"Divine Doctor Feng!"
The officials of Linyuan were the first to recognize Feng Luan. He was merely a minor official responsible for receiving the envoys from Dali, and had not witnessed her "splendor" within the imperial palace. Besides reverence, his eyes showed no trace of fear.
Ji Fei had not expected the personal disciple of the Medicine King Valley elder, whom the Linyuan official spoke of, to be so young. He had assumed that even if she hadn't reached forty years of age, she would at least be in her prime. Now, she appeared to be barely past her twentieth year. He gazed at the figure of the Medicine King Valley disciple revealed amongst the crowd. Judging by her age alone, one would not be amiss to consider her their junior disciple!
"Feng Luan?"
Yu Chengxuan uttered Feng Luan's name, his voice carrying a peculiar tone that induced a sense of surrender and intoxication, like standing by a field of poppies under a warm winter sun.
"Divine Doctor Feng, this is Young Master Yu from Dali!"
For safety's sake, he did not directly state Yu Chengxuan's identity. Given Feng Luan's relationship with the Regent, how could she not know that the Dali envoys had arrived in Linyuan today?
Simply mentioning Dali, he presumed, would make her understand.
Nan Shiying's first reaction was not: Oh, so this is the Seventh Prince of Dali, Yu Chengxuan!
Her first reaction was: Wow, Xiao Hua is the pet of the Seventh Prince of Dali!
Upon catching the scent on Yu Chengxuan, Nan Shiying could understand why Xiao Hua was so attached to herself.
The scent!
The same scent!
She hadn't expected Yu Chengxuan to carry the fragrance of irises.
Unlike Ji Jinmo, whose scent of cherry blossoms carried a hint of distance and coolness, the fragrance of irises was soft and warm.
Paired with his jade-like countenance, it perfectly fit the praise, "As beautiful as a jade-faced gentleman, unparalleled in the world."
"Young Master Yu!"
The two exchanged greetings.
Nan Shiying had no intention of becoming acquainted with Yu Chengxuan. After a few polite words, she was about to head towards the pharmacy. Before she could take a step, Xiao Hua wriggled free from Yu Chengxuan's embrace, clutched Nan Shiying's thigh, and looked up at Yu Chengxuan, calling out urgently, "Ying ying ying..."
Yu Chengxuan smiled and said to Nan Shiying, "It seems Xiao Hua likes you very much. If Divine Doctor Feng doesn't mind, would you care to stroll together?"
Nan Shiying instinctively wanted to refuse, but before she could speak, Xiao Hua held on even tighter.
Ji Fei watched the scene unfolding before him and found it increasingly bizarre. However, if this little creature could help bridge the gap between His Highness and Feng Luan, then His Highness's affection for it would not be in vain.
Nan Shiying sighed softly, realizing that some troubles could not be avoided no matter how much one tried.
She couldn't bring herself to kick Xiao Hua away in front of Yu Chengxuan. So, she bent down, grabbed it by the scruff of its neck, lifted it into her arms, and extended an invitation to Yu Chengxuan: "Young Master Yu, would you be willing to go to Huan Cai Pavilion with me?"
Upon hearing Nan Shiying mention Huan Cai Pavilion, the Linyuan official opened his mouth, wanting to object but finding it difficult to speak. Although Huan Cai Pavilion was a place for drinking and entertainment, it was a gathering place for scholars and gentlemen. It could not be classified as vulgar, let alone lewd. However, for the Prince of Dali to take someone to a courtesan house upon his arrival in Linyuan, how could that be acceptable if it were to get out?
"Good!"
Yu Chengxuan readily accepted the invitation without even asking what Huan Cai Pavilion was. His simple "Good" effectively silenced Ji Fei's attempt to inquire.
Ji Fei glanced at Yu Chengxuan. Since His Highness had already agreed, any further questions at this moment would be inopportune.
