Chu Qi was not among them.

She stayed in Heungdeok Palace.

When they were about to set off, Eunuch An sent Xiao Baozi to invite Chu Qi.

So she asked Shi Qiang to follow her, and the two of them did not follow Eunuch An, but mingled with the eunuchs.

There was no need for inspection when leaving the palace. Eunuch An showed the token bestowed by Emperor Yanqing himself and was able to lead a group of eunuchs out.

Because there were so many things to buy, they couldn't carry them all with just two hands, so there were several ox carts loaded with goods following.

Chu Qi and Shi Qiang sat on the second ox cart. When they were completely away from the palace, Shi Qiang said, "Xiao Wuzi, can I lift the curtain and look outside?"

"Of course you can." Chu Qi said, "When we get there, I'll take you to have fun. I heard that there's a new song being performed at the Lotus Tower. Do you like it?"

When he heard about listening to music, Shi Ying asked curiously, "Where else can you listen to music? What is this Lotus Tower for?"

She has lived for more than ten years. The county town where she grew up was relatively poor, and she herself has rarely been out of the house, so she has never heard of any business that provides music listening services.

Chu Qi found out very clearly:

"It's just a restaurant. Singing and playing music is a way for Lotus Tower to attract customers. On weekdays, many young men and scholars who claim to be elegant and refined like to go to Lotus Tower to drink tea and chat."

She was not interested in the Lotus Tower, but in order to make Shi Qiang have fun, she specifically inquired about many interesting places in the Forbidden City.

"Are there people from heaven? What if someone sees me by chance..."

Shi Qian was a little moved, but still hesitant.

Chu Qi said: "Don't worry, we can request a separate private room at that time. No one will disturb us except the person who delivers the food."

Thanks to her brother, she is now wealthy and powerful, and booking a private room in a restaurant with a large flow of customers is just a piece of cake for her.

After listening to Xingde's words, Qi Chenli realized that his younger brother must be very short of money. Without hesitation, he asked Xingde to give a lot of money from his small treasury to Chu Qi.

"Then...then let's go." Shi Qiang said. This time when she left the palace, she had given all the plans to Xiao Wuzi, otherwise she would not know where to go as she was unfamiliar with the place.

The ox cart stopped at a fixed place, and the eunuchs went their separate ways to buy the items on their lists.

Chu Qi took the opportunity to slip away with Shi Qian.

I don’t know if it’s because it’s close to the Chinese New Year, or if the Forbidden City is just so busy, but the streets are crowded with people, shoulders rubbing against each other, and it’s easy to get lost if you’re not careful.

Shi Qian was walking beside Chu Qi, and before she knew it, a young boy rushed over and pushed her aside. She was about to be swallowed up by the crowd.