At the beginning of the hour of the rabbit, morning dew clung to the bluestone slabs of Qinghe Courtyard like pearls. A morning breeze flipped the corner of *Lessons for Women* resting on the bamboo daybed, revealing a pressed jade orchid specimen tucked between the pages. Jiang Wan sat before her mirror, allowing Wanqing to fasten a mutton-fat jade hairpin into her hair, though her gaze remained fixed on the stack of secret letters on her desk. The characters circled in cinnabar stood out like sharp blades, poised to tear through the hypocritical mask of the noblewomen’s circle.
"My lady, the carriage is ready," Wanqing whispered, her fingertips brushing the green jade bracelet on Jiang Wan’s wrist. "Would you like me to bring some refreshments for the road?"
"No need," Jiang Wan replied, rising to tuck the secret letters into her embroidered sleeve pocket. "The task I have today is far more important than a meal."
Chapter 55