“Greetings, Your Highness.”
A voice as clear as bells rang out, followed by a graceful bow. Yun Xiao subtly sized up Shangguan Lin, wondering what had possessed him to summon all the beauties from the Rouge Pavilion. Did he intend to?
As the thought flashed through her mind, Shangguan Lin's voice already sounded.
“Leng Yue, see if there’s a maiden you fancy. Today, this prince shall ensure you have a thoroughly good time.”
As Shangguan Lin’s words fell, the beauties’ eyes widened with excitement as they looked at Yun Xiao. Truth be told, this young master was far more captivating and pleasing to the eye than those so-called high officials.
Among these people, there was probably no one unwilling. Only Mo Ruyan watched the unfolding events with a cold gaze, not understanding what this Shangguan Lin fellow was up to, observing the subsequent developments without a ripple.
Yun Xiao looked at them one by one, then turned to Prince Shangguan, a look of difficulty on her face. After a long while, she spoke softly.
“Your Highness, I forgot to tell you something.”
“What is it?”
Upon hearing his words and seeing his current expression, Shangguan Lin immediately became highly attentive. Was this arrogant fellow finally about to reveal his true colors?
Yun Xiao felt both exasperated and amused. She pursed her lips, her small face drawn tight.
“I’m gay.”
Although spoken very softly, the sound happened to reach the ears of everyone present.
In an instant, the room was filled with gasps, followed by sighs of regret, and then a chorus of coughs.
These renowned courtesans, who prided themselves on their beauty, felt a sense of tragedy. Standing before him, so beautiful, yet he remained unfazed, heart unmoved, boldly declaring himself gay.
What sorrow, what despair!
Shangguan Lin’s mouth dropped open in shock at Yun Xiao’s words, forgetting to close it. His cheeks flushed hot, unsure if it was because his words had reminded him of past events or if he had other thoughts. In any case, his heart pounded fiercely, and he couldn’t utter a single word.
The atmosphere grew heavy. Mo Ruyan watched everything with a cold gaze, then waved her hand.
“Sisters, you may all leave.”
“Yes, Sister.”
Everyone withdrew, and the room instantly became quiet. Yun Xiao secretly chuckled, feigning innocence as she blinked her eyes, and asked kindly, “Your Highness, are you alright?”
Shangguan Lin panicked, meeting her large eyes and swallowing twice. He instinctively shifted to the side, his body tense, and spoke with a deep voice.
“What do you want?”
Inside the private room, Mo Ruyan observed everything with a cold eye, a knowing smile playing on her lips. It seemed both of them were that way.
No wonder Shangguan Lin could remain indifferent to a great beauty like herself, even causing her to feel down for a long time. So that was the reason. Her heart felt considerably lighter. She slowly approached and spoke softly.
“Your Highness, why don’t Ru Yan play a tune for you both?”
“Good. Good, let’s listen to a tune.”
Shangguan Lin had long forgotten about enjoying the courtesans. He quickly urged Mo Ruyan to play the zither to dispel his suffocation and the inexplicable warmth.
Mo Ruyan turned, gracefully flicking her long sleeves. As she moved away leisurely like clouds, she caught a glimpse of a slender, fair hand.
On that hand was a blossoming, enchanting half-lotus flower. Mo Ruyan’s eyes widened in disbelief, her heart trembling. How was this possible?
The half-lotus, this embroidery was personally drawn by her master. No one else could possibly replicate its spirit. Who was this person?
Was the person she overheard last time the one standing before her? What did that mean? Her master was also gay.
Mo Ruyan took two steps back as if unable to bear the shock. Once steady, she looked up and saw this man with a refined complexion and bright teeth. He was indeed a top-tier specimen for those who favored men.
But her master was a dragon among men, a phoenix in the sky. How could he favor such a thing? She truly couldn’t accept it.
In the room, Shangguan Lin finally came to his senses and belatedly noticed Mo Ruyan’s unusual state. Her face was excessively pale, and he quickly asked with concern.
“Ru Yan, what’s wrong?”
Mo Ruyan snapped back to reality, shaking her head. No, she must be overthinking. Perhaps someone else had tattooed it. She had never heard of her master being fond of anyone like this; she refused to believe it.
“Nothing.”
Mo Ruyan forced herself to remain calm and walked to the zither stand, kneeling. Her slender hands caressed the strings. The usually elegant and dignified person was now slightly flustered. Shangguan Lin and Yun Xiao exchanged a glance, silently asking each other what was wrong with this great beauty, Mo.
Then Shangguan Lin shook his head, indicating he also didn’t know what was wrong with this woman. Moreover, she hit several wrong notes. For Mo Ruyan, who never allowed herself to make even the slightest mistake, it seemed something had indeed happened.
Shangguan Lin and Yun Xiao communicated with their eyes, winking at each other. They had long forgotten their earlier awkwardness and suspicion. Now, they were like sworn brothers, almost ready to put their arms around each other’s shoulders.
In the private room, one absentmindedly playing the zither, two winking fellows, the atmosphere was as peculiar as could be.
But soon, Shangguan Lin recovered his senses, his expression instantly turning cold and distant. He had intended to find out who this young fellow was today. How had he ended up allied with him?
“Someone.”
Two maids immediately appeared outside the door, the very maids of Mo Ruyan. “Prepare some wine for this young master, and also some good dishes.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The maid replied and soon led a few people in. It seemed they were prepared beforehand.
A pot of fragrant wine and a table of exquisite dishes, perfect in color, aroma, and taste.
Prince Shangguan didn’t require attendants. He waved his hands, dismissing the young maids, and even his own guards. He personally poured wine for Yun Xiao and said with a forced smile, “Come, Brother Leng, I owe you for what happened last time. This prince toasts you.”
To get Yun Xiao drunk, this Prince Shangguan resorted to all sorts of tactics. This young master Leng was immediately addressed as Brother Leng. Yun Xiao rolled her eyes, smiling more fawningly than Shangguan Lin, but within her smile were other elements, somber and chilling.
If Shangguan Lin had looked closely, he would have noticed something. Unfortunately, today Prince Shangguan was so befuddled by this homosexual affair that he was somewhat out of his senses and couldn’t pay attention to such small details.
The two clinked glasses like sworn brothers, draining them, then smiled so harmoniously. In reality, each harbored their own intentions, waiting to see who would outwit the other.
In the room, Miss Mo was still immersed in her shock. She couldn’t believe that her master was gay.
If not, then where did the half-lotus on this young man’s hand come from? This embroidery, others might not know, but she did.
Besides her master, the embroidery available in the market was rough to the point of being unbearable. But this one was so beautiful, as if it were alive, blooming with vibrant fragrance.
“Come, this prince will toast you again.”
“Thank you, Your Highness. Leng Yue is truly humbled.”