novelraw Chapter 154 : A Sound Beating, Making a Statement
Chapter 154 : A Sound Beating, Making a Statement
154: A Sound Beating, Making a Statement
The man dressed in that turtle-green robe was Pang Yiwen.
Qin Wan had just sat down and hadn't even exchanged a few words with Qin Shuang when Pang Yiwen appeared beside them.
"Yiwu, Father wants you to go over."
Pang Yiwu had been following Qin Wan and Qin Shuang silently. Since Pang Fuliang had only instructed him to escort them here, he didn't know where to go after delivering them. Moreover, the flower hall was mostly filled with womenfolk. Just as he was hesitating, unsure where to go, Pang Yiwen appeared. But Pang Fuliang usually only gave important tasks to Pang Yiwen. Why would he suddenly summon him?
Pang Yiwu was momentarily stunned. "Father wants me for what?"
Pang Yiwen first smiled at Qin Wan and Qin Shuang, then said, "Just go if he says so. He's in the outer study, where you just left from..."
Pang Yiwu gave an "Oh," not daring to refuse Pang Yiwen. He nodded immediately and hurried off.
Pang Yiwen turned to watch Pang Yiwu leave and sighed. "My second brother is rather dull. Father was afraid he wouldn't take good care of you two cousins and Third Brother, so he sent me over to accompany you."
Qin Wan frowned slightly. Qin Shuang forced a smile. "Actually, there's no need to accompany us. We won't wander around here anyway. Besides, this is all womenfolk. It might be inconvenient for Young Master Pang to be here."
Pang Yiwen chuckled. "How could it be?"
As he spoke, he glanced around the flower hall at the ladies. "Yuzhou's customs are quite open, with fewer rules than the capital or Jinzhou. Sixth Cousin, rest assured." As soon as the words left his mouth, a young master from some family happened to enter looking for someone. Pang Yiwen pointed. "See? Everyone is quite relaxed. With appearances like yours two cousins, if you were to walk around the residence and encounter any unpleasantness, it wouldn't be good. It's better if I watch over you." He then glanced at Pang Jiayan. "Besides, my Third Brother is also quite mischievous."
Since Pang Yiwen put it that way, what could Qin Shuang say? Pang Yiwen smiled, flipped the hem of his robe, and sat down beside Qin Wan. In such a public setting, although Pang Yiwen didn't dare get too close, the feeling still made Qin Wan very uncomfortable.
Teacups were arranged on the table. Pang Yiwen diligently poured tea for them. Meanwhile, Qing Niang, holding Pang Jiayan, had also been sitting on a stool. Upon seeing Pang Yiwen arrive, Qing Niang no longer dared to sit, letting Pang Jiayan sit alone. Pang Jiayan held that little gold carriage in his hands, constantly spinning one wheel with his hand. Watching the wheel spin rapidly, even Qin Shuang felt a bit of fondness.
Pang Jiayan's small childish face wore a blank expression. Sitting upright on the stool, he was also quite well-behaved. Seeing that Qin Wan and Qin Shuang seemed to like Pang Jiayan, Pang Yiwen said gently, "Third Brother, would you like some tea?"
Pang Jiayan looked at Pang Yiwen for a moment, then nodded.
Pang Yiwen, like a gentle elder brother, poured a cup of tea for Pang Jiayan and placed it before him. Pang Jiayan looked at the teacup and suddenly said, "Hot."
The corner of Pang Yiwen's mouth curved. "Then let it cool for a while before drinking."
"I want to drink it now."
Pang Yiwen's mouth twitched slightly. Probably recalling Pang Jiayan's impertinence from yesterday, a flicker of light flashed in his eyes. He looked up at Qing Niang behind Pang Jiayan. "Qing Niang, cool it for Third Young Master."
"I want Eldest Brother to cool it for me..."
Pang Jiayan's eyes blinked, fixed on Pang Yiwen. Pang Yiwen's expression stiffened slightly. Yet, in front of Qin Wan and Qin Shuang, he couldn't show his displeasure. After a long moment, he nodded. "Alright..."
