Chapter 606: Yunniang, let

Though Shenxiang harbored reservations, remembering Su Yun's friendship, she let slip a faint, cold smile.

"Shenxiang is here, paying respects to Master Guan." Her courtesies were impeccable.

Shenxiang, like Hu Yunniang, was the flower queen of Yuehua Pavilion last year.

Shenxiang had held the title of flower queen for two consecutive years, accumulating deeper patronage and connections than Hu Yunniang.

The two women had been sisters since before they rose to fame, bound by deep affection; last time, Hu Yunniang's unexpected victory as a dark horse owed much to Shenxiang's behind-the-scenes maneuvering.

Su Yun, this young master of the Su family, was introduced to them by Shenxiang and became their most generous and generous patron.

This time, Shenxiang had fully prepared her artistic performance and the "setting poem."

In past years, Yuehua Pavilion's flower queens hosted only eight seats—rare and precious.

This year's Qunfang Banquet is different: formerly, the three venues ranked separately; now, Yuehua Pavilion, Zixiao Pavilion, and Qimochun Fang each send twelve flower queens to compete for the top ten rankings.

Both scale and intensity far surpass previous years.

Yuehua Pavilion places great importance on this grand event; if they enter the top ten, they receive a reward of ten thousand taels.

And more—a right to redemption.

In decades of Qunfang Banquet history, this has never happened before.

Flower queens are the cash cows and treasure pots of brothels; how could they be easily released?

This was sheer fantasy. Not even Yuehua Pavilion's girls believed it—they inquired widely and learned the other two venues offered identical terms.

With redemption rights, one gains the status of a "virtuous spouse"; for flower queens—talented, beautiful, adored by thousands, yet caged like birds—it was a sliver of heavenly light in a deep pool.

This was a once-in-a-millennium chance—perhaps their only opportunity to escape their suffering!

Some flower queens, upon hearing this news, wept uncontrollably, spending all their wealth just to seize this one chance in life.

For freedom, ten thousand taels could be cast aside.

Thus, the Qunfang Banquet gathered the finest flower queens: Su Shishi, Ni Huang, Gongsun Niangzi, and others.

As for the top ten, the Academy would write their biographies; the Great Qi government would personally grant them the title of "Imperial Lady Official," and post "Beauty Rolls" across all prefectures and counties of Great Qi.

The flower queens barely cared—it was merely a bonus.

Shenxiang and Hu Yunniang had already spent all their savings, staking everything on the Qunfang Banquet.

Shenxiang was born into an official family, but her clan was entangled in a major court scandal, leading to confiscation and exile; she was conscripted as a state courtesan. Due to her mastery of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, she was sold to Yuehua Pavilion.

She had once intended to fade quietly away in this world of smoke and flowers, yet her heart refused to surrender to the mire.

Though she socialized within Yuehua Pavilion, deep inside, she refused to sink into the same morass as others.

A phoenix does not flock with crows.

For Shenxiang, this Qunfang Banquet was nothing less than burning the boats.

When Su Yun invited you, you merely shook your head, having no intention of entering this flower queen contest.

"I, Xie Guan, am shallow and unskilled; I fear I cannot shoulder Young Master Yun's heavy burden."

Su Yun still remembered vividly how you defeated Chen Jiuyan in six straight games last time.

Seeing your firm expression, Su Yun's disappointment was plain to see.

You continued: "Last time, I merely happened upon a fine line; I have no confidence I can produce anything equally impressive."

Su Yun pleaded: "This time, I only need your help. Afterward, I, Su Yun, will follow your lead."

Chen Yong's expression froze—he had not expected the young master of the Su family to make such a weighty promise.

You still said: "I'm sorry, Young Master Yun—I truly cannot help."

Chen Yong had not anticipated your refusal would be so direct, with no room for negotiation.

Li Shuwan and others fell silent, as if pondering.

Xie Xuan's face darkened with anger—Su Yun had lowered himself so much for you. What did their past friendship mean?

Hu Yunniang's expression was unreadable; she usually handled all matters with ease, but with the Qunfang Banquet approaching, her anxiety left her momentarily speechless.

Shenxiang's patience wore thin—they had waited long for your arrival.

If you delayed further, you might truly miss the chance to take the stage.

Yet you refused to agree.

Shenxiang stepped forward gracefully, her face cold, forcing a smile: "Hu Yunniang and I have drafted a theme—would you care to review it?"

"Otherwise, we've waited this long for you and Su Yun—was it all for nothing…?"

