Chapter 63: Dance Dedication

As the rooster crowed, the lights in the capital gradually lit up, marking the moment when the Flower Tower at Lanchun Pavilion opened its doors to guests.

Inside the carriage, Yu Lingxi followed Tang Buli’s plan and changed into a light golden gauze dress. In the rhombus-shaped mirror, the beautiful woman had her long hair tied up in a morning cloud bun, adorned with a floral hairpin on her forehead. With cherry lips and apricot cheeks, she appeared exceptionally charming.

Tang Buli, using some unknown means, quickly obtained a pass to the inner courtyard of the brothel.

Originally, brothels only admitted male clients, and Yu Lingxi planned to have Qingxiao use the pass to infiltrate and bring Hongzhu out. However, the inner courtyard was well-hidden, with one pass allowing one person to enter, but none to leave. Retrieving a living person from there was even more challenging.

Some matters couldn’t be conveyed by others, and Yu Lingxi had to ask Hongzhu face-to-face. Thus, after careful consideration, she decided to personally go and find out.

Just as she was contemplating, the carriage came to a halt.

Tang Buli, dressed in light apricot-colored men’s clothing, lifted the curtain and stepped out. She had simulated a pair of short beards on her lips, and a long whip was coiled around her waist. She truly looked like a refined and charming young player.

Seeing Yu Lingxi in her elaborate disguise, “Tang Gongzi” couldn’t help but stare and say, “My, my, today you are truly… truly…”

The Clear Peaceful Township Lord, who disliked reading and was at a loss for words, stammered for a while without finding suitable words. Eventually, he exclaimed, “Today, I truly realize that your title of ‘the most beautiful girl in the capital’ is not an exaggeration.”

With the makeup of a flower girl and the luxurious golden gauze, Yu Lingxi appeared even more charming and alluring. It was less like a favored concubine and more like a divine fairy.

Yu Lingxi herself was not very comfortable with it. The makeup on her face was too thick, and the clothes were too thin. She wrinkled her brows and said, “This dress and makeup are too frivolous and uncomfortable.”

Such bold makeup and clothing were something she had only experienced once in her previous life when serving Ning Yin. However, that was in the privacy of their bedroom, and she didn’t have to worry about appearing in public like today.

If it weren’t for having only one pass, and her appearance and figure not aligning well with a man’s, she would not have bothered disguising herself as “Tang Gongzi’s” favored concubine.

Although Lanchun Pavilion does not admit female clients, they allow male clients to bring their own concubines for training and learning. “You will pretend to be my favored concubine, accompany me into the inner courtyard, and seize the opportunity to find the person you are looking for,” Tang Buli explained the plan again in detail, then turned to the Qingxiao and Qin Lan, both waiting outside the carriage. “You two will be in the front yard to provide support, but be discreet and don’t alert anyone.”

With everything arranged, Yu Lingxi covered her face with a veil and followed “Tang Gongzi” out of the carriage.

The bustling noise of the lights immediately surrounded them, with the sounds of birds chirping and conversation filling the air extravagantly.

Entering the Lanchun Pavilion’s gate, Yu Lingxi began to feel a slight sense of familiarity. The further she walked, the stronger this familiarity became. It wasn’t until she walked along the superficial Nine-Curve Gallery towards the inner courtyard, catching a glimpse of the raised eaves of the tea room in the distance, that she confirmed she had been here before.

Originally, when she was injured from an assassination attempt with poison in her arm, Ning Yin had brought her to the elegant room in this inner courtyard for treatment.

Ah, does Lanchun Pavilion have his inside personnel?

Her thoughts momentarily drifted, and she saw Tang Buli beside her, grabbing her shoulder and giggling, “I heard that Miss Suqin’s dance from the Western Regions is unparalleled in the world. I specially brought my beloved concubine here to learn it. When we return home, she’ll dance it for this young master’s entertainment.”

It turned out to be the guard from the courtyard coming to inspect the pass.

“Young Master and Madam, please come in, but…”

The guard returned the pass to Tang Buli and glanced at the Qingxiao and Qin Lan behind her. “No guards or servants are allowed inside.”

Yu Lingxi slightly turned her head and signaled with her eyes. Qingxiao and Qin Lan received the orders, took a step back, and each headed to the agreed-upon meeting point.

The buildings in the inner courtyard were not as flashy and luxurious as those in the front courtyard; instead, they were exceptionally elegant, with the sound of pipa and zither music in the air. The servant led Tang Buli and the others to the little building where Miss Suqin lived, and in the corridor, they ran into a group of wealthy young gentlemen.

