The grand estate of the Zhao family loomed ahead, its imposing gates standing tall against the twilight sky. As Li Mei and Yulan approached, the familiar sight of the sprawling gardens and the intricate latticework of the mansion's exterior brought a sense of both relief and trepidation. They had barely stepped through the gate when Li Mei's mother, Madam Zhao, appeared on the veranda, her expression a mixture of worry and sternness.
"Li Mei, where have you been?" Madam Zhao's voice cut through the evening air, laced with a mother's concern. "You're late. The sun is nearly set, and you know how your father dislikes it when you're out this long."
Li Mei felt a twinge of guilt. She had completely lost track of time in the market, not to mention the unexpected encounter with Wei Ming. She quickly composed herself, offering a sheepish smile as she approached her mother.
"I'm sorry, Mother. The market was busier than usual, and I lost track of time while we were shopping," Li Mei said, trying to sound as casual as possible. She hoped the explanation would suffice, knowing how sharp her mother could be.
Madam Zhao eyed her daughter critically, her gaze sweeping over Li Mei's somewhat disheveled appearance. "You know better than to be out this late, especially in a place as crowded as the market. Anything could have happened."
Before Li Mei could respond, her stepfather, Minister Zhao, emerged from the house. His presence was calm and authoritative, and though he rarely raised his voice, his words always carried weight.
"Now, now," he said in a soothing tone, placing a reassuring hand on Madam Zhao's shoulder. "Let's not be too harsh on the girl. She's home safe, and that's what matters. The market can be quite distracting with all its commotion."
Li Mei shot her stepfather a grateful glance. Though their relationship had always been somewhat distant, he had a way of diffusing tension that she appreciated. He had never treated her poorly, and in moments like these, she felt a glimmer of warmth towards him.
Madam Zhao sighed, her expression softening slightly under her husband's calming influence. "You're right, of course. But, Li Mei, you must be more careful in the future. The world outside isn't as forgiving as the walls of our home."
"I understand, Mother," Li Mei replied, her voice earnest. "I'll be more mindful next time."
Madam Zhao nodded, satisfied for now. "Good. Now, go and wash up before dinner. And Yulan, thank you for accompanying her. You must be tired as well."
Yulan bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Madam Zhao."
With the tension easing, Li Mei quickly made her way inside, Yulan following close behind. The interior of the Zhao mansion was as grand as ever, with its polished wooden floors, ornate screens, and intricately carved furniture. But tonight, Li Mei barely noticed the opulence that usually surrounded her. Her mind was racing, filled with thoughts of Wei Ming and the encounter at the market.
As soon as they reached her lavish room, Li Mei shut the door behind them and let out a long, dramatic sigh. She spun around to face Yulan, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yulan, you won't believe what happened today!"
Yulan, who had been setting down the basket and preparing to help her mistress change, looked up with a knowing smile. "Oh, I think I have a good idea, Miss Li Mei. You've had that dreamy look in your eyes ever since we left the market. It must be about that young man, Wei Ming."
Li Mei couldn't suppress the giddy smile that spread across her face. "Yes! Oh, Yulan, he was so… so handsome! And kind, and charming, and—" She paused, realizing she was babbling, but the rush of emotions was too strong to contain. "I think I might have a crush on him!"
Yulan chuckled softly, shaking her head in amusement. "A crush? Miss Li Mei, you've only just met him. Though, I must admit, he is quite the figure in the capital. All the ladies talk about him—how he's a top scholar, how he's poised to be one of the most influential men in the empire…"
Li Mei plopped down onto the edge of her bed, her fingers toying with the embroidered coverlet as she replayed their brief interaction in her mind. "I know it sounds silly, but there was something about him, Yulan. The way he looked at me, the way he spoke… It felt like he actually saw me, not just as some official's daughter, but as a person."
Yulan's expression softened at the sight of her mistress so openly enamored. She had seen Li Mei struggle with feeling out of place in her family, and this newfound infatuation seemed to bring a lightness to her that had been missing for some time.
"And what would you do if he truly did see you, Miss Li Mei? What if he wanted to see you again?" Yulan teased gently, though her tone was affectionate.
Li Mei's cheeks flushed, and she buried her face in her hands with a playful groan. "Oh, don't say that! I wouldn't even know what to do! But… I think I'd like that. Maybe he could see beyond the veil, see me for who I really am."
Yulan sat beside her, placing a reassuring hand on Li Mei's shoulder. "You're a wonderful person, Miss Li Mei. Any man would be fortunate to see you for who you are. But don't rush into things. Let these feelings take their course naturally."
Li Mei nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. "You're right, Yulan. I'll try not to get ahead of myself. But still, I can't help but hope… Maybe this could be the start of something special."
As Yulan helped her prepare for dinner, Li Mei's thoughts kept drifting back to Wei Ming. The butterflies in her stomach hadn't subsided, and as she thought about their brief conversation, she couldn't help but smile. For the first time in a long while, she felt a flicker of possibility, a sense that maybe, just maybe, her world was about to change.
The evening had fallen softly over the Zhao mansion, but Li Mei's heart was still soaring, carried by the thoughts of a handsome scholar with a smile that had made her feel truly seen.