"Oh, what wind has blown our little A-Qi over here?"
Yan Qin had only just pushed Chu Moqi into Plum Courtyard when a gentle voice, warm with laughter, reached them. Tang Xiang was sitting on a couch by the window, holding a book. At the sound, she looked up, undisguised surprise and delight on her face.
Chu Moqi's face immediately warmed, and he felt a little annoyed. Why did everyone wear that same expression? Was a rare visit from him to Plum Courtyard really so astonishing?
He kept his face stiff, trying to make his expression look more "normal," and answered woodenly, "Sister-in-law."
Tang Xiang set down her book, rose, and walked gracefully toward him. She wore a pale lotus-purple informal jacket that day, which made her skin look even fairer and gave her a gentle, dignified air. Yet the amusement she could not conceal at the corners of her eyes and brows only made Chu Moqi feel more uncomfortable.
"Come in and sit. It's cold outside." Tang Xiang led him into the main room, and Yan Qin carefully pushed his wheelchair into a suitable position.
"What brought you here today? Is something the matter?" Tang Xiang poured him a cup of hot tea herself. Her tone was gentle, but her gaze held a teasing scrutiny. Since his injury, this younger brother-in-law of hers had grown increasingly withdrawn and almost never set foot in Plum Courtyard of his own accord.
Chu Moqi accepted the teacup, his fingertips touching its warm sides, though his gaze wandered a little. He cleared his throat, striving to keep his voice level. "Nothing important. I just... stopped by on my way."
"Oh? On your way?" Tang Xiang repeated with a knowing smile, without exposing him. In what possible sense was Plum Courtyard on the way from Orchid Courtyard?
Under her gaze, Chu Moqi's ears grew hot. Knowing he could not fool his perceptive sister-in-law, he stopped beating around the bush and signaled to Yan Qin behind him.
Understanding, Yan Qin immediately stepped forward, presenting the exquisite wooden box brought back from Flowing Cloud Pavilion with both hands and respectfully setting it on the table beside Tang Xiang.
Tang Xiang's gaze fell on the wooden box, curiosity flickering in her eyes. She reached out and opened it. When she saw at least seven or eight hairpins neatly arranged inside, each a different design yet all exquisitely dazzling, even Tang Xiang, who was accustomed to fine things, could not help widening her eyes slightly and exclaiming in surprise.
She picked up a pure-gold butterfly hairpin inlaid with kingfisher feathers, then examined a white-jade plum-blossom hairpin. Every one displayed superb workmanship and superior materials, clearly among Flowing Cloud Pavilion's finest wares.
Tang Xiang looked up at Chu Moqi, her smile deepening with a touch of teasing. "What's this? Has our A-Qi become so lavish? Are you planning to empty Flowing Cloud Pavilion and give everything to your sister-in-law?"
Her words left Chu Moqi even more embarrassed, and he hurriedly said, "No... Sister-in-law, I..."
Looking into Tang Xiang's smiling eyes, he found the words on his lips difficult to say. He had come rushing over with an entire box of hairpins, making his purpose more than obvious, yet that only made him feel embarrassed to ask his sister-in-law for help.
"I just... wanted to trouble you to help... choose the prettiest one." He finally managed to say it awkwardly, his voice growing quieter. "I... I want to give it to Wanwan... er, Cui Wan."
The name "Wanwan" felt scalding on his tongue the moment he said it, and he hastily changed it back to "Cui Wan." Even so, a faint blush spread uncontrollably across his face.
Watching him care so desperately yet insist on feigning composure, awkward beyond measure, Tang Xiang felt both amused and heartened. A-Qi was finally... a little different.
"So it's for Wanwan." Tang Xiang deliberately drew out the words. Only when the tips of Chu Moqi's ears had grown redder did she continue with a smile, "These are all fine hairpins, but when choosing a gift, what matters most is whether it suits the person. Wanwan is young and quiet by nature. Something too ornate and elaborate would not suit her."
As she spoke, she carefully inspected every hairpin in the box. Finally, her gaze settled on one that was not the most extravagant, but had an exceptionally elegant, fresh design.
It was a delicately crafted green-jade hairpin. Its shaft was made of lustrous green jade, polished into the shape of bamboo joints, symbolizing resilience and integrity. At its head was a small, exquisite magnolia bud, its petals slightly unfurled. The translucent jade and delicate carving gleamed softly beneath the lamplight, refined and free of vulgarity without lacking in value.
