novelraw Chapter 102 : A Night Visit, “Would This Humble Woman Be Worthy to Become Your Concubine?”
Chapter 102 : A Night Visit, “Would This Humble Woman Be Worthy to Become Your Concubine?”
Chapter 102: A Night Visit, “Would This Humble Woman Be Worthy to Become Your Concubine?”
The setting sun sank in the west.
Night began to fall.
Lanterns were being hung along the long street where the markets lined both sides.
Disguised, chest bound, dressed in a fitted warrior’s outfit, Wu Ruyue walked alone along the street, quietly observing her surroundings.
It was not yet time for the curfew, so even though darkness had nearly settled, the western district of the capital was still bustling with heavy traffic and constant footfall. Peddlers and laborers came and went, adding to the lively atmosphere.
In front of the newly opened Bihui Pavilion, pedestrians passed back and forth while many gorgeously dressed young women—exposing large swathes of fair skin—waved embroidered handkerchiefs, calling out to attract customers.
From afar, a thick, sweet scent of cosmetics and perfume drifted over.
However, Wu Ruyue did not enter. After pausing briefly, she seated herself in the tavern across the street, ordered a plate of marinated beef and a pot of clear wine, and began eating quietly on her own.
Bihui Pavilion was the newly opened brothel in the western district of the capital, its business thriving. Dusk had not fully darkened the sky, yet the entrance was already crowded with merchants and customers.
Several obviously luxurious black-lacquered carriages stood waiting outside, guards stationed beside them—clearly belonging to high-ranking nobles of the city.
“Even a few students from the Dragon-Tiger Institute have come…”
Wu Ruyue stared at the familiar faces entering and exiting Bihui Pavilion and froze slightly, recognizing several of them.
One of them was a handsome man in a brocade robe, a Hundred Beauties folding fan tucked at his waist—the elegant Liu Zi’an, young master of the Duke’s Mansion.
Beside him was another companion wearing an elegant white scholar’s robe, exuding scholarly grace. He was a promising young figure of the Confucian Courtyard, blessed with a naturally refined Literary Heart, highly valued by great scholars—named Qi Haoran, a hostage prince from the State of Qi.
She was genuinely surprised. She had not expected even students of the Confucian Courtyard to come to a place like this.
Yet Qi Haoran looked dispirited, as though burdened by worries, while Liu Zi’an appeared full of excitement and cheerful anticipation.
“The several students from the Martial Institute who died tragically due to the Northern Sea Heaven-Transforming Human Pill Grand Art were confirmed to have visited this Bihui Pavilion before their bodies were discovered.”
“The owner behind Bihui Pavilion is said to have ties to an immortal sect. But to operate such a large establishment in the capital—he must have a powerful background.”
“This case… the roots must run far deeper than mere surface rot…”
Wu Ruyue frowned tightly, feeling the situation becoming even more troublesome. The deeper she investigated, the more she sensed powerful figures lurking behind the case—terrifying shadows.
Though the Northern Sea Heaven-Transforming Human Pill Grand Art had only surfaced recently, as Shen Yanzhou had said: when one sees a single cockroach, it usually means many more are hidden in the dark.
The three Martial Institute students’ corpses did not seem accidentally exposed—they seemed deliberately discarded…
Before this, there were likely many more martial cultivators who had died to the Northern Sea Heaven-Transforming Human Pill Grand Art.
And in the strictly governed, heavily regulated capital, their corpses had vanished without a trace.
Who was cooperating to cover all this up?
“Where’s Young Master Shen?”
“Did he not say he would come keep watch with me?”
Wu Ruyue sighed softly in her heart. She did not believe Shen Yanzhou taking over this case was a good thing. It was clearly a burning hot potato—handled poorly, it could cost him his head.
Her gaze swept across the suspicious figures near Bihui Pavilion. She assumed that when Shen Yanzhou arrived, he too would disguise himself…
But the next moment, Wu Ruyue froze.
“Chilin Guards conducting official business. Irrelevant persons, get lost.”
