Shangguan Yao sent eunuchs to pick up Yun Xiao. Yun Xiao instructed Wan Wan to pack her belongings and accompany her.
Since she would not be entering the palace tonight, she could return to the medical clinic.
Her spirit had been highly tense these past few days, and she had no time to think of Murong. Now that she was free, she surprisingly missed that man. She hadn't expected him to be away on business for such a long time.
Outside the Jingfu Palace gate, a luxurious carriage was parked.
When Yun Xiao arrived, she saw Shangguan Yao emerge in casual wear. He wore an ivory-colored brocade robe, a seven-colored palace belt, and black boots embroidered with gold. He was handsome and possessed the demeanor of a noble young master.
Eunuchs and palace maids knelt on the ground outside the Jingfu Palace gate, none daring to speak.
Shangguan Yao boarded the carriage with a blank expression. Following behind the carriage was Song Yuan in plain clothes, his face filled with suppressed gloom. He waited expressionlessly for the Emperor to board the carriage.
Several guards followed behind Song Yuan. The Assistant Minister of War, Lan Qinglun, had actually come to the palace. Yun Xiao hadn't expected Shangguan Yao to consider this man a confidant.
Seeing his refined and elegant appearance, and his polite demeanor, he was indeed capable of winning people over. It was no wonder the Emperor favored him. Soon, the Ministry of War would be his domain. The Ministry of War?
Upon thinking of this, Yun Xiao's pupils narrowed, a faint moonlight shimmering in her eyes. Could this Lan Qinglun be from Murong's Divine Dragon Palace? This was truly unbelievable.
If not, then his so-called plan would likely be incomplete. Yun Xiao was almost certain that Lan Qinglun was Murong's man. If that were the case, many subsequent events would fall into place. Did Murong intend to seize the throne?
Thinking that Murong might want to become Emperor, Yun Xiao felt a multitude of conflicting emotions. This feeling was very strange.
She disliked the palace. It seemed as though everything was bound, with no freedom whatsoever.
Yun Xiao stood in a daze, lost in thought, when a voice cut through the cold air and reached her ears: "Leng Yue, why aren't you getting into the carriage? What are you standing around for?"
Yun Xiao shivered and snapped back to attention, quickly replying, "Yes, Your Majesty."
She glanced around but saw no extra carriages, and felt a slight annoyance. Did this man intend to...?
However, she didn't have much time to ponder. An impatient voice sounded from within the exquisite and luxurious carriage: "Get in."
It seemed this man indeed meant what she had thought. Yun Xiao still didn't move. To be honest, she really didn't like being alone with that man, but considering the current situation...
Seeing Yun Xiao hesitate, Xiao Tingzi's face turned ashen. He led a few eunuchs rushing over and said respectfully, "Please get into the carriage, Young Master Leng Yue."
There was a hint of pleading in his eyes. Yun Xiao knew of the faint fear in his gaze. Was this man truly a devil?
Otherwise, why would even the servants attending him be so afraid of him? Forget it, what was there to be afraid of? Yun Xiao rolled up her sleeves and gracefully leaped into the carriage.
The carriage slowly moved towards the palace exit. A cold voice sounded from within the carriage: "What happens tonight is not to be leaked."
Xiao Tingzi quickly acknowledged, "Yes, Your Majesty."
Outside the carriage, Wan Wan cried out anxiously, "What about me? What about me?"
As soon as her voice fell, Song Yuan expressionlessly bent down and lifted her, casually tossing her onto the back of his horse. There was no trace of tenderness or pity; on the contrary, his expression was cold and gloomy.
Wan Wan couldn't help but complain, "Hey, Master Song, could you be a little gentler? I'm a woman, a woman."
She shouted, but Song Yuan acted as if he hadn't heard. He sharply pulled the reins, and the carriage bolted forward. Wan Wan's face turned pale with fright. She quickly grabbed his clothes. The wind whistled past her ears, leaving her speechless.
Being so close to Song Yuan, she finally realized something belatedly. Master Song was incredibly displeased tonight. He didn't care about gender. If she said any more, she might be thrown off.
Feng Yue Tower.
The second largest brothel in Yan Jing. The lanterns hung high at the entrance resembled a winding mountain path, rising and falling, swaying gently in the wind, creating a very romantic ambiance.
The ones greeting guests at the front of the building were neither the madame nor the doormen, but young girls. Upon seeing these girls, who were as soft and enchanting as smoke and as gentle as water...
Shangguan Yao's mood seemed to have improved considerably. He had kept his eyes closed tightly on the carriage, not looking at Leng Yue opposite him, for fear of his thoughts wandering and doing something untoward.
Yet, he could still clearly picture Leng Yue in his mind, especially his overly bright eyes, which were like a beacon in the dark night, illuminating his depleted soul.
But he was a man, something he found intolerable.
At Feng Yue Tower, as soon as Shangguan Yao, Yun Xiao, Song Yuan, and Lan Qinglun appeared, the madame of the establishment personally greeted them. Her eyes gleamed as if she had seen piles of golden ingots, and she smiled until her whole being seemed to bloom like a flower.
"Isn't this Master Lan? Why do you have time to visit today?" the madame said, fanning her eight-treasure fan. A strong scent of perfume wafted into their noses. The men frowned slightly, but none spoke.
Lan Qinglun smiled and nodded, "My friends and I are here to have some fun tonight. Summon the best girls in the establishment."
"Yes, yes. Master Lan's friends are our most precious guests."
This madame was quite adept at attracting customers. She smiled ever more warmly and welcomed them into the building.
Frankly, these men were handsome and generous with their money, making them favored guests among the girls. Not only could they earn money, but they also pleased the girls. Why wouldn't the madame be delighted?
As soon as the group entered Feng Yue Tower, the girls within widened their amorous, watery eyes, gazing at the guests. Each of them was handsome and spirited, as flawless as fine jade.
The madame personally led them to the number one room in the Heaven category, Feng Yue Tower's prime private chamber.
It was spacious and large, with an even distribution of space. Long couches lined the walls, with high tables outside the couches. In the center was an open space, clearly where the girls would play music or where guests would select them from.
Once the madame had settled the distinguished guests, she immediately said respectfully, "Master Lan and guests, please wait a moment. This old woman will immediately go and summon the girls."
"Go, and ensure they are the best girls in the establishment."
The madame withdrew, and the private chamber fell silent. Two maidservants entered from outside the door, efficiently serving tea. Their peripheral vision still discreetly appraised the guests, their faces flushed like peach blossoms, a faint blush spreading.
Song Yuan's expression was somewhat displeased. He shot a cold glance at Lan Qinglun beside him and let out a dissatisfied snort.
"I didn't expect Master Lan to have such a hobby?"
Lan Qinglun did not get angry. He raised his elegant, smiling face and said clearly, "Men, it's unavoidable."
Shangguan Yao on the side glanced at him indifferently. He wasn't angry at all; on the contrary, there was a hint of delight in his pupils. As long as a person had desires, they were easier to control. It seemed this Lan Qinglun could indeed be used; he knew how to flatter and also liked beautiful women.
Yun Xiao's expression was calm, seemingly uninterested in their conversation. Her cloud-like pupils drifted leisurely towards the window.
Outside the window, the moonlight was rich and dense. The moon hung in the night sky, surrounded by a few sparse clouds drifting casually by, exuding an indescribable elegance.