The setting sun, like fine gold foil, lazily sprinkled the glazed tile roof of the Bai Mansion, while also coating the bluestone pavement with a soft glow.
Inside the room, Bai Mu Chen Yue rested her chin on one hand and gently supported her smooth, jade-like cheek with the other, dozing off on the Yangfei couch.
Although her hands were no longer as soft as when she was a young girl, they were still delicate, with a faint pearly white luster between her fingers, like a newly blooming lily, elegant despite the vicissitudes of life.
Although she is nearly fifty years old, time seems to have been exceptionally kind to her, only gently etching a few fine lines at the corners of her eyes, which only adds to her gentleness and composure.
This shows that she lived a leisurely and contented life.
The Bai family has been in business for generations. Three generations back, there was a great Confucian scholar among them. However, the Bai family did not like to pursue official careers, so their descendants continued the tradition of doing business.
Therefore, the Bai family is not short of money.
The Yang Guifei couch that Shen Yue leaned against was intricately carved by Suzhou craftsmen and made of the finest sandalwood. The couch was covered with soft brocade in elegant colors, embroidered with flowing clouds and a hundred blessings.
Her hair was carefully styled into a low bun, with a few stray strands falling casually across her forehead, adding a touch of effortless charm. In the words of her husband, Bai Kang, she "still retains her elegance."
Inside, light streams through the carved wooden windows, illuminating the artfully arranged decorative items.
On the desk sits a white jade Guanyin statue, its kind face seemingly capable of cleansing the world of its dust; beside it, a pot of elegant orchids exudes a delicate fragrance. Several paintings and calligraphies by renowned artists hang on the wall, their ink vibrant and their meaning profound. Below is a spacious table. A sheet of Xuan paper is laid on it, upon which is painted an orchid; beside it are a pine-flower inkstone, a brush washer, and other writing implements.
A short while later, Shen Yue slowly opened her eyes. She covered her mouth and yawned softly. She glanced at the dim sky outside and asked the maid Lian Qiao who was serving her, "Has Wei'er returned?"
Lian Qiao craned her neck to look outside, shook her head, and replied, "Miss hasn't returned yet." Before she finished speaking, she excitedly ran out the door, "Miss, you're finally back! Madam has been talking about you!"
"Mother, I'm back." Bai Wei smiled radiantly, wrapped the roses she had picked along the way in a handkerchief, and handed them to Lian Qiao. "Lian Qiao, put these roses in a vase. Be careful not to prick your hands."
"Thank you, Miss. Lianqiao will be careful!" Lianqiao happily accepted the rose, then lightly went to find an ivory-white vase, carefully trimmed it, and gently placed it inside. She then hurried into the courtyard, calling out, "Everyone, wake up! Miss's back! Dinner's ready!"
The maids filed in, and soon all the dishes were served.
The flickering candlelight illuminated a table laden with delicious food, its aroma filling the air and making one's mouth water.
On the table, the jade tofu was as translucent as jade, the braised lion's head meatballs were round and plump with an enticing color, and there were also several dishes of seasonal stir-fries, all of which were delicious and showed the wealth and refinement of the Bai family.
As the dishes were being served, Bai Wei strolled to the desk to admire her mother's orchid paintings, and said dejectedly, "Mom, when will I be able to learn the essence of your art?"
Shen Yue looked at her daughter with loving eyes, full of tenderness and doting. "Wei'er, stop studying the painting! Come and sit down. Are you hungry? Today, I specially asked the chef to make your favorite squirrel-shaped mandarin fish."
Upon hearing this, Bai Wei's eyes lit up, and she hurriedly sat down, but she didn't forget to tease, "Mother, have you brought the whole spring of Jiangnan to the table? Looking at this table full of delicacies, I'm starting to wonder if we're celebrating some major festival early."
Shen Yue chuckled and gently tapped Bai Wei's hand with her chopsticks, feigning anger, "You silly child, you're so talkative. Eat up, or the fish will get cold."
The mother and daughter ate and chatted, creating a warm and pleasant atmosphere.
Shen Yue casually mentioned, "Wei'er, you're not young anymore. I see you busy managing the affairs of the manor all day long, and you also have to go to Yunxuan Academy to be a teacher. You're as busy as a spinning top, but you've neglected your own life's important matter."
Upon hearing this, Bai Wei paused slightly with her chopsticks, then smiled and said, "Mother, why are you bringing this up again? I'm doing quite well now. With you and Father by my side, and with the Bai family to take care of, I don't have time to think about those romantic entanglements."
Shen Yue sighed and said earnestly, "Wei'er, I've been through this myself, and I know how strong and independent you are. But in this life, everyone needs someone who cares and understands them. Look at this table full of delicious food. Wouldn't it be even more wonderful to share it with your loved one?"
Bai Wei smiled bitterly, her mind involuntarily drifting to the name that had once caused her heartache—Zhang Fang. She gently shook her head, trying to cast that old feeling behind her.
Seeing this, Shen Yue felt a mix of emotions. After hesitating for a moment, she finally spoke: "Wei'er, there's something I've been keeping from you. It's about Zhang Fang..."
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