Chapter 12

With the gentle sound of flowing water, depth gradually revealed.

Chen Shimei awoke fully rested as the sun was setting.

The setting sun cast a pale golden glow on the vermilion glazed tiles, creating twinkling lights. The windows were perfectly opened, revealing the dimming sky. It was as if the night was draped in a sheer veil, hazy. On a bare branch, a chubby sparrow looked into the distance, seemingly captivated by the fading sunlight or perhaps awaiting the rising moon.

Chen Shimei lay sideways, resting her chin on her hand, admiring the captivating view, feeling peaceful and content.

Sounds like tinkling bells or rhythmic tapping came from the courtyard, forming an enchanting melody.

Stepping out of bed in her lotus-colored gown, her hair cascading over her shoulders, Chen Shimei hurried to the window barefoot, spotting a group of girls gathered in the courtyard.

"What's happening?" she asked, joining the group. A row of silver jars of varying sizes was arranged on a stone table. Hongye, with small silver mallets, was tapping on them, creating the musical sounds.

"What is this?" Chen Shimei curiously inquired.

"It's a jug," Hongye replied cheerfully. "Jianghu people make music by striking jugs with chopsticks after drinking. I found these in a box of toys sent by the Empress Dowager. Aren't they fun?"

"Fascinating!" Chen Shimei asked Xiang'er, "What other interesting things did the Empress Dowager send?"

"Lots of amusing toys, but the most interesting is this," Xiang'er said, squatting to lift a chubby yellow tabby cat from under the table.

"A cat?" Chen Shimei reached out to take the plump feline, which swished its tail and meowed affectionately.

“The Empress Dowager said this cat was a recent gift from the southwest, intelligent and affectionate, so she sent it to be cared for and played with by us ladies,” explained someone.

Shi Mei reached out to play with the cat's chin, smiling, “Has it been named yet?”

“We're discussing it,” Zan Yu said. “It should be something auspicious.”

“Then why not just call it ‘Jili’ (Auspicious)?” suggested Hongye.

Surprisingly, Hongye and Zan Yu, sitting in the courtyard chatting, got along well contrary to everyone's expectations. They didn't argue but seemed to appreciate each other. Do fiery women often like others of the same temperament?

Mei sat down, stroking her chin, and placed the cat on her lap, pinching its ears. The cat rubbed against her comfortably.

“How about ‘Zhao Cai Jin Bao’ (Attract Wealth and Treasure)?”

“Too common. What about ‘You Fu’ (Have Fortune)?”

“Or ‘Xiao Xiang’ (Little Fragrance)?”

"No way!" Xiang'er quickly shook her head, hopping in protest.

The maids chattered. Liu Mama, bringing in snacks, laughed heartily, “You girls, why bother with names like ‘Attract Wealth’ or ‘Have Fortune’? Finding a good husband for each of you is what matters!”

The girls all laughed. Shi Mei pondered, then nodded, gently pinching the cat's whiskers, “How about ‘Xu Xian’ (Promise to the Worthy)? Does that sound good?”

“Xu Xian?” Hongye remarked, “That would be a joke if spoken aloud. It’s a person’s name, not suitable for a cat.”

Seeing the cat still wagging its tail at her, Shi Mei nodded, “Well, are you happy with the name, or would you prefer something else?” She pinched the cat's soft paw pads, “May you bless all the girls here with worthy husbands!”

The cat’s sweet meow seemed to hearten everyone, as if this playful naming might just come true one day.

As they were laughing and joking, Zhong Bo entered and bowed to Chen Shimei, "Miss, a painter is asking to see you outside."

"A painter?" Chen Shimei was surprised. "What does a painter want?"

"Oh, this painter is the best in the imperial city, a master of fine arts. He's skilled in painting everything from people to landscapes, birds, and insects. The Empress Dowager sent him. She said if you ladies want any decorations inside or outside your rooms, or even carvings on the courtyard walls, just let him know. He can also make plaques."

"Great!" Chen Shimei clapped her hands in excitement. "Let him in. I'll just change my clothes and come out!"

"Yes." Zhong Bo left to invite the painter in, while Chen Shimei hurried into her room to change, with Xiang'er following to help. "By the way, Miss Shimei, Bai She was here earlier."

At the mention of Bai She, Chen Shimei's eyelids twitched, annoyed at the thought of him seeing her in a less than perfect state. "What did he come for?"

