[The sky after the rain had cleared was exceptionally bright and limpid.]
[You had just stepped down the bluestone stairs at the Southwest Gate of Xie Manor. Water still dripped from the eaves with a tinkling sound, striking clear notes through the silent alley.]
[After turning past the tall, deep brick wall along Long Peace Street, you suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure.]
[Matron Yan from Qimo Spring House wore her silver hair in a lofty knot, her dignified bearing carrying the peculiar solemnity of the imperial court.]
[The Eldest Princess's maid.]
[The old woman performed a standard court salute. "Greetings, Young Master Guan!"]
["Matron, what brings you here?"]
[Matron Yan said, "Her Highness the Eldest Princess sent this servant to inform you of some news, Young Master."]
["This matter concerns several crown princes of Great Sui, and a young master from the Second Estate of Xie Manor is also involved."]
[Her tone grew more concerned. "More troublesome still... our spies have learned that Prince of Yan and Prince Feng have also met privately with the crown princes of Great Sui."]
[The words of the Eldest Princess's maid did not surprise you, though you had underestimated just how determined those crown princes were to get rid of you.]
[You looked at Matron Yan and thanked her softly. "Please thank the Eldest Princess for troubling herself over this."]
[Matron Yan continued, "The Eldest Princess also has a message for you, Young Master: a gentleman may be deceived by what is proper."]
[Her tone became increasingly earnest. "Young Master Guan possesses the talent to govern the world, so you should understand that when the river narrows and the waters run swift, one must furl one's sails; when a tiger roars through the mountains and forests, one should circle around it. This