Seventeen thousand and seventeen

She was considered half the mistress of the Xu family and never needed to present any formal invitation. Usually, when the gatekeeper saw her, he would greet her with a broad smile and lead her straight into the courtyard.

But this time was different.

The old woman stationed at the gate looked surprised upon seeing her, hastily standing up and glancing back twice. "Miss Biao, why have you come at this hour?"

"I came to see my aunt. Is she at home today?"

"She is, but..." The old woman hesitated, unsure of the proper protocol—whether Miss Biao could enter directly or not.

Jiang Xinyue found the old woman’s behavior odd. She suspected that with her aunt’s illness, the servants might have forgotten the usual rules.

She furrowed her brow slightly but said no more. "Then I’ll go see my aunt first."

The gatekeeper wanted to stop her but dared not. Stomping her foot, she hurried after her.

No one knew how heavy the atmosphere in the Xu household had become lately.

At first, no one understood what was going on, only noticing friction between the eldest son and his wife. The lady’s mood had been gloomy, and many who had slipped up had been reprimanded.

Over time, whispers and fragments of gossip revealed the truth.

It was said the eldest son intended to marry Miss Biao, but the lady opposed it, and neither would give in.

Fearing Miss Biao might walk in on an argument between the two, the gatekeeper disregarded protocol and rushed inside first, loudly announcing, "Miss Biao has arrived!"

Her voice rang out with such clarity that not only those inside could hear it.

Jiang Xinyue’s ears nearly ached from the volume. Tugging on her earlobes, she couldn’t help but ask, "Why are you shouting like that?"

"Just in case no one inside heard," the old woman replied with a sheepish laugh.

From inside, Jin Zhu, dressed in a tender yellow jacket and a deep blue skirt, lifted the curtain and peeked out. Seeing Jiang Xinyue, she greeted her warmly, exclaiming, "Miss Biao, you’ve come so early! Come in and warm your hands."

Jin Zhu supported her as they walked inside. Upon entering, she took the hand warmer from a young maid and pressed it into Jiang Xinyue’s hands. "I just brewed some floral tea; try it and see if you like it. If not, we can change the flavor."

To avoid revealing her identity to Pei San, Jiang Xinyue wore simple clothes, without even a cloak. Having stood outside for some time, her hands and feet were numb with cold. The warmth from the hand warmer slowly brought life back to her body.

She glanced inside, past a dark green curtain embroidered with a snowy landscape. "Is Auntie not up yet?"

"It's a bit chilly today, so Madam isn’t very active. She woke earlier but is still resting, eyes closed," Jin Zhu said, noticing how thinly Jiang Xinyue was dressed. She asked a maid for a heavy cloak to wrap around her.

Jiang Xinyue was accustomed to Jin Zhu’s care but couldn’t help thinking more deeply.

Aunt Lu came from a long-established aristocratic family and was always meticulous about propriety—everything was scheduled and orderly. That she was still asleep now seemed unusual.

Previously, Xu Yanli had told her the illness wasn’t serious, just exhaustion from overwork.

But now, it hardly seemed so.

Lost in thought, she heard a voice from the inner room.

"Is Chu Chu here? Come in, let me see you."

"Auntie, it’s me," Jiang Xinyue replied quickly, ignoring the loose cloak, lifting the curtain and stepping inside.

The Xu household differed from the Huaiyuan Marquis’s residence. Originating from a scholarly background, it prized heritage and depth. There were few treasures or artifacts visible—mostly paintings and books. The most striking decoration was a vase over a meter tall in the corner.

At first glance, it seemed unremarkable, but to those enamored with literature and art, this place was a paradise; even a single painting would be highly sought after. The Xu family’s fortune was far from the decline rumored in recent years.

Jiang Xinyue passed through the side hall, rounding a wooden screen by the door, to see her aunt Lu seated on the bed.

Usually, Aunt Lu was always impeccably groomed, exuding the dignity and authority of the matriarch. Now, her hair was loose, adorned only with a deep purple cloud-patterned forehead ribbon. Her complexion was pale, and she leaned weakly against the soft pillow.