"He said he found some clues and wanted to know when you're free to discuss them. Oh, and Bai She doesn't seem so dull; he brought you something," Xiang'er said, smiling.

"What is it?" Chen Shimei asked, puzzled.

Xiang'er ran out and soon returned with a potted flower, placing it on Chen Shimei's windowsill.

"What kind of flower is this?" Chen Shimei asked, admiring its beauty.

"It's called 'Tianzhu Orchid'!" Xiang'er replied. "Bai She said it's the only one in all of Central Plains, brought from his trip to Tianzhu."

"Really?" Chen Shimei leaned closer to examine the orchid. The tall, blood-red leaves and two side-by-side blue blossoms were mesmerizing. But as she bent down, the flowers appeared purple.

"I've never seen such a flower before," Chen Shimei marveled.

"Even Zhong Bo was amazed when he saw it," whispered Xiang'er. "He said it's a rare flower, not even found in the imperial palace."

"Is that so?" Chen Shimei was genuinely surprised. "Such a precious thing, and Bai She gave it to me?"

Xiang'er shook her head, "Bai She said that in three days, this flower will sprout. Once it does, we just need to cut the sprout, plant it separately, and within a month, a new flower will grow. Then, we can keep the new one and return the original to him. He's been nurturing it for a long time."

"Oh," nodded Chen Shimei, hearing Xiang'er ask, "Should we keep it, or return it to him?"

"Don't return it to him," Chen Shimei waved her hand dismissively. "The flower is quite lovely. Why not keep it if it's free?"

"Exactly!" agreed Xiang'er. "Why not, if it's free!"

"By the way," Chen Shimei inquired, "Is this flower difficult to grow? I don’t want to kill it accidentally. It would be troublesome if he asked me to compensate."

Xiang'er shook her head. "Bai She mentioned just to let it bask in the sun and water it three times a day."

"Oh... I see," nodded Chen Shimei. "Alright then."

While they were talking, Zhong Bo reported from outside the courtyard that the visitor had arrived.

Chen Shimei quickly changed her clothes and sat down at the table.

Soon, a refined, scholarly young man in a green robe entered.

Chen Shimei observed him, noting that the scholar, in his twenties, appeared cultured and lean. Unlike Bai She, who was handsome and imposing, this man had a gentle, jade-like demeanor.

"Your servant greets the Princess," he said.

Hearing him refer to himself as a servant, Chen Shimei deduced he must be a high-ranking imperial painter. She responded, "Please, no formalities. I was raised among commoners and prefer to keep things simple."

The painter, Xu Xian, nodded and stood up.

"Please have a seat, sir. May I know your name?" Chen Shimei invited him to sit on a stone stool, while both Red Leaf and Zan Yu observed him. Red Leaf wasn't particularly interested in frail scholars, and Zan Yu found him attractive but too thin, giving off a somewhat sickly vibe.

"I am Xu Xian," the scholar responded.

Red Leaf, caught off guard, spurted out a mouthful of tea and coughed while wiping her mouth with her sleeve. Seeing Xu Xian looking puzzled, she quickly waved her hand, "No... ha ha."

The surrounding maids couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Chen Shimei, with the cat that had jumped into her arms upon sitting down, bit her lip to suppress her laughter.

Zan Yu was laughing so hard that she was clutching her stomach.

Xu Xian, bewildered by the bevy of beauties laughing at his name, was at a loss for words. After the laughter finally subsided, he asked, "Is there something amusing about my name?"

Chen Shimei quickly shook her head, "Oh, it's not that..."

She had initially thought of mentioning that they almost named the cat Xu Xian, but then thought better of it, not wanting to turn it into a joke. It seemed as if all the maids were eager to marry.

Chen Shimei simply smiled without saying more, adding, "We were laughing at something else, not at you, sir."

Xu Xian nodded, not pressing further.

"I've heard that sir is skilled in painting and calligraphy," Chen Shimei asked. "Could I trouble you to help with something?"

Xu Xian nodded, "Please, Princess, instruct me."

"I'd like a unique plaque for my fragrance shop, and also, for the store facing the street, I plan to sell perfumes. Could you help me design something to carve at the entrance to attract customers to buy perfumes?"

After a moment of thought, Xu Xian agreed, "Certainly, Princess. Allow me some time to draw up plans and discuss them with you later."

