A Prima Delicada Como o Vento

Jiang Shiyuan stared at the freshly delivered triangular rice dumplings on the table, momentarily lost in thought.

Her health had always been frail, so she rarely touched glutinous foods. This rare outing of hers had been cut short by the oppressive sun, forcing her to retreat into this elegant riverside room, shutting herself away from most of the hustle and bustle outside.

“Sister-in-law had to stay here to keep me company. With such a festive occasion, you should really be out there enjoying it.”

Her voice, as she spoke, was clear and melodious. The silk fan with its jade ribs in her hand swayed idly. Her flowing smoke-blue gauze gown added a cool grace to her demeanor, exposing a slender wrist adorned with a vivid jade bangle—crystal clear, perfectly rounded, with a richness that did not lose its gentle charm.

She lounged there with the lazy grace of a cat—utterly at leisure.

“His Majesty’s great favor has allowed all the officials’ families to gather at Quyang Lake to watch this year’s dragon boat races. The whole idea was to add to the merriment and bring good fortune, but you, after coming out, won’t even join the crowd. The rumors outside say you’re hiding from the world because of the broken engagement. It seems they might be right.”

The speaker was a dignified woman seated beside Jiang Shiyuan. Her hair was styled fastidiously and adorned with understated pearl and jade pins. Her slender back was held straight, the very picture of a well-bred lady.

She was Jiang Shiyuan’s eldest cousin-in-law, Madam Xiang, the wife of t