"You flatter me, as if I don't frequent this place enough. I've told you before, save your money, find a respectable woman, build up your assets, and when you can no longer work, you can return and live a quiet life. Why don't you ever listen?"
"Master, you jest. If it weren't for meeting Gu Ye, a killer like me would likely have turned to dust by now. Finding a nice young lady from a good family, wouldn't that be harming her?" The coachman said, scratching his head awkwardly.
To be fair, his appearance wasn't too bad.
But whether it was his terrible luck or those women were all blind, after failing to get married by matchmakers more than ten times, he had started to doubt life itself.
Hearing him say that, Yuan Xingchi couldn't be bothered to waste more words.
The coachman wasn't offended, he drove the carriage all the way towards a garden behind the back entrance of Fanlou.
Although it was said that living in Bianliang was not easy, for a courtesan like Li Shishi, especially when she was at the peak of her popularity, money was truly like dirt.
"Sister, a Mr. Yuan has arrived from outside, saying he has something to discuss with you!"
In Li Shishi's boudoir, Li Shishi, without any makeup, wearing only a light white gauze and with bare feet, sat on the carpet of the warm chamber, lost in thought.
Just as she was engrossed, a little maidservant suddenly reported from outside.
"Do I need to tell you about such matters? Can't you just dismiss them yourselves?"
Li Shishi seemed to be in a very low mood today, her voice was much softer than usual as she spoke.
"But he came with this!"
As the little maidservant spoke, she quickly handed the token Yuan Xingchi had given her to Li Shishi.
"It's his person?"
Upon seeing the token, Li Shishi visibly stiffened, but then her face instantly shifted to one of pleasant surprise.
"Sister, look..."
Although Li Shishi's expression changed quickly, the little maid waiting nearby quickly asked.
"Please invite him to the main hall for tea first. And, don't let anyone neglect him!"
After hearing her, Li Shishi quickly said.
"Yes!"
After about half an hour of bustling, Yuan Xingchi finally met Li Shishi, who was dressed in white.
"Master, you must have had a tiring journey. May I know where your lord is at the moment?"
As soon as they sat down, Li Shishi immediately asked again.
"My lord is currently in Mingzhou City. However, he specifically wrote a letter yesterday, entrusting me to deliver it to you!"
"I am already very happy that he would take this thought. Forget it, just tell me directly what you need, no need to beat around the bush!"
Such sweet talk might fool other girls, but it wouldn't be enough for Li Shishi. After all, having navigated the world of entertainment, if she couldn't distinguish between true affection and pretense, how could she be a top courtesan?
"This..."
Being spoken to like that by Li Shishi, Yuan Xingchi actually felt a little embarrassed.
"Hahaha, let's chat inside. The wind is too strong in the courtyard, it's not a place for talking!"
Seeing Yuan Xingchi's embarrassed look, Li Shishi chuckled heartily.
"Thank you, young lady!"
As they spoke, the two walked into the warm chamber next door.
The brazier in the floor cavity was burning brightly, and even in winter, the warm chamber was filled with a wave of heat.
"Master, did you come today for a specific reason?"
After taking off the cloak she was wearing and drinking two mouthfuls of ginger tea, Li Shishi asked these words.
"Young lady, please take a look at this first!"
As Yuan Xingchi spoke, he took out a letter from his pocket.
This was the letter Han Mo had specifically written for Li Shishi, and it was also sent enclosed in an envelope.
After all, Li Shishi was considered his partner in a way.
Utilizing her at the right time was also a way to integrate his resources.
"May I ask what you need me to do?"
After reading the letter in her hand, Li Shishi hesitated for a moment before asking again.
"All you need to do is reveal one piece of information to His Majesty. The rest will be handled by others!"
Upon hearing Li Shishi's question, Yuan Xingchi quickly replied.
"Tell me!"
After talking for so long, it was only about revealing a piece of information to the Emperor. Li Shishi herself had done such things countless times before. After all, when the Emperor visited her, besides romantic matters, they sometimes also chatted about various things.
If there was any news, a few casual words after their intimate moments would not be considered anything.
"I beg your pardon, madam!"
After apologizing to Li Shishi, Yuan Xingchi stood up, moved beside Li Shishi, lowered his voice, and whispered a few words into her ear.
"Is this news true?"
After hearing him finish, even Li Shishi couldn't help but widen her eyes.
After all, this news was truly astonishing.
"When the real is treated as fake, the fake can also become real. Who can say for sure about such things?"
Yuan Xingchi smiled, but did not directly answer her question, instead asking back.
"Master is right. I agree to this matter, but I cannot guarantee when he will come. Master should make other plans as soon as possible."
Before, the Emperor would basically visit her seven or eight times a month, but recently, the timing had become increasingly unpredictable. Even Li Shishi herself was a little unsure.
After all, at this time, the front lines were engaged in fierce fighting, and the Lunar New Year was approaching. The imperial court was certainly swamped with various affairs.
When the Emperor would come to her for solace was something only heaven knew.
"It doesn't matter, I think His Majesty will definitely come by tomorrow at the latest!"
Yuan Xingchi was not worried about this at all. After all, even if the Emperor didn't want to come, Yuan Xingchi could pay a hefty sum to those eunuchs to guide the Emperor here.
"Oh?"
Hearing him say that, Li Shishi couldn't help but cast a deep glance at him.
However, Li Shishi surprisingly did not refute him but smiled and nodded.
After leaving Li Shishi, Yuan Xingchi got back into the carriage and headed straight for the Cai residence.
"Stop, this is the Cai residence, please do not trespass!"
After experiencing great ups and downs, even the servants of the Cai family had become much gentler in their speech.
After all, these people understood in their hearts that this was a time of life and death for the Cai family, and it was best to avoid causing trouble if possible.
"I am here to visit Scholar Cai today. Please inform him! Say that someone named Yuan, an old acquaintance, has come to visit. Whether he wishes to see me is entirely up to the scholar!"
Facing the servants of the Cai family, Yuan Xingchi spoke unhurriedly.