With that, Pang Yiwen took the teacup, gently blowing on it while stirring with the lid.
Seeing Pang Yiwen's obviously reluctant but forced demeanor, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang both found it somewhat amusing. Qin Shuang also took a sip of tea, then turned to look at the ladies in the hall. After scanning around, she whispered, "They all seem to be from distinguished families."
Qin Wan had already looked over everyone in the room. "Those who can attend Prince Yu's birthday banquet are naturally not ordinary families."
Within a few breaths, Pang Yiwen handed the teacup back. "Here, Third Brother."
Pang Jiayan glanced at the teacup in Pang Yiwen's hand, frowned, then looked at Qing Niang.
"Qing Niang, I want to go out and play."
Pang Yiwen's expression immediately changed. For a moment, he wanted to lose his temper but couldn't. Qing Niang looked at Pang Yiwen's face, showing some hesitation. "Third Young Master, the tea from Eldest Young Master..."
"Qing Niang, I want to go out and play."
Pang Yiwen took a deep breath, then set the teacup down. "Qing Niang, take him out for a stroll. At most the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, then come back..."
Qing Niang hurriedly assented repeatedly, then picked up Pang Jiayan and left.
With Pang Jiayan gone, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang could only face Pang Yiwen. Pang Yiwen smiled. "Third Brother has been spoiled by Father since childhood. His temperament isn't the best. Please don't take offense, cousins."
He paused, then added, "Father doesn't discipline him. As the elder brother, I naturally have to reprimand him a few times. Over time, that little fellow has come to resent me..."
Pang Yiwen wore an expression of helpless sighing, but his gaze kept drifting toward Qin Wan. After finishing, he changed the subject. "Cousins, your timing is a bit unfortunate. With this heavy snow these past few days, you can't see Yuzhou's true appearance. Otherwise, I think you'd both like this place very much. Yuzhou isn't as damp as the south, nor as dry as the north. The four seasons are distinct. Winters aren't too cold, summers aren't too hot. It's most suitable for long-term residence. Our family's business has gradually shifted south. Many ask why we don't move our residence as well. But Father particularly likes it here."
Qin Wan and Qin Shuang nodded slightly, neither responding.
Pang Yiwen found it somewhat difficult to continue. His eyes shifted. "Ninth Cousin, there's a plum grove within the prince's residence, not far from here. Would you like to see it?"
Qin Wan shook her head. "No need. Young Master Pang, please attend to your own matters."
Qin Shuang blinked, seeming to think of something, and gave a light laugh. "We two sisters are together. Nothing will happen. But Young Master Pang, Lord Pang likely needs you by his side. Please, attend to your affairs."
Pang Yiwen sensed the implicit dismissal from the two sisters. His gaze shifted. "It's not urgent with Father. But Third Brother has been out for a while and hasn't returned. I'll go look for him."
With that, he stood up and walked out first. Pang Yiwen frowned slightly. Though feeling somewhat anxious, he ultimately didn't want to offend Qin Wan, so he chose to retreat strategically. However, thinking of Qin Wan's expression, he felt a surge of resentment. Though Qin Wan also bore the surname Qin, she wasn't from the main Marquis household branch. Moreover, both her parents were gone. He didn't know what gave her the right to be so arrogant!
Pang Yiwen walked on. Suddenly, a man dressed in the prince's residence guard uniform approached him. "Young Master Pang, His Highness requests your presence."
Pang Yiwen was taken aback. Why would Prince Yu want to see him?
Though slightly surprised, Pang Yiwen still nodded. "Where to?"
"Young Master Pang, please follow this humble servant."
After saying this, the guard turned and headed north.
The speaker looked unfamiliar. Though Pang Yiwen had visited the prince's residence a few times, he didn't come often, so it was normal not to recognize some people. Moreover, the speaker carried a certain air, quite different from ordinary servants.
Thinking this, Pang Yiwen followed directly.
