10. Closing In

Bestowed by His Majesty himself, the dancing girl was not merely a representative of her own grace but a trophy of victory. Yin Zijian could not refuse such an honor and bowed respectfully to express his gratitude.

Thus, he returned with a breathtaking beauty in tow.

When the news spread throughout the capital, the scions of noble families could not help but envy. His Majesty had received a beauty yet chose not to keep her for himself, instead awarding her to Yin Zijian—a favor so rare that even several princes had not been privileged thus!

Apart from the imperial favor, such fortune was not granted to just anyone. If others dared to consort with dancing girls or entertainers, they would surely be reprimanded harshly by their elders.

Tong Youyu was unsurprised upon hearing this. In a world where men held dominance, polygamy was accepted; men could freely take multiple wives and concubines, with entertainers and maidservants alike at their disposal. Yin Zijian had simply indulged earlier than his peers.

As for herself, she thought, once she became someone’s wife, she would likely face similar challenges before long.

Suddenly, Tong Youyu felt no desire to seek a prestigious family. It would be better to find an uncle like hers instead—one whose youth had been unremarkable, who married the talented Miss Peng with great respect, and never took concubines.

In others’ eyes, her uncle was not particularly accomplished; after years in office, he remained a minor official. Yet to her aunt, he was undoubtedly a good husband.

Her father had served in Youzhou for many years and had become the prefect. According to her grandmother’s judgment, Tong Youyu could find an even better match.

After all, she was the daughter of a prefect.

But among the higher echelons of society, the grand estates—who did not have three or four wives?

Tong Youyu had never considered these things before, but now she was troubled. When she visited the Bamboo Hall to see the matriarch, a trace of her worry was immediately noticed.

Madam Shen had taken Dr. Lu’s medicine and was indeed improving, her complexion slightly rosier. When Shen Cheng accompanied her for a follow-up visit, the doctor even reduced her dosage.

The matriarch was soon to recover fully, her spirit restored, and she asked Tong Youyu what troubled her.

After hearing her out, she smiled: “A young lady’s worries come with age. It is because you are still young that you care so deeply.”

“You flatter me, Grandmother,” Tong Youyu replied with a small smile.

“Not flattery. We have all been through this. Which woman does not wish for harmony with her husband?” the matriarch said. “But remember, do not invest too much thought in men—they are all unreliable.”

The elders, having lived through it, placed more importance on family background and status. As for whether men were fickle-hearted...? Even if one chose a modest family, were they not just as unfaithful?

In this world, crows are all the same color; exceptions are few.

Therefore, it is better to choose the best lineage and become the mistress of the household, ruling over everything within.

This was the belief of nearly every elder. A young girl, inexperienced with the world, might not understand why they all seemed so materialistic, judging others solely by family and wealth.

Such thoughts, when framed kindly, were insights; less kindly, they were resigned compromises.

“They cannot change the outside world, only themselves. Otherwise, constantly worrying about a man’s whereabouts and chasing shadows is truly exhausting.”

So it was best not to care too much, preserving one’s peace of mind.

Tong Youyu had never heard her grandmother speak so frankly and was somewhat surprised.

Upon reflection, adults did indeed treat men’s flirtations as commonplace, brushing them off as trivial and harmless.

But beneath it all, the reality was quite different.

“Are you afraid, Yuyu?” the matriarch asked with a smile, drawing her close. “Ordinary people are like this, but if you find someone different, then that is another matter.”

“What kind of different?” Tong Youyu asked, puzzled.

The matriarch considered before answering, “Learning brings wisdom. If one is devoted to something meaningful, surely she would not place too much importance on a man’s charms.”

Though Tong Youyu did not fully grasp the meaning, her grandmother spoke with conviction. She believed there were still sincere and devoted men in the world, and with her keen eye, she would help choose carefully.

*******

In the afternoon, a messenger arrived at the gatehouse with an invitation delivered to Fenghe Garden.

