In the elegant chamber meant for rest, the windows were shut tight and the curtains drawn, casting a dim, hazy glow.
The two spoke in low voices, as if murmuring in their sleep.
Looking at Bao Niang's face, Wan Niang shook her head. A dozen years of propriety and shame sharply woke her.
"I would never do such a shameless thing! Don't say it again."
She lowered her head and tied her sash tightly, gazing at the neatly dressed figure in the mirror. Wan Niang closed her eyes and said, "If there's someone you like, I'll arrange a marriage for you. Whether inside the family or out, if you fancy anyone, I'll beg them for you."
Bao Niang covered one side of her face but joked, "This slap makes both sides even now. What's this talk of arranged marriages? I'm still hoping to watch the young master's children for you, miss."
Wan Niang turned her head and saw her wiping the corner of her eye, as if she had been crying. She softened her voice again:
"Think before you speak from now on."
Bao Niang smiled but said nothing.
The mistress and maid left the room, never mentioning what had happened there again.
*
After dusk that day, the sun set behind the mountains. The weather turned cold, and the barren surroundings still looked like winter.
The bedchamber had been readied. There was a heated floor inside. When she lifted the curtain, the room was warm as spring.
Wan Niang sat in the main room waiting for Gu Lanyin. With nothing to do, she and a few maids focused on needlework by the lamplight.
But after waiting and waiting, only Cheng Bi arrived.
Cheng Bi came back to report that some old classmates in Xunyang were hosting a banquet for the young master tonight, so he might not return for a while and told her not to wait up.
Wan Niang nodded. Bai Long, who was nearby, comforted her:
"The young master does have a few close classmates in Xunyang. When scholars banquet, there's nothing improper—just drinking wine and playing drinking games."
Wan Niang smiled. "Men have to socialize outside; I understand."
She rubbed her dry eyes and said to Bao Niang, "Go to the kitchen and tell them not to keep the dishes warm. Get a food box, and ask two older servants to carry it over with an additional jug of wine. Everyone has stayed up with me for so long; they must be hungry. Consider this my treat."
Bai Long saw how good-natured she was and that she was still affectionate with the young master, so she smiled and said, "It's our duty. I wouldn't dare refuse the young madam's kindness. I'll go with Miss Bao."
The two lit lanterns and called over the older servants from the courtyard.
The road was pitch black in places, so talking together helped bolster their courage.
Walking behind Bao Niang, Bai Long casually said, "Bao Niang, you really have lost weight. Everyone says your appetite has been poor lately. Can you eat tonight?"
"Why wouldn't I be able to? I've served all day, dead tired, so naturally I need to eat more."
Bai Long smiled. "During the day, the young master and I supervised the unloading of goods at the dock. We were in the wind all day. Actually, it would have been good to have more hands. With so many things at home, I couldn't keep an eye on everything alone."
Bao Niang turned around, forcing a smile. "I'll help you in the future. The young master said I'm very conscientious last time. Next time you're too busy, I'll come help, so you don't wear yourself out."
In the dark of night, Bai Long rolled her eyes after hearing that, thinking to herself, How conceited.
But remembering that this girl was just a glutton, she took a breath and decided not to argue.
The few of them carried the food box back. Everyone in the courtyard got a share. Bao Niang was acting differently than usual, which surprised everyone. Wan Niang thought it was because she had slapped her during the day, so she felt particularly sorry and gave her several fine pieces of fabric for making clothes.
At midnight, Bao Niang was still on night duty as usual.
Strangely enough, tonight she couldn't fall asleep. Through the wall, the lamp in the room was still lit, so the miss must still be awake too.
She pulled her quilt tighter. Finally, in the middle of the night, sounds came from outside the courtyard.
Cheng Bi, acting like a lackey, was supporting the young master. Both reeked of alcohol. The main house was right ahead, but Cheng Bi turned and helped him into the side chamber.
Bao Niang lay back down. Soon she heard footsteps in the room.
Wan Niang had been waiting until now. Hearing the footsteps fade, her heart fluttered. She threw on a robe and got up. Over there, Cheng Bi was busying himself. When he saw her, he could only lower his head and step aside.
Gu Lanyin was leaning on the couch, eyes closed, seemingly unconscious.
As soon as Wan Niang approached, she smelled the alcohol on him.
Cheng Bi explained from behind, "The young master drank too much tonight. On the way back, he specifically instructed me not to wake you, young madam. You've been light-sleeping and exhausted from the long journey. It's rare you get a good rest, so he said he'd just sleep in the side chamber tonight."
Wan Niang frowned and sighed helplessly. "I've been resting most of the time. Why would I mind? Carry him to the main room. I'll have the maid bring hot water. He should bathe before sleeping."
Cheng Bi nodded, but his eyes darted to the young master. Once she left, he went over and patted his shoulder.
Gu Lanyin opened his eyes. He hadn't expected his past life's tolerance for alcohol to carry over too.
He rubbed his throbbing temples and had Cheng Bi help him over.
The main room was stifling hot. As soon as he entered, it felt stuffy. He pulled at his collar and collapsed onto the couch. Wan Niang came to undo his clothes, but the knot was tangled. Frowning, she only made it tighter.
"Bao Niang, bring scissors."
Gu Lanyin squinted drowsily. "No need. I'll do it myself."
He reached for the silk cord, using one hand to untangle the knot, but accidentally touched a woman's hand.
It wasn't as slender as Wan Niang's, but fleshier. It felt like...
He turned, and as if swatting a mosquito, he slapped her hand.
Bao Niang jerked her head up in surprise.