Cai Ba and Ming Yue felt a pang of sympathy, unable to understand why Lord Zhao insisted on the Empress striking him before he would be satisfied.
Meanwhile, Xiao Anzi and Xiao Nianzi wore expressions of schadenfreude. It served that handsome fellow right; for lurking around and seducing the palace maids, even attracting Cai Xia and Ming Yue. He deserved to be beaten.
Liu Liu stared blankly at her own hand. How could she have struck Zhao Jiu again? She truly didn’t know why that fellow insisted she hit him. However, she had other matters to attend to. Turning, she surveyed the servants in Hua Qing Palace.
“Close the palace gates tightly. I am going out. No visitors are to be seen. Say that this consort is resting and seeing no one.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Xiao Anzi and the others respectfully obeyed.
Although inwardly surprised and wondering where the Empress was going, as servants, they could not possibly know their mistress's whereabouts. Even Cui Er, her personal maid, was still in the palace. They could only assume their mistress planned to wander around the palace.
Hua Qing Palace was situated in the most remote corner of the Imperial Palace, usually desolate and gloomy, devoid of even a spectral presence. Apart from some servants in the cold palace, no one else could be seen.
Liu Liu circled around to the farthest area and exited the Imperial Palace. She had discovered this route during her aimless explorations. The exit led directly to the outer palace gate. She merely had to carefully evade the guards on duty.
Liu Liu’s departure from the palace was unimpeded. Due to her exceptional martial prowess, particularly her masterful Qinggong, the minor guards were naturally no match for her.
Upon leaving the palace, she headed straight for Black Street.
At the entrance of Cloud Soaring Pavilion, Dai Mei was anxiously peering out. The moment she spotted Liu Liu’s silhouette, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.
“Is the boss alright?” Dai Mei asked with concern. Liu Liu shook her head and slipped into Cloud Soaring Pavilion. “Help me get ready.”
She was currently in women's attire. Although she wore a human skin mask on her face, people could still tell she was a woman upon sight. Therefore, she needed to change into men's clothing and style her hair anew.
“Yes, boss,” Dai Mei replied softly, following behind Liu Liu into Cloud Soaring Pavilion. She produced a set of dark green arrow-sleeved robes and loose white trousers, transforming Liu Liu into a dashing young gentleman.
Dai Mei also helped her arrange her hair. Once everything was prepared, Liu Liu coolly asked Dai Mei.
“Where is the list of officials associated with the Marquis Mu Xiao?”
Dai Mei handed the list to Liu Liu. Liu Liu scanned it, genuinely astonished.
She had never expected this young man to be connected with half the officials in court. However, they were all minor figures; he could not possibly curry favor with those holding true power. Nevertheless, this list alone was enough to cause him considerable trouble, sufficient to strip him of his noble title.
“Alright, let’s go.”
Liu Liu stood up and led Dai Mei towards Wan Feng Tea House. The street was as bustling as ever. Clearly, Dai Mei had managed to contain the news, and people were still unaware that Chu Feng and Duanmu had been captured. This was all thanks to Dai Mei’s efforts. Liu Liu patted Dai Mei’s shoulder.
“You’ve worked hard, Mei’er.”
“Don’t say that, boss. This is all part of what Dai Mei should do.”
Liu Liu smiled and nodded. She and Dai Mei were like sisters. As kin, such formalities were unnecessary. Just like Duanmu and Chu Feng, whenever they encountered difficulties, the boss would certainly find a way to rescue them. This was the most touching aspect. To save them, their master personally left the palace and presented forty thousand taels of silver notes without batting an eye. This was the reason they were utterly devoted to her. The several of them were more than employer and friend; they were like family.
Cloud Soaring Pavilion was not far from Wan Feng Tea House, and they soon arrived. As Liu Liu and Dai Mei entered, the shopkeeper greeted them.
“Master, the people are already upstairs.”
“Good. Do not come up to disturb us. Stay downstairs,” Liu Liu said coldly. In front of outsiders, she always maintained a detached demeanor. Thus, there were rumors that Young Master Qi Ye was extremely ruthless when angered and quite roguish when mischievous.
