As his voice fell, his fingertips moved. Soothing and melodious zither music leisurely drifted out from the open window. Like snowflakes dancing in the wind, it lightly fell into the listeners’ ears bringing indescribable comfort and a feeling of calmness. Even the people passing by on the street couldn’t help but stop, showing a look of yearning as they looked up at the pavilion only to see a handful of black hair on the windowsill dancing in the wind. It looked especially charming in the twilight and made people feel an additional sense of reverie.
Ruan Tianqi ears listened to such a calming and beautiful music, but his eyes were trained on the pair of hands plucking the strings. The slightly curved fingertips gently plucked and slowly tweaked, it was as if they were tugging at his heartstrings. He looked obsessively at the sight.
Both Hong Qui and Ying Ran couldn't help but admire His Royal Highness' mastery of Tianyin that was truly horrifying, even Chu Yu couldn't do it. He only involved one person under the influence of Tianyin without affecting others. His Highness had fully comprehended it, he was truly worthy of being the Celestial talent. At this moment, the two saw that Ruan Tianqi became dazed under the influence of Tianyin, both of them marvelled at the awe-inspiring beauty of Tianyin.
No matter who was near the restaurant, all of them were moved by the music coming from inside. For a while, no one made a sound. They were all listening attentively to the heavenly zither music until it gradually weakened and came to a stop. It was as if they woke up from a dream and looked around, wondering who could play such extraordinary music.
On the upper floor of the restaurant, Qi Mingyue stopped playing the zither and asked a few questions from Ruan Tianqi, then revealed a contemplative look. Thudding sounds rang out as two people rushed upstairs.
“Did someone play the zither here just now?” A young child stood in front of him along with XiaoEr. He saw the stringed zither on Qi Mingyue's lap and stared at him unblinkingly.
XiaoEr nodded, bowed to Qi Mingyue and said, “This gongzi, I have never heard such a beautiful musical piece in my life. People outside are clamouring to know who played it, I couldn’t help it. This little brother was sent by his master and he says that he has something to tell you.”
Qi Mingyue casually plucked the strings of the zither. Ruan Tianqi sat there in a daze, not knowing what had happened. He only felt that the music was intoxicating, like music for immortals. At this moment, he looked at Qi Mingyue and was about to speak, but saw XiaoEr and the child in front of him, “Who is this?”
The child bowed to Qi Mingyue, “My young master happened to pass by on the street just now and was fortunate enough to hear gongzi’s zither music. He wishes to get acquainted with you. This is what my young master instructed me to give to you. Dare I ask gongzi’s name?”
Qi Mingyue took the object in his hand, only to see a light green, slender willow branch of delicate make. It was actually made of jade and shaped like a branch, decorated with several finely carved leaves. It was especially beautiful. Hidden vaguely between the leaves was something the colour of crimson, like a flower bud, that looked refined and pleasantly refreshing at first glance, it also appeared a bit charming.
Just as he was about to inquire, XiaoEr looked at it and exclaimed, “Isn't this Young Master Yan Qing’s legendary Jade Blossom invitation?!”
The child nodded slightly, “It is indeed the Jade Blossom invitation. With this, you can go to the Liufang Pavilion to meet my young master at any time. Only two have been sent out so far, gongzi is the third person.”
“May I ask who the first two people are?” Qi Mingyue was intrigued as he held the Jade Blossom invitation in his hand.
The child revealed a proud expression, “Naturally, they are all people with distinguished identities. Not only CangHe, but even people from AnYang and LianTong also come to see our young master.”
Listening to the meaning of his words, the people who received the first two Jade Blossom invitations must be of prominent status but not necessarily CangHe natives.
Qi Mingyue held the Jade Blossom invitation in his hand and said to the child with a smile, “Thank your young master on my behalf, I will go now.”
The child was amazed by his smile and froze for a second, before bowing and retreating.
Ruan Tianqi listened and couldn’t help but frown, “Ziyao really intends to go to the Liufang Pavilion?”
Qi Mingyue placed the Jade Blossom invite on his person, “What's wrong with it?”
After instructing Hong Qui to put the zither away, Qi Mingyue said to both of them, “You both return first and tell dad that I am alright.”
