been on the same page.
Others dismissed it as a personal matter, a gesture of respect toward the late Madam Zhang.
Ruyi only breathed quietly, her lips curving under her veil.
Her father hated controversies. Today would suffocate him.
Especially given the delicate balance of the court at the moment.
But for her? Things were about to get interesting.
The Imperial Consort gaze shifted through the crowd. "And where is the Third Miss, Lady Ruyi?"
From the far corner, Ruyi stood and bowed gracefully.
"Your Ladyship."
All eyes fell on her and Ruxue stiffened.
Whispers spread quickly among the crowd. Some even craning their nexts to get a look beneath the veil.
"That is the Third Miss?"
"The one they said was sickly? Prehaps the rumors are true."
Ruxin's smile fell, her hands tightened each other in front of her dress.
The Imperial Consort's expression softened. "Are you still unwell, my child?"
Ruyi lets out a small cough and offered a light curtsy, Hua right by her side.
The two of them stood there together, sunlight catching on their hair ornaments, the same white jade and the matching hues of their clothes.
Ruxin's fingers curled into her skirt.
Wasn't this supposed to be my day?
It was almost as if the consort had come here for Ruyi and not her ceremony.
The tea ceremony resumed, and Ruxue offered the cups one by one with steady hands.
"Your hands are steady. Your etiquette graceful. Minister Cai, you have really taught your daughter well." The Consort commented after taking a sip of her tea.
Concubine Shen beamed with pride. "Your praise is more than we deserve, Your Ladyship."
"Bring forth the jade phoenix pin," Concubine Shen ordered.
A hush fell again, until a maid ran into the podium, face pale, knees trembling.
The maid fell on her face into a kowtow. "T-this servant deserves death."
Concubine Shen's expression hardened. "Speak clearly."
"The pin…the pin… is missing."
A murmur swept through the crowd.
Ruyi, still seated to the side, lifted her teacup and took a small sip.
And, begin…
"Oh?" the Imperial Consort said, setting her cup down. "Did they search properly?"
Concubine Shen's lips tightened. "What do you mean by missing? I personally saw it this morning before attending to the guests. This pin was passed down to me from my mother. How could it be missing?"
She turned to the maid bowed low. "Did you searcg everywhere?"
"We searched the entire room, but it was nowhere to be found, Madam."
Ruxin's stomach twisted as she noticed Ruyi's calm posture, as if none of what was happening mattered to her.
The sight made something in Ruxin snap.
Her hands curled into fists.
Ruxin reacted first, voice sharp.
"Jie-jie just can't stand the attention being on any other person but her."
"Ruxin!" Minister Cai shouted. His eyes quickly motion to his concubine to stop her daughter.
But it was too late, everyone had already turned.
Ruyi's hand paused midair, the cup still between her fingers.
"Mei-Mei, such grave accusations calls for evidence. Do you have any?"
Ruyi set her cup down, turning slightly.
Wan'er quickly stepped forward, bowing low.
"Madam Shen, I have something to report."
"Speak."
"This maid saw Hua, the Third Miss's maid early this morning. She was heading towards your court."
A ripple ran through the crowd.
Ruyi side-glanced at her maid, who quickly fell to her knees.
"That is not true. I have not left the Miss's courtyard morning. The Third Miss was sick the entire night with her fever only breaking at the start of the hour of Wu."
"Sick?" Ruxin scoffed. "How convenient. Is that why Jie-jie arrived late for the ceremony? Or you were hiding something else?"
Ruyi continued. "Hua has not left my side all morning. If you doubt it, have the physician take my pulse."
Concubine Shen confidently said. "Let's call the physician. This way the Third Miss can prove her innocence."
"Thank you for understanding, Madam Shen." Ruyi bowed her head slightly.
The old physician came, place three fingers on Ruyi's wrist and frowned.
"The Third Lady is indeed recovering from weakness. Her pause shows strains and lingering cold."
Ruxin's face tightened. "That doesn't still prove that you didn't take it. We have a witness here that proves that. Right, Wan'er?"
The maid bowed her face to the ground shaking. "Yes, Fifth Miss."
