On the thirtieth day of the sixth month, dusk was just beginning to gather.
Junior Director of Palace Affairs Wei had left his office at the second quarter of Shen Hour. Before You Hour arrived, his carriage had already stopped outside the Feng Residence.
The setting sun rested on the mountains, and returning crows clamored in the evening.
Along both banks of the Qinhuai, lamps were beginning to glow.
Cui Fu reined in the chestnut horse. The blue carriage curtain lifted, and Wei Nisheng stepped down first, then turned and held out his hand.
Fu Niang rested her hand in his and descended gracefully, carrying a blue-cloth food box in her other hand.
"Grandpa hasn't been eating much these past few days," Fu Niang said softly.
"I had Qu Niang simmer a bowl of Lotus Seed Soup. It's only lightly sweetened, just the way Grandpa likes it."
"That was thoughtful of you." Wei Nisheng took the food box and glanced at her again.
"When you dozed off in the carriage just now, what did you dream about?"
"I dreamed Grandpa was planting orchids in the garden," Fu Niang said with a smile.
"He didn't even look up, just asked, 'Fu Niang, have you watered that pot of orchids belonging to your Grandmother?'"
Wei Nisheng said nothing, merely tightening his hold on the food box.
The Feng Residence's old steward was already waiting at the entrance. Seeing the two of them, he bowed deeply.
"Welcome home, young master and young mistress. Madam and the young master are both in the main hall."
The lamplight in the hall was warm and gentle.
Jiang Shi sat beneath a lamp, holding a volume of household accounts. At the sight of her daughter, her expression softened at once.
After Fu Niang paid her respects, mother