Lady Tan's Circle of Women

Yunxian is doing anything but sitting quietly in this part of her life. Her husband is now the head of the Yang family. Yunxian is responsible for the health of all four generations under her roof, and she also treats the women who come to the back gate seeking help. She manages the household budget, oversees the storerooms and servants, and presides over family events. Her daughter-in-law has borne one son and is pregnant again. Her son, Lian, holds an imperial office. Ailan has not been married because of her smallpox scars, but Yuelan and Chelan both have husbands and families of their own. Yunxian decides that the widows, wives, and children will be allowed to attend the annual Dragon Boat Festival, a treat that Lady Kuo never allowed.

Yunxian presides over a picnic at the festival, and the whole family enjoys the sailing races. Yunxian greets Yifeng, who is now head of the Mansion of Golden Light. Meiling arrives, well-to-do in her fine gown, with her husband and son. Meiling persuades Yunxian to write a book about her cases of helping and healing women.

Yunxian stores her herbs and medicines in the garden where she sees her patients.