"Third Miss," said one of the noble wives gently, "perhaps to clear up any accusations, allowing a search of your courtyard would put the matter to rest."
Ruyi looked around at the dozens of eyes on her. She dipped her head slightly. "Of course. I have nothing to hide."
The Imperial Consort lifted her hand slightly.
"To keep everything fair and beyond question, let the Eunuch Ming escort a few servants to the Third Miss's quarters."
Servants were summoned. Eunuch Ming bowed deeply.
As the search party was organized, the audience held its breath.
Ruxin stood rigid, breathing too fast.
Concubine Shen lowered her gaze to hide the smile threatening at the corner of her lips.
And Ruyi?
She focused on slowly finishing her cup of tea.
After a while, the eunuch returned with a small box in his hand.
The hall erupted.
"This was found tucked behind the screen in the Third Miss' chamber," He announced, taking the box to the imperial consort.
Ruxin gave a brittle laugh. "I told you. I knew it."
But before the eunuch could open the box, the Imperial Consort lifted her hand.
"Wait. Madam Shen, what is your missing hairpin like?"
Concubine Shen blinked and bowed her head gracefully.
"Your Ladyship, A gold phoenix pin with green jade droplets. My family name '沈' is engraved behind the phoenix wing."
"Very well," the Consort said. "Open the box."
The box was opened and the pin was neatly laid inside on top of some folded papers.
The crowd erupted in shocked whispers.
Ruyi's gaze slowly lifted and found her step mother's, who had a ghost of a smile on her lips.
Her voice turned mocking. "Jie-jie, if you wanted the pin so badly, you only needed to say so. But stealing, was your plan to embarrass me today?"
"Fifth sister," Ruyi said gently, "before shouting, perhaps you should take a closer look at the pin."
Ruxin got furious. "Jiejie, you don't have to lie now that you have been caught. This is clearly…"
"I have never seen Madam's Shen's hair pin but one thing, I am sure of is that this belongs to me."
Ruyi rose, bowing toward the Consort. "Your Ladyship, Concubine Shen herself said her pin bears the '沈' engraving. Please have Eunuch Ming check."
The Eunuch took out the pin and turned it over.
"This pin has no name engraved on it."
Ruyi asked. "Madam Shen, is this your hairpin?"
The woman tried to hide her anger with a laugh. "The Third Miss is right. It isn't mine."
Ruxin's face drained. "M-Mother…?"
If you want a performance, dear sister, I'll give you one.
Before he could continue, the eunuch took out the letters that were inside the box. "Letters?"
Another wave of whispers rolled.
The eunuch started reading out loud, "Your eyes remind me of frost-washed willows…"
"A lover?" Someone whispered. "A secret affair?"
Ruxin's eyes widened in shock and trail to where her mother stood. Her throat visibly tightening.
Concubine Shen's face trembled, real shocking flashing. The flicker of worry was enough to make Ruxin's throat dry.
A ghost of a smirk found Ruyi's lips for a second, unseen by anyone.
Concubine Shen. Concubine Shen. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
He handed the letters to the concubine, she looked at them, "How did…?"
Her eyes flickered briefly towards her daughter, who bowed her head in shame. Then she turned back to the letters, "This is… disgraceful. Such things under our roof?"
She turned to Ruyi with a troubled look. "Child, if there is a secret affection…at least spare your father's reputation."
Minister Cai's voice was loud. "Ruyi! Who is this man? Tell me now!"
"Father, I can explain. This is not what you think." Ruyi's voice was quiet and trembling.
The Consort lifted her chin slightly, studying her expression. "Very well. Let us hear her explanation."
"If I may," Ruyi said, "could someone bring a brush and paper?"
The materials were brought. Ruyi dipped the brush in ink and began to write.
The brushwork was clean, identical in phrasing and most importantly, the handwriting was unmistakably hers.
Even Concubine Shen's face stiffened.
"So it is your handwriting." The Imperial Consort said laughing.
"Yes, My Ladyship," Ruyi bowed her head slightly. "I've recently taken to writing poetry."
