Acknowledging one's mistake is not just about a simple apology; real sincerity is required.

"Fourth Prince, you've finally arrived. The Zuimeng Music Workshop is without an owner. Ah, the Fourth Prince must choose carefully this time; don't pick another one with ill intentions."

Upon hearing Lin Yi's seemingly flippant words, the Fourth Prince was momentarily at a loss for words.

Zhen Ji, standing beside them, enthusiastically invited both esteemed guests into the establishment.

The last time Lin Yi set foot in the Zuimeng Music Workshop, he was in disguise to gather information. He never expected that his next visit would be with the intention of taking over the workshop.

How unpredictable life is! There was no choice, as someone was eagerly offering a gift. It would be impolite not to accept such generosity.

In his haste to leave the Fourth Prince Mansion, the Fourth Prince took only a few attendants and did not have a capable assistant with him. He hadn't yet made a decision as to who should take over the Zuimeng Music Workshop.

Lin Yi saw the hopeful gazes of the singers, clearly understanding that they yearned for him to rescue them from their predicament.

The Zuimeng Music Workshop was now just an empty shell; even with the fame of being the top singer in the Imperial City, no patrons wished to visit.

Though the Fourth Prince would never let the singers starve, if this continued, the singers' talents would surely go to waste without the opportunity to perform.

Noticing the awkward atmosphere, Lin Yi took the initiative to speak up.

"It's been a while since I've heard a performance from the Imperial City's number one singer. Zhen Ji, would you play a piece for me?"

Zhen Ji's heart leaped with joy, and she looked expectantly at the Fourth Prince, hoping he would consent.

Of course, the Fourth Prince could not bluntly reject the request, so he agreed.

"Come then, perform for Officer Lin your best piece."

Without hesitating, Zhen Ji chose to perform the same piece she had played recently at the Good Sound Music Workshop.

"Clipping a segment of time that gently flows, into the moonlight it ripples softly, strumming a scent of light lotus..."

Devoid of high-tech accompaniment, Zhen Ji's rendition with the pipa and her singing had a unique appeal.

"Bravo! What a wonderful piece! I had not expected this song could be sung in such a manner; I am utterly enchanted. The Imperial City's number one singer lives up to her reputation indeed."

Lin Yi was generous with his praise, causing Zhen Ji's face to flush with bashfulness.

The Fourth Prince, who had already lost interest in Zhen Ji, saw an opportunity to grant a favor, and promptly said:

"Since Officer Lin is fond of Zhen Ji, I shall give her to you. From now on, whatever piece you wish to hear, Zhen Ji will sing for you."

Happiness came so unexpectedly that Lin Yi could never have dreamed the Fourth Prince would be so lavish, giving him the Imperial City's top singer just for listening to one song.

"Thank you for the generous gift, Fourth Prince. Lin is deeply grateful."

After exchanging pleasantries, Lin Yi couldn't help feeling elated – having secured the acclaimed top singer of the Imperial City, it seemed the other singers would naturally follow suit.

As expected, seeing that Zhen Ji had finally found a good opportunity, the other singers cast envious, jealous glares at her.

Being noticed by Lin Yi meant that they would likely perform at the Good Sound Music Workshop, enjoying the cheers and generous rewards of the Imperial City's elite – the lifelong pursuit of these singers.

With Zhen Ji alone escaping their plight, she was, of course, most grateful to the Fourth Prince for offering her as a gift. Though vain, she cared deeply for her fellow singers.

So, she mustered her courage and approached the Fourth Prince, presenting all her travel expenses, which amounted to roughly 800 taels, her face full of gratitude as she said: "Fourth Prince, thank you. This humble girl has no way to repay you, so please accept these silver taels as my redemption."

It's not that she had nothing to repay with; she had already devoted herself to him, but the Fourth Prince was simply tired of her.

The Fourth Prince, whose family wealth was immense and who didn't need these 800 silver taels, understood all too well that great wealth is built up from small gains; one should never miss any opportunity to earn money.

Therefore, even if a portion of spicy crayfish was only 20 coins, he would still want to make that money, unwilling to provide it for free to the officials.

The Fourth Prince felt an urge stirring within him; he wanted to reach out and take it, but due to his status, the servants under him weren't as adept at reading the situation as the previous steward was.

Otherwise, at this moment, the steward would have already secured the 800 silver taels.

At this time, the other singers also followed suit, digging out their years of savings to give to the Fourth Prince, their sentiment being that they wanted to redeem themselves.

The singers were very clear-headed. Given the current situation, if they couldn't seize the opportunity to leave, then it was very likely they would be kept like servants by the Fourth Prince for the rest of their lives.

"Fourth Prince, this is mine."

"This, these are mine."

...

It must be said, for a better tomorrow, the singers were ready to risk it all.

Lin Yi was moved by the girls' spirit; it was clear that they were all eager to change their current circumstances and leave the Zuimeng Music Workshop.

The silver taels were the result of many years of their scrimping and saving. The singers, failing to find a new employer for redemption, had to collectively redeem themselves, which was a truly heart-wrenching thought.

'You've really suffered, ah, don't rush, I'll help you save this money.'

Lin Yi deliberately looked at the various silver notes on the Fourth Prince, grateful that there were no shrewd servants who came over to help the Fourth Prince collect the money.

'Fourth Prince, since no one is helping you collect the money, I'll reluctantly do it for you.'

With that thought, Lin Yi slowly stood up, walked straight to the Fourth Prince, and picked up the silver notes from his body.

"Ladies, you're too kind. How could the Fourth Prince possibly be such a man? He would surely not take a woman's silver, right, Fourth Prince?"

The Fourth Prince watched as the silver notes were taken away by Lin Yi, his heart aching as if it were bleeding, but his face prevented him from picking up the scattered silver notes like a beggar.

All he could do was awkwardly say: "Lord Lin knows better. You ladies keep the silver. Seeing all the savings you have accumulated over the years, you've had it tough."

The Fourth Prince couldn't take the money, and naturally, he wouldn't let Lin Yi take it either; impliedly, the silver should return to its original owners.

The girls cheered joyfully, surprised that the Fourth Prince was so kind-hearted as to not require their redemption money.

Lin Yi smiled subtly, his face hidden as he organized the silver notes, and after sorting them, he passed them to Zhen Ji.

He cheerfully said to the girls: "You really don't understand the Fourth Prince. He favors doing good and helping others reach their potential. It's because of his kindness and benevolence that the heavens are moved, which is why the Fourth Prince's household is blessed with additions."

These words really touched the Fourth Prince's heart. Thinking back to the small note from this morning, he couldn't help but straighten up, as if a god was watching him.

"Lord Lin is too kind, it is merely what's expected. Although I am in a high position, I must still consider the common people and empathize with their suffering."

In that moment, all the Fourth Prince could think about was the notion of doing good deeds, considering the addition to his household as a blessing from the heavens.

...End of the chapter…

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