Mrs. Pan entered the gate and saw that the courtyard had been swept clean. Over a dozen pots of fresh flowers were arranged in a pleasing, artful disarray. Following the stone steps up, she saw Caiqin emerging from the house to greet her.
"This servant greets the Young Madam." Caiqin stopped and curtsied.
Mrs. Pan smiled and said, "Miss Caiqin, there's no need for such formalities."
Caiqin rose and ushered Mrs. Pan inside. Upon entering, Mrs. Pan noted the simple and elegant decor, with no sign of extravagance. A faint scent of sandalwood drifted from an incense burner on the windowsill. On the table lay a Buddhist scripture, held open by a half-strung bracelet of Buddha Beads.
Just then, the curtain to the inner chamber stirred, and Xu Mingying emerged. She wore plain clothes, and a single ebony hairpin was tucked into her jet-black hair. Her expression was placid as she saw Mrs. Pan. "Sister-in-law, you've come."
