Yunling lay on the recliner, humming a classical tune from later times, recalling the scene of Tang Ling and the others walking the runway in her mind, which didn't seem out of place.
Her only concern was that the young women were used to walking in their own way, and if music were played, they would probably be flustered. If she could find a young woman who could play music in time with their steps, it might be better.
Having this thought, Yunling naturally couldn't sit still, and walked outside in the setting sun.
"Mother, I'm going to town for a bit. Don't bother cooking for me. I'll be back tomorrow."
Zhang grabbed the man and said, "Where are you going so late? You won't be back until tomorrow. You're going to spend the night out? You must be dreaming."
Yunling wasn't in a hurry. Instead, she grasped Zhang's hand in return and whispered:
"Mother, do you know where there are music halls in the city?"
"A music hall? What use is it to you to find a music hall?"
Seeing that Zhang was being led astray, Yunling continued:
"The show preparations are almost complete, but I suddenly realized that the most important and indispensable thing is a young lady who can play a musical instrument. This is crucial to the success of my show. There are only two days left, Mother, I don't have time."
Zhang's heart softened instantly. She had witnessed the effort and thought Yunling had put into this fashion show. If it all fell apart because they couldn't find Le Niang, how could she feel at ease?
However, Zhang didn't really know much about music halls. She knew that if Yunling went to the city, she would find a way in that regard, but she couldn't bear to let such a young child live in the city. After thinking it over, she said:
"In that case, if you can't make it back in time, find an inn near the county government office to stay at. That way, if anything happens, Chun-jie can help you out, understand?"
Yunling nodded hurriedly, as if afraid that if she hesitated even a moment longer, Zhang would go back on her word.
“Mother, as soon as I enter the city, I will change into men’s clothes, wear a hat, and grow a beard. I will make myself as slovenly as possible. People will only think of me as a beggar child and will not have any designs on me.”
Yunling would never do that, but Zhang Shi found it very pleasing. After nagging a few more times, she let Yunling go.
Yunling didn't delay and drove the carriage quickly towards the city. Even when she bumped into Yun Shenghua on the road, she only called out "Father" briefly and then stopped, without saying anything more.
Upon arriving in the city, the street vendors began to set up their stalls: fried rice, fried noodles, cold dishes, fragrant drinks, pastries, rice porridge, dried meat, candied fruits, roasted mutton, and so on.
The various flavors mingled together, yet they were not at all unpleasant. On the contrary, one couldn't help but want to take a few more sniffs. Even if one couldn't eat the food, one could still get the flavors on their clothes to satisfy their craving.
Yunling didn't have the time to linger there. She drove her carriage towards Shengfu Restaurant without stopping in the stables. She simply had the servant guarding outside the restaurant watch over it before running towards the restaurant.
The Shengfu Restaurant was especially lively as night fell. Manager Zhou was very busy, rushing from floor to floor. Yunling finally managed to catch someone in a private room on the third floor.
"Shopkeeper, I'd like to ask you, where in this city can I find a music hall?"
"A music hall? What brings you here, young lady?"
"I'd like to hire a young lady who can play musical instruments."
"Playing music... Oh, Master Jia, what a rare guest! Please come upstairs."
Shopkeeper Zhou greeted the wealthy Mr. Jia with a smile and led him upstairs. Yunling slapped her forehead, waited a moment, and then went upstairs herself. But just as she reached the fourth floor, Shopkeeper Zhou emerged from a private room and headed back down.
"Pingwang, hurry up and bring up the rice wine that Master Jia left here. Shun'er, tell the kitchen to quickly prepare the dishes that Master Jia ordered."
"yes."
Seeing that Manager Zhou was almost gone, Yunling hurriedly ran downstairs to his side, "Manager, please tell me quickly."
"You... Oh, you're looking for a young lady who plays music? Go to a tavern, you can drink, listen to music, and have some simple snacks there."
"A tavern? The musicians who play music in taverns are naturally hired by the tavern owners. I can't possibly hire them."
Manager Zhou stopped the waiter carrying the dishes and, with lightning speed, pushed the two pieces of food that were sticking out of the plate back onto it. He tapped the waiter on the head to remind him to be careful before turning to look at Yunling.
"If you want to invite a musician, then you'll have to go to a music troupe. Oh dear, why didn't you just say you wanted a music troupe?"
Yunling: ? ? ?
Yunling suppressed the urge to punch someone and asked again, "Where is the music hall?"
"The music hall is in the Pingli Lane area. Music halls are not like taverns. The people inside work like they're on a job and they leave on time. Right now, it should be closed."
Yunling was truly at her wit's end. Fate was really against her; the more anxious she became, the less things went her way. There was no other way at the moment, and Yunling didn't need to stay in the city. She could go home, get some sleep, and come back early the next morning.
Just as she was walking out dejectedly, Manager Zhou suddenly exclaimed in surprise, took two steps forward, and came up to her.
“I remember now, today is the birthday of the Mei family patriarch. The second son of the Mei family ordered musicians and dancers from the music hall a few days ago. They may be singing and celebrating the birthday at the Mei family right now. If you are in a hurry to find someone, you can go to the Mei family to take a look.”
"Thank you, Manager Zhou."
Yunling didn't linger. After leaving the house, she asked the horse-watching servant for directions to the Mei family's residence, and then rode her horse northwards.
The area was brightly lit. Although there were no streetlights, the lanterns lit by the mansions and wealthy families were enough to illuminate the entire road.
After rounding two corners, Yunling heard the sounds of string and wind instruments, mixed with laughter and toasts.
Yunling went to the sound and stopped in front of a house full of carriages and horses to wait. Listening to the sounds inside, the birthday banquet should have just started. She didn't know how long she would have to wait. She should have eaten something at the roadside stall earlier, so as not to be hungry and cold like this.
Yunling didn't know how much time had passed. The sound of the wind instruments inside gradually faded away, and she finally stopped dozing off. Just as she was about to get out of the car to stretch and do some stretching exercises, she heard a woman's voice beside her.
"Huai Lang, wait for me."
“Miss Wang, as I just said, there’s no need to see me off. Don’t come out with me again, lest it ruin your reputation.”
Huai Lang? Lu Yinghuai?
Yunling wanted to peek out to see what was going on, but she was afraid that the person involved would find out and mistakenly think that she was following him on purpose, so she sat in the carriage and only secretly pulled open the felt curtain a little to peek.
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