In late January, with the chill of early spring lingering in the air, the city of Jiangnan was shrouded in a persistent drizzle. The stone-paved streets glistened with patches of water. Outside the bustling Drunken Life Tower, obscured by verdant bamboo, a figure in brilliant scarlet approached gracefully – the well-known proprietor of Ya Song Fang, famously dubbed the ‘Red Jade Gentleman.’

Adorned in a crimson robe and holding a paper umbrella, Red Jade Gentleman moved with an effortless grace, entering the Drunken Life Tower as if strolling leisurely in a garden. His eyes, deep as autumn waters, carried a smile that subtly veiled a trace of imperceptible sorrow.

Ye Nanqiao stood under the eaves, dressed in her usual attire for roaming the streets. Red Jade and Ye Nanqiao’s acquaintance dated back to the days when she was still the young mistress of the Ye household. Without his assistance back then, Drunken Life Tower wouldn’t have seen its current success. Greeting him with a wave and a welcoming call, Ye Nanqiao joked, “Red Jade Gentleman, braving the rain instead of staying cozy in Ya Song Fang, are you here for a drink? Today, I’ll waive the bill for the great Buddha!”

Red Jade Gentleman gently closed his umbrella, his gaze filled with fondness as he looked at the spirited figure before him. “It’s been a long time. I’m here today for a matter concerning Ya Song Fang.”

“Came to find me over some trouble again?” Ye Nanqiao led him into the Drunken Life Tower while speaking. Inside the premier chamber, a warm fire blazed, and the fragrance of premium Longjing tea filled the air. She brewed the tea with an air of elegance, the aroma enveloping the room.

Sipping the tea lightly, Red Jade finally said in a grave tone, “Recently, Ya Song Fang has experienced a series of thefts, with numerous precious items vanishing into thin air. Our patrons are all individuals of notable status, and with the spring banquet approaching, it’s an event of great significance. If word of this reaches the authorities, it won’t bode well. Hence, I’ve come to seek your aid.”

Ye Nanqiao’s brows furrowed in thought before asking, “Any leads?”

Sighing, Red Jade admitted, “If there were, I wouldn’t have troubled you. Despite the many guests, including songstresses and tea maids, the thefts happened in secluded areas of the back courtyard. It’s likely an inside job.”

Contemplating for a moment, Ye Nanqiao suggested, “It does sound intricate. With so many people in Ya Song Fang, finding the culprit will be challenging. But, it feels like an issue within the back courtyard.”

Nodding, Red Jade added, “Hence, I’m here to ask for your discreet investigation.”

Ye Nanqiao shrugged humorously, “Uncle, you know very well. Master Bingchen doesn’t just intervene casually.”

Recognizing her playful tone, Red Jade half-joked, “What’s your angle this time?”

“If I help you crack this case, I want a piece of information from you.”

“Just one piece of information?” he raised an eyebrow.

“Just one,” Ye Nanqiao confirmed as Red Jade brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead, smiling gently, “Agreed. But don’t swindle your uncle.”

“Of course not,” she replied with a slight smile, “I shall do my utmost. But this calls for careful planning, not hasty actions.”

Gratefully, Red Jade bid farewell, preparing to manage affairs at Ya Song Fang.

After seeing him off into the misty rain, Ye Nanqiao turned to find Chang Wuyue, who had been waiting with an umbrella. Noticing his curiosity, she explained, “That’s the manager of Ya Song Fang, known as Red Jade Gentleman. He was a friend of my late aunt and helped establish Drunken Life Tower. By seniority, I should call him uncle. He’s a good man, a eunuch from the former dynasty, with no familial ties to me…”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Her voice trailed off, but Chang Wuyue caught the hint, intrigued, “A figure from the previous dynasty?”

Nodding, Ye Nanqiao continued in a hushed tone, “Though he's the public face of Ya Song Fang, the true backer is someone else – a prince from the former dynasty, notorious for his disregard for tradition and love for composing music. Exiled from the capital by his brother, the former emperor, he ended up in Jiangnan, where Red Jade, his loyal servant, helped him build Ya Song Fang.”

