Nalan Jie's condition steadily stabilized, and the heavy atmosphere that had once hung over Nalan Mansion gradually dispersed like thick fog driven away by the warm sun. As dusk settled, the horizon was painted with a faint orange-pink hue. Nalan Yanran led Xiao Yan through the mansion's winding covered corridors. The gilded palace lanterns hanging beneath the eaves had long since been lit by the maids. Warm yellow light filtered through their thin gauze shades, scattering mottled shadows across the bluestone path and making the orchids in the flowerbeds on either side appear even greener. Dewdrops on the leaves reflected flecks of light, while the breeze carried the fragrance of orchids.
After turning past a moon gate carved with intertwined lotus patterns, they arrived at Nalan Yanran's private courtyard. Several late-blooming crabapple trees grew within, their pink-white and pale-red petals layered upon layer and stained with the evening dew, like blush upon a maiden's cheeks. As the breeze passed, several petals drifted gently down onto the bluestone slabs, carrying the refined elegance of a woman from Jiangnan. On the stone table in the corner stood a pot of unfinished tea, beside which rested a wooden practice sword. Clearly, she had been training here earlier in the day.
"Come in. This is where I live. It's quieter than the front courtyard, and no one will come disturb us." Nalan Yanran pushed open the carved wooden door in the courtyard. The hinges let out a soft creak, like a whisper. Her voice was far gentler than it had been in public, stripped of the heroic sharpness she displayed while practicing martial arts and replaced by a maiden's unique grace. Even her gaze had softened.
The furnishings inside were exquisite and cozy, revealing a young lady's meticulous nature everywhere. Against the inner wall