To Hold One’s Joy

hapter 27-1: Gathering

"Forged?" Hongdou stroked her chest and breathed a sigh of relief, "Then this maid is relieved." Miss forging a letter was not a big deal as long as no shameless little hoof competed with her for Miss' favor.

Luo Sheng's lips twitched slightly. When she was still Princess Qingyang, she had four outstanding and capable personal maids. Still, none of them were as unique as Hongdou. However, Hongdou's unique personality suited her current situation. Yet, as these thoughts crossed her mind, Luo Sheng again fell into silence.

On that desolate night, Luo Sheng knew her four maids were likely no longer alive. She also pondered over the fate of her beloved relatives. These were the reasons why she felt a desperate urge to leave Jinsha County. Returning to the Capital served as her best chance to uncover the truth and discover what was happening. Given these circumstances, Luo Sheng had no hesitation in forging a letter from Commander Luo.

The small courtyard where Luo Sheng resided was enveloped in the serene night, while the octagonal pavilion buzzed with activity.

"Erge, you're picking on me! Why should I be the one to accompany Luo Biaomei?" Sheng Sanlang sat there with a stern expression, clearly dissatisfied with Sheng Erlang's suggestion. Sheng Erlang smiled and casually twirled his folding fan. "We can't assign Silang to do it, can we? You are tall and strong, perfectly suited for this task."

Sheng Silang, not yet fifteen years old, was still considered a half-grown child. Upon hearing Sheng Erlang's words, he couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. "Actually, I can accompany Biaojie too," he chimed in eagerly. He had never ventured far from home before. Moreover, this was the opportunity to visit the bustling and prosperous Capital. Thus, accompanying Biaojie wouldn't be a loss at all.

"Don't even think about it," Sheng Erlang warned, tapping Sheng Silang's head with his folding fan. However, his focus remained on Sheng Sanlang. Sheng Sanlang curled his lips and replied, "It's not like only Silang and I are left. Dage, or you can accompany her too."

Sheng Dalang cleared his throat and said, "The Imperial Examination is approaching. I'm afraid I won't be able to leave." Sheng Erlang nodded in agreement. "That's right, both Dage and I are preparing for the Imperial Examination this autumn, so we cannot leave."

Suddenly, Sheng Sanlang's face brightened with an idea. "As the saying goes, it's better to travel thousands of miles than to read ten thousand books. Dage, Erge, why not seize this opportunity of accompanying Luo Biaomei to familiarize yourselves with the Capital in advance for next year's spring Imperial Examination preparation?"

This statement is very pleasing to the ears. Passing the autumn imperial examination was a prerequisite for participating in the spring examination, and the triennial autumn examination was no easy feat. Sheng Sanlang seemed confident they would succeed this autumn.

Sheng Erlang's eyes flickered, and he smiled. "How about this? Let's draw lots." Sheng Silang quickly agreed, but Sheng Erlang dismissed him with a wave.

After a short while, Sheng Sanlang let out a mournful cry. "Why is it always me who's unlucky?" Sheng Dalang and Sheng Erlang smiled and cupped their hands at Sheng Sanlang: "We entrust the safety of Luo Biaomei to you."

The following day, Sheng Sanlang volunteered to accompany Luo Sheng to the Capital, receiving approval from Sheng Laotaitai. However, just as he left Funing Hall, he was called away by Sheng Ertaitai. According to rumors, Sheng Ertaitai locked the door of her courtyard and chased after Sheng Sanlang with a feather duster.

"They're unwilling to accompany my sister?" Luo Chen sat at the table, his dark, jewel-like pupils growing even darker.

Fusong shrunk his neck, sensing his master's anger. Although he was initially a servant of the Sheng Mansion, his heart had long aligned with Luo Chen after serving him for so many years. He quickly shared the news he had gathered: "I overheard something Sheng San Gongzi accidentally revealed. It seems they drew lots..."

Luo Chen pursed his lips and asked, "When will she leave?" Since he was still upset with Luo Sheng, he refrained from directly asking her this question.

"She?" Fusong froze for a moment. Luo Chen's expression darkened, and he reluctantly uttered, "My sister!" Fusong had a sudden realization. "Ah, I see. So you were asking about Miss. Miss will leave tomorrow, and everyone there has already started packing."

Luo Chen sat in contemplation for a while before giving an order. "Go and inform her to prepare a table of dishes for me tonight."

Fusong looked at Luo Chen curiously. This is young master's first time taking the initiative to ask for food. In the past, he simply ate whatever Miss delivered. After all, everything she prepared was delicious! Fusong swallowed reflexively and went to relay the message to Luo Sheng.