To Hold One’s Joy

hapter 30-1: Foolish Princess

In late spring, Nanyang City was bathed in the warm breeze, and the abundance of blooming flowers added a touch of beauty to the somewhat mundane city. Luo Sheng walked through the bustling crowd, calm and silent.

Beside her, Sheng Sanlang occasionally glanced at her with doubt in his eyes. He sensed that something about Luo Biaomei was different, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Being unfamiliar with dealing with girls, Sheng Sanlang was at a loss on how to improve the situation. In his confusion, his eyes caught sight of a peddler selling candied haws. The enticing bunches of candied haws on straw sticks glistened brightly under the sun.

Without hesitation, Sheng Sanlang strode over and bought two sticks of candied haws, offering one to Luo Sheng. She stopped and looked at him, finding a bright smile on the young man's face. "Biaomei, eat these candied haws. They have a delightful sweet and sour taste," he said.

Luo Sheng was silent momentarily, then reached out to accept the candied haws: "Thank you, Biaoge." Sheng Sanlang's smile widened. "No need to thank me, as long as you like it," he replied, and he handed another stick of candied haws to Hongdou.

Hongdou is overjoyed. Although candied haws were nothing special to her, it always felt good to be remembered. Well, Sheng San Gongzi was a good man.

"Can Biaoge buy me a few more things?" Luo Sheng asked. Glancing at the candied haws in her hand, Sheng Sanlang almost patted his chest with assurance. "Biaomei, just tell me what you want." Sugar figurines, snacks, or cosmetics?

"I want the joss paper for the memorial service."

Sheng Sanlang was stunned, and his expression grew serious as he asked, "Biaomei, why do you need it?"

Lowering her gaze, Luo Sheng answered, "I want to offer it to my mother. I learned from Waizumu that my mother stayed in Nanyang for a while after her marriage due to health issues. Standing here now, I feel upset, realizing I am finally in the same place as my mother. That's why I want to burn some joss paper for her to offer my filial piety."

"I see," Sheng Sanlang responded sympathetically. He finally understood the reason behind Luo Sheng's melancholy ever since they arrived in Nanyang City. Losing her mother at a young age was truly pitiful.

"So, Biaoge, would you be willing to help me buy it?" Luo Sheng asked. "No problem at all!" Sheng Sanlang assured her.

Luo Sheng slightly bent her knee in gratitude. "Then I will trouble you, Biaoge. Hongdou and I will explore the rouge and powder shop over there. We'll meet you at the inn in the evening."

Sheng Sanlang hesitated. He never intends to go separately from her. After all, he was responsible for Luo Biaomei's safety, and the guards they brought along had stayed at the inn.

Observing his silence, Luo Sheng frowned: "Biaoge, do you want to accompany me to the rouge shop?"

Sheng Sanlang vigorously shook his head. "Ahem, that's not what I meant. Carry on with your shopping, Biaomei. I'll go buy the joss paper for you right away." Satisfied, Luo Sheng smiled. "Then see you again tonight."

After parting ways with Sheng Sanlang, Luo Sheng, accompanied by Hongdou, headed straight to a tailor shop. It wasn't long before a young man and his attendant appeared on the street. The young man had delicate eyebrows and eyes, but his slightly dark complexion gave him an ordinary appearance at first glance.

"Miss, are we dressing like this to visit a brothel?" Hongdou whispered, filled with excitement. She had never been taken to a brothel by Miss, even in the Capital, so the thought of it made her eager with anticipation.

Luo Sheng gazed deeply at Hongdou. To be honest, she felt a twinge of envy towards Miss Luo. Her maid could mention going to a brothel so casually, showing how freely Miss Luo could live her life.