To Hold One's Joy / Happy - Chapter 7 : Apricot Blossoms

Luo Sheng stood in the shadows, mostly concealed by the flowers and trees, attentively listening to her surroundings.

The group were the Eldest Young Master Sheng and his three younger brothers.

She also caught a whiff of alcohol in the air.

She had crossed paths with them before, and they were so scared that they didn't dare to eat at home. It seemed that they had been out having fun.

The Third Young Master Sheng was staggering as he leaned on his siblings for support while approaching Luo Sheng.

"Third Brother," the Second Young Master Sheng said with a hint of regret, "why are you so upset over a woman who didn't return your feelings?"

The Third Young Master Sheng lifted his head slightly, his red-tinged eyes glimmering in the moonlight.

"Who's upset? Stop talking nonsense, Second Brother."

"Nonsense?" The Second Young Master Sheng gently tapped him on the shoulder with his folding fan, irritation creeping into his voice. "Who drank this much? Unless you're trying to drown your sorrows, what's the reason?"

Eldest Young Master Sheng interjected, "Come on, Second Brother, just let him be; he's feeling down."

With a sneer, Second Young Master Sheng replied, "I just can't stand it. That Miss Qian hanged herself because she couldn't marry Su Yao. What's with all the fuss, Third Brother?"

Hanged herself?

Luo Sheng's eyes flickered.

Reflections of flowers, branches, and tree shadows danced across her gaze, creating ripples in the cool night air.

The Third Young Master Sheng's face turned red, whether due to the alcohol or embarrassment was unclear. He exclaimed, "Who's causing trouble? The wine today has a profound taste. Can't I enjoy a few more sips?"

"Third Brother, please calm down..." Fourth Young Master Sheng said, tugging at his brother's sleeve.

Third Young Master Sheng playfully ruffled his younger sibling's hair. "Go away, you kid-you still want to lecture me?"

It was bad enough to deal with his elder brother's chatter, but now his younger brother wanted to scold him too?

The Fourth Young Master Sheng's face turned red, and he stammered, "No, Cousin Sister... she's right there!"

The three brothers froze as they noticed Luo Sheng standing discreetly among the flowers and trees. Their expressions shifted dramatically.

Without a moment's hesitation, Luo Sheng acknowledged them with a calm nod and walked on with Hong Dou, not glancing back.

The night wind howled, whisking away fallen petals, much like the sadness that lingered among the four men.

With a bewildered look, Third Young Master Sheng wiped his face and asked, "Did she hear us?"

Second Young Master Sheng chuckled, "Not sure if she caught everything, but you were pretty loud, Third Brother; she likely heard something."

Third Young Master Sheng: "..."

...

Once back in her room, Luo Sheng washed up, changed into a snow-white mid-length dress, and leaned back on the couch.

Hong Dou brought a small stool and sat beside her, asking in confusion, "Miss, why did you mention having a hidden condition of night sleepwalking?"

Luo Sheng gazed at the banana tree's shadow cast on the green gauze window and replied calmly, "It's to make the other party feel secure, enticing them to emerge."

The little maid shook her head in confusion. "I don't understand."

Luo Sheng looked at the puzzled maid and smiled, "There's no need to understand; just follow my instructions."

She found the naive little maid endearing.

Having no memories of Miss Luo and the maid was blissfully unaware. She had recently arrived at Sheng Mansion, which relieved her of the worry about revealing her true identity.

If Miss Luo's maid were too clever, it could lead to complications.

After all, silencing someone permanently was no easy task.

"Go and call those two young maids."

Hong Dou answered with a simple "yes," and after a moment, she stepped outside and returned with two young maids.

These maids were around thirteen or fourteen years old, tasked only with minor daytime chores and forbidden from entering the inner chamber.

"Miss..." The two maids trembled in fear at Luo Sheng's authority, bowing respectfully.

Luo Sheng gave a slight nod and instructed Hong Dou, "Please bring four taels of silver-the two for each of them."