“Don’t block the way.”
A somewhat arrogant voice came from the opposite end of the street.
Several scholars who had stopped in front of Bihui Pavilion, commenting on the courtesans beneath the archway, were rudely shoved aside. They were about to get angry, but upon seeing the fierce, armored soldiers with Chilin Guard tokens at their waists, they immediately backed away.
A commotion rippled across the entrance of Bihui Pavilion, many guards by the carriages paling slightly.
The Chilin Guards held a unique authority in the capital—no official dared offend them. Being targeted meant losing flesh if not skin.
Guards hurriedly sent people inside to notify their masters to behave.
In an instant, the once bustling gate fell silent, and many customers about to enter quickly withdrew.
“Honored sirs, may I ask what brings you here? Our humble business pays taxes properly and keeps to the rules. We’ve never caused trouble…”
The courtesan responsible for receiving guests approached with a pale face, forcefully squeezing out a smile.
“What, we can’t come?”
The Chilin Guards stepped forward with cold smiles, drawing their weapons. Cold light flashed, freezing the air. Even the young courtesans waving handkerchiefs turned pale with fright.
Who in the capital did not know the fearsome reputation of the Chilin Guards?
If they judged someone guilty, they even held the authority to kill first and report later.
Wu Ruyue frowned, watching from the tavern. She didn’t even know what to say. The Chilin Guards’ usual manner was indeed excessively overbearing—often criticized. She would definitely tell Shen Yanzhou later that he needed to discipline them more strictly.
She recognized these guards—they were from the “A-1” Hundred-Household Command, her own colleagues and Shen Yanzhou’s subordinates.
“Of course you may enter,”
The courtesan forced herself to smile obediently.
“Good that you understand. Hurry and prepare the best private room. Also call out all the prettiest girls of your Chunshui Pavilion—not one less.”
“Our commander will arrive shortly. If he’s displeased, your Chunshui Pavilion won’t need to stay open.”
The guards nodded in satisfaction before sheathing their blades.
The courtesan blinked, relieved—it seemed they did not come to investigate them.
“May I ask… who is your commander?” she asked cautiously.
“Hmph! You don’t even know our commander? What kind of courtesan are you?”
“Our commander is the famous Shen Thousand-Household—known throughout the entire capital! Young, already dual Sixth Rank in martial cultivation, unmatched in ancient or modern times. Open your eyes later so you don’t mistake him…”
The Chilin Guards snorted coldly, then turned toward the east and saluted respectfully.
As they spoke, a black-lacquered luxurious carriage rolled slowly over the stone road, led by several Chilin Guards.
A heroic man in a Hundred-Household robe drove the carriage.
The guards who had been boastful earlier immediately straightened and bowed respectfully.
The gathered customers stared blankly as the carriage approached. The Hundred-Household lifted the curtain after speaking softly to someone inside, lowered the step stool, and waited with a bright smile.
From within, a young man set aside the fragrant tea in his hand, lifted his robe slightly, and stepped down.
He wore a moon-white long robe embroidered with cloud patterns, a plain belt around his waist, and a Chilin Guard Thousand-Household token hanging from it. His features were refined, his figure tall, and his movements carried a Dao-like aura—more like a sect’s holy son than a commander of the Chilin Guards.
Even the courtesan, accustomed to seeing countless men, froze for a moment. What an elegant, transcendent young lord.
If she saw him elsewhere, she would never believe he was a Chilin Guard Thousand-Household.
She hurried forward, smiling brightly. “Greetings, Shen Thousand-Household, Young Master Shen…”
The young courtesans beneath the archway exchanged sparkling glances. Had they known such a handsome official was coming, they would not have been scared earlier.
“My lord, everything is prepared,”
The guards hurried forward, eager for praise.
Shen Yanzhou nodded slightly. His expression seemed as though he were examining the surroundings, but his thoughts were elsewhere—using his soul sense to observe the gazes cast in his direction.
