An Jin’s actions destroyed Miss Song San’s last bit of fantasy. Soon after, I introduced her to my younger sister, and they became close friends, an unexpected outcome.
Chapter Ten: The Romantic Eastern Palace
Miss Song San became close friends with my younger sister. The two young girls often went shopping and attending poetry meetings, discussing which unmarried gentlemen in Yanfeng City would be suitable husbands.
“My brother’s at it again,” Little Sister said, shaking her head. “We encountered a horse-drawn carriage stuck in the mud, and he insisted on helping. Suddenly, a girl came out, claiming her family had a seriously ill relative and no money for treatment. Without hesitation, he gave her all the money he had.”
Song Sitian added, “We tried to stop him, but he just said—”
“‘What if it’s true?'” Little Sister imitated, making me both laugh and cry.
“That girl was dressed well, not like someone from a poor family,” Little Sister continued. “If he doesn’t change this habit, he’ll never find a wife.”
Song Sitian nodded vigorously. “If we hadn’t noticed something was wrong and quickly pulled him away, we might have lost all our money. The girl chased us until we finally shook her off. It was dangerous!”
I sighed, thinking this might just be fate.
In the adjacent private room, Big Brother was meeting a girl from the Book Messenger’s family. I leaned forward, pressing my ear against the thin wooden wall, listening to the conversation. Little Sister and Song Sitian imitated me, lying against the wall and communicating through glances.
The wall was thin, and their conversation was clear but somewhat awkward. I silently worried for Big Brother, who had always struggled with conversations, especially with girls.
The girl asked, “I hear Xiao Gongzi works in the Hanlin Academy? Truly promising.”
“Not at all,” Big Brother replied modestly. “It’s just a small job helping to transcribe scrolls and take notes.”
I facepalmed, feeling tense. The girl’s voice followed, “Xiao Gongzi is truly humble. What are your usual hobbies?”
Big Brother hesitated before saying, “Cooking.”
I facepalmed again. The girl sounded helpless. “Xiao Gongzi is joking. As they say, a gentleman stays away from the kitchen. Cooking should be a woman’s task.”
Big Brother laughed honestly. “I’ve loved cooking since I was young.”
