Chapter 87: Chapter 87: Young Master, Qingqing Has an Idea

“The Emperor’s decree clearly states that our family’s children lack discipline. I… am I unjustly accused!” Xu Zhili said angrily.

Mr. Zhou and the Zhou siblings were also blaming Zhou Xiulin in the same manner.

Not long after, the entire capital knew about the Emperor and Empress issuing a decree reprimanding Xu Xiuyu and Zhou Xiulin because of Fu Shinian.

Among the three, only Lin Qingqing managed to evade it, as she was cautious enough. She allowed Xu Xiuyu and Zhou Xiulin to talk without stopping them but never spread rumors about Fu Shinian and Xiao Chengyu herself.

She also wanted the rumors about Fu Shinian to spread further through Xu Xiuyu and Zhou Xiulin’s words.

Lin Qingqing breathed a sigh of relief, hoping that their matters wouldn’t affect the Emperor and Empress’s impression of her.

In recent days, Lin Qingqing dared not visit Xu Xiuyu.

Afraid that the Emperor and Empress might find out about her close relationship with Xu Xiuyu and blame her as well.

Suddenly it was New Year’s Eve.

Fu Changqin even specifically bought some fireworks. With long handles, held by the hand, they could spark some small fireworks,

which could be used to draw various patterns in the air—perfect for young ladies to play with.

Fu Changqin bought them back and even rewarded the servants in the mansion so everyone could celebrate the New Year together.

On New Year’s Eve in Great Xi, the royal family would release grand fireworks; it’s such every year.

Therefore, people would come out at night to watch the colorful display over the palace.

Zhou Xiuyu and Xu Xiulin were grounded at home and couldn’t come out to join the festivities.

In the morning, a heavy snow had fallen and just stopped.

The snow on the ground almost covered the tops of their shoes.

People could come out at night without lamps, as the moonlight reflecting off the snow would be very bright.

Xiao Yingyue’s carriage stopped in front of the Fu Mansion. When Fu Shinian came out with Fu Changqin and Fu Mingzhu, Xiao Yingyue pulled back the curtain and said, “Take our carriage. It’s warm with more people.”

The carriage of Marquis’ residence was much larger than that of Fu Mansion.

Thus, the Fu siblings didn’t stand on ceremony and quickly got into the carriage.

Fu Mingzhu entered first, saw Xiao Chengyu there, and was momentarily surprised but promptly sat beside Xiao Yingyue.

When Fu Shinian got in, she saw the empty spot beside Xiao Chengyu and also looked at the seat next to Fu Mingzhu, intending to sit beside Fu Mingzhu.

Xiao Chengyu said, “It’s cold near the door, and the wind blows in. Let Fu Changqin sit near the door.”

Fu Shinian: “…”

Outside the carriage, Fu Changqin’s voice came through: “…Marquis, I heard that.”

He came out feeling neglected.

Fu Shinian laughed and sat next to Xiao Chengyu.

Immediately after, Fu Changqin promptly got in.

“There’s charcoal burning in the carriage!” Fu Changqin exclaimed in delight, no wonder it was so warm upon entering.

No wonder it’s the Marquis’ carriage; truly opulent.

It’s not that the Fu family can’t afford charcoal, but their carriage, by regulations, can’t fit as much as the Marquis’.

The better the spot to watch fireworks, the more people there were.

The location of Taste Building was excellent, especially with a terrace outside the room for an unobstructed view of the fireworks from the palace.

If cold, you could return to the room for some hot tea or alcohol.

Fu Mingzhu reserved a scenic room in Taste Building.

As soon as they turned onto the street where Taste Building was located, the road ahead was congested, with many carriages lined up.

Fu Changqin pulled open the curtain, seeing the long queue ahead and the bustling crowd outside the carriage.

“Why don’t we walk there? Who knows how long this queue will take,” Fu Changqin suggested.

“Indeed.” Xiao Yingyue nodded.

Thus, everyone got off the carriage and began to walk.

Fu Changqin instructed Fu Mingzhu and Fu Shinian, “Stay close to me, don’t get separated in the crowd.”

“I’ll lead,” Xiao Chengyu said to Fu Changqin, “You stay at the back and protect them in the middle.”

Aside from Xiao Chengyu and Fu Changqin at the front and back, Fu Shinian and the others could arrange themselves freely.

Somehow, Fu Shinian ended up walking behind Xiao Chengyu.

Xiao Chengyu was dressed in fur, providing excellent warmth, even against wind as sharp as knives.

Walking behind him, Fu Shinian felt like there was a moving windbreaker in front.

No wind reached Fu Shinian.

Fu Changqin protected them carefully, not daring to fall behind even a little.

If anyone tried to squeeze past, he raised a hand to block them, firmly preventing the young ladies from being separated.

Finally reaching Taste Building, everyone rushed inside, and only then did Fu Changqin breathe a sigh of relief.

The attendant led them into the room Fu Mingzhu had reserved.

Taste Building was savvy in business and stayed open even during New Year’s Eve.

Fu Mingzhu had reserved the room two months in advance; otherwise, it truly would have been hard to secure.

Everyone ordered hot tea, hot wine, and snacks to chat and wait in the room.

Suddenly, there was a voice outside, “Why are there no rooms?”

“Our rooms are in high demand every New Year’s Eve; they need to be booked two months in advance,” the attendant said politely.

The newcomers were a group of noble men and women that the attendant couldn’t afford to offend.

“All booked? Are all the rooms occupied? Is there anyone who hasn’t arrived?” someone else said, “If not, we could take their room.”

“That’s not possible, we must keep the room for our guests,” the attendant replied, “If you like, you can book early for next year before the festival.”

Xiao Yingyue frowned, saying, “I don’t know who’s causing a scene outside. Everyone knows rooms at Taste Building are hard to get for holidays. Without booking early, they come to make a scene as if someone’s going to give up their room?”

“Is there such a custom?” The Second Prince frowned.

Having only recently set up residence outside the palace, he was unaware of affairs at Taste Building.

Xiao Fengxing saw this and quickly whispered, “Your Highness, indeed.”

Another voice said, “Do you know who this noble person is? If their identity is revealed, the room owner would certainly welcome them.”

“Silence,” the Second Prince rebuked, “I… I’m traveling low-profile this time; don’t use power to pressure others.”

The attendant felt puzzled.

Judging by these people, they were undoubtedly affluent or noble.

It was unclear who the leader was.

However, this was the capital city, with numerous dignitaries.

The attendant couldn’t afford to offend others for the sake of one group.

“Sir, Qingqing has an idea.” Lin Qingqing’s voice filtered into the room, causing Fu Shinian and Fu Mingzhu to exchange a glance.

Why was Lin Qingqing here too?

Fu Shinian now wanted to see who was outside.

Lin Qingqing had learned from Xiao Fengxing that she would be watching fireworks with the Second Prince tonight and was thrilled.

Moreover, among the Second Prince’s entourage was the Princess, who was already married and had her own residence.

These were all significant persons.

Xiao Fengxing hoped she could help from the side, gain the favor of these nobility, and thereby benefit Xiao Fengxing’s future career.

Lin Qingqing naturally intended to put forth her best efforts.

“You may speak,” said the Second Prince.

“Why not ask the attendant who has reserved the rooms for tonight,” said Lin Qingqing, “Sir could choose one room to visit directly. Surely the host would welcome them warmly.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep