Hoje venho visitar a Cidade de Jade Branca

The rain had just cleared, and it was early spring.

A momentous event was unfolding in the Lotus Boat Xu family. The head maid, Xintong, hurried into the residence, wading through the stream in the second courtyard, passing by a courtyard brimming with spring blossoms, paying no heed to the morning dew, and went straight to the master’s chambers.

“Master, the embroidered ball thrown by the young lady has found its owner. During the throwing, several heroes got into a fight, and in the chaos caused by the attendant boys of several young gentlemen, the ball was tossed up again and finally landed in the arms of a youth of seventeen or eighteen.”

Xintong, the maid, was herself only fifteen or sixteen, but her eyes held a clarity beyond her years, revealing her cleverness and capability. “That youth wore plain gray clothes, nothing luxurious—just coarse hemp fabric. His face was lean as well; he’s clearly not from a wealthy family.”

A fit of coughing came from behind the screen by the bed. A servant quickly moved the screen aside, revealing an elderly man, his face haggard and lifeless, who was being helped to sit up by another maid.

“It’s just as well he isn’t the son of a wealthy family. What can you expect from those who come to snatch the embroidered ball? An ordinary background is even better; without silken robes, there’s less chance of ill intent lurking beneath.”

The old man had to pause for breath four or five times in that short sentence, appearing extremely frail.

Xintong pursed her lips, concern shadowing her features. “Bu