Chapter 25 The fragrance of agarwood

　　It was a quiet afternoon. There was only the song of the cicadas.

　　After working hard all morning, the maids had been sent out for a lunch break and a nap by Shu Huan. She didn't have the habit of taking naps. She would only close her eyes for a short moment unless she was very tired. Otherwise, if she slept during daytime, she would feel dizzy and uncomfortable when she wake up.

　　When she was idle, she didn't know what to do. She then suddenly recalled Xu s.h.i.+'s words and slipped into the study.

• s.h.i.+: clan

　　She originally thought about drawing a picture as a gift for Gu Xiran since she didn't know how to do embroidery. After all, although he was a bit of a tease and his happiness often came from making fun of her, but he really took care of her these past few days in Gu household. Otherwise, she would never be free like now and she didn't know how much she would have to suffer!

　　However, when she wanted to paint she was in trouble.

　　She had painted with watercolors before, but it was not the same as the cla.s.sical ink and wash painting with a brush from the ancient times. Even if she could paint it, presumably no one would be able to make something out of it. Then, she could make a sketch using gongbi. But that seemed to be too time-consuming. She may not be able to finish it. Besides, the ink, brush and paper were very valuable in ancient times. She could come up with a lie to cover up that she, a daughter of a poor family, could recognize some words. But, if she could paint, then it would be too strange! Gu Xiran knew about the original owner so well and he was also very sharp. There was a high chance that her background would come to light!

• Gongbi: traditional Chinese painting method characterized by meticulous brush technique and detailed description.

　　With a sigh, she grabbed a brush from the jade brush pot. While she was in deep thoughts, she turned the brush.

　　Suddenly, a jade-like hand extended over to her side and put a cup of tea in front of her.

　　Shu Huan raised her head to check and saw that it was concubine Yun. She couldn't help but smile, "Didn't you go take a nap?"

　　Concubine Yun shook her head, "The maids have all rested. Someone had to keep watch in case second young master wants tea or water."

　　So kind of her. Her heart was full of second young master!

　　If she asked herself honestly, Shu Huan knew that she couldn't be like her (Y). Even if she had to pretend, she wouldn't be able to.

　　Her feelings had always been the same regarding concubine Yun. She couldn't say she disliked her (Y), but they were surely not close. The two often talked, but they knew about their status. It was polite and alienated. It was not like how she casually got along with the maids.

　　Therefore, she didn't have anything else to say after the question. She felt that it was very awkward with the two facing each other silently like this.

　　Fortunately, after concubine Yun stood for a moment, she pulled out a yellow hard object from her purse. She used a small knife to cut a small piece of it and put it in the silver burner with a lotus pattern.