Chapter 17: Graceful Hands and Ink Reveal True Character

"Oh, my dear master! Just pretend I never said anything! You mustn’t send Chuxiu back to the Western Garden," Danxin hurriedly pleaded. "It took so much effort to find a maid who’s pleasing to the eye, and if you drive her away, my tasks will only multiply!"

"Then why do you keep talking nonsense?" Yun Ci’s face remained stern, his tone laced with reproach. "Chuxiu is a young lady. Have you considered her reputation? Have you thought about Zifeng’s feelings?"

Danxin bit her lower lip. "It was only a joke between master and servant, nothing serious! Besides, what feelings could the young marquis possibly have? If he truly cared, how could he have spoken so harshly to Chuxiu when your leg was hurting?"

At these words, Yun Ci’s brows furrowed slightly, but his expression softened. The ethereal beauty of his face gained a hint of earthly warmth, which made Danxin feel more at ease.

Seeing Yun Ci’s improved mood, she quickly added, "Master, now is not the time to let Chuxiu return. You may not know, but that Chacha in the Western Garden bullies her!"

"How do you know? Did Chuxiu tell you?" Yun Ci’s demeanor grew serious again.

"Of course. I merely guessed, and she admitted it," Danxin recalled the note she’d received from Han Chu earlier and produced it as evidence. "She wrote a note, and it’s still with me!"

Yun Ci took the crumpled scrap of paper, unfolded it, and immediately saw the words: How did you know Chacha bullies me?

Danxin had moved to Yun Ci’s side, pointing to the sentence, "See? That’s it. I casually mentioned it, and Chuxiu was surprised and questioned me. Clearly, she’s suffered from Chacha’s attitude in the Western Garden."

Yun Ci gave no reaction, instead reading further down the note, where another sentence caught his eye: Are all brothels full of trouble?

At this, Yun Ci chuckled softly. "Why mention brothels again?" It reminded him of the day they discussed "The Broken Strings," when Chuxiu seemed unusually moved by the fate of women in brothels.

Indeed, she possessed the tender heart of a young girl moved by the changing seasons.

Yun Ci scanned the words from top to bottom, as if to assess Han Chu’s progress in calligraphy. Yet, as he glanced over them, he realized something peculiar: the handwriting was neither the floral script nor Han Chu’s previous style. Rather, it bore a certain resemblance to... his own?

The more Yun Ci examined it, the more astonished he became. His own style was the difficult Slender Gold script, requiring swift strokes, hidden strength at every turn, and a floating, vigorous rhythm. He had studied it for years to grasp its essence. But this girl, after only a few days of practice, had already captured a measure of its spirit.

Though still immature, the writing possessed an innate elegance, with strokes as graceful as orchids—a distinctive charm when rendered by a young woman.

Never mind how rare it was to achieve proficiency in Slender Gold script; to have absorbed its essence in such a short time was enough to delight Yun Ci. Especially since she was the first woman he knew to attempt it.

Looking at the characters on the note, Yun Ci could barely contain his excitement. After a moment’s thought, he instructed Danxin, "Has Chuxiu’s shoulder injury improved? Have her come to serve with brush and ink tomorrow."

*****

That evening, Han Chu heard from Danxin that from the next day she would return to serve in the study. The news filled her with joy, for she disliked idleness in the Eastern Garden.

So, early the next morning, Han Chu rose and went to the study to await her duties. It was still dawn, and Yun Ci had not yet arrived, so she tidied the desk and picked out a few scraps of paper with Yun Ci’s handwriting, carefully observing his brushwork.

She studied them for half a cup of tea’s time before the guard, Zhuying, wheeled Yun Ci to the study door. Hearing the commotion outside, Han Chu hurried out to help, supporting Yun Ci across the threshold and settling him at the desk alongside Zhuying.

This time, Yun Ci did not protest, only remarked mildly, "A few steps won’t hurt. Zifeng is too anxious."

Zhuying cast a reproachful glance at Han Chu before murmuring, "The young marquis has instructed that you must rest your legs properly."

Han Chu knew Zhuying was still resentful over the incident a few weeks ago, and guilt colored her face.

Yun Ci noticed but said nothing further, dismissing Zhuying and telling Han Chu, "Prepare the ink."

Han Chu rolled up her sleeves and got to work.

Yun Ci fell silent, taking up a book to read and copying passages onto paper.

Gradually, the room was filled with the scent of ink, mingling with the faint medicinal fragrance from Yun Ci, which made Han Chu’s heart flutter and yet brought her peace.

After an indeterminate time, Yun Ci suddenly asked, "Why don’t you practice the floral script?" He spoke while still writing, only raising his eyes to Han Chu after posing the question, his tone calm and steady.

