Jiuhua Street, still the most bustling street in Yanjing, housed only top-tier establishments. Whether it was gold and jade ware or medicinal herbs and utensils, everything here was destined for the imperial court, thus demanding utmost quality.
Consequently, half of the shops on this street belonged to imperial merchants, their prices astronomically high. Only the exceptionally wealthy and powerful frequented these establishments, spending thousands with a single gesture. Even a lowly servant here was impeccably dressed, often appearing more distinguished than the masters of humbler households.
The Qin Yu Tower stood among them, a testament to antique elegance with its carved beams and painted rafters. Its three stories harmonized with the tall buildings on either side, each possessing its own unique charm.
Above the grand entrance, a series of characters, "Qin Yu Lou," were inscribed in a fluid, calligraphic style.
Gilded borders shimmered in the sunlight, exuding an aura of luxurious nobility. Hand-woven patterns of pale green vines interspersed within added a touch of delicate refinement, while a few purple blossoms, dotting the design, released a subtle, pervasive fragrance.
It was noon, and the street teemed with a lively crowd. Despite the exorbitant prices, Yanjing, being the capital, was teeming with the wealthy.
This place was also a symbol of status and prestige. Thus, even at such steep costs, many flocked to it with unwavering enthusiasm.
At the entrance of the establishment, two rows of attendants, dressed in deep blue robes and matching caps, stood at attention. Upon seeing an approaching patron, they would bow respectfully and usher them inside.
Yun Xiao and Su Qi'er stood on the opposite side of the road, observing the scene for a long while. Yun Xiao concluded that if she and Xiu Xiu were to approach, they would undoubtedly be turned away. Su Qi'er's attire, however, was slightly more presentable, making her appear like a servant from a respectable household.
"We'll wait for you here. You'll only have the time it takes for one incense stick to burn. If you fail to steal anything, I won't wait for you."
Yun Xiao spoke indifferently. If Su Qi'er succeeded, she would take her under her wing. If not, she had no interest in keeping someone useless, regardless of their eloquence.
Su Qi'er, envisioning a brighter future adorned in fine silks and jewels, walked into Qin Yu Lou with a resolute spirit, embodying the sentiment of a warrior embarking on a perilous, one-way journey.
However, the attendants at Qin Yu Lou did not trouble her. As she entered, she subtly gestured with a hand hidden behind her back. Yun Xiao, amused and exasperated, led Xiu Xiu to a secluded corner to await.
This Qin Yu Tower was not a place to be discussed openly.
Seeing that the thief was no longer in sight, Xiu Xiu couldn't help but urge her mistress.
"Mistress, shouldn't we go about our business? Or perhaps get something to eat? It's already noon, and I'm so hungry."
Yun Xiao smiled at Xiu Xiu. The girl seemed quite fearful. It was understandable; perhaps Prince Lin was a sinister fellow with a notorious reputation, which caused Xiu Xiu such unease. But what did that matter? Yun Xiao remembered something.
"Oh, right, Xiu Xiu. I have two items for you. Go to the nearest pawnshop and exchange them for some silver."
She didn't have much money on her at the moment, though she wore several valuable jade ornaments.
Later, crafting the surgical knife would require a considerable sum, as would the rare and precious herbs for the medical hall.
She possessed very little silver. The dowry from the Yun King's mansion, consisting of gold and silver, had not been fully recovered. For now, she would have to pawn her jewelry.
"Mistress."
"Go quickly," Yun Xiao urged with a wave of her hand. Having Xiu Xiu leave would make things easier, saving her the worry of fretting here.
Xiu Xiu said no more, accepting the two valuable accessories from her mistress, which should fetch a decent amount of silver.
Qin Yu Tower.
In the VIP room on the third floor, the windows were open, allowing the pale green gauze curtains to flutter in the breeze as fragrant incense wafted through the air.
Several distinguished young gentlemen were seated within, exuding an air of relaxed indolence. Some reclined, others meditated with closed eyes, and a few sat upright and proper.
