Li Shizhen was so captivated by the beauty that he forgot his pain and humiliation. He stared blankly for a while before whispering to the person beside him, “Whose young lady is that? Damn, she’s something else!”
Beside him were Qian Yulou, the son of one of the capital’s top merchants, and his entourage. Qian Yulou narrowed his peach-blossom eyes and scrutinized her for a long time, his tone tinged with greed. “There are few beauties in the capital we don’t recognize. Judging by her dignified yet daring attire and her enchanting appearance… I suspect she must be that Junzhu from the southern border!”
“Her…” Li Shizhen’s drunken eyes were hazy, but the corners of his lips curled even deeper. “If I could pin her down, I’d die without regret!”
“Prince Rong, you’re talking nonsense again!” Qian Yulou laughed it off. “Let’s go, let’s go, time for a drink!”
Li Shizhen was dragged away, looking back every few steps, completely unaware of the pair of icy-cold eyes in the crowd. If they were a blade, he would have been sliced to pieces.
The humiliated woman moved to Yan Rong’s side and bowed deeply. “This humble one is at fault for causing trouble for you, my lord, for no reason! I fear I will never be able to repay your kindness in this lifetime…”
Yan Rong turned and saw the palm print still visible on her pale face. She spoke sorrowfully, and though he intended to offer a few words of comfort, he thought of Prince Rong’s notoriously chaotic household. He softened his tone and said, “Go back.”
The woman hesitated for a moment, as if wanting to say more. After a few silent breaths, she finally left quietly.
Yan Rong walked to the tree, feeling as though the young lady before him was radiant and dazzling. His gaze swept over Shuangqi and Feng Xiu before finally settling back on Mei Yao. He cupped his hands and said, “Thank you, miss, for stepping in to resolve the situation.”
Mei Yao spoke softly, “As expected of the sharp-eyed Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, your discernment is as keen as a torch.”
To Yan Rong, her voice felt like petals skimming the surface of water—light and airy, yet rippling with waves.
“Your arm…”
Mei Yao suddenly noticed a streak of crimson seeping from beneath the sleeve of his left robe. Upon closer inspection, it was blood.
Yan Rong lifted his sleeve and saw a cut on the inner side of his forearm, from which blood beads were oozing.
“My lord, you should bandage it…”
As she spoke, Mei Yao took out a plain handkerchief, folded it, and placed it over his wound. Since that day, she had found plain handkerchiefs more practical.
Yan Rong’s words, “It’s nothing serious,” were left unspoken, and he swallowed them back.
Watching her gently and carefully bandage his wound, he felt the snow-white skin of her chest was somewhat glaring. He averted his gaze, but the faint fragrance around her still drifted into his nostrils. Forcing himself to remain composed, he said, “Thank you for your trouble. May I ask which family you belong to?”
“It’s done.”
Mei Yao looked up and said, “I still need to offer incense. Take care, my lord.”
Yan Rong said, “This handkerchief…”
“It’s nothing important. You can discard it when you tend to your wound.”
Yan Rong watched her graceful figure disappear into the inner hall before covering his sleeve and leaving the Zhenwu Hall.
By this time, Shen Xiuyan should have arrived.
After Mei Yao finished offering incense, she drew a fortune stick. Before she could have it interpreted, a young Taoist priest came to clear the hall, claiming that a noble guest was arriving and all worshippers inside must step aside for a moment.
Feng Xiu angrily argued, “I’ve never heard that the gods belong to one family alone! What noble guest is so overbearing?”
Most of those who came here to offer incense and pray for blessings were either wealthy or noble. Seeing the young lady before him dressed in elegance and radiating a dazzling beauty, the young Taoist priest dared not offend her. However, he could not defy the decree of the noble consort from the palace either. He could only force a smile and say, “It is the palace’s decree. I hope the noble lady will forgive us. It will only take half an hour at most. Perhaps the noble lady could first go to the Bamboo Garden behind the temple for some tea or a stroll? The scenery in the rear garden is truly exquisite!”
Feng Xiu wanted to say something more, but Mei Yao stopped her, saying, “It’s fine. Let’s go.”
Just as they stepped out of the inner hall, someone called out, “Junzhu, please wait!”
The newcomer’s voice was sharp and thin. He bowed slightly, his steps light and nimble, like a young eunuch. Approaching, he saluted and said, “Junzhu, Prince Duan is behind the temple enjoying tea with friends. Hearing that Junzhu has also come to Phoenix Mountain, he specially sent this servant to invite you. I wonder if it would be convenient for Junzhu to grace us with your presence?”
