Downstairs.
Following Wanwan's instructions, the waiter had led them to a quiet corner in the main hall.
Yun Xiao and Wanwan sat down, calmly accepting the gazes from all directions, while they themselves focused on observing the surroundings.
The main hall of the Qin Yu Tower alone was extraordinary, with a base color of imperial yellow infused with light green hues.
As summer approached, a refreshing coolness permeated the air. The bamboo curtains on the windows depicted elegant bamboo patterns, with flowing silk gracefully swaying. The beds and chairs beneath them were all made of premium Huang Pear wood.
As Yun Xiao was observing, the waiter arrived with tea – high-quality Tie Guan Yin, accompanied by the finest pastries from the establishment, boasting perfect color, aroma, and taste, exuding an elegant ambiance.
After the waiter retreated, Wanwan gracefully poured tea for Yun Xiao. The water was lightly boiling, and the tea leaves unfurled and swirled, releasing a lingering fragrance.
Indeed, it was good tea. Yun Xiao gently picked up the teacup, and it seemed only then did she truly notice the people in the tea house.
While sipping the tea, she carefully surveyed the people in the hall. Occasionally, people would whisper to each other, their eyes fixed on her and Wanwan.
She paid them no mind, as she had two objectives for being here today: first, to admire the design of the Qin Yu Tower, and second, to make an appearance. Since she planned to open a medical clinic, it was natural for her to show herself, so this was a preliminary outing.
However, after a quick scan, Yun Xiao spotted an unexpected person: Li Ruoyun.
That woman, who was so full of herself and aspired to enter the palace, Li Ruoyun, was actually in this tea house.
Unlike other women who would blush upon seeing them, she displayed a considerable disdain. Her gaze swept casually towards the second floor, and Yun Xiao understood immediately.
This woman seemed to be fishing for a wealthy husband. She was indeed ambitious. Who would be in the private rooms on the second floor today?
The stares they had received earlier suggested someone of noble status. Yun Xiao mused, continuing to observe other women. Several young ladies from official families were also enjoying tea.
Among these women, Li Ruoyun appeared rather shabby, but she seemed unfazed. As long as she could catch a man, she would soar to great heights, and it would also help her father and brother climb the social ladder.
Li Ruoyun sipped her tea while monitoring the situation upstairs. A maidservant beside her whispered.
“Miss, that young gentleman over there is so handsome, and even that maidservant is breathtakingly beautiful.”
The young maid first expressed admiration, which eventually turned into jealousy.
Li Ruoyun snorted coldly and cast a glance, followed by a look of disdain. In the vast capital of Yan, she had never seen a high-ranking official’s family with such a young gentleman.
Therefore, apart from his handsome looks, this person was likely nothing remarkable. Her target was someone upstairs.
In the hall, everyone had their own thoughts. Suddenly, footsteps echoed from the stairs.
A tall, elegant figure, resembling a bamboo stalk, appeared. Dressed in a purple robe, with exquisite features, he exuded an indescribable nobility. His aloof and detached demeanor made him even more captivating.
This person was none other than Yan Jing’s most distinguished young gentleman, Ye Wuyun.
Ye Wuyun descended the stairs and casually scanned the hall, fully aware of the situation.
These idle women, relying on their families’ wealth, frequented the establishment to gather information. Whenever high-ranking officials or royalty appeared, these women would flock to drink tea, their intentions all too obvious.
They were all foolish women. The royalty who frequented this place were all incomparably noble; would they casually pick up a woman from a restaurant and take her home?
A group of common beauties. Ye Wuyun’s cold gaze swept casually over a figure not far away. Up close, this young man was exceptionally handsome, but he had no interest in socializing with strangers.
Ye Wuyun, with his hands clasped behind his back, left swiftly with his subordinate.
Downstairs, a wave of disappointment washed over the onlookers, with sighs of regret echoing all around.
Yun Xiao continued to drink her tea as usual. Due to Ye Wuyun’s appearance, the people in the hall seemed to forget about her and Wanwan, and began to drink tea and chat amongst themselves.
