Chapter Thirty-Three: The Scarlet Robe

Xue Fanzhi, though honest by nature, was no longer as naive as in her previous life. Since the old matron did not think highly of the Qin family, there must be something lacking in their character—they were not upright people. But as for what kind of person Qin Jianyu truly was, she had no idea.

Regardless, since the old matron harbored some reservations about the Qin family, Xue Fanzhi knew she must make an appearance at the banquet. She had already sent Hong Xiao out to gather information and learned that, upon arriving in Jiankang, the Qin family had not immediately sought out the Xue household. Instead, some influential benefactor had taken notice of them and provided a residence. Not only that, this benefactor had also supplied Qin Jianyu with an invitation—he, too, would attend the banquet at the Xie family.

In truth, even after two lifetimes, Xue Fanzhi had never interacted with Qin Jianyu alone. She needed to see for herself what kind of person he was. Picking up the invitation in her hand, she replied obediently, “Grandmother, I will do as you say and go at once!”

The old matron, seeing Xue Fanzhi rise so compliantly, could not help but smile. She pointed to the clothes in Nanny Qin’s hands and said, “Better change before you go. Wear the red one—it’s festive. There’s no rush; I’ll have the carriage take you there!”

Had she attended the Xie family’s banquet in old clothes, she would have become the subject of gossip, never to be seen at such events again. The old matron’s words, though critical, were full of affection. Xue Fanzhi smiled shyly and nodded, “Granddaughter will remember!”

...

The Xie family’s residence in Black Robe Lane spanned several streets with just its side branches. Today’s banquet was hosted by Xie Feng, head of the family’s main line.

Besides being the patriarch, Xie Feng held another distinguished position: Prime Minister of the Southern Dynasty. Most southern nobles now favored the Taoist way, living reclusively; it was rare for someone like Xie Feng to hold office. To put it plainly, those with wealth and status could command servants and hire soldiers without seeking official posts—why toil thanklessly as an official, especially when mishandling relations with the northern tribes could bring scorn?

This highlighted Xie Feng’s lofty ideals. He was a diligent, benevolent, and politically astute Prime Minister. In his six years in office, though the nation’s former glory was yet to be restored, under his governance the Southern Kingdom’s population grew rapidly, and the administration remained just and clear—a good official praised by all the people.

Xie Shisan, from the same generation as Xie Feng’s grandsons, was already beyond the fifth degree of kinship. Being so distantly related, it was clear that their fathers’ generation had not been close. Though her family also lived in Black Robe Lane, it was only by Xie Feng’s grace that they were allowed to stay—a temporary arrangement at best.

Her natal family’s courtyard was modest. With more than thirty servants, all were crammed into a house with only two wings. Fortunately, she was the only legitimate daughter, so her mother had still managed to secure her a private room. After rumors spread that Lady Xue had been defiled, and though it was later proved the Xie family was not responsible, Princess Zhaoyang, a noblewoman, inevitably bore a grudge. Fearing to offend the princess, the Xie family had confined Xie Shisan early on and handed over all her trusted maids to the Ninth Prince, who had taken it upon himself to appease the princess. Thus, her maids had all been replaced, and not one confidante remained.

While dressing, her newly assigned maid, Liuyah, urged her, “Mistress, please change into these clothes. Madam had them made especially for you—they’ve been prepared for over ten days. Please, wear them!”

Xie Shisan looked at the splendid crimson attire made of Shu brocade. Her heart sank further. Such costly garments were not meant for her pleasure, but to be shown to an old man. Some days earlier, while seeking her mother, she had accidentally overheard her parents’ conversation. Her father, anxious yet matter-of-fact, had said, “What does age matter? Even if he’s old, he is Prince Shou. He has no consort, and with age comes tenderness. Besides, he’s only fifty-seven. If Thirteen can climb such a high branch and secure me an official post, I won’t have to endure the other branches’ disdain. Should she bear his heir, she will hold a position of honor. Are there any young servants who can enjoy such dignity?”

Her mother, resentful, wept softly, yet pleaded no further. Father had then instructed her mother to prepare the dress, insisting it must be red.

At the time, Xie Shisan did not fully understand, but she knew her father wished to barter her away for power. What kind of man would make her father offer up his only legitimate daughter rather than a concubine’s child? She became curious about this Prince Shou, for this concerned her very future. She could not ask her parents—their fear of her running away would have them watch her closely.

So she feigned ignorance, but in secret, dispatched her last confidante to investigate Prince Shou. The reports came swiftly: Prince Shou, over fifty, had long indulged in wine and women; though not decrepit, he was obese and had dark circles under his eyes—a lecher at first glance. The servants also discovered his peculiar preference for girls under fifteen, dressed in red, but none who entered his chambers ever walked out the same. Some were never seen again.

Thus, Prince Shou was a monster. She had no desire to obey her father and approach him, yet with her own father set on selling her, what choice did she have?

Suddenly, inspiration struck. If Prince Shou favored girls in red, then perhaps another such girl could draw his attention, sparing her from his clutches. She thought of the lovely Xue Jiaoyue. The Xue family had fallen on hard times, and Xue Yang was eager to curry favor. To let Xue Jiaoyue catch Prince Shou’s eye would be a chance for their family to rise, and surely, they would not object.

Fearing Xue Jiaoyue might have the same idea, Xie Shisan invited her but gave no reason—only stressing that she must wear red.

“I understand. Liuyah, help me change!” With her plan settled, Xie Shisan no longer felt lost. She stood and let Liuyah strip her bare, then dressed her in crimson brocade.

As for Xue Jiaoyue, she rather liked red, and given Xie Shisan’s explicit instructions, she wore a brilliant red outfit when arriving with her sisters at the grand Xie residence. However, upon entering and seeing all the other girls in drab grays and browns, suspicion took root.

This was the age to dress beautifully—why were so few in red today? It seemed she was the only one, and that was only because Xie Shisan had insisted. Clearly, there was something she had overlooked, something important.

With this thought, Xue Jiaoyue suddenly felt awkward in her attire. Yet, having obeyed Xie Shisan, she had only brought red dresses with her and could not change. What was she to do?

Just then, she saw Xue Fanzhi arrive, also clad in red.