In the outer courtyard, the Third Lord had a brief conversation with Hong Sheng and then arranged for someone to take him to Sui'an Hall.
Meanwhile, word reached Sui'an Hall. Since the guest was an outsider and a man, the Third Madam took the young ladies and returned first. Old Madam said to the maids, "A year older, a year wiser. In the blink of an eye, you've all grown up. Even though you all know Brother Sheng, he is still an outsider. It's fine for Susu, as Brother Sheng once saved her life. You, Yang Liu, and the others should withdraw." From such small details, one could see that Old Madam genuinely cared for the maids, not wanting them to become subjects of gossip.
Hong Sheng walked without looking around, with his back straight as a rod. Though he wasn't dressed in brocade and silk, his demeanor was enough that no one underestimated him.