The man in the lead wore a deep cyan brocade robe, adorned with a golden thread embroidery of a soaring eagle on his chest. The eagle's eyes were inlaid with small rubies, giving it a lifelike brilliance and an imposing presence, like a coiled eagle, concealing its sharpness with casual ease.
His chiseled features were framed by brows as sharp as frost-carved ice, and his eyes gleamed like shooting stars. A subtle, dark, and cold aura emanated from his gaze. Though appearing nonchalant, everyone present knew him to be a man of ruthless resolve.
This was Shangguan Lin, the Prince of Lin, the Emperor's right-hand man.
Opposite Shangguan Lin sat another man, meditating with closed eyes. Though this man lacked any sharp aura, he possessed an extraordinary beauty. His pale lavender robe was embroidered with…
Faint, shimmering leaves and a resplendent tail pattern. He exuded an aura of detachment, so much so that even when standing close, he seemed miles away, an unapproachable figure.
His fair features were accentuated by long eyelashes that fluttered slightly, indicating he was not asleep but merely feigning it. A faint smile played on his crimson lips, its fragrance reaching far and wide.
"Wu Yun, have you heard any news from the Divine Dragon Palace recently?"
Shangguan Lin's cold voice broke the silence. The man who had been feigning sleep abruptly opened his eyes, revealing pupils of crystal clarity that were captivating, as if harboring an untainted world within.
"You know I don't concern myself with such matters."
Ye Wu Yun raised an eyebrow nonchalantly. He had no interest in the affairs of the Divine Dragon Palace. Aside from flowers, birds, insects, and plants, he had no interest whatsoever in courtly power and influence…
Shangguan Lin's dark eyes flashed with an intense coldness as he stared intently at Ye Wu Yun. However, the man opposite paid no heed and showed no fear, maintaining his elegant demeanor.
The other young gentlemen in the VIP room were visibly uneasy and apprehensive. They were aligned with the Prince's faction, backed by the influence of various families in court, and thus felt they had some standing to speak before Shangguan Lin.
Yet, observing Ye Wu Yun's audacious attitude, they could only feel fear and apprehension, daring not to utter a single word.
Everyone knew that Ye Wu Yun of Yanjing always favored a low-profile approach and had no interest in courtly affairs, preferring to cultivate flowers and plants for his own amusement. It was rumored he had recently developed several new varieties of magnolia, large and fragrant, which were widely popular in Yanjing.
But, unexpectedly, Prince Lin had sought him out.
Still, this fellow seemed unmoved. xxs
Ye Wu Yun was, after all, the Emperor's maternal aunt's nephew and the elder brother of Consort De, who was greatly favored by the Emperor. Therefore, despite his detachment from worldly affairs, he was a legendary figure in Yanjing, aloof, distant, and unfathomable.
"Wu Yun, do you know that I had no choice but to seek you out? As one of our own, can you not do something for the imperial family?
The Empress Dowager is your paternal aunt, and Consort De will one day become the Empress of the Eastern Qin. As her elder brother, can you not do something for your own sister?"
Shangguan Lin, unusually, lowered his tone, his demeanor softening slightly.
Ye Wu Yun looked up. His complexion was fair and translucent, with a hint of paleness. The sunlight filtering through the pale green curtains cast a glow upon his face, revealing a weariness in his eyes, as if he was utterly disillusioned with the inherent malice of humanity.
"The Divine Dragon Palace has not come into conflict with the court. Why must you eliminate them?"
"They are growing stronger by the day, their influence spreading throughout the Eastern Qin in recent years. This is a significant hidden danger. If they are not eliminated, how can the Emperor rest assured?"
As Shangguan Lin finished speaking, the young gentlemen beside him chimed in their agreement.
"Prince Lin is right. The Divine Dragon Palace is becoming more and more formidable, its presence everywhere."
"If we don't eliminate them now, it will be difficult to do so later. They must have ulterior motives. Why else would they be so high-profile? A mere martial arts sect has grown so powerful; their intentions are clearly not benevolent."
The speaker voiced his indignant accusations. Upon receiving a cold glance from Ye Wu Yun, he immediately fell silent.