Early next morning, Chen Rong woke up to a burst of chirping.
With the help of the two maids, she groomed herself and began her day’s routine of playing “Lament of the Scholar”. Fortunately, it was a tolerable piece, else even if she could stand playing it day after day like this, the two maids and nearby women would not be able to bear it.
The afternoon quickly came.
Exhausted from playing, Chen Rong went back to her divan and took a nap. At this moment, the young maid’s voice called from outside: “Miss, are you awake? His Highness has sent someone to invite you to a banquet!”
Chen Rong was awakened from her dream. She sat up staring at the door, asking: “A banquet?”
“Aye,” the young maid answered. “He says for you to freshen up well so that you can attend dinner in half an hour.”