Second watch, asking for pink.
The Phoenix Tower of the Shen Family is built on a high platform of blue bricks, surrounded by pines and cypresses. The tower is of blue bricks and green tiles, topped with a three-story pavilion-style hip-and-gable roof, surrounded by vermilion railings, exuding extraordinary grandeur.
The crowd ascended the steps, and above the entrance of the tower were four large characters—Zi Qi Dong Lai (Purple Atmosphere Cos from the East). It is said that this Phoenix Tower existed first, and only later did the Shen Residence co into being. And the four characters Zi Qi Dong Lai were personally inscribed by the founding emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty.
The exterior of Phoenix Tower is already impressive, but upon entering, one sees carved beams and painted rafters, each table and case, each vase and lamp—a luxurious decor in every detail.
The Shen Family, having managed Liaodong for generations, naturally has a wealthy treasury, and many of the furnishings in Phoenix Tower are imperially bestowed.
A young maid led the way, entering the tower and ascending to the second floor. Along the way, all the attendants outside the tower were wearing blue clothes and hats, while inside the tower, all the maids wore duck egg blue vests and pea green skirts. Every few steps stood a poised and dignified maid, each silent and respectful. Lian Manman glanced around and saw more maids standing quietly in the depths of the building.
No one knew how many people served in this tower, yet it remained silent. Lian Manman recalled her first visit to the Song Family to et the Old Madam Song and considered that what the old lady displayed was the Shen Family’s grandeur. However, in truth, compared to the Shen Family, it’s worlds apart.
Upon reaching the second floor, the young maid halted before a door. A maid standing by the door entered, and shortly, she reappeared, lifting the curtain and inviting them in.
Mr. Loo, Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi walked in one by one. Having seen much downstairs, the opulence inside the room still surprised Lian Manman.
Nonetheless, Lian Manman’s gaze did not dwell on the room’s furnishings; almost upon entering, she noticed Shen Liu.
Today, Shen Liu wore a silvery robe with golden embroidery, a jade crown on his head, and a jade belt around his waist as he sat authoritatively on the Taishi Chair at the head. Just by sitting there, without a word or movent, the room’s splendor seed rely decorative.
Led by Mr. Loo, Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi all knelt in unison.
"No need for formalities," Shen Liu’s bright voice rang out, "Find your seats."
Everyone thanked him and sat down one after another, and a young maid silently entered, serving tea and refreshnts.
"You arrived yesterday; everything is prepared. The residence has arranged a courtyard for you, just move in. I have matters to trouble you with," Shen Liu said to Mr. Loo after a brief chat. Mr. Loo was to accompany the Shen Family in escorting Shen Jin’s convoy to the capital, and during this ti, Shen Liu had things to instruct Mr. Loo on, so a place was arranged for him at the residence.
Though Mr. Loo had received great favor from the Shen Family, he was now bound by imperial orders to resu his duties, so Shen Liu spoke to him with both warmth and a touch of courtesy.
"Respectfully, Sixth Master," Mr. Loo hurriedly responded, "If you have tasks, feel free to instruct . I shall not move in. I will stay at my two students’ hos during these days. We don’t know when we will et again, but fortunately, we are not far apart, so it won’t delay your affairs."
"As you say, then follow your preference."
Mr. Loo quickly expressed his thanks, Wu Lang and Xiao Qi also stood up, bowed, and thanked Shen Liu.
Shen Liu’s gaze swept across Wu Lang and Xiao Qi, and seed to pause unintentionally on Lian Manman’s face for a mont before quickly moving away.
Then Shen Liu instructed Mr. Loo on several matters and subsequently had him escorted out. This journey to Beijing was not only to deliver Shen Jin to the palace but also for the Emperor’s birthday celebration; the Shen Family had much to prepare, and Mr. Loo’s great talent was needed.
Only the Lian Family mbers remained in the room, and Shen Liu’s expression seed to soften slightly.
"You, the siblings, have co too. Is this your first ti in the Prefecture City?" Shen Liu asked.
This was clearly directed at Lian Manman and Xiao Qi.
"Respectfully, Sixth Master, yes," Lian Manman and Xiao Qi hurriedly replied.
"You do not need to mimic those people’s speech; it’s awkward to hear," Shen Liu said, his eyes narrowing slightly as he glanced at Lian Manman, "What you did in the countryside, do likewise here."
Upon hearing Shen Liu speak this way, Lian Manman couldn’t help but slightly raise the corners of her mouth. Shen Liu treated them with even greater indulgence than Mr. Loo, who was about to be greatly utilized by the Imperial Court. Shen Liu did so for only one reason: he rembered that Lian Manman once saved him.
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