Duke of Dai's Residence
Night had fallen. The Capital City's streets had gone quiet, and the common folk had all extinguished their lamps. Candles cost dearly, and even oil lamps had to be used sparingly. Yet in officials' residences, lights still shone everywhere, lanterns hanging all about.
Duke of Dai's Residence was even more so. The lingering sounds of silk and bamboo music drifted through the air, every note reaching the ear.
A new courtyard had been renovated within the inner compound. The hall and corridors were joined together and expanded into an incomparably elegant viewing platform. A faint bamboo fragrance mingled with the tea and wine scents permeating the banquet. The young man seated in the place of honor wore a calm expression, the corners of his lips slightly raised, as though nothing in the world could move him.
The songstress sang in gentle, winding tones, her voice floating on without end. When one piece paused briefly, Fang Zhen nodded in approval, raised his wine cup, and toasted Su Ziji. "The music is fine. But since Duke of Dai says the songs and dances rehearsed in his residence are even better, they must indeed be superior. I could not wait, so I came uninvited, hoping to be the first to see them."
As he spoke, Fang Zhen carefully studied him. Su Ziji wore casual clothes that did not appear noble, yet they were spotless, not a speck of dust upon them. He looked relaxed, as if he always carried a smile, but when his gaze shifted, there seemed to be a trace of melancholy as well. He was truly dazzling and mesmerizing.
Such bearing surpassed even the former Crown Prince, did it not?
"The heir is skilled in refined music. I am truly delighted that you have come. Come,