""This servant won't leave, absolutely not."
Ming Xiang pursed her lips in defiance, she fished out a folding fan from her sleeve, opened it like a pro, fanned herself, and followed along.
The back door of the Bright Moon Pavilion was secluded; the master and servant sneaked in under the dim light, found the stairs, and ascended to a quiet corner on the second floor's cloister.
Looking down from the cloister, the front yard was brightly lit, filled with laughter and chatter.
Distinguished ladies were everywhere, their jeweled hairpins and tassels swaying. Some were playing chess or creating poetry over drinks. Others were enjoying tea along with music or appreciating songs and dances. Everywhere one looked, there was a display of wealth and elegance.
Then the gaze turned back to the two women.
Their hair bound up in black, their natural faces bare, wearing hastily found men's clothing, as plain as a waiter.