As the night deepened, Wei Nisheng left the Shen Residence with Cui Fu and made his way back to the little courtyard of the Wei Residence outside West Peace Gate.
Before he reached the courtyard gate, he heard laughter.
It drifted over the wall, soft and lively, mingling with the evening breeze until half the alley seemed steeped in warmth.
Wei Nisheng pushed the gate open and entered.
Lanterns shone brightly in the courtyard.
Several young women sat around the table in the main hall, deep in lively conversation.
"You have no idea-the Silk Shop just got some fashionable new fabric called 'rain-washed jade.' Its color is as pale as West Lake just after the rain.
I passed by today and simply couldn't tear myself away. But then I thought, my husband hates it when I dress too showily..."
The speaker was Yao Shi.
Like her father, Yao Zhen, she had a brisk, forthright nature. As she spoke, she even sighed, making the others laugh.
"That's where you're mistaken, Sister Yao." Xu Shi smiled behind pursed lips.
"Men may say they hate it, but their eyes are honest enough.
Just have a dress made and put it on. I guarantee that when Censor Wang comes home from duty, even his anger from the office will melt away by a third."
"Sister Xu, you do love teasing people!"
Li Shi was still a new bride. Her face reddened at those words, and she said softly,
"My husband never says anything about what I wear..."
At that, the women rocked back and forth with laughter.
Fu Niang sat among them without interrupting, smiling as she refilled one woman's tea and offered another more fruit. Now and then, she put in a word:
"Keep laughing like that, and you'll lure over every stray