With the True Explanation of Primordial Unity came the innate Chaos Perception, now fully active.
He had deliberately instructed his subordinates to make such a scene to ensure the higher-ups of Bihui Pavilion took notice.
If the fortune-favored woman from Beiyu—Chanzi Jin—were here, she would certainly notice him as well.
At the same time, he sensed another familiar gaze—disguised Wu Ruyue.
He glanced toward the tavern with a faint smile—his greeting to her.
“Let’s go in.”
He then led the Chilin Guards inside.
In the tavern, Wu Ruyue stared blankly. She had not expected that Shen Yanzhou’s so-called stakeout would be so open and grand.
Was he afraid others wouldn’t know he came to Bihui Pavilion?
After thinking briefly, she stood and followed quietly. This was her first time entering a brothel.
Thick alcohol and perfume filled the air. From nearby private rooms came flirtatious voices of men and women, making her ears burn.
Meanwhile, in a third-floor private room of Bihui Pavilion, Liu Zi’an and Qi Haoran frowned as they peeked through a slit in the window at the scene below.
“Truly a lingering wretch—why did this guy also come here? And so arrogant… flaunting his status.”
“A complete petty villain rising to power. Heaven must be blind to give him that face and that cultivation…”
“He’ll regret it one day.”
Liu Zi’an snorted with jealousy.
Born and raised as a noble of the capital, he prided himself on refined upbringing—talented in qin, chess, calligraphy, painting, elegant in manners, possessing the bearing of an ancient gentleman.
Thus, he despised people like Shen Yanzhou—wastrels covered in bad habits, bullying others when in power, flaunting their authority, eager for the world to know of their minor achievements.
Luckily, everyone had already expelled him from the so-called “noble circle,” since he was no longer the Demon Suppression King’s Heir.
Qi Haoran withdrew his gaze, thinking silently: Why does Zhao Qingchan care so much about Shen Yanzhou? He clearly no longer has a meaningful connection to the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion.
He considered himself equally outstanding—only born slightly inferior—so why would she refuse to cast him even a single lingering glance?
“Haoran, don’t think too much. She’s just a woman. With your talent and future prospects, why cling to a single tree? Zhao Qingchan is good, yes, but she clearly doesn’t fancy you.”
“Beautiful women are everywhere. Once you enter the Hanlin Academy, you can choose from any number of noble ladies…”
Closing the window, Liu Zi’an patted Qi Haoran’s shoulder comfortingly.
He knew his friend’s worries—especially now that the True Heir Shen Tian had returned to the capital, and the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion still intended to ally through marriage with the Divine Martial Marquis’ Residence.
That True Heir’s temperament seemed no better than Shen Yanzhou’s—it was obviously a pit, yet they still wanted to push Zhao Qingchan into it…
Thus, he had persuaded his friend to come experience mortal pleasures.
“You don’t understand. Senior Sister Zhao is unlike anyone else. In my life, apart from her, I likely won’t find another who stirs my heart,” Qi Haoran sighed, weighed down by sorrow.
Liu Zi’an smiled and said, “Don’t speak too soon. Wait a while and you’ll see. You can’t obtain the real Senior Sister Zhao, but you can obtain someone like her.”
“What do you mean?”
Qi Haoran froze.
Liu Zi’an suddenly clapped his hands. From outside the private room came a soft knocking, accompanied by a slightly cool and crisp voice: “Greetings, Young Masters.”
A woman wearing a plain long robe, her face free of powder, her appearance clean and simple, walked in carrying a qin.
Qi Haoran stared at the woman before him and was stunned on the spot, especially by her brows and expression, which made him instinctively want to rise and bow.
But Liu Zi’an quickly tugged him back down and said to the woman before them, “From this moment on, you are Zhao Qingchan, the Heavenly-favored prodigy of the Dragon-Tiger Institute. He is your junior brother, who has always admired and liked you…”
The woman nodded and asked, “Does Young Master have any further instructions or arrangements?”
