NOVPUBBack in her quarters, Shen Roujia looked at the ceremonial dress prepared for her, but she turned away and changed into simpler clothing. She addressed Xiao Fu, “Xiao Fu, I’m sorry, but you’ll have to endure some discomfort. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.”
Xiao Fu nodded, and Shen Roujia began applying a simple disguise to her face. She adjusted Xiao Fu’s eyebrows to resemble her own and covered her face with a veil, finally feeling somewhat reassured.
“Don’t worry. Everything is arranged. Once I’ve finished the performance, if there’s any trouble, we’ll switch back. If all goes well, you can make an excuse to leave.”
Xiao Fu looked at Shen Roujia nervously but nodded in agreement.
Taking her veil and hat, Shen Roujia made her way out of the palace. Lady Miao Yin’s carriage was already waiting outside.
The journey was smooth, and Shen Roujia thought that this might end without incident.
But suddenly, Hong Xiao, who was by Lady Miao Yin’s side, spoke up. “Jiao Niang, why are you out of breath?”
Shen Roujia hadn’t revealed her true identity to them, so she simply smiled as usual. “Hong Xiao? What is it?”
Hong Xiao looked much healthier than before, no longer the sickly figure she had been, though her voice was still damaged.
Hong Xiao glanced at Lady Miao Yin. “There are some things I’ve come to terms with. I must do something for the deceased, perhaps fulfill a final wish.”
Lady Miao Yin frowned at this. “If anyone is to fulfill that wish, it should be me.”
Under her veil, Shen Roujia couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “Alright, alright, I don’t want to hear about this. How did the last piece I sent over turn out?”
Lady Miao Yin’s mood visibly brightened as she replied, “That last score, Boreal Harmony, was truly marvelous, especially suited for an ensemble.”
Shen Roujia nodded. “I’m glad you liked it, but it’s probably not the first time this piece has been played. I performed it at the Glamorous Pavilion.”
Lady Miao Yin didn’t seem bothered. “That’s fine. As long as the music is good.”
The palace gates were opened from the inside, and as Shen Roujia heard the sound, she nervously touched the qin in her arms.
