The past two days passed without any major incidents, a calm that felt almost deceptive after the tensions of their recent encounters. Yuanshi spent most of that time in the company of her siblings, wandering through Yanjing City and slowly committing its layout to memory. Markets, teahouses, quiet residential lanes, and busy thoroughfares all began to feel less foreign.
Yet for all their exploration, one thing remained unchanged.
No one seemed willing to speak about the Wei family.
Whenever Yuanshi casually brought up the topic, conversations faltered. Shopkeepers suddenly became busy, passersby claimed ignorance, and even those who had been friendly moments before grew cautious.
On the morning of the third day, the sisters were in their room at Lotus Spring Inn when a soft knock sounded at the door.
Yuanshi rose and opened it to find the young maid who had been assisting with ergu. The girl bowed deeply and presented a scroll with both hands.
"This servant was asked to deliver this message."
Yuanshi accepted it with a nod. "Thank you."
The maid bowed again and withdrew.
Yuexi set aside the hairpin she had been examining and leaned forward.
"From Madam Gu?"
Yuanshi untied the thread and unrolled the scroll.
"Yes. She asks us to go to the Singing Fish House and request Master Shi. She says he has residences available for viewing and has already spoken to him on our behalf."
Yuexi raised a brow. "That was fast."
"She apologizes for not coming in person and asks that we meet him before noon."
Yuexi stood immediately. "Then we should get ready. If she arranged it, the places are likely worth seeing."
After settling ergu with the maid, they changed into suitable attire and left the inn to hail a carriage.
At the Singing Fish House, they were greeted by a short, stout man with a long beard and a cheerful expression.
"Honored ladies," he said with a bow. "You must be the guests Madam Gu mentioned. I am Master Shi."
Yuanshi returned the greeting politely.
"Madam Gu informed me of your needs," he continued. "I have prepared two residences on Upper Street for your inspection."
Yuexi's eyes sharpened slightly at that. "Upper Street?"
"The most suitable district for families wishing to establish themselves among the city's elite," he said smoothly.
He joined them in their carriage and directed the driver.
The first residence was spacious and impressive, but as they walked through it, Yuexi leaned closer to Yuanshi and murmured,
"This is far too large. We would need an army of servants just to keep it clean."
Yuanshi hid a small smile. "I was thinking the same."
They thanked Master Shi and requested to see the second property.
The second house was smaller but well arranged.The courtyard was compact yet well designed, with a small pond and a single flowering tree at its center. The rooms were arranged efficiently, offering privacy without waste. It felt manageable, private, and suitably dignified without excess.
Yuanshi paused near the entrance and glanced down the street.
"What lies in that direction?" she asked.
Master Shi followed her gaze. "The Wei Manor."
Yuexi's eyes flicked briefly toward Yuanshi, but she said nothing.
After a short discussion between the sisters, Yuanshi turned back.
"We will take this residence."
Master Shi clasped his hands, delighted. "An excellent choice."
"And the price?" Yuexi asked before Yuanshi could speak.
"Three thousand taels."
Yuexi stopped walking entirely. "Three thousand?"
"Yes. It is among the more affordable residences on Upper Street due to its size."
Yuexi let out a low whistle. "If this is affordable, I would hate to see expensive."
Yuanshi sighed softly. "Location carries a cost."
Master Shi nodded approvingly.
Seeing their expressions, he continued in a gentler tone.
"You will also need a proper household staff."
Yuanshi tilted her head. "Staff?"
"Servants," he clarified. "A residence of this standing cannot be maintained without them."
Yuexi crossed her arms. "How many are we talking about?"
"For a household of this size, at minimum a head maid, two junior maids, a cook, and a gatekeeper," he said. "More if you entertain frequently."
"And their wages?" Yuexi asked immediately.
Master Shi smiled, clearly accustomed to such questions.
"Modest compared to the value they provide. Skilled servants are an investment in reputation as much as convenience."
Yuexi did not look convinced. "An investment that must be paid monthly."
Yuanshi suppressed a laugh.
Master Shi continued patiently. "A household on Upper Street without attendants invites gossip. Visitors will judge your standing by how your home functions."
Yuanshi hesitated. "We had planned to manage ourselves for a time."
"With respect, Madam," he said gently, "that would quickly become exhausting. Cooking, cleaning, errands, maintenance, receiving guests. These duties accumulate."
Yuexi glanced around the courtyard, then at her sister.
"We would not even know where to begin."
After a moment, Yuanshi nodded.
"Very well. I would like to use your hiring services."
Master Shi's smile widened. "Excellent. You may select suitable staff tomorrow morning."
Yuexi raised a finger. "And their fees will be explained beforehand?"
"Of course," he said smoothly. "Full transparency."
He stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"You will also require furnishings."
Yuexi sighed. "Of course we will."
"I offer moving services as well," he continued. "Beds, tables, screens, storage chests, kitchenware. Everything necessary to establish a household."
"And the cost of that?" Yuexi asked.
"Reasonable," he said with a reassuring nod. "Packages can be tailored to your needs."
Yuanshi inclined her head. "That would be helpful."
"And Madam Gu mentioned you have a young child," he added.
Yuanshi's expression softened. "Yes."
"There is a respected tutor nearby who accepts children from noble and merchant families. Many households on Upper Street send their young ones there."
Yuexi leaned forward slightly. "What sort of fees does this tutor charge?"
"Comparable to other reputable instructors," he said. "Instruction in basic literacy, etiquette, and foundational knowledge."
Yuanshi looked thoughtful. "It would be good for ergu to have stability."
Yuexi nodded slowly. "And structure."
Master Shi bowed modestly. "Everything necessary for a respectable household is within reach here."
He clasped his hands together.
"Once payment for the residence is completed, I will transfer the deed immediately. Tomorrow we can finalize servants and furnishings. Within a few days, your household will be fully established."
Yuanshi looked around the courtyard one last time, then nodded.
"Very well. Tomorrow morning."
As they turned to leave, Yuexi murmured under her breath,
"We are about to spend a frightening amount of money."
Yuanshi smiled faintly. "Consider it… strategic."
In the distance, beyond the rooftops, the Wei Manor stood silent and imposing.
Exactly where she needed to be.