“You don’t need to think yet. Wait—I’ll show you her portrait.” Liu Zi’an had clearly prepared for this long ago. He took out a portrait from his bosom and handed it over.
The woman unfurled it and examined it carefully a few times, as if needing to confirm something. As she muttered under her breath, the expression and features on her face began to blur and shift.
In the next moment, an even colder and more ethereal countenance appeared before the two.
Even Liu Zi’an was briefly stunned. He hadn’t expected Chunshui Pavilion’s methods to be this formidable. If other Dragon-Tiger Institute students were present now, they might very well mistake her for the real one.
“Zhao… Senior Sister Zhao…” Qi Haoran was completely dumbstruck. His words drifted out in a murmur, his breathing growing rapid.
……
In a boudoir deep within Chunshui Pavilion, filled with a rich and delicate fragrance.
A graceful, charming figure was grooming herself before a bronze mirror. Her jade-soft beauty, lightly powdered features, brows like distant mountains, a delicate nose, lips like blossoming petals, skin white and tender as fine porcelain, and full bosom were all reflected clearly.
She wore a pale grey crescent-phoenix-tailed gown, with a snow-blue gauze inner garment. Just the right amount of her fair neck and skin was revealed, accentuating a waist that could be encircled by one hand, her figure perfectly outlined.
“Ning Yun-sister, Miss was right. The fish has truly taken the bait.”
A young girl dressed as a maid hurriedly pushed the door open, came to the woman’s side, and whispered excitedly into her ear, quickly recounting everything that had just happened in front of the building.
“So he finally came? I thought he might at least be clever. Turns out he’s nothing special.”
The graceful woman continued leisurely drawing her brows.
In the bronze mirror was a face capable of toppling cities, yet her expression remained faint, carrying the air of someone who looked down from above.
“Yes. I thought he might really be someone, that he could endure for a while. But the moment the rumor spread for only a few days, he rushed over impatiently, even ordering several Chilin Guards around arrogantly, flaunting his presence as if desperate for people to know he came.”
“I don’t even know what Miss is thinking. She really believes a person like that is someone of worth, even wanting Ning Yun-sister to personally act.”
The maid chattered on in agreement.
The graceful woman nodded and said lightly, “Go inform Madam Hua to think of a way. Make him wait first. I must finish preparing.”
The girl acknowledged and hurried away.
Inside a spacious private room perfumed with burning incense.
Soft zithers drifted, singing voices lingered.
Behind the screen, several dancers whose movements resembled fluttering butterflies swayed their wide sleeves. Shen Yanzhou sat lazily on a bamboo mat, barefoot, long hair loose, chest exposed. At his side were warmed wine and various small dishes, pastries, and candied fruits.
Li Yunpeng and the other Chilin Guards did not dare to act as casually as Shen Yanzhou. They sat upright on stools at the side.
Yet their gazes instinctively swept over the dancing young women, swallowing quietly.
In the past, they would never have dared rely on their identity as Chilin Guards to wander in brothels so brazenly.
Even if they did come in secret, they always removed their uniforms and hid themselves, never daring to be open about it.
Today, being ordered by Shen Yanzhou to swagger openly down the streets was a first for them. A few were even worried whether they would be scolded by Commander Liu Ci at headquarters first thing tomorrow morning.
“Sir, apologies, but Ning Kui is a courtesan of pure class. She sells artistry, not her body. She can sing and play, but she does not accompany guests at night.”
“In Lin’an Commandery, she was the same—never breaking the rules.”
“And though your identity is exalted, in Chunshui Pavilion we, too, must abide by rules. After all, we run a business. Tonight, several honored guests also wished to hear Ning Kui perform a piece and have already waited a long while.”
Madam Hua explained beside Shen Yanzhou, smiling obsequiously.
“Oh? So not only must I pay extra, I must also compete at a high price, correct?”
Shen Yanzhou asked with amusement.
Madam Hua laughed flatteringly. “What is Young Master saying? There is no such thing as paying extra—only mutual willingness. And here in the capital, all honored guests are well-known figures. They see each other often; the rules must be followed. Otherwise, our humble establishment could hardly continue.”
