Chapter 51: Does the Young Master Also Sing Songs?

Tap-tap-tap…

Along the Chongming River, traffic surged like a tide; two figures dashed forward in quick succession, heading toward the clinic.

Inside the house, Lin Wanyi’s eyes were full of sour resentment, but once outside, her face turned flustered and irate; as she walked, she muttered under her breath:

This big pork knuckle…

You said you’d just deal with a few officials, but now every single well-known name in Danyang showed up—how am I ever going to show my face again?

And even if this is just acting, why is she “radiant beyond compare,” while I’m just “a maid on the ground”?

I’m only two years older than her—where am I inferior?

So young, doesn’t know the value of an older sister…

If it weren’t for you saving me yesterday, I’d have already cursed you with a hex…

…

Meanwhile, a hundred paces behind.

Linghu Qingmo chased after him, sword in hand, her steps hurried yet never closing the distance; her gaze was a tangle of emotions as she silently wondered:

Xie Jinhuan, you’ve got such a beautiful sweetheart—why write about me?

Fine, write about me—but praise me so lavishly, yet treat your old lover so carelessly…

Will Lin the doctor scratch my eyes out?

Last time I saw two ladies from Wencheng Street fight over a man, they pulled out whole handfuls of hair…

…

Though she’d never experienced this before, she couldn’t let the situation go unaddressed.

Linghu Qingmo clenched her teeth, then finally caught up from behind:

“Lin the doctor, wait.”

Lin Wanyi didn’t know whether to keep playing along with the pork knuckle’s act; being called out left her deeply awkward. She gritted her teeth and put on a cool, indifferent expression:

“Miss Linghu, do you need something?”

“Nothing much.”

Linghu Qingmo stepped closer, forcing her gaze to remain calm:

“Xie Jinhuan was just writing for fun—I have no relationship with him, Lin the doctor…”

“Neither do I.”

Lin Wanyi folded her hands at her waist and gave a light huff:

“I only spoke with him a bit because he’s skilled, righteous, and from the same hometown. I never imagined he’d secretly write such nonsense.”

Linghu Qingmo truly had a kind heart—she still wanted to defend Xie Jinhuan, to prevent his beauty from abandoning him:

“A gentleman judges by deeds, not intentions. Xie Jinhuan only wrote privately—it’s nothing serious. If you’re displeased, I’ll cut all ties with him from now on, aside from official business.”

Lin Wanyi was only playing a role—she had no intention of acting like the rightful wife and driving Linghu Qingmo away:

“No need. I’m just an ordinary friend of Xie Jinhuan. I’m angry because he wrote nonsense like ‘a bowl in the sky’—anyone would be furious! I have no ill will toward Miss Linghu.”

Really?

I just saw you glaring at me with sour envy…

Linghu Qingmo wanted to explain further, but Lin Wanyi turned and hurried off into the street:

“The clinic’s alchemical furnace is still burning—I can’t stay. Goodbye.”

“Hey?”

Linghu Qingmo still wanted to say more, but Lin Wanyi vanished like the wind down the street. Helpless, she sheathed her sword and turned sharply to retrace her steps—she’d go settle accounts with Xie Jinhuan!

But Xie Jinhuan had secretly written glowing words praising her beauty and kindness—what account could she possibly settle?

He never even showed it to anyone—it was the government office that found it by accident.

She couldn’t possibly warn him never to think she was beautiful or kind.

That’d be insane.

Linghu Qingmo pondered briefly, recalling how her master, called “the Daoist world’s supreme beauty,” simply laughed it off.

As her disciple, she ought to be a steadfast ice-maiden of the Dao, untroubled by such worldly trifles.

But why did Xie Jinhuan praise me so earnestly… yet write so carelessly about Lin the doctor?

Could it be… in his heart…

Lost in such idle thoughts, Linghu Qingmo didn’t even realize where she’d wandered…

—

Night fell, and Taoxian Fang lit up once more with brilliant lanterns.

Wuwei Pavilion stood beside the West Lake, built against the wall, only two stories tall, its tiles dark green, the second floor open with only pillars supporting it.

Though named “Wuwei Pavilion,” the second floor was filled with small tables and soft couches; at the end of the long corridor stood a room with a balcony, where a full moon hung just beyond the railing, bathed in the lingering glow of Taoxian Fang’s lanterns—a picturesque scene.

Swish…

The maid Dodo slid open the door, knelt beside the small table with a tray in hand, wearing a pale yellow sheer palace gown that revealed a large expanse of pale, soft flesh; her big eyes blinked, strikingly alluring:

“Young Master Xie, what wine do you prefer?”