---

Seeing Jiang Xinyue, her expression softened somewhat, beckoning her to sit. "Why have you come so suddenly today?"

Then, catching herself, her lips drooped. "Has your family been giving you trouble?"

"No trouble. The lady of the household did want to arrange a marriage for me—with the second son of the Yang family. My mother agreed, too. But they were cautious and asked if I was willing. I didn’t respond."

A dark shadow crossed Aunt Lu’s face. "But the Huaiyuan Marquis’s wife’s family?"

"Naturally."

"And what kind of reputation does this Yang man have? Doesn’t your mother know?"

"She does, but she thinks I’m only fit for someone like him."

Aunt Lu’s face darkened further. Although she understood Xu’s temperament, she couldn’t hide her anger. What did it mean that Chu Chu was only fit for such a family? A girl raised with such care should not only marry well but choose a husband from a respectable and ambitious family. How could the Yang family’s wastrel be suitable?

Suppressing her anger, Aunt Lu still couldn’t be too blunt, promising, "She has grown more foolish these years, but don’t worry. With us around, you won’t be married off recklessly."

Her words were resolute, clearly stating her intentions.

Jiang Xinyue was raised in the Xu household, mostly under the care of the Old Madam. But as the Old Madam aged, Jiang Xinyue spent more time with Aunt Lu. In truth, Aunt Lu felt more like a mother to her than her own.

Unable to resist, she stepped forward and embraced her aunt, nestling close. Aunt Lu’s scent was faintly of pear, mingled with strong medicinal herbs. Jiang Xinyue couldn’t help but ask, "What illness do you have that you’re still on medicine? When I last saw cousin, I asked him, but he wouldn’t tell me, just told me not to worry."

It was more like a child’s tender pleading than a mere inquiry, the affection unmistakable.

A complex expression flickered in Aunt Lu’s eyes. She gently stroked Jiang Xinyue’s soft hair and smiled warmly. "Nothing serious, just overwhelmed with all the accounts we’ve had to manage lately."

"You should learn to relax more. With so many people under your care, let them—" Jiang Xinyue was about to continue when Jin Zhu’s startled voice came from outside.

"Young Master, Madam and Miss Biao are talking inside. Please wait a moment."

Jin Zhu’s voice grew louder as she approached, evidently unable to stop him.

Jiang Xinyue straightened and just saw Xu Yanli lifting the curtain and entering.

Tall and slender, dressed in a dark green satin brocade robe, he resembled a soaring bamboo—upright and handsome, the kind of youth who caught eyes at first glance.

Now, however, his face bore a coldness; with each breath, white mist escaped his lips. Suppressing his emotions, he bowed formally and then looked directly at Jiang Xinyue seated by the bed. "Why have you come?"

A strange feeling stirred in Jiang Xinyue. Everyone seemed surprised to see her today. Yet, wasn’t visiting the Xu household perfectly normal?

Suppressing her unease, she replied, "I came to see Auntie."

From the moment Xu Yanli entered, Aunt Lu’s expression fell, her warmth toward Jiang Xinyue vanished. Despite her good maintenance, wrinkles began to show at the corners of her eyes, her face grew stern. "Where are your manners? Knowing your sister is here, you barged in without care."

Xu Yanli, realizing his discourtesy, took a deep breath and bowed his head in apology. "My fault."

Aunt Lu stared at the floral patterns on the bed’s drapes without speaking, and Xu Yanli maintained his apologetic posture without moving.

The atmosphere turned suddenly awkward. Unable to stop the eldest son, Jin Zhu had half a foot inside the room but quickly withdrew, lowering the curtain and standing guard outside.

Jiang Xinyue couldn’t leave like Jin Zhu. She looked back and forth between Aunt Lu and Xu Yanli, wondering what had transpired.

It didn’t make sense. Xu Yanli was always the model son, and Aunt Lu privately praised him. There was no known dissatisfaction.

With the imperial examination looming, Xu Yanli was preparing to step into family affairs. Why would Aunt Lu quarrel with him at such a critical moment?

