When Wushuang awoke the next day, Ji Yang was gone.
He had taken the three poetry collections, leaving only three empty boxes behind.
Wushuang felt a slight headache. If he was going to take them, why leave the empty boxes? She would have to find a place to hide them; otherwise, if Jianjia discovered them, how would she explain it?
Finally, she returned the three empty boxes to their original places. As for being discovered, she would deal with that when it happened.
After breakfast, as was customary, she went to Changqing Hall to pay her respects. As was also customary, she allowed them to stand outside for a while before dismissing them.
Before leaving, Mei Chang, with a gentle smile, mentioned having new clothes made, adding that the fabrics would be delivered shortly and allowing Wushuang to choose first. However, the clothes were needed by tomorrow, making immediate creation impossible.
Near midday, Mei Chang and Mei E arrived with the fabrics, three bolts of cloth, one for each of them, all in vibrant hues perfectly suited to young women. In addition, there were two ready-made garments.
Mei Chang gestured for Wushuang to choose first, leaving Wushuang with a slight headache.
She had always been inept at selecting fabrics. Whenever asked to choose a color, she invariably selected the darkest shade; and there were always one or two dark-colored bolts among the options, as if prepared for her in advance.
But today, the three bolts—one goose-yellow, one crimson, and one lotus-root pink—were all bright colors. How was she to choose?
Mei Chang picked up the crimson bolt and thrust it at her, impatiently saying, “There, no need to choose. You’re always looking so pitifully pale; you don’t even own a brightly colored garment. Take this one.”
Having spoken, she disregarded Wushuang’s reaction and raised an eyebrow at Mei E.
Mei E, stifling a giggle, reached for the lotus-root pink bolt, leaving the goose-yellow one for Mei Chang.
Mei Chang paid this no mind, handing the fabrics to a maid before picking up the two ready-made garments. She said to Wushuang, “Since we sisters are going out together this time, it wouldn't do for us to be dressed in vibrant colors while you look like a nun who has renounced the world. These two garments—one is mine, and one is for Fifth Sister—are unworn. See which one you prefer?”
Wushuang glanced at them and replied, “I don’t need the clothes; I have some.”
Mei Chang rolled her eyes. “Are your clothes suitable for attending a birthday celebration? Be careful, or people might think you bring bad luck! Or perhaps you disdain these clothes because they belonged to me and Fifth Sister?”
“I didn’t…”
“Then try one on. Or I’ll give you both; you can alternate. I’m older than you, your second sister. I wouldn’t treat you like Eldest Sister does, always dressing herself like a celestial being while making you look drab. I wonder if she’s afraid her clothes aren’t bright enough, so she uses you to make herself look better.”
Mei Chang’s words were exceptionally blunt, seemingly unconcerned about Mei Wuxia learning of her remarks.
However, the discord between Aunt He and Cao shi was well-known. The two had been at odds for over a decade, one possessing a legitimate title, the other favored by the lord; neither could gain the upper hand.
In truth, if one were to be precise, Aunt He was still inferior to Madam Cao, primarily due to her lack of a formal title. Then there was Aunt Zhao, who had usurped a significant portion of Aunt He’s favor.
But Aunt He had a remarkably capable son. Third Master Mei Xiong, the second son of Mei Zong, was his father’s favorite, resembling him not only in appearance but also in his love of literature and learning. He excelled academically, and Mei Zong held high hopes for him. This was unlike Cao shi’s eldest son, Mei Ying, who was unremarkable in both appearance and ability—so unremarkable that even Mei Zong found him dull, naturally favoring his second son more.
And then there was Mei Chang. Though sharp-tongued and headstrong, in her father’s eyes, she was a sweet and lively daughter, inheriting her mother’s striking beauty, making her a favorite of Mei Zong.
Therefore, even though Aunt He was no longer as favored as before, Mei Zong still visited her occasionally, preventing Cao shi from openly confronting her.
Hence Mei Chang’s habit of speaking so freely. Moreover, in the room, besides the three sisters, there were only their personal maids. Mei E’s maid was unlikely to gossip, and Mei Chang’s maid would naturally protect her mistress. Only Jianjia remained, but Mei Chang spoke while sneering at Jianjia.
Jianjia’s complexion changed repeatedly in fright, suggesting she dared not speak. However, even if she did, Mei Chang wouldn't fear her.
