I sat outside the curtain, collecting money with each consultation, experiencing the joy of counting until my hands went soft. Among the visitors were many familiar faces. The owner of the steamed bun shop shyly asked about Qin Yu from the Chu Women’s Hall’s favorite gifts. After glancing at a note, he left happily.
Miss Zhang from the jewelry shop excitedly inquired if An Jin would consider taking a concubine but was chased away by Yuan Xiao. When I didn’t exist, there was a painful price to pay.
Even Song Sitian’s brother, a known playboy, asked quietly if the Palace Heir liked men. I knew this playboy would eventually go down this path!
Lin Shusheng, who usually haggled over a thirty-coin “Liu Sheng Poetry Collection”, surprisingly bought five books at once. When it was his turn, he blushed and carefully asked: “May I ask the Prince’s age? Are you married?”
I shuddered. A sparrow from behind the curtain passed out a note, which he treasured for a moment before looking disappointed as he left.
The note read: “Forbidden to ask questions about anyone other than Yan Feng’s beauty. Thank you for your cooperation.”
I was well-prepared to deal with the passionate “Thirteen fans,” and it surprisingly came in handy.
Su Hui arrived, adorned with a golden hairpin, jade ring, and a purple silk dress, radiating charm and gentleness. Her presence caused a small commotion among the queuing crowd. I led her to the bookshelf, away from the line. She laughed elegantly, exchanged friendly greetings, and praised the bustling bookstore scene.
Just as I was about to chat, Yuan Xiang suddenly barked at her, causing her to step back.
“I’m so sorry, did I scare you?” I apologized. “My dog only barks at two types of people: beautiful women,” Su Hui smiled, ready to be modest, but then I added, “and villains.”
Her expression stiffened. “How interesting. But can a dog really distinguish between good and bad?”
I chuckled lightly, “Don’t underestimate it. Miss Su, did you come here for Thirteen Gongzi?”
She shook her head. “I came to apologize to the madam about the embroidery workshop incident.”
The embroidery workshop incident? The time when An Jin was disciplined by my mother and fell ill for three days?
