Huayue Tower was the most famous brothel in Nanjing City, renowned for housing the peerless beauty known as the top courtesan of Jiangnan—Xiren. Since the Great Chu's southern migration to Jiangnan, countless had drowned themselves in hedonism. Even in recent years, despite Mo Suiyun's ambitions to enrich the nation and strengthen its military, the region remained steeped in decadent melodies. Day after day, countless noble scions, talented scholars, and dashing heroes lost themselves among flowers and willows, intoxicated beyond awakening. This only further cemented Xiren's reputation as a legendary beauty.
On this particular day, Huayue Tower received several unusual guests. Brothels typically didn't open for business during daylight hours, yet these three visitors arrived early in the morning. Two were strikingly handsome youths—one clad in black robes, devastatingly handsome with smiling eyes, while the other wore dark cyan attire, tall and upright with an aloof demeanor. Most notably, the white-robed youth carried a five- or six-year-old child dressed in white brocade. The moment they entered, they demanded Xiren, the establishment's top courtesan, to perform for them. Initially reluctant, the madam's face blossomed into delight upon seeing the silver note casually handed to her. After all, brothels existed to make money—who cared whether the doors opened by day or night?
Thus, the two youths and the child were warmly ushered by the beaming madam into Huayue Tower's finest chamber on the second floor—the Hall of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon.
The clear, melodious strains of a zither filled the hall. Fine wine and delicacies were served, beautiful maids attended to them, and enchanting dancers swayed gracefully. Mo Xiaobao reclined lazily on a chaise lounge, sipping wine while half-lidded eyes watched the performance before him—and the veiled, peerless beauty playing the zither in the distance. Mo Yufeng sat perched on his lap, wide-eyed with curiosity as he observed the revelry, his little head swiveling around.
Qin Lie sat in another chair nearby, idly sampling Jiangnan's freshest seasonal fruits as he remarked offhandedly, "Are brothels in Jiangnan more entertaining than those in Li Cheng?" Li Cheng was now the most prosperous city in the Central Plains—what kind of pleasure houses or taverns didn't exist there? Even golden-haired, blue-eyed foreign dancers were commonplace, yet he'd never seen Mo Xiaobao particularly enthused. If this was about Xiren's famed beauty, that made even less sense—what kind of beauties hadn't they seen in Li Cheng? At least half of the current top ten most beautiful and talented women in the realm resided there.
Mo Xiaobao cast him a languid glance. "A'Lie, you don't understand. In Li Cheng... there are always certain restraints when having fun. One can't go too wild on home turf."
Qin Lie nodded in understanding. Most of Li Cheng's common folk had watched Wang Ye grow up. The young prince felt constrained on familiar ground—as the saying went, even rabbits didn't graze near their burrows.
Mo Xiaobao smiled approvingly. "Exactly. Besides... since we're in Jiangnan, wouldn't it be a shame not to see its top courtesan?"
"Now that you've seen her, what do you think?" Qin Lie asked.Mo Xiaobao sighed and said, "The little emperor's taste is quite mediocre." The top courtesan of Jiangnan before him hadn't removed her veil, but Xiao Bao, who claimed to have seen countless people in his life, could tell just from her eyes how stunning her beauty must be. And that supposedly unparalleled zither skill of hers—so mediocre, so very mediocre. Did she think this young master hadn't studied zither and couldn't detect the dissatisfaction in her playing?
"What did you say? What does this have to do with the little emperor?" Qin Lie nearly jumped out of his chair. Mo Xiaobao looked at him innocently. "Hmm? Didn't I mention it? Xiren is Mo Suiyun's confidante."
Qin Lie almost wanted to spit blood. Just this morning, he'd sent someone to flirt with the man's fiancée, and now he was here to flirt with his confidante? Did he really think Mo Suiyun, that little emperor, had no temper? Even a mighty dragon wouldn't crush a snake on its own turf. If Mo Suiyun were truly provoked, he might secretly arrange to have you killed!
"Ah Lie, don't be nervous." Mo Xiaobao smiled soothingly at Qin Lie. Qin Lie glanced coldly at Xiren, who was bowing her head and playing the zither not far away, and sneered, "I'm not nervous. If Mo Suiyun loses his temper, the one he'll want dead definitely won't be me."
Mo Xiaobao propped his chin lazily. "Ah Lie, you're overthinking things. Don't assume everyone is as violent as you. This prince is merely here to pay a visit to Miss Xiren. Would Mo Suiyun really go so far as to kill me over that? Or do you think Mo Suiyun is the type of romantic hero who'd abandon his kingdom for a beauty?"
Qin Lie was left speechless. Based on their understanding of him over the years, Mo Suiyun was about as likely to be a romantic hero as Mo Xiaobao was to be a good person—both utterly unattainable.
