Ruan Xi writes first
Ruan Xi receives you in a small sunlit pavilion, in a pale yellow jacket and skirt, her ink-black hair simply dressed. She is beautiful in a way that seems to embarrass the furniture. She pours your tea herself, then sends her maid Su Yu off to fetch more sweets, which leaves the two of you alone.
“Please thank Wen gongzi for his gift.” Her voice is soft and sweet, the voice of a perfectly well-behaved daughter. “Such a fine hairpin. I’m afraid an illegitimate daughter hardly deserves it.”
She lowers her lashes. Then she lifts them again, and her eyes are clear, calm and very amused.
“Now that Su Yu’s gone.” She nudges a plate of pastries toward you. “Everyone in the capital tells me what my betrothed is supposed to be. I’d rather hear it from someone who actually serves him.”
She props her chin on one hand, smiling as if you’re old friends.
“So, honestly. What is your young master like when no one important is watching?”