However, after passing one corridor, Pang Yiwen frowned. "Has His Highness retired to the rear quarters to rest?"
It was just past noon, the time when the most guests were arriving. Yet this guard was leading him deeper into the prince's residence.
"His Highness is feeling slightly unwell and needs to rest for a while."
Pang Yiwen knew Prince Yu's health wasn't good. Hearing this, he followed without suspicion. But after walking through another corridor, Pang Yiwen instinctively felt something was wrong.
This place was somewhat secluded and, furthermore, was increasingly distant from Prince Yu's main residence.
"Wait..." Pang Yiwen stopped. "This isn't the way to His Highness's courtyard."
The guard ahead also stopped but didn't immediately turn around. He paused before turning. As he turned, Pang Yiwen saw a cold sneer on his face. Seeing that expression, even Pang Yiwen, slow as he was, knew something was wrong. He retreated two steps, about to turn and leave. But at that moment, a sudden gust of wind closed in behind him. Before Pang Yiwen could react, a black cloth bag was thrown over his head from above. Simultaneously, someone kicked the back of his knees.
Pang Yiwen let out a startled cry. His legs buckled, and he fell to his knees. Just as he was about to struggle, he was dragged a few steps to the left.
"Alright, right here. Beat him up!"
Fists fell on Pang Yiwen like a violent storm. Pang Yiwen cried out in pain, unable to imagine who had such nerve to cause trouble at Prince Yu's birthday banquet.
...
...
"Master, it's done." Lu Yun, dressed in a dark blue martial robe, walked up, his face carrying a hint of glee. "No bones broken, but he'll need at least two days to get up..."
Yan Li, hearing this, let out a happy cry. He turned to look at Yan Chi. "How about it, Seventh Brother? Clean and efficient, right?"
Yan Chi was still standing by the window. Hearing this, he said, "In the entire Prince Yu's residence, how many people dare to beat someone up during the birthday banquet?"
Yan Li grinned. "How many could there be? Naturally, only me!"
After speaking, Yan Li's smile faded. "Seventh Brother, you mean..."
His eyes widened slightly. "It can't be... Even if they suspect me, they have no evidence. And even if they had evidence, what could they do to me..."
As he spoke, Yan Li walked forward. "Seeing that man dressed in turtle-green was annoying. Besides, the way he acted toward that Qin lady showed his intentions were quite clear..."
Yan Chi naturally wouldn't object to the Pang family's eldest young master suffering a bit. "I'm just afraid your clever plan might backfire."
Yan Li made a sound of surprise. "How could it backfire?"
As he spoke, Yan Li saw a person arrive at the entrance of the flower hall below. That person looked around at the entrance, then walked straight to Qin Wan and Qin Shuang. After saying something, Qin Shuang and Qin Wan exchanged a glance and stood up.
Subsequently, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang followed that person out of the flower hall.
Seeing this, Yan Li was dumbfounded. "This is... what's going on? Why did she leave?"
Yan Li didn't know why Qin Wan left, but Yan Chi knew. His eyes darkened. He turned and headed downstairs. Seeing this, Yan Li immediately called out, "Ah, wait! Where are you going, Seventh Brother..."
...
...
Qin Wan and Qin Shuang followed behind Pang Youde, their steps hurried.
Qin Shuang said incredulously, "Steward Pang, how could the Eldest Young Master get injured out of the blue?"
Pang Youde walked ahead leading the way. Hearing this, he sighed. "We don't know yet at the moment. The Eldest Young Master can barely speak now. This matter shouldn't be broadcasted. It was only because the Young Master said Ninth Young Miss knows medicine that this humble servant came to invite Ninth Young Miss."
This matter was truly strange. A perfectly good birthday banquet, and Pang Yiwen had only stepped out for a moment. Yet he'd been beaten. This was Prince Yu's residence...
Though Qin Wan disliked Pang Yiwen, if it truly came to a life-threatening situation, she couldn't stand idly by. Moreover, Qin Yan had already mentioned she knew medicine.