Han Chu paused in surprise, realizing what Yun Ci referred to, her gaze flickering with a hint of guilt.

Seeing her tight-lipped hesitation, Yun Ci found her amusing, and handed her paper and brush, saying, "Write what you wish to say."

Han Chu took them, hesitated, then slowly wrote: "I do not like the floral script."

"Why not?"

"It lacks character."

She wrote slowly, each stroke deliberate. Yun Ci watched her intent concentration, and when the four characters were complete, her manner and the words themselves settled in his heart.

Lacks character.

Yun Ci was surprised; what need had a young woman for such strength of character? He nearly voiced this retort, but felt it would disrespect her earnestness.

He considered, then asked, "Are you practicing my script?"

This question made Han Chu blush, her eyes shimmering, her exquisite face tinged rose. After a moment, she nodded shyly.

A strange joy welled in Yun Ci’s heart, though his expression remained composed as he asked, "Where did you find my writing?"

Han Chu looked troubled, hesitated, then mouthed silently, "Prescription."

Prescription? Yun Ci’s brows knitted. He recalled giving her only one prescription—the throat remedy she copied on her first day in the Eastern Garden.

A mere hundred characters, listing ingredients, weights, and usage. Yet in the ten days since, she had used it as reference to practice calligraphy—not merely copying, but capturing its essence.

Yun Ci’s delight grew. Was it because the girl praised his script for its "character," or because he had recognized her talent?

He said nothing more, silently contemplating. The quiet made Han Chu uneasy, prompting her to write, "Are you angry, Master Yun?"

Yun Ci saw the cautious question and smiled, "How could I be? You praise my script for its character; why would I be angry?"

Han Chu breathed a sigh of relief, her shy smile reappearing.

Yun Ci’s gaze lingered on the paper, fixed upon the Slender Gold script she had written. Master Yun? He had never heard such a title.

As a child in the manor, everyone addressed him as "Master" or "Heir." Close friends used his courtesy name, "Wan Zhi."

Now, suddenly, a girl called him "Master Yun." It reminded him of the storybooks Danxin used to read—the term "Master" was reserved for lovesick couples.

He found himself wanting to hear Han Chu speak, to know what her voice sounded like, how it would sound saying "Master Yun."

Regret over Han Chu’s lost voice welled up again, so he shifted topics, asking, "Has the medicine helped?"

Han Chu started, realizing Yun Ci meant her throat condition. Not wanting to disappoint him, she nodded randomly.

But Yun Ci saw through her, and after a moment’s thought, sighed, "Don’t force yourself. When Zifeng has time, I’ll discuss a new prescription with him."

Han Chu smiled and mouthed, "Thank you."

Yun Ci gave a gentle "hmm," then seemed to recall something. He took a booklet from beneath the desk and said, "This is a herbal compendium I copied long ago. The script is more refined; if you wish to practice Slender Gold, start here." She had the talent, and needed little guidance.

Han Chu’s eyes widened in disbelief, quickly replaced by delight as she respectfully accepted the book.

Yun Ci saw her expression and smiled, adding, "It’s all about medicinal herbs and their uses—rather dull, I fear, compared to the storybooks you’re fond of."

Yet Han Chu had no interest in storybooks. She had seen enough lovesick couples in the brothel, and her own past romance was no more engrossing than those tales.

She genuinely liked Yun Ci’s script—so full of character, unlike any she had ever seen. To learn it was called "Slender Gold" was a revelation. She smiled and wrote for Yun Ci, "I don’t like storybooks; the herbal compendium is perfect."

"Really?" Yun Ci smiled, skeptical. He recalled Han Chu’s melancholy over "The Broken Strings."

Neither pursued the topic further. After lunch, Yun Ci returned to the study without resting. Han Chu watched for a while before realizing he was compiling a book, though its subject eluded her.

She served the whole afternoon, tiring from grinding ink. At last, she understood why Danxin complained the study’s tasks were taxing—it was her first taste of real effort.

Despite the hardship, she was content. Serving Yun Ci, Han Chu felt a respect and fulfillment she had never known. No forced smiles, no compelled performances, no lewd words or cold humiliation.

"Tired?" Yun Ci noticed her slowing movements and paused to ask.

Han Chu quickly regained composure and shook her head.

"Your shoulder still isn’t healed?" Yun Ci asked casually.

Han Chu blushed instantly, her cheeks blooming like peach blossoms.

Yun Ci watched her rosy face, unable to suppress a smile. He had been delighted so many times today, each occasion connected to this girl.

So the two gazed at each other—one shy and flustered, the other serene and clear-eyed. To an outsider, the scene was subtle and hard to describe.

It was this tableau that Shen Yu found upon entering the room.