In another section of the house, lantern light bled across the silk screens, throwing jagged shadows over the polished floor.
Lady Han sat before her bronze mirror. Her fingers moved with grace, untangling hairpins that clattered against the vanity. She wore a small smile.
Nearby, Meilin and Yueran lounged on a chairs like cats in the sun. In the shadows by the wall, Lian was a dark silhouette, her gaze fixed on the empty corners of the room. Beside her, Xiu was a ghost, simply there.
Madam Zhou moved between them all. The tea rattled on her tray. "The Old Madam insists on an etiquette nanny," Lady Han said, her voice curling around the room like smoke.
"How unfortunate," Meilin said softly, her voice was light almost innocent but there was a glint of cruelty in her eyes.
"For whom?" Yueran asked, tilting her head a practiced smile brushing her lips.
"For your fourth sister," Lady Han replied, letting the words settle.
Madam Zhou faltered. "There are several retired instructors available…"
Lady Han's fingertip tapped against the table. "What of Madam Gu?"
Meilin laughed. "The one who believes bruises improve posture?"
"And locks girls in dark rooms for 'meditation'?" Yueran added.
Lian's lips curled. "She once made a noble girl kneel on gravel for hours."
Meilin lifted her sleeve to hide her smile, trying to appear composed, but the sparkle in her eyes betrayed the cruelty behind it.
Shen Xiu stayed quiet, watching every motion, listening every word.
"Discipline builds character," Lady Han said simply.
Madam Zhou shifted nervously. "Madam Gu has… a reputation."
"All the better," Lady Han replied, tilting her head. "If she falters, the fault will not be ours."
Yueran leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with something dark. "And if she endures?"
A faint shadow seemed to pass over Lady Han's face. "Then we will see what can be learned."
Meilin laughed softly. "Poor Fourth Sister. After all that countryside air."
Yueran's eyes moved to Lian, her lips curling. "Perhaps cushions should be sent for her knees."
Lian's grin widened, teeth showing. "Or perhaps she should learn what pain teaches. I would watch closely to see how long it takes before she breaks."
Lady Han's eyes glinted. "It is fortunate that her path will be guided, she is blessed."