The air in April remained warm.

    Finally, the birthday celebration of the elderly Furen arrived. Yun Si selected her attire with care, a light purple gown paired with a pristine white shawl, striking a balance between approachability and modest elegance, splendid yet not overdone.

    As the chief wife, she stood welcoming the arriving guests while waiting for her husband and the elderly Furen, a challenging task amidst managing the feast and overseeing the servants, while greeting attendees intermittently. Her efforts left her nearly fragmented from fatigue, yet her husband was nowhere in sight.

    Yun Si knew he had not arrived yet, for his path to the banquet would lead him past the new concubine's quarter, where she glimpsed intertwining shadows. The newcomer, Concubine Jiao, was famed for her captivating grace, and it wouldn't surprise anyone if Master Lan spent a moment longer with his enchanting concubine.

    While he reveled with his favored concubine, Yun Si bore the brunt of the toil alone, maintaining her polite smile naturally amidst the strain.

    Indeed, being the chief wife entailed overwhelming responsibilities: overseeing household affairs, serving her husband and his mother and facilitating numerous wives and concubines of her husband, especially during such events.

    She couldn't help but feel the disparity between her efforts and the recognition she received.

    Eventually, the elderly Furen arrived, supported by her son, her aged face brightening with smiles as she greeted old friends and distant relatives, then settled into engaging conversations.

    Despite the Lan family's prominence in the capital, the late patriarch only has Lan Qing as the sole heir. Furthermore, Lan Qing himself had no children. It was no surprise that the wives, both primary and secondary, would compete fiercely with one another. Yun Si sighed at the thought, realizing that she, too, was his main wife.

    During the event, the elderly Furen calmly accepted gifts and well-wishes. When the appropriate time came, Yun Si inquired her mother-in-law.

    ” Mother, the event is about to commence. Should I summon the concubines for their blessings before the banquet proceeded?”

    As it was customary for other wives in lower status, due to the excessive number of her husband’s concubines, only a few were given special permission. Thus, they were arranged to come and pay their respects before returning to their own quarters.

    The concubines and other wives presented their gifts in turn, leading up to Yun Si the chief wife along with the four secondary Furens. Concubine Jiao, allowed to stay due to her innocence and charm, performed her part well.

    When it was Concubine Jiao’s turn to present her gift, she gracefully turned towards her with a subtle exclamation of surprise, then modestly lowered her gaze, slightly embarrassed by her own breach of etiquette. Everyone at the event, including Lan Qing, watched her blushing demeanor with fondness. Then, they all turned their attention to Yun Si, eager with curiosity.

    With a small smile, Yun Si received an intricately carved wooden box from a maid, stepped forward, and handed it to the elderly Furen amidst the intrigued gazes of the attendees.

    A gift that could surprise a young lady must be a remarkable one, prompting speculation about its contents.

    Yun Si maintained her smile as the elderly Furen opened the present. The sweet and lovely demeanor of Lady Jiao had matched the beauty of the moment perfectly, not surprising if her husband found the other woman pleasing.

    Yet, the sweetness seemed more laced with a venomous undertone, given how the display was deliberately made to draw attention to the gift, indicating Lady Jiao knew well about the earlier altercation that damaged the original gift.

    Yun Si surmised that Concubine Jiao had anticipated that, given such limited time, she would not manage to find an exquisite replacement, thus trying to garner interest with her earlier act. As the chief wife, presenting a gift deemed unworthy would alter people's perceptions and diminish respect, even causing the elderly Furen embarrassment in front of her distinguished guests.

    Despite her youth, only 15-year-old, Lady Jiao's calculated actions did not escape Yun Si’s notice, who responded with a practiced, sweet smile as the young woman returned the gesture.

    Yun Si always respected mastermind, especially those who thought strategically!

