Officer Ding, steady by nature, added,
"Rest assured, Marquis Su. The Drunken Spring Pavilion has a refined, peaceful atmosphere. It's a respectable place for listening to music, with none of that unsavory business. We're simply accompanying you there to unwind."
The men clustered around Su Fei as they left the Cloud Province Thousand Households Office, chatting and laughing.
People streamed along the streets, vendors' cries rising one after another, lending the scene the bustle of a thriving marketplace.
The Drunken Spring Pavilion was not far from the Thousand Households Office. After a short walk, they reached its entrance.
Large red lanterns hung high overhead.
The entrance was exceptionally imposing, with a gold-lettered plaque hanging above it. Several neatly dressed attendants stood by the doors and saw the group approaching.
One sharp-eyed attendant recognized Fang Pengfei and the others at once and hurried forward to greet them.
"Thousand Households Officer Fang, honored officers, and this distinguished guest, please come inside."
It seemed these men were all regulars.
They entered the Drunken Spring Pavilion, where a faint fragrance of incense greeted them. The interior was elegantly furnished, and paintings and calligraphy by renowned artists hung along both sides of the corridor.
Private rooms were arranged neatly on the second floor. The faint strains of strings and pipes drifted out, accompanied by a woman's lilting singing. It truly soothed both body and mind.
Knowing the way well, Fang Pengfei led everyone to the finest private room on the second floor and pushed open the door. Inside were exquisite furnishings, with an eight-person square table by the window already set with fruit and pastries.
"Please sit, Marquis Su."
Fang Pengfei invited Su Fei to sit, then called out through the doorway.
"Go and invite Miss Xiaoxiao over. Tell her Fang has asked her to