The one at the front, with an oily face and powdery appearance, hugged the person next to him and lewdly said, “Brother Chen, how does the taste of Miss Hongrui’s clove tongue really feel?”

The one called “Brother Chen” was a young man in his twenties who looked quite upright with thick eyebrows and big eyes. Unfortunately, as soon as he spoke, his true colors were revealed. Squinting his eyes, he licentiously said, “Soul-stirring and bone-eroding, not in vain for this trip.”

“No wonder Brother Chen has been entangled with her for so long! Hahaha…”

The obscene words and language were unbearable.

The usually silent Tang Buli suddenly stopped in her tracks.

Yu Lingxi looked back, puzzled, and called out softly, “Ah Buli?”

Tang Buli seemed not to hear, staring fixedly at the hangers-on across from them, her beautiful face suddenly darkening. Yu Lingxi looked at her, then at the people walking towards them, suddenly understanding: That “Brother Chen” was probably Tang Buli’s fiance – Chen Jian, the grandson of the Grand Tutor.

Before she could comfort her, Tang Buli had already taken action. She untied the long whip hanging at her waist, walked toward Chen Jian in large strides, and with a flick of her wrist, the whip shadow flew out like a snake.

The corridor’s colored glass lamps went out, and cries of surprise echoed. Chen Jian howled and fell backward, a red and swollen whip mark appearing on his face.

Covering his face, Chen Jian exclaimed in shock and anger, “Who are you? Why did you hit me?”

Tang Buli, already discontented with this marriage, was now furious. Holding the whip, she sneered, “I am your Tang ancestor! I’m hitting you because you are this person who looks like a dog and acts like a great lecher!”

Chen Jian’s screams and his companions’ calls for help alarmed the guards downstairs. It was already too late to stop them.

With chaos ensuing, Yu Lingxi had no choice but to take advantage of the situation and retreat. She turned around and quickly ran towards the miscellaneous room that Qingxiao had scouted, where it was said that Hongzhu was located.

Just as she descended the stairs, she nearly collided with someone head-on.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be someone familiar—someone who had proposed to her before and later engaged in illicit affairs with a fox-like concubine, the eldest son of Marquis Cheng’an.

No wonder the security in the inner courtyard of Lanchun Pavilion was so strict. It was truly a hidden world, where one could casually encounter nobles and dignitaries who came for entertainment with just three steps.

Although they had met before, Yu Lingxi quickly lowered her head, but she was caught by the eldest son of Marquis Cheng’an, who said, “Stop.”

Yu Lingxi’s heart tightened. Could it be that she was recognized? She lowered her head even further, and only the two feather-like eyelashes fluttered outside the veil.

But the eldest son of Marquis Cheng’an exclaimed, “Oh,” circled around her, and looked her up and down, saying, “What’s your name? I haven’t seen you before.”

As he spoke, he was about to reach out and pull away the light veil covering her face. Yu Lingxi’s heart, which had just relaxed, tensed up again. She quickly covered her face with the veil and stepped back, bumping into a solid embrace.

The world fell into a momentary silence.

The familiar and cool scent of sandalwood lingered, making her subconsciously think of the purple hem that never stopped on the banquet.

Yu Lingxi stood still, her heart suddenly shrinking, and then an infinite pain spread.

…

When Xue Cen woke up, it was already dark.

“Where is this?”

Rubbing his dull neck, he realized that he was lying on a soft couch wearing loose undergarments. And beside him, a woman with delicate skin and jade bones was sleeping closely, emitting soft murmurs.

Xue Cen was suddenly shocked and fell off the bed, causing a pile of utensils on the table to crash down.

“What are you doing?”

The woman was completely awakened and, with dissatisfaction, yawned and got up. Her hairpin fell down, revealing a large expanse of charming scenery beneath the fallen bedding.

But Xue Cen truly didn’t have the courage to appreciate it. With a red face, he turned away and said, “Young lady, quickly put on your clothes. This…this is so improper!”

“Does the young master think he’s joking? Everyone who comes here takes off their clothes. Haven’t you seen anyone wearing clothes here?”

The woman had no shame and leaned softly against Xue Cen, giggling, “Besides, didn’t the young master enjoy taking off just now?”

Xue Cen only felt a buzzing sound in his head. He forgot all the propriety and rules, got up and pushed the woman away, saying, “You’re talking nonsense! I…I…”

He turned away, hastily checking his clothes.

He had never been with a woman, so he couldn’t say for sure whether he had lost his virginity or not. His mind was in chaos, but when he saw several fresh lipstick marks on his chest and abdomen, his limbs suddenly went cold.

