Chapter 143

After everyone had left, Daiyu leaned against the headboard's Yin Pillow, holding the slip of paper on which Jia Jing had just written his poem, staring off in silence.

Translation: After everyone had left, Daiyu leaned against the headboard's Yin Pillow, holding the slip of paper on which Jia Jing had just written his poem, and stared off in silence.

After everyone had left, Daiyu leaned against the headboard's Yin Pillow, holding the slip of paper on which Jia Jing had just written his poem, and stared off in silence.

We need to keep it concise but include all info.

Let's produce: After everyone left, Daiyu reclined on the headboard's Yin Pillow, holding the slip of paper on which Jia Jing had just written his poem, and stared off in silence.

That's fine.

Originally, Shi Xiangyun also wanted this slip, and she thought that since she had requested the poem, it should belong to her.

Translation: Originally, Shi Xiangyun also wanted this slip, thinking the poem she had requested should belong to her.

Originally, Shi Xiangyun also wanted this slip; she thought that, since she had requested the poem, it should be hers.

We'll produce: Originally Shi Xiangyun also wanted this slip, thinking the poem she had requested should belong to her.

But Daiyu argued firmly, maintaining that since it was composed in her room and its title probed her illness, there was no doubt it belonged to her.

Translation: But Daiyu argued firmly, maintaining that since it was composed in her room and the poem's title was a probe of her illness, there was no doubt it belonged to her.

But Daiyu argued firmly, maintaining that since it was composed in her room and the poem's title was also a probe of her illness, there was no doubt it belonged to her.

We'll produce: But Daiyu argued firmly, maintaining that since it was composed in her room and the poem's title probed her illness, there was no doubt it belonged to her.

In the end, Xiangyun, considering Daiyu's illness, yielded to her once.

Translation: In the end, Xiang Yun, out of consideration for Daiyu's illness, let her have it once.

In the end, Xiang Yun, considering Daiyu's illness, yielded to her once.

We'll produce: In the end, Xiang Yun, out of consideration for Daiyu's illness, let her have it once.

Zi Juan lightly stepped in from the outer room with the decoction Xueyan had prepared, and placed the medicine bowl on the small table beside the bed.

Translation: Zi Juan lightly stepped in from the outer room with the decoction Xueyan had prepared, and placed the medicine bowl on the small table beside the bed.

Zi Juan lightly stepped in from the outer room with the decoction Xueyan had prepared, and placed the medicine bowl on the small table beside the bed.

We'll produce: Zi Juan lightly stepped in from the outer room with the decoction Xueyan had prepared, and placed the medicine bowl on the small table beside the bed.

Seeing Daiyu stare at the slip in a daze, she couldn't help but purse her lips and smile.

Translation: Seeing Daiyu stare at the slip in a daze, Zi Juan couldn't help but purse her lips and smile.

Seeing Daiyu stare at the slip in a daze, Zi Juan couldn't help but purse her lips and smile.

We'll produce: Seeing Daiyu stare at the slip in a daze, Zi Juan couldn't help but purse her lips and smile.

"Miss, the medicine's here—drink it and then you should sleep!"

Translation: "Miss, the medicine's here—drink it and then you should sleep!"

Miss, the medicine's here—drink it and then you should sleep!

Daiyu's reverie was broken by Zi Juan; she came to with a lazy "uh," saw Zi Juan's smile, and asked.

Translation: Daiyu's reverie was broken by Zi Juan; she came to with a lazy "uh," saw Zi Juan's smile, and asked:

Daiyu's reverie was broken by Zi Juan; she came to with a lazy "uh," and, seeing Zi Juan's smile, she asked.

We'll produce: Daiyu's reverie was broken by Zi Juan; she came to with a lazy "uh," saw Zi Juan's smile, and asked:

"What are you grinning at?"

Translation: "What are you grinning at?"

What are you grinning at?