"Gentlemen, Xiren takes her leave." As the song ended, the courtesan in pale robes rose gracefully and bowed slightly, her tone indifferent. Xiren had been the top courtesan of Jiangnan for several years now. In that time, she had befriended countless nobles, scholars, and refined gentlemen—all of whom treated her with the utmost respect and courtesy. But these two youths had barged in early in the morning, insisting she play for them. That alone would have been tolerable, but in truth, they hadn't even been listening. Instead, they'd carried on their own conversation over her music. Such disregard and rudeness were almost unheard of in Xiren's experience, and her already reluctant expression grew even colder.
"Take your leave?" Mo Xiaobao sat up and smiled at Xiren. "This young master is waiting for a friend. Since they haven't arrived yet and I'm dreadfully bored, Miss Xiren, why not play a few more pieces?"
Xiren's anger flared, and she was about to refuse coldly. But when her gaze met the young man's eyes, the words died in her throat. Though his dark eyes held nothing but cheerful amusement, for some reason, a chill ran down her spine. The refusal she'd intended simply wouldn't come out.
Mo Xiaobao gave her a faint glance. "Miss Xiren should sit back down. The person coming is likely someone you know."
And so, the usually aloof top courtesan of Jiangnan had no choice but to obediently take her seat again.Another half hour passed before steady footsteps were heard outside the door. Mo Xiaobao raised his hand, and the music and dancing in the hall immediately ceased. Everyone turned to look at the entrance, where Mo Suiyun stood in casual attire. However, beside him was a strikingly beautiful young woman in blue. The girl froze for a moment upon seeing Mo Xiaobao half-reclining on the couch, playing with his younger brother, her expression turning somewhat peculiar.
"Brother Suiyun, why not come in?" Mo Xiaobao said with a cheerful smile.
Mo Suiyun stepped into the hall, his gaze lingering briefly on Xiren before turning calmly to Mo Xiaobao. "Prince Ding seems to be in high spirits," he remarked coolly. Mo Xiaobao grinned amiably. "Not at all. This is my first time in the south, and I’m not familiar with the local entertainment. I merely heard that Xiren’s zither skills were so exceptional that even Brother Suiyun praised them endlessly. So I came to enjoy the performance. I hope you don’t mind."
"Of—course not. You flatter me, Prince Ding," Mo Suiyun replied through slightly gritted teeth.
Mo Xiaobao, completely unfazed, said, "I knew Brother Suiyun wouldn’t be so petty. See, A’Lie? I told you I wasn’t wrong." Qin Lie gave Mo Xiaobao a speechless look before walking over to lift Mo Yufeng out of Mo Xiaobao’s arms—lest the child get accidentally caught in the crossfire.
Can’t you see the murderous look in Mo Suiyun’s eyes?
"Master," Xiren immediately rose and hurried to Mo Suiyun, looking at him with a pitiful expression, her delicate eyes rimmed with red. However, contrary to her expectations, Mo Suiyun did not comfort her tenderly. Instead, he merely glanced at her indifferently before taking a seat opposite Mo Xiaobao. "Prince Ding is a guest here. As long as you are enjoying yourself, that is all that matters. Xiren hasn’t slighted you in any way, has she?" he asked calmly.
At this, Xiren’s face paled, and she bit her lip lightly, not daring to speak. Mo Xiaobao, as if oblivious to the fear in her eyes, continued smiling. "Well, top courtesans tend to have a bit of an attitude. Like that one in Li Cheng—what was her name again? She always scowled at me whenever I visited. Xiren has been quite pleasant by comparison."
Mo Suiyun swept a cool glance at Xiren. "You may leave now. There’s no need for you to remain at Huayue Lou in the future."
"Yes… Master," Xiren replied softly, her voice trembling slightly. Though she was the top courtesan of Huayue Lou, her other identity was as one of Mo Suiyun’s spies planted in the brothel. The nobles and officials of Southern Chu often indulged in pleasure quarters, making brothels prime locations for gathering intelligence. As such, Xiren had been highly valued by Mo Suiyun. But after years as a spy, she had never imagined that the two young men who had arrived early to listen to her music would turn out to be the newly appointed Prince Ding, Mo Yuchen—let alone that she would offend him. Even if she hadn’t, though, her time at Huayue Lou would likely have been short-lived. Mo Suiyun never frequented such places, yet Prince Ding had known of their close connection. Clearly, he had long been aware of her true identity and had come specifically to confront her.
Once Xiren had been dismissed, Mo Suiyun turned his attention back to Mo Xiaobao. "Prince Ding, now that the music is over, perhaps we could discuss matters elsewhere?" Even after years of tempering his composure, Mo Suiyun still found it awkward to negotiate matters like political marriages or alliances in a place like this. The atmosphere made it feel less like arranging a royal marriage and more like casually handing over a courtesan.Mo Xiaobao, however, wasn't one for such formalities. After glancing around the tastefully decorated hall, he remarked, "Why bother with all this trouble? Though the ladies of Huayue Tower aren't much to look at, their pastries are quite decent. Brother Suiyun, there's no need to settle like this. Speaking of which... Brother Suiyun, you really have a way with the ladies. Just as the top courtesan left, I see this young lady here... is no less stunning than that Xiren girl."
