Chapter 4

By the time they finished checking the shop, it was already midday. Lan Li had originally planned to take Lillian and Xing’er to the Xiwei Pavilion for lunch first, then stroll through the bustling street market near the capital’s bookstores.

But upon hearing they were going to buy paintings and books, the two girls immediately forgot about eating and clamored to visit the bookshop first.

“I just heard from the neighbors that Chang Hengsheng has released a new script! I’ve been waiting so long—I have to grab it now before it’s all gone!” Lillian fussed anxiously.

“Mistress, mistress! I want one too! I want the new Huihui illustrations!” Xing’er tugged on her sleeve, begging persistently.

Whether to go to Xiwei Pavilion first or to the bookstore took roughly the same amount of time. Lan Li, worn out by their insistence, finally nodded in agreement. Dizzy and overwhelmed, she was dragged along as the two girls hurried toward the bookstore.

Arriving at Ink Street, where bookstores and calligraphy shops gathered, Lillian dashed ahead, barreling into Ruyuzhai—the capital’s largest and most comprehensive shop for script books.

Lan Li and Xing’er hurried after her under their umbrella, just reaching the entrance when Lillian suddenly rushed back out, followed by a chorus of sighs and groans from the other women inside.

Holding up a brand-new slender volume high in the air, her face flushed with excitement, she exclaimed, “The last copy for today! Ha ha!”

Her legs almost carried her off the ground as she danced about, nearly tripping on the doorstep. Lan Li quickly caught her in a half-embrace. At that moment, Xing’er darted inside again, chirping excitedly about the Huihui illustrations.

Lan Li couldn’t help but laugh and sigh. She settled the script-entranced Lillian onto a rattan bench at the study’s entrance meant for guests and stepped inside Ruyuzhai.

The first floor was bustling. Scanning the room, she spotted Xing’er engrossed in selecting books by the story and illustration shelves and hurried over.

Only when she was right beside her did the little girl glance up, startled. “Mistress! How come you’re so quiet?”

“Is it me being quiet, or you just not hearing me?” Lan Li pinched her cheek gently. “I’ll go upstairs to look around. When you’re ready, call me up, okay?”

Still holding a book in each hand, Xing’er nodded without looking away. “Okay, okay.”

Lan Li glanced around. This area mostly attracted children or women with their kids, and the second floor overlooked the entrance as well. Relieved, she headed upstairs.

The second floor of Ruyuzhai was arranged with more care than the noisy first-floor hall. It showcased various scrolls, illustrated albums, and fine calligraphy collected periodically by the study.

In the capital, established embroidery shops and renowned seamstresses often hired specialists to design patterns, or sometimes the artisans themselves would meticulously sketch the designs.

When Lan Li was young, she learned double-sided embroidery from her mother by stitching directly onto pre-drawn fabric. It was only after marrying Xu Yu that she began drawing patterns herself.

Though the Xu family was a lineage of military generals, they were noble and refined, far removed from the rough beginnings of their ancestors. Xu Yu’s maternal family hailed from a line of civil officials. Xu Yu joined the army in his youth—not famed throughout the capital, but more than capable of instructing Lan Li.

After Xu Yu’s passing, Lan Li never abandoned her craft. It was her means of livelihood and could not be forsaken.

Today, she carefully selected books. Initially, she had only planned to buy ordinary albums of flowers, herbs, and scenic views. Unexpectedly, she had just received a major commission from the Prince of Jin’s residence.

If this deal went through, the silver earned would be substantial. More importantly, their embroidery shop’s reputation would soar by supplying the prince’s household.

Cheng, the third elder, said other specialty shops on the street had also received word from the prince’s residence, all required to submit painted designs first for approval.

The prince’s household had seen every fine thing imaginable. Though double-sided embroidery was rare in the market, it was not unheard of. Only exceptional masterpieces would be accepted.

Thus, Lan Li resolved not to use her usual patterns this time.

Turning another bookshelf, she found the third row filled with exquisite albums on Buddhism, Taoism, and mythological tales.

She carefully flipped through them. These illustrations stood out both in artistry and color.

Of course, converting them into embroidery patterns would be extraordinarily difficult.

After some thought, she chose an album of mythical legends and planned to visit other shops later.

Just as she finished selecting the book, familiar footsteps approached rapidly from behind.

“Mistress! I’m done choosing!” Xing’er called out happily.

Lan Li emerged from behind the shelf, took her to pay, and returned to the entrance. Lillian, who had nearly finished the script book, reluctantly closed it upon seeing them.

After buying two more albums at other shops, it was already past noon. The three hurried to Xiwei Pavilion, which was bustling with diners. The main hall was packed, so they went upstairs and chose a table overlooking the street market below.

Having ordered their meal, while waiting for the dishes, Lillian and Xing’er bent their heads over their books and pictures. Lan Li leisurely flipped through the album she had just purchased.

Below, the market bustled with vibrant trade and lively crowds. As the sun shifted, golden light poured over her hands, accompanied by a cool breeze.

Lan Li looked up, momentarily blinded by the dazzling sunlight, and closed her eyes.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted downstairs. The clatter of armor and synchronized footsteps filled the air. Soldiers carrying weapons beat drums and cleared a path through the crowded street.

“The prince’s procession is here—clear the way!”

From the other side, several powerful horses thundered forward, hooves like rolling thunder, their speed flashing like lightning. The lead horse was sleek and muscular, its glossy black coat interrupted only by a crescent-shaped white swirl on its forehead—a mark of a champion.

Atop the horse sat a man in a red robe with golden belt, his long brows sharp and eyes deep black. Tall even among northern warriors, his imposing presence hinted at fierce strength beneath. Yet his face was not stern or harsh like a general’s, but jade-like and handsome, his expression icy cold and unwavering.

Soldiers on either side held high banners embroidered with the single golden character “Jin.”

Lan Li rose and stepped to the railing just as the line of horses galloped past Xiwei Pavilion. Her gaze followed them to the right, catching only the tall figure’s broad back, steady as a pine, riding swiftly with one hand on the reins.

The loud disturbance below drew Lillian and Xing’er, who put down their books and ran over, leaning over to peer.

“What’s happening down there?” Xing’er asked curiously.

Lillian replied, “There was a loud drum and gong, and I heard them say ‘the prince has arrived.’ Who could it be?”

Lan Li pointed down, watching the soldiers swiftly regroup behind their master, the golden embroidery on the royal banner gleaming brightly in the sun.

“That’s the Prince of Jin,” she murmured, momentarily stunned.

They had just received a commission from the Prince of Jin’s residence today, and now, having come out to eat, they happened to see the prince’s procession pass through the city. Truly, they had struck an unexpected stroke of luck.

Lillian and Xing’er’s eyes widened simultaneously.

“The Prince of Jin?! Really?” Lillian exclaimed.

“Is it really the prince?” Xing’er was excited. “I’ve never seen a living prince before!”

“Mistress, what does the Prince of Jin look like? Is he very dignified or fierce?”

Lan Li shook her head. “I only saw his back, didn’t get a look at his face.”

The two girls sighed in disappointment.

“He must be very imposing,” Lan Li said, resting her chin on her hand with a smile. “He looked very tall just now.”

“Really? Taller than those city patrol officers?”

“Yeah, like he could reach out and touch our doorway.”