On ordinary days, Ning Wanwan carefully dressed before going out, but today, she wore men’s clothing, tied her hair on top, and inserted an ordinary jade hairpin.
Fuyi was surprised but remembered not to pry into her miss’s secrets.
The Ning Guogong residence was near Caomen in the inner city, leading to Zaozongzi Lane upon exiting the gate.
Going west three li along Zaozongzi Lane was Panlou Street. Going south from Panlou Street to the area around Daxiangguo Temple Bridge, the buildings were magnificent, and it was the most prosperous street in the inner city.
Ning Wanwan and Fuyi reached Panlou Street and continued walking south.
The street was filled with colorful flags, bustling crowds, and carriages, presenting a scene of prosperity.
Whenever Ning Wanwan saw a medical clinic, she would enter and seek the most skilled physician. However, every time she showed them the transcribed medical records, the result was always the same—a short-lived fate. Some physicians suggested that a wealthy background might extend life, while a lack of resources would lead to an early death. Yet, when she inquired about the cause of the illness, they could only stammer in response.
Despite searching throughout Biandu city, no physician could diagnose Si Zhan’s illness, leaving Ning Wanwan discouraged.
She wandered and soon arrived at Daxiangguo Temple Bridge, where both sides of the bridge were lined with small vendors, and the central bridge was crowded with people.
Fuyi, concerned about Ning Wanwan, stayed close and helped divert the crowd.
Normally, Ning Wanwan enjoyed collecting novel trinkets, sampling handmade foods, and watching street performers. However, she had lost interest, feeling that the once lively ten li of prosperity had become bland.
Noticing her lack of enthusiasm, Fuyi quickly pulled her to a nearby snack stall. “Miss, look, your favorite honey-fried carved pastries and sweet sugar candies are here.”
Ning Wanwan glanced at the neatly arranged snacks. Not wanting to dampen Fuyi’s spirits, she took a sweet sugar candy, chewed it, and nodded while eating.
Just as she was about to ask the vendor to wrap some up, she saw a small pleasure boat moored at the corner of the bridge. It was modest in size, not more than two zhang long, with a four-pillar canopy and plain curtains, looking much simpler than typical pleasure boats.
