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The east wing.

On the wall hung a painting of loquat birds in a mountain, the birds flew about within the painting, and the loquat trees swayed as if caressed by the wind.

A brass incense burner sat on the rosewood table, tendrils of smoke wafted out, filling the entire room with a rich fragrance.

After bathing and changing his clothes, Xu Mu sat quietly in front of the mirror, his spine straight and eyes slightly closed.

Two young and attractive maids dressed in cyan costumes were meticulously combing his long hair with combs made from animal bones.

One of the maids was called Rou’er, and the other was called Xin’er. They were specifically selected by Li Youlan to serve Xu Mu, and he couldn’t refuse their help.

“Xin’er, why is this yard called the Falling Star Courtyard?”

Xu Mu suddenly asked.

“In response to your question, Sir, it is because…”

Xin’er attempted to answer but was interrupted by Rou’er, who laughed and said: “Sir, if you don’t mind, why don’t we wait until later? Rou’er will tell you then. Perhaps by that time, you won’t need me to explain, and you’ll understand on your own!”

“Alright!”

A slight smile played at Xu Mu’s lips as he replied.

He only thought to ask in passing; it didn’t matter whether he knew sooner or later. Even if the girls didn’t tell him, he could probably guess the origin.

Rou’er was teasing him, trying to win his favor.

Li Youlan probably had ulterior motives in sending these two girls —to seduce him.

If these girls could win Xu Mu’s favor, it would be like they had turned from sparrows into phoenixes given their status.

In terms of age, it was never an issue for cultivators.

However, compared to Xin’er, who was gentle and serene, Rou’er seemed to be more proactive and bold.

Xu Mu changed the subject and asked, “How much do you know about the other hangers-on in the mansion?”

“This…”

Rou’er stammered, seemingly hesitant to say more.

“Sir, we maids lack status and not often interact with these gentlemen. We can only offer hearsay. However, if Sir is willing to listen, I can share what I know.” Xin’er answered indifferently.

At her side, Rou’er tried to signal Xin’er to stop talking.

They did not know Xu Mu well yet. Even though he seemed kind and gentle, no one knew what he was like when their back was turned. If their words reached the ears of others, their lives could be at risk.

“Go ahead, tell me!” Xu Mu replied with laughter.

Even though his eyes were closed, he was keenly aware of their every gesture and expression.

Xin’er’s actions had indeed caused him to reassess her.

It seemed that she was not timid but simply did not like to compete.

Rou’er was still sending glances, hoping to stop her close friend, but Xin’er ignored it and continued, “Mr. Lu, the house steward, is known behind his back as the ‘Smiling Tiger.’ He is notorious for his double-dealing ways, and many servants and maids who crossed him have vanished without a trace.”

“…”

Could she really be so bold as to say these things aloud?

Xu Mu was slightly astonished. If he were in her shoes, he wouldn’t dare say such things.

However, he quickly realized why Xin’er was so daring—it was probably Li Youlan’s doing.

Li Youlan couldn’t say these things herself, so getting a maid to do it was the perfect solution.

Clueless of the situation, Rou’er looked terrified.

If Mr. Lu found out about this, they could be the ones disappearing next.

Woe is her!

“What about the others?” Xu Mu pressed.

“Mr. Jia Zhiyi is loyal and friendly to everyone! Mr. Hong Xi is taciturn and only interested in cultivation! Ms. Qiao Qianqian is easy-going and kind-hearted. Everyone in the mansion likes her! Xu Lingyu, despite being the youngest among them, was the first one recruited by the princess. He tends to stay aloof and doesn’t interact much with others apart from performing tasks for the princess.” Xin’er continued to explain in a plain tone.

“Aren’t there six of them? Who is the other one?”

“The last gentleman is Wang Yongan who resides in the Rich Flower Yard behind your quarters. He is the one whom the princess values the most. He is a bit dissolute and rarely stays in the mansion; he only returns when summoned by the princess.”

“Oh! That’s interesting!”

Xu Mu opened his eyes and chuckled, stroking his chin.

On the side, Rou’er had already given up struggling and was only praying that Xu Mu wouldn’t betray them. To please Xu Mu, she devoted herself more and more to serving him.

Later, Xu Mu didn’t continue to inquire. After combing his hair and adjusting his attire, led by the two maids, he left the courtyard and headed for the banquet being held on the Inviting Moon Platform.

Rou’er, what’s the Inviting Moon Platform?” Xu Mu asked.

“In response to your question, Sir, it is the loft located on the highest point of the rear garden!”

Rou’er pointed to a lofty loft built on a man-made hill in the garden behind the mansion.

“From the Inviting Moon Platform, you can overlook the entire garden. It’s the place with the best view in the entire mansion. Typically, it’s only used to host banquets for esteemed guests or during festivals.”

“I am quite honored indeed.” Xu Mu said with a smile.

The three of them passed through three palace gates and entered the rear garden. They were greeted by stacked rockeries, winding corridors and pavilions, ponds, and floral arrangements. Although not as spectacular as some fantastic landscapes, it was still breathtaking and interesting in its own way.

“Mr. Xu, what a coincidence!”

Lu Kui quickly walked over with his sleeves rolled up, catching up with the trio with a laugh.

Rou’er and Xin’er promptly stepped aside, letting Lu Kui walk side by side with Xu Mu.

“It’s some time before the banquet begins. Why have you arrived so early, Mr. Xu?” Lu Kui asked.

“I just arrived and wanted to get a good look around, so I came a bit early.”

“Oh, I see! I’ve been the house manager for over a decade and know the mansion quite well. How about I show you around?”

“That would be of great help.”

“No trouble at all!” Lu Kui laughed.

Under Lu Kui’s guidance, Xu Mu visited several famous spots in the garden. Lu Kui even shared some interesting anecdotes, making them seem to enjoy each other’s company.

After having toured most of the garden, with the time for the banquet drawing near, Lu Kui abruptly changed the topic, “I have some knowledge of fortune-telling. Given that this is Mr. Xu’s first visit to the imperial capital, how about I predict your future?”

Xu Mu was slightly taken aback, not sure what this old coot was up to.

Predict his future?

If he really possessed such skills, why would he be serving as a hanger-on in this mansion?

“Sure!”

Xu Mu nodded with a smile, curious about what the other party was up to.

“Could you please tell me your birth date and time?”

“The 543rd year of the Qing’an Era…”

Xu Mu made up a birth date and time according to his appearance.

Lu Kui pretended to calculate using his fingers for a while before his face suddenly darkened. He took out a few oracle bones with patterns carved on them and threw them on the ground a few times before looking up with a troubled expression, “Mr. Xu, the result is not so good, are you sure you still want to hear it?”

“Don’t hesitate to tell me, Mr. Lu!” Xu Mu replied with a smile.

“It’s a very bad omen. If you continue to stay in the imperial capital, I fear your life might be in danger!”