The Lazy Life Of Raine

Reunion (10)

In the next few days, Linqin exited her home with a veiled hat, covering her features were ever she went.  When she visited the homes of the customers to speak upon the customer’s order, she still did not take her veiled hat off.  Which caused a bigger stir between the nobility.

There were rumors that the Zither Master was scared and didn’t want others to see her.  While other rumors stated that she was too beautiful, like a fairy, and didn’t want to show herself to others.  When her past rumors of her beauty was brought up, more people leaned towards her being beautiful.

When she went to talk to the fourth personal custom order, it so happened to be the Shen Estate.  Lady Shen also played the zither when she was young. However as she grew up, she stopped playing, but she liked to collect them.  

Linqin, along with two maids and Kei came out of her estate.  Instead to getting on to the carriage to be dropped off next door, she decided to walk there instead.  The people on the street saw the strangeness in her actions and wondered who exactly was she.

The guards stopped her and her group before the gates and Kei handed the guard Linqin’s store talisman.  

“Tell Lady Shen, the zither Master is here for her personal custom order.”  Kei told the guard.

The guard looked at the talisman before handing it over and sending another guard to send the message.  A few minutes later the guard runs back and with a few words, Linqin and her group is let in.

The Shen estate was three times larger than her estate, but Linqin didn’t mind, she didn’t have to worry so much about the upkeep of her property and it was only for her small family.  

They followed the servant to one of the many courtyards and waited in the receiving room as tea was quickly served to her.  Linqin looked around the nicely decorated room before looking out the window to enjoy the view.

Time passed however Linqin didn’t mind as the tea she was given was quite tasty.  By her third teacup, Lady Shen arrived with hurried footsteps as if she had been running.  

“Please forgive me for my lateness.”  Lady Shen said as her eyes landed on Linqin’s completely veiled face.  “I did not expect my guests would stay for so long and did not receive you at the time we agreed upon.  It was not my intentions to slight you.”

“There is nothing to apologize for.”  Linqin told Lady Shen. “I have enjoyed your tea and had not realize the time.”  

Lady Shen pulled out her fan and began to fan her face, to cool her body heat down she drank cold tea.  

“If you like the tea, I’ll send some home with you.”  Lady Shen told her. “And should you need some more in the future, do not hesitate to ask, we can gift you more.”  

“Thank you, Lady Shen.”  Linqin told her.

Linqin let Lady Shen catch her breath first before getting down to business.  They spoke about Lady Shen’s favorite flowers, poetry, and paintings to get a sense of her likes and dislikes.  They then spoke upon her favorite colors, clothing designs and jewelry.

After two hours, Linqin got a sense of Lady Shen’s preference.  

“May I trouble Lady Shen with some paper and ink.”  Linqin asked.

“Of course.”  Lady Shen said as she ordered one of her servants to get the items requested.  

The paper and ink was quickly delivered and as the ink stone was being prepared by one of Linqin’s servants, Linqin folded her sleeves back.  Linqin then began to draw a zither with intricate designs and from different angles so Lady Shen could see how the zither would look like.