Ruan Meiying brought up the matter of booking a banquet at Baixianglou again with Shaoyao. Shaoyao was eager to make a good impression on Ruan Meiying. Although she had been serving Ruan Meiying since she entered the mansion, she felt that Ruan Meiying always had something on her mind and was unwilling to tell them, the servants. If she could do a good job in the task Ruan Meiying was assigned this time, she hoped to gain Ruan Meiying's appreciation. Ruan Meiying was so favored now. If she became her confidante, no one in the Prince's mansion would dare to bully her in the future.

Ruan Meiying gave Shaoyao some silver and then said, "Go to Baixianglou and tell the owner to prepare well. Also, call a waiter surnamed Ruan for me and have him bring the menu so I can take a look."

Peony asked, puzzled, "Master, if you want to see the menu, I can bring it back on my way back. What if those rough-around-the-edges guys don't know the rules and offend you?"

Linlang was surprised that she would object and said unhappily, "It's okay. Last time when I went to Baixianglou with Prince, she served me. I think he is a clever and thoughtful person, and since he is surnamed Ruan and is related to me, I'll just have him bring the menu. It will save you from making another trip."

Peony wanted to say something, since it wasn't appropriate to bring outsiders into the Prince's concubine's courtyard, but seeing Ruan Meiying's serious expression, Peony didn't dare to disobey. She knew that once she made a decision, it was irreversible, so she swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue.

Ruan Meiying looked at her and said, "Is there anything else you don't understand? If not, hurry up and go!"

Peony replied, "No, that's all. This servant will go to Baixiang Tower right away. Please rest assured, Master." After saying that, she curtsied to Ruan Meiying, turned around, and left.

Watching Peony's departing figure, Ruan Meiying sighed. Living in this Prince's mansion, she lived in constant fear every day. She really hoped that her brother would quickly file a complaint and bring those corrupt officials to justice so that she could live in peace.

Ruan Meiying said to the maid beside her, "I'm tired, help me to bed."

The maid helped her to bed. Ruan Meiying lay down, closed her eyes, and thought about what had happened before. Then she fell asleep for a while.

Peony dared not delay and went straight out the door. Following her previous memory, she found Baixianglou. As soon as she entered, the waiter came to greet her.

The waiter had worked at Baixianglou for a long time and had learned the ways of doing business. He spotted Shaoyao at a glance and remembered that she had come with a group of wealthy and powerful people last time, so he dared not neglect her. He poured Shaoyao a cup of tea and then hurriedly asked, "Miss, are you here for a meal or to stay at the inn today?"

Peony looked at him, took a sip of tea, and said, "I'm here to book a banquet. Call your boss out."

When the waiter heard that she had come to book a banquet, he knew that a big customer had arrived, so he quickly went upstairs to call the boss.

Upon hearing what the waiter said, the owner quickly went out and, upon seeing Shaoyao, politely asked, "I am the owner of Baixianglou. May I ask what kind of banquet you would like to order, young lady?"

Peony said, "Do you know the current Prince who lives not far away?"

The boss nodded quickly and said, "I know, I know. And you are?"

Peony replied, "I come from the Prince's residence. You have a good idea. Our master loves the dishes made by your Baixiang Restaurant. He told the Princess Consort that he wanted your Baixiang Restaurant to prepare a banquet to entertain all of the Prince's concubines."