    The crowd observed the Bodhisattva sculpture with astonishment – was this truly a gift from the chief wife of the Lan family? Although the gift was made of centuries-old Sandalwood, suggesting some value,

    however, saying it was priceless would be an exaggeration. Even though it was rare, it wasn't impossible to find. Many people glanced over and whispered among themselves, making the Elder Madam slightly uncomfortable. She knew about the incident where the two concubines had damaged the main wife's gift. However, discussing it here would be too embarrassing, so she had to feign silence to maintain the family's dignity, allowing people to blame Yun Si instead.

    Yun Si continued to smile as usual. She was well aware that her mother-in-law intended to use her as a tool to preserve the family's reputation. After all, if it meant people criticizing an apparently thoughtless daughter-in-law, it was less shameful than letting others know that the family couldn't even control two concubines to the extent that they could destroy the matriarch's birthday gift.

    Yun Si did not resent her mother-in-law. No matter how much the Elder Furen favored her, if it came down to choosing between her, her son, and the family's reputation, it was understandable that her mother-in-law would choose the latter.

    With a slight glance of her indigo eyes toward her husband's tall figure, Yun Si harbored no expectation that he would intervene. She merely wondered how he would react or express himself in this situation,

    given that he had strategically used her as a diversion to keep the other wives from targeting the young and vulnerable new concubine.

    All she observed was his constant warm smile, even if just for a fleeting moment, Yun Si discerned where his gaze truly rested. Seeing the flushed, demure face of Lady Jiao, Yun Si felt certain he had no intention of coming to protect her.

    Educated since young age, Yun Si was well-versed in literatures and poetries, knowing the attributes of a virtuous man. Society often hailed courageous and honest men as 'heroes,' yet she could only describe her husband with one term: 'scoundrel.'

    In an awkward moment, the elderly, lean man stepped forward. His face bright with excitement, everyone recognized him as Qing Shiping, the venerable owner of Fu Ting, the oldest jewelry store in the capital, whose eye for gems was praised even by the Empress herself.

    Master Qing, unfazed by the crowd's admiration, approached the elderly Furen eagerly, his eyes sparkling as if he'd spotted a mountain of treasures.

    "Oh... Elderly Furen, please forgive this old man's trespass, but may I take a closer look at the gift your esteemed daughter-in-law has offered?"

     Astonishing uproars rose gently. Everyone knew Master Qing’s reputation and wanted him to assess their properties. But now, his interest was piqued by a mere the Sandalwood  carving of the Bodhisattva. Their surprise was palpable.

    Ignoring their gazes, Master Qing grasped the sculpture, examining it with excitement. After a long moment, his face beamed with exhilaration. He turned to the elderly Furen with the cheering tone in his voice as opposed to his age,

    "Congratulations, elderly Furen. Your daughter-in-law is truly filial to find such a unique piece in the world to present to you."

    The crowd buzzed anew. Such a unique piece?  Had Master Qing gone senile, they wondered, to make such an exaggerated claim.

    "Master Qing must be jesting. Even though this ancient Sandalwood is rare, it can't be the only one in existence, can it?"

    That was the Fifth Furen Ling Xi, another wife, not particularly fond of Yun Si. Seeing an opportunity to undermine her rival, she wouldn't miss it.

    The audience nodded in agreement, assuming Master Qing was merely saving face for the elderly Furen. But he was Master Qing, all his life had been one of discerning true values behind masks. He can see through Furen Ling Xi 's tactics. Raising the carving, Master Qing elucidated,

    "This isn't ordinary Sandalwood. Observing the grain and the core rings, it's at least five hundred years old, and the carving's uniqueness suggests the hand of Master Craftsman Mo Xuan."

    Who was Mo Xuan? The elite knew well—a legendary artisan whose works were collectors' dreams. With a few pieces under his name, each was unparalleled, hence the 'unique in the world' accolade. Upon this explanation, the room's perception toward the sculture shifted.

    Jesting or not, a piece by Mo Quan? Even the Emperor would covet such a treasure. Eyes now turned enviously toward the elderly Furen.