The flower girl watched as this young man’s face turned from crimson to pale, and couldn’t help but be startled. She reached out with her rosy fingers and poked him, “Young master, are you okay?”

Xue Cen shivered as he fastened his shirt. Due to trembling hands, the belt was tied several times without success.

His eyes turned red, and he suddenly said hoarsely, “Get out.”

So the flower girl swallowed the words “fainted like a dead person, didn’t have time” back, rolled her eyes to the back of her head, snorted, put on her clothes, and left.

Xue Cen still sat dazed on the ground, his handsome face full of frustration. Was it the deliberate manipulation of the people in this brothel or the Seventh Prince…

He clenched his fists, supported himself on the couch, and slowly stood up, picking up the scattered robes and jade belts from the ground one by one. It was as if he was desperately gathering the shattered dignity, and the more he picked up, the redder his eyes became.

Creak, the door opened again.

Xue Cen looked up in confusion, but it wasn’t the flower girl who came in. Instead, it was a little maid with a scar on her forehead, carrying a tray of tea.

“Young Master, please have some tea…”

The maid raised her head, but when she saw Xue Cen’s appearance, she trembled, and the cup in her hand fell, making a piercing shattering sound.

Xue Cen also recognized her and couldn’t help covering his clothes in front of his chest. “Hongzhu?”

The person in front of him was none other than the missing personal maid of the Zhao family’s young lady. They stared at each other in silence, and Hongzhu’s pupils trembled. She turned around and ran.

Her behavior was too abnormal, and seeing Xue Cen in this embarrassed state, he couldn’t help but feel both ashamed and angry. He stepped forward to explain, “Miss Hongzhu, it’s not what you think…”

But Hongzhu behaved as if she had seen a ghost, screamed in shock, and ran to pull the door, finding that she couldn’t open it. She cowered in the corner and pleaded, “I didn’t see anything! When I saw you secretly talking that day, it was Miss, I really didn’t hear anything! Spare me, Mr. Xue!”

“What secret talk…”

Xue Cen realized that something was wrong and stared blankly at Hongzhu. “What are you talking about?”

…

In the corridor of the inner courtyard.

Yu Lingxi felt a tightness around her waist, and a solid chest pressed against her back.

“Newcomer?”

She heard a very light sneer from above her head, a familiar voice scattered and low, “What’s this, is the eldest son of Marquis Cheng’an also interested in this beauty?”

Yu Lingxi had heard this voice countless times, but never before, like tonight, did it make her heart flutter uncomfortably. She remembered the unfamiliar and cold eyes of Ning Yin at the banquet. Both she and Ning Yin had made their choices, and meeting in such a situation was truly awkward. Equally awkward was Marquis Cheng’an’s eldest son. Having attended the Empress’s birthday banquet, he naturally recognized the handsome young man in purple robes before him.

Although he had no power or influence, he was still a prince. Marquis Cheng’an’s son smiled apologetically and let go, saying, “Your Highness likes her, how could I dare to snatch her away?”

“Very well.”

Ning Yin seemed not to recognize the woman in his arms, and said indifferently, “Tonight, it will be her. Gentlemen, please.”

Only then did Yu Lingxi notice the two middle-aged men standing behind him. Judging from their attire, they seemed to be civilian officials who often wandered at night. In this awkward situation, Yu Lingxi had not figured out how to extricate herself when she was forcibly taken upstairs and into a gorgeously decorated room.

Luxurious flower-shaped candlesticks stood on the floor, making the room as bright as day, illuminating the dazzling pearl curtains. Behind the screen, a qin player had already started, and the sound of the qin flowed like running water and phoenix singing, elegant and unparalleled.

Ning Yin and the two civil officials took their seats, poured themselves a cup of wine, and casually looked at the beautiful woman in golden veil. “What’s your name?”

It seemed like he truly didn’t recognize her. Well, dressed like this, heavy makeup and a covered face, who could recognize her?

Yu Lingxi, for the first time, felt the taste of restraint. She couldn’t lift her head under Ning Yin’s scrutiny and just wanted to free herself quickly to find out what happened to Hongzhu. But she couldn’t move and dared not speak. Ning Yin’s cold and unfamiliar gaze felt like heavy shackles, nailing her to the spot.

Her heart was in chaos, and there was truly no worse situation than now.

Ning Yin suddenly smiled, “So, you’re a mute.”

