Volume One, Chapter 16: Her One and Only

Mei Gongxue took the medicinal herbs, hurriedly explaining to avoid any misunderstanding, “These are from Ji Yunchu, meant to be delivered to Eldest Sister-in-law!”

Mei Xianghan’s eyes were red, but it was clear she was forcing a smile. “It’s alright. After all, we all grew up together; it’s only natural he escorted you back.”

Mei Gongxue was speechless. Somehow, that didn’t sound quite right—was she only making things worse? She felt uneasy, genuinely not wanting to get involved in whatever was between those two.

And so, Mei Xianghan returned to her courtyard, a figure draped in loneliness.

Mei Gongxue then went to find Eldest Sister-in-law. As she reached the gate, she just caught the personal maid by Eldest Sister-in-law speaking.

“…The Marquis really can’t hold back, can he? Madam is already unwell, and during their night together, he wasn’t gentle at all. They were at it for over an hour, and she had to ask for water three or four times. No wonder Madam looks unwell today.”

Another maid chimed in, “Isn’t it because the Marquis and Madam are deeply in love? There hasn’t been a concubine in the household all these years!”

“That’s true, but he should still consider Madam’s health!”

Mei Gongxue paused, her cheeks flushing. Though she had been married for three years, her husband was a eunuch, so she had no experience in such matters.

After some hesitation, she handed the tonic to the young maid who was about to enter and then left.

She had heard that husbands often have higher needs in marital matters.

But she agreed with the maid’s point: no matter what, Eldest Sister-in-law’s health must be considered!

Yet, as a younger sister, she felt it was inappropriate to broach such a topic. What was she to do?

With a heavy heart, she returned to Peach Blossom Courtyard, burdened with worries.

Hong Xiu was relieved to see her return safely.

“Did anything happen while I was gone?” Mei Gongxue asked as she removed her outerwear.

“There was a small matter. You haven’t written your ‘Fu’ character for this year yet. This afternoon, the Marquis sent word that he would return early tonight so the whole family could have a reunion dinner together.”

Writing the ‘Fu’ character was a tradition the siblings had cultivated since they first learned calligraphy. Every year during the New Year, each would handwrite ‘Fu’ or couplets and paste them around the estate as a good omen.

When their father was alive, he even collected all the writings each year.

Over time, the siblings’ handwriting matured from awkward childish attempts to graceful, unique styles.

Since Mei Gongxue had been feeling unwell since returning, she hadn’t written hers yet.

But Hong Xiu thought it inappropriate for only Mei Gongxue to remain without a ‘Fu’ character, especially with the young Marquis coming home that night.

Mei Gongxue nodded in agreement.

Hong Xiu then produced the carefully prepared ink and brushes. “Miss, would you like to write couplets or just the ‘Fu’ character this year?”

Though she asked, her hand was already reaching for the large sheets for couplets. After all, their young mistress’s calligraphy was meticulously taught stroke by stroke by the late Marquis, full of elegance and spirit.

“I’ll write the ‘Fu’ character,” Mei Gongxue decided after some thought.

Hong Xiu was momentarily stunned but then fetched another stack of paper.

Writing a few ‘Fu’ characters wouldn’t take long, but Mei Gongxue took an unusually long time, littering the floor with discarded sheets.

Moreover, the characters were different from her usual style—crooked and shaky, as if the writer could barely hold the brush steady.

Hong Xiu watched anxiously from the side, noticing Mei Gongxue’s trembling hand. She dared not ask what was wrong and silently continued grinding the ink for her mistress.

Sweat beaded on Mei Gongxue’s forehead as she finally selected a few acceptable pieces.

After finishing, she sat by the table, staring blankly at the scattered waste paper.

After a moment, she seemed to recall something, rising to search on the qin stand.

“Hong Xiu, have someone send this sheet music to Second Miss.”

Hong Xiu took it and recognized the title: “Melody of the Orchid.”

“Miss, isn’t this the one Young Master Yunchu gave you last time?”

Mei Gongxue nodded. “Yes. Please tell her that Ji Yunchu wants to hear this piece.”

The medicine was for Eldest Sister-in-law, and as a daughter of the Mei family, it was only fitting to express gratitude with a musical offering.

Yet Hong Xiu stood still, hesitating before cautiously asking, “Miss, do you really no longer have feelings for Young Master Yunchu?”

Mei Gongxue was surprised she would ask that.

But it was understandable—Hong Xiu had witnessed how much she once cared for Ji Yunchu and knew better than anyone the depth of her past devotion.

Knowing it was concern, Mei Gongxue smiled and pinched her cheek, “Don’t worry. Your mistress deserves better. As for this sheet music… do you think I could even play it with hands like these?”

Though she spoke with a smile, Hong Xiu’s eyes stung, and she no longer urged her, promptly attending to other tasks.

Mei Gongxue sighed softly, thinking she must find a suitable reason to redeem Hong Xiu’s servitude contract. Otherwise, if anything happened to her, what would become of her little maid?

…

That evening, the family gathered in the front hall.

The maids busied themselves with festive dishes, each more lavish than the last.

Outside, fireworks lit the sky in brilliant colors.

Even the usually stern Mei Heming showed a faint smile, raising his cup first.

“How wonderful! Since Xiaoxue’s return, our family can finally gather for a reunion dinner! In the new year, may every member of the Mei family be safe and well!”

After trials and tribulations, one truly understands that safety is the greatest blessing.

How precious it was for the family to sit together!

As the siblings thought of their late father, tears welled up. They raised their glasses and drank this profoundly meaningful reunion toast.

Yet Mei Gongxue felt uneasy, hesitating to drink more than a sip.

Mei Heming noticed, displeased, thinking her behavior was childish and a spoilsport. Could it be she was sulking over yesterday’s incident?

Others began chatting and laughing, but Mei Xianghan appeared distracted.

Seated beside Mei Gongxue was Mei Changgong, who seemed in good spirits today.

Halfway through the meal, he quietly rose, returning with a secretive air, placing something on Mei Gongxue’s plate.

“These candied fruits definitely haven’t melted. Try them!”

Since the whole family was together, he hoped to ease tensions and had specially bought these early, keeping them chilled.

Mei Gongxue glanced at the plate: icy hawthorn, frozen strawberries, and grapes—clearly selected with care.

But she couldn’t eat anything too cold now.

Besides, she really didn’t like candied fruits!

Seeing her reluctance, Mei Changgong worried his gift had shocked her. “Don’t worry, I bought every flavor. You can pick whichever you like!”

Mei Gongxue looked up at him. At least in this moment, his concern was genuine.

Once, she had longed for her brothers to treat her as they did Mei Xianghan.

Because all along, she had been the one who was settled for.

Whatever was at hand belonged to Mei Xianghan first, or was only passed to her once Mei Xianghan grew tired of it.

And this candied fruit was probably the only gift in her life that was uniquely hers.

Something she had, and Mei Xianghan did not.

Her eyes grew misty, and if it were before, she would have been delighted.

But now…