The woman wore her hair in twin flat buns, adorned with gleaming gold filigree hairpins. She wore a moon-white inner dress beneath a watery-pink outer skirt. The moment Duan Rong emerged, she took several graceful steps forward, gathered her skirt, and bowed. "Are you Bodyguard Duan?"
"My surname is Duan!" Duan Rong's eyes brightened slightly when he saw her.
"The one who paints on West Avenue?" the woman continued, staring at Duan Rong.
Duan Rong smiled and nodded.
Having confirmed his identity, the woman visibly relaxed and said with a faint smile, "I am a maidservant of Xia Residence. My name is Xue Qing. My young mistress wishes to commission a painting from you, Mister."
A maidservant of Xia Residence was likely beyond the reach of even the daughters of ordinary households.
The maid was named Xue Qing—an apt name indeed. Like her name, she was fair and bright.
"A street artisan cannot bear the word 'commission.' Since your young mistress is interested, I shall accompany you, Miss," Duan Rong said pleasantly. Being sought out for his paintings was better than performing in the streets.
Xue Qing's gaze flickered slightly. Though Mister Duan was ordinary in appearance, his speech was modest and measured, carrying the easy warmth of a spring breeze.
Xue Qing could not help smiling. "Mister, this way!"
Xue Qing lifted the cotton curtain of the carriage compartment. Duan Rong stepped inside and sat on the long bench along the right-hand window.
The bench was quite broad, padded with soft cushions, while an exquisitely patterned carpet covered the floor beneath his feet.
Xue Qing took her seat opposite Duan Rong and called sweetly, "Lao Qin, go!"
The driver loosened the reins slightly and gave a soft reprimand. "Giddyup!"
As if obeying an order, the Date-Red Horse lowered its