The three walked swiftly along the winding corridors of the residence for a while. Soon, they arrived before a guest wing. Just as they reached the door, Qin Wan heard groans of pain coming from inside.
"Master, Young Master, Sixth Young Miss and Ninth Young Miss are here."
Pang Youde announced. From inside, Pang Fuliang immediately said, "Let them in quickly."
Qin Shuang and Qin Wan entered the room together. Inside, they saw Pang Yiwen, beaten black and blue, lying on a divan by the window. A circle of people stood around him. Upon hearing Qin Wan and Qin Shuang had arrived, Pang Yiwen half-raised a hand.
He lifted his hand halfway, as if wanting to cover his face, but the moment he touched his cheek, he let out an "Ow!" In that brief moment, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang had already approached.
Qin Wan glanced at Qin Yan. "What happened..."
Qin Yan's expression showed a hint of awkward confusion. He cleared his throat before saying, "You know medicine. First, check if the Eldest Young Master is seriously injured."
Qin Wan lowered her gaze, sweeping a glance over Pang Yiwen. She took a step forward. "Where is the Eldest Young Master injured?"
Pang Yiwen originally felt extremely humiliated being seen in this state by Qin Wan. But since he'd already been seen, he thought of another tactic. Squinting his eyes, he said, "I feel hurt all over. I don't know if my leg is broken. There's also some pain in my chest and abdomen. And my face..."
The injuries on Pang Yiwen's face were visible at a glance, but the ones on his body weren't. After saying this, Pang Yiwen opened his eyes slightly to look at Qin Wan. Just as he was imagining the feeling of Qin Wan's slender, soft hands pressing and touching his body, he saw Qin Wan suddenly take out a cloth pouch from her sleeve. Pang Yiwen was stunned for a moment, not reacting immediately...
"I'm most skilled in acupuncture. Let me examine the Eldest Young Master."
As she spoke, Qin Wan drew a long, thick needle from the pouch. The needle gleamed silver, extremely sharp, its tip flat like a dagger's edge. At the sight, Pang Yiwen shivered violently. Before he could stop her, Qin Wan jabbed the needle into his leg.
"Oww!"
Pang Yiwen didn't know where Qin Wan had jabbed, but it felt as if the flesh on his entire thigh was being ripped off. He cried out in pain, his leg instinctively lifting. Seeing he could lift his leg, bend it, and even curl it inward to dodge her needle, Qin Wan nodded. "The leg isn't broken."
With that, Qin Wan swiftly jabbed another needle into Pang Yiwen's ribs.
"Oww, oww, oww!"
Pang Yiwen was already covered in external injuries. Now, with Qin Wan's jab, the pain made him curl up. Frightened, he shrank back, protecting his stomach with both hands, tears almost forced out by Qin Wan's needle.
Seeing his exaggerated protective gesture over his stomach and that after shrinking back for a while he didn't seem in greater pain, Qin Wan said, "Ribs probably aren't broken either. Internal organs likely unharmed. Arms... arms aren't broken either. It seems it's only external injuries."
After speaking, Qin Wan looked at Pang Yiwen again. "Where else does the Eldest Young Master hurt?"
Pang Yiwen was drenched in cold sweat, not from the beating, but from Qin Wan's needles. He looked at the gentle, soft Qin Wan, then at the silver needle in her hand. Seeing the pouch contained other strangely shaped needles, he immediately shook his head. "None, none. That's all, that's all..."
Qin Wan nodded, then slowly put the needles away.
Qin Shuang watched, dumbfounded. Qin Yan's expression was also somewhat complex. Pang Fuliang glanced at Qin Wan a couple of times, then instructed Pang Youde, "Since it's not serious, have someone send him back to Clear Radiance Garden first. Then go invite the physician the residence usually calls."
Pang Youde hurriedly nodded. "Yes. This humble servant will arrange to send the Eldest Young Master back immediately."
As he spoke, Pang Youde called to Pang Yiwu. The two, one on each side, helped Pang Yiwen up.
