Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Outside the kitchen, my younger brother was animatedly telling Cui Shao about everything that had happened recently.

Cui Shao chimed in with a word or two every now and then, prompting my brother to continue his story with even more enthusiasm. A smile played on Cui Shao’s lips, but his eyes were restless-until they landed on me.

He smiled at me then, but it wasn’t the same casual cheer from a moment ago. It was a look of profound relief, as if he had finally found the person he was looking for in a vast crowd.

Patting my brother on the shoulder, Cui Shao began walking toward me. He started with a steady, composed pace, but his strides soon grew longer and faster.

My heart hammered against my ribs like a drum. He hadn’t said he would be back today; I had only done my hair haphazardly this morning, and I had no idea if it was a mess by now…

However, he was intercepted halfway by Qingshan, who was holding a letter. The moment Cui Shao saw the envelope, his expression turned somber. He retreated into his room and didn’t emerge even as the lamps were being lit.

I was staring blankly into the stove when Qingshan came into the kitchen.

“The tea has gone cold. I’m going to get a fresh cup for the Master.”

I nodded and poured the hot water for him, but Qingshan didn’t take it. His tone was apologetic. “I’m a bit exhausted. Why don’t you take it in for me, Madam? It was supposed to be a three-day journey, but the Master insisted we gallop back at full speed. He hasn’t slept all night.”

“Why was he in such a hurry?”

Qingshan did indeed look travel-worn and weary.

“It’s better if Madam asks the Master about his business herself.”

I wondered when Qingshan had learned to be so cryptic and mysterious. Still, I was big-hearted enough not to hold it against him. Instead of going to rest, he pulled out a clay figurine and handed it to my brother.

This time, they had traveled to a small border town. Apparently, the people there had long admired Cui Shao’s skill with the zither and had specifically invited them to perform.

They had been gone for a month. Qingshan shared stories of their travels while my brother occasionally chimed in with silly remarks, sending them both into fits of laughter.

Cui Zishu, annoyed by the noise, opened her window to scold them, but she ended up getting drawn into the conversation herself. Soon, the three of them were chattering away through the window.

On the horizon, the sun was about to set. Amidst the last lingering rays of twilight, wisps of cooking smoke rose into the air. The whole family was finally together.

I pushed open the door carrying the teacup. A draft of the biting spring wind followed me in, flickering the candle flame, but Cui Shao seemed completely oblivious. His vacant eyes reflected the dancing light of the wick.

Following his gaze, my eyes landed on the letter he had received this afternoon.

It had already been opened, and the paper was clutched in his hand. He must have read it countless times, as the edges were already somewhat wrinkled.

I walked over quietly, debating whether or not to speak, when he suddenly seemed to snap back to reality and held the letter out.

“Have a look.”

He must have mistaken me for Qingshan, as he held the paper right under my nose. I could smell the faint scent of ink-a scent I recognized. Back when I was grinding ink for Miss Chen, she had complained that I was too slow and clumsy, forcing me to kneel on the porch and grind ink for three days straight.

I would remember the scent of that Yunchuan Fragrant Ink until the day I died; a single stick of it cost a fortune in gold.

I cleared my throat softly. Cui Shao, who had been staring blankly at the candlelight waiting for Qingshan’s reply, jumped at the sound of my voice.

“Why is it you?”

He pulled the letter back and set it on the table.

“I came to bring my husband his tea… What is written on that paper? Is it a letter of divorce?”

Cui Shao looked at me. “You can’t read?”

I smiled but said nothing, setting the teacup on the table. “It will be cold in a moment.”

“I will teach you.”