“Yes,” the shopkeeper replied respectfully, beckoning a waiter to lead their master to the most luxurious private room on the second floor.
Wan Feng Tea House boasted a unique design. The second floor was partitioned with wooden screens, creating private rooms. Green vines draped down, interspersed with small white flowers. The seating consisted of hanging rattan chairs that swayed, allowing patrons to relax while enjoying their tea. Consequently, many high-ranking officials and dignitaries frequented this establishment for tea and business dealings.
As Liu Liu and Dai Mei ascended the stairs, they encountered a man emerging from one of the private rooms. It was Jin Shaoyuan. Seeing Dai Mei from afar, he walked over to greet her.
“Isn’t this Miss Dai Mei? What leisure brings you to enjoy tea here?” There was a hint of mockery in his tone. Dai Mei initially wished to ignore him, but as someone engaged in business, she could not casually offend clients. Thus, she offered a polite greeting.
“So it’s Lord Jin. It is indeed Dai Mei’s good fortune?” This Jin Shaoyuan had sought her out several times afterward, expressing a desire to hear her play music. She knew his true intentions and had directly refused him. Moreover, she detested dealing with government officials.
Jin Shaoyuan raised an eyebrow, gazing at Dai Mei’s delicate face. For some reason, he had been thinking of this woman frequently lately. Could it be because he visited her establishment so often? And this woman had never shown him a pleasant expression. He refused to believe it was mere coincidence.
Liu Liu cast a gentle glance at Dai Mei and spoke indifferently.
“Dai Mei, who is this person?” She did not want Dai Mei to become entangled with the man before them. She had already noticed the predatory glint in Jin Shaoyuan’s eyes and recalled his words from that day, fearing Dai Mei might be harmed.
“He is my guest.”
Upon hearing Dai Mei’s words, Jin Shaoyuan’s expression darkened slightly. Then, hearing Dai Mei speak gently to the handsome young man beside her, he realized this fair-faced gentleman was the rumored Qi Ye.
How long had he waited to see this fellow? He truly couldn’t discern what was so remarkable about this man. Could Dai Mei possibly favor such a man? Lacking any presence at all, Jin Shaoyuan thought resentfully.
“Oh,” Liu Liu nodded as if casually, leading Dai Mei to the side.
When had Jin Shaoyuan ever been treated with such coldness? He swiftly stepped forward, blocking Liu Liu and Dai Mei’s path, his intense gaze fixed on Liu Liu.
“I am Jin Shaoyuan. I wish to make the acquaintance of Young Master Qi Ye.”
Liu Liu stopped, tilting her head to scan Jin Shaoyuan. Was he displeased with her because of Dai Mei? This was quite amusing, but she had no inclination to engage in pleasantries with him.
“I apologize, Young Master Jin. I have urgent matters. Would you please let us pass?”
Although her words were polite, her tone carried a chilling coldness. A glint of ferocity flashed in her starry eyes, and a hint of anger colored her petite frame.
Dai Mei, seeing Liu Liu’s slight annoyance, knew she was anxious about the situation with Duanmu and Chu Feng. She quickly interjected.
“Young Master Jin, perhaps we can discuss this another day. We really must attend to something urgent.”
Hearing Dai Mei’s gentle plea, Jin Shaoyuan finally stepped aside, but not before issuing a parting remark: “I will be waiting downstairs. Do not keep me waiting too long.” With that, he strode down the stairs.
Liu Liu had already started walking inside but paused, looking at Dai Mei. “You haven’t gotten involved with him, have you? Don’t get complacent after your wounds have healed. I don’t want to have to pick you up from the ruins again.”
“No, boss. Dai Mei will not make such a mistake again,” Dai Mei nodded.
The pain from the previous incident had nearly cost her her life, and her heart had been shattered. Having been without a heart to begin with, she had no energy to engage in idle chatter with other men. She knew that despite her master’s harsh words, she was genuinely concerned for her.
“That’s good,” Liu Liu nodded and led Dai Mei into the finest private room at Wan Feng Tea House.