Chapter 15: Turning the Tide

Miss Dan Tai Zhi is known as the gentlest and kindest person, whether during her days as a concubine-born daughter or now as the legitimate daughter. In the academy, she is second only to Third Miss Dan Tai Jing in standing.

As soon as Dan Tai Zhi appeared, some other young ladies spoke to her privately to explain the situation clearly. But Gu, mindful that the two causing the disturbance were both from the Dan Tai household, refrained from saying too much, merely stating the facts truthfully.

In truth, Dan Tai Zhi had seen everything clearly earlier and was well aware of what had happened, but she feigned ignorance.

Yet, after hearing the account, tears welled up in Dan Tai Zhi’s eyes, pear-shaped and glistening like raindrops, evoking heartfelt sympathy.

“So this is how it is! It’s all my fault. If not for me, neither Third Sister nor Fifth Sister would have quarreled like this.” When Dan Tai Zhi spoke, her voice trembled with tears, yet even in sorrow, it was melodious and rhythmic, as if she were singing.

Third Miss Dan Tai Jing sat huddled on the stone steps beneath the shade of pine and cypress, her eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at Dan Tai Zhi. In her previous life, she had little interaction with her sixth sister, Dan Tai Zhi. The sixth and fifth sisters were twins, but they had no common ground. Fifth Sister Dan Tai Xuan was consumed with jealousy, unable to bear others being better than her, which had caused her many setbacks.

But this sixth sister was gentle as flowing water; whenever she spoke, it was always soft and tender, like a pure white feather brushing one’s heart, causing a pleasant tingling sensation.

Yet now, looking at Miss Dan Tai Zhi, Dan Tai Jing felt a different emotion arise. How could anyone cry with such grace and sorrow? It was as if the surrounding scenery was but a backdrop to her. Her pale pearl-pink robe complemented her tear-streaked face, and from afar, she resembled a pink lotus touched by morning dew—elegant and poised.

If one were truly heartbroken, how could they still care so much about their appearance?

Miss Dan Tai’s delicate charm quickly drew gentle words of comfort from those around. Ma Yuantong, who despised seeing women cry, had just been worried that Third Miss Dan Tai Jing might fall and lose her precious golden beans, but Dan Tai Jing sat silently beside him without uttering a word. Of course, this was because she could not speak, but her tearless expression already stirred his pity.

At this moment, Miss Dan Tai’s tears surprised Ma Yuantong, who could not help but comfort her: “This isn’t your fault. You weren’t even here earlier. Don’t shoulder the blame yourself. We all know it’s between your Third Sister and Fifth Sister quarreling. It must have upset you deeply.”

Dan Tai Jing was momentarily stunned, then looked at Ma Yuantong with admiration—what a clever fellow. If this scandal were to spread, Third Miss Dan Tai Jing would be branded as a woman seeking to climb the social ladder, willing to become a concubine, while Fifth Miss Dan Tai Xuan would be labeled a wanton woman chasing after her brother-in-law. Neither reputation would be flattering.

Yet this man, with a few deft words, reduced the matter to a mere squabble among young ladies.

Upon closer inspection, Ma Yuantong had very dark skin. Because of his complexion, Dan Tai Jing had never looked at him closely before. He had sharply defined features, arched brows, and bright eyes, though his lips were somewhat thick, lending him an honest and simple air.

Dan Tai Jing mused that if Ma Yuantong were as fair-skinned as Wang Ziyu, he might well cause a sensation throughout Ze City.

Meanwhile, Miss Dan Tai, having been comforted, ceased crying and dabbed her cheek lightly with a pink silk handkerchief. Her delicate and refined face invited sympathy.

In a soft and gentle voice, she said, “It’s all my fault. The quarrel between Fifth Sister and Third Sister is because of my foolishness.”

Dan Tai Xuan looked at her twin sister with confusion—what did this have to do with her? Yet she trusted her sister implicitly; she would never side with that little wretch, Dan Tai Jing. After all, both she and Dan Tai Zhi had come from the same womb.

Before anyone else could ask, Dan Tai Zhi explained, “Third Sister just recovered from illness and returned to the academy for her first day of classes today. I wanted to surprise her, so early this morning I brought Fifth Sister along without waiting for Third Sister. Earlier, Fifth Sister and I made a bet, hoping to tease Third Sister, but we never expected it would turn into such a mess!”

“Surprise? Tease?” Those words piqued the curiosity of the academy students, who eagerly looked on, awaiting Dan Tai Zhi’s explanation.

Taking advantage of the moment when others were distracted, Dan Tai Zhi gave Fifth Miss Dan Tai Xuan a subtle glance and continued softly, “Indeed. Yesterday, Father took Third Sister to the Great Buddha Temple to pray, leaving me and Fifth Sister behind. So we made Third Sister think we were angry with her because of this, and that’s why we came to the academy without waiting for her.”

“But in truth, Fifth Sister had been waiting outside the academy gate for Third Sister all along, just to see how Third Sister would react if Fifth Sister tried to sow discord between her and Brother Wang," Dan Tai Zhi said, pointing to the jade-green pouch at her waist and pouting. “Fifth Sister and I made this bet, and I lost.”

“I said that Third Sister and Brother Wang share a deep bond and would never believe her mischief. Even if she claimed to have feelings for Brother Wang, Third Sister would not be upset. Alas, I was mistaken!” The reluctant sixth miss unfastened her pouch and handed it to Fifth Miss Dan Tai Xuan. “And you, Fifth Sister, pushed Third Sister to make me lose. Even if she wasn’t angry before, she certainly will be now!”

With the situation so tangled, Dan Tai Jing, still seated on the bloodstained steps, was gently exonerated by a few deft words from Miss Dan Tai Zhi. Dan Tai Jing lowered her head slightly, her expression unreadable. It seemed she had truly underestimated her sixth sister. No wonder she had so often been thwarted by Fifth Sister—now she realized it was because she had this sixth sister as the strategist behind the scenes.

Su Xin sent people to bring a sedan chair over and helped Dan Tai Jing settle inside, then promptly returned to the manor.

Su Xin thought to herself that today had truly been unlucky; trouble had arisen before even entering the academy gates.

Ma Yuantong looked at Dan Tai Jing thoughtfully; it seemed the Dan Tai household was far from peaceful. The life of Third Miss was hardly easy—mute and yet still a target of scheming.

Shaking his head, Ma Yuantong concluded that the simple life of common folks was indeed more comfortable.

Seated in the sedan chair, Dan Tai Jing pondered the matter deeply. Dan Tai Zhi was no ordinary person. With the three of them—their mother and her two daughters—in the inner quarters, it would be difficult for her to gain the upper hand. She realized she had been too hasty and needed to be more patient and steady. First, she must settle the matters at home before dealing with the scoundrel outside.