NOVPUBThere was no news from the Eastern Palace.
Shen Roujia wasn’t in a hurry anymore.
After a few days of leisure, she finally got ready and followed Gu Zhi to Lady Miao Yin’s residence.
On the way, Gu Zhi shared some good news with Shen Roujia.
“Lady Miao Yin has a top-priority task in the Hidden Pavilion. It’s been three or four years, and no one has completed it.”
Shen Roujia paused, “Are you suggesting I take it?”
Gu Zhi led Shen Roujia’s horse with a slight smile, “Yes.”
Shen Roujia gently lifted the side of her long hat, revealing one eye.
“Tell me, what task is so difficult?”
Seeing Shen Roujia’s curiosity, Gu Zhi explained.
“It’s quite strange. Lady Miao Yin’s real name is Hua Zui. Despite her special status, she detests luxury and lives alone in the Western Mountains.”
“She has a precious konghou that she keeps in her music room. Originally, there were no issues, but starting four years ago, every full moon, music could be heard coming from the room.”
Shen Roujia frowned, “So what exactly is the task?”
Gu Zhi pursed her lips, “She said the music played is her late husband’s favorite tune, which was buried with him. She wants to find out who is playing it.”
Shen Roujia was puzzled by this strange task.
“Well, it’s not very clear… Let’s figure it out when we get there.”
The Hidden Pavilion often took on assassination contracts, but it also accepted bounties from the government and unresolved cases to build its reputation.
Gu Zhi helped Shen Roujia dismount. The courtyard was small, like the home of a reclusive master.
The large courtyard had only a few scattered servants.
Shen Roujia cautiously looked around, while Gu Zhi seemed more familiar with the place.
Gu Zhi raised one hand naturally and took Shen Roujia’s hand.
“Follow me this way.”
As they passed through the garden, they encountered two expressionless maidservants.
Seeing strangers, the maidservants were startled and almost dropped the bowls they were carrying.
“Are you okay?” Shen Roujia asked softly.
The two maidservants glanced at each other and quickly made gestures.
Gu Zhi explained, “All the servants here were taken in by Lady Miao Yin. They all have some physical impairments. These two are mute.”
Shen Roujia was deeply moved. She didn’t realize that someone could be so kind in this era.
Lady Miao Yin’s charitable actions made her image grow significantly in Shen Roujia’s mind.
“Wow…”
Gu Zhi chuckled, “Let’s go.”
Lady Miao Yin, also known as Hua Zui, spent almost all her time in the music room.
If it weren’t for her illness, she would have stayed there even for eating and sleeping.
Hearing that Jiao Jiao was coming, she perked up immediately and went into the music room to clean all the strings.
Shen Roujia found this amusing.
“She really holds me in high regard.”
Before Gu Zhi could reply, the sound of a joyful konghou reached their ears.
Shen Roujia recognized it immediately.
Hua Zui, hearing the announcement, stopped playing and quickly ran out.
“Jiao Jiao?” 𝖓𝔬𝖛𝔭𝔲𝖇.𝔠𝔬𝖒
Shen Roujia responded with a slight bow, “Jiao Jiao greets Lady Miao Yin.”
Hua Zui’s eyes lit up, “Gu Zhi, you actually know her! I thought you were joking.”
Gu Zhi could only shake her head helplessly, “Aunt Hua, when have you ever known me to joke?”