Her tone carried a hint of sarcasm.

Zhang Yunzhi frowned slightly—there was no such thing as forced purchase. This matter had nothing to do with Xie Guan; you had already refused to help before.

You said nothing.

Shenxiang paused, then said: "If you fear you cannot compose it, that's fine too."

She turned to Hu Yunniang: "Yunniang, let's go."

Shenxiang's tone grew increasingly hostile—she had waited this long for you on Su Yun's behalf, and resentment had long taken root.

You slowly raised your head, your expression still calm.

Chen Yong stroked the cat in his arms, his eyes glinting with amusement. He knew well: if you were not a lowborn bastard but a scion of one of the Nine Great Clans like Xie Yuan or Xie Renfeng, this flower queen would never dare speak so boldly.

Su Yun finally spoke, cutting off Shenxiang's complaints: "Shenxiang, enough. We didn't come here to quarrel."

Shenxiang fell silent—Su Yun was now their greatest patron.

In truth, Su Yun had prepared thoroughly for this Qunfang Banquet: vast sums for flower hairpins, the themes for his two favored flower queens—all already set, and he had commissioned poets from poetry societies and even the Academy to compose verses.

Yet even so, he felt something was missing—he had not felt the same awe as when you wrote that fragmentary verse in Hongjing Courtyard.

Su Yun sighed: "I've disturbed you."

Li Shuwan spoke up at the right moment: "Young Master Yun, the Qunfang Banquet is about to begin; there's no time left for Xie Guan to improvise poetry."

Hearing this, Su Yun recalled the two hours you had delayed on the road.

He had planned to first invite you to Yuehua Pavilion, where the top flower queens would coax you into composing verses with their soft whispers.

Now, time was gone—the Qunfang Banquet was starting, and you had only just arrived; there was no time left!

He had been foolish!

Su Yun chuckled bitterly at himself—he had placed too high an expectation on you because of his grandfather's recollection of that fragmentary verse. You were merely an ordinary scholar reading quietly in a small courtyard; how could he demand you produce dazzling poetry every time?

"I was presumptuous. Let this matter drop."

Su Yun was a straightforward man; knowing the outcome was hopeless, he turned to leave.

Hu Yunniang opened her mouth but held back—one side was her loyal sister who had repeatedly helped her, the other was Su Yun.

Regarding Xie Guan, she had never placed such high hopes as she had on Su Yun; she merely comforted him:

"Young Master Yun, do not worry. The verses we prepared were composed by great Confucians of the Academy; our chances are not zero."

Su Yun nodded slowly: "There's nothing else we can do."

Everyone prepared to depart.

As Shenxiang was about to leave, she resumed her cold demeanor, tilting her chin slightly upward, smiling: "Master Guan, we shall meet again at the Qunfang Banquet."

The carriage moved farther away, finally vanishing from sight.

Their arrival had been swift; their departure, equally swift.

It was as if a spring breeze had passed.

Xie Yuan watched the fading hoofbeats and asked: "Younger Brother Guan, this Young Master Su is now a rising star in Bianjing. His earnestness is rare."

"Whether he succeeds or fails, it's still a matter of human connection."

"To refuse so outright may mean you'll never cross paths again."

You merely shook your head, offering no explanation.

Su Yun's grandfather, Su Jing, seemed to harbor unusual feelings toward you; that limping old man addressed Su Jing as "Master," and the killing intent radiating from him was stronger than Shen He's.

You had no desire for any entanglement with the Xie household.

Xie Yuan teased: "Younger Brother Guan, you're truly remarkable—just meeting two flower queens has them frantic for you."

You sighed helplessly.

Li Shuwan suggested: "Let's set off too—the Qunfang Banquet is about to begin."

Xie Qiyue was already impatient, fearing she'd miss the opening performance of Yuehua Pavilion's flower queen Ni Huang.

"Let's go quickly."

The group boarded their carriage and headed for the Qunfang Banquet.

Chen Yong went ahead alone; as a prince, he was going to Yaoxian Pavilion.

Li Shuwan, Zhang Yuzhi, and Xie Qiyue shared one carriage.

Xie Yuan quietly pulled you toward another carriage at the rear, his eyes carrying an odd, ambiguous gleam.

"I'll show you a treasure!"

You were puzzled when Xie Yuan whispered in your ear: "Younger Brother Guan, remember the sister I told you about before?"

