In the Song Dynasty, not only did women walk with small, mincing steps, but men did as well. High-ranking officials at the Song court also had a special accessory to press down the corners of their robes—a token bestowed by the emperor, representing the power to enter and exit the palace, in the form of small gold or silver fish and seals. These items were usually kept in a brocade pouch to protect them from dust, and were commonly called “goldfish pouch,” “silver fish pouch,” gold seal pouch, silver seal pouch, bronze seal pouch...

Julie Brooks heard no movement behind her for a long time, so she bent down again to sweep the floor. This caused the hem of her skirt to lift off the ground, revealing a pair of beautiful embroidered shoes beneath her feet—these were a type of arched shoe called “cuo dao di.”

Henry Clark had originally thought that, with Neo-Confucianism flourishing in the Song Dynasty, all women would have tiny bound feet. But now he realized that, in this period, foot-binding was not yet widespread among women. At least in terms of social norms, foot-binding had not yet become universally accepted. Moreover, foot-binding in the Song Dynasty was different from the later “three-inch golden lotus.”

According to Henry Clark’s observations, foot-binding in the Song era involved binding the feet to make them “slender and straight” but not arched, similar to the way high heels are worn in later times. This method was called “quick to mount a horse,” and the shoes used were called “cuo dao di,” with sharply pointed soles made of two colors.

The roads in the Song Dynasty were not good, so ordinary people generally did not wear these “cuo dao di” shoes in daily life. It was just like how modern office ladies wouldn’t wear high heels to walk in the countryside. When they put on these shoes, it meant...

Henry Clark suddenly snapped to attention—white horned cap with a black head cover, familiar white gauze trousers, white silk undershirt, bright yellow gauze skirt, pink gauze corset, true red silk bellyband, pink gauze short jacket...

This was a full bridal outfit! Julie Brooks was dusting for him in the courtyard, at this time, in full bridal attire—what did that mean?

He had only been in this era for three years, not even a full two years, and had only interacted with some villagers. His understanding of Song customs was limited to the villagers’ level. He knew something was off, but couldn’t figure out what; he couldn’t understand what special meaning Julie Brooks’s display held.

At this thought, he immediately gave a heavy cough and, in the calmest tone, said lightly, “The clothes are beautiful... As for the pendants, just keep wearing them the way you always have—it was my mistake, I was just teasing you. No need to sweep the yard anymore, it’s almost lunchtime now, go home and cook.”

Julie Brooks didn’t move. She gripped the broom tightly, frozen in place—teasing, the teacher is teasing me! Should I be a little angry? But why do I only feel weak all over!

Henry Clark saw that his words got no response. Julie Brooks still had her back to Henry Clark, stopped her work and stood there stiffly, trembling, her ears turning red. He wanted to say something more, but considering how he’d just slipped up about the pendants, and how Julie was strangely dressed in full regalia... He shook his head, swallowed his words, and awkwardly walked back into his own room.

As soon as he entered, he rushed to the bed and reached underneath—there he had hidden the modern items he’d brought: a few suitcases, containing some tattered women’s dresses, cosmetics, grooming supplies, a few men’s T-shirts... and that multi-tool knife.

Chapter Six: Dazzling

Fortunately, everything was still there, untouched.

After putting everything back in its place, Henry Clark clapped his hands, turned, and strolled to the courtyard gate, looking up at the sky.

Yes, it was noon. Usually at this time, Henry Clark’s courtyard was the liveliest. The young wives from various households would come and go, taking care of Henry Clark’s three daily meals—first, to thank him for helping look after their children; second, because when Henry Clark was in the mood, he would often teach them a few modern cooking techniques... But now, there wasn’t a single person in the yard.

This had never happened before.

Henry Clark listened carefully to the sounds in the village. The courtyards and houses were close together, and from the house next door came the sounds of stir-frying and the aroma of food, but his own courtyard was silent. After a moment, he cast a suspicious glance at Julie Brooks in the yard.

Julie Brooks was still sweeping, sweeping at dust that didn’t exist. She swept very slowly, as if the broom weighed a thousand pounds.

Henry Clark’s stomach growled. He couldn’t wait any longer, and, a bit annoyed, stood up and walked toward the stove, deciding to cook for himself. When Julie Brooks saw what he was doing, she snapped out of her daze, dropped the broom, and ran to the stove.

The fire was lit. Julie Brooks’s posture was odd; she seemed afraid to look directly at Henry Clark, tilting her head and turning her face as far away as possible, working at the stove in a very awkward manner, starting to cook...

It was strange, very strange.

Henry Clark withdrew his gaze from Julie Brooks and looked around the courtyard and the house.

He’d been away for two days, so the fire in the house should have long gone out and everything should be covered in dust, but everything was unusually clean—even the legs of his table were polished to a shine, and the water jar was full and crystal clear.

Given how much work had been done, if Julie Brooks had done it all in her new bridal outfit, that outfit should have been covered in dust... But it wasn’t; the bridal clothes were spotless, and even the pendants hanging from her body were clean. As she moved, the pendants jingled, as if to remind people of their presence—were these really clothes for doing housework?

What was going on here?