Today was Susu's 14th birthday, the day of her "hair pinning ceremony" and a grand occasion for Fan Lou. The entire establishment bustled with activity from noon onwards, preparing for the evening's banquet.
Months earlier, Mother Hua had brought Susu to various banquets, her eloquent praise of Susu's beauty and talent like a cascade of flowers, adorning her "commodity" with ornate labels. All this was to ensure the highest price for her "commodity" on this significant day.
Yang Ruoning found a moment to visit Susu. She wanted to deliver the birthday gift she had wrapped, but unfortunately, the maid at Susu's door stopped her, saying Susu was too busy to chat. Yang Ruoning had no choice but to hand the gift to the maid, urging her to ensure it reached Susu.
Yang Ruoning gifted Susu a solar-powered camping lantern. Susu had always been fond of this lamp, which shone brightly at night after simply "sunbathing" during the day.
As dusk descended and the feast began, Yang Ruoning could tell from the piled teapots and teacups before her that the number of guests was exceptionally high. She was constantly running, serving tea and water, yet some still complained incessantly, deeming her too slow and negligent towards the guests. From the faint sounds of music and boisterous chatter drifting from the front, Yang Ruoning imagined the banquet to be exceptionally lively.
Someone hurried over, informing Yang Ruoning that she was being summoned to the main hall. Yang Ruoning knew the person must be Qing Ye. How could he miss such a lively scene? She didn't move; she didn't want to go to the front hall. She couldn't fathom what was so entertaining about a group of men scrambling to bid for a minor girl's first night.
Before long, Qing Ye, fanning himself with a folding fan, appeared in the courtyard. He looked disdainfully at Yang Ruoning and her workspace, remarking, "Everyone is in the front hall watching the show, why are you the only one here washing bowls?"
Yang Ruoning glanced at him and replied, "There's nothing to see."
Qing Ye added, "I agree there's nothing to see. But perhaps it's a good opportunity for you. If the young lady you're looking for happens to be a noble lady from a prominent family, and all the high officials and influential figures in the capital are here at Fan Lou with their servants, you might find something if you mingle among the servants with your drawings."
Yang Ruoning found some logic in his words and went with him.
Qing Ye instructed the young servants of Fan Lou to take some drawings and inquire around. Yang Ruoning and Qing Ye sat in a private room on the second floor, leaning against the railing, watching Susu play the zither on the stage below. Dressed in her finest attire, she was exceptionally beautiful today, but Yang Ruoning felt that the cherry-pink gown and heavy makeup were excessively artificial and disharmonious. The woman feigning serenity and grace on stage was not the foodie Susu she knew.
In the private room directly opposite was Luo Yuan, with the meticulously dressed Hui Niang seated beside him. As if sensing Yang Ruoning's gaze, he looked up in their direction. Yang Ruoning quickly shifted her attention to Qing Ye beside her, striking up a casual conversation.
The final hammer price was five hundred gold. Mother Hua's wrinkles deepened into a smile. Both the host and the guests were delighted, and the banquet continued into the deep night amidst clinking glasses and flowing wine.
Yang Ruoning left after the young servants reported back. Before departing, she said to Qing Ye, "You're an emperor, why are you loafing around here all day? Go back early. Aren't emperors supposed to be very busy? I heard some even died of overwork in the past."
Qing Ye pouted and muttered, "Men's affairs, how can a woman understand."
Yang Ruoning found it amusing. She didn't understand men's disgusting preference for virgins, of course. She only thought it, but didn't say it.
Qing Ye glanced at her and said leisurely, "You are a strange woman."
When Yang Ruoning finally finished her work, rubbing her aching lower back, and walked through the central garden back to her room, she saw Luo Yuan standing by a flower bed.
Hearing footsteps, he turned around and smiled slightly at her. "I saw the servants inquiring about what you were looking for tonight," he said.
"Yes, I thought it might be an opportunity," Yang Ruoning replied.
"Miss Yang, if you don't mind, I can help you search for that item. After all..."
Before he could finish, Yang Ruoning interrupted him, "No need to trouble yourself, I can do it myself."
"This capital, while seemingly peaceful, is far more complex and dangerous than anyone can imagine. Your every move today with Qing Ye in the private room might have been observed by those with intentions. I am merely worried that a situation unfavorable to you might arise," he explained.
"Does General Luo know what it is that I am looking for?" Yang Ruoning asked.
"I... do not know," he replied.
Yang Ruoning thought, aren't these dangers and complexities all related to you? And you are here to warn me now?
"Thank you for your kind offer, General Luo. I am aware of the dangers. However, I must find this item myself." She gave him a polite smile and waved her hand. "Good night, General Luo."
"One more thing," he called out to her suddenly. She turned back.
"In the future, can you call me Luo Yuan?"
"Alright."
"Then, may I call you... Ruoning?"
She didn't overthink it. She gave him an OK sign and left.