Xie Clan, north side of the Grand View Garden.
One had to cross the lake by boat and pass through a stretch of lush emerald bamboo before reaching that small, exquisite side courtyard.
An antique plaque hung above the courtyard gate, bearing the three words "Waiting for Spring Tower" in vigorous calligraphy, imbued with an air of refined elegance.
Though it was already early spring and the lingering chill had yet to disperse, the bamboo remained dark green as ink. Wisps of white mist drifted over from the lake and curled through the grove, making the residence seem all the more cultured and secluded.
This was the residence of Xie Hong, master of the Second Estate. Ordinary people were usually forbidden from approaching it. Servants came every day to clean, preserving the courtyard's tidiness and tranquility.
Now that Xie Hong had gone far away to the Academy, the place had stood empty. Only the bamboo leaves rustled, and the breeze passed through its halls.
Today, the courtyard gate was gently pushed open.
A beautiful woman dressed in gold entered with graceful steps, followed respectfully by a young man.
The beautiful woman wore a fur-lined autumn sable cloak in the Zhaojun style. Her hands were folded at her waist, and a jade-green bracelet adorned her wrist. She carried herself with dignified grace.
She was Madam Zhao, mistress of the Xie Clan's Second Estate and Xie Hong's lawful wife.
Though she had borne two sons and was past thirty, her face remained as lovely as that of a maiden in her twenties. Today, she had dressed with particular care, her jet-black hair gathered into a soaring cloud bun that made her appear poised and elegant.
Madam Zhao stepped into the courtyard, her gaze slowly sweeping over every blade of grass and tree.