Qin Wan and Qin Shuang stepped aside, standing to the side. Pang Yiwen didn't even have the strength to stand, groaning as he was supported out. Qin Shuang watched as Pang Yiwen, not only beaten until his hair was disheveled and his face bruised, but also with dirt and footprints on his clothes, gritted her teeth to keep from laughing out loud. Once Pang Yiwen was gone, Qin Yan said, "Lord Pang, regarding this matter…"
Pang Fuliang's eyes were deep, but he showed no intention of making a scene. "It's nothing. Perhaps it's related to business matters. In recent years, I've had Yiwen and Yiwu handle affairs. It's inevitable they'd make some enemies. Today is Prince Yu's birthday. Let's suppress this for now. We'll investigate later."
If it were anyone else, they would have already made a fuss before Prince Yu. But Pang Fuliang remained composed.
Hearing this, Qin Yan immediately said, "Lord Pang is truly broad-minded and able to see the bigger picture. This junior admires you."
Pang Fuliang smiled. "Prince Yu's face must be saved. As for Yiwen, he's a grown man. As long as his bones and internal organs aren't injured, it's nothing serious. We'll investigate later."
As he spoke, melodious music from strings and flutes, along with the sound of firecrackers, rang out simultaneously. Pang Fuliang said, "It seems the birthday banquet is about to begin. The Shuangqing Troupe will perform throughout this banquet. Hearing this, we should head over."
Qin Yan hurriedly assented. In that brief moment, Pang Youde also returned. "Master, the Eldest Young Master has left."
Pang Fuliang nodded. As he walked out, he scanned the surroundings. "Go find Third Young Master."
Qin Shuang then said, "We sat in the flower hall for a short while earlier. Third Young Master said he wanted to go out and play. Qing Niang took him out, but I don't know where they went."
Pang Fuliang nodded, glanced at Pang Youde for a moment, and Pang Youde hurriedly nodded and left.
Pang Fuliang then led Qin Yan's party toward the main residence.
...
...
"Hahahahahaha, she directly used needles to poke him?"
"Did he scream even worse than when he was being beaten?"
"My heavens, I wish I'd gone to peek..."
Yan Li laughed so hard he trembled, tears almost coming out. He smoothed his overly long dark hair, happily spinning in place twice. "That Qin young lady is truly interesting, with personality!"
As he spoke, Yan Li looked at Yan Chi. "Seventh Brother was worried she'd be taken advantage of!"
The corner of Yan Chi's mouth curved slightly, his heart relaxing a little. He had been afraid Qin Wan would be forced to treat that eldest young master's injuries. The thought of Qin Wan seeing another man undress, applying medicine to another man, how could he bear that!
Fortunately, Qin Wan never showed mercy to those with improper intentions.
Thinking this, Yan Chi's heart itched. Qin Wan didn't want their relationship public. Moreover, she hadn't even told her little maidservant, let alone the Qin family's Sixth Young Miss who followed her around all day. That's why he hadn't sent someone to call her over. But after all this time, and after this incident, he was feeling a bit impatient.
"Seventh Brother, what are you thinking?" Seeing Yan Chi silent, Yan Li asked.
Yan Chi listened for a moment. "The birthday banquet seems about to start."
Yan Li also listened, then laughed. "They're setting off firecrackers. It should be starting soon. What? Should we go take our seats? Later, if they notice we're not there, Uncle Prince Yu will probably send someone to look for us."
Yan Chi's eyes shifted slightly. "Wait a bit longer."
Yan Li widened his eyes, looking at Yan Chi. "What does Seventh Brother plan to do?"
Yan Chi's lips curved. "Nothing. You go take your seat first."
With that, he turned and walked to the side, whispering a few instructions to Bai Feng.
Seeing this, Yan Li knew Yan Chi had his own arrangements. He shrugged. "Alright then. I'll go ahead and wait for you."
With that, he strode off toward today's banquet venue with large, swift steps.
...
...
