Du Zhiqian, watched by Fourth Master and Lanqin, boarded a carriage and departed alone. Si Hua, standing behind Lanqin, silently glanced at his retreating figure a few times.
Over the next few days, Fourth Master stayed in Xiakou. Lanqin rested at the inn. Having learned from the previous incident, Fourth Master forbade Lanqin from going out again and ordered Su Peisheng to strictly follow his instructions. Lanqin didn't want any further trouble, so she obediently stayed at the inn, waiting for Fourth Master to return.
That day, the Fourth Master returned. Seeing Lanqin talking to two maids in her room at the inn, she understood the implication and went to greet him, saying, "Why are you back so early today, Master?"
Fourth Master smiled knowingly and said, "Change your clothes, and I'll take you somewhere. You always say you're bored staying in the inn, so today I'll take you out for some fun."
A smile flashed across Lanqin's face, but she kept a straight face, unwilling to easily show a bright smile, still blaming Fourth Master for not letting her go out.
"Aren't you taking them with you?" Lanqin asked again.
"No, Gesang is waiting outside. Hurry up and change your clothes, I'll be waiting for you downstairs," Fourth Master said, then turned and left the room.
“My lady, when I went out to ask the waiter to bring hot water today, I saw that it was very cold outside. Let me put that silver-embroidered red cheongsam on you. The cotton inside is thick, and I’ll also drape a snow fox fur cloak over you,” Si Hua said.
"Are you going to wrap me up like a bear?" Lanqin laughed.
Shui Ling had already helped rummage through the box to find the clothes for Lan Qin, just as Si Hua had instructed.
Lanqin, dressed in a snow fox fur cloak, her hair styled in a double bun, adorned only with ruby and sapphire pearl flowers, looked simple and elegant, with a delicate and charming appearance. As Si Hua helped Lanqin down the stairs, the guests passing by couldn't help but glance at Lanqin.
"I wish I could gouge out those people's eyes!" Fourth Master said coldly as Lanqin approached.
Lanqin walked up to Fourth Master and said, "People can't just ignore you, can they?" Although she said that, she was still quite pleased to see the man's jealous expression.
After seeing Fourth Master and Lanqin off in the carriage, Si Hua and Su Peisheng stood in the cold wind watching the carriage head west towards Xiakou City.
"Alright, Si Hua, hurry back inside. It's so cold in the south, it's practically freezing to the bone," Su Peisheng said, rubbing his hands together.
The two immediately returned to the inn. The inn they stayed in was naturally the best in the eastern part of Xiakou, and it was still very warm with braziers burning everywhere.
Meanwhile, Lanqin was sitting in the carriage with Fourth Master.
"Master, where exactly are you taking Qin'er?" Lanqin couldn't help but ask.
"You'll know when we get there," Fourth Master continued, keeping everyone in suspense.
Lanqin felt a surge of joy. She had been so bored these past few days, spending her days either in the carriage or on the road. Now that they had finally arrived in Xiakou, the Fourth Master wouldn't let her go out.
Since the fourth man had finally agreed to bring her out, Lanqin decided not to ask anymore; she would find out soon enough.
When the carriage came to a stop, Lanqin eagerly pulled back the curtain, only to find the carriage parked in front of a courtyard. It looked like the courtyard of an ordinary wealthy family, without the bustling street she had imagined.
"Master, where is this?" Lanqin asked, looking around inside the doorway.
"You'll know once you go in and take a look," Fourth Master finally said with a smile.
After Fourth Master helped Lanqin down, and then gave Gesang a few instructions, the two walked towards the door. Lanqin looked at the doorway, unable to tell what was inside.
Fourth Master took Lanqin's hand and walked to the door. He raised his hand and knocked on the door, then stood at the door waiting.
A moment later, the door creaked shut from the inside. A middle-aged man wearing a brocade robe with the character "福" (fortune) on it and a round, four-cornered hat was seen.
"Sir, are you here to play with crickets?" The middle-aged man asked with a gentle smile when he saw a well-dressed couple standing outside the door.
Fourth Master nodded, and the man immediately bowed and gestured for him to enter.
Fourth Master then pulled Lanqin and stepped through the door. Lanqin glanced around and saw that the interior was similar to that of an ordinary wealthy family's residence. However, upon closer listening, she could hear some shouts and see beautiful maids in fine clothes carrying snacks and fruits from various rooms from time to time.
"Sir, is this your first time here?" the middle-aged man asked as he led Fourth Master and Lanqin inside.
"This is my first time here. Where can I find something suitable for beginners like us? Thank you for your help," Fourth Master said without looking at us.
"Oh, come with me, sir!" The middle-aged man smiled even more humbly.
He led Fourth Master and Lanqin through the covered walkway, through the central gate, and into a house by the water.
"Sir, everyone here is a novice. If you go inside, someone will greet you." The middle-aged man stopped here and didn't take any further, which was probably their custom.
Fourth Master nodded and led Lanqin to the door. A short woman came out and, seeing Fourth Master and Lanqin dressed in fine clothes, immediately smiled and welcomed them inside.
Lanqin finally understood what this place was for, because as soon as she entered, she saw two people sitting cross-legged on the main couch in the room, cheering and shouting towards the bamboo enclosure on the couch.
"Bite it! Bite it!" someone shouted, blowing their nose and glaring.
"Master, so this is where cricket fighting is held!" Lanqin said with a smile, clinging to Fourth Master's arm.
"Yes, when winter comes, people with nothing to do like to come in and play a game," Fourth Master said.
"Sir, would you like to join a casual match or a private match?" asked the woman who was leading the way and acting as a greeter.
"Give us a private room, so we won't be disturbed," Fourth Master said.
The woman smiled, gestured for them to enter, and then led Fourth Master and Lanqin into the inner room. Along the way, Lanqin noticed that every possible spot in the room had been set up as a fighting arena, with small groups of people gathered around, intently watching the two insects in the arena.
The chirping of crickets echoed from inside the house, creating a lively scene.
This was Lanqin's first time visiting such a professional cricket fighting venue, and she found it quite novel. She hadn't expected that Fourth Master would bring her to such a place to relax.
The two followed the woman into a room. The furnishings inside were very luxurious. Although it couldn't compare to a royal palace, it was still quite luxurious compared to the homes of the wealthy.
"Please wait a moment, gentlemen. The list will be sent over shortly. You may choose two items," the woman said, gesturing for Fourth Master and Lanqin to sit down.
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