"That sounds good," Chen Shimei agreed, then looked at Red Leaf and Zan Yu, as if asking if they had any requests.

Hongye looked thoughtful, being more skilled in martial arts than in matters of art. She shook her head. Zan Yu turned to Xu Xian, “Hey, Mr. Xu, what do you think about carving a variety of flowers on these empty courtyard walls?”

"Certainly," Xu Xian nodded, addressing Zan Yu, "There are designs for wall carvings of a hundred flowers which I will bring for you to choose from, along with other designs for floral columns and wood carvings."

"That's great!" Chen Shimei and the others expressed their joy.

After sitting for a while longer, Xu Xian stood up to leave and caught a glimpse of the Tianzhu Orchid on Chen Shimei's windowsill, pausing slightly.

Chen Shimei, noticing his reaction, smiled and asked, "Does sir recognize this flower?"

"Uh..." Xu Xian nodded, inquiring, "Did Bai She send this?"

Xiang Yi responded, "Yes, Bai She just brought it over for our mistress to grow saplings."

Chen Shimei quickly pinched Xiang Yi for speaking out of turn.

"Oh..." Xu Xian nodded, asking, "Did he tell you how to care for it? This flower is quite delicate."

Chen Shimei affirmed, "Yes, it needs sunlight and watering three times a day, right?"

Xu Xian looked surprised and then smiled slightly, nodding, "Then I shall take my leave."

"Xiang Yi, see Mr. Xu out," Chen Shimei instructed, and Xiang Yi hurriedly accompanied Xu Xian out with Zhong Bo.

Once Xu Xian had left, Chen Shimei suggested, "We should probably change the cat's name to avoid any embarrassment."

"Actually, 'Xu Xian' as a formal name isn't bad," Zan Yu commented, "How about we pick a nickname too?"

"A nickname..."

Chen Shimei thought for a moment and then nodded in agreement, "Yes, what should we call it?"

"Let's name it Xiaofuzi," suggested Zhong Bo, returning to the group. "The 'Fu' character aptly matches with 'Fuzi', symbolizing great fortune and luck."

"Xiaofuzi..." Chen Shimei found the name quite fitting. Zhong Bo continued, "This cat, to make it easier to raise, has been neutered."

The girls' eyes widened in curiosity, turning the cat over to inspect its underside.

"Good heavens, what are you girls doing?" Liu Mama couldn't stand to watch the scene, and Xiaofuzi, feeling uncomfortable with all the attention, scampered into Chen Shimei's arms, looking plaintively at everyone.

And so, Xiaofuzi's name was firmly established. The cat became especially attached to Chen Shimei, often snuggling up to her and even sleeping curled up against her at night.

With some spare time on her hands, Chen Shimei began organizing her fragrant studio, sorting through numerous books and notes, carefully transcribing and studying them.

She also didn't forget to tend to the Tianzhu Orchid, eagerly awaiting the sprouting of the new shoot. However, days passed without any sign of a new shoot, and Bai She, who was supposed to visit with some information, didn't show up either.

Three days swiftly passed by.

One afternoon, while sorting through books in the fragrant studio, Chen Shimei found several volumes related to flowers.

Since flowers are a key ingredient in perfumery, each with its unique scent and properties, she sat down and began to read through the books. Suddenly, she recognized the Tianzhu Orchid on one of the pages.

Chen Shimei read the description attentively.

The book described the Tianzhu Orchid as exceedingly rare and precious. Continuing to read, she noticed a crucial line: "The orchid thrives in shade and dry conditions, requiring only occasional watering. Excess moisture leads to root rot and death within three days."

"Ah!" she exclaimed in realization.

Xiang Yi, who was assisting Chen Shimei with repairing some torn notes, jumped in alarm at her sudden outburst, asking, "What's wrong?"

Chen Shimei, realizing her mistake with the orchid's care, dashed outside, exclaiming, "Oh no, I've been tricked!"

Xiang Yi, puzzled, hurriedly followed her out.

Upon returning to her room, Chen Shimei saw the Tianzhu Orchid wilting in its pot, completely withered.

"Oh no!" Xiang Yi noticed too, "How did it die? Didn't we give it sunlight and water?"

"That's exactly why it died!" Chen Shimei was infuriated, "We've been duped!"

"Duped by what?" Xiang Yi was confused.

