The sky was clear, orioles sang by winding railings; amid the zither's notes, rain drifted like mist.
Fine rain hung like silk, thin fog like smoke, falling upon the eaves, the stone pavement, every leaf, and every heart.
Pedestrians came along the road beneath umbrellas, most of them light-footed, carrying the leisurely composure unique to Jiangnan. Whenever they stepped through puddles, rippling glimmers of light spread across the ground.
By evening, the rain had gradually grown heavier.
The sky color had turned dark early. Rain fell from the eaves like strings of bead curtains, while the city lights came on ahead of time, hazy through the veil of rain, adding a touch of bewildered serenity.
Luoxue Tower was as it had always been.
Women's tender songs and music echoed through the hall as people continually arrived and departed.
Some came merely to enjoy the songs and dances, some to vent their desires, and some for both. Everyone had their own purpose, and Luoxue Tower welcomed guests from all corners.
"Where is Miss Bai? We want to hear Miss Bai play the zither!"
"Brother, you came a step too late. Miss Bai left yesterday."
"Left? Why did she leave?"
"She was free to come and go. Naturally, she left when she wished to."
Luoxue Tower had lost the quiet elegance of the past few days. The clamor seemed never to cease.
Sister Lan was helpless, able only to keep smiling and explaining.
Miss Bai's zither music was beyond the mundane, and she looked like an immortal maiden. Nearly half the guests had come for her, and after traveling so far only to miss the beauty, naturally they would not let the matter rest easily.
"Oh, Young Master Li, please don't make things difficult for me. I truly don't know where Miss