At dusk, gentle slanting sunlight spilled over the willow-lined banks of the Southern Fragrant River.
Countless brightly dressed young scholars and beauties, carrying parasols or folding fans, strolled back and forth along the pedestrian street.
Back in the Capital City, Pei Xiangjun had thoroughly become a wealthy household's pampered lady. She walked gracefully along the street, admiring the little pleasure boats passing by, while Xiuhe followed behind, carrying all manner of purchases.
Luo Ning walked beside her, cool and unsmiling, accompanied by Little Yunli taking her bird out and Ping'er, who was full of curiosity on her first visit to the Capital City.
They had come out to buy little everyday necessities for their future residence-handkerchiefs, rouge, small ornaments, and the like.
Since Zhe Yunli would also be moving into the new residence, Luo Ning had brought the two of them along. Explaining the relationships involved to Ping'er had taken considerable thought. The excuse she had roughly concocted was-to conceal her identity in the Capital City, she had condescended to pose as Ye Jingtang's female friend. Quite a few people mistakenly thought she was his lover, and if Ping'er heard that, she was not to explain; knowing the truth herself was enough.
Ping'er understood the risks of operating undercover in the Capital City, so she caught her meaning without asking more. She quickly slipped into her role as a newly hired maid to avoid arousing outsiders' suspicions.
Now that they were back in the Capital City, Luo Ning could no longer bicker with Third Madam over jealousy as she had while traveling. She merely maintained her distant demeanor, pondering what had happened last night.
The thought of last night made Luo Ning rather annoyed. She had clearly rushed to Third Madam's room because she had discovered something unexpected, yet that