Chapter 10: Before the Clouds, A Sublime Choice of Lotus Attendants (Part Two)

A candidate? Shen Yu recalled Butler Yun’s earlier conditions: quiet temperament, steady and reliable, preferably someone from the Western Courtyard…

For some reason, Han Chu’s exquisite beauty suddenly surfaced in his mind.

Indeed, given Han Chu’s current situation, no one could be more serene or trustworthy than her. Now burdened by her infamous reputation, she kept to the Chasing Rainbow Courtyard, had no contact with the outside world, and could not possibly reveal Yun Ci’s whereabouts or identity. Besides, she had lost her voice.

Yet, in Shen Yu’s view, her muteness was hardly a flaw.

But could he truly bear to send her over? Shen Yu felt reluctant. Even back in Drunken Flower House, Han Chu had been Madam Feng’s cherished treasure, never made to serve another. The only exception had been Helian Qi—a weak man henpecked by his wife.

Whenever Shen Yu thought of Helian Qi, he’d grow irritated, not to mention the selfish feelings in his heart. Having finally obtained Han Chu, he wished only to keep her safe, hidden away, and not let another man lay eyes on her.

Even if that man was the ascetic Yun Ci, Shen Yu was still unwilling.

With this in mind, Shen Yu replied to Danxin, “I’m still considering candidates. There are a few women in the Western Courtyard, but none quite suitable.”

Danxin grew anxious at his words, though her face wore a smile. “Please don’t send over any of those flirtatious ladies from your side, my lord. I fear the master couldn’t bear it.”

“Clearly spoiled by Wan Zhi!” Shen Yu feigned righteous indignation. “Who says all my companions are those sorts of women?”

At least in Shen Yu’s heart, even though Han Chu had come from a brothel and wasn’t untouched, she was by no means an ordinary flower among the crowd. She was the cinnabar mole in his heart, the fated tribulation of his romantic life. A gentle smile unconsciously touched his lips.

This expression startled Danxin. The young Marquis was always one to smile without warmth; even when speaking of beauties, his expression was one of roguish amusement, never reaching his eyes. Yet now, he smiled from the heart—something truly unprecedented. He must be thinking of a woman.

Danxin circled around, intent on persuading Shen Yu to part with the woman in his heart. After all, it was only for three months of service; the master would soon return to Fangzhou to inherit his title and wouldn’t take the woman away.

Resolved, Danxin glanced at Yun Ci. Just as she was about to ask Shen Yu for the woman, she saw her master acting as if the matter had nothing to do with him, leisurely flipping through a book.

Danxin was displeased at this. She had always been bold and outspoken, so she pouted and complained to Shen Yu, “My lord, look! This is truly a case of the emperor not worrying while the eunuchs are frantic.”

At her words, Yun Ci finally reacted. He set the ancient text aside, looked up, and smiled at Danxin. “If only to keep you from fretting yourself to death, I suppose I ought to say something.”

He turned his gaze to Shen Yu, speaking nonchalantly. “Isn’t there a woman in the Western Courtyard who lost her voice from a throat illness? Let it be her, then.” Having spoken, he casually buried himself back in the book.

Had he chosen Han Chu, then? Shen Yu’s smile faded as he replied with reluctance, “She cannot speak—it will be inconvenient.”

Shen Yu was so preoccupied with Han Chu that he overlooked something: he had never mentioned to Yun Ci that there was a mute woman in the Western Courtyard, only asked him to study a remedy for the condition. So how did Yun Ci know?

He was, of course, unaware that Han Chu and Yun Ci had already crossed paths the night before.

Shen Yu sensed something amiss in Yun Ci’s words, but before he could dwell on it, his thoughts were interrupted.

“What does it matter if she can’t speak? Look at Sister Qianyun—she goes days without a word,” Danxin interjected with a smile before Yun Ci could reply. “Are you thinking of sending the red-dressed girl from the Western Courtyard? I’d rather not. If she comes, I’d rather swap with Sister Qianyun and return to Fangzhou with Butler Yun.”

The red-dressed girl Danxin referred to was Chacha. She had seen her twice, always for trivial matters. True, Chacha was perceptive, but in Danxin’s eyes, she was insincere and opportunistic. Not only did Danxin dislike her, but she doubted the master would either.

Shen Yu understood at once. He had indeed considered sending Chacha, but seeing Danxin’s reaction…

Still, he was unwilling to let Han Chu go, so he explained, “‘Cannot speak’ and ‘taciturn’ are two different things. Qianyun may be quiet, but she will speak when necessary. If I truly send a mute, I fear something important might be missed.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Yun Ci chimed in, turning a page. “Didn’t you ask me to find a cure for throat ailments? If she comes to the Eastern Courtyard, I can treat her in person.”

