civilwarnovels Chapter 655: Teasing
Chapter 655: Teasing
Prince Qi naturally agreed, and the Crown Prince forced himself to drink the remaining wine in his cup, saying, "If I recover, I must have a few drinks with my brothers."
The implication was that he could only drink this much today.
Prince Qi smiled and said, "No matter, I’m somewhat curious, I wonder if the Crown Prince has found that exotic beauty?"
The Crown Prince’s expression turned a bit sour: "Beauty is a double-edged sword, it seems I’m not destined for that fortune. Speaking of which..."
King Tushan laughed, "Speaking of exotic beauties, who can compare to the two Chiefs of the brothel? I heard they are so rare that even a thousand gold wouldn’t secure a meeting, they must truly be exotic to be so."
Prince Qi’s heart jumped when he heard this, and he feigned a look of longing, saying, "I have heard of them, too. They are said to be masters in the arts of love, skilled in musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Not to mention their singing, dancing, flute playing —they excel in everything, and each has her own unique charms, not to be shared with outsiders."
King Tushan laughed heartily, "Could it be that Yu Lang also has such thoughts?"
Prince Qi sighed, "Just a thought. My salary barely covers my expenses, where would I find so much gold and silver to court them? It’s a pity I have no destiny with them."
The Crown Prince listened intently.
...
Qin Yuan, along with Yang’er and Hehua, were guided by the palace maid to the place called the cycle of the five grains.
Because there were more people in the palace today, it was not as convenient and clean as usual. Qin Yuan felt she was somewhat tainted with filth, so she walked a short distance along the path to get some fresh air and admired the chrysanthemums on her way back.
"There are ten feet of curtain chrysanthemums here as well. The entire Imperial Palace must have countless rare varieties."
Qin Yuan mused as she moved closer for a closer look.
The "ten feet of curtain chrysanthemums," as the name suggests, have petals as long and thin as curtains, and are a prized variety among chrysanthemums.
Yang’er stepped forward, "This is also a rare variety, a green peony; that one should be the ’Phoenix Spreading its Wings.’"
Following her finger, a large pot of chrysanthemums was in full bloom, colors of red and yellow blending together, swaying in the autumn breeze like a phoenix spreading its wings to dance.
"Indeed, it’s hard to see such a sight outside," Qin Yuan nodded.
Hehua said, "I only like lotus flowers, no matter how pretty other flowers are, they can’t compare."
Qin Yuan chuckled softly, "Every flower has its beauty. If there were only lotus flowers in the world, wouldn’t we grow tired of them, no matter how pretty they are?"
Saying this, she stepped forward two steps to identify another pot of chrysanthemums.
"So sister-in-law is here," a voice suddenly rang out, filled with mischief, sounding anything but serious.
Yang’er glanced up and quickly lowered her head again.
She had seen this face before, though this time it was clothed and not as disheveled.
What a pity the Seventh Miss wasn’t here today.
Otherwise...
Qin Yuan straightened up and greeted him with a bow, stepping aside: "Greetings to Prince Jin."
"Why be so distant, sister-in-law?" Prince Jin stepped forward with a self-assured smile, "I apologize for disturbing you while you’re admiring the flowers. Seeing you amongst the flowers, outshining them with your beauty, I couldn’t help myself. I hope I didn’t scare you."
His mischievous words startled Hehua, who hurriedly moved closer to Qin Yuan, shielding her.
Yang’er looked on warily at this high-status scoundrel.
Qin Yuan remained composed, calmly saying, "So, Prince Jin is here admiring chrysanthemums. I will take my leave to avoid any further disturbance. Farewell."
Saying this, she instructed Yang’er and Hehua, "Let’s return to the hall. We mustn’t keep the Old Madam waiting."
"Yes," They positioned themselves protectively around Qin Yuan, attempting to pass Prince Jin.
Prince Jin spread his arms, blocking their path, smiling playfully, "Sister-in-law is wise, no need to play dumb. Wearing such old ornaments and dark clothes, are you trying to hide your beauty?"
"Unfortunately, all you did was make me realize one thing, you also understand my feelings, don’t you?"
His words grew more and more indecent.
Yang’er trembled with anger.
Qin Yuan scolded coldly, "Please, be careful with your words after drinking, Prince Jin."
Prince Jin leaned closer, grinning shamelessly, "Sister-in-law is still a maiden, naturally you don’t know my virtues. Not like Gu Jinghui, that rooster that can’t lay. Follow me, and wealth and glory are just the beginning. You could even have a child of your own in the future... Dingbei Marquis would only be pleased once he knows."
Fury welled up in Qin Yuan’s heart, "What are you standing there for? Slap him hard. If anything happens, I’ll take full responsibility."
Before the words were finished, Hehua leaped forward, swiftly aiming a strike at Prince Jin’s face.
Well-prepared, Prince Jin chuckled, twisting Hehua’s hand, "Marquis Gu surely cherishes you, offering you two martial maids. Sadly, their skills are hardly a match for me."
Qin Yuan was somewhat panicked.
Few people passed by here, and even if there were, it could easily stir up rumors.
Prince Jin, using Hehua’s strength, thrust her back, throwing her onto the ground.
"I suggest you avoid a futile struggle, lest you injure yourselves and make your sister-in-law look worse. Don’t you agree, sister-in-law?"
Struggling to rise, Hehua shouted to Yang’er, "When the master is disgraced, the servant would rather die, what are you waiting for?"
She lunged forward, tightly gripping Prince Jin’s leg. Yang’er paused but then joined in, calling out, "Madam, quickly find help!"
Qin Yuan lifted her skirt, ran a few steps, then stopped, hastily took out a packet of powder from her pocket, and threw it at Prince Jin entangled with the two.
The powder spread, covering Prince Jin’s face entirely.
Prince Jin suddenly couldn’t care about grappling anymore, shouting angrily, "What did you throw at me? Why does it sting and itch?"
Qin Yuan was startled, stepping back several paces. Only then did she realize the powder thrown was Xiao Dong’s itchy powder.
By this time, Prince Jin’s eyes were red, and he clawed at his face like a rake, his pale face red and swollen.
Qin Yuan quickly signaled Yang’er and Hehua, "Let’s go."
Prince Jin, in agony from the itching, screamed continuously, "It hurts so much! Someone, there’s an assassin here..."
Before finishing, he suddenly toppled forward onto the ground, silent.
A panicked and lost Qin Yuan: "!"
Yang’er and Hehua stood frozen.
"What, what do we do?"
Not far away, there seemed to be people approaching.
The two stared directly at Qin Yuan, waiting for her decision.
To stay or to go?
"Madam, here you are admiring the flowers, such an elegant pastime."
At this moment, Marquis Gu’s voice resonated like heavenly music.
Qin Yuan turned, seeing him in battle array, standing behind them with his hands clasped, her eyes immediately reddened as she rushed at him, "When did you arrive?"
Marquis Gu smiled, drawing her into an embrace, soothingly patting her back as if coaxing a child, speaking warmly, "Not long ago, I initially intended to teach him a lesson, but I didn’t expect my lady to be so brave and resourceful."
"You’re still laughing!" Qin Yuan instantly forgot all her fright and fear, hitting him indignantly.
Marquis Gu gently coaxed, "Alright, alright, it’s all my fault. You enjoy the flowers while I find him a place to hide, and I’ll return later to accompany you to the hall."