Li Yunpeng, sitting rigidly at the side, heard this and his face chilled instantly. He reached for his blade. “Such insolence. It is an honor for my lord to wish to meet that courtesan. A brothel singer dares act lofty?”
“Believe it or not, if my lord speaks a single word, we will see if your so-called honored guests in this building dare show their faces again.”
Madam Hua’s complexion paled with fright. She hurried to say, “Sir, please calm your anger, I meant no such thing…”
Shen Yanzhou was quite satisfied with Li Yunpeng’s textbook bootlicking. He waved his hand slightly and said, “It’s fine.”
“Your Chunshui Pavilion has your rules, but here in the capital, our Chilin Guards also have ours.”
“These past few days, you’ve been loudly promoting her, saying a new courtesan from Lin’an Commandery arrived. Is this true?”
He lifted the warm wine and took a small sip, eyes narrowing, clearly here for that so-called courtesan.
Madam Hua quickly said, “How would I dare deceive you? It is naturally true. Ning Kui came by cloud-vessel from Lin’an Commandery. Along the way she passed the inspection documents of every city…”
Shen Yanzhou chuckled. “Yet according to the information investigated by our Chilin Guards, Lin’an Commandery has never had a courtesan named Ning Kui. We know the list of all pure-class courtesans in the major brothels like the back of our hand.”
“You’re lying to me?”
His tone suddenly chilled.
Several Chilin Guards shot to their feet, gripping the hilts of their blades. It seemed that if Madam Hua made the slightest wrong move, they would draw immediately.
Frightened by the gleam of blades, Madam Hua’s face turned even paler. She trembled and said urgently, “Sir, please see clearly—there is absolutely no deception. There must be some mistake somewhere…”
“The travel documents are all here in the building. I will send someone to retrieve them at once.”
“Don’t rush. There is another matter you must explain.”
Shen Yanzhou waved his hand and said calmly, “Several days ago, three students from the Dragon-Tiger Institute stayed in your Chunshui Pavilion. The next day they were found brutally killed in an abandoned ruined temple. Aside from you, they had contact with no one. How did they die?”
“Otherwise, why don’t you come with me to the Chilin Guards’ Heavenly Prison and cooperate with our investigation?”
He certainly did not know whether Lin’an Commandery had a courtesan named Ning Kui. But since Chunshui Pavilion dared make such a grand show, they must have prepared all documents and feared no scrutiny.
Yet the Chilin Guards never truly needed evidence. If they deemed you suspicious, you simply had to submit and follow them to the Heavenly Prison for a round of questioning.
If suspicion was cleared later, at most they would offer a verbal apology—after all, it was for the capital’s safety…
This was also why most major figures in the capital were terrified of being targeted by the Chilin Guards.
Madam Hua trembled uncontrollably, terrified by the cold gleam of their blades.
“Sir, please calm down…”
“Can you bring that courtesan over now? I think she truly needs to be investigated.” Shen Yanzhou said faintly as he set down his cup.
“Yes… yes…”
Madam Hua dared not speak further. In truth, she held no authority over that one. If not for certain reasons, that one would never lower herself to act as a courtesan here.
But she also feared being dragged to the Chilin Guards’ prison—she knew that under questioning, everything would be found out.
Soon, Madam Hua left, hurrying along the corridor toward the deepest pavilion.
“Ning Yun-girl, you must think of a way. That Shen Qianhu has named you directly. If you refuse, he might truly send people to drag us all to the Chilin Guards for questioning.”
She spoke bitterly outside the room.
Inside, the graceful woman paused her grooming, studied her reflection carefully, then nodded lightly. She took a veil from the side and said coolly, “I understand. Go. I will handle him.”
With that, she shifted slightly, her steps elegant, fragrance trailing behind her, waist swaying lightly, long skirt brushing the floor as she walked toward Shen Yanzhou’s private room.
