Ji Jinmo's hand paused as he twisted his prayer beads. The moment his half-closed phoenix eyes lifted, it was as if vast tides surged and capsized, only to return to tranquility in the next second.
He continued to twist his beads, as if he hadn't stopped.
Xuan Thirteen, however, suddenly stopped speaking. The shock in his expression instantly receded, his emotions abruptly shut down, causing his body a moment of delayed reaction. Still flushed with excitement and heat, his face instantly turned red.
Xuan Yi no longer dared to play coy. He blurted out, "A child by the side of Poison Elder stole the Princess Consort's purse. The Princess Consort tracked the child all the way to his dwelling and by chance encountered Poison Elder. For some reason, Poison Elder took a liking to the Princess Consort and wished to accept her as a disciple. However, the Princess Consort refused without hesitation, seemingly not wishing to have any dealings with Poison Elder."
Upon hearing this, Ji Jinmo couldn't help but curve his lips, praising her in a low voice, "Clever!"
Nan Shiying was truly clever.
Xuan Yi and Xuan Thirteen exchanged glances.
Clever?
Who?
Nan Shiying?
Xuan Yi dared not ask, so he could only seek instruction, "Master, should we have the Xuan Department approach Poison Elder?"
"No need."
Were there not better options?
...
Besides Yunlan Street, the most famous places in the capital were Huancai Pavilion and Yipinju.
The former was the most renowned establishment for courtesans, while the latter was the most famous den of extravagance. Nan Shiying stole... no, borrowed a piece of Ji Jinmo's clothing and, with Lu Wan, slipped out of the manor again.
Today, she intended to visit this courtesan house.
Standing at the entrance of Huancai Pavilion, Lu Wan tugged at Nan Shiying's sleeve and whispered, "Princess Consort, let's go."
Nan Shiying glared at her, shook off her sleeve, and strode inside.
Upon entering, melodious music entered their ears. A beautiful woman with a smiling countenance was playing a guqin on the stage in the center of the hall. Gentlemen below the stage sat in groups of two or three, drinking wine and composing poetry, displaying elegance to the utmost.
"Oh?"
In a private room on the second floor, Yin'er, leaning against the windowsill with her arm propped up, was listlessly observing the hall. She suddenly sat up, letting out a soft sound of surprise.
A playful smile flickered in her eyes. She stood up and walked downstairs.
"Miss Yin'er."
"When will Miss Yin'er bestow her favor upon me and accompany me to tour West Lake?"
"Miss Yin'er..."
Along the way, the gentlemen greeted her solicitously. Yin'er politely and distantly greeted each of them. Under everyone's gaze, she walked directly towards Nan Shiying and bowed, saying, "Esteemed young sir, is this your first time at our Huancai Pavilion?"
Unfazed by the attention of the crowd, Nan Shiying nodded calmly and replied in a lowered voice, "Indeed."
As she spoke, she toyed with the jade pendant hanging at her waist. A hint of allure shimmered in her slightly upturned eyes. Her unrestrained and debonair demeanor made it seem as though she was no stranger to such places.
If Yin'er hadn't seen her the previous day at Dongpo Tower and known her true identity as a woman, she would have been utterly deceived.
This young lady was truly interesting.
Yin'er smiled, a hint of charm flowing through her eyes, and asked brightly, "Then, young sir, would you allow me to accompany you?"
Nan Shiying hooked Yin'er's chin with her finger, forcing her to look up. She lowered her head slightly, drawing close to her face, so near that they could feel each other's breath.
In her round, slightly childish eyes, stars seemed to flow, painting a vast celestial map with her fan-like eyelashes, which inexplicably captured Yin'er's heart.
Yin'er stared at her blankly, her breathing suddenly quickening. She could hear her heart pounding like a war drum.
"It is my honor." The warm breath carried the scent of iris. Yin'er felt a little intoxicated.
Lu Wan, standing behind Nan Shiying, watched her Princess Consort flirting with a courtesan from Huancai Pavilion, her face turning green. She momentarily couldn't figure out whether to pity her master or the courtesan before her.
Princess Consort, have some decency!
Seeing Yin'er's flushed face, Nan Shiying raised her eyebrows in surprise. With such charm and allure, why were you acting like a pure little white rabbit?
She smiled, her hand sliding down Yin'er's shoulder. She grabbed Yin'er's hand, her voice like a hook, "May I ask where Miss Yin'er will take me? Is it... your private chambers?"
The words, falling into Yin'er's ears, exploded in her heart.
Yin'er's face turned even redder. She was actually flustered by a young lady's teasing? She felt a hint of shyness and anger, glared fiercely at Nan Shiying, and flung her hand away, scoffing, "What nonsense are you speaking, young sir? Our Huancai Pavilion is a house of courtesans. If you wish to explore private chambers, turn left outside."
Her words were sharp and biting, like a small, annoyed wildcat.
Nan Shiying unfurled her fan and said with a smile, "Please forgive me, young lady. It was my imprudence."
Miss Yin'er of Huancai Pavilion was famously elegant and aloof, showing no favor to anyone except Young Master Wei Yuan. Yet, she was now showing special attention to this effeminate young man. Watching their flirtatious exchange, those around them were infuriated.
Among them, a young man in resplendent brocade robes waved his fan and gracefully walked over. He coughed as he approached them. Yin'er and Nan Shiying looked up simultaneously. The man nodded at Yin'er, then cupped his fist towards Nan Shiying and politely asked, "This brother looks unfamiliar. May I ask which noble family you hail from?"
Oh, looking for trouble?
Nan Shiying closed her fan and cupped her fist towards the approaching man, "Fengluan of Quanzhou."
Quanzhou?
The Lin Yuan Kingdom was vast, with the capital at its center, extending millions of kilometers. There were thirty-six prefectures and seventy-two counties and towns. How could he not recall a place called Quanzhou?
Was it some barren corner of the world?
A hint of disdain flashed in the man's eyes. He waved his fan, fanning away a strand of hair from his temple, and proudly introduced himself, "I am Liu Ling. My father is Liu Yujing, the Minister of Rites."
Oh, such a high official.
In her past life, she had executed countless such people.
Nan Shiying clasped her hands towards him with a perfunctory gesture, "I have long heard of your name!"
Liu Ling had expected Nan Shiying to grovel upon hearing his introduction. However, to his surprise, not only did the other party show no astonishment or fawning, but instead appeared remarkably indifferent and perfunctory, even carrying a hint of disdain.
Disdain?
He was the son of a first-rank official of the current court.
This person, who knew where he came from, dared to look down on him?
A cold glint flashed in his eyes, and his voice deepened, "Esteemed brother, you seem to look down upon me, the son of the Minister."
Nan Shiying smiled at him, shaking her head and saying, "Not at all, not at all. I simply can't stand those second-generation heirs who practically wear their status like a badge when they go out."
Upon hearing this, gasps of shock echoed from the surrounding crowd.