“Fascinating tale. Even royalty have their trials…” Chang Wuyue remarked lightly before inquiring about Red Jade’s visit.

“He sought help with a series of thefts at Ya Song Fang, likely an inside job. I’ve agreed to help, masquerading as a new recruit at Ya Song Fang to investigate.”

“Isn’t that risky?”

“It’s not as dramatic as it sounds…”

Chang Wuyue’s brow furrowed with concern, “Be careful. If anything happens, inform me immediately.”

“I’ll be cautious and will let you know of any developments,” Ye Nanqiao assured.

Their eyes met, sharing an understanding. Chang Wuyue, though uneasy, trusted her wit. Ye Nanqiao, confident in her plan, prepared to delve into the mystery of Ya Song Fang.

As time marched on, the following day's early dawn greeted Jiangnan City with a lightening sky. At Drunken Life Tower, a carriage from Ya Song Fang waited outside.

Ye Nanqiao, now clad in women's attire, wore a light purple gown that flowed with the wind, adorned with elegantly embroidered orchids. Her makeup was subtle, lending her the air of a Ya Song Fang songstress. She traveled through the bustling streets, the swaying trees casting shadows, their clamor contrasting with the tranquil early spring morning. Already, her mind was strategizing the impending investigation at Ya Song Fang.

Renowned for its refinement, Ya Song Fang was one of Jiangnan City's most esteemed destinations. As the carriage slowly entered, its architecture, a celebration of antiquity with green tiles and flying eaves, spoke volumes of its classical beauty. Ancient camphor trees at the entrance, lush and sprawling, seemed to bear witness to the vicissitudes and transformations of the place.

Servants, recognizing Ye Nanqiao's arrival, hastened to greet her respectfully and guided her through the courtyard. Inside, with its rockeries and meandering waters where koi fish swam leisurely, the place exuded tranquility. Strolling along the cobblestone path, Ye Nanqiao admired the meticulously groomed flora. The distant sound of flowing water from the artificial hills melded with the faint music, creating an almost ethereal ambiance. Literary figures and wealthy young masters roamed the grounds, engaging in poetry, tea tasting, or chess.

"Never ventured this deep before; Ya Song Fang truly is a gem. It appears modest from the outside but reveals its grandeur within," Ye Nanqiao murmured to herself, following the servant deeper inside. She couldn't help but gaze at a procession of exquisitely dressed dancers, their delicate jewelry clinking melodically, drawing whispers from the patrons.

"Rumor has it Ya Song Fang recently hired exotic songstresses. Their dance and tunes are said to be quite distinct from those in Jiangnan City."

"They're specially brought in for the annual spring banquet. Naturally, they're extraordinary."

"Barbarians, after all. What's so special about them…"

Curious about these foreign dancers, Ye Nanqiao took a closer look and indeed, one particularly striking dancer caught her eye – tall, with a healthy, wheatish complexion that radiated a vibrant allure. A sheer red scarf partially veiled her face, accentuating the allure of a small mole near her eye.

"What are you so intently looking at?" teased Red Jade Gentleman, who had quietly approached Ye Nanqiao from behind.

Startled, Ye Nanqiao turned with a smile, "Just admiring the beauties you've brought."

Red Jade chuckled and gestured, "Come with me."

Leading Ye Nanqiao through the intricate corridors, they arrived at a secluded courtyard in the back. With lush foliage and a gently flowing spring, the area radiated serenity.

"This will be your temporary abode, humble but peaceful," Red Jade pointed to the elegant dwelling. "Be cautious in all matters. Should you need anything, just send word."

Ye Nanqiao nodded slightly, and with a smile, Red Jade added, "People come and go in Ya Song Fang, not all can be trusted. Be vigilant."

Satisfied, he departed, leaving Ye Nanqiao to watch his retreating figure blend into the winding corridor. Surrounded by the quietude of the courtyard, a gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers, hinting at the burgeoning spring.