Page 45 of Silk and Sensibility

Beyond that, even if Master Wei did want to marry Meilin, she wasn’t maneuvering herself into a secure position. Meilin was so caught up in her feelings that she barely considered the family politics, dowries, and power dynamics that accompanied a marriage. Master Wei was an adopted heir who did not even live with his rich uncle. What was his true position in his clan, and how would Meilin be treated if she married into his family?

Following her romantic whims at the expense of all other considerations would force Meilin into a corner. Even Ailin, who tried to be careful in everything, had been betrayed by runaway feelings. She knew all too well the danger of falling in love. Without security, love led only to disappointment.

When the carriages pulled up in front of Batong Mansion, Ailin hid her turbulent feelings. She disembarked and thanked Aunt and Uncle Meng for the temple trip. As heavy clouds prematurely darkened the fickle spring sky, she walked demurely through the house to her family’s courtyard.

As soon as she passed the arched gateway that marked safety from outside eyes, however, she ran as fast as her sore feet could carry her.

She found Meilin in her room, sitting at her vanity with a bowl of half-finished ginger broth on the table.

Meilin stood up immediately when Ailin walked in. Her cheeks were as rosy as sunrise, and her hair was still combed in the half-up style she had worn to Hanshan Temple earlier that day. She did not look like she had been resting. In fact, she looked excited, as if she had been waiting for hours to talk to someone.

“Is it true that you were sick today?” Ailin partially believed the story she’d heard from Begonia, but seeing Meilin in such high spirits made her unexpectedly resentful. Meilin’s smile only aggravated her feelings of being ill-used.

“I was sick, but I feel great now. Master Wei brought me home early, and Mama made me ginger broth. And Ailin, I have something to tell you—”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were leaving Hanshan Temple?” Ailin asked in frustration.

A cloud fell over Meilin’s face. “You were praying with everyone, and, as I said, I was feeling ill. Master Wei was willing to leave with me right away, so I didn’t think to bother you.” Her tone was defensive.

“Do you know how much I worried about you when I found you gone?”

“Really? There were so many servants and guards around that it was perfectly safe. You obviously knew where to find me as soon as you got home.” Meilin’s sarcastic tone signaled no remorse.

“I only knew because Tian noticed you leaving and informed Begonia before he left to follow you.” Ailin struggled to convey the depth of her concern. “Do you realize what you’ve done?”

Meilin huffed. “What terrible thing have I done? I felt ill, so I came home. Why are you acting as if the sky is collapsing?”

Ailin couldn’t believe she had to point out the obvious. “You traveled alone with a man.”

“It was Master Wei. A man who eats dinner with us at least once a week. Everyone in the house likes him.”

Ailin took an exasperated breath. “Meilin, you know what it means when a woman and a man are alone together.”

“It means they like each other,” Meilin said flatly. “You act like this is the most heinous crime in the world when it is one of the most natural human emotions. Didn’t Enze give you a ride home when you first met? You didn’t even know him then!”

The words stung. Ailin had accepted Enze’s kindness when they were still strangers to each other. But that first interaction eventually led to heartache. She had learned the hard way that love didn’t guarantee marriage and happiness.

“Don’t bring Enze into this.”

Meilin wrapped her arms around Ailin. “I’m sorry, jiě. I shouldn’t have mentioned that.” After a moment, Meilin stepped back. “I really do have news to share with you. Look.”

Ailin glanced down at Meilin’s hand. In her palm was an unfamiliar jade pendant, carved in the shape of a crouching tiger. It was as menacing as it was beautiful. “What’s this?”

“It’s a gift from Master Wei.” A smile crept up Meilin’s cheeks like a caterpillar.

“Did he ask you to marry him?” Ailin asked, apprehension filling her gut.

Meilin shook her head. “What Master Wei gave me was better. He told me his feelings.”

“Will he be visiting with real betrothal gifts soon, then?”

“Ailin! Why are you being so calculating? Master Wei won’t have money for any formal gifts until his plays become successful or his uncle gives him his inheritance, just like I can’t marry until after the mourning period for Father ends. We’re more or less equal in that regard.”

“Hardly. Betrothal agreements can be made during mourning periods, so if he truly cares for your feelings and your reputation, he has no excuse.”

“Why are you so obsessed with empty rituals?”

“Because without an official betrothal, your relationship is meaningless.”