Although her current disguise was handsome, she was far less influential than those noble young masters. All the women present knew this; who would disregard prosperity and status?
Whispers reached her ears continuously.
“I heard that Dong Qin is planning to form a marital alliance with Bei Yan.”
A voice interrupted Yun Xiao’s thoughts. Dong Qin and Bei Yan forming an alliance… She couldn't help but recall Yan Ling’s bold and fiery gaze at the birthday banquet that day. A knowing smile touched her lips. She hadn't expected that woman to achieve her wish. But was Shangguan Yao recovered?
“Now that there’s no Empress, and the fool has been deposed, if the princess of Bei Yan marries over, won’t she become the Empress?”
“A cousin of mine serves as a guard in the palace, under Lord Song. I heard she’s a noble consort, Consort Yan. The Emperor said that even though the Empress was deposed, due to the circumstances, he didn’t want the Yun Prince’s manor to feel disheartened, so the position of Empress remains vacant, and the noble consort is treated as the Empress. In fact, all the engagement and wedding rituals are no different from those of an Empress.”
“The Emperor is truly amorous, leaving the Empress’s seat vacant for a fool.”
Someone grumbled with dissatisfaction, and then another voice chimed in.
“Lord Song, the First Rank Imperial Guard Commander, is also extremely outstanding in both appearance and character.”
As they spoke, others chimed in agreement. Yun Xiao looked up and saw several gossipy women sitting together, chattering away. A flash of cold sarcasm crossed her eyes. A bunch of foolish women.
How could the Emperor grant the Empress’s seat to Bei Yan? It was merely a delaying tactic. That person had clearly intended to harm her back then.
It was so deceitful to spread such rumors now. However, what she cared about was whether he had truly recovered from his illness. If not, it would be quite interesting. Yan Ling enters the palace, but the Emperor is incapacitated.
Yun Xiao’s eyes twinkled with amusement and joy. She unconsciously fanned herself with a silk fan, exuding an indescribable sense of freedom and ease.
Wanwan, sensing her mistress’s happiness, leaned forward and said charmingly.
“Mistress, let’s go.”
This place was crowded and rife with prying eyes. She was truly afraid of any untoward incidents occurring and preferred to leave as soon as possible to avoid revealing any flaws.
Yun Xiao squinted her eyes and nodded slightly, agreeing to get up.
Looking at the women in the hall, who were truly unappealing, made her mood rather gloomy. Who said ancient times were conservative? Ancient women were supposed to stay within their homes, not venturing out.
Look at these young ladies from wealthy families; to catch a wealthy husband, they spared no effort in showing themselves, openly seducing men in public places.
“Alright, let’s go.”
The two of them stood up to leave. After taking just a few steps, they heard voices from the stairs, and a group of people descended.
Leading the way was a richly dressed young master, with a powdered face and a beaming smile. Amidst the flattery of the surrounding people, he walked over, his boisterous demeanor showing no regard for the occasion.
Yun Xiao frowned and cast a cold glance. She detested these decadent young masters the most, who, relying on their fathers’ wealth, acted presumptuously all day long.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes, Young Master,” Wanwan replied, following Yun Xiao towards the exit. The women in the hall, upon seeing these men descending from upstairs, all lowered their heads, drank their tea, and cautiously pretended not to notice.
It seemed these people knew their place, Yun Xiao chuckled inwardly and walked towards the exit.
Who would have thought that just as the two of them reached the door, a voice called out, “Stop.”
Yun Xiao paid no mind, of course, she didn’t assume they were calling her. They didn’t know her, so why would they call out to her? She continued to step forward and crossed the threshold.
Unexpectedly, two ferocious-looking servants rushed out from behind, blocking their path and shouting aggressively.
“Our young master told you to stop, didn’t you hear him?”
Yun Xiao was taken aback, not expecting them to be calling for them. She responded and slowly turned back to face them, cupping her fists with a faint smile.
“May I know why this young master has called me?”