The fragrance of osmanthus in the small courtyard in Jiangnan could not ultimately overcome the frost brought by the Empress's decree that day.
Shen Yuewei locked the glaring red-gold longevity lock and the white jade bracelet at the bottom of the deepest camphor wood chest in the backyard storeroom, throwing the key into the abandoned dry well in the yard. It was as if this could completely bury the uninvited royal "favor." However, the fear and anger in her heart, like the dampness of late autumn, silently seeped into her bones, refusing to dissipate. The shadowy figures she had dispatched had shot towards the capital like arrows released from a bow, carrying her tearful questions, but several days had passed without a reply. This silence, in Shen Yuewei's eyes, was tantamount to Xiao Chengjing's tacit agreement and guilty conscience. She sat on the veranda, holding An'an, watching her daughter carefree chasing after the fallen osmanthus petals, her small figure swaying unsteadily, and a suffocating pain shot through her heart.
"Madam, would you like a cup of loquat honey water to soothe your nerves?" Chun Tao approached with a tray, her voice cautious, her gaze fixed worriedly on Shen Yuewei's pale and tense profile. Ever since the palace servants visited, the madam had been frequently awakened at night and often seemed lost in thought during the day.
Shen Yuewei forced a smile and was about to take it when Afu, the shop assistant from the front yard, rushed in like a whirlwind, holding a thick letter high in his hand, his face beaming with joy: "Miss! Miss! A letter from the capital! It's from the Second Young Master and Second Young Mistress! It was delivered urgently!"
The capital city? Shen Wenbai, the second brother, and Lin Qingwan, the second sister-in-law?
Shen Yuewei's heart skipped a beat. It wasn't Xiao Chengjing… She couldn't tell if she was disappointed or relieved, but hearing that it was a letter from her brother and sister-in-law, her tense nerves relaxed slightly, and she immediately took it. The envelope was on fine gold-flecked paper, bearing the dust of a long journey. On the seal, Shen Wenbai's elegant running script read, "To my dear sister Yuewei," followed by a line of delicate and graceful small regular script in the handwriting of her second sister-in-law, Lin Qingwan: "May my sister Wei be well. Respectfully yours." The envelope was heavy, exuding a faint, familiar scent of pine soot ink mixed with a calming fragrance—the ink her second brother, Shen Wenbai, usually used, and the fragrance her second sister-in-law, Lin Qingwan, had blended.
She eagerly tore open the envelope and pulled out a thick stack of letters. The top sheet was written in her second sister-in-law Lin Qingwan's handwriting—delicate and graceful, the ink penetrating the paper, yet overflowing with joy and excitement that seemed to burst from the page:
My dear sister Yuewei, may we meet again:
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> Seeing these words is like seeing the person in person.
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> Autumn is deep in Jiangnan, is the fragrance of osmanthus strong? I think of you and An'an in that little courtyard, accompanied by spring peaches. Although it lacks the hustle and bustle of the capital, it is peaceful and carefree. I often think of it and my heart longs for it. However, things in the capital are complicated and I can never go. I can only express my longing through letters.
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> As I pick up my pen this time, my heart is filled with a myriad of emotions, and I don't know where to begin. There is only one matter, which concerns blood ties, new joy, and the bond between us sisters. After much thought, even though we are thousands of miles apart, I must tell my sister this as soon as possible.
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> Yuewei, I'm pregnant.
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At first, I only felt lethargic and sleepy, with no appetite, which I attributed to autumn fatigue. The other day, my mother invited a familiar imperial physician to our residence to take my pulse, and only then was the diagnosis confirmed. It has been over two months. The pregnancy is still in its early stages and not yet stable, so the elders in the family have all instructed me to rest quietly and not to tell anyone. But why should we hide it from each other? Upon first hearing the news, I felt somewhat bewildered and helpless, but then an indescribable joy and trepidation welled up within me. I'm sure you understood this feeling well when you first experienced it.
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> When your second brother (Qingwan's writing style shifts, revealing a hint of reproach mixed with sweet complaint) first heard the news, he accidentally knocked over a fine Duan inkstone in his study, staining half of his newly acquired antique painting with ink. Startled and delighted, he paced around the room like a dazed boy, muttering things like, "I must personally go to Jiangnan to find the best silk to make swaddling clothes for the child," and "I must commission a famous Jiangnan craftsman to make a longevity lock," and so on. His true merchant nature was on full display; his mind was filled with business acumen and preparing gifts for the child, which both amused and exasperated me. But seeing his dedication, I felt a sense of comfort. He's been increasingly busy lately, frequently dealing with merchants from the Western Regions and Southeast Asia. In his conversations, he always mentions the high demand for Jiangnan silk abroad, so he must be planning a trip to Jiangnan, and perhaps... to see you all.
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My mother and mother-in-law were overjoyed and took great care of me, bringing me a constant stream of medicinal soups and tonics, which almost overwhelmed me. My sister-in-law (Shen Wenqing's wife) also often brought Rui'er to visit. Rui'er could already call me "Second Aunt" in her baby voice, and she would curiously touch my belly, asking, "When will my little brother and sister come out to play with me?" Her innocent words brought me great joy.
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> Once the pregnancy is more stable, around the first three months, your second brother and I have decided to make a trip south! Firstly, to visit my sister and An'an; we sisters haven't seen each other in a long time and have so much to talk about. Secondly, the climate in Jiangnan is mild and the scenery is beautiful, which will be beneficial for the pregnancy. Thirdly… (the handwriting pauses slightly here, the ink darkens slightly) it will also allow him, as the father, to experience the customs and culture of Jiangnan early on, so that when the child asks later, he won't only talk about the filthy business of the market. Yuewei, don't worry, we will travel light and won't cause you any unnecessary trouble. I only hope that by then, An'an will already be calling me "Second Aunt."
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Enclosed with this letter are a few packets of dried plums and apricots from the time-honored Beijing brand "Jishetang," which are my favorite snacks lately. Thinking that these flavors might not be available in Jiangnan, I had my maid pack some for you to try. There's also a small jar of loquat honey, which your second brother obtained from a merchant in the south a few days ago. He said it's excellent for moisturizing dryness, and you and An'an can both enjoy it.
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Words cannot express the depth of my feelings. I hope my sister and An'an will take good care of themselves and await the day of our reunion.
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