Jin Kui examined it and found it was from Miss Yin’s household.

“Miss, look at this—quite unusual,” Jin Kui said, presenting the note. “I wonder what Miss Yin is up to now.”

The invitation was for Tong Youyu to visit the Yin residence for tea that very afternoon.

“Since she has sent an invitation, Lady Yin must know. Madam Yin is kind; I must go pay my respects,” Tong Youyu said.

Jin Kui nodded in agreement. “The general’s wife is truly unpretentious and very amiable.”

Since she was going, she had to dress well.

Tong Youyu changed into a lotus-pink skirt embroidered with branches and flowers, adorned with two hibiscus crystal flower hairpins. The soft, radiant color suited her gentle and delicate nature—more charming than a summer lotus bud.

Jin Kui admired her, “Miss has become more beautiful than years ago; if we returned to Youzhou, no one would recognize you.”

Tong Youyu touched her cheek and smiled, “Would Father not recognize me either?”

“Certainly not. Two years ago during the Lunar New Year, he visited. Last year, heavy snow in Youzhou kept him from traveling. He will surely come to the capital this year to reunite with you.”

Her mother had passed away early. Even if Tong Youyu had not lost her memory, she probably would not remember much.

Since then, her father had not remarried, attended only by a maidservant.

That maid was from the Shen family, brought as part of the dowry, made his concubine, and had served for many years. Two years ago, she accompanied him to the capital to visit the matriarch, who then requested she be elevated to the status of secondary wife.

Though the secondary wife was no longer young, there was no word of pregnancy. Judging by her father’s reaction—no doctor visits or urgency—he likely did not desire more children.

Tong Youyu had no siblings and did not concern herself with her father’s decisions.

After losing her memory, she was sent to the capital, and her impression of her father was faint compared to her close ties with the Shen family.

Today, visiting the general’s residence was a good opportunity to inquire about her mother.

She informed her aunt before setting out by carriage and arrived punctually at the general’s estate.

A housemaid awaited and led her with smiles to the flower hall.

Though the invitation bore the name of Yin Mingyan, the event was actually arranged by Madam Yin.

Upon arrival, Yin Mingyan linked arms with her, calling her “Sister Tong” repeatedly, inviting her to sit and enjoy tea and snacks.

The familiar sisterly tone made it clear they were close.

Madam Yin, pleased with the scene, sat beside Tong Youyu and said, “The kitchen saw the chrysanthemums blooming well and made two new treats for you to try.”

The tea was chrysanthemum, paired with lightly fried white chrysanthemums and exquisite chrysanthemum rolls—both clever and thoughtful, delectable with every bite.

“Madam is too kind. These are delicious,” Tong Youyu said. “Chrysanthemums dispel wind-heat; they’re both ornamental and edible, truly wonderful.”

“Please don’t call me Madam—it feels too formal,” Madam Yin said. “If your mother had not passed early and I had not followed my husband away, we wouldn’t have been apart so many years. You should call me Aunt.”

Knowing proper etiquette, Tong Youyu stood and bowed, “Greetings, Aunt.”

“That’s the way,” Madam Yin smiled and asked a maid to bring a delicate lotus-blossom-patterned glass cup for Tong Youyu’s tea.

“The color suits you perfectly.”

Yin Mingyan smirked secretly but patiently listened as her mother recalled the past.

Their families had known each other from humble beginnings, and youthful bonds were most touching. Moreover, Madam Yin had faced difficulties early in her marriage with her mother-in-law’s discord.

Though she bore twins, she was only allowed to take the son to Youzhou, while the daughter remained with her mother-in-law.

The son was frail, the mother-in-law unreasonable, and the husband troubled. Inevitably, Madam Yin grew resentful, but fortunately encountered Lady Shen.

Madam Yin never spoke ill of her mother-in-law to the children, merely saying, “Youzhou was once barren. Its present prosperity owes much to Lord Tong.”

