Madam Ma's residence was actually not far from the Back Garden, but the two had not been connected. One had to take a detour through Second Gate Alley to enter or leave.
Compared to the two rows of dormitories that had looked like mold repositories earlier, the surroundings here were naturally much better, with sweeping eaves and bracket sets no less impressive than those of towers and halls.
Yet the most striking feature was not the main hall or principal rooms, but the east wing, whose style differed greatly from northern architecture.
"Upright Official."
Seeing Sun Shaozong stop to examine the east wing's construction, the clever maid Qiuhong said timidly, "The east wing is where my master cultivates the Dao and studies mysticism. Even Madam normally dares not enter without permission."
Her explanation only made Sun Shaozong more curious.
However, with none of those able to make decisions present, he did not wish to make things overly difficult for the two maids. He merely nodded noncommittally, then motioned for Qiuhong to step forward and open the door to the main hall.
The moment he entered, he caught the faint scent of warm fragrance. Once he reached the inner room, the scent grew even stronger.
The interior decorations, like the tassels on the hood, were full of girlish charm—Sun Shaozong even spotted a string of pink origami-crane wind chimes hanging by the window.
"Search everywhere. See if there is anything suspicious."
As he gave the order, Sun Shaozong opened the wardrobe himself. The clothes inside were layered in neat stacks, all women's garments. There was not a single piece of men's clothing.
He casually asked, "Hongyuan Zhenren does not normally sleep here?"
Qiuhong hesitated before answering haltingly, "The Zhenren... the Zhenren is preparing elixirs for the Emperor."
Madam Ma might have