Zi Juan sat on the embroidered cushion beside the bed, tidied Daiyu's blanket corner, picked up the medicine bowl, and continued smiling.

Translation: Zi Juan sat on the embroidered cushion beside the bed, tidied Daiyu's blanket corner, picked up the medicine bowl, and continued smiling:

Zi Juan sat on the embroidered cushion beside the bed, tidied Daiyu's blanket corner, picked up the medicine bowl, and continued smiling.

We'll produce: Zi Juan sat on the embroidered cushion beside the bed, tidied Daiyu's blanket corner, picked up the medicine bowl, and continued smiling:

"I'm smiling because you're here in body but your spirit's elsewhere!"

Translation: "I'm smiling because you're here in body but your spirit's elsewhere!"

I'm smiling because you're here in body but your spirit's elsewhere!

Hearing this, Daiyu's hand trembled, the slip fluttered onto the bed; she instantly grew wary and glared at Zi Juan.

Translation: Hearing this, Daiyu's hand trembled, the slip fluttered onto the bed, she instantly grew wary, and glared at Zi Juan:

Hearing this, Daiyu's hand trembled, the slip fluttered onto the bed; she instantly grew wary and glared at Zi Juan.

We'll produce: Hearing this, Daiyu's hand trembled, the slip fluttered onto the bed, she instantly grew wary, and glared at Zi Juan:

"What nonsense are you spouting? Or did you bump into a ghost?"

Translation: "What nonsense are you spouting? Or did you bump into a ghost?"

What nonsense are you spouting? Or did you bump into a ghost?

Zi Juan wasn't afraid at all; though she and Daiyu were nominally mistress and maid, they were in fact sisters who relied on each other.

Translation: Zi Juan wasn't afraid at all; though she and Daiyu were nominally mistress and maid, they were in fact sisters who relied on each other.

Zi Juan wasn't afraid at all; though she and Daiyu were nominally mistress and maid, they were in fact sisters who relied on each other.

We'll produce: Zi Juan wasn't afraid at all; though she and Daiyu were nominally mistress and maid, they were in fact sisters who relied on each other.

Instead, she moved closer, lowered her voice, and chuckled with a mischievous grin.

Translation: Instead, she moved closer, lowered her voice, and chuckled with a mischievous grin:

Instead, she moved closer, lowered her voice, and chuckled with a mischievous grin.

We'll produce: Instead, she moved closer, lowered her voice, and chuckled with a mischievous grin:

"Just now, when the Marquis was here, you weren't like this—I can see you're quite different from usual."

Translation: "Just now, when the Marquis was here, you weren't like this—I can see you're quite different from usual."

Just now, when the Marquis was here, you weren't like this—I can see you're quite different from usual.

"The Marquis told you to eat and take your medicine properly, and you obediently agreed. When Miss Bao and the Marquis discussed current affairs, you 'accidentally' interrupted."

Translation: "The Marquis told you to eat and take your medicine properly, and you obediently agreed. When Miss Bao and the Marquis discussed current affairs, you 'accidentally' interrupted."

The Marquis told you to eat and take your medicine properly, and you obediently agreed. When Miss Bao and the Marquis discussed current affairs, you 'accidentally' interrupted.

"Your gaze kept flitting to the curtains and the quilt, but never dared to land on the Marquis."

Translation: "Your gaze kept flitting to the curtains and the quilt, but never dared to land on the Marquis."

Your gaze kept flitting to the curtains and the quilt, but never dared to land on the Marquis.

"Now that the Marquis has left, you're staring at the slip he left behind in a daze—this isn't just my nonsense, is it?"

Translation: "Now that the Marquis has left, you're staring at the slip he left behind in a daze—this isn't just my nonsense, is it?"

Now that the Marquis has left, you're staring at the slip he left behind in a daze—this isn't just my nonsense, is it?

Daiyu's face flushed, her ears burning; she snatched the Yin Pillow beside her and hurled it at Zi Juan, shouting in angry embarrassment.

