Lingering and Refusing to Leave

Xiao Yun’er asked, “Dear sister, what are we going to do in Luoyang tomorrow?” The Ninth Lady replied, “Luoyang is my home. I grew up there, and now that the New Year is approaching, I must return to visit my family.”

Xiao Yun’er inquired, “Is it a long journey to Luoyang?” The Ninth Lady answered, “Yes, we have to set out from here, and usually, we travel on foot.”

Xiao Yun’er was puzzled. “What does ‘road’ mean?” The Ninth Lady smiled, “For those who ride horses, it generally takes three days to arrive. For those who travel by carriage, it takes longer.”

Xiao Yun’er asked, “So what will we ride in?” The Ninth Lady laughed, “You—people are most impressive…” Suddenly remembering that she herself could not ride a horse, she corrected herself, “We were supposed to go on horseback, but the weather is cold and the road is long. Riding would be not only chilly, but also exhausting. It’s better if we take a carriage—it’s warmer and more comfortable.”

The Ninth Lady smiled, “Then tomorrow morning, we shall set out in the carriage.”

Talking and laughing together, Xiao Yun’er and the Ninth Lady watched as dusk descended. Xiao Jing brought in the meal, and after they ate, Xiao Yun’er wondered where he would sleep tonight. If he had to return to his old lodging, the unbearable stench there would be too much for him, so he lingered in the Ninth Lady’s study, reluctant to leave.

The Ninth Lady looked at him and said, “Gui Garden has never hosted a male guest, and there is no bed prepared for visitors. Where do you plan to sleep tonight?”

Xiao Yun’er pretended to be indifferent, “It doesn’t matter. I can go back to my old place. I’ve even slept in caves before.”

Though he spoke so casually, his tone betrayed a hint of bitterness. How could he not feel a pang if the one he cared for did not even prepare a bed for him?

The Ninth Lady, perceiving his disappointment, laughed, “How about this: there are two beds in my room—one is mine, the other is Xiao Jing’s. You may choose whichever you like.”

Xiao Yun’er hesitated, “Isn’t that inappropriate? Where will you sleep?”

The Ninth Lady replied, “Simple. If you sleep in my bed, I’ll sleep with Xiao Jing. If you take Xiao Jing’s bed, then she’ll sleep in mine.”

Of course, Xiao Yun’er wanted to sleep in the Ninth Lady’s bed, but he was too embarrassed to say so, and continued to protest, “I—I should just go back to my old place.”

Xiao Jing tapped his forehead with her finger, half-chiding, “How can you not see Miss’s kind intentions, and still pretend to be shy?”

Blushing, Xiao Yun’er said, “I really feel awkward sleeping here. How about this, Sister Jing, you give me a blanket and I’ll sleep on the carpet. It’s clean and comfortable anyway.”

Xiao Jing scoffed, “What nonsense.”

Xiao Yun’er was taken aback, “Am I being unreasonable? Fine, I’ll sleep in Sister Long’s bed, since it’s fragrant and comfortable.”

Xiao Jing scolded, “You’re either pretending to be proper or you’re not proper at all.”

That night, Xiao Yun’er slept in the Ninth Lady’s bed. It was his first time sleeping in such a spacious ivory bed, covered with fragrant brocade quilts, warm and cozy.

At home, his old wooden bed was small and rickety; it creaked whenever he turned, and he’d often fall out at night. He’d grown used to that discomfort since childhood.

Yet fine beds and brocade quilts do not guarantee a good night’s sleep. Xiao Yun’er tossed and turned, unable to rest, feeling as if he were dreaming. In his mind’s eye, the graceful figures of Xie Xiaoyan, Lingzhi, and Bai Xuehua appeared.

Her, her, and her—he liked them all, but who did he truly prefer? He quietly crept to the window and gazed outside, letting out a breath. In the faint moonlight, he saw the Ninth Lady and Xiao Jing practicing swordplay. Their movements were light and elegant, the swords flashing beautifully.

Xiao Yun’er thought, So they practice swordsmanship in the middle of the night. No wonder Xiao Hong’s skills are so good—she could easily drive away that scar-faced wolf from Hedong.

Then he wondered, Must I also practice like them, rising at midnight if I want to learn such skill? That would be too hard. But then, he recalled, I’ve never seen Sister Lingzhi practice her fingers, yet her soft fingers could leave imprints on a blade. How is that possible?

He watched for a long while, feeling cold and tired, and soon grew sleepy. He yawned and returned to bed.

He didn’t know how much time passed before he was awakened. Struggling to open his eyes, he heard Xiao Jing calling, “Hey, my good young master, time to get up. The sun is already climbing the mountain.”

Xiao Yun’er burrowed into the fragrant, warm quilts, reluctant to rise. But remembering their departure for Luoyang, he slowly dragged himself out of bed.

Xiao Jing hurried to help him dress and brought him warm water to wash his face. Xiao Yun’er suddenly felt as if Xiao Jing were treating him like a young master, and shyly said, “Sister Jing, you’re so good to me. Thank you.”

Xiao Jing smiled, “Enough, hurry up now. Miss can hardly wait.”

Xiao Yun’er replied with a laugh, “It’s because I didn’t sleep well last night—I still want to sleep.”

Xiao Jing laughed, “You can’t sleep now, but if you really want to, you can sleep in the carriage.”

Following Xiao Jing out of the house, Xiao Yun’er met Xiao Hong, who was coming towards them. Xiao Jing said a few words to Xiao Hong, and she went to tidy the room, while Xiao Jing led Xiao Yun’er out of Gui Garden.