It was inconvenient for Hong Qui and Ying Ran to persuade him here, so they had to accept his order. They wanted to leave the carriage, but Qi Mingyue disallowed it, “It’s such a short journey and yet you both are afraid. You don’t have to worry about me returning, there is still Wu Yao.”
The two were helpless, however, luckily, they were already in the city. As long as they went back to report to His Majesty, there would be no fear that something might happen to His Highness Mingyue. Hence, they boarded the carriage and left.
When Qi Mingyue and Ruan Tianqi left the restaurant, it was already dark. Although there were still many pedestrians on the street, all of them held umbrellas as snowflakes continued to fall, blanketing everything in white.
Qi Mingyue let Wu Yao follow after him. Ruan Tianqi said that he also wanted to see and didn’t leave his side even for a moment as they headed to Liufang Pavilion together.
Although he didn't know where the Liufang Pavilion was located, XiaoEr knew where the two were going and had already described the location in detail. He also mentioned that as long as he asked any random person on the road, they would certainly know. It could be seen that Liufang Pavilion was known to everyone in the city.
“Ziyao doesn't know the location of Liufang Pavilion, so it’s evident that you aren’t from YeYao City. Did you also come here to play like me?” Ruan Tianqi asked when he noticed that he was not familiar with this place.
Previously, if it hadn't been to test the power of Tianyin, he had no intention of paying attention to this person. Since he (RT) followed, he let him come. He (QM) had already asked about the reason for his (RT) visit before, but just now, he said that he came to have fun. It seemed that the matter he asked before was actually not meant to be known by others. How interesting. The corners of Qi Mingyue’s lips raised faintly and eyes flashed with a strange light as he replied lightly, “Yes, just for a casual stroll.”
The two of them had their own thoughts and walked all the way to the entrance of Liufang Pavilion. Looking at the plaque hanging high above their heads, only the Chinese word ‘Liufang’ was written in calligraphy. The words were smooth and casual with a hint of erotic charm. It was quite appropriate for this place. Qi Mingyue didn't speak and took out Jade Blossom invite. The young boy at the door looked at the two young gongzi in front of him in surprise and hurriedly welcomed them in.
He had long ordered Wu Yao to hide inside Liufang Pavilion. At this time, Qi Mingyue and Ruan Tianqi entered together with the child.
Ruan Tianqi followed along as if a little sheepish, with a somewhat evasive attitude. He seemed to be afraid of being recognized. Qi Mingyue already knew his identity and glanced at him but didn't say a word and went inside with a smile.
Along the way, there were quite a few prominent officials as well as nobles in the Flower Hall, there were even some people Qi Mingyue had met before. Fortunately, he was walking through the corridor which did not attract attention and saved the trouble of being recognized.
There were many handsome and well-proportioned young men walking back and forth among them, all with a smile on their faces, but they did not appear ostentatious and did not evoke the slightest feeling of repulsion. They were not dressed outlandishly and behaved very naturally. In the entire hall, there was only amorous ambiguity and not even a hint of sordid vulgarity existed in the atmosphere.
Being here, Qi Mingyue was reminded of the days when he was a host. Compared to ‘Midnight’ with only parties, alcohol, gambling and sex, Liufang Pavilion was more refreshing, refined and elegant. No wonder it was so well-regarded.
The boy led him to a private room. Qi Mingyue surveyed the furnishings inside. The tables, chairs and tea set were all of fine make and expensive. The painting on the wall was a picture of a pair of peonies, especially eye-catching in the tasteful room. It added a touch of beauty. The fragrant tea was steaming, but upon touching with the hand, it wasn’t too hot. Rather, it was just the right temperature to drink. The distance between the seat and the tabletop reached the height of a hand lift, allowing people to sit down and feel exceptionally comfortable.
Qi Mingyue was only a little curious at first, but now he really wanted to meet this Young Master Yan Qing.
Ruan Tianqi sat on the side and was a little impatient. Qi Mingyue noticed it, picked up the teacup and took a sip before saying lightly, “If Ruan gongzi is afraid, you can go back.”
“Ziyao is joking. This is just a place for pleasure, men only come here to have fun. How could I be afraid?” Ruan Tianqi calmed down, suddenly changed his face and smiled at Qi Mingyue, “Why do you still call me gongzi? Ziyao is being too unfamiliar.”