She gave the papers to the servant to pass around to the scholars. "There is no lover. Simply… too much time alone."
Her eyes darted to Ruxin's face.
"Dear sister," Ruyi leaned closer to Ruxin, "You seem quiet. Or preharps, you recognize these lines."
Ruxin was too taken aback to respond.
In the same breath, Ruyi put space between them. "If you wish to accuse me of forgery, allow me to save you the trouble."
"Sir," Ruyi turned to the Eunuch, "Search my shelves. Bring any book."
The servant came back with one of Ruyi's medical journals and passed it to the scholars.
They nodded and compared the writer to be the same.
"Identical," they said among themselves. "Every character. It's the same hand."
"So, where is the pin?" Someone asked from the crowd, voice wary with suspicion.
"And the maid's testimony…?"
Ruyi turned to the Concubine Shen.
"I would like to ask the same question," she said.
Ruyi looked down at Wan'er, who was now trembling like a leaf on the floor.
"Wan'er, you said you saw Hua going towards Madam Shen's room, right? But Hua never left my side. So tell us… why did you lie?"
Her lips trembled. "I… I … thought… I…"
Ruyi turned to the steward.
"Eunuch Ming. Please search Wan'er's quarters."
Wan'er blanched. "Third Miss…"
Concubine Shen stiffened.
But they had no choice.
Moments later, the steward returned holding something wrapped in cloth.
He unwrapped it and showed it to everyone.
The missing phoenix hairpin gleamed under the sunlight with the family character carved at its back.
A collective gasp.
Wan'er fell into her knees instantly, trembling.
"N-no! I—I didn't steal it! I only—"
Ruyi crunched down to make eye contact. "You only what?" Then she turned her eyes towards Concubine Shen.
"I only… Madam told me to—"
"Silence!" Concubine Shen's voice cracked.
"You dare lie against the Third Miss? Stealing my daughter's ceremony pin? Guards! Drag her out! Sell her at once!"
"Fifth Miss, help me…"
But Ruxin just looked away from the maid.
Wan'er screamed, "Madam! You told me to…!"
Her voice was cut off as guards seized her.
A sickly smile tightened Concubine Shen's lips. "A misunderstanding. All a misunderstanding."
Ruyi bowed her head demurely. "Concubine Shen, you are right. It must be a misunderstanding."
Concubine Shen's hissed at her daughter, "Useless," under her breath.
The tightening of Ruxin's fist was not visible to anyone around.
The Imperial Consort finally broke the tension.
"This affair has cast an unfortunate shadow on the morning's joy. I fear using a pin that was once… misappropriated may be a poor omen for the lady-to-be."
Concubine Shen's face paled. "Your Ladyship, please…"
But the Consort raised her hand with a calm smile.
"Let it not be said I brought misfortune to the Cai family."
She reached and removed a gold pin out of her hair. "This was given to me when I first entered the palace. I had not thought to use it today, but perhaps fate intended it so."
She turned to Ruxin.
Ruxue blinked, then nodded quickly. "Y-Yes, Your Ladyship. I am honored."
With practiced grace, the Imperial Consort rose and pinned the gold ornament into Ruxin's hair.
The guests applauded politely, but the spark of the celebration had faded.
And Ruyi, smiling with lowered eyes, stood tall.
The memories of how she formed her plan flashed before her eyes.
Hua closed the door softly behind her and knelt beside her mistress.
"Miss," She whispered urgently, "Something isn't right. The maid planted by Concubine Shen, Wan'er, was inside your room while you were taking a bath. She didn't see me, but I saw her tucking something behind your bed."
Ruyi's brow lifted, though her attention were on the letters describing types of plants and their healing properties, but her mind was far off.
She had expected some form of plot from her.
Hua went behind the bed and pulled out the box.
She brought it before Ruyi, who opened it.
A delicate gold hairpin neatly placed in the box.
A small smile made its way to her face.
"This is the pin for the hairpin ceremony." Hua said with alarm. "Is this the Fifth Miss's plan? She wants to frame you!"
"My dear mei-mei?" Ruyi shook her head. "Mmm. Mmm. She is not smart enough for this. It's Concubine Shen's plan."
