Lingering Charm and Outstanding Talent

Two maids, one named Ling Yu and the other Ling Xiu, are twin sisters.

Their names are taken from the idiom "zhong ling yu xiu," meaning "endowed with spiritual grace and exceptional talent."

It is said that they were once young ladies of noble families, but their families fell into decline. Their parents were unjustly accused and died, their mansion and ancestral lands were confiscated, and the two sisters, left alone and destitute, had no choice but to sell themselves into servitude as maids.

It can be said that this was also a matter of fate.

Their father was a regular customer at the Ye Family's wine shop, only drinking the yellow wine brewed by Ye Long, thus forming a connection.

Buying them as maids wasn't because they truly wished to associate with high officials and nobles, but rather to help an old friend and give their daughters a way to survive.

Seeing Ye Kang about to wash dishes, the two maids panicked.

This was one of the few tasks they could do. If even this was taken from them, they would have no face to remain in the Ye Family.

Ye Kang understood their hardship, so he didn't say much. He simply handed the dishes over to them and returned to the courtyard to chat with Ye Long.

"Kang'er, people have been coming to our door to propose marriage these past few days, our threshold is practically worn down. What do you think we should do?"

"What's so difficult about that? Just let Big Brother choose someone he fancies and get married."

"They are proposing to you."

"..."

Ye Kang laughed it off and then, putting his hand behind his back, brought it forward again, now holding several gold bars.

"Father, take these gold bars. Be careful not to let anyone see them."

"You, you, you! Where did these come from?"

Ye Long was startled, immediately forgetting about the marriage proposals, his eyes only seeing the gleam of gold.

Ye Kang smiled, "Just hide them well. Take them out and use them when you need to."

Ye Long, however, sighed.

"The five hundred taels of gold the Empress bestowed last time, I dug a hole under the bed to put it in, terrified of losing it. Now these gold bars have appeared again, my paranoia is going to get worse."

"Father, spend it like money. Buy more properties, purchase some manors outside the city, or expand the wine shop and open a few more branches. Why hide it?"

Ye Kang was very helpless. In this era, there was no room for appreciation. It was better to enjoy the gold while holding it rather than hiding it and attracting thieves.

Ye Long sighed again.

"We'll see. By the way, you mentioned Ping'er's marriage earlier. Your maternal grandfather in Jiangnan sent a letter a few days ago, saying he's found a suitable match for Ping'er and wants us to go over. What do you think?"

Ye Kang was stunned for a moment upon hearing this.

Regarding his maternal grandfather's family, Ye Kang's memory only went back to his childhood. He hadn't seen anyone from that side since he was ten years old, and his mother never mentioned them.

A letter suddenly arriving – could it be that his maternal grandfather missed his daughter?

Ye Long saw his son's bewilderment and said somewhat awkwardly, "You don't know your maternal grandfather. He's very stubborn, and from a prominent family in Jiangnan. He strongly opposed your mother coming with me back then. Now that he's sent a letter, I'm afraid he wants to trick us into going..."

"What does Mother say?"

"Although your mother says she won't go back, I can see she misses her family..."

"Then we'll go. I'll handle everything, don't worry."

"But you have official duties, how can you leave your post without permission?"

"It's nothing. I'll just discuss it with Lord Leng."

Ye Kang didn't want to make his mother difficult, nor did he want to see her sad.

This family matter, if it needs to be addressed, will be addressed.

Having made his decision, he didn't waste any more words and immediately headed to the headquarters of the Imperial City Department.

Lord Leng was reviewing files. Upon hearing Ye Kang's words, she said expressionlessly, "Going to Jiangnan isn't difficult. Just get an arrest warrant, and it can be a business trip."

"Thank you, Lord Leng."

"However, there is one thing. The Imperial City Department has no informants or case files in Jiangnan. That territory belongs to the Azure Scale Guard."

Ye Kang was instantly speechless. This Lord Leng, she really knew how to pause for dramatic effect.

He said unwillingly, "Can Lord Leng think of a way? I haven't seen my maternal grandfather in many years. The old man misses his grandson so much that his eyes are dim and he weeps tears of sorrow..."

"Enough. If you insist on going, it's not impossible. I'll ask the Princess to help, and have her request Consort Jing to issue you an order to go to the Azure Scale Guard branch for exchange and learning."

"Lord Leng is truly resourceful."

"Lord Ye, go back and wait for news. This order will take at least three to five days to come down. You can take a few days of leave with peace of mind."

"Excellent."

Ye Kang cupped his hands in thanks and returned home.

He told his parents they could start preparing; they would go to Jiangnan in a few days, and they could send a letter to his maternal grandfather today.

His parents were both greatly alarmed, but after considering for a while, they felt it was fine.

After all, Ye Kang was now a high official; his maternal family wouldn't dare bully him again.

Ye Kang noticed that although his mother's face showed worry, there was also a hint of joy.

As evening approached, Ye Kang, having nothing better to do, decided to take a stroll through Hong Xuan Gate.

Before leaving, he noticed the maid Ling Yu sitting on the steps, looking lost in thought.

Ling Xiu had gone with Ye Long to the wine shop to pick up Ye Ping and help organize the account books.

Ling Yu was supposed to stay and look after their mother, but since her mother was perfectly capable and didn't need her help, Ling Yu seemed awkward and out of place.

Seeing that she had nothing to do, Ye Kang said, "Why don't you come with me to Hong Xuan Gate? You can't always be in low spirits like this; it makes me uncomfortable too."

Ling Yu's expression immediately tensed.

"Second Young Master, I'm sorry! I'll change right away!"

Ling Yu quickly put on a smile that was more like a grimace.

Ye Kang shook his head and pulled her along as they walked out.

Of the four great gates of the Imperial City, Hong Xuan Gate boasted the most prosperous night market.

Whether it was high officials or ordinary folk, whenever they went out to seek entertainment, that was the first place that came to mind.

This was Ye Kang's first time visiting the night market since arriving in this world, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.

They walked in silence until they reached Hong Xuan Gate, where the bustling scene washed over them.

The street was wide, at least as wide as six lanes in his previous life, with small stalls lining both sides and the middle.

After walking for a while, Ye Kang looked up and saw a multi-story building from which laughter and various melodies could be heard.

The patrons coming and going were all high officials and young masters.

Ye Kang was startled.

Could this be the legendary brothel and entertainment district!

He immediately decided, "Let's go, Second Young Master will take you to the brothel to listen to music!"

"Ah!"

Ling Yu's face changed, but Ye Kang had already darted inside, leaving her no choice but to follow.

The two found a tea table. Just as a storyteller finished his tale on stage, a group of beautifully dressed women, holding pipa and dizi, appeared.

A servant came to pour tea. Ye Kang handed him two qian of silver and asked, "Is this enough for tea, wine, and snacks?"

"It's more than enough. Please wait a moment, sirs."

The servant took the silver and left. Ye Kang, meanwhile, happily admired the singing and dancing on stage.

No wonder people in ancient times loved going to brothels to listen to music; it truly is wonderful.

Ling Yu had been here a few times before, but now she was very restrained, feeling completely uncomfortable.

After admiring the performance for a while, the snacks arrived.

Ye Kang casually picked up a pastry and offered it to her.

Just then, a surprised exclamation rang out.

"Isn't that Miss Zhong! My goodness, to think I'd run into you in a place like this! What a rare sight!"