Lady Calico, her head brimming with questions, glanced at the Daoist.0

The Daoist, however, was looking elsewhere—0

Normally, the space outside Hexian Pavilion would be bustling with people, even on rainy days. There were always those who loved the guqin or sought excitement. However, after the princess’s downfall, Lady Wanjiang rarely played the guqin at Hexian Pavilion. Naturally, fewer people gathered below to listen to the guqin, seek excitement, or use the opportunity to connect with influential officials and nobles.0

Diminished, but not disappeared.0

Song You’s gaze landed on a somewhat familiar figure among the remaining onlookers.0

It was a young man dressed in a simple blue robe. Compared to his appearance in Song You's memory, he now carried the marks of a few more difficult years, but his face was still recognizable—0

Back when Song You first came to Hexian Pavilion, seeking a meeting with the great demoness upstairs, he had been both drawn by her reputation and following someone’s request. While drinking downstairs, this very man had approached him for a chat. 0

Thanks to him, Song You learned the process for getting to the second floor. In return, Song You gave him some wine. When Song You went upstairs, this man had even watched over his umbrella.0

It was a wanderer who scammed for wine and seating. But he was also a music lover obsessed with the guqin yet couldn’t afford wine or the steep costs of Hexian Pavi...0