[Song Tingting felt a wave of disappointment after hearing this, her spirits dimming.]
[Falling flowers had intent; flowing water was heartless.]
[For some reason, Li Qinlan, standing nearby, felt a trace of secret delight.]
[Just as you were bidding Xie Yuan farewell and leaving, the tinkling of jade ornaments suddenly rang out. Two maidservants in moonlight skirts carried brocade boxes, blocking the steps like drifting clouds.]
[The leading old woman had a head of silver hair coiled into a high bun, with a flat jade hairpin set at an angle within it. Her bearing was graceful and noble.]
["Matron Yan!"]
[Su Shishi spoke in surprise, and even the several courtesans bowed in salute.]
[She was the elderly matron who had always accompanied the proprietor of Qimo Spring House, the steward who had managed the entire Qimo Spring House for nearly thirty years.]
[Though Su Shishi held an exceptional status, she too treated her with great respect.]
[The old woman curtsied to you. "Young Master Guan, please stay your steps."]
["My mistress is unwell and could not come in person, so she ordered this old servant to prepare a few humble gifts, as recompense for today's disturbance."]
[You were slightly puzzled. Who was the proprietor of Qimo Spring House, and why would she do this?]
[Xie Yuan had once been a true wastrel, frequenting West Wing Tower and well acquainted with the rumors of these pleasure quarters.]
[He lowered his voice. "It is said that behind Qimo Spring House, aside from the Li Clan, the one truly in charge is His Majesty's full-blooded younger sister—the widowed Eldest Princess."]
[As you pondered this, the old woman broke into a smile, fine lines spreading from the corners of her eyes. "Young Master Guan, do not decline just yet. What is in this box