The Odd-Eyed Cat

Just as Li Weiyang returned to her own courtyard, Mo Zhu came up with a beaming smile. “Third Miss, the Old Madam has asked you to come see her.”

Li Weiyang nodded with a smile. Her gaze shifted slightly, and she caught a figure slipping behind the parasol tree in the courtyard.

Bai Zhi frowned but said nothing. Huamei was always lurking around, spying on Miss. Unfortunately, she had been sent by the First Madam. If they dealt with her, others might think Miss was displeased with the First Madam—but keeping her around would eventually cause trouble.

Li Weiyang paid no heed. She simply smiled at Ziyan and said, “Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu will come with me. You stay here in the courtyard.”

Mo Zhu had been sent by the Old Madam, so naturally she had to go along. But Bai Zhi, like Ziyan, had come from Pingcheng, and lately Miss seemed closer to Bai Zhi than to her. Ziyan’s brows creased almost imperceptibly. Then she saw Li Weiyang gazing calmly at her, and her heart gave a sudden leap. “Please go, Miss. This servant will keep a close eye on the courtyard.”

Li Weiyang set off for Hexiang Courtyard with the two maids.

As soon as she reached the entrance, she saw that Hexiang Courtyard’s main hall was open—something rarely seen. The women’s laughter carried a long way. Li Weiyang blinked and hurried inside.

The Old Madam and the madams and misses from every branch of the family were all in the hall, each wearing a delighted smile. The moment Li Weiyang entered, Li Changle rose with a smile. “Third Sister, look! Big Brother hasn’t returned yet, but his gifts have already arrived!”

Following her gaze, Li Weiyang saw the maids unfurling bolts of fabric across the tables. Brocade, damask, silk, and embroidered cloth spread through the hall like rosy clouds, dazzling everyone’s eyes.

Stewardess Sun was smiling so broadly her eyes had nearly disappeared. “The First Young Master brought back nothing but fine things. Old Madam, look—this is Golden Sparrow silk from Yunzhou, with a lovely sheen and rich color. This is Rouge Fragrance from the Chengzhou Weaving Bureau, bright and evenly dyed. I hear they’ve made garments for the Empress Dowager with it. This is peony embroidery from Linzhou, worked by a lady known as the Weaving Immortal. And these are Bijiang Xia and Purple Gauze Brocade from Mozhou, Sea-Cloud Red and Jade Tower Embroidery from Ningzhou, and Golden-Wire Oriole-Feather Yellow. The Noble Ladies in the palace wear fabrics like these. They’re truly enough to dazzle anyone!”...