If not for it being a remote outpost, he would have been transferred elsewhere years ago and would not still be in Youzhou after promotion.

“All who reap benefits must shoulder the burdens,” Tong Youyu said. “I have no memories of Youzhou but long to visit.”

“Poor child, how did you fall from the horse? Was it a bad fall?” Madam Yin asked.

Tong Youyu lightly touched her forehead, “I hit my head hard, almost leaving a scar. Father searched everywhere for medicine to remove the mark.”

Yin Mingyan glanced at her and laughed, “The wound must have been shallow, or it would be like the bite mark on my brother—no miracle cure could fix that.”

The bite mark... Tong Youyu was at a loss and lowered her head.

Madam Yin glanced at her, “Why bring up old troubles?”

Yin Mingyan fell silent, then mischievously said, “I heard you learned dancing, Sister Tong. Why not come watch with me?”

“What?” Tong Youyu was puzzled as Yin Mingyan pulled her to her feet.

“You child…” Madam Yin shook her head but did not stop them.

Yin Mingyan led Tong Youyu out of the flower hall, through winding corridors, to a small courtyard.

Only then did Tong Youyu realize she was there to watch a dance.

It was the unparalleled dancing girl from the southern barbarians, gifted by the emperor and now residing in this small courtyard.

Startled, Tong Youyu grabbed Yin Mingyan’s arm, “Though a dancing girl, she is now part of the young general’s household. Is it appropriate to have her dance for me?”

Especially since she was an imperial gift...

“What’s inappropriate about that? She’s just a dancer, not a princess!” Yin Mingyan sent a maid to summon her and insisted she perform.

Tong Youyu sensed Yin Mingyan’s deep dislike of the dancer.

The housemaid attending in the courtyard smiled, sensing Tong Youyu’s unease. “She’s just a southern barbarian, Miss. Feel free to watch.”

The Yin family’s soldiers fought fiercely on the frontlines, staining their hands with countless southern barbarian lives.

They despised the cunning barbarians even more than ordinary people, almost harboring a grudge.

The defeated state had offered the dancer as a peace gift, worth nothing. Moreover, she was far from submissive.

Within days of arrival, she made bold moves, attempting to get close to the young general. When rebuffed, she even cast alluring glances at the general himself.

Perhaps she sought protection, but to Madam Yin and her daughter, it was intolerable that their two men were harassed.

The dancer’s surname was Luo. She dared not disobey the young lady’s orders and, after bowing, began to dance once the music played.

Truly, her waist moved like a serpent, her steps like lotus blossoms. With each chime of her bells, she exuded natural allure.

Tong Youyu’s own dancing was quite different—the instructor her aunt had found was a respectable woman, teaching to tone her figure and strengthen her body.

When Luo finished, she lowered her eyes and said softly, “I hope Second Miss will show mercy...”

Yin Mingyan ignored her and turned to ask Tong Youyu, “So, did you learn anything?”

Jin Kui could no longer hold back, “Miss Yin jokes, why would our lady learn this?”

Having witnessed the breathtaking beauty of a peerless dancer, Tong Youyu replied, “I cannot learn it, but... I did understand the joy of being a man.”

Leaving aside Luo’s origins, such a beauty giving her all to display her charms and win favor so easily—it was no wonder outsiders spoke of such extraordinary fortune.

Tong Youyu was moved, but when she suddenly turned, she found Yin Zijian had arrived silently, standing right behind her.

His towering frame and dark handsome face were like a ghostly apparition.

Startled, she quickly stepped away, “Young General, when did you arrive?”

Yin Zijian said nothing, only sneered and asked, “What joy did you experience?”

Tong Youyu opened her mouth to speak, “I...”

“Since Miss Tong finds such joy, why not take this dancing girl home with you? Hm?” Yin Zijian’s face darkened as he stepped closer, cornering her.