Spring Comes Again Chapter 1

Midsummer

It was the height of summer in the sixth lunar month. The heat was unbearable and the air was so dry.

At the third point of the fifth watch, the stars in the sky gradually dimmed. A bright light danced, driving away the long night and ushering in a scorching day.

As night relinquished its hold, the grand and imposing drum tower at the main gate of the capital city sounded the first morning drumbeat, followed by each drum tower along the street in turn.

The thick and heavy sound heralding the break of day was like stones cast into water, one after another, sending out ripples that quickly spread throughout Chang'an.

Within the Duke of Liang's family estate, the doors of each courtyard opened one after another, and the maidservants swayed lazily, walking through the corridors in twos and threes, gradually becoming busy.

Suqiu, carrying a basin of washing implements, hurried across the silent courtyard. She stopped outside the bedchamber, knocked a few times, and upon getting permission, pushed the door open and turned into the inner room.

The stifling heat of the summer night lingered. The bed canopy was drawn back and hooked on either side with golden clasps, revealing the figure of the woman reclining inside.

Her long hair, soft as silk, was spread out on the satin quilt. Her pale skin, as white as snow, glowed with a delicate blush due to the heat, like a white lotus in a pond.

The beauty was already awake. Her long lashes, casting faint shadows in the weak morning light, trembled slightly before her eyes fluttered open, revealing two pools of sparkling water.

“My lady is up so early again. Yesterday, Madam took Lady Cui and Young Master Ah Ling to Ci’en Temple. It must have been a tiresome outing, so she’ll likely sleep in today. Perhaps you might rest a little longer yourself.”

Suqiu’s gaze fell on Shen Yuefu, who had already risen from the bed. Seeing that her complexion was still a bit pale and haggard, she couldn't help but frown.

A few nights ago, a sudden rainstorm had drenched the night, briefly cooling the air. However, by the following morning, the oppressive heat had returned with a vengeance.

During summer, the windows were left open every night to invite what little breeze there was. Yuefu, delicate by nature, had succumbed to a light summer cold in the alternating shifts of damp coolness and searing heat.

But despite her ailments, she couldn't miss even a day of going to Madam Zhao's courtyard for morning and evening greetings.

“I'm fine. I've been feeling much better these past few days. Don't worry.”

She slipped on her silk slippers and seated herself before the mirror. Picking up the silver comb adorned with twin golden birds and floral patterns, she gently ran it through her long hair. Seeing Suqiu still looking worried, she offered a small, reassuring smile.

Serving one’s elders in the early morning was the duty of a daughter-in-law. In the two years since she had married into the Duke of Liang family, Yuefu had not once neglected this obligation.

Even with her recent bout of illness, her mother-in-law had merely cast her a cold glance and warned her curtly not to spread her sickness to others.

This “others,” of course, referred not only to Madam Zhao herself but also to her favored elder daughter-in-law, Cui-shi, and Cui-shi’s only son, Young Master Ah Ling.

It was no secret within the household that Madam Zhao disliked her second daughter-in-law, Shen Yuefu. Today, even though Madam Zhao was likely to sleep an hour longer than usual, Yuefu could not delay her morning greeting by a single moment.

The woman in the mirror had a face as exquisite as a painting. Although faint traces of weariness and melancholy softened her features, her smile blossomed like the first spring flowers, banishing her sorrow. Even the tarnished surface of the bronze mirror seemed to glow more brightly.

Suqiu gazed at the reflection in the mirror, momentarily dazed by the beauty before her.

Yuefu’s name was as fitting as it was poetic. Her appearance was stunningly beautiful, like the luminous moon in the sky or a lotus blossom rising gracefully from a pond. Even after years of serving by her side, Suqiu still found herself taken aback by her beauty now and then.

Perhaps it was precisely because of her extraordinary beauty that Yuefu was able to marry into the Duke of Liang's family, even when the Shen family's fortunes fell into decline.

Outsiders envied her seemingly fortunate marriage, but only those closest to her knew how precarious her life was in her husband’s household.

A short while later, Yuefu finished washing up and changed into a light-colored, cross-collar, short-sleeved tunic, layering it with a brighter green short-sleeved jacket patterned with auspicious floral motifs. Her dark, silky hair was styled into a simple spiral bun, adorned with two silver hairpins featuring gold-inlaid chrysanthemum designs.

Once she was ready, Guiniang arrived carrying a tray of breakfast.

The morning meal consisted of sesame porridge and a few steamed pastries. The oppressive summer heat had dulled Yuefu’s appetite, and with her pressing obligation to visit Madam Zhao, she merely sipped a bowl of porridge before departing. It wasn’t until she reached Madam Zhao’s courtyard that she allowed herself a small breath of relief.

The courtyard was quiet, the maids deliberately keeping their movements light and avoiding unnecessary noise. Only Chuntao, Madam Zhao’s personal attendant, remained nearby.

Noticing Yuefu’s arrival, Chuntao approached her with a polite smile and lowered her voice. “My lady, you’re here. Madam hasn’t risen yet. It seems she overexerted herself yesterday and decided to rest a while longer. I have forgotten to send word to your quarters. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait for her to wake.”

Her words were courteous, but she made no mention of fetching a stool for Yuefu to sit on, nor did she invite her to step into the shade.

