Xing Zizhou felt Xiao Yingtao’s gaze and looked up at her.

Xiao Yingtao’s lips instantly curved upward, and she took small quick steps toward him. “Young Master, what are your orders?”

Xing Zizhou coughed lightly, made a bit of room, and said flatly, “Sit. Pour the wine.”

“Yes, Young Master.” Xiao Yingtao sat down beside Xing Zizhou, wedging herself between him and the woman who had been sitting close to him.

Feng Jiu’er glanced around the room and smiled faintly.

“This is the first time we brothers have come to the Yuelai Inn. Just find me someone quiet and pretty. As for my elder brother here…”

Feng Jiu’er looked up, smiling and shaking her head. “Later. He needs someone who catches his eye first.”

“Understood.” The woman set down the wine jug and stood up.

“I’ll go find the Second Young Master a gentle, pretty, and refined young lady right away.”

The woman’s gaze shifted to Xing Zizhou, and she continued, “As for the Eldest Young Master, there’s no rush — plenty of time. Heh, no rush at all.”

The woman bent at the waist, stepped back twice, glanced at another idle woman standing nearby, and waved her hand.

After the two left, the woman who had just been serving Feng Jiu’er soon returned with a beautiful young woman in tow.

“The two of you, this young lady is sixteen this year, very obedient. I wonder if she suits your taste?” the woman asked.

Feng Jiu’er studied her for a moment, then nodded with satisfaction. “Not bad. Leave her here, and bring up a few more small dishes.”

“Right away.” The woman bowed, beaming.

Feng Jiu’er looked down at the stage and asked, “What’s the program today? Did we come too early? There’s hardly anyone here.”

The woman smiled and lowered her voice. “Surely the Second Young Master knows what kind of place this is, yes?”

Feng Jiu’er withdrew her gaze and nodded slightly. “So it seems we really did come at an inopportune time.”

“Not exactly.” The woman pulled the young lady she had brought, and the two knelt down together.

“Usually in about half an hour there will be a performance. This one also heard that General Feng Rui is coming early today — who knows.”

Seeing that neither Feng Jiu’er nor Xing Zizhou were drinking, the woman asked softly, “Shall I prepare a pot of fine tea for the two young masters?”

“Mm.” Feng Jiu’er waved a hand. “It’s not the time for wine right now. Bring more good food.”

“Yes.” The woman stood, then fixed her eyes on the girl beside her. “Serve them well!”

“Yes.” The young woman rose, curtsied, and came to kneel beside Feng Jiu’er.

When she looked up, she met Feng Jiu’er’s meaningful gaze and immediately lowered her head. “Y-young Master, what are your orders?”

“So nervous. Are you new here?” Feng Jiu’er asked in a low voice.

The young woman was startled and bent as low as she could. “In answer to Young Master, this one truly is new here.”

Feng Jiu’er paid her no more mind, her gaze turning once more to the first floor.

“I heard General Feng Rui has lost battle after battle, leaving the people of two cities homeless and displaced. Heh! And he still has the mood to come here and seek pleasure?”

“Young Master, that’s not something one should say.” The young woman glanced up cautiously.

“Why not?” Feng Jiu’er picked up her wine cup, lifting it to her nose to smell it.

“Because…” the young woman hesitated, “General Feng is a man of the imperial court, so… it can’t be said.”

“Is that so?” Feng Jiu’er raised an eyebrow and said no more.

Before long, the inn’s attendant brought up tea and food.

Xing Zizhou and Feng Jiu’er chatted idly, on and off, while the young woman attended them at their side.

It was Xiao Yingtao who suffered — so much delicious food on the table, and she could only look, not eat.

Xiao Yingtao deeply regretted it. She never should have agreed to play the maid in the first place!