At that moment, the opening drumbeats drifted up from downstairs. Chen Shishi and the other two exchanged a glance and smiled slightly. Then Chen Shishi said:
"Please wait here, my four guests. The first song of the day will begin shortly."
With that, Zhao Xiangxiang suddenly seemed to remember something and hurried over to the small cabinet in the private parlor. She took out a heavy cloak and a hand warmer, brought them back to Su Zhen, and said:
"The heavy cloak and hand warmer I promised Lady Su last time have long been prepared for today."
Su Zhen accepted them with a smile and said, "Lady Zhao is very thoughtful."
Zhao Xiangxiang waved her hand and said, "Official Zhao and Lady Gao, please wait a moment. The three of us must go up on stage now."
Having spoken, the three of them moved with light steps and graceful postures toward the stage. Inside the private parlor, Zhao Zongshi, Gao Taotao, Han Zhi, and Su Zhen hurried over to the window, their gazes filled with anticipation as they looked toward the stage. Gao Taotao stuffed a pastry into Xiao Zhongzhen's mouth, then carried him over as well, laughing:
"It's finally starting."
Zhao Zongshi admonished Xiao Zhongzhen, "Alright, Zhongzhen, you must not make a fuss later."
Xiao Zhongzhen held the pastry in his hands, nibbling on it in small bites, and then, mimicking the adults around him, obediently watched the audience below.
Chapter 150