“It is only for the best if you understand it as such.” Lu Yan tore his sleeve from her grip as Yang Zong made his presence known. “Young Master.” “Come in”, Lu Yan called back. When Yang Zong saw Shen Zhen was present, he hesitated to talk. However, Lu Yan had no desire to conceal anything. In fact, this was …

The silvery moon was covered by dark clouds while the Chinese parasol trees rustled in the yard. The bells hanging from the roof eaves swayed under the wind, ringing softly twice. Shen Zhen did not remove her hand from the door but did not dare step out either. She was full of regret as she closed her eyes in irritation. …

Early the next morning, everyone gathered in Jia’an Hall. The Old Madam was holding the hand of her second household’s granddaughter-in-law, who happened to have given birth to a great-grandson. As she was talking kindly to the young woman, Old Madam Lu suddenly lifted her eyes, turning towards the Meng girl. The maiden was shyly casting glances Lu Yan’s way. …

The moonlight outside the pavilion cast its silvery shadow, cloaking Chengyuan in what seemed a splendid white mourning dress. The surroundings were so silent even the swaying of candlelight could be heard. It remained so until the morning bell struck the lifting of the curfew. After having instructed Shen Zhen never to cry, Lu Yan had decided that he would …

His eyes were deeper and darker than she had ever seen them, piercing through Shen Zhen, not even the smallest a spark of mercy in the midst of them. Opening his lips ever so slightly, he asked in his deep voice: “Where does the Third Miss think she is going?” Those eyes appeared to be devoid of humanity. The eyes …

The Marquis Yuyang’s Mansion had long been taken under governmental control. Thus, Shen Zhen had moved herself, Zhen Hong and the few servants who had remained with her to Zhaoxing Lane, which was in the southernmost part of the City of Chang’an. It had the cheapest courtyards to rent, since most of the people living in the neighborhood were simple …

The people of the Jin Dynasty were open-minded enough to go to Houses of Pleasure in groups. When Lu Yan and his companions arrived at Pingkang Lane, the evening had yet to become night. As soon as they passed the door to a house called Wenxiang, they were greeted by the sight of many a literati and scholar. These lived …

Seventh day of October. Early morning. ——“Investigate without causing damage.” As soon as Lu Yan’s order fell, the guards of the Supreme Court surrounded Baixiang Pavilion. Pulling on the cuffs of his official’s robe, Lu Yan walked in and coldly addressed Shen Zhen. “Miss Shen, please present all your cosmetics, including those in the storage, up for investigation.” Shen Zhen …

—— “Shiyan. Lu Shiyan.” Hearing such soft whisperings, Lu Yan could not help but cover his heart with his hand. Left in a trance, he did not feel the gust of cold wind that roared by. Nor did he hear the creaking above his head. Thus, when the plaque bearing the words Baixiang Pavilion decided to fall, he was right …

Fifth day of the Month. Noon. Supreme Court. Lu Yan was engaged in writing a petition when the beating of drums sounded to his ears. His bodyguard, Yang Zong, walked in with big strides, not waiting an instant to speak: “Master, there is someone demanding to see you.” The aforementioned master did not even go to the trouble of lifting …