Mei Yao did not care for Li Sheng’s temperament, but after all, he held a noble status, and she owed him a favor. Those who came here were either praying for blessings or meeting friends, so she could not easily brush him off with other excuses. Thus, she said, “Please lead the way.”
The Bamboo Garden behind the Taoist temple was indeed a wonderful place. Tall bamboos and elegant pavilions stood amidst the murmuring streams and chirping birds, with winding paths leading to various detached courtyards. Mei Yao was led to a refined courtyard hidden behind dense bamboos and white stones. Before even entering, she could already hear the sound of string and wind instruments. Upon reaching the courtyard, she saw large patches of peonies blooming enchantingly. Behind them stood a simple, rustic bamboo cottage, from which the sounds of music and revelry emanated—truly a place of refined elegance.
Mei Yao ascended the stone steps along the path and immediately spotted Prince Duan, Li Sheng, seated centrally inside the room. To his right, Prince Rong lay half-drunk and reclining. Li Shizhen held a cup in one hand while tugging at a beauty’s silk scarf with the other, seemingly trying to force her to drink. To the left were the two who had persuaded Li Shizhen to leave the Zhenwu Hall earlier. She did not recognize them, but assumed they were of the same ilk.
Seeing this scene, Mei Yao grew even more reluctant to stay long, thinking only to exchange greetings and find an excuse to leave.
However, as if their wishes had been granted, everyone inside the room collectively came out to greet her. Li Sheng led the way, smiling, “Princess Wenshan honors us with your presence, bringing radiance to our humble gathering. Please, Princess, come in!”
The drunken Prince Rong threw aside his cup and stumbled toward Mei Yao, nearly plunging headfirst into her embrace, but Li Sheng grabbed him by the back of his collar!
With a cold expression, Li Sheng called to the maids behind him, “Help Prince Rong sober up and rest!”
Turning back to Mei Yao, he said, “Prince Rong has indulged too much and lost his composure. I hope the Princess will not take offense.”
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Li Sheng personally picked up a cup and offered it to Mei Yao.
The young eunuch had clearly mentioned enjoying tea, but now the cup contained wine, and there was already one person utterly disoriented. Mei Yao took the cup and said, “Your Highness’s elegant invitation is truly an honor. However, I have made arrangements to meet several lady friends. Let me offer a toast to everyone here, wishing you all joy and success!” With that, she drained the cup in one go.
Li Sheng intended to keep her there. Seeing her about to leave, he was just about to say something when he noticed Li Shizhen, who had been helped away, staggering back. His face flushed, he boldly eyed Mei Yao and said with a grin, “It is said the Yu people are skilled in singing and dancing. The Princess is as beautiful as a celestial being. I wonder if you know the ‘Spring Oriole Nesting Dance’?” As soon as he uttered these words, everyone was stunned!
All present were frequent visitors to pleasure quarters. The “Spring Oriole Nesting Dance” was, in fact, a dance performed by courtesans to solicit intimacy before the bed. It was highly inappropriate to mention it in such a setting, let alone to a noble princess!
Mei Yao naturally did not understand the nuances of this dance, but Li Shizhen’s disrespectful intent was blatantly obvious.
Li Sheng shouted, “Jianming! You’ve had too much to drink. Do not disrespect the Princess!”
Several people dragged Li Shizhen aside by force.
Seeing Li Shizhen even more deranged than before, Mei Yao smiled and said, “I am not skilled in dance, nor do I wish to spoil Prince Rong’s enjoyment. However, my subordinate is adept in martial arts and can provide some entertainment!”
She glanced at Shuangqi, who pulled at her waist with her right hand, and a soft sword instantly unsheathed with a clear, crisp ring.
“Forgive my humble display!”
Shuangqi raised her sword and began to dance.
Li Sheng had witnessed Shuangqi’s killing intent back in Qiyun Town. Seeing her take action now, he knew the Junzhu had been thoroughly provoked, and his anger toward Li Shizhen grew even stronger.
At that moment, the long sword in Shuangqi’s hand seemed to come alive, like a white serpent flicking its tongue or a roaming dragon weaving through the air. Sword shadows intertwined like silk, gleaming like snow. Her figure was light and graceful, her sleeves fluttering like drifting clouds, yet the tip of her sword exuded a formidable, domineering aura. Several times, it brushed past Li Shizhen’s cheeks and neck, startling him so much that half his drunkenness vanished. His eyes widened in terror, and he dared not move a muscle!
