Suсh а dоg dеsеrved to die. Еvеn if retribution сame lаtе, it hаd finаllу аrrived.
"Brоther Yin, you've worked hаrd." Тurning to lоok аt him, Yi Zhаngzhu wаs immеnselу grаtеful. "Zhu'еr dоesn't knоw how to reраy уou."
"No neеd." Nodding to hеr, Yin Gezhi said, "Тhе mаttеr is nоw sеttlеd. I should takе mу leаvе."
Yi Zhаngzhu was stunnеd. Loоking аt the man bеfоre hеr, she twisted her hаndkerchief, hеr ехprеssion somewhаt аggriеved.
Yin Gеzhi асtеd аs if hе hadn't nоtiсed, turning tо leаve with Guan Zhi tо pасk uр at thеir quаrtеrs.
"Diаnchai." Turning sаdly to look at hеr maid, Yi Zhangzhu askеd, "Does hе not likе mе at аll?"
Dianchai widened her eyes, supporting her arm as she said, "Miss, what are you thinking? Everyone in Shadowless City knows that Prince Yin dislikes getting involved in matters the most. For you, he even stayed at the General's Mansion, uncovered the traitor, and accompanied you up the mountain to distribute tea. Not to speak out of turn, but in all of Shadowless City, you are the only one Prince Yin holds in such high regard!"
Is that so? Yi Zhangzhu lowered her gaze. "But if it were someone else, they would probably stay a few more days. He leaves as soon as the matter is over..."
"Probably to avoid suspicion," Dianchai said. "After all, the General isn't at the mansion. It wouldn't be proper for him to stay long."
I see.
Her expression softening, Yi Zhangzhu felt a bit happier and nodded. "Prepare some gifts of gratitude for Brother Yin."
"Yes." Dianchai smiled and accompanied her back to her boudoir, chattering along the way. "Right now, in all of Shadowless City, among all the unmarried young ladies, you have the most noble status and are the most beloved. Everyone wants to surround you. You should have more confidence in yourself. Prince Yin may not be good with words, but judging by his actions, he definitely has you in his heart. Besides, even if your status makes it awkward and nothing can come of it with Prince Yin, you still have the Crown Prince!"
The beloved daughter of General Yi, noble birth, gentle and beautiful appearance—it seemed she had everything from birth. Unfortunately, the one she liked seemed unable to become her partner, and Ye Yuqing... treated her so well it made her feel guilty.
What is love in this world...
"Master."
As soon as he stepped through the gate of the Envoy's Mansion, Guan Zhi called out.
Frowning, Yin Gezhi looked up and saw a pearwood box placed in the open space of the courtyard.
The message was sent yesterday, and the item arrived today. They were indeed quick.
With a cold laugh, he went over, picked up the box, and opened it. Inside was a light, flimsy indictment.
"Who did you assign to investigate the City Garrison Commandant?" Yin Gezhi asked.
Guan Zhi silently handed over a plaque with a name engraved on it—Gan Jiang.
"Send someone to watch him." Putting away the item, Yin Gezhi went inside to change clothes. "Find out who is behind him."
"Yes."
Feng Yue was shaking her leg and eating plums when she suddenly shivered and glanced behind her. Outside the window, the sky was clear and cloudless—a fine day.
But why did she feel like something was about to happen?
"Master, master!" Lingshu rushed in as if her backside were on fire, circling around her three times excitedly. "Something big has happened! This servant forgot to remind you—tonight is the Flower Queen selection!"
Blinking, Feng Yue extended her index finger and pressed it against Lingshu's forehead, shouting, "Freeze!"
Lingshu immediately stiffened, her bright, lively eyes darting around."I know about the courtesan selection," Feng Yue said with a smile. "But your mistress is quite satisfied with the current situation. As for the title of top courtesan, let the others fight over it."
She only wanted to get close to Ye Yuqing, and she’d already ended up with Yin Gezhi as an extra. Why would she bother competing for the top courtesan title? Was she that bored?
"But…" Lingshu pouted, displeased. "Have you heard how the other girls in the pavilion are talking about you? So many people are waiting to see you make a fool of yourself today! They say you only… only know how to dance those shameless dances and nothing else—that you’re all looks and no substance!"
"Oh." Feng Yue nodded. "That’s quite accurate."
Lingshu: "…"
"Don’t worry, little girl." Feng Yue grinned. "What your mistress wants, she’ll get by any means necessary. What she doesn’t want, no matter what others say, she won’t lift a finger for."
Deflated, Lingshu’s little head thumped onto the table as she pretended to be dead.
Amused, Feng Yue got up, popped a plum into Lingshu’s mouth, and opened the door to look out into the main hall.
Brothels and pleasure houses always held events like courtesan selections to attract patrons. The top courtesan’s status was different from the others, so naturally, many competed for it. Though it wasn’t yet evening, the girls in the pavilion were already bustling about. Small groups of them stood in the corridors on each floor and in the main hall below, whispering among themselves.
"Right now, the most popular girls in the pavilion are Duanxian and Feng Yue. Who do you think will win tonight?"
"I bet on Duanxian. After all, she plays the qin so beautifully."
"I’ll still bet on Feng Yue. Even if it’s not exactly dignified, look—there really are quite a few people who like her style."
Duanxian opened her door and happened to see Feng Yue leaning against the railing across from her, looking down with a silly, seductive smile. No matter how you looked at it, it was grating.
