Secret Rendezvous

The next day, the Lady said she wanted to go offer incense, but she didn’t want anyone to know. So she took only a few of her closest maids and went alone. Ning Qian, upon waking early, was informed that a letter had arrived for her.

“Someone wrote to me? Nianyu, are you sure? How could that be?”

“It’s true, Madam! When we came in, we saw a small wooden box at the door. It had your name on it, saying it was for you to open personally,” Shuni hurried to explain.

Ning Qian turned her gaze to the small box on the table before her. It was an ordinary red lacquered box with simple carvings, nothing remarkable at first glance. A slip of paper was pasted on top, bearing the words: ‘To be opened personally by Ning Qian.’

Though it looked perfectly ordinary, Ning Qian hesitated to open it. Who knew if someone had sent it to frame her, or worse, to do her harm? In ancient dramas and novels, didn’t these sorts of things happen all the time? Open a box, and out flies a poisoned needle or something equally sinister.

Nianyu and Shuni stood nearby, watching Ning Qian for what felt like ages, but she showed no sign of wanting to open the box. Shuni couldn’t hold back and blurted out, “Madam, aren’t you going to open it and see?”

“Why should I open it?”

“Huh? Madam, aren’t you even a little curious? What if there’s treasure inside?”

Ning Qian shot her a look. “I think you’re the one who wants to see what’s in it. We don’t even know who sent this, or what’s inside. What if it’s something dangerous? I could fall right into a trap.”

Shuni, flustered, grabbed the box and tossed it aside without thinking. “Madam, are you alright?”

“Shuni, what are you doing?” Ning Qian stood up in surprise.

“If it’s dangerous, we should just get rid of it! You’re right, Madam—if it’s a trap, we can’t take that risk.”

“And what if there really is danger? The way you handled it, wouldn’t you be the first to fall victim?” Ning Qian gave her a look, then calmly picked up a cloth and wrapped the box in it, placing it back on the table. The warnings she’d voiced were more her own anxieties than anything else. On reflection, she had never offended anyone in the Yu household—who would want to harm her?

Still, it was best to be cautious. She took a stick from the side and slowly pried the box open. She waited a moment—seeing nothing happen, she relaxed and peered inside. Only a single sheet of paper lay within. Still wary, she wrapped her hand in the cloth and removed the paper.

Nianyu and Shuni crowded close. There wasn’t much written on the paper—just two lines. It read: “At the hour of Si, meet at the Guanyin Temple outside the city.” Below was the Lady’s name.

Ning Qian was astonished. “Why would the Lady want to meet me?” More puzzling still, why arrange the meeting in such secrecy?

“Madam, is this really her handwriting? Maybe someone is pretending to be her?”

“I don’t think anyone in the Yu household would dare such a thing. Shuni, make preparations—we’ll leave for the Guanyin Temple at once.”

Nianyu hesitated. “Madam, ever since the Lady arrived, the Old Madam has kept a close watch on all the courtyards. Is it really proper for us to leave now?”

“It’s fine, as long as no one finds out. As long as the Lady hasn’t returned, the Old Madam won’t come looking for me. Still, Shuni, you should stay behind just in case. If necessary, cover for us.”

With all arrangements made, Nianyu said no more and set about gathering what Ning Qian would need. To leave unnoticed, Ning Qian disguised herself as a maid and slipped out the side gate with Shuni. The gatekeeper had already received favors from Nianyu, so at the sight of Shuni, he let them out without a fuss.

Secret outings were not uncommon among the servants; the gatekeeper was happy to accept a bribe, so both sides benefited—why not?

Once outside the Yu estate, the two hired a carriage and headed straight for the Guanyin Temple. They arrived just as the appointed time drew near. Alighting, Ning Qian gazed at the temple and took a deep breath. She knew that if the Lady had summoned her here, there must be something important to reveal.

“Qianqian, I wonder what the Lady wants with you. Be careful when you speak; I always feel there’s something strange in the way she looks at you.”

“Strange? Hmm, I know. I’ll be cautious.”

They strolled toward the entrance. As they reached the gate, a woman dressed as a maid appeared before them. “Third Madam, the Lady is waiting for you inside.”

“Thank you. Please lead the way.”

The maid nodded, bowed, and led them through the main hall and out a side door. They passed through a small bamboo grove and stopped before a quiet side room.

“Third Madam, the Lady is waiting inside. Please wait here for a moment while I announce you.” At the door, the maid asked her to wait before slipping inside.

Moments later, the maid returned and ushered them in. Inside was a simple meditation room; the Lady sat facing the door. When she saw Ning Qian, she smiled, “Qianqian, you’re here?”

Ning Qian hesitated for a moment, then hurried to kneel in greeting, but the Lady stopped her. “Enough, there’s no one else here. No need for such formality. Come, sit by me.”

After a brief pause, Ning Qian stepped to her side. “Lady, I wonder, for what reason did you wish to see me today?”

“Don’t be so nervous. I just wanted to chat with you. Here, taste this tea. It’s not a famous blend, but the flavor is exquisite—made from bamboo leaves, fresh and fragrant. Try it.”

With no way to refuse, Ning Qian lifted the cup and took a sip. Her eyes curved in delight. “How fragrant!”

“You’re right, it’s excellent tea. Every time I come to Huizhou, I make sure to stop here and have a few cups.”

“This is my first time tasting bamboo leaf tea. I never imagined it could be so delicious.”

“Qianqian, you have such a lovely smile. No wonder Ziqi looks at you differently.” As soon as she spoke, the Lady realized her words might not have been entirely appropriate, as if suggesting Yu Ziqi cared only for beauty.

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