After a few moves, the soft sword trembled and coiled around a small green plum from Li Shizhen’s table. With a flick into the air, the sword straightened, and the plum soared upward. As it fell, the sharp blade sliced it cleanly in two. With a soft “plop,” the two halves landed in the wine cup before Li Shizhen, splashing a few drops onto his face and startling him into a shiver!
Shuangqi sheathed her sword, picked up the wine cup in front of Li Shizhen, and knelt respectfully on one knee, saying, “This humble servant dares to offer Prince Rong plum wine, wishing Your Highness a life free from worries!”
Li Shizhen, shocked and frightened, was now in a daze. He stared blankly at Shuangqi, unable to move.
Li Sheng smoothed things over, saying, “Jianming? Prince Rong! A beauty is offering you wine. Why are you just standing there?”
Only then did Li Shizhen snap out of it. His previously flushed face had turned somewhat pale. He took the wine, glanced at the two halves of the plum, then looked toward Mei Yao, whose expression was cool and detached. He couldn’t help but feel a chill run down his neck.
Li Sheng signaled the attendants to serve tea, saying, “Fine wine intoxicates, but clear tea clarifies the mind! Let us end the drinking here for today. I have some newly harvested Mingqian tea—please, everyone, try it!”
He personally poured tea for Mei Yao, his tone carrying a hint of apology. “Today, we have offended the Junzhu repeatedly. I hope the Junzhu can forgive us. I offer this toast to you!”
“Your Highness is too kind,” Mei Yao replied, lifting her teacup and taking a small sip. She smiled faintly and added, “Excellent tea.”
Li Sheng gazed at her captivating, lotus-like face and smiled without speaking.
Mei Yao had long wanted to leave. Without hesitation, she drained her cup, set it down, and said, “Thank you for the invitation, Your Highness. I have another engagement and must take my leave now!”
“Allow me to escort you, Junzhu.”
“Please stay, Your Highness. Everyone, continue enjoying the feast. I shall depart first!”
Mei Yao, accompanied by Feng Xiu and Shuangqi, stepped out of the bamboo cottage. As soon as she descended the steps, she felt a wave of dizziness and blurred vision. Her steps faltered, and she tightly grasped Feng Xiu’s arm. Focusing her senses, she detected none of the restless agitation from the previous encounter with the bewitching fragrance, only a gradual loss of strength throughout her body. Looking back at the others behind her, their faces had already grown somewhat indistinct.
Someone only wanted her unconscious…
The person who drugged her was even more malicious than Zhaohua!
She never imagined that a member of the imperial nobility could stoop so low!
Li Sheng had already made up his mind. Today, Prince Rong had gotten drunk and caused a scene, making a fool of himself in every way. Since things had come to this, he might as well go all the way. Known for his boldness and lustfulness, he was the perfect candidate to bear the blame for defiling the Junzhu!
He stepped forward to support Mei Yao’s arm, finding the person before him fragrant and soft. His heart raced, and he could barely restrain himself. Suppressing his emotions, he asked, “Is the Junzhu feeling unwell?”
Mei Yao weakly called out to Shuangqi, “Take me back to the residence!”
“Yes!”
Shuangqi forcibly took her mistress from Li Sheng’s grasp, but then heard Li Sheng say, “Wait! Since the Junzhu has come to attend my banquet, how could I stand by and watch her discomfort without taking action? Ma Quan’er, go fetch a physician!”
Feng Xiu urgently replied, “We dare not trouble Your Highness. We will take care of our young lady ourselves. Shuangqi, let’s go!”
Li Sheng turned to the maids behind him and said, “You there, escort the Junzhu to Crane Court to await the estate physician!”
Shuangqi’s expression turned stern, her hand already reaching toward her waist. Just as she was about to speak, a powerful voice came from outside the courtyard: “Is Princess Wenshan here? A distinguished guest requests her presence!”
Li Sheng looked up to see a stranger—a man in sturdy attire, his features cold and stern, his gaze sweeping over Li Sheng with a chill. The man then bowed toward Mei Yao and said, “Junzhu, please come with me!”
“Halt!”
Seeing his prey about to slip away, Li Sheng felt fury burning in his chest. Yet, constrained by the other’s arrogant demeanor and unknown identity, he forced himself to remain patient and said, “The Junzhu is my honored guest. On whose behalf are you inviting her?”
The newcomer looked directly at him, reached into his robe, and produced an object, holding it up for display.
With just one glance, Li Sheng’s eyes widened.