Feng Deng: an entity that facilitates matters for women and accepts their commissions.
At the time, he believed that those who proclaimed such slogans were merely wolves in sheep’s clothing, secretly engaging in unsavory activities.
The world bustles for profit; the world hustles for gain.
There are no free benefits in this world, nor are there entirely selfless good people.
Yet upon deeper investigation, he discovered that this shop, operating under the guise of selling lanterns, had indeed done nothing reprehensible over the years. Instead, it had genuinely helped many women. However, it was not entirely without compensation as he had assumed—it simply charged according to its own discretion.
From the information gathered, a pattern emerged.
Those who were well-off paid more, often twenty percent of their assets. Those of average means paid ten percent. For those in difficult circumstances, such as the case they investigated, Feng Deng only charged ten taels.
Moreover, those Feng Deng assisted were not malicious individuals, indicating that it was selective in its clientele.
It wasn’t exactly charity, but it genuinely helped those in need. With sufficient financial support, it could sustain itself long-term—a method chosen only by the clever and the conscientious.
Such a person made him want to befriend them.
But with too many pressing matters at hand and the other party not residing in the capital, he set aside this thought and stopped paying attention.
Now, however, Feng Deng had opened in the capital, and in such a brazen manner, he couldn’t help but ponder further.
To establish an entity like Feng Deng, one must be clever. And if clever, one should know that in the capital, where a falling plaque could hit three nobles, arrogance is ill-advised.
Yet she dared to offend a Marquis Mansion upon entering the capital—this was not merely boldness but reliance on something substantial.
“Follow the lead of Yu Zhi Yue to investigate this woman’s identity, and also look into Feng Deng’s activities over the past two years. Additionally, leave someone here to keep watch and report immediately if anything arises.”
Zuo Li acknowledged the order.
Lin Xihe watched as the group entered the shop: “Be careful. The one named Zhao Tang by her side is quite skilled—don’t get discovered.”
“Understood.”
Feng Deng, on the surface, was indeed a lantern shop.
Upon entering, one was greeted by lanterns of all kinds—some hanging, others placed on specially designed treasure shelves or arranged on various display stands. Each was exquisite, ornate, and unique, clearly distinct from ordinary lanterns.
Of course, the prices were also vastly different.
Wherever Feng Deng opened, it became the most beloved shop among women and children in the area. There had even been incidents where two people fought over a single lantern. To prevent such disputes, Feng Deng established a first-come, first-served rule, thus avoiding trouble.
“They look very expensive.”
Aunt Chang was pleased with the young lady’s assessment, her eyes crinkling into a smile: “Selling them cheaply would be an insult to the nobles of the capital.”
That made sense. Lan Jin nodded in agreement: “Have the workshop artisans exhaust their creativity to produce new designs. The nobles have seen all kinds of fine things. The lanterns supplied to the capital must be unique, ingenious, and luxurious.”
“Yes.”
Lan Jin walked up to the second floor, which was arranged as a reception area. The floor was carpeted, furnished with tables and chairs, and by the window stood an Imperial Concubine's Daybed. A separate corner was set aside, featuring a large rectangular table neatly stacked with bamboo strips of appropriate sizes, pre-cut paper, brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, and Painting and Calligraphy supplies.
Aunt Chang led the young lady over and said with a smile, "You didn’t stay long at the first eight shops, but you’ll be residing in the capital for an extended period. So, I took the liberty of setting up this corner for you to make lanterns. If any distinguished guest catches your eye, it would be a pleasure to have tea together here and craft lanterns."
It was the distinguished guests who would need to win her favor, not the other way around. Truly, Aunt Chang knew exactly who held the primary position and who was secondary.
Lan Jin gently ran her hand along the table as she circled it, contemplating her path forward. When deciding on this course, she had intended to use lanterns as her guide. Many of her fondest childhood memories were tied to lanterns.
Her grandfather was a Master of Painting, exceptionally skilled in art. Her eldest brother was a master of poetry and prose. Her father was dexterous with his hands.
The lanterns in her courtyard were either painted by her grandfather or inscribed with poetry by her eldest brother, then crafted by her father into various shapes and hung throughout her courtyard.
At dusk each day, even if she was out, she would rush home to watch the lanterns light up one by one. If she returned even a moment late, the servants would wait for her before lighting them.
Every year during the Lantern Festival, her lanterns were the most beautiful and unique.
Years of immersion meant that, although she had never made one as a child, her first attempt at crafting a lantern was remarkably skillful.
She could now imitate her grandfather’s paintings quite closely, and she remembered all her eldest brother’s poetry. Though she still couldn’t match her father’s craftsmanship, she had improved over the years. One day, she would openly reclaim that courtyard full of lanterns.
They represented the love her grandfather, father, and brother had never spoken aloud but had expressed so vividly.
"Thank you, Aunt. I love it."
"I’m glad you like it." Aunt Chang felt deeply for the young lady but showed no trace of it on her face. Smiling, she led her to a spot near the corner, pressed lightly on a section of the wall, and pushed, revealing an opening that led to the stairwell.
"Look here, miss." Aunt Chang pressed the wall again. "Normally, this door is secured with a hidden latch. Pressing it opens it, allowing direct access to the living quarters."
Aunt Chang guided her across the threshold, where the stairs remained indoors. "These stairs aren’t visible from the outside, and there’s also a hidden door on the first floor leading here. We usually use the main entrance, but this door in the shop can serve in emergencies. It’s mostly for convenience and as a backup—even if discovered, it’s no cause for concern."
Lan Jin looked down through the stairwell window at the back of the shop premises.
When selecting the location for 'Feng Deng,' she had specified that it need not face the street directly but shouldn’t rely solely on the idea that "good wine needs no bush." Instead, it should be situated in a lively yet secluded area.
This location was chosen perfectly. It wasn’t street-facing, but the area was one of the capital’s most prosperous districts, where both shop premises and residences were built with two stories. Many shops, like 'Feng Deng,' had chosen to open here, but all appeared upscale. Those with limited means wouldn’t venture here—only those with ample resources would come.
The back of the shop and the front of the residence formed a courtyard, not large but well-lit and pleasant to look at. There were rooms on either side, all suitable for living in.
Descending the stairs, passing through the courtyard, one arrived at the main courtyard.
The courtyard was not large, but though small, it had all the essentials.
On the first floor were three main rooms with side chambers, and two wing rooms each on the east and west sides. Though not spacious, they were more than sufficient.