Chuxia watched as the young master carried the girl away into the inner chamber, then she hurried out. As she left Yingyuan, the cold wind blew away much of the blush on her cheeks. She headed back to her original quarters, but a servant reminded her, “Chuxia, you no longer sleep in the old attic.”
“Ah?” She stopped, bewildered.
“The young master said you are to rest outside his room.”
“But… isn’t the young master staying at Linjiang Pavilion?”
“You’ll rest in the outer room.”
“But… the young master is staying at Yingyuan tonight…”
“You still need to stay at Linjiang Pavilion.”
Entering Linjiang Pavilion for the first time, Chuxia was curious, “Where am I to sleep?”
“The young master is inside; naturally, you’ll be outside.”
How could a decent girl share a room with a young man? Chuxia felt somewhat frustrated. The young master was still as flirtatious as ever… proving that rumors cannot be entirely trusted! Sitting before the bronze mirror, she began to undo her hair, glancing at her reflection—eyes not big, nose not high… indeed… She shook her head vigorously, put on her outer garment, and got into bed. Perhaps due to a habit of being selective about beds, it was a while before Chuxia began to doze off. A shadow flashed before her eyes… followed by hands full of blood, sticky… Chuxia could almost smell the mixed scent… Her legs went weak, and she could only close her eyes tightly, trembling. After an unknown amount of time, someone ran over, embracing her, their voice low, “Did you have a nightmare?”
In the early summer, Chu Xia’s eyes were still closed as she pushed away the person approaching her with both hands, murmuring, “The time of ugliness has passed… I need to change the lady’s charcoal…” He did not let go of her; instead, he held her even tighter, whispering, “It’s alright, don’t be afraid, it’s just a dream.” Chu Xia, leaning on his chest, unconsciously sniffed the air, the clean and refreshing scent… very comforting. Gradually, her trembling ceased, her head bowed low, finally calming down.
