"I never thought His Highness would be so determined!"
Shen Zunli was secretly startled. He had glimpsed the Prince of Ancheng's depth and breadth of mind, and along with his admiration came a measure of worry. Even after returning to the Shen Residence, he had not entirely recovered.
Back in his study, he thought for a long while before summoning a trusted aide.
"Young Master, what are your orders?"
Shen Zunli said calmly, "Remember the banquet at the Prince's Residence I mentioned?"
"How could I forget? I've already sent people to make preparations. It should take a few more days..."
"The banquet needs to be moved up by several days, and the venue is uncertain. Keep the preparations I asked for, but pick up the pace."
"Yes, sir!"
The man wasted no time. A sense of urgency had taken hold of him, and after taking his leave of his young master, he hurried off to get to work.
On the way, however, a maid in blue stopped him. After a flurry of questions, she hurried back to a young lady's chamber.
A faint fragrance lingered in the chamber. A young woman sat inside, and when she turned, she revealed a face as fair as a porcelain doll's. Her lovely eyes shifted toward the maid in silent inquiry.
"My lady, I found out! Shen Zhuan says the Prince of Ancheng is holding a banquet in the next few days, and the Marquis of Linru County will be there. If you're still worried, why not go see for yourself what sort of man this lord is?"
The young woman hesitated. "I'm afraid that wouldn't be proper."
"What's improper about it?" the blue-clad maid said with a giggle. "I've heard plenty of young ladies in Jiankang City often dress as men and get