Since the banquet was to be held alongside the opera performance, today's celebration was set in a lakeside clearing near the main residence. When Qin Wan and the others arrived, they saw a large open area already spread with felt carpets and covered with warming tents. Square tables of huanghuali wood were neatly arranged. To the east of the clearing stood a tall opera stage.
Qin Shuang walked alongside Qin Wan, pulling her sleeve and whispering, "I truly admire you."
Qin Wan made a questioning sound. "What? Admire me for what?"
Qin Shuang glanced ahead at Pang Fuliang and Qin Yan, who were talking. "In front of them, you dared... Who treats injuries like that..."
The corner of Qin Wan's mouth curved upward. "Didn't they just ask me to see if he was seriously injured or not?"
Hearing this, the smile on Qin Shuang's face deepened. "If you put it that way, it seems there's nothing wrong."
Qin Wan's smile remained faint, clearly unconcerned about any consequences from this incident. Even if there were consequences, it would only be to let Pang Yiwen know she wasn't someone to be trifled with. Wasn't that just fine?
Qin Wan's mind was at ease. Ahead, Pang Fuliang and Qin Yan had already entered the warming tent. Pang Fuliang was originally from Yuzhou. Naturally, all the officials and wealthy families in Yuzhou knew him. Thus, as soon as he entered, many stood up to greet him. Qin Yan also exchanged pleasantries along the way. Pang Fuliang hadn't forgotten Qin Wan and the other. He instructed Pang Youde to take Qin Wan and the other two to their seats. Because there were many people today, and many of high status, the seating had been arranged in advance.
Once seated, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang finally felt a bit more at ease. The current banquet area was segregated by gender. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang sat among several other young girls. Probably because the others also felt uncomfortable, for a while, no one spoke, only sizing up the others at the table with their eyes.
Soon, attendants brought tea to their table.
The attendants brought tea, filled each person's cup one by one, and placed them before each person. Qin Wan saw the tea was clear and fragrant. Just as she was about to pick it up to drink, she felt something under the teacup.
Qin Wan took only one look, then instinctively glanced toward the men's section. After scanning for a while, she didn't see Yan Chi. She pondered briefly, then suddenly said, "My needle pouch seems to be missing."
Qin Shuang was slightly startled. "What happened? Did you drop it?"
Qin Wan said quietly, "Wait here. I'll go back and look."
"I'll go with you," Qin Shuang immediately said.
Qin Wan pressed her hand. "It's fine. I'll go with Fuling. You stay here, in case we lose our seats when we come back."
Qin Shuang seemed about to say something but stopped. Seeing Qin Wan's resolute expression, she nodded. "Come back quickly. Don't go far."
Qin Wan nodded, left the warming tent with Fuling.
Fuling said anxiously, "This servant was following behind you, Young Miss. I didn't see you drop anything."
Qin Wan shook her head. "I'm not going to look for the needle pouch."
Fuling was startled. "Ah? If not for the needle pouch, then what?"
The corner of Qin Wan's mouth tightened slightly. "It's His Highness Chi."
Fuling was stunned for a moment before understanding. "His Highness Chi wants to see you?" She glanced back at the warming tent. "Oh, His Highness Chi is afraid talking to you in front of everyone would cause misunderstandings. But... if someone sees you now, the misunderstanding would be even greater. Where is His Highness Chi?"
As soon as she finished speaking, Bai Feng appeared at a corner of the corridor.
"Ninth Young Miss, please follow this humble servant."
Qin Wan nodded to him. Bai Feng led Qin Wan straight to the Moon-Gazing Tower.
In less than half the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Qin Wan arrived before the Moon-Gazing Tower. The door opened, and Qin Wan entered. Fuling remained outside. This time, Bai Feng hadn't called her, but she seemed to have gotten used to it.
"Guard Bai, why does His Highness want to see Young Miss?"
Though she hadn't entered, Fuling was still curious.
Bai Feng smiled. "It's nothing much. He just heard Ninth Young Miss changed residences and wanted to ask if she's staying comfortably."
Fuling's expression softened. "His Highness... His Highness is truly too good to Young Miss, not failing in any way the Grand Princess's request."