……
Moments later, Shen Yanzhou heard a gentle knocking, followed by a refined voice: “This humble woman, Ning Kui, greets the honored sirs.”
A faint fragrance drifted in, like autumn chrysanthemums and orchids, refreshing to the heart.
Everyone turned toward the voice—and froze, eyes widening in amazement.
A figure veiled in gauze, her outline and bearing ethereal beyond compare, walked gracefully forward. She wore a slightly loose sleeveless jacket draped over her shoulders, concealing her snowy neck and arms, yet the skin that was revealed was more delicate than snow, glimmering with the luster of polished jade.
Though her true face was not shown, even from the vague contours of her features one could discern a beauty of stunning allure.
No wonder she could make such a name for herself in the capital as a courtesan.
After their initial amazement, the Chilin Guards all lowered their heads, understanding that this was their lord’s stage—it was not for them to gaze upon too long.
Shen Yanzhou sat casually upon the mat, his gaze filled with amused interest as he studied the woman before him.
The woman bowed gracefully, her eyes lowered slightly—not fearful, nor fawning, but with a calm dignity that carried a sense of serene poise.
“Sit here.”
Shen Yanzhou nodded slightly, then gestured with a finger to the seat beside him.
The woman hesitated for a moment but soon moved lightly, her steps like lotus blooms, and sat elegantly to the side, lifting her skirt slightly. Her snow-white, slender legs were faintly visible beneath the wide folds of her gown.
“My lord, it’s a bit stifling in here. We’ll step out for some air.”
Li Yunpeng cleared his throat, motioning to the other Chilin Guards. Without waiting for Shen Yanzhou’s approval, they hurriedly stood and exited the room.
At the same time, he waved for the singing girls behind the screen to withdraw as well, fearing they might disturb Shen Yanzhou’s pleasure.
The other guards, seeing this, wisely followed.
As they left the room and turned down another corridor, they nearly collided with a handsome young man, fair-faced and red-lipped.
“What are you sneaking around for?” Li Yunpeng barked.
The handsome young man looked as though he wanted to glare back but, realizing his current disguise, could only force an awkward smile and turn away.
Why were they all coming out? What was Shen Yanzhou doing inside alone?
That woman who just went in—she was astonishingly beautiful.
Wu Ruyue suddenly felt a surge of restless irritation. She wanted to sneak closer but dared not be discovered.
“The subordinates accompanying my lord seem quite perceptive,”
In the room, the woman’s gaze flickered as she spoke softly, her refined voice carrying a hint of flattery. Then, lightly lifting her sleeve, she poured wine to fill Shen Yanzhou’s empty cup.
“Oh? How so perceptive?”
Shen Yanzhou smiled knowingly, pretending to ask. Taking advantage of her motion, he reached out, seemingly intent on catching that slender jade-like hand.
But the woman’s movements were deft. With a subtle turn, she slipped away from his grasp.
In her lowered eyes flashed a trace of unmistakable disdain, though her voice remained polite: “Doesn’t my lord think drinking with just one person is more interesting?”
“What fun is there in drinking alone?”
Shen Yanzhou missed her hand but didn’t mind. With a lecherous grin, he asked cheerfully.
“Then my lord wishes to drink flower wine, perhaps?” The woman blinked, her eyes gleaming with charm.
“That depends on who I drink it with,” Shen Yanzhou replied with a smile.
The woman pursed her lips in laughter. “My lord truly knows how to please women. It seems you’re well-versed in the pleasures of such places.”
“This humble one offers my lord a toast.”
As she spoke, she lifted her veil slightly, revealing a delicate chin and naturally rosy lips. Tilting her snow-pale neck, she drained the cup in one elegant motion.
Shen Yanzhou chuckled. “Didn’t that Madam Hua just say you’re a pure courtesan, selling art but not your body?”
“By rule, yes. But upon meeting my lord today, I couldn’t help breaking it.” Her voice was soft and melodious, tinged with laughter.