Seeing this, Wushuang’s eyes flickered. What was Mei Chang trying to do?
Before she could ponder further, Mei Chang, without a word, pulled her into the inner room, “Come, let’s try them on and see if they fit.”
Wushuang could only follow, Mei E smiling as she trailed behind.
***
After trying them on, it turned out that Mei E’s garment was the most suitable for Wushuang.
She and Mei E were of similar height, while Mei Chang was considerably taller; her clothes were too large for Wushuang.
It was a double-breasted summer jacket in autumn yellow embroidered with hundreds of butterflies.
Autumn yellow*, a color not quite suited to young ladies. To wear it well, one needs a certain bearing; otherwise, it appears dowdy. Yet, its solemnity and elegance make it the envy of many girls. They long for such a gown, only to find upon completion that it overwhelms them, relegated to the bottom of a chest, a garment for a future, more mature self.
TN: a color from Dream of the Red Chamber
That was precisely the case with Mei E's gown. Aunt Chen had poured much care into it, each stitch of embroidery painstakingly wrought by her own hands. Alas, it proved unsuitable for Mei E.
With her round face and endearingly naive charm, she looked like a child in grown-up clothes.
Earlier, Mei Chang and Mei E had discussed gifting Wushuang a gown, and Mei E recalled this one. She felt it would be perfect for Wushuang, and indeed, she was right.
Wushuang possessed a gentle, alluring aura, while autumn yellow exuded a dignified elegance. The combination was harmonious, a perfect blend. It highlighted Wushuang's delicate grace without allowing her allure to overshadow her decorum.
Mei Chang was meticulously scrutinizing Wushuang's bangs.
“In this heat, you wear bangs? It must be stifling! What girl styles her hair like this? Is your personal maid incompetent? A personal maid who cannot even manage a simple hairstyle—what use is she? A mere ornament?”
Jianjia trembled beside her, unable to utter a word.
“Feicui, come here. Restyle Third Miss’s hair.”
Feicui, Mei Chang's personal maid, possessed deft hands. She unraveled Wushuang's tightly bound hair with minimal discomfort, unlike Jianjia, whose clumsy touch always caused pain.
The hair was loosened, brushed smooth, then prepared for restyling.
A simple cloud* bun—the long hair twisted and coiled to the crown. Being a young girl, it was not perfectly centered, but slightly askew, lending a playful air.
TN: cloud bun
The bangs were parted to the side. Wushuang's bangs were a bit short for a side part, but Feicui's skillful hands concealed the shortness with the back hair, drawing it to either side. The style was loose, leaving wisps of hair framing her face, enhancing her delicate charm.
Mei Chang's eyes flashed with envy. “I told you, you weren't ugly as a child, but you've only grown uglier!”
Wushuang gazed at her reflection, a mixture of surprise, astonishment, and a deeper sense of wonder.
This wonder stemmed primarily from Mei Chang.
“Second Sister.”
“Oh, stop it. I know you're the prettiest of us, but you insist on hiding it. Such beauty, yet you choose to appear plain. What sort of affliction is this?” Mei Chang said impatiently.
“Wear this tomorrow, and style your hair exactly like this!” Turning to Jianjia, she sneered, “Did you watch carefully how Feicui styled your mistress’s hair?”
Jianjia started, “I… I saw it, I didn’t…”
“Did you or didn’t you?” Mei Chang was too weary for further discussion. “Tomorrow, you will style your mistress’s hair exactly the same. If you fail, you’ll be demoted. You’re not even fit to be a junior maid, yet you cling to your position.”
Jianjia looked to Wushuang for help, but Wushuang pretended not to notice.
With no other recourse, Jianjia could only agree.
Seeing Jianjia subdued, Mei Chang felt a surge of triumph. She addressed Wushuang, “Very well, I have other matters to attend to. Fifth Sister and I will visit again tomorrow.”
Leaving Wushuang's quarters, Mei E said with a hint of complexity, “Second Sister, you were so harsh to Jianjia. Aren’t you afraid of angering Eldest Sister?”
“Afraid of her? Whether I provoke her or not, she’s always against me; it makes no difference.” Mei Chang paused, giving Mei E a meaningful look. “Besides, you guys aren't the only ones who know how to cultivate favor.”