Bai Feng's smile was bright. "That's natural..."
Inside the room, Yan Chi was looking Qin Wan up and down. Qin Wan glanced outside. Seeing the door was closed, she said softly, "What is it? The birthday banquet outside is about to start."
"I know," Yan Chi said, stepping closer. "Why do I feel you've lost weight?"
Hearing this, Qin Wan was first astonished, then couldn't help a laugh. "We saw each other just yesterday. How could I have lost weight?"
As he spoke, Yan Chi took Qin Wan's hand. Feeling it was cold, he gathered her other hand into his palms as well. Yan Chi, vigorous and full of vitality, had warm hands. He cupped Qin Wan's hands, blowing a warm breath over them, then said, "What you did today was excellent."
Qin Wan's eyes widened slightly, not understanding immediately.
Yan Chi looked into her eyes. "The needle jabbing was excellent."
Qin Wan drew in a slight, cold breath. "Pang Yiwen... Did you have someone beat him up?"
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. "What do you think?"
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi for a moment, then shook her head. "Probably not..."
Yan Chi chuckled, then simply kissed her fingertips. Qin Wan felt her face grow warm from his kiss and tried to pull her hands back, but Yan Chi wouldn't let go. She said, "Your subordinates aren't ruffians. Though they can control their strength, if they had done it, the crucial spots would likely have been hit harder. At the very least, he'd have broken bones or something. And... the method seemed a bit like petty mischief, a bit foolish. Not something you would do."
Inside a warming tent, Yan Li, who had just been staring at a pretty servant girl beside him, suddenly felt his nose itch and sneezed loudly.
The corner of Yan Chi's mouth curved. "Sometimes, a foolish method is the most direct method."
Qin Wan opened her eyes. Yan Chi really did it?
"Not me. It was Eighth Brother." After a pause, Yan Chi added, "That is, the Heir Apparent of Prince Gong."
Qin Wan had a moment of realization. "If it was him... that makes sense..."
"Hm?" Yan Chi's sharpness made Qin Wan's heart tremble. Sure enough, he said, "You've only met him once, and you already know of his glorious deeds?"
Qin Wan's lips curved slightly. "Third Brother mentioned a little, but I could also guess."
As she spoke, Qin Wan firmly and forcefully pulled her hands back. "Didn't he arrange many entertainments for you?"
Seeing Qin Wan was about to pull her hands free, Yan Chi grasped them again. "You mean Tianxiang Tower?"
The moment the words "Tianxiang Tower" left his mouth, the smile faded from Qin Wan's face. She didn't struggle forcefully to pull her hands away, but her expression turned somewhat cold. Actually, she had only heard Qin Yan say that Yan Li had made arrangements; she didn't know exactly what had been arranged. This sentence was just a little test. She hadn't expected the test to succeed so easily.
Tianxiang Tower... The name alone sounded like a pleasure house or a painted boat. What else could men go there for?
Sure enough, her earlier speculations were confirmed...
The more Qin Wan thought, the colder her heart grew. Even the earlier warmth on her face dissipated.
Everyone had the seven emotions and six desires. In her two lifetimes, she had never experienced matters of the heart. Now, feeling a budding affection, she didn't resist it. If everything went as she wished, perhaps she would sink deeper into it. But now that her speculation was proven true, she needed to carefully rein in her feelings. She had made it very clear to Yan Chi: if forced into an unavoidable marriage, she might act like any other "virtuous and gentle" woman in this world, handling everything appropriately but keeping her distance. However, though marriage wasn't yet on the horizon, Yan Chi was someone she had chosen herself. Therefore, how much of her heart she gave him was entirely her own decision.
Seeing the change in Qin Wan's eyes and expression, Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. After clearly discerning the coldness in her eyes, he immediately understood the source of her expression...
Two moments later, Yan Chi couldn't help but let a smile spread across his face.
