Chapter Sixty-Five: A Warning to Sixth Lady

Xue Fanzhi mentioned Xie Sixth Young Master to Xue Sixth Lady. Naturally, she couldn’t say she knew in her previous life that Xie Sixth Young Master was fond of her. Instead, she fabricated a story, claiming her maid had overheard a conversation suggesting Xie Sixth Young Master seemed interested, warning Sixth Lady to be careful.

Immediately, Sixth Lady recalled the banquet at the Xie family, when, behind the phoenix-flower tree, a young gentleman had suddenly appeared. He’d asked her who she was and what she was doing; she’d answered politely. Then he’d introduced himself as Xie Sixth Young Master, saying that if she ever encountered difficulties, she should seek him out directly.

Of course, she had no difficulties. Even if she did, with elders at home, she had no reason to approach outsiders. At the time, she’d found that young man’s gaze so intense it made her heart pound uncomfortably. Now she realized he must indeed harbor improper intentions—he’d even come to the Xue family, presumably for her.

“Eighth Sister!” Xue Sixth Lady suddenly grasped Xue Fanzhi’s sleeve. “I truly don’t know this man. We only met once by chance. I never imagined he’d have such thoughts. I haven’t communicated with him privately; you must believe me!”

Hearing this, Xue Fanzhi realized her sixth sister misunderstood; she was worried about her reputation, while Xue Fanzhi’s concern was her very life.

Xue Fanzhi remembered that, in her previous life, Sixth Sister had been murdered in the passageway connecting the second and main branches of the family. The murderer was a young servant who absconded after the crime; even when Great-Uncle sent men to pursue him, they couldn’t catch him.

Later, after becoming empress, Xue Fanzhi had accidentally overheard Xue Jiaoyue threatening Fifth Lady and learned the truth: Fifth Lady had arranged for the servant to assault Sixth Lady. Sixth Lady, resisting fiercely, provoked the servant’s panic; afraid she’d raise the alarm, he chased and killed her. Afterwards, he went to Fifth Lady, who gave him money to flee.

Xue Fanzhi also recalled that, in her past life, the incident with Fifth Lady occurred on a very gloomy night. News of the death reached them at the third watch, but Fifth Lady was likely in the passage a bit earlier. As for why she went there, Xue Fanzhi still didn’t know, but it was certainly Fifth Lady’s doing.

Since nothing had happened yet, Xue Fanzhi couldn’t expose Fifth Lady’s wickedness. She quickly thought of a solution and, instead of comforting Sixth Lady, decided to exploit her fear to keep her indoors.

“Sixth Sister, since you have no intention toward this Xie Sixth Young Master, be especially cautious after dusk. No matter who asks you out, don’t go. It could be a ploy by Xie Sixth Young Master to meet you privately.”

“A man and a woman alone—it would be impossible to explain!”

“Is that possible?” Sixth Lady grew visibly anxious, tears brimming in her eyes. “You must believe me, sister. I truly have no interest in this Xie Sixth Young Master. Not only have I seen him but once—even if we met daily, I know my place. I would never dare harbor such thoughts about anyone from the Xie family. From the beginning, I’ve kept a respectful distance. How could I agree to a rendezvous? I absolutely would not go; in the future, I never wish to see him again!”

She even swore it forcefully.

That was just as well.

Sixth Lady’s fear played right into Xue Fanzhi’s hands. She thought, from now on, no matter who asked her out, Sixth Lady would surely hesitate, and wouldn’t sneak out at night, would she?

…

Upon returning from Sixth Lady’s room, Xue Fanzhi busied herself making her own clothes. For three days, aside from greeting her grandmother morning and evening, she never left her quarters. No one came looking for her, either.

On the afternoon of the fourth day, Xue Fanzhi received an invitation, delivered by her grandmother’s servant. It was from Wang Yunzhi, who, along with others, wished to play chess with her, having heard of her skill.

Xue Fanzhi was indeed fond of chess and, after a few days without a match, felt the itch to play. But she was far too busy lately and had no time.

She declined the invitation and, meanwhile, made a forehead ribbon for her grandmother, using patterns and colors destined to become fashionable in the years ahead, then sent Honglian to deliver it.

The old Madam, seeing her granddaughter once again declining to step into the spotlight, felt a twinge of pity. Yet, upon receiving the ribbon, she was deeply moved. After all, she had no children of her own; she’d never experienced the joy of grandchildren crafting for her. This was a first.

The old Madam was utterly delighted and soon forgot her earlier regret over her granddaughter’s reserved nature. If the child was quiet, so be it. If she disliked socializing, that was fine too. At worst, when the time came, she’d prepare a generous dowry and choose a reliable companion for her, arranging marriage to a second son from a respectable but modest family—no need to be mistress of the household, nor to tire herself in social affairs, but not so lowly as to be looked down upon by her future mother-in-law.

The old Madam had it all planned out and didn’t bother urging Xue Fanzhi to join the gathering. Instead, she instructed Madam Jiang to inform Wang Yunzhi’s party that Xue Fanzhi was occupied.

Naturally, Xue Fanzhi was unaware of these thoughts; the message she received was that her grandmother told her to do as she pleased and leave the socializing to others.

Thus free to focus on her sewing, Xue Fanzhi was nonetheless soon disturbed.

That afternoon, after her nap, Fifth Lady arrived with Xue Jiaoyue in tow.

Xue Fanzhi was in the midst of trying on a newly sewn ruqun. She’d replaced the usual trim with a flying-edge design—a style that wouldn’t become popular in Jiankang for many years. It was fresh and lovely, and the pale pink gauze she’d chosen perfectly suited both the season and her age.

Her complexion was fair and tender, her face round and sweet. Wearing the outfit, she looked absolutely adorable.

Fifth Lady and Xue Jiaoyue were stunned; they’d never seen such a striking side of Xue Fanzhi. In their eyes, this eighth sister had always been quiet and dull, hiding behind others and attracting no attention. Only now, under closer scrutiny, did her stunning features reveal themselves—she’d inherited Xue Yang’s delicate peach-blossom eyes and Lady Jin’s refined face, each feature exquisitely carved. She was truly blessed with beauty. And she was still so young; when she grew up, who knew how many hearts she would steal?

Clothes make the person, and the pink complemented her perfectly, making her look even more radiant and lovely.

Fifth Lady, tinged with jealousy, said, “Oh my, so this is why Eighth Sister never goes out—you’ve been making new clothes at home? But that outfit doesn’t really suit you.”

And who, then, does it suit?

The moment she heard Fifth Lady address her as “Eighth Sister,” Xue Fanzhi knew nothing good would come of it and cursed inwardly.

Her tone icy, Xue Fanzhi asked, “What brings you here, Fifth Sister?” She had no time for these two; let them say their piece and leave quickly.

With this in mind, she couldn’t even be bothered to argue.

Fifth Lady, accustomed to Xue Fanzhi’s cool demeanor, didn’t think much of it. She stepped forward, gesturing at the dress. “It really doesn’t suit you, but it looks beautiful. Why don’t you make one for me too?”

So it looks nice but doesn’t suit her—meaning she herself isn’t good-looking enough for it?

To come begging while still belittling—truly ridiculous.