144 Cicada Wing (Third Watch)

"Madam Wu," said Madam Cheng sincerely yet without flattery, "as you have seen, it's not that the Red Smoke Pavilion wishes to disrespect you, but the longstanding rules have made it difficult for everyone to accept. However, if we can find a solution that satisfies everyone, I hope Madam Wu will grant us this favor." Lady Du found herself unable to refute or find fault with these words and reluctantly nodded in agreement.

Seeing her consent, Madam Cheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief and with a smile turned to Lady Jiang, "Madam Chen, from what I gathered in your earlier words, could it be that you have thought of a perfect solution? Please enlighten us. I am already grateful."

Despite Lady Jiang's aversion to Lady Du, she was a remarkably astute and smooth operator in public affairs, and naturally understood that Madam Cheng was now aligning herself with Lady Jiang.