Having witnessed her young mistresses' extravagant spending before, Hong Dou retrieved some silver and tossed it into the maids' arms.

Terrified, the two maids dropped to their knees, speaking in unison, "Miss, what do you want from this servant?"

Were they to be sent out to kidnap a young man because their mistress was short on manpower?

Even though silver was tempting, they couldn't condone such actions.

Maintaining her calm demeanor, Luo Sheng replied, "Tomorrow, you go to the streets..."

One maid swayed on her knees and exclaimed, "Miss, I can't possibly take part in kidnapping someone!"

Luo Sheng paused for a moment.

Meanwhile, Hong Dou jumped in, exclaiming, "Bah! What are you dreaming about, you little fool? How could you even think you'd be responsible for kidnapping?"

With Hong Dou present, there was no way the young lady would delegate such a task-it was an insult to her status as the number one maid and thug!

The two maids' eyes widened at this exchange.

Were they really naive enough to think that snatching a handsome young man off the street was a legitimate task?

Remaining unfazed by her maids' reactions, Luo Sheng continued, "Tomorrow, you'll inquire if anyone knows about a girl named Qian who has hanged herself. The more information, the better. If you find it difficult to ask, feel free to have your father, brother, or a friend do it for you. These two taels of silver are for your errands. The one who gathers the most information tomorrow will earn an additional two taels."

Relieved to learn it was merely a matter of gathering information, the two maids responded in unison, "Don't worry, Miss. We'll find out tomorrow morning."

After speaking, they exchanged glances, each harboring a sense of competition.

The young lady's promise of extra silver for the one who uncovered the most information meant they couldn't afford to let the other get ahead.

Eager to start, the two maids left the room.

Hong Dou quickly inquired, "Miss, why are you interested in that?"

"Just curious," Luo Sheng replied as she settled into bed, pulling the quilt up. The bedding carried a comforting yet strange scent, and soon, night turned into day.

Luo Sheng woke early with the sun.

Outside her gauzy window, banana trees swayed, and the melodic calls of kingfishers filled the air.

Hong Dou lay asleep on the floor beside the bed, undisturbed.

Luo Sheng cleared her throat and called out, "Hong Dou."

Though her voice was soft, Hong Dou sprang awake, rubbing her eyes and asking, "Miss, why are you up so early?"

Luo Sheng smiled slightly, "It's getting late; I must go pay my respects to my grandmother."

Hong Dou blinked in disbelief, incredulous, "You've never done that before."

Even during their time in the capital, the young lady would sleep until midday. Following lunch, the young lady would take her and a few maids and servants to stroll around the streets.

What was this about paying respects?

Luo Sheng glanced at Hong Dou and answered calmly, "I've never been to the Hell Gate before, but things are different now."

Hong Dou felt a shiver down her spine at this comment, though she couldn't pinpoint why, so she hastily assisted Luo Sheng in washing and dressing.

The two made their way out of the yard, heading slowly towards Funing Hall.

Sheng Mansion was a classic example of Jiangnan scenery-graceful and elegant, adorned with clusters of blooming flowers everywhere.

Taking a deep breath of fresh air, Hong Dou smiled and remarked, "I didn't expect the garden to look so lovely this morning, especially since Sheng Mansion is rather small."

Luo Sheng continued to walk slowly without responding.

Suddenly, Hong Dou halted and called out, "Miss, please wait a moment."

Luo Sheng stopped and watched as the little maid hurried over to an apricot tree, lifting her skirt as she ran. Standing on her tiptoes, she picked a bunch of apricot blossoms and dashed back.

"Miss, the apricot blossoms are in full bloom! Can I pick some to put in your hair?" she asked excitedly.

Luo Sheng's eyes shifted from the maid's cheerful face to the flowers, and she nodded slightly, "Sure."

Hong Dou arranged a circle of apricot blossoms in Luo Sheng's hair, then leaned in and whispered, "Miss, your two cousin sisters are on their way."