"This really is effortless. I didn't expect to catch someone right as we stepped out," Xu Linghe said happily, holding Feng Qingyi's hand.
At this moment, Zhao Yiqing slowly spoke up, "May I ask what you two want written?"
"Just write the three characters for 'Peng Lai Residence'," Feng Qingyi replied.
Zhao Yiqing thought for a moment, "Penglai refers to a celestial realm. It seems a bit inappropriate as a name for a teahouse."
Feng Qingyi explained, "This 'Penglai' is a homophone for 'friends coming from afar, isn't it delightful?' I thought since this teahouse is a place for friends to gather, this name would be fitting."
"Friends coming from afar, isn't it delightful? Penglai, it truly is a good name. I was being narrow-minded," Zhao Yiqing admitted.
After entering the Painting and Calligraphy Studio, Zhao Yiqing greeted the owner and then borrowed some ink and a brush to write the three large characters for "Peng Lai Residence."
Feng Qingyi gratefully said, "Thank you for your trouble today, Mr. Zhao."
Zhao Yiqing replied, "It's a small matter, not worth mentioning. Please don't think anything of it, ladies."
Xu Linghe smiled and said, "Mr. Zhao, let's meet again after the Peng Lai Residence opens. We have some other matters to attend to today, so we'll be leaving now!"
Zhao Yiqing responded, "Ladies, until we meet again!"
With the completed calligraphy in hand, Feng Qingyi and Xu Linghe walked together down the street.
"This Zhao Yiqing is quite loyal!"
Feng Qingyi smiled and said, "That's because you helped him last time. He's a person who remembers kindness and repays favors."
Xu Linghe asked, "Speaking of which, what are you so busy with every day? How come I can never see you? Don't tell me that even when the teahouse opens, you'll still be busy all the time!"
"I should have some time around July or August. Other than that, I'll only be free occasionally. I'll have to trouble you to keep an eye on things more often," Feng Qingyi said apologetically.
Xu Linghe replied, "I have nothing to do all day anyway, so it's good for me to watch over things here."
"Miss Qingyi, what are you doing here?"
Just as Feng Qingyi and Xu Linghe arrived at the signboard maker's shop, they saw Bai Wei.
"I'm out for a stroll with my friend."
Bai Wei looked at Xu Linghe, "You're the eldest daughter of the Xu family, right?"
Xu Linghe nodded, "Hello, I'm Xu Linghe."
Bai Wei said, "Miss Qingyi, why didn't you come to our mansion for a visit? The princess mentioned you just a few days ago."
Feng Qingyi replied, "I have some errands today, but I'll come visit another day."
Bai Wei looked at the signboard maker's shop, "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, Linghe and I opened a teahouse in the east of the city. We're here to order a signboard," Feng Qingyi answered.
Bai Wei offered, "A teahouse? Is there anything we can help with? If you need anything, just tell me, and I'll have someone from the mansion assist you."
Feng Qingyi declined, "That won't be necessary. We're almost done once the signboard is made. No need to trouble you. What are you doing here?"
Bai Wei replied, "I'm just out buying some things. I'm about to head back. Why don't you come back with me, Miss Qingyi?"
"Not today. Linghe and I plan to look around some more." With Qin Yuchuan not around, Feng Qingyi still felt a bit uncomfortable at the mansion, even though everyone there was very friendly.
Seeing this, Bai Wei didn't insist further, "Well then, Miss Qingyi, please tell me the name of your teahouse. I'd like to bring some people from the mansion to visit when I have time."
Feng Qingyi replied, "It's not open yet, but we've already chosen a name. It's called 'Peng Lai Residence.' You're welcome to come when we open."
Bai Wei nodded, "I'll be going then. Remember, if you encounter any problems, don't hesitate to come to the General's Mansion."
"Alright, goodbye!" Feng Qingyi waved.
After Bai Wei left, Xu Linghe turned to Feng Qingyi, "That girl sure talks a lot. But you can see that everyone at the General's Mansion really values you as their future mistress!"
"... Don't say such things," Feng Qingyi glared at her.
Xu Linghe said with a grin, "How am I saying nonsense? That girl must be close to Princess Xuanhe, right?"
"She told you to go directly to the General's Mansion if you encounter any problems. That must be Princess Xuanhe's intention. It's enough to show how much they value you."
"But why don't you accept their help and insist on doing everything yourself?"
Feng Qingyi replied, "They value me because of Qin Yuchuan. I'm clear about that."
"It's just that he's not home now, and I feel uncomfortable always troubling his family."
"You're quite particular about these things. Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Let's go check out what's happening up ahead. There's a crowd gathering. Let's see what's going on."
Xu Linghe pulled Feng Qingyi towards the crowd.
"This is hilarious! Isn't that Shangguan Yi? How did he end up beaten like this? It's too funny!"
As they got closer, they saw Shangguan Yi lying on the ground, his face bruised and swollen, with a crowd of onlookers around him.
Shangguan Yi swept his gloomy gaze across the crowd, "All of you, get lost! Don't you have anything better to do?"
Seeing his attitude, the onlookers dispersed.
Xu Linghe stepped forward and said, "Isn't this Young Master Shangguan? How come in just a few days, you've been beaten to such a ghostly state? It's quite a unique look."
Shangguan Yi glared viciously at Xu Linghe, "You did this, didn't you!"
"Even if you're going to falsely accuse someone, you should have a reason. I'm just here to see what the commotion is about. How could it be me?"
"Besides, when I beat you, I always do it openly. You know that well enough."
"Could it be that you got beaten up but don't know who did it, so you're trying to pin it on me!"
Feng Qingyi stood by, looking at Shangguan Yi's state, trying hard not to laugh given the situation.
Shangguan Yi struggled to his feet, "Xu Linghe, if I find out you're behind this, I won't let you off!"
Xu Linghe walked back to Feng Qingyi's side, "... If I did it, I would admit it. If I didn't do it, don't try to blame me."
"Young Master Shangguan, instead of wasting energy suspecting me, you'd better find a doctor to check yourself out. It would be terrible if you end up lame or crippled."
With that, Xu Linghe pulled Feng Qingyi away.
"I thought we'd see some excitement, but it turned out to be Shangguan Yi."
"It really is true that evil people get their just deserts. Seeing him in that state makes me quite happy. I wonder who was kind enough to beat him up."
Feng Qingyi looked back at his limping figure, "I hope nothing serious happened to him!"
"He's a grown man, what could happen to him? Besides, it's broad daylight. Don't tell me you're actually worried about him?"
Feng Qingyi quickly shook her head, "Of course I'm not worried about him. I just think he looks quite ridiculous!"
"That's true. It's rare to see him in such a state. Even when I put a sack over his head last time, I didn't hit his face. I was afraid he'd come after me if his looks were ruined. I wonder who was brave enough to do this."
