The Suiyun Pavilion in Yuan City was bustling with patrons, yet inside, there was no noise or chaos. Every guest was discreetly led to a private space, ensuring their needs were kept confidential.
As soon as Bai Qingqing and Ning Yan stepped through the doors, an attendant greeted them promptly. “Honored guests, how may we assist you?”
Bai Qingqing hurriedly produced the token given to her by Sister Qiyue. Before she could even request a silver withdrawal, the attendant’s expression shifted. “Please, come this way. I’ll fetch our steward at once.”
Still half-confused, Bai Qingqing followed him into an elegant private room. After the attendant left, she could barely contain her excitement. “Does this mean my token’s really valuable? They’re calling for the steward! Sister Qiyue must’ve given me something truly special—she’s so kind to me!”
Ning Yan seated himself calmly and turned over a teacup. “Thirsty? Sit down and have a drink first.”
“As long as this works, I’ll stop worrying. Maybe I can withdraw a bit more silver and pay it back once I return to Xuancheng. That way we won’t have to worry about food or lodging for the rest of our journey.”
Cradling the token with delight, Bai Qingqing took the cup Ning Yan handed her and sipped. Her eyes widened in awe. “As expected from Suiyun Pavilion—even the tea they serve guests is top-notch.”
She glanced at the pastries on the table. Each one was exquisite and freshly made. The furnishings in the room were tasteful yet opulent, leaving her utterly amazed. “Suiyun Pavilion is really something else. They just leave these fine things out in the open, aren’t they afraid someone might get ideas?”
As they sat waiting, a knock came at the door. Bai Qingqing looked to Ning Yan, who smiled and called out, “Come in.”
The door opened to reveal a sturdily built middle-aged man. He wore a deep navy cap and plain-looking robes, but a closer look showed the fabric was of exceptional quality.
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The man entered, quietly closing the door behind him. He stepped forward with deference, and just as Bai Qingqing raised the token in her hand to present it, he suddenly dropped to one knee with a thud.
“Master of the Pavilion,” he said solemnly, “your subordinate has awaited your arrival. Please give your instructions.”
Startled, Bai Qingqing stumbled back a few steps, nearly bumping into a chair. Ning Yan moved it aside just in time to keep her from falling.
Master of the Pavilion? The master of Suiyun Pavilion?
Bai Qingqing turned her head slowly toward Ning Yan, eyes round with shock, tilting her head as if trying to make sense of it. There were only the two of them here. If she wasn’t the one he meant—then it had to be… Ning Yan?
“Speak standing up,” Ning Yan said calmly, without looking at her.
The man rose, keeping his head slightly bowed. “Per your instructions, the news of your fall from the cliff has been sent back to Xuancheng. As you predicted, there has indeed been movement in the southwest—exactly as you anticipated.”
“Keep watching,” Ning Yan said coolly. “We can’t let that fall go to waste.”
“Yes, sir.”
The man added, “Everything you ordered has been prepared and is ready at Changxi Garden. I’ll take my leave.”
From beginning to end, his demeanor remained flawlessly respectful. Not once did his eyes wander. He backed out and closed the door behind him, leaving a heavy silence in the room.
Ning Yan turned to Bai Qingqing. “I never intended to hide it from you. There just hadn’t been a right time to bring it up—and it felt a bit self-important to say it out of nowhere.”
Bai Qingqing blinked silently and stiffly lowered herself into a chair, dazed. “I wouldn’t have minded that kind of self-importance…”
Her voice was filled with disbelief. “So you’re the legendary master of Suiyun Pavilion? I’m not doubting you—it’s just… too unbelievable.”