Yuefu responded with a faint smile and stood quietly in the courtyard with Suqiu by her side, waiting for Madam Zhao to rise.

Suqiu, already brimming with frustration, dared not openly vent her anger. She could only take advantage of the fact that everyone else was far away and quietly complained in Yuefu's ear, “How could she have forgotten to let you know? She must have done it on purpose! Otherwise, why is Cui-shi nowhere to be seen, yet you’re the only one summoned so early?”

Yuefu glanced at Suqiu and shook her head gently, signaling her to let it go.

She understood all too well that these servants were merely following Madam Zhao's orders. There was no need to hold a grudge against them.

Still, understanding the logic didn’t make it any easier to swallow.

Her marriage to Du Yanze, she reflected, had been initiated by none other than Madam Zhao herself.

Madam Zhao, born into the imperial clan, was the granddaughter of Emperor Taizong’s sixteenth son, Prince Linzi. However, with Emperor Taizong’s many offspring, Prince Linzi, neither the eldest nor a legitimate son, had been of little consequence. By the time Emperor Zhongzong ascended the throne, he was even more overshadowed by the numerous Zhao clan members and became insignificant.

But Madam Zhao was an ambitious woman, unwilling to resign herself to mediocrity. When the Shen family was at its peak, she took the initiative to seek a marriage alliance.

At the time, Yuefu was only eleven, and Du Yanze was sixteen.

After waiting a while, the morning heat began to intensify, creeping into the shaded corridor where Yuefu stood. Despite the partial protection of the eaves, the oppressive warmth made her feel lightheaded.

Suqiu hurriedly dabbed the sweat from her mistress’ brow with a handkerchief and brought her a cup of sour plum juice to cool down.

From beneath the corridor, Chuntao watched them with a flicker of expression in her eyes before quietly retreating into the house. She returned shortly, her tone now amiable as she said, “My lady, are you still feeling unwell? Madam has just woken up, and, out of consideration for you, asked me to tell you to go back and rest. You don't have to stay here and serve her.”

Suqiu lowered her head and rolled her eyes secretly.

Yuefu glanced at the closed doors of the bedchamber but did not protest. Instead, she inclined her head gracefully. “Please convey my gratitude to Mother for her understanding. Second Master is returning today, so there will be much to prepare. I wouldn’t dare disturb Mother’s rest any further. I’ll take my leave now.”

With a faint smile, she took Suqiu's hand and turned to leave.

Chuntao watched her figure disappear at the far end of the courtyard before stepping back into the bedchamber. She moved efficiently, opening the windows and doors to let in the light and fresh air.

“Madam, Lady Shen has left.”

Inside, Madam Zhao, who was supposed to have just woken up, was already fully dressed and seated at her breakfast table, enjoying a fragrant bowl of noodle soup. She looked radiant and not at all tired.

“Alright, let her go. I don't want to see her around me. She's so delicate, she can't wait even a moment longer. It’s no wonder Second Master is always so taken with her.”

Madam Zhao had found the advice reasonable, so she had instructed Chuntao to send Yuefu away.

Her second son, Du Yanze, was, in many respects, an exemplary child. He was dutiful, polite, filial, and ambitious. There was only one thing that dissatisfied her as a mother, and that was his unwavering favoritism toward Shen Yuefu.

Although he would never openly quarrel with her over Yuefu, his disapproval sometimes slipped through in his words, much to Madam Zhao’s annoyance.

Sensing her mistress’ displeasure, Chuntao wisely avoided prolonging the subject. Instead, she knelt by the edge of the couch with a smile and said, “Madam, you mustn’t dwell on such thoughts. Second Master is returning today. I’ve already instructed the kitchen to prepare some of his favorite pastries.”

The mention of her son softened Madam Zhao’s mood.

“You’re always so thoughtful. The boy has been away for months, enduring all kinds of hardships. It’s only right that he comes home to proper care and rest.”

The Duke of Liang's family estate was not particularly large or bustling.

The old Duke of Liang, Du Siwei, had only two sons, both born to Madam Zhao.

The eldest son, Du Yanlin, had also accompanied the army, serving as a vanguard officer.

Both father and son perished on the battlefield, and in a single night, they became loyal martyrs of Great Wei. The Duke of Liang's household was left without a master.

With only her youngest son, Yanze, to rely on, Madam Zhao naturally pinned all her hopes and expectations on him.

Du Yanze did not disappoint her. With the legacy of his late father and elder brother protecting him, he advanced very smoothly in his official career. By the age of twenty-three, he had already attained the rank of Assistant Director of the Waterways Department in the Ministry of Public Works, a fifth-rank upper position.

Such a young and talented man would surely have a bright future.

Thinking of this, Madam Zhao felt another surge of dissatisfaction rise in her chest, and her eyelids drooped with irritation.

Noticing her mood, Chuntao quickly offered another round of soothing words, and finally managed to make Madam Zhao smile again.

After all, her son, who had been away from home for several months, was about to return, so she should at least be happy.

Author’s Note:

The male and female protagonists embody the quintessential man and woman from ancient times.

This story is set in an alternate world. Various systems, customs, clothing, and other aspects are partially inspired by the Han and Tang dynasties. The social atmosphere is more open and liberal. Please avoid applying the norms of the Ming and Qing dynasties onto the setting.