    "How did Master Qing know this was Mo Quan 's work? Even the chief wife herself was unaware."

    Ling Xi, persistent, believed Master Qing aimed to maintain the elderly Furen’s dignity. After all, Yun Si was merely a sole daughter of The Minister of Treasury Yun; even her aunt, the Third Furen of her father, said she wasn't favored by her father so, she was definitely unable to seek such a priceless gift for the elderly Furen.

    "Please frankly say, the Great Furen Lan, were you unaware this was the Mo Quan masterpiece?" Master Qing turned to Yun Si, eyes narrowing in scrutiny. He knew something was amiss; it was improbable she didn't know.

    Yun Si’s smile widened slightly as she respectfully bowed, her voice melodious,

     "This item was an heirloom passed down to me. The elderly Furen has always treated me kindly, yet this cannot fully express my gratitude."

    She need not answer; she was aware of its origin. Her silence was just to savor the unfolding drama, an acceptable cost for the amusement provided. Master Qing's respect grew, recalling the Lan family's earlier behavior toward her.

    It was a shame—a competent woman like her surrounded by such people.

    "In my career, I've studied Mo Xuan 's works extensively," Master Qing continued, pointing to a mark inside the statue's base, "Every time he completed a masterpiece, 'Xuan' was always inscribed in every pieces. If anyone doubts... Master Qing Shuiping's assessment, come verify for yourselves."

    Certainly, no one dared to step forward and embarrass themselves. Even Lingxi had to bite her lip in reluctance. The elderly Furen looked at the people at the event and felt very pleased with this outcome. She placed her hand on Yun Si's hand and spoke softly.

     "My dear, I’ve troubled you a lot."

    Yun Si did not dwell on her husband's or his mother's attitudes; she just offered her usual thin smile, showing no sign of distress. Why should she care about them or feel hurt? What she had done was merely her duty; she was all just playing her parts in a staged situation.

    As the evening banquet concluded under a bright moonlit sky of the fourth month, Yun Si, fresh from her bath, relaxed on her bed, lost in thought. When she heard her maid's knock, she responded with her typical calm voice,

    "Come in."

    "Furen..." Xiao Ying bit her lip, showing a rare hesitation.

    "You didn't convey my message to my husband, did you?" Yun Si inquired, knowing she had sent her to inform her husband that she was unwell. and he should not stay the night,

    especially after the successful event that brought a constant smile to the elderly Furen's face. Lan Qing had planned to reward her with his presence in her quarters, but Yun Si had avoided with her excuse of fatigue.

     Is he joking around? She was already exhausted and sore; having him there would only please him, not her. Why should she exhaust herself further?

    "It's just that I was on my way out when sister Xiang… she…"

    Xiao Xiang, another maid who had followed Yun Si from her father’s manor, had lately been dressing finely and acting peculiarly, as if harboring a secret. Being dismissed by Xiao Xiang and volunteering herself instead, Xiao Ying can sense the senior maid's intention.

    Xiao Ying might be sharp, but Yun Si was sharper. She instantly understood the situation, waving off her trusted servant indifferently,

    "Never mind, it doesn't matter who goes." Content with not being bothered, she added, "You and Xiao Yuan should rest too. It's been a tiring day."

    After Xiao Ying departed and the door closed, Yun Si rose to stand by the window. The dim garden lights allowed her to discern familiar figures embracing tightly before disappearing from view.

    It was Xiao Xiang, the maid she had brought from her old manor, and Lan Qing, her husband.

    Her indigo eyes once again turned to the moon, her lips curling into a bittersweet smile.

    ‘Yearning for a love that’s steadfast and true, like waterfowl that mate for life, aging together too.’

    She wondered if the owner of this line on the perfume sachet could sleep tonight, knowing those mandarin ducks weren't returning to the same nest.

    On this warm spring night, may she find peace in her dreams...