I was delighted to be free from supervision, sleeping until I naturally awoke. Que’er brought water and opened the bamboo curtains, golden sunlight sliding in warmly. Looking outside, she happily said, “Another sunny day. Madam, would you like porridge or rice for breakfast?”
I was washing up, waving her off and wiping my face with a towel before saying, “I’m going to Xuanwu Gate to meet my husband after court.”
Que’er leaned in excitedly, “Did the Lord stay here last night?”
I nodded.
Her expression turned slightly sly. “No wonder the Lord left later than usual today. Madam is truly impressive – when you make a move, you nearly make him miss morning court.”
I modestly replied, “Just average. I haven’t even tried my best.”
After dressing, Que’er reported recent painting sales. The “Twilight Double Beauty” painting sold for a hundred taels to the son of Ministry of Works’ Song, the playboy who had snatched my elder brother’s potential bride. This young master was known for his broad tastes, hosting a wine and painting appreciation gathering after purchasing the work, displaying the painting prominently for all to see.
Especially the ink drop I accidentally placed on his forehead, which started a trend of forehead moles in Yan Feng City. Young men began adopting this style, with a poem even saying: “Verses under moonlight by willows pale, cannot match An Lang’s forehead mole.”
As Que’er finished speaking, it was near the end of the chen hour. I instructed her to go to Shai Yue Studio first, then hurriedly prepared to head to Xuanwu Gate.
This was my first time waiting for An Jin after court since our marriage. Qi Kingdom’s morning court began early.
An Jin never had breakfast at home, usually eating at small roadside shops. In this past year, aside from our wedding night, I hadn’t fulfilled any wife’s duties, feeling somewhat guilty. But then I realized An Jin hadn’t exactly been attentive either, so I felt balanced.
Hearing the third beat of the diligence drum, I stepped back to the roadside. Blue-robed officials emerged orderly, discussing official business in various tones and accents.
Qi Kingdom required fourth-rank and above officials to attend morning court, with robe colors indicating rank. I stood on tiptoe, finally spotting An Jin’s distinctive figure among the departing officials.