The two civil officials exchanged glances, and the younger one nodded, taking the initiative to speak, “We… we took the risk to come here to discuss important matters with Your Excellency, not to indulge in pleasures…”

“Dance.” Ning Yin disregarded their words, squinting at the graceful beauty covered in gauze under the bright lights.

Yu Lingxi froze. She was not good at dancing, but reluctantly followed Tang Buli’s plan to disguise herself as a dancing beauty.

“Your Highness…” The civil official tried to advise.

Ning Yin, however, interrupted him, “Dance.”

One word, as heavy as a thousand pounds. Yu Lingxi could only stiffen her body, stepping to the rhythm of the music, slowly stretching her arms. Born in a military family, she learned arts and military strategy, not the entertainment skills of a courtesan. In two lifetimes, she had only danced once, forced by Ning Yin in her previous life because he wanted to see how the golden bells danced on her fair and undulating figure.

At that time, she was a bit scared and a bit aggrieved. She didn’t learn seriously, and the movements were almost forgotten. Moreover, such a dance required a specific tune, which didn’t match the slow rhythm of the current music, making her dance awkward and stumbling.

She stared at her toes and the fluttering hem of her dress, not daring to look into Ning Yin’s eyes. Judging by the silent attitude of the two civil officials, it seemed they couldn’t bear to look directly at her.

Torture could hardly be worse. As the dance ended, the room fell silent, only the slightly rapid breathing of Yu Lingxi could be heard. She couldn’t stay for another moment. Ready to retreat with a bow, suddenly, applause broke the dead silence.

“Wonderful.”

Ning Yin, as if witnessing a marvelous performance, clapped his hands and laughed heartily, shaking his shoulders with laughter. With his laughter, Yu Lingxi found it difficult to leave the scene and stood still.

The two civil officials were also puzzled, exchanging glances.

After stopping his laughter, Ning Yin, with squinted eyes, asked, “Was the dance not good?”

“It was good, very good…”

The two had to follow suit and reluctantly applauded with their hands.

“Come here.” Ning Yin showed a pleased expression.

Unable to retreat, Yu Lingxi took small steps closer while still keeping her head low.

“Sit down,” Ning Yin added.

Yu Lingxi, unable to move forward, took small steps and approached, still keeping her head down.

“Sit,” Ning Yin repeated.

Yu Lingxi’s almond eyes under the veil lifted, quickly scanning the surroundings. There were only three chairs in the room, with no extra seating available. Seeing her hesitation, Ning Yin unfolded his legs and tapped his knees rhythmically, implying rather conspicuously.

Could it be that he wanted her to sit on his lap?

In front of the two enigmatic civil officials, wouldn’t it be too…

When he was the Seventh Prince, he was obedient in every way, and as Regent, he was immersed in bloodshed, showing no interest in women. Unexpectedly, as the Seventh Prince, he was so unrestrained…

Well, now she had no right to criticize him.

Yu Lingxi bit her lip, carefully hiding her emotions.

Without much thought, she gracefully jumped and landed on the Eight Immortals table. The spilled wine wet her luxurious golden veil dance dress, and each drop reflected a cold and dazzling light under the candlelight.

The two civil officials were dumbfounded, and even Ning Yin was momentarily stunned.

After a moment, a smile of interest appeared in his eyes. His hand, previously tapping his knee, slowly rose and fell on Yu Lingxi’s back. Then, through the thin fabric, it followed the graceful curve of her back, lingering faintly at the indentation of her waist.

Yu Lingxi instantly tensed, as if her life’s key point had been grasped, and she subconsciously trembled. If it weren’t for Ning Yin’s seemingly indifferent expression, as if he was detached from the situation, she would have almost thought that he had recognized her.

Seeing the two civil officials genuinely indulging in pleasure, apparently not intending to vie for power, they exchanged a glance, saluted, and withdrew. As the two left, the hint of amusement in Ning Yin’s eyes faded away, turning into a familiar darkness and silence.

The hand that rested on Yu Lingxi’s back slowly withdrew, placing it back on his knee.

This sudden change made Yu Lingxi’s rapid heartbeat calm down.

She knew that Ning Yin was just putting on a show a moment ago. The performance was over, and it was time for her to leave. Yu Lingxi tiptoed, taking the opportunity to leave the seat.

Her belt was hooked, and Ning Yin leisurely spoke, using a cold and different tone from before, “Spilling my wine, won’t you compensate with another glass before leaving?”

Yu Lingxi resigned herself and had to pour another glass of wine, lowering her head and handing it to Ning Yin.

Ning Yin didn’t take it. He lifted his eyes like black ice and chuckled slowly, “When I used to feed the miss, it wasn’t done like this.”

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