Qi Mingyue raised his eyebrows, seemingly a bit unconvinced, “You and I have only known each other for a day, at most it’s just an acquaintance built over a meal. Ruan gongzi came to understand my character just like this and talk about friendship?”
“You are such a...” Ruan Tianqi seemed to be at a loss for words when it came to describing the immortal-like person in front of him. For a long time, he stared at Qi Mingyue and then continued, “I have never cared so deeply for a person, only you, Ziyao. Ever since our last encounter in that small town, I thought about it from time to time and regretted letting you go...”
Qi Mingyue cut him off and said, “Regretted letting me go? What does Ruan gongzi mean?” He asked this question, but his expression remained indifferent.
Ruan Tianqi saw him look so indifferent, so cold as if no matter what he (RT) said, he would not take it to heart. When he thought about how humbly he had spoken in a gentle tone just now and yet the other person was so ungrateful, he couldn't help feeling a little angry. He fiercely grabbed his hand that rested on the table, only to feel his slender fingers, but they were not fragile like that of a woman. The warm touch immediately made his heart beat faster.
Qi Mingyue neither said anything nor did he move. He just frowned slightly seeing him do this, “Can Ruan gongzi let go?”
“If it were me, I wouldn’t let go.” A pleasant male voice came from nowhere. The voice was gentle, like a whisper of temptation, but the words were crystal clear and made people's heart jump. It made people unconsciously want to hear him speak more.
The two people in the room looked at the source of the voice and saw a tall handsome man standing at the door who came at some point. His robes were the colour of turquoise, a brighter colour than what was usually seen. His long hair was loosely tied and rested on over his shoulder like a willow. It was no more, no less, just added a hint of intoxicating charm. Lined with the turquoise robe, it made him appear incomparably charismatic. At present, he was leaning against the door frame and half was his face was enveloped under a shadow which made it difficult to see his appearance. Only a section of his lightly raised eyebrows were visible, but this style alone was capable of capturing people’s hearts.
Withdrawing the hand held by Ruan Tianqi, Qi Mingyue stood up and looked at the man with a hint of interest in his eyes. “Young Master Yan Qing really did not disappoint me. Such poise, such manner, it truly moves people’s hearts. A person like you is hard to find.”
“Do I make Ziyao’s heart move?” The man slowly stretched out his hand from the shadows, seemingly extending an invitation.
Hearing this, Qi Mingyue chuckled lightly and walked towards him unhurriedly. He reached his hand out and his fingertips slowly traced his (YQ) open palm as he spoke softly, “If I say it didn’t move, it would be a lie.” His voice gradually lowered and became softer, just as gentle as his action of taking the fair hand in his hold.
Ruan Tianqi stood up abruptly when he saw the two of them doing this and clenched his fists. A sharp look flashed in his eyes, then converged as he chuckled, “It seems that my presence here is superfluous. Young Master Yan Qing invited Ziyao and now you both have met each other. I don’t want to bother you, so it would be better if I just leave now.”
Yan Qing took Qi Mingyue's hand and turned around, “I’ll take you to a good place, my bedroom is much better than here.”
Looking at the two departing figures, Ruan Tianqi crushed the teacup in his hand to pieces.
Hearing the sound coming from behind him from a distance, Yan Qing laughed lowly and glanced back, “Everyone knows what Alliance Leader Ruan hates the most is brothels. Young Master[1] should return as soon as possible, I will not be seeing you off.”
[1] The young master used for Ruan Tianqi refers to ‘rich young master of a prominent household’ while the one used for Yan Qing is the ‘young owner/master [of Liufang Pavilion]’. Further explanation at the end if you’re interested.
Listening to the laughter coming from afar still carrying a unique charm, Ruan Tianqi’s his face gradually turned cold as he stood inside the room.
Indus' Notes:
[1] (cont.) 少爷 (Shaoye) is a courteous form of address which means young master of the house, or son of the boss.
The young master used for Yan Qing is 少主 (Shaozhu) in which 少 (Shao) means son of a rich family or young master when used as a noun and if used as an adjective, it means ‘young’.
Anyway, coming onto 主 (zhu), it means owner, master, or Lord.
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