"How about this one?" Tang Xiang took out the green-jade hairpin and held it out for Chu Moqi to see. "The jade is lustrous, the bamboo joints elegant, and the magnolia noble and pure. The design is fresh without being ostentatious. It suits Wanwan's age and temperament very well."
Chu Moqi accepted the hairpin and examined it closely. He knew little about women's jewelry, but this hairpin really was... pleasing to look at. Unlike those glittering, gleaming gold ones, this green-jade hairpin was quiet and gentle, just like... just like that little crybaby when she sat quietly, neither fussing nor making a sound.
Satisfied, he nodded. "This one, then. You have a good eye, Sister-in-law."
Smiling, Tang Xiang wrapped the hairpin in velvet, then closed the large wooden box containing the others and gently pushed it back toward Chu Moqi.
Seeing this, Chu Moqi hurriedly said, "You can choose whichever of the remaining ones you like, Sister-in-law. Take any that catch your eye, as many as you want."
Tang Xiang covered her lips and chuckled, a teasing glint in her eyes. "It seems spending more time with Wanwan is changing our A-Qi's temperament. You've even learned to be lavish?"
Under her laughter, the heat that had only just faded from Chu Moqi's face began to rise again. He pressed his lips together and fell silent.
Tang Xiang stopped while she was ahead, pushing the wooden box a little farther toward him and saying gently, "Take these back with you. I'm already a woman in the autumn of her beauty, and I hardly go out. What would I do wearing these bright ornaments young girls love? I would only make myself a laughingstock."
"You'll always be beautiful, Sister-in-law," Chu Moqi blurted out sincerely. In his heart, his gentle, virtuous sister-in-law, who held the household together within and without, had always been someone he respected.
Tang Xiang paused briefly, then the smile in her eyes deepened and softened.
A-Lei, oh, A-Lei. This younger brother of yours could be so awkward that he gave people headaches, but deep down, he cherished his bonds after all.
"Such a honeyed tongue." She chided him with a smile, then grew serious. "All right, let's discuss the real matter. You made this trip especially, so surely it wasn't simply to have me choose a hairpin?"
Knowing he could not hide it, Chu Moqi stopped hesitating. He took a deep breath and looked at Tang Xiang, his tone carrying a certain solemnity and a barely perceptible plea:
"Sister-in-law, tomorrow... is Cui Wan's fifteenth birthday. A girl's coming of age is an important occasion. I... it isn't convenient for me to appear, and I don't know how to arrange it. Could I... trouble you to perform her hairpin ceremony tomorrow?"
After speaking, he looked at Tang Xiang apprehensively. He knew his mother should have presided over this, but she had already gone to Eternal Compassion Nunnery. His sister-in-law was the only person in the residence who could oversee it.
Tang Xiang listened quietly. Seeing the cautious hope in his eyes and the concern he had hidden so well, she sighed softly in her heart.
It seemed he truly had taken that little girl to heart. He simply had not fully realized it yet-or was unwilling to admit it.
"You care that much?" Tang Xiang deliberately teased him and, sure enough, saw his ears redden again.
She did not make things any harder for him. A gentle, assured smile blossomed on her face, and she nodded. "Of course. Wanwan married into our Chu Family, so she is one of us. As her sister-in-law, I should arrange something as important as her coming-of-age ceremony. Don't worry. I'll make all the arrangements tomorrow, and I certainly won't let her be slighted."
The heart Chu Moqi had been holding in suspense finally settled. He looked at Tang Xiang with genuine gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Sister-in-law."
"We're family. There's no need for thanks." Tang Xiang smiled, her gaze falling on the green-jade hairpin before returning to Chu Moqi. Though he still sat in his wheelchair, there seemed to be a little less gloom and menace between his brows. A trace of warmth and hope quietly rose in her heart.
A-Lei, perhaps Wanwan really could become a ray of light illuminating A-Qi's life.
The next day, the first light of dawn appeared.
Cui Wan was still dozing beneath her covers when hurried yet cheerful footsteps woke her. She rubbed her eyes, not fully awake, before Qiaoju lifted the bed curtains, barely containing her excitement as she said brightly, "Madam! Wake up! You can't sleep in today!"
Cui Wan gave a little yawn, her eyes heavy with sleep.