Princess Lin'an, who was standing beside Mo Suiyun, paled and shot Mo Xiaobao a resentful glare. Knowing Mo Xiaobao's usual lack of tact when speaking to outsiders, Mo Suiyun suppressed his irritation and calmly said, "This is my royal sister, Princess Lin'an. Lin'an, this is Prince Ding."
Princess Lin'an stepped forward and curtsied gracefully. "Lin'an greets Prince Ding."
Mo Xiaobao tilted his head to look at her and smiled. "My apologies for the impropriety, Princess. Please don't take offense."
The princess blushed faintly and replied softly, "You flatter me, Your Highness."
Mo Suiyun watched Mo Xiaobao with an amused smile. "Lin'an's talents and beauty are among the finest in the world. Moreover, she has long admired the late Princess Consort Ding and diligently trained in martial arts. One could say she excels in both the literary and martial arts."
"Brother..." Princess Lin'an protested coyly. Mo Suiyun chuckled lightly and raised an eyebrow at Mo Xiaobao. Blinking innocently, Mo Xiaobao beamed at the princess and said, "You've worked hard, Princess. But why emulate my mother? My father has no intention of taking a side consort in this lifetime."
"......"
The princess, who had been smiling sweetly moments ago, now turned deathly pale and swayed unsteadily. Though they had met less than a quarter of an hour ago, she had already experienced firsthand the sharp tongue of this extraordinarily handsome young man. Prince Ding's stunning looks, coupled with his perpetually cheerful and guileless expression, had deceived many who prided themselves on their intelligence. Even though Princess Lin'an had braced herself beforehand, she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her heart upon first meeting him. Unfortunately, these budding feelings were ruthlessly crushed by Mo Xiaobao before they could fully develop. When Mo Xiaobao chose to play innocent, even if he committed murder right before your eyes, you'd still believe him blameless. But when he aimed to provoke, no matter how sweetly he smiled, it would make you want to punch him in the face—such was his infuriating nature.
Not only Princess Lin'an, but even Mo Suiyun's expression darkened slightly. With a composed tone, Mo Suiyun said, "Prince Ding jests. The late Prince Ding's unwavering devotion to his princess consort was known throughout the land. How could Lin'an entertain such presumptuous thoughts?"
Mo Xiaobao tilted his head again, casually feeding a pastry to his younger brother, and asked with a grin, "Good, then. To be honest... I'd rather not gain another stepmother. My apologies for the misunderstanding, Princess."
The princess's face cycled between shades of green and white before she finally managed to steady herself and force a smile. "You are too kind, Your Highness. It was merely a misunderstanding."
Seeing her distress, Mo Suiyun sighed and gestured for her to withdraw. Eager to escape the troublesome Prince Ding, Princess Lin'an curtsied once more before turning to leave.Watching Princess Lin'an's retreating figure, Mo Xiaobao let out a scoff and winked triumphantly at Qin Lie, completely disregarding the presence of another involved party. Mo Suiyun fixed his gaze on Mo Xiaobao and said solemnly, "Lin'an is a young lady. Prince Ding's words just now were somewhat excessive."
Mo Xiaobao looked blank. "This prince already apologized."
"..." Did you think pretending it was a misunderstanding would hide the fact you did it on purpose?
Mo Suiyun said gravely, "Does Prince Ding recall the matter I proposed some days ago?"
Mo Xiaobao sat up straight, shedding some of his playful demeanor. "The marriage alliance?"
Mo Suiyun nodded. Mo Xiaobao stroked his chin and asked, "Princess Lin'an?"
"Lin'an is naturally the best candidate. If Prince Ding is unsatisfied, I have several other younger sisters available."
Mo Xiaobao waved his hand. "It's not dissatisfaction, but... this prince is still young and not yet considering marriage. If Princess Lin'an is willing to wait, that would be acceptable."
"Prince Ding is already sixteen—it's time to marry," Mo Suiyun pressed. Mo Xiaobao waved again. "This prince plans to follow my father's example and marry at twenty-five."
Twenty-five was still nine years away. By then, Princess Lin'an would be considered an old maid. If Mo Xiaobao kept his word, sacrificing a princess wouldn't matter. But who knew what could happen in nine years?
"I've heard Li Cheng is preparing to host a consort selection banquet?"
Mo Xiaobao chuckled. "Indeed. Does Brother Suiyun have interest?"
Mo Suiyun said solemnly, "What if Lin'an emerges victorious from the selection?"
Mo Xiaobao replied earnestly, "Then this prince will surely select an ideal husband for the princess."
"?"
Mo Xiaobao rubbed his nose and grinned. "Brother Suiyun, Li Cheng is planning a beauty pageant."
"What's the difference?"
"The winners will receive imperial marriage decrees, so they'll stop obsessing over this prince," Mo Xiaobao said matter-of-factly.
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
Wuwu~ The side story has reached twenty chapters~ Sorry for the long wait, dear readers~ Fleeing now~
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