Hua blinked, then seemed to remember somthing.
She reached into her sleeve and pulled out a letter, giving it to her mistress.
"I almost forgot. I watched the Fifth Miss's maid deliver the letter at the pawnshop across the street from her."
Ruyi opened it and read the first few lines.
Her sister's new lover was a very romantic one.
Compared to the last one, this one seems to have a way with words and Prehaps a slightly longer lifespan.
"Mm." Ruyi's gaze drifted to the hairpin.
Hua continued. "Her new lover is one of the new dancers in the traveling troupe that just joined the XiaoXiao house. Miss…should I have him sent away?"
"No need." Ruyi laid the page flat on the table. "If all her lovers disappear, who will be left to make money for the XiaoXiao house?"
Hua nodded thoughtfully.
"Miss, what are you going to do?"
Ruyi looked at the hairpin in the box and her smile deepened.
"Fall into the trap"
"Fall…?" Hua blinked rapidly. "Miss… you will be accused of stealing. You'll be whipped, or worse."
Ruyi closed her eyes briefly, already aware of what the consequences of her actions would be.
"This is the only way we can remove the weed in our midst." She shook her head. "Don't worry. Get me some paper and ink."
As Hua laid the material out, Ruyi copied the lover and Ruxin's letters in her own handwriting.
When she finished, she set it aside with the box and handed a different sealed letter to Hua.
"Send one of our fastest servants to the palace. Give this to my aunt. Tell her that I prepared a little show for her."
Ruyi stood by the window, adjusting the fur coat over her shoulder, as her maid returned the box back to its place and left to deliver the letter.
"Keep an eye on my dear sister." Ruyi said gazing out the window.
*****************
Inside the family hall, the two sisters knelt side by side on the cold, hard floor before their parents.
Minister Cai slammed his palm against the armrest. "Do you understand the shame that both of you have dragged into this house?"
Ruxin flinched, her silk sleeve trembling on her lap.
"Guests. Nobles. Even the imperial consort witnessed it. Do you two not understand the disgrace you have brought upon this family?"
His gaze switched between the two girls.
"I don't care whose doing this was. It should have been handled quietly and not in the eyes of everyone. Do you know what people would say and spread about our family?"
Behind him, Concubine Shen dabbed her eyes with a pale-blue silk handkerchief.
"My Lord, please… don't take out your anger on the children. Surely this was all a misunderstanding… I'm sure it wasn't intentional…"
Of course she would perform. She always performed.
"My Lord, if you would punish anyone, let it be me. I should have been more careful. The Third Miss is not at fault here."
Ruxin lifted her chin, tears gleaming in her eyes. "It was all her fault, father."
Minister Cai let out a long, tired exhale, rubbing his temples.
"Enough."
He looked at Concubine Shen. She instantly straightened, lowering her head to appear meek.
"My Lord… Wan'er was from the Third Miss's courtyard. She… she must have been influenced by someone." Her voice wavered in just the right places.
"We all know the Third Miss is gentle-hearted. But gentle girls are easily manipulated by their servants. They don't always see the danger close to them."
Ruyi lifted her head slowly.
"…Madam Shen suggests Wan'er acted under my instruction?"
Concubine Shen placed a hand to her chest, feigning hurt.
"I would never imply such a thing. I only worry that Third Miss is too trusting… and such trust may create mistakes that affect the entire household."
Minister Cai's expression hardened, as if Shen's words had merely confirmed a conclusion he'd already reached.
"Wan'er was your servant," he said to Ruyi. "And she is at the center of this disgrace. Whether or not you commanded her is not the point. A mistress bears responsibility for the conduct of her courtyard."
Ruxin's lips curled in triumph before she lowered her head again, pretending to tremble.
Ruyi pressed her palms to the floor and bowed.
"I accept responsibility for my servants. But Father, Wan'er lied at someone else's bidding?"
"Ruyi!" Minister Cai slammed the table again, harder this time.
"You dare accuse your elders? In the hall? Have you no sense of propriety?!"
Concubine Shen dabbed delicately at her eyes, making her voice just barely audible.