"Yan Li has fallen for a songstress at Tianxiang Tower. He says straight out that the songstress is devastatingly beautiful, her voice absolutely marvelous, like immortal music." Yan Chi spoke slowly. Sure enough, after hearing this, Qin Wan's hands truly began to pull away.
"You, let go." Qin Wan spoke extremely calmly. Yan Chi had originally wanted to tease her a bit more, but seeing her like this, his heart tightened slightly. He hurriedly tightened his grip on her hands. "But I didn't go. I've been resting at Prince Yu's residence these past two days."
Qin Wan froze, the strength in her hands slackening.
Yan Chi's relaxed smile grew wider. "Why didn't you ask yesterday?"
Qin Wan frowned. "Why didn't you go?"
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. "Why would I go?"
Qin Wan lifted her chin. "Isn't it common for men to visit pleasure houses?"
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan with a sincere smile. "I don't have that habit."
"Oh." Qin Wan responded indifferently, then looked steadily at Yan Chi for a moment. "It's very good that Your Highness doesn't have that habit. Pleasure houses have a high risk of contracting... flower-willow diseases."
She paused. "However, Your Highness might have a hidden beauty in your residence..."
Yan Chi stared motionlessly at Qin Wan. Suddenly, he couldn't help but laugh. He laughed while pulling Qin Wan into his embrace. "Now you're talking about another issue. What else do you want to know? Go on. What if I also don't have the habit of hiding beauties in a golden house? Do you still want to say I could have a few close personal maids? Then let me tell you, whether in Shuo Xi or the capital's prince residence, I don't have such things as personal maids..."
Personal maids... such things...
Qin Wan, held tightly by Yan Chi, felt his words carried a certain dismissiveness toward maids. Sure enough, Yan Chi continued, "Women are physically weaker. To me, they aren't of much use. Not only useless, but a burden. The Bai Ying you see, she and her brother Bai Feng were adopted by the old steward from childhood. They're close. Even so, I originally didn't want her working for me. It was only after Bai Feng brought her before me and tested her skills that I agreed. Women are useless on the battlefield. Women are useless as covert guards. But in intelligence gathering, espionage, where women can feign weakness, use their looks, in certain situations, they can often achieve greater gains than men."
Yan Chi spoke seriously. Though the reasoning was sound, Qin Wan felt his dismissive attitude toward women carried a somewhat superior air. But when she thought about arguing, she couldn't find the words. On the battlefield, blades and spears had no eyes; women were indeed at a disadvantage. Moreover, the Great Zhou had explicit decrees forbidding women from entering military camps.
Qin Wan pursed her lips. She hadn't even thought of the personal maid aspect yet. In wealthy households, among princes and nobles, which young master didn't have a couple of maids serving them closely? First as intimate attendants, later as concubines...
"What? You don't believe me?"
Seeing Qin Wan silent, Yan Chi asked again.
Qin Wan shook her head. "It's not that I don't believe you. It's that I hadn't thought of that layer yet."
Yan Chi laughed so hard his chest shook. But Qin Wan pushed him away. "Yan Chi."
Hearing her call him by his full name, Yan Chi's smile faded slightly, but he looked at her with great pleasure.
Qin Wan's gaze became serious. "With your mindset and perspective, you should know what I want. I would never demand anything excessive from you. But if you cross my bottom line, I will withdraw my feelings."
The curve of Yan Chi's lips gradually lessened. He knew Qin Wan's words were no joke.
Qin Wan continued, "Perhaps you think I'm different from others. But this is who I am. Since I chose you of my own will, I will absolutely not first follow my heart, then sever my own resolve."
Yan Chi took a step forward, wanting to embrace her, but Qin Wan took a step back. "Don't promise lightly. Don't make commitments to me. Think about what I'm saying. When you've thought it through, I'll believe your words."
As she spoke, Qin Wan glanced outside. "It's getting late. I'll leave first. You come later."
After saying this, Qin Wan turned and walked out. Yan Chi watched her retreating figure but didn't follow. He only stood where he was, his phoenix eyes gentle with a faint smile, then sighed with a hint of helplessness. "Silly girl..."