Shangguan Lin snorted inwardly. It was already late at night, and it had only just turned dark. Besides, was he really not from the Divine Dragon Palace?
A chilling gleam shot from his narrowed eyes as he quietly assessed Leng Yue. He then let out a hearty laugh, quickened his pace, and threw an arm around Yun Xiao's shoulder, as if they were good brothers who hadn't seen each other in years.
"I really appreciated your help last time. This king is treating you to drinks and entertainment at the Rouge Pavilion tonight."
As soon as the Prince's words fell, those beside him and across from them cried out, "Your Highness? Young Master?"
Yun Xiao was taken aback. After a moment, she shook off Shangguan Lin's arm and looked at the Prince Shangguan expressionlessly, wondering what trick he was up to this time.
Although his face was wreathed in smiles, there was not a trace of brotherly affection in his eyes. Instead, there was coldness and a subtle hint of suspicion, causing her heart to skip a beat.
Recalling what she had overheard that morning, she wondered if Shangguan Lin suspected her of being from the Divine Dragon Palace and was here to test her. How laughable.
"Prince Shangguan is too kind. Leng Yue did nothing and dares not accept Your Highness's favor."
After speaking, Yun Xiao took another step back to prevent him from embracing her again so forcefully. Although it looked intimate to outsiders, he was actually testing if she had internal energy.
As expected, Shangguan Lin's gaze flickered for a moment. This Leng Yue had no internal energy at all. How could he possibly be from the Divine Dragon Palace? Or perhaps his martial arts were too profound and well-hidden.
Meanwhile, Mu Li and Qiao Chu, who were behind him, had other thoughts. Had the Prince fallen for someone else? After the absence of Feng Guan, he had found this Young Master Leng Yue. He was truly a philanderer. They held feelings of contempt, disdain, and mockery in their hearts, though they dared not show it on their faces.
Shangguan Lin, oblivious to his subordinates' thoughts, remained composed and insistent.
"Is Young Master Leng Yue intending to slight this king?"
The words hung in the air, chilling the atmosphere with a gust of cold wind. In his ink-dark eyes, a block of ice that had never melted for ten thousand years was coiled deeply.
Yun Xiao raised her head and smiled. It seemed that Prince Shangguan truly suspected her. Good, very good. She spoke slowly, "Alright, since Prince Shangguan is so gracious, Leng Yue shall comply."
Shangguan Lin, oh Shangguan Lin, it seems I have been too kind to you. If something truly happens next, do not blame this young master. It will all be your own doing.
"Young Master Leng Yue, please."
"Your Highness, please."
The two walked out together, with Mu Li and Qiao Chu following closely. They leaped onto the front of the carriage. After the Prince and Young Master Leng got into the carriage, and the carriage left Fengxiang Street, Wanwan, who was a step behind, chased after it, shouting, "Wait for me, wait for me!"
Her master was in the carriage, and she was worried. However, a voice was thrown out from the carriage: "Go back, Young Master will be fine."
Yun Xiao snorted coldly in her heart. It was others who would be in trouble, simply because these people had no eyes and insisted on bumping into her, seeking death. She couldn't stop them, could she? A cold smile flickered across her lips.
Besides, it would be useless for Wanwan to come. What was the point of a woman entering a brothel? She knew Liu Xing was hidden in the shadows, and coupled with her well-practiced Cloud-Piercing Sixteen Steps, escaping would be easy.
Jiuhua Street, bathed in brilliant lights.
The night street was resplendent, with flowing, colorful lights reflecting the bright moon in the sky. Truly a beautiful scene, where one could forget the year.
Beauties like jade, the fragrance of rouge drifting.
The Rouge Pavilion was the most captivating place on this street. On the spacious platform in front of the entrance, all sorts of luxurious and expensive carriages were parked. The rubies on the carriage roofs emitted a ruby-red glow in the dark night, a dazzling spectacle.
As the carriage from Prince Yun's mansion arrived, people from the pavilion immediately came forward, their voices respectful.
"Your Highness, you've arrived. Miss Ru Yan has been waiting for you!"
The assassination incident last night seemed to have had no impact on brothels like the Rouge Pavilion.
The personnel dispatched by the Ministry of Justice conducted a city-wide search, and the Rouge Pavilion was no exception. It had been searched by soldiers during the day.
In the evening, it operated as usual. Who didn't know that Miss Ru Yan of the Rouge Pavilion was the Prince's confidante? Who would dare to touch her?
Moreover, how many high-ranking officials in the court had a small golden nest in this pavilion? Therefore, compared to other businesses, the Rouge Pavilion had suffered almost no impact.
Inside the brightly lit and lavishly decorated pavilion, there was a symphony of sweet voices, filled with a pervasive atmosphere of debauchery and flirtation.
Shangguan Lin led Leng Yue directly into the pavilion. The girls they passed on the way all felt their hearts flutter like little deer.
No one dared to covet Prince Shangguan, but the handsome young master following behind the Prince was truly stunning! Many of them boldly and brazenly stared at Yun Xiao.
Yun Xiao looked up, her smile slightly flushed, but in her heart, she was cursing profusely. Damn Shangguan Lin, I'll let you know the consequences of provoking me later. After cursing, she smiled even more endearingly.
They passed through unhindered, and even the madam dared not greet them further, fearing the Prince's cold gaze.
As they walked past, there was a sigh and envy from behind. Shangguan Lin's cold command followed.
"Someone, immediately summon all ten of the Rouge Pavilion's top beauties."
Upon hearing this, the madam's face showed a hint of difficulty. She wanted to say something, but her lips parted and closed, closed and parted again, not knowing what to say, unable to make up her mind.
The Rouge Pavilion had ten signature beauties, but they were also the favorites of various high officials. Wasn't Prince Shangguan's request putting them in a difficult position?
However, the madam dared to think but not to speak. She tilted her head and glanced at a certain room on the second floor. She saw someone quietly lean out, and as their eyes moved, the madam understood.
"Your Highness, please wait."
As the madam finished speaking, she stood at the entrance below, hands on her hips, and roared upwards, "My darlings, hurry to Sister Ru Yan's room. We have guests!"
As her voice faded, beauties began to emerge lazily from the rooms on the second floor, some charming and affectionate, some graceful and elegant, some with orchid-like temperament, some pure and transcendent, and some delicate and demure.
In short, they had everything, from plump to slender. Each was a beauty like a flower, passing by the corridor as if fairies had descended to the mortal realm.
This grand display made the men who had just entered from outside the pavilion's doors stare in fascination, lost in thought, not knowing where to focus their minds.
The beauties of the Rouge Pavilion stood in a neat row in Mo Ru Yan's room, ten of them in total, including Mo Ru Yan. They respectfully looked at Prince Shangguan, who was seated at a carved table, calmly drinking tea.
Then, someone secretly glanced at Sister Ru Yan's expression. They all knew that Prince Shangguan was still Sister Ru Yan's beloved. Now, what exactly did he intend to do by acting like this?
However, they also noticed the other young master sitting beside the Prince. This young master was truly handsome, beautiful as jade, and exquisite as a pearl, emanating an indescribable flawlessness. Compared to him, they felt utterly vulgar and indecent.