Translation: Daiyu's face flushed, her ears burning; she snatched the Yin Pillow beside her and hurled it at Zi Juan, shouting in angry embarrassment:

Daiyu's face flushed, her ears burning; she snatched the Yin Pillow beside her and hurled it at Zi Juan, shouting in angry embarrassment.

We'll produce: Daiyu's face flushed, her ears burning; she snatched the Yin Pillow beside her and hurled it at Zi Juan, shouting in angry embarrassment:

"You… you're getting more and more out of line! What 'obediently agreed'? What 'accidentally interrupted'? What 'glancing this way and that'?"

Translation: "You… you're getting more and more out of line! What 'obediently agreed'? What 'accidentally interrupted'? What 'glancing this way and that'?"

You… you're getting more and more out of line! What 'obediently agreed'? What 'accidentally interrupted'? What 'glancing this way and that'?

"I'm just feeling weak from illness, so I zone out—and you're fabricating stories about me!"

Translation: "I'm just feeling weak from illness, so I zone out—and you're fabricating stories about me!"

I'm just feeling weak from illness, so I zone out—and you're fabricating stories about me!

"What's so different from before? Third Brother always treats his sisters well, yet you dare to gossip!"

Translation: "What's so different from before? Third Brother always treats his sisters well, yet you dare to gossip!"

What's so different from before? Third Brother always treats his sisters well, yet you dare to gossip!

"I think it's you who's changed. If you want to follow Third Brother, I'll help you."

Translation: "I think it's you who's changed. If you want to follow Third Brother, I'll help you."

I think it's you who's changed. If you want to follow Third Brother, I'll help you.

Zi Juan sat on the embroidered cushion beside the bed, tidied Daiyu's blanket corner, picked up the medicine bowl, and continued smiling.

Translation: Zi Juan heard this, wasn't annoyed, looked at Daiyu's face flushed with shame and annoyance, and her smile deepened.

Zi Juan heard this, wasn't annoyed; she looked at Daiyu's face flushed with shame and annoyance, and her smile deepened.

We'll produce: Zi Juan heard this, wasn't annoyed, looked at Daiyu's face flushed with shame and annoyance, and her smile deepened.

This is the healthy complexion a young lady should have, not the pallor from before when she was coughing up blood.

Translation: This is the healthy complexion a young lady should have, not the pallor from before when she was coughing up blood.

This is the healthy complexion a young lady should have, not the pallor from before when she was coughing up blood.

We'll produce: This is the healthy complexion a young lady should have, not the pallor from before when she was coughing up blood.

Smiling, Zi Juan returned the Yin Pillow Daiyu had thrown to its original place, and said seriously.

Translation: Smiling, Zi Juan returned the Yin Pillow Daiyu had thrown to its original place, and said seriously:

Smiling, Zi Juan returned the Yin Pillow Daiyu had thrown to its original place and said seriously.

We'll produce: Smiling, Zi Juan returned the Yin Pillow Daiyu had thrown to its original place, and said seriously:

"I've known you this long; you can fool others, but not me."

Translation: "I've known you this long; you can fool others, but not me."

I've known you this long; you can fool others, but not me.

"We mistress and maid have relied on each other in the mansion—do you really not trust me? What could we not say between us?"

Translation: "We mistress and maid have relied on each other in the mansion—do you really not trust me? What could we not say between us?"

We mistress and maid have relied on each other in the mansion—do you really not trust me? What could we not say between us?

"Enough! Let's not talk about this—first drink your medicine!"

Translation: "Enough! Let's not talk about this—first drink your medicine!"

Enough! Let's not talk about this—first drink your medicine!

Daiyu fell silent for a moment, then sighed.

Translation: Daiyu fell silent for a moment, then sighed.

Daiyu fell silent for a moment, then sighed.

We'll produce: Daiyu fell silent for a moment, then sighed.