As they were speaking, a young maid entered, announcing, "Miss, Master Bai is here!"

Chen Shimei's eyelids twitched in annoyance. She grabbed the flower pot and handed it to Xiang Yi, instructing, "Take this!"

"Why?" Xiang Yi was bewildered.

"To dispose of the evidence!" Chen Shimei said, "And close the door, don't let him in!"

"But..." Xiang Yi hesitated, holding the pot uncertainly, only to hear a cool voice from outside, "Too late."

Chen Shimei and Xiang Yi, startled, turned around to see Bai She, who had quietly arrived in the courtyard. He leaned against the doorway, peering through the window at Chen Shimei inside, and naturally, at the orchid in Xiang Yi's hands.

Chen Shimei noticed a faint, almost imperceptible smirk on Bai She's usually expressionless face, his handsome brows slightly raised.

Pretending! His previous innocence was definitely an act!

Once again, Chen Shimei regretted her poor judgment of character, realizing that Bai She was cold and indifferent to strangers, but harbored cunning schemes once acquainted.

Bai She observed Chen Shimei for a moment before parting his lips to utter a few words, "Killed it, have you?"

"Your instructions," Chen Shimei responded coolly.

Bai She remained calm, "Evidence?"

"Xiang Yi!" Chen Shimei looked at Xiang Yi.

Xiang Yi nodded, "Right! I can be the witness."

Bai She told Chen Shimei, "She's your maid, her word doesn’t count."

Chen Shimei gritted her teeth, realizing she was caught in a bind, and said, "I'll compensate you."

Bai She appeared surprised, "Compensate?"

"I mean, I'll compensate you for the flower!" Chen Shimei's face reddened.

Bai She nonchalantly nodded, "That flower is extinct."

"Then, I'll pay you money," Chen Shimei persisted, still gritting her teeth.

Bai She slightly raised his lips, "I have enough money."

Chen Shimei, frustrated, demanded, "Then what do you want?!"

Bai She pondered for a moment and replied, "Come with me tomorrow morning. I need your help with something related to perfume." He then turned to leave, but not before reminding her over his shoulder, "Wake up early."

Chen Shimei was so angry she was lost for words. At that moment, Xiao Fuzi hopped in from the courtyard, jumped onto the flower stand by the door, and meowed at Bai She.

Bai She noticed the cat, smiled faintly, gave it a gentle stroke, then left the house, leaving Chen Shimei with what seemed like a smiling figure…

"Meizi Sister..."

Hearing Xiang Yi calling her, Chen Shimei turned around, fuming, only to see Xiang Yi's awkwardly amused expression, "He really doesn't seem that clueless, huh?"

Chen Shimei sighed deeply and pulled out the orchid, lamenting, "What a waste. If he needed help, he could have just asked instead of going through all these theatrics."

However, upon pulling it, she realized that the flower had no roots.

"Oh no!" Xiang Yi exclaimed, "Meizi Sister, we've been tricked!"

Chen Shimei looked at her wearily, "Only now you realize we've been deceived?" She thought about it and remembered that the Tianzhu orchids in the book were a large bunch growing together, not a single stem like this. "Bai She is too cunning."

"Huh?" Xiang Yi suddenly noticed, "There's something underneath!"

"What is it?" Chen Shimei leaned in to see. Xiang Yi placed the pot on the table and dug through the soil, revealing a sandalwood box.

Chen Shimei took the box unearthed by Xiang Yi, "What's this?"

As she opened the box, she found an ancient silver incense burner inside. The burner was exquisite, with a phoenix on the lid and dragons around the body. Its slightly tarnished silver had an antique charm, clearly a relic from ancient times.

"Meizi Sister?" Xiang Yi looked at Chen Shimei.

Chen Shimei, holding the palm-sized incense burner, examined it for a while and then rushed to the perfume workshop. She pulled out a book, pointed at a picture, and exclaimed with surprise and joy, "Xiang Yi! This is a treasure, a Han Dynasty silver-gilt dragon and phoenix incense burner!"

"Really?" Xiang Yi was also thrilled and then asked thoughtfully, "So, Meizi Sister, we didn't actually lose out this time, did we?"

Chen Shimei paused for a moment, placed the incense burner on the table, and lazily stroked the small cat that had jumped onto the table, "Hmm, not bad, I suppose... Hmph."