Chapter 72: The Search

After discussing a few matters, Meinang started feeling hungry and decided to go down for breakfast. Lu Xiang Feng collected the account books and led her and her two maids downstairs. They headed to a restaurant, but upon reaching the second floor, they were told her usual private room was occupied. As Lu Xiang Feng was about to speak up, Meinang stopped him, saying, “It’s fine, guests come first. Let’s take another spot.”

Huang Fu Xing, the waiter, looked at Lu Xiang Feng apologetically, explaining that all the private rooms from the second to the fourth floor were already reserved. Surprised, Lu Xiang Feng asked, “So many rooms, and all booked this quickly?”

Huang Fu Xing responded, “It was reserved by a nobleman who missed our dim sum and invited his entourage along. We only just finished serving them.”

Lu Xiang Feng suggested to Meinang, “Would it be better to have breakfast back in our rooms?” But Meinang, spotting a table by the window, said, “No need, let’s sit by the window. We can enjoy the street view while eating.”

As she settled, Meinang asked the waiter if he knew anything about the nobleman who reserved the rooms. Huang Fu Xing thought for a moment and replied, “I heard something about a ‘Prince Qi.’ I was too busy to see clearly.”

Meinang froze, inwardly thinking, “Prince Qi? Of all places to run into this unlucky fellow.” She then quickly told Huang Fu Xing they’d changed their plans and would leave without breakfast. Lu Xiang Feng, concerned, persuaded her, “Don’t skip meals. Let’s get some dim sum packed to take with us.”

She agreed, saying they could bring some back for Lady Qin, who was like a mother to her. Once the food was packed, they prepared to leave, but just as they reached the corner of the stairs, the door to one of the private rooms opened. Out stepped the tall and regal Prince Qi, accompanied by Zhang Jing Yun and Ling Xu Zi, without his usual mask. Meinang couldn’t avoid him in time and ended up meeting his gaze. Though she was wearing a mask, she felt a moment of panic as they looked at each other.

Zhang Jing Yun quickly urged the prince onward, but not before Prince Qi had noticed the brilliance in her eyes. When they finally moved, Meinang let out a breath of relief. Zhang Jing Yun glanced back at her, offering a reassuring nod, and she nodded back, showing she was alright.

Downstairs, Prince Qi boarded his carriage and told Zhang Jing Yun and Ling Xu Zi, “You two are free to do as you like. I’ll be taking a short ride through the city before heading back.” Zhang Jing Yun reminded him to be careful with his injuries, and after brief reassurances, the prince departed.

Meanwhile, Meinang arrived at the Qin residence, bringing joy and excitement to the household. The entire family gathered to enjoy the dim sum, and as they ate, they shared warm moments together. Qin Bo Qing, sitting beside his wife and sister, offered a sesame-filled pastry to Meinang, who declined, saying she no longer liked sweet snacks due to the excessive sweets at Hou Mansion. Qin Bo Qing’s mother nodded in understanding, and the family continued to chat happily.

As they spoke, Meinang hinted to her brother to take things easy and rest while he recovered, encouraging him to spend time with his wife instead of reading too much. Afterward, she gave her sister in law a pouch of silver notes to support Qin Bo Qing’s future study and official prospects, insisting that the money be used to support his goals.

Meanwhile, on the snow-covered official road outside the city, Prince Qi’s carriage was making its way back to his estate. Feeling frustrated at the lack of progress in locating a person he was searching for, he muttered irritably about his men’s failures. His guard reminded him to keep calm, given his recent injuries, but the prince dismissed him, demanding they continue on in their search, hoping for news soon. His carriage sped up, leaving a trail of snow and mist behind as the escort followed closely.