C6

Boom...

The resonant beat of the drums echoed across the sky. It was the morning call from the main gate of the palace. After this, the drum towers along the north-south streets followed suit. Boom, boom, boom, the sound spread outward in waves. At the same time, temples began to ring their morning bells. The deep, melodious chimes mingled with the robust drumbeats, breaking through the clouds. The night faded, and dawn was on the horizon.

Su Luo and Xuan Kong stood side by side, watching as the red sun rose over the river.

“Daybreak is here, and there's a boat approaching. Let's go together, my apprentice!”

Su Luo shook her head. “Master, I still have unfinished business. Once it's settled, I'll come find you.”

Xuan Kong didn't press further. He pulled a thin booklet from his robe. “This is the introductory manual of our sect. Study it. If you miss me, come to Misty Mountain.” Though he knew his clever apprentice could handle herself, he added, “If you need help, seek out your fellow disciples. You have a senior brother in Yuan'an City, a skilled marksman named Yan Xiujin. I hear he's quite an official.”

Su Luo nodded earnestly. “I remember everything you said, Master. Don't worry, I'll bring amber wine to Misty Mountain next year to visit you.”

After parting ways with her mentor, Su Luo arrived alone in Yuan'an City. Yuan'an City, the capital of the Great Liang, boasted towering walls that seemed to touch the sky, with red brick resembling a giant dragon stretching for miles. The massive city gates were studded with large copper nails, and soldiers with spears and guns stood guard on either side. Su Luo's destiny was tied to this city. She was originally a wandering spirit, and through a twist of fate, she inhabited the body of a young girl. Having received this girl's grace, she felt compelled to resolve her grievances. When she possessed the body, her spirit melded with the girl's. She learned that the girl, like her, was named Su Luo and had been a maid in the Yan family in Yuan'an City. The girl had been wronged and died young. Her spirit was filled with unresolved anger, and if Su Luo didn't help her find the culprit, the body would eventually succumb to the resentment.

Su Luo had tried several times to communicate with the remnants of the girl's spirit, but the memories were always hazy. She only knew there was someone standing behind her, but when she tried to see more clearly, the person's face twisted into a thick fog.

Su Luo huffed, raising her chin defiantly, "Whatever comes, I'll deal with it. Even if he's as tricky as a monkey, he can't escape my grasp."

Stepping into Yuan'an City, feeling the solid ground beneath her feet, Su Luo truly felt she was no longer a mere spirit but a living person. She stood on the main artery of Yuan'an City, Zhuque Avenue. Zhuque Avenue was about 500 feet wide, running east to west through the city. Ancient trees lined the street, their branches intertwining above, as people and carriages moved through the shaded paths. With her remaining silver, she bought a new set of clothes and hired a carriage. Yuan'an City was vast, and Zhuque Avenue stretched far into the distance. If she relied solely on her feet, she might not reach the Yan family even by nightfall.

The carriage moved slowly, the sound monotonous and lonely. Su Luo lifted a corner of the curtain, seeing passersby and an endless stretch of earthen walls. Occasionally, she spotted tall gates and large, red-lacquered doors set into the walls, marking the homes of high-ranking officials.

"Miss, this is the Yan family," the driver said, stopping the carriage at a distance from the Yan residence, as instructed.

Su Luo silently observed. Two fierce-looking stone beasts flanked the entrance, and the guards in their bright armor stood with stern faces. She took a deep breath. Inside those gates lay countless challenges. Could she really emerge unscathed?

This was a hurdle she had to overcome, a knot she had to untie.

She mentally reviewed her prepared speech, ensuring it was flawless, before walking towards the side door.

"Ms. Su is back," the servant responsible for greeting guests said with a smile upon seeing her. "I was wondering why I hadn't seen you these past few days. I asked Mrs. Su and found out you were sent to the estate outside the city to prepare for the New Year. Without you, we haven't had any snacks delivered. By afternoon, our stomachs are growling!"

It seemed the girl had been well-liked in life. Su Luo smiled and replied, "Yes, Mrs. Su gave me tasks to complete early. No need to complain to me. Once I finish my current duties, I'll make sure you get some mung bean cakes, osmanthus pastries, or fried treats to satisfy your cravings."

Gouzi scratched his head with a wide grin, "Alright, I've been waiting for you!" Suddenly, he lowered his voice, "Ms. Su, you might want to avoid going up front. The old man is in a terrible mood for some reason, and he's been giving the guys a hard time."

Su Luo understood this was a warning to steer clear of trouble. She asked where Mrs. Su was.

Gouzi pointed in a direction, "I just saw her with a flower basket heading towards Longhua Garden."

Su Luo composed herself and followed his guidance.

Even with the memories from this body’s previous life, Su Luo was still amazed. The estate was enormous, spanning hundreds of acres. The house and garden were integrated seamlessly. The main residence, consisting of three sections, was situated along the central axis, with spacious and airy rooms. Surrounding the house were ponds and groves, connected by bridges, with paths encircling the water. An island was built in the pond, lush with greenery and partially obscuring the view of the red-roofed pavilion. As Su Luo walked along the corridor, she could see the unique rock formations and springs outside through the lattice windows. She encountered a few people along the way, asking about Mrs. Su’s whereabouts, and finally found her at the Listening to the Qin Terrace.