“It seems you’ve said those words to many men before—so practiced,” Shen Yanzhou said as he raised his cup and took a small sip.
“How could that be? Not every man is as handsome and pleasing as my lord, nor so young and accomplished. At such a young age, to have reached dual Sixth Rank in martial cultivation, and be personally appointed by His Majesty as the youngest Qianhu—your future is limitless.”
Her long lashes cast faint shadows upon her petite face as she looked up at him, eyes full of admiration.
“Oh? So you’ve gone out of your way to learn about me?” Shen Yanzhou asked with slight surprise.
Her admiring gaze softened into one tinged with sorrow. “Though I’ve only been in the capital a few days, I’ve already heard endless tales of my lord’s fame. I could not help but be curious. A lowly woman like me, mired in dust, never dared dream of seeing my lord in person. I never thought fate would grant such a meeting tonight.”
“In my chamber earlier, I was nervous, fearful I might not meet you. Thankfully, my lord granted me this chance.”
“It seems fate destined us to meet.” Shen Yanzhou nodded in agreement.
The woman smiled, her expression brightening the air around them. “My lord is even more handsome and extraordinary than the rumors say. Earlier, many sisters in the building were whispering, wishing to serve you.”
“Truly? Yet you don’t seem all that willing yourself,” Shen Yanzhou asked curiously.
Beneath the veil, her expression froze for a brief instant, but she quickly recovered with a calm smile. “This humble one is merely nervous—afraid of displeasing my lord.”
“Am I some kind of monster that you should be nervous?” Shen Yanzhou said with a laugh.
“How could that be…”
She smiled, shaking her head slightly.
Shen Yanzhou, ever at ease, reached out once more to draw her into his embrace.
She instinctively tried to avoid it, but after a moment’s hesitation, she bit her lip lightly and allowed him to pull her close. At first her body was tense, but it soon softened as she leaned gently into his chest.
“Share a few cups with me first?”
“Mm…”
“What’s your name?”
“This humble one’s stage name is Ning Kui.”
“I mean your real name.”
“Yin Ning…”
“A lovely name. How did you end up in a place like this? Have you never thought about your future?”
“This humble one never wished for this life, but my family fell into ruin. I was once a wealthy young lady, trained from childhood in the five arts. My father gambled away our fortune, sold our estate, and drowned us in debt. My mother took to drink, wasting away in taverns, and later fell gravely ill in need of medicine. My younger brother studies at the academy, but the tuition is far too costly. I had no choice but to sell myself to a brothel…”
Mm, a gambling father, a sick mother, and a younger brother to support.
A standard tale.
“I only hope to one day earn enough to buy my freedom, open a small pastry shop on the street—or perhaps a sewing shop with my own needlework…”
“I love lotuses most—they rise unstained from the mud…”
Cup after cup they drank.
Gradually, Ning Kui seemed to open her heart, speaking to Shen Yanzhou with apparent sincerity.
He listened attentively and, despite having heard this same story hundreds of times, seemed to almost believe it again.
In the end, Ning Kui appeared overcome by drink, her cheeks flushed red, her eyes misty and hazy as she leaned against Shen Yanzhou.
At some point, her veil had vanished, revealing that peerlessly beautiful face.
Shen Yanzhou looked at the beauty within arm’s reach, pondering whether or not to partake. It was obvious she was acting—he could see that.
He could even guess her identity.
And her likely purpose.
This was a prize he could claim—one he could enjoy without consequence or burden.
At worst, he’d simply have to play along.
Hmm…
With that thought, Shen Yanzhou grasped her delicate chin, lowering his head to kiss her.
“My lord…”
But just then, a slender, soft hand rose to block him.
The drunken haze vanished from Ning Kui’s eyes. In their depths, dark as gemstones, she gazed at him steadily. “Would my lord redeem this humble one from servitude?”
Shen Yanzhou asked, “And after redemption?”
“This humble one would serve as your concubine—would that please you?” Ning Kui’s eyes were full of longing; it was clear that everything before had led to this moment.