Late-spring sunlight filtered through the carved window lattices, casting mottled shadows across the veranda. Jiang Wan leaned against the balustrade, her fingertips gently turning the pages of the *Essentials of Governance of the Zhenguan Reign*, though her gaze drifted from time to time toward the West Side Courtyard—where the uninvited guest who called himself a "Suzhou scholar" was staying.
"Miss, you've already gone to check on him three times today." Qiaoyun walked over carrying a bowl of sour plum soup, the hem of her skirt brushing against the fallen blossoms scattered across the ground. "This maid noticed that when that scholar walks, his right foot can clearly bear weight."
Jiang Wan closed the book, a faint smile touching the corners of her lips. "You certainly are observant." She took the sour plum soup, her fingertips tracing the rim of the bowl. "Yesterday when you went to the dyeing workshop in the West City, did you find out anything about Zhao Er?"
Chapter 63