Chapter 27-1: Gathering
"Forged?"
Hongdou stroked her chest and breathed a sigh of relief, "Then this maid
is relieved." Miss forging a letter was not a big deal as long as no
shameless little hoof competed with her for Miss' favor.
Luo
Sheng's lips twitched slightly. When she was still Princess Qingyang, she had four
outstanding and capable personal maids. Still, none of them were as unique as
Hongdou. However, Hongdou's unique personality suited her current situation.
Yet, as these thoughts crossed her mind, Luo Sheng again fell into silence.
On
that desolate night, Luo Sheng knew her four maids were likely no longer alive.
She also pondered over the fate of her beloved relatives. These were the
reasons why she felt a desperate urge to leave Jinsha County. Returning to the
Capital served as her best chance to uncover the truth and discover what was
happening. Given these circumstances, Luo Sheng had no hesitation in forging a
letter from Commander Luo.
The
small courtyard where Luo Sheng resided was enveloped in the serene night,
while the octagonal pavilion buzzed with activity.
"Erge,
you're picking on me! Why should I be the one to accompany Luo Biaomei?"
Sheng Sanlang sat there with a stern expression, clearly dissatisfied with
Sheng Erlang's suggestion. Sheng Erlang smiled and casually twirled his folding
fan. "We can't assign Silang to do it, can we? You are tall and strong,
perfectly suited for this task."
Sheng
Silang, not yet fifteen years old, was still considered a half-grown child.
Upon hearing Sheng Erlang's words, he couldn't help but feel a spark of
excitement. "Actually, I can accompany Biaojie too," he chimed in
eagerly. He had never ventured far from home before. Moreover, this was the
opportunity to visit the bustling and prosperous Capital. Thus, accompanying
Biaojie wouldn't be a loss at all.
"Don't
even think about it," Sheng Erlang warned, tapping Sheng Silang's head
with his folding fan. However, his focus remained on Sheng Sanlang. Sheng
Sanlang curled his lips and replied, "It's not like only Silang and I are
left. Dage, or you can accompany her too."
Sheng
Dalang cleared his throat and said, "The Imperial Examination is
approaching. I'm afraid I won't be able to leave." Sheng Erlang nodded in
agreement. "That's right, both Dage and I are preparing for the Imperial
Examination this autumn, so we cannot leave."
Suddenly,
Sheng Sanlang's face brightened with an idea. "As the saying goes, it's
better to travel thousands of miles than to read ten thousand books. Dage,
Erge, why not seize this opportunity of accompanying Luo Biaomei to familiarize
yourselves with the Capital in advance for next year's spring Imperial
Examination preparation?"
This
statement is very pleasing to the ears. Passing the autumn imperial examination
was a prerequisite for participating in the spring examination, and the
triennial autumn examination was no easy feat. Sheng Sanlang seemed confident
they would succeed this autumn.
Sheng
Erlang's eyes flickered, and he smiled. "How about this? Let's draw
lots." Sheng Silang quickly agreed, but Sheng Erlang dismissed him with a
wave.
After
a short while, Sheng Sanlang let out a mournful cry. "Why is it always me
who's unlucky?" Sheng Dalang and Sheng Erlang smiled and cupped their
hands at Sheng Sanlang: "We entrust the safety of Luo Biaomei to
you."
The
following day, Sheng Sanlang volunteered to accompany Luo Sheng to the Capital,
receiving approval from Sheng Laotaitai. However, just as he left Funing Hall,
he was called away by Sheng Ertaitai. According to rumors, Sheng Ertaitai
locked the door of her courtyard and chased after Sheng Sanlang with a feather
duster.
"They're
unwilling to accompany my sister?" Luo Chen sat at the table, his dark,
jewel-like pupils growing even darker.
Fusong
shrunk his neck, sensing his master's anger. Although he was initially a
servant of the Sheng Mansion, his heart had long aligned with Luo Chen after
serving him for so many years. He quickly shared the news he had gathered:
"I overheard something Sheng San Gongzi accidentally revealed. It seems
they drew lots..."
Luo
Chen pursed his lips and asked, "When will she leave?" Since he was
still upset with Luo Sheng, he refrained from directly asking her this
question.
"She?"
Fusong froze for a moment. Luo Chen's expression darkened, and he reluctantly
uttered, "My sister!" Fusong had a sudden realization. "Ah, I
see. So you were asking about Miss. Miss will leave tomorrow, and everyone
there has already started packing."
Luo
Chen sat in contemplation for a while before giving an order. "Go and
inform her to prepare a table of dishes for me tonight."
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