Xie Jinhuan, clad in a cloud-patterned brocade robe, sat upright and straight-backed on the left side of the table, gazing into the tray.

He soon realized the little maid was mischievous—she held the tray level with her chest, the rim resting against her pale, soft flesh and deep cleavage…

Xie Jinhuan wasn’t at home—he couldn’t just grope the maid. He glanced around and saw Wuwei Pavilion’s wine selection was excellent: from children’s fruit wine to century-old brews worth a hundred taels per bottle—all engraved on jade plaques, most unfamiliar to him.

“I’m the guest—I shouldn’t impose. Just serve what the Princess prefers.”

“Of course~ The Princess is changing clothes now—she’ll be here soon. What tune would you like to hear? We have elegant melodies, and if you want something risqué, I can sing those too~”

So you’re the one singing?!

I knew your voice sounded familiar…

Clearly, the landlady doesn’t employ any ordinary people…

Xie Jinhuan had been listening to lewd songs these past few days—he truly wanted to see what this girl could do. After a moment’s thought, he named one:

“Song of Grand Virtue.”

“Huh?”

Dodo’s rosy cheeks froze. She glanced around the room, then at the other maids standing by:

“Young Master, are you sure you want this?”

“Mm. Can’t you sing it?”

“Uh… I know a bit of it.”

Dodo rose, handed the tray to a waiting maid outside, then fetched a painted pipa and sat sideways on the spring bench, her slender fingers plucking lightly:

“Dang~ Dang-dang—”

“In majestic mountains, countless wonders rise! A thousand autumns of grand virtue fill the breast! The long river surges like a dragon, peaks tower, clouds coil thickly round their crowns…”

Pronunciation crisp, tone bold and soaring!

With her ample chest lending ample breath, it truly carried a stirring, soul-stirring resonance.

Xie Jinhuan’s eyes widened in surprise—he truly thought this girl had talent. If only he could buy her home…

After a brief wait, movement sounded again outside the sliding door.

Tap-tap…

Princess Changning entered the upper floor in a casual robe, accompanied by her maids. Seeing Dodo wailing like a banshee, she frowned:

“What are you singing?”

Dodo shrank back. “Uh~ Young Master Xie asked for this.”

“Is that so?”

Princess Changning sat sideways before the peacock screen: “You’ve got unusual tastes. Having a girl sing this in a brothel is like those… hmm…”

Dodo kindly added: “Hypocritical scholars.”

Princess Changning blinked, clearly agreeing.

Xie Jinhuan paid no mind to the joke, raising his cup:

“Just joking. I’m new here, yet Your Highness has treated me with such honor—I’m deeply grateful. Let me toast you first.”

Princess Changning lifted her cup and drained it, then gestured to the dice cup on the table:

“Drink, but don’t forget the matter at hand. Try it out—see if it works.”

Xie Jinhuan set down his cup and picked up the gambling device to examine it, but noticed the cluster of curious maids watching closely—he hesitated:

“Your Highness, this technique is my last secret. If word gets out…”

Princess Changning understood. She raised a hand slightly:

“All of you, leave. Do not return without my order, and do not eavesdrop.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Dodo had wanted to stay and drink with them; seeing this, she sighed in disappointment, reluctantly rising and sliding the door shut.

With footsteps fading, only the two of them remained in the room.

Princess Changning glanced around, then noticed something missing:

“Where’s your big bird? Still searching for a bowl in the sky?”

“It went to sleep early—I didn’t bring it.”

Xie Jinhuan casually replied, then picked up the ordinary-looking vermilion lacquer dice cup. It felt unnaturally light—he tried channeling qi into it, but couldn’t penetrate it. Likely made from something like Ice Silk.

The dice themselves were unusual: completely transparent, with no raised or recessed dots—only red and green colors marked the numbers.

While pouring herself a drink, Princess Changning kindly explained:

“These gambling tools were forged by the Military Equipment Bureau, specifically to counter those with deep cultivation— even the Wang Fu’s resident experts struggle to discern the numbers. Try them.”

Xie Jinhuan sensed these gambling tools were invaluable; after a brief inspection, he swept the three dice into the cup and shook them back and forth:

Thud-thud-thud…

The clinks were dull and uneven, like iron lumps wrapped in rubber.

The vibration in his palm was strange too—irregular frequencies, as if all dice were identical in size.

Under these conditions, not even guessing the total was easy, let alone reading the exact numbers.

