The early summer sun filtered through the ice-cracked lattice windows of the Su Estate’s floral hall, weaving diamond-shaped patterns of light onto Jiang Wan’s honey-colored skirt. The light played against the cool luster of the green jade bracelet on her wrist. Today’s "Floral Poetry Gathering" had drawn noble ladies from across the Capital. The Old Madame of the Duke of Ying's Estate sat in the seat of honor, leaning on her gilded cane; the nine-phoenix Gold Step-Shaker in her hair swayed with her every movement, drawing all eyes to the center of the hall—where Jiang Wan sat. She was gently stirring floating leaves in her teacup, appearing relaxed, yet in truth, she was taking in every movement within the room.
"Miss Jiang," Lin Miaoyin whispered, her jade bracelet clinking against Jiang Wan’s green jade one with a clear, crisp sound. "Ren Yao and Liu Ruyan arrived in the same carriage today. Look at their cuffs..."
Jiang Wan lifted her eyes. The twin lotus embroidery on the cuffs of Ren Yao’s reddish-purple dress was exquisitely crafted, while the intertwined lotus pattern on the hem of Liu Ruyan’s moon-white skirt looked somewhat loose. Though both patterns belonged to the lotus family, they came from different shops—the former from the Yunjin Pavilion, a place Ren Yao’s mother frequented, and the latter from a shop opened by Liu Ruyan’s brother, Liu Ming, for his lover. A thought stirred in her heart, and she tapped her teacup lightly with her fingertips. "Riding in th…
Chapter 52