At this, Yun Ci seemed reminded of something and looked up at Shen Yu again. “Is she the one you want me to treat?”

Shen Yu felt embarrassed, and recalling Han Chu’s cold indifference toward him, he grew even more discontented. He denied it insincerely, “Of course not. She’s just an orphan girl I bought.”

He forced a laugh and added, “There’s a girl from Drunken Flower House with a beautiful singing voice. She was frightened and now cannot speak, so I took pity on her.”

Yun Ci shook his head with a helpless smile. “You! When did you become such a philanderer?” A teasing glint flashed in his eyes. “Zifeng, take care of your health.”

Shen Yu coughed awkwardly, answering only with a sheepish grin.

Their witty banter delighted Danxin, who saw both her master and the young Marquis as outstanding men.

One was like the clear moon and gentle breeze above—aloof, otherworldly; the other, a dashing figure among the worldly dust. Among all the women in the world, few were worthy of either, let alone both, whose status was illustrious:

The young Marquis was the legitimate youngest son of the House of Wenchang, rumored even to be the adopted son of Nanxi’s emperor;

Her own master’s status was even loftier—no doubt both northern and southern rulers would vie to adopt him, though he wouldn’t deign to accept.

Such paragons, both basking in honor—any noble lady who could win either’s true affection would have no regrets in this life.

Alas, her master was ascetic and indifferent to women; the young Marquis was charming and fickle, leaving broken hearts everywhere.

Danxin sighed inwardly, feeling sorry for women everywhere.

She thought, perhaps sending a mute girl would be best. Women with such burdens often knew their place and wouldn’t scheme like Chacha did.

After all, the young Marquis would never fall for a mute, and her master had never kept anyone close to heart.

The more Danxin pondered, the more she felt a mute girl would be ideal. She prided herself on being clever and discerning, but little did she know she was gravely mistaken this time. But that is a tale for later.

*****

This Chasing Rainbow Courtyard was Shen Yu’s personal indulgence. He’d been captivated by the scenery and, on a whim, bought and carefully arranged it. It had taken him a whole year to make it just so.

Shen Yu kept several women—mostly of humble origins, without official status. Some were courtesans he redeemed, some orphans he bought, some gifts from friends.

Fortunately, the Marquis of Wenchang turned a blind eye to his youngest son’s romantic escapades, so Shen Yu could indulge as he pleased. He was not the heir—his elder brother Shen Zan already had heirs of his own—so though he was surrounded by beauties, he had no wife or concubines at home.

He was willing to spend money and attention on women, but never gave them official status. On the one hand, his high birth meant he couldn’t decide his own marriage; on the other, he’d never met anyone truly worth his heart—at most, a fleeting fondness, a source of comfort.

So, with mutual consent, when affection faded, Shen Yu offered them a choice: those wishing to leave received silver and land; those wishing to stay were settled here in Chasing Rainbow Courtyard.

Chacha, Zhu Xue, and Liuguang thus remained, each devoted in their own way. Among them, Shen Yu valued Chacha most, entrusting her with the Western Courtyard, making her the implicit leader of the three.

Shen Yu considered carefully: if he had to choose one to serve Yun Ci in the Eastern Courtyard, none of the three were quite right.

Chacha was too passionate—Yun Ci wouldn’t like her, and Danxin disliked her too.

Zhu Xue was clever, but only in small ways, and too impulsive.

Liuguang was calm and quiet but too wooden and slow to react…

After much thought, only Han Chu seemed truly suitable.

If anyone else had made the request, Shen Yu would never agree, but Yun Ci was like a brother to him, his dearest lifelong friend.

So be it—letting Han Chu serve in the Eastern Courtyard for a few days wouldn’t hurt. After last night’s awkwardness between them, a temporary separation might even ease tensions.

Besides, perhaps with a few days under Danxin’s tutelage, Han Chu would come to her senses and understand her good fortune.

With this in mind, Shen Yu decided to make the sacrifice. In this world, only Yun Ci could ever make him place friendship above desire.

Thus resolved, Shen Yu left the Eastern Courtyard with a wry smile, intending to discuss the matter with Han Chu. Yet as he reached the covered walkway to the Western Courtyard, his page hurried over to report, “My lord, the Ninth Prince has sent an invitation—he asks you to join him at Drunken Flower House tonight.”