Nan Shiying glanced at Liu Cheng. He didn't seem like the typical scion of a wealthy family. But, it didn't matter. The priority now was to expose the remnants of the Miao Jiang in the imperial palace. As for the Liu residence, there was no rush.
"A thunderclap descended from the heavens, and a loud infant's cry echoed from the Grand Yuan imperial harem. Amidst the howling wind and pouring rain, the Grand Yuan Empress was born!"
Nan Shiying: "..."
"Speaking of this Grand Yuan Empress..."
Qin Mo listened with great interest and couldn't help but exclaim, "This Grand Yuan Empress is truly remarkable. If only I had been born a century ago."
Wang Qiancheng glanced at Qin Mo and understood his meaning.
"You? You should be grateful you weren't born centuries ago. Had you been born in that era, your very thoughts would have been enough to get you killed by the Empress countless times!"
Qin Mo glared at Wang Qiancheng, "You know my thoughts?"
"Offering yourself as a warm bed!"
Qin Mo opened his mouth but didn't refute. Nan Shiying nearly spat out the tea she was drinking. Her gaze swept over Qin Mo's neck, and Qin Mo suddenly felt a chill run down his spine, his hair standing on end.
Wang Qiancheng had spoken the truth. The men who harbored such thoughts back then were almost all wiped out by her. The Empress's harem was different from that of ordinary emperors. In a harem filled with women, the most it would entail was a struggle to gain the emperor's favor. But for men who wished to enter the palace to become her consorts... they desired more than just her affection!
Had Qin Mo been born centuries ago, he would have long been thrown into a pond to feed the fish.
"You, with your aspirations, want to offer yourself as a warm bed? Do you even know what kind of path the Grand Yuan Empress took to ascend the throne?" Wang Qiancheng looked at Qin Mo, "It was a path paved with blood and corpses."
"If you were born in the Grand Yuan, the grass on your grave would be growing wild!"
Qin Mo choked, tilting his neck with a hint of indignation, "You weren't born centuries ago, so what do you know!"
Wang Qiancheng tutted, "Read more books, and wisdom shall dawn!"
It was as if he were pointing at Qin Mo's nose and calling him simple-minded!
Liu Cheng cast a surprised glance at Wang Qiancheng, scrutinizing him. His expression was as if to say, 'How dare you criticize him!'
Wang Qiancheng coughed, "What, is it wrong to enjoy reading miscellaneous books!"
Liu Cheng remained silent. He thought of himself. Forget it, no one present could fault another!
To be honest, hearing one's life story recounted by others was a peculiar feeling. Amidst the peculiarity was a touch of shame, but after the shame subsided, it felt like listening to a novel based on oneself. The novelty of the experience allowed Nan Shiying to listen without batting an eyelid.
She heard the part about her selecting talent and abolishing the old aristocratic clans after ascending the throne.
There was quite a bit of dramatic license, Nan Shiying secretly assessed.
After a few more cups of tea, the group left the teahouse and headed to the Dongbo Tower.
The newly released Drunken Prawn Balls were quite good, especially their pleasing shape. The prawns were minced and formed into balls, coated with starch, and then deep-fried until golden. Finally, they were evenly coated with tiny red particles made from crushed apples, making the prawn balls resemble lychees. With one bite, the apple combined with the prawn paste and crispy exterior, creating a unique texture. The hint of wine that had permeated the prawn meat diffused in the next moment, instantly overwhelming the taste buds.
Nan Shiying ate two more.
While eating, Liu Cheng said to Nan Shiying, "Brother Feng, before the year-end ceremony, our Liu residence will be hosting a winter banquet. Would you grace us with your presence to join the festivities!"
Had Liu Cheng not mentioned it, Nan Shiying would have forgotten about the year-end ceremony!
But a winter banquet... would the Liu residence invite her? Oh, it should be, would the Liu residence invite her as the Princess Consort!
Nan Shiying thought for a moment and replied, "If I have time!"
She didn't give a definitive answer, and Liu Cheng didn't press her to attend. Hearing that she would go if she had time already filled him with joy.
After eating and drinking their fill, the group went to the Huancai Pavilion.
Yin'er propped her chin in her hand, bored. The melodious sound of pipa music drifted from outside. That girl Dong Ying was practicing her pipa again. For some time now, the capital's sky seemed to be shrouded in a dark cloud, an oppressive atmosphere that made everyone feel uneasy. The usual rowdy men who frequented the Huancai Pavilion were now quiet. This usually bustling time had become deserted.
"Creak~"
A maid pushed open the door and placed a teacup on the table, her eyes fixed on the outside. She kept peeking out, not even noticing that tea had spilled onto her hand.
Yin'er followed the maid's gaze upwards, seeing a rosy face. Following the maid's line of sight, a graceful and refined figure walking along the second-floor corridor suddenly caught her eye.
Is it her?
Yin'er suddenly stood up and took a step forward. After two steps, she stopped to adjust her clothes. After a moment's thought, she went to the mirror to tidy her hair before pushing the door open and walking out.
"Brother Feng, if you were to ask who is the most popular in the Huancai Pavilion, it would undoubtedly be Miss Yin'er. It's a shame she rarely entertains guests, otherwise..."
As he spoke, a captivating figure approached. Liu Cheng's voice almost cracked as he saw Yin'er slowly walking towards them.
"Young Master Feng, it's been a while. I hope you are well!"
Yin'er walked up to Nan Shiying and curtsied. Her charming and lively eyes seemed to shimmer with spring water, captivating everyone present. Liu Cheng's heart felt as if it were melting in this gentle spring water.
Nan Shiying stroked the jade pendant at her waist, her movements as soft as if she were caressing a maiden's delicate skin. A hint of alluring desire flickered in her slightly upturned eyes. She smiled at Yin'er, her voice like a hook, making one's mouth feel parched, "Miss Yin'er is as radiant and charming as ever. Truly unforgettable!"
Yin'er's face instantly flushed crimson. She playfully glared at Nan Shiying, the charming allure in her eyes making Liu Cheng and the others' hearts race and their blood surge.
Observing Yin'er's reaction, Nan Shiying chuckled, not unkindly.
Yin'er glared at her again, then said to the attendant, "You may go. I will entertain these gentlemen!"
The attendant glanced at Yin'er and then couldn't help but steal a few more glances at Nan Shiying. He suddenly recalled the rumors about Feng Luan and Miss Yin'er from before, and understanding dawned upon him.
It seemed the rumors from that time were true!!