The gentleman referred to is Crown Prince Changsun Zhu, while the villain is Prince Yin. If you offend him, he will plot against you day and night, ensuring your utter annihilation.
Although he is not the crown prince, everyone knows his consort is still the Emperor's favorite, the Noble Consort, and her background is not to be underestimated.
"Prince Yin arrives, this humble one is indeed frightened."
The brothel madam led Prince Yin in, looking up cautiously to assess him. She wondered why Prince Yin had come. Could it be about the courtesan? The thought of the courtesan sent a shiver down her spine. She couldn't fathom who this woman was.
Why was she so adept at provoking people, and all of them ruthless and dangerous? First, a prince, and now Prince Yin. Who else would appear next?
The more the madam thought, the more frightened she became, praying that Prince Yin was not looking for that woman. Otherwise, who knew what he might do?
That woman had abruptly appeared at Chunfeng Tower, intending to compete in their stead. The master had even tacitly approved her actions. She must have had her reasons for doing so. What could they be? She sincerely hoped it wasn't something that would lead to ruin.
"This king has come to see Miss Qiao Xue of Chunfeng Tower."
As soon as his words fell, the madam's heart turned ice-cold. It seemed her fears had come to pass.
Why did Prince Yin want to see Qiao Xue? Qiao Xue was that woman's alias; her true name was unknown to her.
Changsun Yin was unaware of the madam's thoughts. Seeing her hesitating and indecisive, his expression turned grim and menacing. His cold voice rang out.
"Does this king have to consider for so long just to meet Miss Qiao Xue?"
"No, Prince Yin, it's just that... it's just that?"
The madam wanted to say that Miss Qiao Xue was busy, but upon seeing Changsun Yin's dark, piercing eyes, she felt as if uttering another word would send her to hell. She dared not finish her sentence. Just then, Mochou descended from upstairs, speaking as if by chance.
"Madam, has the lady prepared what she asked for?"
The madam was taken aback. What had the lady asked her to prepare? Nothing. As she was about to speak, she immediately realized this girl was warning her. Could it be that they intended to deal with Prince Yin? What was she to do? The madam was in a frenzy, unable to say much more. She cautiously replied.
"Yes, I will prepare it immediately." She looked up at Changsun Yin, whose expression had softened slightly. He waved his hand, "Go and prepare it for your lady."
"Yes, yes, then this humble one shall take his leave."
The madam hurried away, anxious to report to her master. She ran and slipped into the back building, heading up to the third floor to report.
In the main hall, Mochou turned back after speaking, preparing to go upstairs. She was in disguise, so Changsun Yin did not recognize her. However, he recognized her as the maid who had accompanied Qiao Xue in the competition that day, and thus called out, "This king wishes to meet Miss Qiao Xue."
Mochou turned and glanced at Prince Yin. As if suddenly recognizing him, her expression became flustered. "Prince Yin has arrived. Our lady is in her room. Please follow this servant upstairs to the second floor."
"Very well," Changsun Yin narrowed his eyes, a fleeting dark glint in his pupils. He, along with several guards from Prince Yin's mansion, followed Mochou upstairs, heading directly to Qingyao's room.
Beaded curtains hung down, light incense curled, and a fragrant aroma wafted through, accompanied by melodious zither music that flowed like water, melodious and exceptionally moving.
Mochou, standing beyond the curtain, spoke respectfully, "My lady, Prince Yin has come to see you."
As Mochou's words fell, the zither music inside stopped abruptly, followed by a clear and cool voice.
"Let Prince Yin enter."
"Yes, my lady," Mochou replied, lifting the curtain to invite Changsun Yin in. The guards attempted to follow, but Mochou moved her body, blocking their path, her face stern and displeased.
"The lady's beauty is not something you may profane."
Changsun Yin had already stepped inside. Seeing Mochou blocking the doorway and facing the guards with narrowed eyes, he quickly raised a hand, signaling them to stay outside calmly.
The room inside was elegantly furnished. It was divided into two sections. The outer area contained a round table covered with a pale floral tablecloth. On the table sat a set of exquisite purple clay teapots. A beaded curtain made of colored glass hung in the middle, making everything in the inner room somewhat vague and hazy. There was a carved bedstead and a matching dressing cabinet.
At that moment, a graceful woman wearing a veil and gossamer clothing knelt before the zither, playing it.
The zither music was gentle and moving.
Hearing footsteps, the woman playing the zither suddenly stopped and slowly looked up. Her voice, as light as water, rang out.
"So it is Prince Yin who has arrived. May I ask why Prince Yin wishes to see me?"
This woman spoke boldly, possessing an arrogant demeanor, and her words and actions carried an air of pride.
Changsun Yin paid it no mind, as anyone who could become a courtesan naturally possessed an extraordinary pride.
Originally, he suspected this woman had another motive, possibly someone with ulterior intentions, much like Mu Qingyao, the Empress of Xian Yue.
However, Lian Yin had returned to report that she did not recognize this woman at all. Therefore, this woman was not Mu Qingyao. But who was she? She felt as if she were covered by a veil, making one desire to uncover her secrets.
"Miss Qiao Xue's zither music is truly exquisite. For someone as talented and beautiful as Miss Qiao Xue, to remain in this brothel would surely be a waste of her prime. This humble king has come today to offer Miss Qiao Xue a better opportunity. I believe that from this day forward, Miss Qiao Xue will soar to great heights and reach the zenith of her ambitions."
Changsun Yin's words carried a hint of wild arrogance. Qingyao's fingers clenched, and her anger flared, her eyes darkening with killing intent.
However, Changsun Yin did not perceive this, as the two were separated by a heavy beaded curtain. Not only were their expressions obscured, but even their figures were indistinct and unclear.
"What is the meaning of Prince Yin's words? You are not mocking me, are you?"
In fact, she had intended to play the zither immediately, but she wanted to know why Changsun Yin had sought her out, hence her question.
"If the lady is willing, this humble king can send Miss Qiao Xue to the Crown Prince's mansion in Wanhe Kingdom. Once there, I believe with the lady's talent and beauty, she will certainly be able to become the Crown Prince's secondary consort. Should Crown Prince Shangguan ascend to the throne in the future, the lady will be an imperial consort, second only to the Emperor, a position of immense power. Would the lady be willing to accept such a fortunate opportunity?"
Changsun Yin's self-satisfied words fell upon Qingyao's ears, her expression immediately chilling like the frost of winter.
This shameless man was clearly colluding with Shangguan Hao of Wanhe Kingdom, conspiring together, yet he spoke of it so righteously.
Since ancient times, gifts have been jade artifacts, antiques, or fine wine and beautiful women. Since Shangguan Hao has become the Crown Prince, he would not be lacking in jade artifacts or antiques, nor fine wine and delicacies. He is, however, in dire need of beautiful women.