You recalled Xie Yuan's words in the small courtyard: "That sister is plump and round, full-figured, older than us. When she sits atop… I heard from Xie Hou'er it's called 'White Jade Guanyin Sitting Backward on the Lotus'—her whole body feels ethereal, worth no exchange with immortals." "Younger Brother Guan, you should try it too…"

Your expression froze.

Xie Yuan shoved you into the carriage, grinning: "That sister swore eternal union with me, but I'd never let anyone else have her. But you and I are as brothers—suffering and joy, we share alike."

You were half-dazed as you were pushed into the carriage!

Xie Yuan did not enter; he instructed the driver to move on.

He called out from outside: "Younger Brother Guan, be gentle with her—she's terrified of pain…"

Xie Yuan chuckled.

Xie Qiyue lifted the curtain ahead, glancing at Xie Yuan and sneering: "Xie Yuan, what are you laughing at? That lewd, disgusting grin."

Xie Yuan climbed into another carriage, "Xie Qi Yue, what's it to you?!"

Mu Zhu sat calmly inside the carriage.

Hearing footsteps outside, her pale, jade-like hands instinctively rested lightly over her full chest, her heartbeat pounding like a drum, rising and falling in exaggerated waves, her expression tinged with nervousness and shyness.

Especially when her young master's voice rang out: "I'll show you a precious treasure!"

Mu Zhu's cheeks instantly flushed crimson; inwardly, she was mortified—this so-called "precious treasure" clearly referred to herself.

Recalling not long ago, under Madam Zhuge's careful arrangement, she had become Xie Yuan's concubine-in-waiting; that night, drops of crimson had stained the white cloth.

Since childhood, chosen by Madam Zhuge, Mu Zhu not only possessed a graceful figure and gentle disposition, but also knew how to tenderly care for others.

She had long prepared herself to serve the young master.

Deep inside, Mu Zhu felt a deep "sweetness." Young Master Xie Yuan was not only strikingly handsome but also the most favored son in the household, with a brilliant future ahead.

Moreover, he had never experienced romantic or physical intimacy; between them, it was truly "mutual affection," and Xie Yuan treated her with boundless indulgence and doting care.

Though Mu Zhu came from humble origins and dared not dream of becoming his lawful wife, being taken as a concubine was already a great honor to her.

Now, at the peak of his youthful vigor and newly awakened to physical desire, Xie Yuan found the act both curious and pleasurable, growing ever more dependent on her.

This should have been a joyous thing!

Yet!

Not long ago, the young master suddenly proposed that he share this pleasure with his brother, Xie Guan.

When she heard this, she burst into tears, "Yuan-ge, I am already yours—how could you do such a thing? Even brothers shouldn't do this…"

Xie Yuan's stance was firm: "I and Guan are as close as brothers; what is mine is his—why should we distinguish between you and me?"

"If you stubbornly refuse and show such disdain for my brother, then there's nothing more to say. We need never see each other again."

Mu Zhu knew Xie Yuan's nature well—and given his standing in Madam Zhuge's eyes, if a quarrel arose, the blame would fall solely on her.

The household had precedent: maidservants were sometimes given to aged stable hands or servants.

In the end, with no choice, she reluctantly agreed.

Xie Yuan beamed: "That's my good sister."

And so, this scene came to pass.

Now, inside the carriage, Mu Zhu waited, her heart brimming with shame, for the arrival of the young master's "brother Guan."

Thinking of what was about to happen, her face grew even redder: "In a carriage…?"

She had never done such a thing in a carriage before.

And who exactly was this Xie Guan? She didn't know if he was tall or short, fat or thin, whether he was ugly, covered in sores… What if he was cruel, clueless to tenderness… only brute force and roughness?

Her heart grew ever more unsettled.

At that moment!

The carriage curtain was pushed aside, and someone was shoved inside.

Outside, the young master called: "Brother Guan, be gentle with her—she's the most sensitive to pain…"

Mu Zhu swallowed hard, inwardly whispering: "Here he comes!"

Another person entered the carriage; the vehicle began to move slowly.

Mu Zhu sat inside, tense, not daring to look up.

She waited, but no movement came.

Finally, she timidly looked up.

And saw!

A youth clad in a simple, elegant robe, his figure as straight and sturdy as a pine.

His black hair was tied with a jade hairpin; shafts of light filtering through the curtain's gap illuminated half his face, rendering it exquisitely handsome and refined, his brows radiating an ineffable elegance that stirred instant fondness.

"What a striking young man!"

(End of Chapter)