Seeing Zi Juan bring the medicine bowl to her lips, she frowned and gulped it down.

Translation: Seeing Zi Juan bring the medicine bowl to her lips, she frowned and gulped it down.

Seeing Zi Juan bring the medicine bowl to her lips, she frowned and gulped it down.

We'll produce: Seeing Zi Juan bring the medicine bowl to her lips, she frowned and gulped it down.

Zi Juan then quickly handed her water to rinse, and took a cloth to wipe the medicine from her lips.

Translation: Zi Juan then quickly handed her water to rinse, and took a cloth to wipe the medicine from her lips.

Zi Juan then quickly handed her water to rinse, and took a cloth to wipe the medicine from her lips.

We'll produce: Zi Juan then quickly handed her water to rinse, and took a cloth to wipe the medicine from her lips.

Daiyu rinsed her mouth, lay back on the Yin Pillow, her expression inscrutable, yet she glanced at Zi Juan's face, pondered, and said.

Translation: Daiyu rinsed her mouth, lay back on the Yin Pillow, her expression inscrutable, yet she glanced at Zi Juan's face, pondered, and said:

Daiyu rinsed her mouth, lay back on the Yin Pillow, her expression inscrutable, yet she glanced at Zi Juan's face, pondered, and said.

We'll produce: Daiyu rinsed her mouth, lay back on the Yin Pillow, her expression inscrutable, yet she glanced at Zi Juan's face, pondered, and said:

"I understand your thoughts! But I advise you not to indulge in fantasies—Third Brother was ennobled young, a hero of the age, his mind set only on home and country."

Translation: "I understand your thoughts! But I advise you not to indulge in fantasies—Third Brother was ennobled young, a hero of the age, his mind set only on home and country."

I understand your thoughts! But I advise you not to indulge in fantasies—Third Brother was ennobled young, a hero of the age, his mind set only on home and country.

"As for me, it's only brother‑sister affection; day‑dreaming about romance will only bring shame on ourselves."

Translation: "As for me, it's only brother‑sister affection; day‑dreaming about romance will only bring shame on ourselves."

As for me, it's only brother‑sister affection; day‑dreaming about romance will only bring shame on ourselves.

Zi Juan heard this, her smile faded, she frowned, and said.

Translation: Zi Juan heard this, her smile faded, she frowned, and said:

Zi Juan heard this, her smile faded, she frowned, and said.

We'll produce: Zi Juan heard this, her smile faded, she frowned, and said:

"I don't understand what you mean, Miss!"

Translation: "I don't understand what you mean, Miss!"

I don't understand what you mean, Miss!

"How is that disgracing yourself? A man should marry when grown, a woman should wed when grown—it's perfectly normal!"

Translation: "How is that disgracing yourself? A man should marry when grown, a woman should wed when grown—it's perfectly normal!"

How is that disgracing yourself? A man should marry when grown, a woman should wed when grown—it's perfectly normal.

"Look at Miss Bao—just now how bold she was! Besides not mentioning the books those young men study outside, she even discussed current affairs with the Marquis."

Translation: "Look at Miss Bao—just now how bold she was! Besides not mentioning the books those young men study outside, she even discussed current affairs with the Marquis."

Look at Miss Bao—just now how bold she was! Besides not mentioning the books those young men study outside, she even discussed current affairs with the Marquis.

"She talks about salt policy, new policies, speaking with authority, and her gaze stays fixed on the Marquis—I see she feels more than brother‑sister affection for him!"

Translation: "She talks about salt policy, new policies, speaking with authority, and her gaze stays fixed on the Marquis—I see she feels more than brother‑sister affection for him!"

She talks about salt policy, new policies, speaking with authority, and her gaze stays fixed on the Marquis—I see she feels more than brother‑sister affection for him.

Daiyu heard this, her eyes darkened, and she said.

