Chapter 30-1: Foolish Princess
In
late spring, Nanyang City was bathed in the warm breeze, and the abundance of
blooming flowers added a touch of beauty to the somewhat mundane city. Luo
Sheng walked through the bustling crowd, calm and silent.
Beside
her, Sheng Sanlang occasionally glanced at her with doubt in his eyes. He
sensed that something about Luo Biaomei was different, but he couldn't quite
put his finger on it.
Being
unfamiliar with dealing with girls, Sheng Sanlang was at a loss on how to
improve the situation. In his confusion, his eyes caught sight of a peddler
selling candied haws. The enticing bunches of candied haws on straw sticks
glistened brightly under the sun.
Without
hesitation, Sheng Sanlang strode over and bought two sticks of candied haws,
offering one to Luo Sheng. She stopped and looked at him, finding a bright
smile on the young man's face. "Biaomei, eat these candied haws. They have
a delightful sweet and sour taste," he said.
Luo
Sheng was silent momentarily, then reached out to accept the candied haws:
"Thank you, Biaoge." Sheng Sanlang's smile widened. "No need to
thank me, as long as you like it," he replied, and he handed another stick
of candied haws to Hongdou.
Hongdou
is overjoyed. Although candied haws were nothing special to her, it always felt
good to be remembered. Well, Sheng San Gongzi was a good man.
"Can
Biaoge buy me a few more things?" Luo Sheng asked. Glancing at the candied
haws in her hand, Sheng Sanlang almost patted his chest with assurance.
"Biaomei, just tell me what you want." Sugar figurines, snacks, or
cosmetics?
"I
want the joss paper for the memorial service."
Sheng
Sanlang was stunned, and his expression grew serious as he asked,
"Biaomei, why do you need it?"
Lowering
her gaze, Luo Sheng answered, "I want to offer it to my mother. I learned
from Waizumu that my mother stayed in Nanyang for a while after her marriage
due to health issues. Standing here now, I feel upset, realizing I am finally
in the same place as my mother. That's why I want to burn some joss paper for
her to offer my filial piety."
"I
see," Sheng Sanlang responded sympathetically. He finally understood the
reason behind Luo Sheng's melancholy ever since they arrived in Nanyang City.
Losing her mother at a young age was truly pitiful.
"So,
Biaoge, would you be willing to help me buy it?" Luo Sheng asked. "No
problem at all!" Sheng Sanlang assured her.
Luo
Sheng slightly bent her knee in gratitude. "Then I will trouble you,
Biaoge. Hongdou and I will explore the rouge and powder shop over there. We'll
meet you at the inn in the evening."
Sheng
Sanlang hesitated. He never intends to go separately from her. After all, he
was responsible for Luo Biaomei's safety, and the guards they brought along had
stayed at the inn.
Observing
his silence, Luo Sheng frowned: "Biaoge, do you want to accompany me to
the rouge shop?"
Sheng
Sanlang vigorously shook his head. "Ahem, that's not what I meant. Carry
on with your shopping, Biaomei. I'll go buy the joss paper for you right
away." Satisfied, Luo Sheng smiled. "Then see you again
tonight."
After
parting ways with Sheng Sanlang, Luo Sheng, accompanied by Hongdou, headed
straight to a tailor shop. It wasn't long before a young man and his attendant
appeared on the street. The young man had delicate eyebrows and eyes, but his
slightly dark complexion gave him an ordinary appearance at first glance.
"Miss,
are we dressing like this to visit a brothel?" Hongdou whispered, filled
with excitement. She had never been taken to a brothel by Miss, even in the
Capital, so the thought of it made her eager with anticipation.
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