Page 34 of Silk and Sensibility

As Meilin pulled Ailin toward the entrance of the courtyard, however, she collided with a man on his way in. She panicked as she tipped backward, but Master Wei wrapped his arm around her, his hand supporting the small of her back, saving her from falling.

As the pressure from his hand traveled up her spine, Meilin gasped. Then her breath caught in her throat as she took in his devastatingly handsome appearance, from the jade pin in his hair to the tailored robes on his body.

She righted herself as quickly as she could, her cheeks warm despite the winter air. This was the second time Master Wei had physically saved her.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, sir,” Ailin said as she gently pulled Meilin away from Master Wei. The movement was subtle enough to not register as impolite, but it yanked Meilin from her lovely thoughts.

Of course Ailin would insert herself like this. She couldn’t stand seeing Meilin happy.

Despite Ailin’s interference, Master Wei was as friendly as could be, showing his good breeding. He bowed to Ailin and gave a full smile to Meilin. “Have you been well? I wanted to thank you again for our last conversation. It was inspiring.”

Meilin beamed. The last time they met, he had sat next to her through the whole dinner, asking her everything she knew about zithers as research for his next play.

“How is your script coming? May I read a draft?” she asked.

“I think The Romance of the Zither is the best story I’ve written to date, and I would love to surprise you with it when it is fully polished.”

His words were like honey tea, sweetly warming Meilin’s heart. “I look forward to that day. I’m sure this play will be your most successful yet.”

Master Wei’s eyes sparkled. “Hearing your praise alone feels like the greatest success. I wish there was something I could do for you in return.” After a pause, he asked, “Have you considered my offer to teach you archery?”

Master Wei had mentioned the lessons after she told him how she wished for the ability to protect herself since encountering the thief, but she thought he had offered just to be polite.

“You actually meant it when you said that?”

“Of course. Every word I say to you comes from the bottom of my heart.”

A thrill of anticipation ran through her. How amazing it would be to learn to fight like the legendary female warrior Huā Mùlán! Meilin could already imagine Master Wei standing close to her, guiding her movements as she drew back the bowstring, aiming for the target . . .

“In that case—”

“Learning archery is not strategic for a lady like you,” Captain Bai said sternly as he suddenly appeared by Meilin’s side.

Meilin was stunned by the captain’s interruption. When had he started listening in on her conversation with Master Wei? It was uncharacteristic of him to approach her so directly when he usually watched her from afar. Now he was far too close for comfort. She could almost smell the soapberry and sandalwood on him, pathetic attempts to mask the scent of blood and dust of his daily work. He was so rough compared to the elegant and chivalrous Master Wei. Meilin wanted to step away, but she also wanted to show Captain Bai that she wasn’t afraid of him. She had done nothing wrong, and he was being rude.

“Archery has been one of the Six Noble Skills since ancient times. Why shouldn’t someone like me study it?” she asked defiantly.

“You would need years of training to use a bow and arrow effectively during times of danger. If self-defense is your goal, you’d be better off learning to run with a shield. You might even excel at it, considering your natural feet.”

Meilin’s blood boiled. How dare the man comment on her feet just because they weren’t as dainty as other girls of her class! She was about to snap back at him when Ailin squeezed her arm and whispered, “Grand­mother Jiang is here.”

Meilin turned toward the arched gate of the courtyard. The old lady was walking toward them with Aunt Meng on her left and two younger women on her right. Now was not the time to argue with Captain Bai.

The woman who was probably Madame Pang looked like Aunt Meng except ten years younger, plump, and with smooth skin. Walking slightly behind her was a pretty girl who must have been the niece that Begonia mentioned.

“Are you provoking our dear Meilin again, Bai Yun?” Grand­mother Jiang asked as she led the ladies into the garden. “I could hear you all the way in the other courtyard.”

Meilin felt all eyes turn toward her. Had they really been so loud, or was Grand­mother Jiang teasing like always? She didn’t know which was more embarrassing: to have been arguing with Captain Bai or to have Grand­mother Jiang construe it as bad flirting.

Master Wei’s pleasant voice cut through her misery. “Captain Bai was educating us all on the best strategies for self-defense, Madame Jiang. I don’t know if you could hear the details, but it was quite informative. He is a man with a breadth of knowledge.”

“Though perhaps not as knowledgeable as you in the art of winning over people, eh?” Grand­mother Jiang gave him an arch look and laughed. Despite the residual awkwardness in the air, Master Wei’s playful diversion had taken everyone’s attention away from Meilin, and for that she was grateful. It was just like Master Wei to come to her rescue whenever she was in distress.

“Let’s not stand here dawdling in the cold,” Grand­mother Jiang said as she headed toward the dining room. “Let’s go inside and eat!”

紅酥手，黃縢酒，滿城春色宮牆柳。

東風惡，歡情薄。