Chapter 5: Affection Meets Indifference

“Little sister, you are truly blessed. Our young marquis is quite the romantic soul!” Chacha led Han Chu toward the western garden, speaking with a hint of teasing. Han Chu pointed to her throat, offering an apologetic smile.

“Can’t speak anymore?” Chacha’s elegant brows furrowed briefly before her charming smile returned. “No matter. The young marquis’s medical skills are superb!”

Han Chu paid little mind to Chacha’s praise of Shen Yu; her attention was wholly captured by the pavilions and towers of the western garden, marveling more and more at the ingenious craftsmanship of the place.

“Thanks to the young marquis’s favor, I was entrusted to manage the Rainbow Garden, but I only oversee the west wing. I’ve never been to the east,” Chacha said, bringing Han Chu to the gate of a secluded courtyard. “Settle here for now, little sister.”

Han Chu snapped back to herself, smiling and nodding in gratitude.

Chacha tilted her head thoughtfully and laughed again. “Aside from you and me, there are two other beauties in the west garden, all confidantes of the young marquis.” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “There’s no hierarchy here; when you’re free, you might visit them.”

Confidantes? Han Chu felt some disdain for Shen Yu. Such a libertine, were it not for his skill in medicine, would be entirely worthless. Yet, women seemed drawn to his amorous ways; one could see it in the hopeful eyes of those at Drunken Flower House, waiting for him to choose them.

While she mused, Chacha smiled again. “There are no maids or servants in the garden; we do everything ourselves. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask me.”

Han Chu smiled, mouthing a silent “thank you.”

Chacha understood, waving her hand. “We all belong to the young marquis; no need for courtesy.” She laughed heartily, showing a spirited side so different from the coyness she displayed before Shen Yu.

Han Chu liked this Chacha better—warm and generous. Perhaps Shen Yu was charmed by such ease and vivacity.

If memory served, Chacha was three years her senior, now eighteen, likely Shen Yu’s age.

At Drunken Flower House, Han Chu and Chacha hadn’t interacted much, especially since Chacha had redeemed herself months ago. Yet, both were raised by Madam Feng, and now Han Chu felt an instinctive closeness to her.

“Rest well. I live in the courtyard opposite. If you need anything, find me,” Chacha said before departing with a smile.

As Chacha predicted, Shen Yu was already waiting in her courtyard. Chacha’s eyes grew alluring as she approached, bowing and saying, “Rest assured, Han Chu is settled in.”

Shen Yu merely grunted in acknowledgment.

Reading his expression, Chacha probed, “With Han Chu here, there are now four beauties in the west garden. Might you tell me how to treat her? Should I pay special attention?”

Shen Yu paused, then replied, “Treat her as you do the others.”

This was the answer Chacha had awaited; she covered her mouth and giggled. “I thought you’d favor Han Chu. She is the most beautiful woman in Nanxi!”

“Are you not a beauty yourself?” Shen Yu teased, brushing his hand gently under Chacha’s chin, with a roguish air. “Just another woman—not to be spoiled.”

He wrapped his arms around her waist, murmuring by her ear, “Han Chu offended powerful people; she’s here to lay low. Don’t tell anyone about her. You know best how to mind your words.”

The warmth of Shen Yu’s breath caressed Chacha’s ear like a summer breeze. She turned to embrace him, feigning a petulant complaint. “You haven’t visited me in weeks. Is it all because of Han Chu? I can guess who bit your lip.”

“Why do I sense jealousy?” Shen Yu laughed, tightening his hold and gently licking her earlobe. “She’s mute, not pure, beautiful but nothing more. How could she compare to you, hmm?”

His words were brazen, and Chacha blushed. She lightly struck his shoulder, coquettishly seeking his favor. “Shall I serve you tonight?”

Shen Yu hesitated. He intended to visit the east wing to discuss treating Han Chu’s muteness. Still, he didn’t refuse her invitation. “Fine. I have matters to attend to, but tonight, wait for me.”

Chacha blinked. “You rarely visit—won’t you see the others? They’ve waited for you endlessly!”

“No need.” Shen Yu was firm this time. He released her, letting her straighten his clothes. “Don’t tell them about Han Chu. Just say I bought an orphan girl to bury her father, and let everyone mind their own business.”

