Upon entering the tower, a young attendant immediately came forward to greet them. This time, Leng Yaoda introduced herself, saying she was waiting for someone.
Hearing that she was the daughter of the Grand Marshal of the Nation’s Military, the attendant’s demeanor became even more respectful and humble. He led the young lady to a seat to wait and served her a pot of fine tea.
After accepting it, Leng Yaoda asked the attendant to bring a large cup to Old Li. The coachman had been following her back and forth all this time and was likely quite thirsty by now.
Seeing how considerate Leng Yaoda was toward her servants and how stunningly beautiful she was, the attendant’s delicate cheeks flushed slightly. He quickly agreed and went to deliver the tea for her.
The young lady looked up and carefully observed the layout of the tower. The last time she had come, she had been in a hurry and wearing a veiled hat, so she hadn’t been able to see the interior of the Victorious Spring Court clearly at all.
Now, upon closer inspection, she could only say that the person who built this tavern was truly talented. The layout and facilities inside were exceptionally well-designed and complete.
The first floor was quite spacious overall, mainly consisting of several tea rooms and tables and chairs for receiving distinguished guests. There was also a stage situated on the eastern side.
The second floor housed ordinary private chambers, mostly used to entertain wealthy merchants, noblewomen, and young ladies. There were thirty-six rooms of varying sizes in total.
The third floor was where Leng Yaoda had previously visited—the Celestial private chambers. There were only fifteen rooms in total, neatly arranged on the third floor, each with excellent soundproofing, making them ideal for nobles and officials who enjoyed discussing matters in private.
Her gaze shifted to the fourth floor, but she realized it couldn’t be seen from the main hall.
This was rather peculiar. Leng Yaoda had clearly seen from the outside that the Victorious Spring Court had four floors. Could there be another way up?
Lost in thought as she observed and pondered, about two quarters of an hour later, Leng Qi and Leng Lin finally arrived.
As soon as the two young men entered, they spotted the young lady sitting alone. Noticing her calm expression as if she were deep in thought, the brothers exchanged a surprised glance.
Their younger sister had always been pampered and spoiled. If left waiting alone like this, even if she didn’t throw a tantrum, she would at least be sulky and upset.
Today, however, she was unusually quiet, which struck them as odd.
Leng Lin stepped forward first, sitting down beside Leng Yaoda and asking, “Little sister, we’ve kept you waiting. Are you…angry?”
Hearing his voice, the young lady turned her head and smiled. “No, it’s my first time at the Victorious Spring Court, and I found it so fascinating that I kept looking around. I didn’t even realize how much time had passed.”
Leng Qi also breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. As long as their little sister Yaoyao wasn’t upset, all was well.
Leng Yaoda stood up with a smile and said, “Which floor would you two brothers prefer—the second or the third? Since it’s just the three of us siblings, why don’t we just go to the second floor?”
Leng Qi was very accommodating and nodded. “Alright, then we’ll…”
Before he could finish, the sound of clattering hooves suddenly echoed outside. Leng Yaoda furrowed her delicate brows, her heart skipping a beat.
She almost immediately turned and tried to run, grabbing one brother with each hand. Leng Qi and Leng Lin were left bewildered, but they were still a step too slow.
“Someone, find me a Celestial private chamber,” Zhou Yingkui’s magnetic yet slightly cold voice rang out at the entrance.
Leng Yaoda’s footsteps faltered. She didn’t dare delay and tried to continue upstairs, but Leng Qi and Leng Lin had already entered official service. Upon seeing Regent Zhou Yingkui, they would undoubtedly have to go down and pay their respects.
In an instant, the young lady felt her hands empty as her two brothers, one on each side, descended the stairs and respectfully bowed to Zhou Yingkui. “Your subjects, Leng Qi (Lin), greet the Regent!”
