A gasp escaped Yun Xiao’s lips. She rarely startled, but this time she was truly shaken. Shangguan Lin, the man who had treated her like a brother, was dead, killed by assassins. Who were they? Why would they kill a prince? After much thought, only one person came to mind: Shangguan Yao. This wicked man couldn't tolerate the officials in the court, and now he couldn't even tolerate his own brother.
She longed to leave the palace immediately. She couldn't stand to be around him any longer; his actions made her feel sick. Thinking of Shangguan Lin, she felt a pang of regret for some of the ways she had treated him. She also hadn’t told him she was Feng Guan. A profound sadness settled upon her, her steps heavy, her expression cold as she followed Xiao Tingzi towards the study.
Inside the study, the Emperor was sleeping soundly on a soft couch, his eyes gently closed. His radiant face was suffused with a warm glow.
Xiao Tingzi’s voice sounded from outside the door, "Your Majesty, Young Master Leng Yue has arrived."
Shangguan Yao subtly composed himself, his voice calm as he replied, "Let him in."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Yun Xiao’s face was expressionless, her eyes cold as she paced into the study. If she hadn't been afraid for Xiao Tingzi's punishment, she would have loudly questioned this man, asking what kind of heart he possessed. For the sake of imperial power, he had resorted to assassinating his own brother. But she knew that if she spoke, her life would be forfeit.
"Leng Yue greets Your Majesty."
"Leng Yue, come sit."
The Emperor's voice indeed lacked any profound grief; on the contrary, a faint hint of pleasure could be detected. One's mood and demeanor were clearly discernible.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. May I ask why Your Majesty summoned Leng Yue?"
"Leng Yue, is my hidden ailment truly incurable? Must it be a person with a moved heart that can cure my ailment?"
Shangguan Yao's eyes held a thin layer of disbelief. He found Leng Yue's words hard to accept. However, the imperial physicians had examined this ailment. He had taken many bitter medicines, but they had found no cure. Now, they could only try this desperate measure.
Yun Xiao gazed coolly at the man. Was his heart black or red? His own brother was dead, yet he was still concerned about his own impotence. Was it the heartlessness of royalty, or the heartlessness of this man? Her face flickered with unspoken emotions, like a small boat on a great river, which Shangguan Yao found strange. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Leng Yue, what is wrong?"
Yun Xiao immediately regained her composure. Since this man was so ruthless, if he knew her thoughts, he might not be lenient with her. Why court disaster? "Your Majesty, Leng Yue has already stated that he is powerless. I have matters to attend to at my clinic. I request Your Majesty to dispatch someone to escort Leng Yue out of the palace."
Shangguan Yao paused. He had forgotten about that. Upon reflection, Leng Yue had been in the palace for almost a month. It was indeed a long time. It was understandable that he was eager to leave. Neglecting his clinic, even for a moment, was not a sustainable situation.
Perhaps he was in too good a mood, or perhaps he genuinely considered Leng Yue's situation. Shangguan Yao did not seem angry. Instead, he spoke considerately, "Very well. Accompany me out of the palace tonight. I wish to seek inspiration, and then you may return. If I require you, I will send an eunuch to fetch you."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Yun Xiao said, her eyebrows raised. It was rare for Shangguan Yao to be so agreeable. She felt a little unaccustomed to it. However, he wanted to go out to seek inspiration. Where would he find inspiration in the dark of night? Could he be thinking of...?
"Your Majesty isn't planning to visit a pleasure house, are you?"
Shangguan Yao's dark eyes flickered, and a faint smile curved his lips. "I've heard that women in pleasure houses are alluring and delicate, like they are made of water. I believe I will find a woman who can stir my heart."
"Understood," Yun Xiao nodded, accepting the command. This was the Emperor's business; what did it have to do with her? All she knew was that she would finally be leaving the palace. It felt like seeing the daylight again.
However, upon hearing Yun Xiao's ready agreement, Shangguan Yao felt a strange sense of gloom and dissatisfaction for some reason, as if he were unhappy. He couldn't explain why. He waved his hand.
"You may go. I will send an eunuch to fetch you tonight."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Leng Yue withdrew. Behind him, Shangguan Yao appeared deep in thought, his handsome features etched with surprise. He seemed to have developed some feelings for Leng Yue. But Leng Yue was a man. What was he to do? He didn't want to become a lover of men. He needed to find a beauty who could restore his vitality as soon as possible.
Qingfeng Pavilion.
Wanwan saw that her mistress had a grave expression since returning from the study and asked with concern, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"
"Tonight, Shangguan Yao plans to visit a pleasure house. I'm worried he'll go to Yan Zhi Lou." Yan Zhi Lou was still a base for the Divine Dragon Palace. Mu Rong was not in the capital at the moment. If anyone made a mistake, they would be courting death. Shangguan Yao was naturally suspicious; even the slightest slip-up could arouse his suspicion.
"Mistress, why worry? There are so many pleasure houses in Yan Jing. Mistress can suggest he go to another one. He doesn't know which one is good or bad." xxs
Yun Xiao's eyes flashed, and a smile played on her lips. "Yes, Wanwan is right. But besides Yan Zhi Lou, which other pleasure house in Yan Jing can compete with it?"
As soon as she spoke, Wanwan let out a soft laugh, her beautiful eyes sparkling, her lips parting slightly like blooming hibiscus flowers. "Mistress, have you forgotten me? There's nothing in Yan Jing that I don't know. Speaking of the most famous pleasure houses in this vast Yan Jing, besides Yan Zhi Lou, there is also Feng Yue Lou. It is said that the women in Feng Yue Lou are mostly from Jiangnan, naturally alluring and gentle, deeply favored by many high officials and nobles. Tonight, Mistress can completely take the Emperor to Feng Yue Lou."
Yun Xiao sat to the side, sipping her tea, a satisfied smile on her face. "Very well. Then tonight, we shall take the Emperor to Feng Yue Lou. Moreover, I wish to see what kind of elegance these alluring women possess."
"Mistress," Wanwan stared at her with a helpless expression. Didn't this woman remember she was a woman? Had she become confused about gender after disguising herself for so long?
After chatting with Wanwan for a while, Yun Xiao, thinking of Shangguan Lin's death, felt an indescribable sadness in her heart. To be honest, although Shangguan Lin was cold and sometimes impulsive, he was not a malicious person. It was unexpected that he would meet such an end.
"Mistress?"
"Forget it. Everything is decided by heaven, not by man. It's a destined tribulation." She sighed for a deceased soul, hoping he would not be born into royalty in his next life.
Night soon arrived, the night cool as water, the moonlight bright.