The Linyuan officials, with their faces like withered gourds, followed Feng Luan and Yu Chengxuan towards Huan Cai Pavilion. The patrol guards and the Jingzhao Fu office, who were secretly protecting Yu Chengxuan, proceeded to Huan Cai Pavilion ahead of them.
Yin'er, upon hearing of Nan Shiying's arrival, personally went to the entrance to welcome her. Such treatment made the surrounding scholars and noble scions intensely jealous.
Yin'er directly led them into a private room on the second floor. As soon as they entered, she busied herself instructing the maids to prepare tea, snacks, and fruits.
"Young Master Feng, it's been a while since you last visited. I thought you had forgotten me," Yin'er said with a smile, extending her jade-like arm and linking it with Nan Shiying's, her words a playful mix of reproach and affection, making her appear even more alluring.
Xiao Hua, however, felt that this person was crowding it. It pushed her outward with its body while looking up at her with bared teeth, presenting a fierce demeanor.
Yu Chengxuan lowered his gaze slightly, his hand resting on the table, his thumb rubbing the side of his index finger.
Ji Fei was slightly taken aback by Yu Chengxuan's action. If he remembered correctly, His Highness only rubbed the side of his index finger with his thumb when he was in a bad mood.
Why?
Could it be because His Highness had not expected Huan Cai Pavilion to be a courtesan house?
Just as Ji Fei was about to speak, Yu Chengxuan looked up and glanced at Xiao Hua. Xiao Hua, who had merely been trying to intimidate Yin'er, suddenly pounced and bit towards Yin'er's arm.
Nan Shiying, with quick hands, grabbed Xiao Hua's mouth. Her expression turned stern, and holding its mouth, she lifted it to her face: "If you dare show your ferocity in front of me again, I'll skin you!"
"Young Master Feng!"
Ji Fei's expression turned displeased. As the saying goes, one must consider the owner before punishing the dog. How could he treat His Highness's pet in such a manner in front of His Highness?
To put it plainly, she was merely a refined courtesan of a courtesan house. What harm could it do if she was bitten?
Feng Luan glanced sideways and offered Ji Fei a smile.
The smile was brilliant and dazzling, yet Ji Fei felt a chill run through his entire body, an overwhelming sensation akin to the instinctive chill he felt when his own Prince smiled at him.
Why was this Feng Luan so similar to His Highness?
Ji Fei swallowed and dared not say anything further.
"Your Highness, please do not be angry." Nan Shiying's gaze, which had been on Ji Fei, shifted back. She withdrew her eyes and looked at Yu Chengxuan, offering an apology, but her face showed no sign of remorse.
Yu Chengxuan, however, did not show anger. Instead, he reached out and took Xiao Hua, then firmly patted its little head: "Divine Doctor Feng, there's no need to apologize. It was indeed too presumptuous!"
Xiao Hua sniffled aggrievedly but, unusually, offered no protest.
After all, it was accustomed to being blamed!
The unpleasant atmosphere quickly dissipated. Yin'er, having recovered from her fright, rose and walked to the zither, playing it to entertain them.
The Linyuan officials had become almost silent since entering the private room. With the protection of the patrol guards outside and the genius Feng Luan, who was unparalleled in medicine and poison, within, Yu Chengxuan's safety was fully ensured. He now closed his eyes, enjoying the music.
He rarely had such an opportunity to listen to the music of Miss Yin'er, the courtesan of Huan Cai Pavilion.
Coming here today was truly worthwhile!
As soon as the music ended, Yin'er was about to play another piece when the door of the private room was pushed open from the outside.
The Linyuan officials immediately stood up, about to reprimand the intruder. However, upon seeing the figure that stepped into the room, they quickly shut their mouths, nearly choking on their own saliva.
"Regent... Prince!"
His legs went weak, and he immediately knelt down, offering his greetings and respects to Ji Jinmo.
Ji Fei sprang up, feeling all his muscles tense. He had never imagined that on his first day arriving in Linyuan, he would encounter the executioner who had slaughtered tens of thousands of Dali's royal troops!
The Regent of Linyuan, Ji Jinmo!