Hearing the voices, Zhou Yingkui looked over and recognized the Leng brothers. His eyes shifted and settled on the graceful figure standing on the stairs.Su Luo’an went to put the horse in the stable, and as soon as he entered, he saw the Leng brothers. Before the young man could think further, he followed Zhou Yingkui’s gaze and spotted Leng Yaoda.
Leng Yaoda: “…”
Well, she really shouldn’t have come out today.
Thinking of everything that had happened that day, the girl sighed softly and turned around.
Leng Qi and Leng Lin had already been helped up by Zhou Yingkui, so four pairs of eyes turned to the girl slowly descending the stairs.
Su Luo’an was the first to react. He snorted coldly, recalling Zhou Yingkui’s warning from earlier, and held back from lashing out.
Leng Yaoda walked up to Zhou Yingkui, bowed slightly, and performed a respectful greeting: “Daji pays her respects to the Regent.”
Then, turning slightly, she lowered her head toward Su Luo’an and said, “Greetings to General Su.”
Perhaps because he never expected the girl to one day show him such courtesy, or perhaps because he suspected she had some scheme in mind, Su Luo’an ignored her.
Seeing this, Leng Qi and Leng Lin could only smile helplessly. Zhou Yingkui spoke up and asked, “What are you siblings doing here?”
What else could one do at a tavern? Eat, of course. It’s not like they could watch a movie here.
Leng Yaoda silently grumbled to herself.
Leng Lin took the initiative to reply, “Your Highness, we were just about to have lunch!”
The tavern was managed by Zhou Yingkui, but aside from Shen Jinxiao, no one knew—not even Su Luo’an or the tavern’s steward.
The man nodded. “In that case…”
Leng Yaoda nervously clenched her hands, fearing he might politely suggest something like eating together.
But fortunately, Zhou Yingkui paused for only a second before continuing, “In that case, you should head upstairs quickly. There’s no need for such formalities outside.”
Leng Yaoda instinctively let out a sigh of relief, her entire body relaxing. Zhou Yingkui’s gaze swept over the girl.
Leng Qi had just called over a servant to lead the way. Upon hearing they wanted a private room on the second floor, the servant shook his head and said, “Honored guests, there are no private rooms left on the second floor. The last one was just taken.”
Leng Yaoda then asked, “A private room on the third floor will do as well. Find one for us.”
The servant hesitated, looking somewhat troubled, and glanced toward Zhou Yingkui.
Noticing his gaze, Zhou Yingkui took a few steps forward and asked, “What’s the matter?”
Since Zhou Yingkui and Su Luo’an often visited, the servants recognized them both. After a moment’s thought, the servant addressed the five of them: “Honored guests, there’s only one private room left on the third floor at the moment…”
Leng Yaoda felt her vision darken slightly.
It wasn’t for any other reason, nor was she particularly afraid of Zhou Yingkui. It was just that the man’s eyes were too sharp. She hadn’t fully integrated yet, and she felt that Zhou Yingkui was already suspicious of her.
Upon hearing this, Su Luo’an’s expression soured. The young man strode over and said, “Today really hasn’t been going well! I just wanted to enjoy a good meal to lift my spirits, and now it’s come to this!”
As he spoke, he glared at Leng Yaoda once more, only to be warned again by Zhou Yingkui with a sharp look.
He had brought his apprentice here on a whim, without reserving a room in advance, and now the situation was indeed troublesome.
It was at this moment that Leng Yaoda spoke up: “Brothers, why don’t we go somewhere else to eat? It would be better to leave this private room for the Regent and General Su.”
Hearing her say this, Su Luo’an’s expression softened. “At least you know your place.”
Zhou Yingkui’s eyes deepened, his gaze fixed on Leng Yaoda with a hint of scrutiny.Sensing the man’s gaze, the girl had already lifted her foot, ready to leave. She knew she couldn’t stay in front of Zhou Yingkui any longer.
“Enough. I am in a good mood today. You two siblings may stay and join us.”