Yuelan showed her father all around the Crystal Moon residence and then took him to her conservatory to play the guzheng for him. Guangfeng stayed as well and the two men talked while they listened to Yuelan’s performance. After dinner and a tearful goodbye on Yuelan’s part, Seiryuu took Ansheng back to Kilin.

The next morning came an imperial decree that added more guards to Yuelan’s residence along with a proclamation declaring to the entire city that a festival would be held the following month in Yuelan’s honor in the middle of the city and all were invited to attend. The emperor himself and the entire royal family would be present.

Yuelan accepted the decree and then looked over at Willow, Camphor, and Laurel. “I think I’ll go and take a look at my shops today,” she told her three personal maids. “I already have my clothes for the festival, but we can look at accessories while we’re out.”

Camphor smiled and saluted Yuelan. “The shopkeepers will appreciate your visit, my lady. Is there anyone you would like to meet for tea at Red Orchid Tea House when we make our way there?”

“Send invitations to the young misses from the Zhou and Zhao families. I haven’t seen them in a while and it would be nice to catch up. We’ll look for accessories after we visit the tea house. Invite them to come with us then as well.” Yuelan looked at Laurel and nodded her head.

Laurel saluted and went to fetch her younger brother, Rowan, and deliver the messages to the two houses with him so he could learn the way.

“Willow, please go inform Leila of my plans for the day. As my guard, she will be coming with us as well.” Yuelan smiled at Camphor. “And that leaves you to help me get ready.”

Camphor and Willow offered salutes and Willow left Yuelan’s courtyard to find Leila while Camphor helped Yuelan dress, do her hair, and prepare to leave the residence for the day. Preparations took a couple of hours and by the time she’d finished, Laurel and Rowan had returned to the residence.

As Yuelan stepped out of her courtyard, Chung Soo was just arriving. He saluted Yuelan. “Your Grace, I would like to begin training young Rowan. He is serious in his duties and would make an excellent steward some day when I am too old to continue serving you.”

Yuelan nodded. “Go ahead, Chung Soo. You have my permission.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.” The steward saluted her again. “I will begin his education immediately.”

“He is still young, Chung Soo. Give him regular breaks to play throughout the day and make sure he eats well. Have him receive some training from the guards as well.” Yuelan felt it would be good for him to know how to defend himself, just in case.

The steward nodded. “Of course.”

Behind Yuelan, Laurel had begun to look anxious. “Miss…Rowan is my family’s only son. If he becomes your steward then…”

Chung Soo smiled as he interrupted Laurel. “Her Grace is against turning men and boys into eunuchs, Laurel. While it goes against tradition, your brother will be safe from that fate so long as he continues to loyally serve our mistress.”

Laurel relaxed and let out a sigh. “Thank you, Miss.”

Yuelan looked over at Laurel, her expression serious. “Did you really think that I would rescue him from that fate just to do it myself? Laurel, do you think so little of me?”

The young maid paled and lowered herself to her knees. “This servant misspoke. I know you would never do something like that. It was only concern for my brother and a moment’s fear that brought out such a question. Please forgive me.”

“Stand up, Laurel.” Yuelan reached out to help her maid to her feet. “I wouldn’t punish you for being concerned about your family. Just remember to think things through next time. Trust in me a little more than you do right now.”

Laurel nodded and stood without accepting Yuelan’s help. “Yes, Miss. Thank you.”

Yuelan smiled. “You’re welcome. Now, let’s go find Leila and be on our way.” She looked back at Chung Soo. “I will be visiting my shops today and then shopping for accessories.”

The steward bowed. “Please enjoy yourself, Your Grace.”

“I will.” Yuelan headed toward the manor gates, looking around for Leila as she went. It didn’t take long for the Hechuan woman to join them.

“You don’t have enough accessories, Yuelan?” Leila teased as she approached.

Yuelan shrugged. “The ones I have are beautiful, but a little too formal for a festival like this. And the ones that would normally be perfect are the wrong color. Besides, I’d like to pick something out for myself rather than having only gifts from others.”

Leila chuckled. “What a difficult problem, being so well liked that you have too many presents and no excuses to go shopping for yourself.”