The blood drained from Shen Xuejin’s face.
Never in her wildest dreams had she expected the man from her visions to be Huo Nanchi, the second young master of the Zhenping Marquis Manor.
Huo Nanchi had placed first in the imperial examinations this spring and had been appointed Chief Justice of the Court of Judicial Review. He had spent time in Jiangnan with the Ministry of Justice investigating a corruption case, which meant that today was, in fact, their first meeting.
"How is your health?" Madam Huo asked, her tone softening slightly.
"Thank you for your concern, Madam. I have taken several doses of medicine and feel much better." Shen Xuejin forced herself to steady her nerves, doing her best to ignore Huo Nanchi’s overwhelming presence.
"You must take good care of your health; there is no rush to return to your studies or writing," Madam Huo continued. She pointed to the prescription on the table. "You grew up on a rural estate, yet you write so beautifully. It truly caught me by surprise."
It was clear that the prescription was the very reason she had been summoned, yet Madam Huo had not mentioned a word about it. Such poise and tactical restraint were exactly what one would expect from the mistress of the Marquis Manor.
However, Shen Xuejin was beginning to grow anxious.
She could afford to wait, but her mother could not. As of now, she had no idea what kind of situation her mother was facing at the Shen Residence.
Shen Xuejin said with earnest sincerity, "Whether my calligraphy is good or not is of little importance, but I wonder if this prescription might be of some help to you, Madam."
"A prescription?" Madam Huo feigned surprise. "I had no idea this was a prescription."
"It is a remedy for psoriasis," Shen Xuejin replied. "When I lived on the estate, I used this very formula to treat several local women. Perhaps you could have Imperial Concubine Mei give it a try."
"Of course, given the Imperial Concubine’s noble status, a folk remedy should not be used lightly. Perhaps the Imperial Hospital could verify it first. If it is found to be safe and harmless, then maybe the Imperial Concubine could try it."
Madam Huo slowly set the prescription down on the table, her tone gentle. "I heard you grew up on an estate all these years. I am surprised you are so concerned with the affairs of the Zhenping Marquis Manor."
The gentle words were a reprimand, a warning not to meddle in the manor's business.
When Shen Xuejin had offered the prescription, she had guessed that Madam Huo might scold her for prying, but if it meant she could see the Madam, she didn't mind a rebuke.
She curtsied slightly. "Xuejin only wishes to help you relieve your burdens, Madam."
Madam Huo looked at Shen Xuejin. "Why are you offering this prescription to Imperial Concubine Mei? You are my eldest son’s fiancée; if you are facing any difficulties, the Huo Residence will naturally help you."
Had it been earlier, Shen Xuejin might have believed her.
But after staying at the Huo Residence for a few days, Shen Xuejin understood that in these noble families, contracts and sentiments were never a match for cold, hard interests.
"You are kind to offer your help, Madam, but I also wish to do what I can for the Huo Residence," Shen Xuejin said, her head slightly bowed. "My mother always taught me to be this way."
"It has been a few days since I last saw my mother, and I know not how she fares."
Madam Huo did not pick up on her words. She set down her teacup and said, "I am feeling a bit fatigued, so I will not keep you for dinner. I will have the kitchen prepare some nourishing tonics and send them to your quarters."
"Thank you, Madam."
Shen Xuejin knew that Madam Huo intended to send the prescription into the palace for the imperial physicians to inspect. Until the formula was proven effective, she doubted Madam Huo would promise her anything.
The evening meal was lavish, but Shen Xuejin had no appetite. As she watched the moonlight spill across the courtyard, her heart was heavy with worry for her mother.
She passed the night in a haze of anxiety, and it was only at daybreak that Bizhu arrived with her morning meal—and some news.
"Mrs. Shen has been back at the Shen Residence for a few days now. My mistress has been unwell and unable to visit, but today she is sending the second young master to deliver a gift to your home on her behalf."
Shen Xuejin’s eyes brightened, her expression filled with joy.
"My mistress also says that you are still quite frail, Miss Shen. Would you be willing to stay at the manor for a few more days of rest?" Bizhu asked.
Although the prescription was safe, whether it was truly effective would take time to verify. Naturally, Madam Huo could not let Shen Xuejin go just yet.
"Your mistress is too kind; I am certainly willing," Shen Xuejin said.
An hour after Bizhu left, Shen Xuejin felt as though an entire day had passed. She lay on a daybed, drifting in and out of sleep, when she heard faint voices outside the courtyard.
Assuming it was Huo Nanchi returning, she bolted upright and ran to the door, only to find two maidservants whispering to each other.
"So what if she’s the legitimate daughter of the Shen family? She hasn't even married yet and she's already moved into the Huo Residence. It’s so shameless." It was the same cleaning maid who had taken Shen Xuejin’s bracelet the day before.
The other maid hissed, "Hush. She’s the future eldest daughter-in-law, after all. You’d better watch your tongue."
"Whether she actually marries the eldest young master remains to be seen," the maid said with a look of disdain. "Besides, she might have to observe a mourning period. How could she marry?"
"A mourning period? Did her mother die?"
Shen Xuejin’s heart tightened violently. She clutched the wall for support, her hand trembling, and the color drained from her face.
The cleaning maid said lazily, "I went to the gate of the Shen Residence yesterday. The doorman told me not to ask questions, saying that I’d know for sure when the funeral takes place in a few days."
"Then why didn't you tell me the truth yesterday?"
"If I had, I wouldn't have made any money, would I? It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing. Let me tell you..."
Shen Xuejin could no longer hear what they were saying. Her mind was filled with the words "mourning" and "funeral." Her palms were sweating, and her legs felt as though they would give way.
No, she could not just sit here and wait blindly.
She had to return to the Shen Residence to see for herself what had happened to her mother.
But Madam Huo clearly had no intention of letting her leave, and begging her would be futile.
Shen Xuejin fought to steady herself. Her legs weak, she began to scout the courtyard, hoping to find a way out.
Fortune favored the desperate; she actually discovered a hole in the wall hidden by tall weeds.
Not caring about anything else, Shen Xuejin gritted her teeth and squeezed through the opening, finding herself in the alley behind the Huo Residence.
She had not grown up in the Capital and was unfamiliar with the tangled web of streets and lanes. She ran quickly, stopping to ask for directions, but as she rounded a corner, she nearly collided with a passing carriage and fell to the ground, losing her balance.
The driver pulled the reins hard, causing the horse to rear up, and only by a sharp turn did he avoid trampling her.
A guard with a scar on his face suddenly drew his sword and pointed it at her.
"I am sorry, I did not mean to get in your way," Shen Xuejin said, scrambling to her feet, desperate to leave.
"Sister Xuejin?" Huo Nanchi pulled back the curtain of the carriage, looking surprised. "Huo Dao, lower your sword."