As they spoke, the group of people had already walked up to them. The man leading them was dressed in dark violet fine silk robes, a jade belt with a coiled python design around his waist, and a piece of exquisite ancient jade hanging from it. He clearly was the son of a high-ranking court official.
Such arrogant posturing suggested his father held a significant position. Even knowing that the Qin Yu Tower was often frequented by wealthy and powerful officials, they dared to speak so loudly without fear.
However, anyone with discerning eyes could tell this young master was not here for mere conversation, but for the beauty. His shifty eyes were fixed solely on Wanwan, who stood beside Yun Xiao.
His lecherous gaze seemed to strip her clothes bare, and he chuckled smugly. The fan in his hand moved to tease Wanwan's chin. Wanwan's expression darkened, and she stepped back, speaking coldly.
"What do you want?"
"Little lady, why are you following this powerless, insignificant pretty boy? Why not follow me instead? I guarantee you'll eat well and drink richly, enjoying endless prosperity and wealth."
Someone behind him chimed in, "That's right, follow Young Master Shen, and we guarantee you'll enjoy endless prosperity and wealth."
"You should know that our Young Master Shen is the eldest son of Minister of Personnel, Lord Shen. He's a major figure who carries weight in Yan Jing. Little lady, come with Young Master Shen."
These individuals were also sons of officials closely connected to the Shen family, always following Shen Jinan's lead, though in their hearts, they were already consumed by jealousy.
Young Master Shen already had a wife and thirteen concubines in his household, yet he still roamed about seeking new conquests. Any woman he found to be exceptionally beautiful was immediately taken into his mansion. It seemed this young lady would not escape his grasp either.
Wanwan's expression turned cold as she spoke icily.
"What business is it of mine who he is?"
Everyone was stunned, even Shen Jinan was taken aback. Women had always been like clothing to him; as long as he desired them, he would have them, and no one dared to resist. If they resisted, he would ensure they were destroyed.
He hadn't expected to encounter such defiance today. He raised an eyebrow, not angered. He had too many women who were passively agreeable; what he lacked were those with firm opinions.
The more Shen Jinan thought about it, the more amused he became. He raised his eyebrows and said with a fake smile.
"I'm afraid that's not up to you."
As these words were spoken, many women in the main hall turned pale and quickly stood up to retreat further inside. They were well aware of what kind of person the eldest young master of the Shen family was; he was clearly intending to abduct her.
Soon, his band of vicious servants would surge forward, potentially harming them. Thus, they made way, clearing a large space.
At their master's command, Shen Jinan's band of vicious servants surged forward from behind, surrounding Yun Xiao and Wanwan.
Yun Xiao looked at them with cold eyes, a fierce glint in his pupils. The folding fan in his hand snapped shut, and he coldly strode past the household servants, heading straight for Shen Jinan. His resonant voice rang out.
"A dignified first-rank official of the court, yet he has raised such a lawless scion. Do you truly believe that under the Emperor's feet, you alone call the shots, or do you think the Shen family *is* heaven?"
Yun Xiao's gaze pierced through Shen Jinan and caught a fleeting shadow in a private room on the second floor. When she had first entered, she had sensed someone watching her. Later, upon seeing Ye Wuyun, she became even more certain her suspicion was correct.
There must still be someone in the private room on the second floor. Otherwise, those noble young ladies would have already fled. Who could it be? It was obvious, it must be Prince Lin.
Shen Jinan's expression changed, a flicker of malice in his eyes.
Yun Xiao's words were a major taboo. There were all sorts of people in the Qin Yu Tower. Perhaps they wouldn't intervene if he tried to abduct someone.
But if any unfavorable rumors arose, not only them, but even his father wouldn't let him off. Thus, he quickly waved his hand, ordering his servants: "Teach this pretty boy a severe lesson for daring to speak such nonsense."
As Shen Jinan's command was given, those men prepared to strike. Screams erupted in the main hall of Qin Yu Tower. Many women, too frightened to watch, couldn't help but cry out. At this moment, the manager walked over with several subordinates and said sternly, "Young Master Shen, please speak calmly and mind your influence."
"Influence?" Shen Jinan scoffed, casting a disdainful glance. "It's just a restaurant. Though it's a bit luxurious, do you dare do anything to me? I refuse to believe it."
Although he didn't know the backing of this Qin Yu Tower, he couldn't see how a restaurant manager could possess much power. Thus, Shen Jinan paid him no mind.
However, his arrogance had finally provoked someone.
A cold voice rang out: "Mu Li, slap him twice and wake him up. Let him know how his father raised such a scoundrel."
As these chilling words were spoken, before everyone could comprehend what was happening, two sharp slapping sounds were heard.
Shen Jinan was slapped twice. After hitting him, the assailant vanished back to the second floor in a flash.
Everyone froze, then collectively looked up at the second floor. Through the open window of a private room on the second floor, a man in black brocade robes stood.
His features were distinguished, his thick eyebrows slightly furrowed, and his deep, fathomless eyes emanated a chilling coldness. He was currently glaring coldly at the crowd in the main hall.
It was indeed Prince Lin.
Shen Jinan never in his wildest dreams imagined Prince Lin would be at the restaurant today and encounter such a situation. The person who had just hit him was Prince Lin's subordinate. How could he dare say another word?
Even those who had followed him dared not make a sound or even glance in that direction, lest Shangguan Lin hold them accountable.
"Where is your father? He can't even raise a son properly, bringing such shame. Get back where you came from, now!"
Shangguan Lin was already in a foul mood, and now he was even more annoyed. Seeing such an idle good-for-nothing, he felt like beating him to death. How dare he cause trouble here?
Attempting to forcibly abduct a civilian woman in broad daylight in front of so many people clearly indicated the Shen family was truly on the decline.
At Shangguan Lin's command, Shen Jinan dared not utter another word. Covering his face, he waved his hand, and his servants dispersed automatically. The group scuttled away shamefully.
At this moment, Yun Xiao called out, "Wait."
Shen Jinan turned around with a furious expression, glaring at the youth walking towards him, wishing he could carve him into a thousand pieces.
Today, he had suffered such great humiliation in front of so many people, all caused by this youth. He had now counted all his grievances for the day onto this fellow, and there would be ample opportunity to deal with him later.
Yun Xiao, neither hurried nor annoyed, walked over with a calm expression. "Young Master Shen, in two months, you'll know if I'm a pretty boy or not."
In a voice only the two of them could hear, Shen Jinan was taken aback. He realized he didn't understand this person. Did he not fear him? To dare stop him and say such a thing? He hadn't seen him in Yan Jing, which meant he was from out of town.
After speaking, Yun Xiao called out to Wanwan behind her, "Let's go."
She then strode away proudly, her demeanor utterly arrogant. She neither acknowledged Shen Jinan's darkened face behind her nor Shangguan Lin in the private room on the second floor.
In her heart, Shangguan Lin's reprimand of Shen Jinan was deserved. How could royalty raise such dogs? If he didn't discipline them, who would?
Even so, she had no intention of letting Shen Jinan off the hook. That's why she had called out to him, applying a fragrant spice to Shen Jinan's clothes. She was confident that in a few days, this fellow would be crying to the heavens in vain and begging the earth in futility.