He Lanlin still wanted to tell Jiang Xuesui that the two lanterns were sent by Wen Qiao.
But the chief steward of Prince Duan's Mansion came to report: "Your Highness, the Consort Dowager has a high fever. Palace physician Tan Zhen from the Imperial Hospital has seen her and prescribed several formulas. He awaits Your Highness's return to decide which one to administer."
Hearing that his mother was ill, He Lanlin hurried back to the mansion, thinking it would take at most an hour or two before he could return to Duke Xiangguo's Mansion and tell Jiang Xuesui about the lanterns.
But unexpectedly, He Lanlin stayed by Imperial Consort Dowager Sang's bedside, not closing his eyes all night. After taking the medicine, not only did her fever not subside, but she also vomited and had diarrhea.
So several eminent imperial physicians were summoned.
After repeated diagnoses, the physicians concluded that Imperial Consort Dowager Sang was suffering from a seasonal epidemic.
Tan Zhen immediately ordered his attendant eunuch to report to the emperor and empress in the palace.
Prince Duan's Mansion was placed under quarantine; people could enter but not leave.
However, the source of the epidemic was not the Consort Dowager herself. She had only drunk plum syrup bought from Yunqiao Tower by Lady Sang. The cook who made the plum syrup at Yunqiao Tower was the first to contract the epidemic.
From that day on, the epidemic in the capital grew severe.
Daily court sessions were canceled, leaving only the monthly court on the first and fifteenth days and the three major annual courts.
All households closed their doors tightly, going out only when necessary.
This situation lasted for half a year.
During this time of confinement, Jiang Xuesui finished the fan case for He Lanlin and half of the zither bag for Wen Qiao's "Golden Sound and Jade Resonance" zither.
*
The weather turned cool in autumn, and the maple trees in the capital blazed like fire.
The epidemic had just subsided.
Various mansions began hosting chrysanthemum appreciation banquets again.
The Grand Princess of Chu received four rare and precious chrysanthemum plants from Emperor Zhengshi—"Ten-Zhang Hanging Curtain," "Diaochan Bowing to the Moon," "Luan Shui Purple Clouds," and "Gu Shui Flowing Xia"—and sent invitations to the ladies of various mansions to admire them.
Jiang Xuesui received an invitation but was not keen on going.
However, two female officials from the Grand Princess's side personally came to invite her.
Unable to refuse, she had to go with Lady Sang, Lady Zhu, Lady Yu, and her cousins and siblings.
Wen Qiao, Wen Yu, and Wen Yang were to take the spring imperial examinations the following year, so they stayed home studying and did not attend the chrysanthemum banquet.
The ladies admired the chrysanthemums in the main hall of Marquis Lin'an's Mansion, sitting around the Grand Princess of Chu, flattering and praising her.
The young ladies played in the western pavilion beside the hall.
Xie Nongyu had recently acquired a new zither.
Three years ago, knowing that Wen Qiao excelled at playing the zither, she had switched from playing the harp to the zither, learning specially for him.
Today, Xie Nongyu played in public, plucking the strings with her jade-like fingers, exuding infinite charm and tenderness. The melodious notes carried a vague yearning.
Jiang Xuesui had ignored Xie Nongyu all along, but upon hearing the music, she felt an inexplicable familiarity.
"Where did you find such a fine zither, Princess? This 'Golden Sound and Jade Resonance' is the only one in the world. We've only heard of it by name before, but today, thanks to you, we get to see it."
"My brother has some acquaintance with Wen Qiao. He has seen this zither before; it was originally Wen Qiao's cherished possession."
"It must be that Wen Qiao gave the zither to you, Princess. No wonder you played 'Phoenix Seeking His Mate' for us."
...
The young ladies chattered away.
Some were envious, some jealous, some disappointed, some regretful...
Seeing Jiang Xuesui staring at the zither, Xie Nongyu looked smug.
"I never play 'Phoenix Seeking His Mate' well. Jiao Lang said this 'Golden Sound and Jade Resonance' is the best for that piece, so he gave it to me. Though it was his kind gesture, I dislike that the original owner of this zither was surnamed Jiang. I hate people with the surname Jiang the most."
Xie Nongyu hooked her finger and plucked a string, deliberately snapping it with a "pop."
This zither had been presented to her mother by someone. The characters "Qiao Shanjun" were engraved on the underside. She knew it was Wen Qiao's zither, so she asked the presenter about its origin and learned that Wen Qiao had traded his most beloved zither for a lamp—a lamp that had belonged to Jiang Xuesui's late mother.
She also sent people to find out how Wen Qiao had obtained the zither.
After learning that Jiang Xuesui's father had given the zither to Wen Qiao, a plan formed in her mind.
With two more "pops," Xie Nongyu broke two more strings.
Unable to bear it any longer, Jiang Xuesui said to Xie Nongyu, "If you have a grudge against me, take it out on me directly. Why destroy the zither?"
Xie Nongyu sneered. "You seem to care about this zither. Today we have fine wine, flowers, and scenery. How about you sing a song—'Buddhist Dancers'—for everyone, and I'll give you this 'Golden Sound and Jade Resonance'?"
"Buddhist Dancers" was a song often sung by courtesans in brothels to please customers.
Xie Nongyu was treating Jiang Xuesui like a low-class prostitute.
Wen Yuan'ai couldn't understand why Wen Qiao would give the zither to Xie Nongyu, but hearing the insult, she quickly advised Jiang Xuesui not to humiliate herself for the sake of the zither.
Determined to retrieve the zither, Jiang Xuesui asked the musicians to play the tune of "Buddhist Dancers." The original lyrics were:
"Flowers bloom in dim moonlight, mist veils the night; Tonight I will go to my lover's side.
On stockinged feet, I tread the fragrant stair, carrying my golden-threaded shoes with care.