Someone personally presented a red card to the courtesan.
Who knew the matter was far from over? Just when everyone thought it was a done deal, and the courtesan from Chunfeng Tower was about to be crowned the Flower Queen.
A second person appeared on the high platform – it was Prince Yin, Changsun Yin.
Dressed in black, Changsun Yin appeared even more sinister. In his eyes, exuding a chilling aura, flickered calculation and suspicion. Finally, narrowing his long, slender eyes, he placed the card by Qingyao’s hand.
Qingyao took it, steadied her mind, and accepted it with both hands. She spoke respectfully, “Thank you.”
Her fingers dug into her flesh beneath her sleeves, reminding her that this was not the opportune moment to act. Patience was key.
If this Xiuhua Tower was Changsun Yin’s stronghold, then there must be many hidden experts, and who knew how many more were concealed within the private rooms of Xiuhua Tower. Whether they were friend or foe was uncertain, so how could she act rashly?
“Mm, not bad.”
Changsun Yin appraised Qingyao from head to toe. His doubts finally vanished, his cheeks flushing with a satisfied glow as he slowly smiled.
Even his smile sent shivers down one’s spine. This man seemed like someone who had grown up in the shadows, easily imposing pressure.
After Changsun Yin spoke, he turned and walked away.
Silence fell over the hall. As expected, the Flower Queen of this competition was undoubtedly the courtesan from Chunfeng Tower, especially since Prince Yin himself had personally presented the red card.
Moreover, the royal family members were all known for their unrestrained lifestyles. Just yesterday, the Crown Prince was revealed to have taken a woman in a brothel, and today, Prince Yin personally handed the red card to this courtesan from Chunfeng Tower.
However, many understood Changsun Yin’s actions.
His intentions could not be openly declared; this courtesan was now under the protection of Prince Yin. Anyone who dared to touch her would be acting against him, and would certainly face dire consequences.
As for what Prince Yin intended to do with this courtesan, it was likely for gifting or similar purposes.
This was a common practice among high officials and nobility.
Finally, the madam of Xiuhua Tower announced that the courtesan from Chunfeng Tower was elected the Flower Queen of this competition, followed by the courtesans from Xiuhua Tower taking second and third place, with Ru Yin being the second place winner.
Qingyao ascended the stage again to express her gratitude.
Her gaze flickered quickly towards the private room on the second floor.
Today had brought many surprises: the appearance of the unidentified Yin Xuan, and then the scheming Changsun Yin.
She wondered how many more people were hidden in this establishment and realized she needed to be even more cautious. It would be best to kill Changsun Yin as soon as possible and return to Wuqing Valley with Mei Xin’s remains.
With a prize sum, Qingyao, leading two maidservants, boarded a sedan chair amidst the gazes of the crowd.
Except for the people from Xiuhua Tower, the patrons from over a dozen other brothels were quite content. They would rather see the people from Chunfeng Tower win than witness Xiuhua Tower gain prestige again.
Looking at their arrogant demeanor, even though they were all in the same business, they acted as if they were superior. Today, someone had finally humbled them, which brought them immense joy.
The group left Xiuhua Tower with smiles.
In a private room on the second floor, the madam stood with her head bowed, not daring to breathe. A man was reclining on the couch.
His aura was somber, and his long, slender eyes flashed with sharp intelligence as he coldly observed the scene below. The madam spoke fearfully, “I deserve punishment, for allowing such a thing to happen.”
Changsun Yin remained silent for a long time. Two buxom women were entwined around him. The room was filled with an ambiguous atmosphere.
The madam below dared not move, awaiting her master’s words. However, Changsun Yin spoke after a long pause, his tall, lean body flipping over and pressing down on one of the women. His voice was cold.
“Go and summon Lian Yin for me.”
“Yes, my lord,” the madam quickly retreated, breaking out in a cold sweat. Their master was a bloodthirsty and ruthless individual, who killed without batting an eye. She had to be cautious and hurried to find Lian Yin.
Lian Yin was sent by the master. She had no idea of her identity, only that she was indifferent and aloof…
In the private room, the passion was reaching its climax. Changsun Yin’s heated body was pressed against the woman beneath him when the door was lightly knocked. Changsun Yin said coldly, “Enter.”
Lian Yin, radiating coldness, walked in. She calmly looked at the three people on the bed, one man and two women, her expression unfazed, showing no emotion.
Changsun Yin, angered, abruptly got off the bed and fiercely kicked the two women who were in the midst of their passion. They were all ready, but what was the master doing?
“Get out.”
Changsun Yin roared. The two women scrambled out, not forgetting to gather their scattered clothes. They glared fiercely at Lian Yin as they left, blaming her for ruining their good time.
The private room fell silent.
Changsun Yin’s eyes were bloodshot from unfulfilled desire, his complexion terrifyingly dark and grim. He moved, grabbing Lian Yin from the ground with a large hand and forcefully throwing her onto the bed.
“Look at you, ruining my pleasure. Now you come. Don’t go around with that deadpan face all day. Here, you are just a prostitute. Don’t think you’re a princess; no one will fall for that act.”
As Changsun Yin spoke, he tore off Lian Yin’s clothes.
The sight of her lifeless face always ignited his anger.
But the more she acted that way, the more he wanted to conquer her, to see her plead, even if it was in bed. Yet, he had never succeeded.
Changsun Yin’s anger grew as he received no reaction whatsoever.
After venting his frustration, Changsun Yin lay back on the couch, his cold gaze sweeping to the side. Lian Yin’s expression remained cold. She turned, picked up the clothes Changsun Yin had torn, and silently began to put them on.
She was originally a princess of a kingdom. Due to marrying the wrong man, she had been given to him by that man. Because he found her too apathetic, he had thrown her into a brothel in a fit of anger. Little did she know that the man who climbed into her bed each time was still him. Thinking of this made her furious.
Changsun Yin reached out and forcefully pinched her chin.
“Can’t you show any reaction? If you beg me, I’ll let you leave here and even make you a side concubine in Prince Yin’s mansion.”
Changsun Yin tempted her, but he failed again. This woman was like a block of wood, or perhaps she had been so hurt that she no longer believed in men.
Lian Yin’s eyes moistened slightly, a tearing pain in her heart.
If she had listened to her mother that day, none of this would have happened. But what could she do now?