High-class maid

"It's time to use my connections," Song Wenyang murmured to himself.

Without further ado, he went back to his room to change into a new set of clothes, then picked up the small box on the table and went to the Prince's residence to find the Second Prince.

"Your Majesty, Young Master Song has gone to the Second Prince's residence." Eunuch Su trotted over and whispered in the Emperor's ear.

*Snap!* The tip of the brush broke off. The emperor wearily rubbed his nose and said...

"Why are they all causing me so much trouble? How long has he been at the second prince's residence?"

"Your Majesty, our men came to report as soon as Young Master Song went in," said Eunuch Su.

"Keep an eye on them, see which room they meet in, how long they stay, and how their complexions are. Record everything in detail," the Emperor ordered.

Eunuch Su responded with a "yes" and then retreated with small, quick steps.

"Could there really be something between the two of them? How could she like men? Is this an illness? Can medicine cure it?" The Emperor lost all interest in reading the memorials. He rubbed his aching brows, got up, and left the side hall.

If it weren't for the fact that today is Lunar New Year's Eve, the Emperor might have already summoned the imperial physician to see if the medicine could cure him. But today is a special day, and if he summoned the imperial physician, the people below would speculate even more wildly. It's better to wait a few more days.

"Brother Song? You've come at just the right time! I was just about to send someone to invite you!" The Second Prince, who was idly sitting in the mansion, said happily upon seeing Song Wenyang.

"Oh? What brings you here, Brother Rong? I've come today to ask you for a favor." Song Wenyang didn't mince words and directly stated the purpose of his visit.

"Of course, of course. Although my mother sent the New Year's gifts to the Minister's residence a couple of days ago, as Sheng'er's fiancé, I think the Minister wouldn't refuse to visit her during the New Year, would he?"

The Second Prince clearly also intended to see Xiao Luosheng. He sat in his chair, imagining that he would see Xiao Luosheng tonight, and he was full of energy.

"But tonight is New Year's Eve. Isn't His Majesty going to host a banquet for his ministers and princes to enjoy a play and stay up all night? If you don't go today, won't His Majesty blame you?"

Clearly, Song Wenyang also had his own concerns. Every New Year's Eve, the Emperor would invite all the princes, concubines, and ministers related to the concubines to dinner, enjoy operas, dances, fireworks, and stay up all night. Everyone considered it an honor to stay up with the Emperor. If the Second Prince went to the Minister's residence with him, he feared he wouldn't be able to gain any recognition from the Emperor tonight.

"It's alright. There's the Crown Prince above me and my fourth brother below me who's young and lovable. As a middle prince, no one will notice me. Besides, the Minister and the First Madam are both going to the palace tonight. If we don't go tonight, when will we?" the Second Prince said, sounding rather like a rogue.

"Alright then, I won't stand on ceremony with Brother Rong. I haven't seen her for many days and I really want to know how she's doing," Song Wenyang said, clasping his hands in thanks.

Winter days are short, and by the time the two had finished talking, it was already getting dark. The Second Prince looked up at the sky and said, "They must have already entered the palace. Let's set off now."

The Second Prince's prediction was correct. At this moment, at the entrance of the Minister's residence, Xiao Jiuchuan and Madam Liu were giving instructions to Xiao Luosheng.

"Your father and I are going to the palace. Your brother has also prepared a banquet and invited his friends to our mansion for drinks. I'm leaving the inner quarters in your care," Liu said to Xiao Luosheng.

"You and Father can go to the palace without worry, Mother. I have experience with this," Xiao Luosheng said playfully, blinking her eyes.

"Remember, immediately after the fireworks are finished, send someone to check the yard, especially the small kitchen. If the fireworks land on the firewood, that will be troublesome," Xiao Jiuchuan instructed.

"Father, please stop nagging. I know. I've already ordered someone to fill the water vat to prevent any accidents."

"That's good." Xiao Jiuchuan nodded in satisfaction.

Liu and Xiao Jiuchuan got into the carriage and left without worry.

"You two should do your job well. Tonight's guests are all my brother's friends, so you must not be impolite," Xiao Luosheng said, turning to instruct the two gatekeepers.

After glancing around again and seeing that there was nothing wrong, she prepared to go back to the inner courtyard. Since all the people who came tonight were men, it would be best for her to avoid suspicion.

"Sheng'er!" A familiar voice called out, and Xiao Luosheng turned around in surprise, only to see the Second Prince whom she hadn't seen for many days.

The second prince stood at the gate of the mansion with a young man she had never seen before. Behind them, a servant was carrying New Year's gifts, which were undoubtedly for her.

"Your Highness, you've come at an inopportune time. My father and mother have just boarded their carriage to go to the palace." Although Xiao Luosheng was overjoyed to know that the Second Prince had come to see her, she still said the polite words, after all, they were outside the mansion.

"It's alright. I heard that Brother Yi'an is hosting a banquet at his residence today. I'm tired of the food in the palace, so I came here today to ask for a meal. Miss... you won't mind, will you?" the Second Prince teased.

Xiao Luosheng blushed to the roots of her ears, cursing the scoundrel in her heart, but said aloud, "Then please come in, my brother is in the study!"

After saying that, he led the two of them inside. Fortunately, it was New Year's Eve, and everyone was at home preparing a sumptuous dinner, so there weren't many people on the street who saw them.

"Sheng'er, may I speak to you in private?" the Second Prince said, seizing the opportunity.

Xiao Luosheng glanced at Song Wenyang apologetically, neither agreeing nor refusing.

Song Wenyang hurriedly turned to look at the sky, trying his best to make himself as a tiny, invisible person.

Xiao Luosheng was not such a pedantic person. The news of their impending engagement had already spread throughout the capital, and since they were in his own residence, there was nothing wrong with talking for a while.

“Alright then, let’s talk for a bit over there,” Xiao Luosheng said, pointing to the pavilion to the east.

Her choice of this location was also symbolic. Both of them were accompanied by their personal servants, and they were in public. As long as the servants weren't stupid, there wouldn't be any gossip.

"Alright, I'll do whatever you say." The second prince didn't care where they went; he was content as long as he could catch a glimpse of her and exchange a few words with her.

"You came to my residence so abruptly today. What if the Emperor blames you?" As soon as the two sat down, Xiao Luosheng asked the Second Prince impatiently. Although she also wanted to see the Second Prince, she could still tell what was more important.

"It's alright. I just sent someone to deliver a letter to my father. Even if he's unhappy with me now, he won't send anyone to your residence to arrest me, will he?" the Second Prince said.

Xiao Luosheng shook his head and said, "You mustn't do this again next time. I'll send someone to deliver a message if anything happens. You even skipped the palace banquet for me; it's not worth it."

“What’s the point of whether it’s worth it or not? You are more important than anything else. Besides, it’s not just me who wants to see you; my good brother also wants to see someone in your household.” The Second Prince said, looking at Song Wenyang who was waiting for him in the distance.