"Sister Chunzhi, who serves Eldest Madam, just came with a message," Qiaoju said delightedly as she briskly prepared the washing things. "Eldest Madam said she'll personally perform your coming-of-age ceremony in the residence's main hall! She told us to hurry and get ready!"
"My... coming-of-age ceremony?" Cui Wan instantly became much more awake, her eyes round as she scarcely believed her ears.
"Yes! Your coming-of-age ceremony!" Qiaoju nodded vigorously, her smile radiant. "Your fifteenth birthday is a very important day, Madam!"
Cui Wan's heart began to pound, and warmth welled up within her, only to be followed by a little embarrassment and panic.
She... she had secretly claimed to be two years older. Now that they were holding a coming-of-age ceremony, wouldn't... everyone know she had only just turned fifteen?
How embarrassing...
But how did her sister-in-law know her birthday? And she was even making a special effort to arrange her coming-of-age ceremony...
Cui Wan felt touched and apprehensive, along with an anticipation she could not quite put into words.
"Madam, stop daydreaming. Hurry and get up to wash and dress!" Seeing her still in a daze, Qiaoju quickly urged her, "Eldest Madam has already begun the preparations. We mustn't be late!"
Only then did Cui Wan scramble out of bed. Qiaoju deftly helped her wash, then opened the wardrobe and selected a brand-new hibiscus-colored brocade outfit embroidered with intertwining magnolia branches, adding a jade-white cloak trimmed with silver fox fur. The fabric was among the finest treasures tucked away at the bottom of Cui Wan's dowry chests, something she ordinarily could not bear to wear.
Qiaoju then carefully arranged her hair. Before a coming-of-age ceremony, a girl's hairstyle was usually relatively simple. Clever and deft-handed, Qiaoju styled her hair into twin buns, adorning them with pearl ribbons and a few small velvet flowers. It suited a girl not yet of age while making her look pretty and charming.
The figure reflected in the bronze mirror had features as lovely as a painting and fair skin. With nervousness and anticipation, a faint pink colored her cheeks, and her eyes sparkled as though they held starlight.
"You look so beautiful today, Madam!" Qiaoju praised her sincerely.
Cui Wan studied herself in the mirror and gave a shy, closed-lipped smile. Taking a deep breath, she left Orchid Courtyard with Qiaoju and headed toward the residence's main hall.
Along the way, Cui Wan's heart raced, and she could not help looking all around. Covered walkways, courtyards, rockeries... at every turn, she quietly hoped she might suddenly see that figure seated in a wheelchair.
Would he come?
She knew he was awkward by nature and disliked crowded, lively occasions. Besides, her coming-of-age ceremony... he probably would not find it particularly interesting, would he?
But... she still could not help hoping.
By the time she reached the main hall's entrance, that familiar figure had still not appeared. A small, quiet pang of disappointment stirred in Cui Wan's heart, but the scene before her soon drew her attention.
The residence's main hall was spacious and solemn, but today it had been decorated with particular warmth and dignity. Seasonal flowers and fresh fruit stood on the incense table, with fragrant smoke curling upward. Tang Xiang stood smiling in the hall, dressed in dignified ceremonial attire, pearls and kingfisher ornaments in her hair, her bearing gentle and gracious. Several senior women of standing within the household stood beside her as witnesses and ceremonial assistants.
When Cui Wan entered, everyone's gaze fell upon her. Their attention made her a little nervous, her palms growing damp, but she still did her best to remain composed. Walking up to Tang Xiang, she bent her knees in a proper greeting. "Cui Wan greets Sister-in-law."
"Rise." Tang Xiang helped her up herself, looking her over gently and praising her. "Our Wanwan is truly beautiful today."
Cui Wan blushed faintly and said softly, "Thank you, Sister-in-law."
"The auspicious hour has arrived. Let the coming-of-age ceremony begin-" announced the senior woman officiating at the side.
Cui Wan's heart immediately rose into her throat. Though she was the daughter of a minor official, she knew the importance of a girl's coming-of-age ceremony. She simply had never imagined that hers would take place at the Marquis of Ningyang's Residence, presided over by her sister-in-law of distinguished birth.
Tang Xiang took Cui Wan's hand and led her before the incense table. First came the washing of hands, cleansing them with clear water to symbolize washing away childhood and welcoming adulthood.
