Heart-Pounding (Part Two) (Free chapter)
Xiao Chan suddenly fell silent, and then Chen Caozhi's voice sounded, low as the notes of a xiao flute: "Sister Xiao Chan, have you not finished paying your respects yet?"
Xiao Chan's voice sounded a little shy as she said, "I have."
Chen Caozhi said, "Then let me help you carry the table and fruit back, Sister Xiao Chan."
Xie Daoyun heard the sounds of platters being lifted and the table being cleared away. After a while, all was finally still and silent. On this side, the two maids, Liu Xu and Yinfeng, had set out the meditation cushions. Yinfeng said, "My lady-no, no, Young Master Xie, come pay your respects to the Heavenly Grandmother and pray for skill." Xie Daoyun had required them to address her as Young Master Xie whether in company or in private, so that they would not let anything slip.
Xie Daoyun said, "I have not performed the rites of worship to the Weaver Girl and prayed for skill for three years. You two pay your respects. I shall return to my room first."
The moon was already at the heart of the sky, and a faint shadow fell at her feet. Xie Daoyun walked slowly, treading on her own shadow. Even if she wanted to step clear of it, she could not; each time she raised her foot and set it down, she stepped on her own shadow, until she reached the eaves. Within their shadow, she left neither shadow nor trace, utterly alone.