“I’ve noted it all. I’ll wait for you tonight,” Chacha replied sweetly, watching Shen Yu head toward the east wing.

Only when he was gone did Chacha’s smile fade as she slowly closed the courtyard gate.

Years spent at Drunken Flower House had honed Chacha’s cunning. Shen Yu had neglected Rainbow Garden for ages, but today, with Han Chu’s arrival, he suddenly lavished affection, rekindled old feelings, and even agreed to stay the night...

His intentions were plain; there was no need to guess.

And that bite on his lip—whose mark was it?

Chacha knew her brothel origins set her apart; she didn’t aspire to marry Shen Yu, only to secure her place as an official concubine. Having finally earned his trust and been put in charge of Rainbow Garden, she couldn’t let Han Chu disrupt things.

With that thought, Chacha snorted softly, her clear eyes glinting.

Back in her own chamber, she selected her most precious earrings and carefully packed a qin Shen Yu had given her, cradling it as she made her way to Han Chu’s courtyard...

*****

A crisp knocking sounded, accompanied by Chacha’s cheerful call, “Little sister, are you there?”

Han Chu recognized the visitor and hurried to open the door. It was indeed Chacha—hadn’t she just been here an hour ago? She hadn’t realized in Drunken Flower House that Chacha was so sociable.

“I’m back again—hope you don’t mind?” Chacha said as she stepped across the threshold.

Han Chu shook her head gently, smiling as she welcomed Chacha in, turning to pour her tea.

“No need for tea, I’ll just say a few words.” Chacha stopped her in time, smiling. “My memory is terrible—I settled you in earlier, but forgot something important.”

As she spoke, she set down the qin she carried, unveiling it from its crimson silk cloth. “The young marquis worries you’ll be lonely, so he had me bring you this qin to pass the time.”

A gift from Shen Yu? Han Chu was surprised, reaching out to touch the strings. The sound was clear and pleasant—a fine instrument.

“It’s not particularly valuable, but its tone is lovely. It’s an heirloom,” Chacha said, pleased that Han Chu accepted the qin. “Today, I’m blessed by the young marquis, offering flowers to the Buddha!”

With Chacha’s words, Han Chu could not refuse. She bowed silently in thanks.

It had been some time since she’d played. Ever since Helian Qi vanished from Drunken Flower House and word spread of his marriage to Ming Ying, Han Chu hadn’t touched a qin.

Though only a night had passed since the fire at Drunken Flower House, Han Chu had thought it through. The union of the Helian and Ming families couldn’t happen overnight; with their stature, preparations would take at least a year.

Yet, since meeting her, Helian Qi had kept silent about marriage, coaxing her to devote herself to him, then leaving without a word. Such a heartless man was unworthy of her sorrow.

In truth, the fire at Drunken Flower House, instigated by Ming Ying, led to Qin’er’s tragic death and her own loss of voice—all because of Helian Qi.

Since he had betrayed her, she need not remain loyal. Han Chu resolved to reclaim her lost heart, letting her body be all he could have.

With that thought, she unconsciously began to pluck the qin strings.

Shen Yu was her savior and now her master. Whatever desires he held for her were understandable. But he offered no promises, not even a word of affection.

She found herself grateful to Shen Yu—for treating her thus. No vows, no tender words—so there would be no betrayal, no disappointment. This, too, was a kind of refined elegance.

No wonder the sisters at Drunken Flower House liked him.

Lost in thought, a smile curved Han Chu’s lips—her expression, to Chacha, seemed the flush of a girl awakening to love.

Chacha inwardly sneered, though outwardly she teased suggestively, “A gift of a qin is a gift of affection! Little sister, you weigh heavily in the young marquis’s heart!”

Han Chu was still immersed in her reverie, not hearing Chacha’s words.

Seeing Han Chu so distracted, Chacha assumed she was overjoyed. Her purpose accomplished, Chacha stood to leave. “You’ve just arrived at Rainbow Garden, and lunch is near. I’ll tell the kitchen to bring you a meal.”

Without waiting for a response, Chacha walked out.

Back in her chamber, Chacha touched her earlobe—one earring was missing. This pleased her greatly.

Han Chu, how happy you are now to receive the qin; tonight, you’ll be equally miserable.

The show is about to begin!