Then came the first pinning. Tang Xiang took an ordinary wooden hairpin from a tray held by a maid and walked behind Cui Wan. Cui Wan knelt, and Tang Xiang gently undid her maiden's hairstyle, letting her long hair spill down like a waterfall. With practiced hands, Tang Xiang combed it anew and gathered it into a simple yet proper bun, then secured it firmly with the plain wooden hairpin.
"In this fine month, on this auspicious day, you first assume the dress of adulthood. Cast aside your childish inclinations and cultivate your virtue. May you enjoy long life and good fortune, and may great blessings be bestowed upon you." Tang Xiang's voice was gentle and clear as she recited the ancient blessing.
Listening, Cui Wan felt a strange sense of solemnity rise within her. It seemed that, with the change in her hairstyle, something truly had quietly become different.
Next came the second pinning. Tang Xiang removed the wooden hairpin and arranged her bun once more, replacing it this time with a more delicate silver hairpin topped with a small auspicious cloud.
"In this auspicious month, at this fine hour, your attire is renewed. Be mindful of your bearing and prudent in your virtue. May you live to a venerable age and forever receive abundant blessings."
Finally came the third and most solemn pinning. From another brocade box, Tang Xiang took out the delicately crafted green-jade hairpin.
When the lustrous, translucent green-jade hairpin, carved with bamboo joints and magnolia, appeared before her, Cui Wan's eyes widened slightly. What a beautiful hairpin! It was more elegant and fresh than any she had ever seen.
Smiling at her astonishment, Tang Xiang carefully inserted the green-jade hairpin into the center of her finished bun. The jade's luster complemented Cui Wan's clothes, and the resilience of the bamboo joints and purity of the magnolia seemed to lend her a measure of quiet composure in an instant.
"In this propitious year, in this auspicious month, your ceremonial dress is made complete. May your venerable years know no bounds, and may you receive Heaven's blessings."
With the three pinnings complete, Cui Wan rose at Tang Xiang's signal and turned toward the assembled witnesses, slowly gathering her skirts and performing a proper curtsy. Her hair was neatly arranged, the green-jade hairpin gleaming softly. Though her face still held a trace of childishness, her movements already possessed the grace and refinement of a young girl coming into womanhood.
The senior women witnessing the ceremony nodded with smiles, murmuring their praise.
The ceremony was complete.
Tang Xiang stepped forward and took Cui Wan's hand, her eyes filled with a gentle smile. "Wanwan, from today onward, you are an adult. May the days ahead bring you peace and joy, and may your life be smooth and free of care."
"Thank you, Sister-in-law." Cui Wan's voice caught slightly, her heart filled with gratitude. She knew this was more than a ceremony; it was also her sister-in-law's acceptance and blessing.
After the coming-of-age ceremony, Tang Xiang did not send Cui Wan back immediately. Instead, she took her by the hand and led her into the warm side room beside the main hall. A table of delicate tea refreshments had already been prepared there, the most striking dish being the steaming, fragrant bowl of longevity noodles in the center.
Long, thin noodles curled in a richly fragrant broth, topped with tender green vegetable hearts, savory shiitake mushrooms, a few thin slices of beautifully marbled pork, and a plump, round poached egg.
"Come, Wanwan, try these longevity noodles." Tang Xiang personally placed the chopsticks in her hand and said with a smile, "I heard you specifically gave instructions to the kitchen. You must see whether they suit your taste."
Looking at the bowl, Cui Wan felt warm inside, though a little embarrassed as well. She accepted the chopsticks, carefully lifted a strand of noodle, and slurped it into her mouth without letting it break. The noodles were springy and smooth, the broth savory and rich, and every topping was just right.
"They're delicious. Thank you, Sister-in-law." After finally finishing that strand of noodle, Cui Wan looked up and gave Tang Xiang a sweet, heartfelt smile. The nervousness of the ceremony and that little hidden disappointment from earlier seemed to have been dispelled by this bowl of longevity noodles that warmed both her stomach and her heart.
Cui Wan finished the savory, warming bowl of longevity noodles, her stomach full and her heart comfortably warm, a satisfied yet slightly bashful blush on her face.
Watching her, Tang Xiang's eyes filled with an even deeper smile. She gently wiped the corner of Cui Wan's mouth with her handkerchief and said warmly, "All right. The ceremony is complete, and you've eaten your noodles. Hurry back to Orchid Courtyard."
She paused, looking into Cui Wan's clear eyes, then added meaningfully, "Perhaps... someone is waiting very eagerly for you in Orchid Courtyard?"