Chapter 91: Cen’s Residence

At dawn, Meinang arrived at Xian Ke Lai. After getting out of the carriage, she turned to examine Lin A Mou’s newly purchased carriage a yellowwood carriage drawn by a white horse, with an ebony roof and faint diamond-patterned carvings on the carriage walls. Small square windows and doors were adorned with light blue curtains, and the whole carriage, coated in tung oil, appeared smooth and polished, pleasing to the eye.

Lin A Si wore a new blue outfit and matching felt hat, with a dark blue sweat cloth tied at his waist, looking even sharper than the servants of the Xu household. Meinang laughed and said, “It’s not that I don’t want good things, but I don’t want to attract too much attention. Remember, A Mou, to keep the carriage hidden when we’re not using it. We don’t want to run into trouble with those thugs again.”

Lin A Mou nodded quickly, “Don’t worry, Miss, this carriage will only be used when you need it. Otherwise, it stays locked in my backyard shed, and the kids won’t go near it.”

Lu Xiang Feng came out to greet Meinang and led her towards the resting area. She declined, “I’m not going up. Are there many customers having tea in the front area?”

Lu Xiang Feng replied, “There are some on the second and third floors. The usual private room is still vacant, and we usually keep it reserved until later unless a special guest requests it.”

“Do Young Master Xia and Young Master Zhang still visit frequently?”

“They come by every few days, and per your instructions, all tea and meal charges are waived for them,” Lu Xiang Feng replied with a respectful nod.

Meinang smiled, “They don’t care about the costs. Make sure they’re served well, they are our true esteemed guests here.”

She looked at Cui Xi and Cui Jian and said, “Cui Jian, come with me to the front, while Lu Xiang Feng takes Cui Xi to settle accounts and inspect the kitchen and storage. We don’t have much time, we need to return before long.”

They split up. Meinang and Cui Jian went to the front, where she reviewed the accounts from the past two days. Satisfied, she nodded. Mr. Huang, the bookkeeper, said, “Miss, fortune favors you! Xian Ke Lai is thriving and bringing in a fortune every day. Its future looks even brighter.”

Meinang smiled and replied, “You work hard, sir. The success of Xian Ke Lai depends on everyone’s effort, and those who work diligently will be rewarded.”

Mr. Huang bowed, “Miss, your kindness and generosity are admirable. You are as respected as Master Cen.”

At that moment, Meinang caught a glimpse of someone at the door, fearing it might be another unwelcome visitor. She quickly pulled Cui Jian to leave, but a voice called out, “Miss Cen!”

She turned and saw it was Zhang Jing Yun and Ling Xu Zi. They greeted each other warmly and went up to the private room on the second floor, where a servant brought them tea and snacks.

Cui Jian, hesitant to sit beside Meinang, was given a small table nearby with her own tea and snacks. Zhang Jing Yun laughed, “You rarely come out! It’s been over ten days, and I haven’t even seen Xu Jun Ying. It’s unusual.”

Meinang replied, “I’ve been kept busy at home. Xu Jun Ying is always out, though. Haven’t you met him?”

Ling Xu Zi glanced at Zhang Jing Yun, “We were staying at Yunshan Villa for a few days and only came here occasionally. Xu Jun Ying attends court every day, so we haven’t had a chance to see him.”

Zhang Jing Yun lowered his gaze. Meinang poured them each a cup of tea, saying, “I’m happy yet a little scared seeing you two. If that certain person follows you, it could cause trouble.”

Ling Xu Zi chuckled, “He’s not in the capital lately. The Empress Dowager took him to Pu Ning Temple for prayers and vows.”

Meinang almost choked on her tea, “Him? Praying? He might scare the deities away!”

Zhang Jing Yun also choked on his tea, while Ling Xu Zi burst out laughing, “You know him well.”

Meinang chuckled, “I wouldn’t say that. I still don’t understand why someone like him would be so driven to despair. What could he possibly be struggling with?”

Ling Xu Zi sighed, “Everyone has their own sorrows.”

Ling Xu Zi then mentioned Prince Qi’s story, when he was young, he met a beautiful boy, Jian Yu, who sought revenge for his father’s death at the frontier. The two joined the border army together, where they fought bravely and earned accolades. But during one brutal battle, Jian Yu shielded the prince from a deadly arrow, sacrificing himself. The Prince, devastated and gravely injured, was sent back to the capital, carrying the pain of losing his closest friend.

Zhang Jing Yun said, “Since losing Jian Yu, he’s been self-destructive, punishing himself, until he met you that day. What did you say to him?”

Meinang, slightly embarrassed, replied, “I scolded him while bandaging his wound, told him not to trouble me or dirty my carriage. I didn’t know he was Prince Qi!”

Ling Xu Zi laughed, “He told his guard you reminded him of Jian Yu, that he felt peace seeing you.”

With a shiver, Meinang replied, “He didn’t think I was Jian Yu, did he?”

Ling Xu Zi laughed again, “Of course not! He knows Jian Yu is gone. But meeting you brought him comfort. He doesn’t know you’re a woman, so it’s best to avoid any encounters.”

Meinang sighed, “I hope I don’t run into him.”

Zhang Jing Yun reassured her, “Don’t worry. If you do, stay calm. He may dislike women, but he won’t harm one.”

After a pleasant conversation, Meinang prepared to leave, but as they reached the stairs, they heard a commotion. Downstairs, three people with swords and musical instruments were being escorted out by the staff. Intrigued, they went down to investigate.

The three, two young men and a woman, were dressed elegantly, though clearly troubled. One of the men, in white robes, raised his brows disdainfully and said, “Get your filthy hands off. I’ll pay once I have the funds.”

Lu Xiangfeng explained that they had been staying without paying rent, claiming their money was stolen and that they had yet to find their relatives in the city. Meinang looked at the white-robed man and asked, “Where are you three from?”

The man replied, “What’s it to you?”

Lu Xiang Feng interjected, “This is our young mistress.”

The white-robed man respectfully saluted, “I apologize. Miss, my companions and I have fallen on hard times. Could we delay the payment until we’re able to repay it in double?”

Meinang smiled kindly, “Who doesn’t go through hard times? Don’t worry about the rent. You’re welcome to stay. If you insist on leaving, we can provide travel funds.”

The man was taken aback, touched by her generosity, and bowed deeply, “Thank you, Miss. I, Li Qiu Ge, will remember your kindness.”

As they left, Meinang called them back and proposed a business idea, if they were musically inclined, Xian Ke Lai could host performances, where patrons could enjoy live music and dance. They agreed, expressing gratitude and admiration for her.

Later, she instructed Lu Xiang Feng to prepare the Cen family’s side residence, “Spring-Locked Courtyard,” for them to stay in and rehearse. The spacious courtyard would serve as their practice area, while she reserved the main estate for her own purposes.