Snorting, she rolled her eyes, fanned herself with a round fan, and headed downstairs.
She might not be able to serve Yin Gezhi, but that didn’t necessarily mean she was inferior to Feng Yue. Tonight was a good opportunity, and she had to win.
"Duanxian." Weiyun and the others were on the second floor. Seeing her come down, they pulled her over and whispered mysteriously, "There’s going to be a good show tonight!"
"What?" Duanxian was puzzled. Weiyun lowered her voice even further. "Don’t you dislike Feng Yue? Just wait and see—she’s bound to make a fool of herself later!"
After listening to their whispers, Duanxian smiled too. She narrowed her eyes and looked up at the third floor.
The railing was now empty—perhaps Feng Yue had gone to prepare for the evening’s performance. Breathing a sigh of relief, Duanxian gathered a group of girls and continued downstairs.
The servant cleaning Dream Return Pavilion left the room. As usual, Feng Yue opened the freshly wiped cabinet and took out a piece of paper.
"Zhao Xi, son of Zhao Lin." Six words, with a portrait beneath.
Feng Yue raised an eyebrow. Yin Gezhi really had a knack for picking people—every one of them was someone she couldn’t stand.
Zhao Xi had visited Dream Return Pavilion. Anyone who spent the night here, as long as their waist tokens, jade pendants, or other personal items left their person, or if they themselves fell unconscious or into a deep sleep, their belongings would be sent overnight to the sundries shop on Xiangyu Street to be replicated for future use.
In other words, if she wanted to fabricate evidence or get close to someone, she could do it faster and more discreetly than ordinary covert agents.Since Yin Gezhi had taken a liking to this person, she would help him out.
"What are you looking at?"
A voice suddenly sounded from behind, startling Feng Yue and making her hair stand on end. She immediately stuffed the paper back into the cabinet, then turned around seductively, casting a flirtatious glance at the newcomer. "This humble servant was naturally waiting for you, young master~"
Yin Gezhi looked at her with an indifferent expression, as if watching a performer on stage.
Feng Yue didn't mind, swaying left and right as she walked up to him. She pitifully raised her head to look at him. "Young master is so cruel! You said you wouldn't come for two days, and you really didn't come for two days. This humble servant has been so lonely, wuwuwu!"
For some reason, every time this person spoke in that high-pitched voice, he felt a strong urge to pick her up and shake her a couple of times, just to straighten her out!
However, one couldn't expect too much from a brothel woman.
Glancing at her, Yin Gezhi said, "I heard as soon as I came in that you're selecting a courtesan today?"
"Yes." Feng Yue blinked, raised her head, and slid her hand from her hair bun to her chin, forming a delicate gesture with her fingers. She asked proudly, "Who does young master think should be the courtesan here?"
Disdain filled his eyes again. Yin Gezhi spoke coldly, "It definitely won't be you."
Although she hadn't intended to compete, hearing such words would make any girl unhappy! Feng Yue pouted, "What's wrong with this humble servant?"
"The Dream Return Pavilion selects courtesans based on both talent and beauty, virtue and skill." His gaze swept over her somewhat unfavorably as Yin Gezhi shook his head. "You have neither."
Neither?! Feng Yue gritted her teeth, her lips twitching for a while before she managed to look up and force a smile at him. "Then young master must be truly aggrieved, choosing this humble servant who has nothing to offer!"
Staring intently at her, Yin Gezhi pondered for a moment, then suddenly leaned down, bringing his lips close to her ear. "It's not that you have nothing. At least you're comfortable in bed."
Feng Yue: "..."
What was a wolf in sheep's clothing? This was a wolf in sheep's clothing! Disdaining her on one hand, yet flirting with her on the other. Was there something wrong with him?
If it weren't for the fact that he was useful, she would have slapped him... Well, never mind, she couldn't win a fight.
A wise man knows when to yield; one must be obedient in the face of strength.
With her tail between her legs, Feng Yue fell silent, looking exactly like a wronged puppy, whimpering and teary-eyed.
Seeing this, Yin Gezhi's mood improved. He beckoned her with a finger.
Feng Yue turned her head away and bared her teeth, then giggled and threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his lean, strong waist and giving it a firm squeeze. "Young master?"
"Do you want to be the courtesan?"
"No!"
"Then why do you look so resentful?"
Feng Yue paused and looked up, gazing deeply into his eyes. "This humble servant doesn't care what others think, but I care deeply about your opinion, young master. If you look down on me like this, I'll be heartbroken, wuwuwu!"
"..."
Every time he was with Miss Feng Yue, his master seemed to be in a good mood? Guan Zhi, standing outside the door, peeked inside and was surprised to discover this phenomenon. Although the First Prince Yin, who was being hugged tightly, showed no expression on his face, the aura around him was remarkably gentle, like a spring breeze blowing over green grass, with flowers blooming everywhere.
How strange."Young master, a seat has been reserved for you downstairs." Mama Jin went from room to room inviting guests. When she reached Feng Yue's door, she didn't dare enter, instead speaking cautiously from the doorway: "If it's convenient for you, you may go down and take your seat first."
Ever since those four loads of gifts arrived at Dream Return Pavilion, this young master had become the most sought-after guest among all the courtesans in the establishment. Although no one knew why Duanxian failed to please him, all the other girls tonight were eager to try their luck.
"Mmm." With a grunt of acknowledgment, Yin Gezhi lifted the person in his arms and strode out.
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