"Let's go to the servants' quarters." Old Master Jiang rose from beside the bed and called to everyone.
Old Liu glanced at the dried tofu and peanuts on the table but said nothing more, simply leaving with the others. He had not exchanged any words with Ren Ye the entire time.
About ten minutes later, in the servants' quarters.
After everyone gathered, they waited a little longer before Old Qu hurried over, looking slightly apologetic. "Sorry about that. I took a quick walk around to get a look at the terrain."
None of the players said anything, but the steward, Liu Tang, was clearly displeased. "I'll say this again: no one is to act alone. If you delay Master Gao's important business, you'll bear the consequences."
"Yes, yes. I'll be more careful next time." Old Qu had no "blood ties" to Liu Tang, so he could only nod and bow as he answered.
Liu Tang swept a solemn gaze over everyone and went straight into his lines. "Two things. First, Wang Shoucai isn't at the residence right now. He should return on the day of the birthday banquet, which is still three days away. We need to find that item for the master during this time. Second, the Wang Family will set up a stage at the foot of the mountain and put on opera performances for all three days. This is an excellent opportunity for us. Every evening, between six and ten thirty, we can quietly return to the residence to search for the item. But to avoid alerting the Wang Family, we cannot all act together. We must select eight quick-witted, nimble-footed heroes to take me along."
"I don't know what skills or powers each of you possesses, so you must decide among yourselves who will accompany