Thud—

After several shakes, Xie Jinhuan slammed the cup onto the table; the noise ceased instantly.

Princess Changning leaned forward slightly and asked:

“What’s the total?”

Xie Jinhuan’s gaze was fixed, as if performing a divine art; after a moment, he replied:

“Three, five, six.”

When the cup was lifted, it was exactly as he said.

“Huh~ You really can do it.”

Princess Changning’s eyes lit up; she was already imagining the satisfying scene of revenge fulfilled!

Xie Jinhuan smiled modestly and raised his cup in another toast:

“I’m just a commoner. If my petty skill can assist the princess, it’s my fortune. Let me toast you again.”

Princess Changning felt she’d drunk too fast, but her heart was joyful, so she raised her cup in return.

Xie Jinhuan’s goal this trip was clear: find any way to get Princess Changning drunk and seize a chance to escape.

To that end, he drank with the skill of a top-tier male entertainer or nightclub model!

Princess Changning had seen Xie Jinhuan disrupt the peony pool and assumed he was a cold, stern young hero; now she discovered he drank with abandon and was “handsome, sweet-tongued, and charming”—a surprise.

She hadn’t expected a nobleman in public… to be…

They exchanged cups rapidly; Xie Jinhuan drank too swiftly, and Princess Changning wasn’t some timid lady—within fifteen minutes, the entire pot was empty.

Too much too fast: Xie Jinhuan felt dizzy, and across from him, the princess slumped against the small table, cheeks flushed crimson:

“Enough, enough! You don’t guzzle wine like this with a lady! Don’t you know to ease into talk of wind, flowers, snow, and moon?”

“Sorry. I’m used to drinking from big bowls in the Jianghu.”

Seeing the moment was right, Xie Jinhuan subtly glanced at the Zhenglun Sword on the table.

Ye Hongshang was ready—she immediately activated her power.

“Huuu~”

Princess Changning felt the wine rush to her head, a wave of dizziness flooding her mind; she closed her eyes and gently rubbed her forehead:

“Why is the wine so strong tonight?”

“Your Highness may have drunk too fast. Why not rest? I could sing you a few little songs?”

“Huh?!”

Princess Changning’s eyes glazed over; she thought she’d misheard. She opened them, staring at the cold, noble white-robed young master across from her:

“You—with those thick brows and bright eyes—can you even sing?”

“I’ve heard them every night. Even if I didn’t know how, I’d learn by now. Please don’t mock me, Princess.”

The white-robed young master cleared his throat, then raised his hand to tap a gentle rhythm:

“Wind stirs fallen petals down the deep path~ Sun warms the quiet courtyard~ Green willows cast shadows as orioles cry in chaos, where scattered red blooms refuse to settle…”

To her surprise, his voice was clear, his tune flawless—beautiful.

But his gaze was too seductive… like a succubus…

Princess Changning felt Xie Jinhuan had transformed, yet couldn’t say how—her eyes widened in astonishment; she sat upright, listening intently, then praised:

“I never guessed—this righteous young hero who radiates moral vigor—can sing tavern tunes? You must’ve practiced secretly, haven’t you?”

“Just for fun. How about this: I sing a verse, you sing the next—whomever can’t continue, drinks?”

“Fine!”

Princess Changning’s interest sparked; she refilled her cup and waited eagerly…

…

Meanwhile, inside the room.

Xie Jinhuan rose silently, crept to the balcony door, and saw the scene within—suddenly understanding why Meiqiu had exploded in fury!

The small table stood in the center of the room; he was clearly no longer in his original spot.

Yet Princess Changning still slumped against it, eyes hazy, gazing across with a smile, then began singing to herself:

“Leaning alone on the railing, sorrowful in gaze~…”

Though still graceful and opulent, her demeanor was unnatural—she muttered to empty air, as if possessed.

After confirming the ghost bride’s illusion was flawless, Xie Jinhuan turned to look outside.

The princess’s mansion had guards, but they only listened below occasionally—never came upstairs to disturb.

Yet the ghost bride was merely a wraith; she could only mimic his presence, not create physical effects—prolonged time risked exposure.

To save time, Xie Jinhuan made no further delay. He quietly slid the balcony door shut, confirmed the shadow wouldn’t betray him, then leapt back down to his own courtyard.

But before leaving, Xie Jinhuan felt uneasy, muttering to himself:

Could the ghost bride mess things up and ruin my reputation?

Forget it—urgent business first. I’ll deal with it when I return…

…

—

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(End of Chapter)