Shen Qingwan steps down from the carriage with practiced grace, a thin veil draped over her face, hiding all but the faint outline of her features. The fabric sways lightly as she moves, catching the afternoon breeze. At her side walks Maid Su, alert and composed, her gaze sharp despite her lowered head.
The Lingering Fragnace Tea house is lively today.
As soon as they cross the threshold, a worker straightens and bows deeply. "Esteemed guests, welcome."
Without asking questions, he leads them upstairs, his manner respectful and clearly accustomed to discerning nobles who value privacy. The sounds of chatter and laughter soften as they reach a private room, its carved wooden door opening to reveal a clear view of the stage below.
On the stage stands a storyteller, voice rising and falling dramatically as he recounts tales of heroes and fallen dynasties. The crowd listens with rapt attention.
Qingwan enters the room quietly and takes her seat near the railing. Maid Su closes the door behind them and immediately orders, "A pot of your finest tea. And an assortment of pastries."
"Yes, yes, right away," the worker replies.
Moments later, tea arrives fragrant steam curling upward along with neatly arranged pastries, each delicate and pleasing to the eye. Qingwan lifts her cup slowly, savoring the warmth against her fingertips. The tea is smooth and calming. She listens absently to the storyteller below, waiting not for the story, but for something else she cannot yet name.
Then, a small disturbance draws her attention.
Downstairs, a thin young man wipes tables quietly, his clothes plain, movements careful. Someone calls out loudly, mocking.
"Oi....! Qi Gai!"
The name draws laughter.
Qi Gai BEGGAR. A name given without mercy.
Qingwan's gaze sharpens.
Two well dressed troublemakers block Qi Gai's path, sneering openly. "Didn't you hear us calling? Or are your ears as useless as your birth?"
Qi Gai lowers his head. He says nothing. His hands tighten around the rag he's holding.
The men laugh harder.
"What, pretending you can't hear? You think keeping your head down makes you noble now?"
One of them shoves him.
Qi Gai stumbles but does not resist.
Then fists fly.
The sound of impact echoes through the tea house, drawing gasps from nearby patrons. Qi Gai curls inward, protecting himself, still silent.
The owner rushes over, an alarm written across his face.
"What is this? What is this?" he cries, immediately bowing to the two men. "Honored sirs, please calm yourselves. This worthless servant offended you this one will discipline him at once."
He turns and scolds Qi Gai harshly. "Useless thing! Apologize properly!"
Qingwan watches from above, fingers tightening slightly around her teacup.
She sets it down.
"Su," she says softly.
Maid Su understands instantly.
She leaves the room and descends the stairs with steady steps. The tea house quiets as she approaches the scene.
"That's enough," Maid Su says calmly.
She reaches into her sleeve and places two gold bars onto the table with a soft but unmistakable clink.
"These are for the two gentlemen. Please leave and enjoy yourselves elsewhere."
The troublemakers freeze.
Their eyes widen.
Two gold bars enough to eat and drink freely for an entire year.
They exchange glances, greed overtaking pride. Without another word, they snatch the gold and leave, laughter echoing behind them.
Silence falls.
The owner stares at the empty doorway, unease creeping into his expression.
Two gold bars… for a servant's trouble?Something is very wrong.
Maid Su turns to him.
"My lady," she says evenly, "wishes to bug Qi Gai."
The owner stiffens. "Buy him? Miss, he may be lowly, but he works hard. I took him in when he had nothing."
Maid Su does not argue.
She simply tosses a cloth bag onto the table.
It lands heavily.
The owner opens it and his breath catches.
Ten gold bars.
His hesitation evaporates.
Without another word, he closes the bag, then turns sharply to Qi Gai.
"You," he says, avoiding eye contact. "Go. Follow her."
Qi Gai lifts his head for the first time.
Confusion flashes across his bruised face, followed by something like disbelief. Slowly, he bows to the owner, to Maid Su, to no one in particular and follows her up the stairs.
From behind the veil, Shen Qingwan watches him approach.