Jinghe Year Fifteen, the twenty-first day of the second month.
Suzhou's morning mist lay thin; bridges lost their shadows, and boats drifted through it.
Inside the Postal Station, Wei Nisheng was already up.
Qu Niang entered carrying a Bronze Basin, white steam rising from the hot water to veil her face.
Wei Nisheng washed his face, rinsed his mouth, and sat down at the desk.
He held a bowl of Snow-Water Plum Blossom Porridge, accompanied by Magnolia Pastry.
"Young master, will you be going out today?" Qu Niang stood beside him and asked softly.
"Cui Fu said there's an opera at the Suzhou Temple today. It's quite lively."
At Qu Niang's words, Wei Nisheng set down his porridge bowl and looked up with a smile.
"I still have matters to attend to today. It wouldn't be suitable to go out."
As he spoke, he pushed the bowl toward the middle of the desk and said gently,
"But this business has no need of a young lady. You'd only be bored staying here.
I'll have Cui Fu prepare some silver for you. Go and enjoy yourself."
Qu Niang's cheeks reddened slightly, and she said in a low voice,
"I won't go. I'll stay and attend to you, young master."
But Wei Nisheng had already looked into her eyes. He smiled and sighed softly.
"Oh, you!"
"Young master..."
Qu Niang tried to speak, but Wei Zi cut her off with a light laugh.
"Your heart has already flown to the Suzhou Temple. Why force yourself to stay?
I haven't been going out much lately."
Wei Zi's manner was gentle, his eyes holding clear understanding.
"Suzhou's scenery is lovely just now, and you're not like Cui Fu, who knows how to find his own amusement. Go on."
Hearing this, Qu Niang suddenly