"My Lord, please… she must be frightened. Children say foolish things when desperate…"
Minister Cai leaned back, face carved from stone.
"The problem is not only the pin," he said, voice low. "Today, letters were discovered as well."
Ruyi's jaw tightened.
"And I have explained why they were there."
"The reason doesn't matter. The fact that they were found in your hands will soil the reputation of this family."
He didn't raise his voice. He didn't have to. The implication was sharper than any shout.
Ruxin used her sleeve to wipe an imaginary tear.
"Father… she has always liked to pretend strength. But I think… I think elder sister has long harbored inappropriate feelings. Otherwise why would she write such letters…?"
Inappropriate feelings?
Ruyi nearly laughed.
Concubine Shen quickly cut in, as if protecting Ruxin while actually fanning the flame.
"Poor child… she must be overwhelmed. But my Lord, the matter of the letters, no matter their origin, reflects poorly on the household."
Minister Cai's eyes shifted—.
"The pin caused a scene. The letters could cause rumors. Wan'er served you. This chain of disgrace leads back to your courtyard. Therefore, you will bear the consequences."
Ruyi inhaled once, slowly.
"So Father intends to punish me for what I did not do."
Even though she had expected this, even planned for it, the sting still hurt.
Whenever she was accused, he chose convenience over fairness.
To keep the illusion of harmony, Ruyi would receive punishments she didn't deserve.
"Someone, the Third Miss will receive ten whips and kneel in the ancestral hall until she learns her lesson. The Fifth Miss will also be sent to the ancestral hall."
"Father!" Ruxin burst out. "But she–"
Concubine Shen cautioned. "Ruxin!"
But Ruyi just bowed again, but not before her eyes glanced briefly towards the entrance, biting the inside of her cheek.
Minister Cai's face hardened and a small smile made its way to Concubine Shen's face.
The servants entered with rods already in hand.
Ruyi didn't flinch.
Instead, she adjusted the thin scarf around her shoulders, knelt upright, and locked her jaw despite the tremble in her limbs.
The first one landed across her thighs.
The force and pain, nearly knocking her forward. She inhaled sharply, pulling herself upright again.
The pain was familiar.
Familiar doesn't mean it hurts less. I just need to endure… a little longer.
The second came.
Then the third.
Fourth…
Just as the fifth was lifted, someone barged in.
"Enough"
Cai Ruwen strode in, boots echoing against the wooden floor.
His gaze swept the scene. His sister kneeling, trembling, veil half-fallen, red already seeping through the fabric over her legs.
His jaw instantly tightened.
"I said that's enough."
"Ge'…" Her voice came out faint. Finally
"Ruyi."
He dropped to her side, and she leaned into him automatically, her body collapsing into his arms.
The servants froze.
Minister Cai frowned. "Ruwen…"
His gaze flicked to Ruxin and then to Concubine Shen. "You raise your hand against my sister?"
"If this is how my sister was treated while I was gone… I'll take her with me."
Minister Cai almost lost his composure. "This is not your place to interfer…"
"It is," Ruwen said coldly. "She is my sister. And I will not stand by while she is punished for a crime she didn't commit."
Concubine Shen moved forward, her expression sober and composed.
"Young Master, I understand your concern. But you must understand."
Ruwen said, cutting her off and rendering her speechless. "How convenient."
Concubine Shen's words died in her throat.
Ruwen ignored them both and turned to the Minister. "I'm taking her with me. She will stay in my courtyard."
He was final with his words.
A tear slipped down Ruyi's cheeks.
Minister Cai opened his mouth to speak, but Concubine Shen beat him to it.
"Perhaps… this is best, my Lord. Until the rumor fades. Let her stay under the young master's care."
The minister said nothing. With a deep breath, he turned and strode out of the hall, robes sweeping behind him.
When Ruwen tried to help Ruyi stand, her legs buckled. Without hesitation, he slid an arm under her knees, the other supporting her back and lifted her gently, her blood staining his sleeve.
All eyes followed them as they passed.
But Ruyi…
did not look back.
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[1] This is the hour between 1-3pm.