Translation: Daiyu heard this, her eyes darkened, and she said:

Daiyu heard this, her eyes darkened, and she said.

We'll produce: Daiyu heard this, her eyes darkened, and she said:

"You've also seen Miss Bao's intentions—what's there to argue? She's already like this; we can't compete with her."

Translation: "You've also seen Miss Bao's intentions—what's there to argue? She's already like this; we can't compete with her."

You've also seen Miss Bao's intentions—what's there to argue? She's already like this; we can't compete with her.

Daiyu lowered her eyelids; her long lashes cast a shadow, and her complexion grew somewhat dim.

Translation: Daiyu lowered her eyelids; her long lashes cast a shadow, and her complexion grew somewhat dim.

Daiyu lowered her eyelids; her long lashes cast a shadow, and her complexion grew somewhat dim.

We'll produce: Daiyu lowered her eyelids; her long lashes cast a shadow, and her complexion grew somewhat dim.

Zi Juan took Daiyu's hand, adopted a solemn tone, and said.

Translation: Zi Juan took Daiyu's hand, adopted a solemn tone, and said:

Zi Juan took Daiyu's hand, adopted a solemn tone, and said.

We'll produce: Zi Juan took Daiyu's hand, adopted a solemn tone, and said:

"What's this and that? We haven't even talked marriage—I see Miss Bao and the Marquis as utterly impossible!"

Translation: "What's this and that? We haven't even talked marriage—I see Miss Bao and the Marquis as utterly impossible!"

What's this and that? We haven't even talked marriage—I see Miss Bao and the Marquis as utterly impossible!

"In terms of background, her family are merely imperial merchants, orphaned young, and her status is worlds apart from the Marquis's."

Translation: "In terms of background, her family are merely imperial merchants, orphaned young, and her status is worlds apart from the Marquis's."

In terms of background, her family are merely imperial merchants, orphaned young, and her status is worlds apart from the Marquis's.

"While your family has generations of marquises, your father was an examination‑topping official, a court heavyweight. The Marquis himself said that once your father returns to the capital, he could still rise another rank."

Translation: "While your family has generations of marquises, your father was an examination‑topping official, a court heavyweight. The Marquis himself said that once your father returns to the capital, he could still rise another rank."

While your family has generations of marquises, your father was an examination‑topping official, a court heavyweight. The Marquis himself said that once your father returns to the capital, he could still rise another rank.

"Your mother is also a daughter of the Jia main line, the elder lady's own child—her lineage matches yours perfectly."

Translation: "Your mother is also a daughter of the Jia main line, the elder lady's own child—her lineage matches yours perfectly."

Your mother is also a daughter of the Jia main line, the elder lady's own child—her lineage matches yours perfectly.

"In feeling, you and the Marquis have known each other for years, while Miss Bao has only been here a short time and has barely met him."

Translation: "In feeling, you and the Marquis have known each other for years, while Miss Bao has only been here a short time and has barely met him."

In feeling, you and the Marquis have known each other for years, while Miss Bao has only been here a short time and has barely met him.

"As for looks, I'm not boasting—but among the young ladies of Shenjing, who could compare with you?"

Translation: "As for looks, I'm not boasting—but among the young ladies of Shenjing, who could compare with you?"

As for looks, I'm not boasting—but among the young ladies of Shenjing, who could compare with you?

"In talent—poetry, lyrics, music, chess, calligraphy, painting—you're lacking in nothing."

Translation: "In talent—poetry, lyrics, music, chess, calligraphy, painting—you're lacking in nothing."

In talent—poetry, lyrics, music, chess, calligraphy, painting—you're lacking in nothing.

"Besides, before the Marquis returns, the manor has been circulating the idea of a golden‑jade match—isn't it said that those who wear gold should pair with those who wear jade?"

Translation: "Besides, before the Marquis returns, the manor has been circulating the idea of a golden‑jade match—isn't it said that those who wear gold should pair with those who wear jade?"

