Rongguo Mansion.
Jia Huan was dining with his mother.
Concubine Zhao was radiant, placing food in her son's bowl as she recounted the little happenings of the past few weeks.
"Oh, our mighty Thousand-Household Commander Jia is back."
Laughter and words arrived before their speaker did.
The dignified young married woman swayed her slender waist as she walked gracefully into the dining hall. The jeweled pins covering her hair swayed and clinked with a crystalline ring. Her elegant, noble purple gown set off her voluptuous figure, while a mink cloak draped her shoulders and exquisite embroidered shoes adorned her feet. Regal poise mingled with alluring beauty.
"I brought Brother Huan some fresh fruit."
Qiao Ping'er set the fruit basket to one side.
"Have you eaten?" Concubine Zhao asked.
"Then I'll have to be shameless and take a seat," Wang Xifeng said with a smile.
"Listen to you." Concubine Zhao told a maid to fetch a bowl and chopsticks, then turned to Huan'er and teased:
"Ever since you secured her that eighth-rank title of nobility, she's been able to take her place at the high table. Feng Girl spends her days chatting and laughing with the wives of the powerful, and she's become wonderfully close to them."
The corners of Wang Xifeng's lips lifted as she lowered her voice.
"I'm sounding them out for Brother Huan. If I pick up even a scrap of information, I'll let him know immediately."
Concubine Zhao nodded repeatedly as she listened. Feng Girl truly was a good elder to Huan'er: considerate and caring, openhearted with his mother too, and willing both to stand up for them and to take things in hand.
Jia Huan was just about to offer a few words of praise.
"Master, Miss Daiyu is here." Caiyun came pattering over.
Wang Xifeng