Unable to endure the heavy mood, she cautiously asked, "What’s wrong? Did I come at a bad time?"

"It has little to do with you, don’t overthink," Aunt Lu restrained her smile and patted her hand. "I have some matters to attend to later. Why don’t you stay a few days before going back?"

Jiang Xinyue was no fool. She caught the meaning behind Aunt Lu’s words and replied after a moment’s thought, "I didn’t inform my family when I came. I’ll be leaving soon."

"Alright then. When my illness improves in a couple of days, come again," Aunt Lu called Jin Zhu to escort Jiang Xinyue out.

Jiang Xinyue stayed a little while longer but seeing neither of them intended to speak with her, she realized the matter wasn’t for her ears and left, unable to bear the oppressive atmosphere.

Once the room was empty, the temperature plummeted to freezing.

Aunt Lu let her body slump against the pillow.

The dim daylight was filtered through the curtains, casting a shadowy gloom. Her wrinkles deepened as she sneered coldly, "What do you take me for, to worry so much and rush over? Afraid I’d mistreat her?"

"That’s not what I meant," Xu Yanli said, pulling aside his robes to kneel beside the bed. His posture remained straight, his gaze resolute. "This was my wishful thinking alone. Chu Chu didn’t know, and I didn’t want anyone to tell her."

Even kneeling, he didn’t appear defeated; his aura was austere and dignified.

Xu Yanli was upright, measured, and principled. From childhood, he managed everything himself according to his elders’ plans, never needing supervision.

Aunt Lu often took pride in his steadfastness but now hated his stubbornness.

"I know you’re protecting her, and I’m just as protective. But if you’re not suited, you’re not suited. No matter how much you insist, it’s an undeniable fact."

She took a deep breath and continued slowly, "You’re now involved in the Xu family business and know the situation. If it weren’t for your father’s recent promotion, someone else might have torn us apart. Your father has ability but isn’t a miracle worker; only through hard work have we reached today. I don’t force you to marry a noble lady, but Chu Chu is not the one."

Though harsh, she softened her tone. "Her family background is a burden to you and the Xu household."

This was why, when she learned the Old Madam wished to match them, Aunt Lu feigned illness to bring Xu Yanli home early, leading to Jiang Xinyue’s disappearance later.

Having no daughter of her own, Aunt Lu treated her niece as her own child. She was anxious and ill when Jiang Xinyue went missing. Even though the imperial exam was imminent and Xu Yanli’s search was ill-timed, she tacitly approved and persuaded her husband.

Because she felt guilty.

But guilt did not mean acceptance of Chu Chu as her daughter-in-law.

"Even if the Huaiyuan Marquis’s household does nothing, I will watch out for her and find a good match. She will never be wronged."

"But, Mother," Xu Yanli interrupted.

He had lost much weight lately; the bones at the back of his neck protruded sharply, radiating toughness.

In a low voice, he said, "Chu Chu has never been a burden."

"Are you forcing me?" Aunt Lu lowered her eyes, her hands trembling slightly.

He bowed deeply, each word firm and resolute: "I beg you, Mother, to grant your blessing."

The room fell silent again, engulfed in stillness.

Thinking of Pei San’s unresolved matter, Jiang Xinyue returned, standing outside and overhearing everything.

The winter this year felt especially cold. Before the coldest days had even arrived, the chill crept up from the bluestone pavement, seeping into her bones with biting fingers.

Her lowered eyelids shielded her blurred vision; her breath condensed and froze on her lashes.

Yet she made no move, standing alone in the transparent corridor, wrapped in an ill-fitting cloak, still feeling the wind’s chill. It seemed if it blew any harder, it might carry her away.

Jin Zhu arrived just in time to see this. She stepped forward to support her, about to speak but was cut off.

Miss Biao’s voice was low, her eyes and nose red. Though her drooping eyes and dim gaze betrayed her sorrow, she still smiled sweetly.

"Let’s go. Don’t tell them I came."

Jiang Xinyue said no more, refusing to seek out Xu Yanli, and slowly walked into the cold wind.