Besides, before the Marquis returns, the manor has been circulating the idea of a golden‑jade match—isn't it said that those who wear gold should pair with those who wear jade?

"I heard it's gossip from the Second Madame's quarters—that she wants to match Miss Bao with Second Master Bao as a couple!"

Translation: "I heard it's gossip from the Second Madame's quarters—that she wants to match Miss Bao with Second Master Bao as a couple!"

I heard it's gossip from the Second Madame's quarters—that she wants to match Miss Bao with Second Master Bao as a couple!

"For Miss Bao to dream of marrying the Marquis? That's pure fantasy—about as likely as climbing to heaven!"

Translation: "For Miss Bao to dream of marrying the Marquis? That's pure fantasy—about as likely as climbing to heaven!"

For Miss Bao to dream of marrying the Marquis? That's pure fantasy—about as likely as climbing to heaven!

"But for you, if your father agrees, the matter becomes much simpler."

Translation: "But for you, if your father agrees, the matter becomes much simpler."

But for you, if your father agrees, the matter becomes much simpler.

Daiyu heard this, her color returned a little; she weakly tugged her hand, couldn't break free, and let Zi Juan hold it.

Translation: Daiyu heard this, her color returned a little; she weakly tugged her hand, couldn't break free, and let Zi Juan hold it.

Daiyu heard this, her color returned a little; she weakly tugged her hand, couldn't break free, and let Zi Juan hold it.

We'll produce: Daiyu heard this, her color returned a little; she weakly tugged her hand, couldn't break free, and let Zi Juan hold it.

Seeing Daiyu offer no rebuttal, Zi Juan grew bolder, leaned in, and said.

Translation: Seeing Daiyu offer no rebuttal, Zi Juan grew bolder, leaned in, and said:

Seeing Daiyu offer no rebuttal, Zi Juan grew bolder, leaned in, and said.

We'll produce: Seeing Daiyu offer no rebuttal, Zi Juan grew bolder, leaned in, and said:

"Actually, the most important thing in this matter is still the Marquis's feelings."

Translation: "Actually, the most important thing in this matter is still the Marquis's feelings."

Actually, the most important thing in this matter is still the Marquis's feelings.

The young lady also knows that in the manor, nobody can be the Marquis's master.

Although speaking of marriage matters, since ancient times it has been the parents' order and the matchmaker's words.

But now the marquis's father is on his last legs, and as for the senior wife, there's no need to speak—she isn't even the marquis's birth mother, and they don't get along; could the marquis allow her to meddle in his own marriage?

The old lady likely intends to marry the Yun young lady to the marquis, to tie the families even closer; though she hasn't said so openly, the servants have been spreading the word.

But none of that matters—there are plenty in Shenjing city eager to ally with the marquis through marriage; before he returns, those coming to propose will wear out the doorstep.

Even the duchess of the Guo Gong manor, the marquis's own household, and even the prince's princess consort have come; during that time the young lady also went through it, and though the old lady receives guests daily, she still hasn't dared to settle on a match for the marquis.

I'm not telling the young lady to vie with anyone; it's just that such a fine marriage prospect for the marquis is truly rare.

If the young lady has no interest, that's fine; but if she does, she must act swiftly so the marquis will know.

The marquis isn't young either; I reckon a match will be made within a year or two—if another young lady gets there first, this one will regret it too late.

Let me add another sincere remark: I see the marquis treats the young lady differently!

Daiyu's eyelashes fluttered, her face flushed slightly, but she forced her tone to stay even; she turned her head away and spoke in a low voice:

What difference! I see Third Brother treats us sisters all the same.

Every time he sends gifts, it's the same; he shows equal concern for everyone.

Especially with Baotou, you just saw—he got along well in conversation and even praised her a lot!

Zixuan burst out laughing at the words:

Miss, are you admitting that you deliberately knocked over the teacup just now?