and speculation lurking behind her dormant expression? He must be imagining things.
He turned to go, but then remembered. He hated the appearance of uncertainty as he faced her again. ‘One more thing. She’s most likely in my study. If you’ll tell her…tell her that there is nothing else for today. She’s free to go.’
Dao nodded and he left her staring after him, her eyes wide with curiosity. He went to Old Man Liang next. The steward was preparing to take several documents to the municipal office as well as to collect payment on the farmland sale. Fei Long informed the steward that he would take over those tasks.
‘Y-yes, my lord.’ Old Man Liang looked wounded as he handed over the papers. He stroked his grey beard in thoughtful silence.
Somehow Fei Long was managing to offend everyone today. Ever since he’d returned to the capital from his military post, there had been an uneasy balance within the house. The servants went about their duties while he maintained peace and order on the surface, but behind it all, he was holding together the ragged edges of an open wound, frantically stitching it closed with one hand.
They had some semblance of harmony, didn’t they? At least for a brief moment. Though Pearl and Lady Min were gone, everyone had seemed content. Even Yan Ling had seemed happy. As Fei Long walked through the courtyard, it was as if a storm had washed over the mansion. The harsh wind had scoured away the thin veneer of paint from the surface, revealing the rot and decay beneath.
The servants all looked upon him with nervous anticipation in their eyes. He saw hope there, but he also saw fear. They never complained and always did their duties, but they were waiting for the inevitable. If he couldn’t resolve the debt, everyone would be left destitute. Loyal people who had spent generations in service to the Chang family.
If he hadn’t sworn off spirits long ago, he might have considered a drink.
He wasn’t as adept as his father at hiding their troubles. All he could do was face them head on. He headed out to the stables to fetch his horse himself, leaving another shocked attendant at his breach of procedure.
This fire inside him would fade, Fei Long insisted as he rode from the house. There were more important matters to attend to. Much more important than his own desire for a woman he had already decided he couldn’t have.
* * *
By the time he returned for dinner, Fei Long had his strategy mapped out. He’d rehearsed what he would say. Yan Ling was a practical, intelligent woman. She would agree with him.
Warm, welcoming smells greeted him as he re-entered the courtyard, a further sign that peace and order had been restored. The dining room was set up with lanterns. The panel doors facing the courtyard had been propped open and the curtains tied back to provide a view out into the courtyard.
When the family had all been together, they would share their meals every night: Father, Lady Min, Pearl and himself. Many, many years ago, Mother had been there as well. Lately he had been taking his meals in his study or with Old Man Liang in the front parlour. The dining room was practically a mausoleum.
He only had time to lock the payments away in the back rooms before returning. At the dining-room entrance, Dao intercepted him, stepping smoothly into his path with her head bowed humbly.
‘Do you need assistance, my lord?’
‘Not at this time.’
He tried to continue forwards, but she slipped around him again, resuming the same humble position.
‘Dao—’ he began, in a warning tone. She was becoming bolder since Yan Ling’s arrival. Her demeanour almost bordered on impudence.
‘Assistance with your robe, my lord? And I can have a wash basin brought to you, if you so wish.’ Her eyes flickered over him and the sheen of dust from the road seemed to magnify into a mud bath.
He exhaled impatiently. When he dined alone or with an old steward with age spots, he didn’t need to worry about such things. However, Yan Ling would likely come to dinner impeccably dressed and groomed, down to the very last eyelash. A lady in manner and appearance. Wasn’t that the purpose of her education and training?
Fei Long conceded defeat and retreated to his chamber to wash his face and change into a fresh robe. He returned to the dining room just as Yan Ling appeared, or more likely she