Chapter 60: Urging Qiong to Break a Branch
Lin Shiyin's knowledge was not extensive, but it was certainly not insignificant either.
As Li Yuan's cousin, Lin Shiyin was unaware of Li Yuan's activities in the court, nor did she fully understand his inclinations. However, she was still Li Yuan's cousin, and Li Xunhuan would tell her anything he knew. Furthermore, she was perceptive and adept at reading people, and she could easily deduce things from any situation. Upon learning that Xie Huailing was also investigating the truth, she became even more open and honest, answering all of Xie Huailing's questions.
Lin Shiyin filled in the gaps regarding the Divine Marquis's Mansion and the Golden Wind and Fine Rain Pavilion's connection to Li Garden, even recounting events from many years ago, including those from the late emperor's era, to Xie Huailing. According to her, Li Garden hadn't been involved in court factional struggles for many years. Grand Tutor Li, as a leader of the upright officials, utterly despised court infighting and was somewhat disillusioned with the current emperor. Even when submitting memorials, he only uttered ordinary, polite words. As for enemies, there was no real deep-seated grudge between them.
If she had to talk about it, Lin Shiyin mentioned something that happened half a year ago.
Six months ago, several court officials who had been promoted during the reign of the previous emperor were impeached. Furthermore, due to unusual celestial phenomena, a few Taoist priests favored by the emperor claimed these were evil influences and ordered them stripped of their titles and banished from Bianjing, with their descendants forbidden from holding official positions in the Bianjing area. However, after the emperor issued the decree, it was discovered that the Taoist priests had accepted bribes to perform their services. They were beheaded, and their entire families were exiled.
There was actually a hidden story at this time. Li Taifu, also a former official of the late emperor, had extensive connections. Upon hearing of the matter, he believed it was a deliberate attempt by Taoist priests to frame loyal officials and deceive the emperor, and went directly to the palace to pay his respects. Furthermore, because of Li Taifu's high moral character and the respect he commanded from scholars throughout the land, several imperial students also submitted memorials upon hearing the news, thus ensuring the safety of several court officials. This was the most radical thing Li Taifu had done in the past six or seven years.
If Lin Shiyin hadn't told her, Xie Huailing would have had no way of knowing about this. With her quick wit, she quickly figured out several key points, then kept her promise and told Lin Shiyin some things about the martial arts world, teaching her a few things.
The two agreed on a time to meet again. Before leaving, Lin Shiyin said one more thing.
She said, "If Miss Xie has any other questions, please let me know, and I will go back and ask her again."
Xie Huailing asked, "Aren't you afraid of not getting an answer if you just ask directly?"
Lin Shiyin gently shook her head and said, "No, my cousin wouldn't refuse to answer me, nor would he doubt me."
This was indeed a very sad statement, but since the person was already gone, and Xie Huailing wasn't exactly a compassionate person, she only felt that this was one way of thinking, and couldn't bring herself to sympathize with her. She gave Lin Shiyin some instructions, and after she finished speaking, Lin Shiyin left.
Bai Feifei leaned against the window, listening to the whole thing. She occasionally chimed in when Xie Huailing was teaching Lin Shiyin, but then fell silent. After a long while, Bai Feifei finally spoke: "Now I think what you said at the Golden Wind and Drizzle Pavilion that day wasn't entirely unreasonable."
She was referring to Xie Huailing's words when he commented that Lin Shiyin was pitiful.
Xie Huailing was leisurely sorting through the note left by Lin Shiyin. Hearing this, she didn't even look up, her tone full of self-satisfaction: "You should have known long ago. I've always been so knowledgeable and insightful, able to see the big picture from a single leaf."
Bai Feifei snorted coldly, too lazy to engage with her self-praise, and instead commented on Lin Shiyin, who had just left: "She didn't realize it too late. Men, the most foolish thing in the world is to spend time on men, nothing could be more stupid. Now that she's been fooled by you, it's actually a blessing in disguise."
Xie Huailing finally finished tidying up and replied, "How can you call it coaxing? She did it willingly, so how can you call it coaxing? As for the first half of your sentence, I wholeheartedly agree with you in everything except when my cousin gives me money."
The two said no more and prepared to leave the elegant room, but just then, a few soft but clear knocks came from outside.
Bai Feifei, unaware of the murderous intent, nodded to Xie Huailing. Xie Huailing, his expression unchanged, called out, "Come in."
The door opened, and entered the former head musician, also the most sought-after performer of the brothel. She was beautiful, with a graceful figure and a voice like a nightingale's song. Now, her brows were lowered, and she held a wooden box, over a foot long, inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The intricate carvings were a testament to the artisan's skill, and its extravagance suggested it was priceless. The musician moved gracefully, stopping before Xie Huailing, and respectfully placed the box on the table.
The musician said in a soft, melodious voice, "Greetings, Miss Xie. This is a gift from a distinguished guest who specifically requested that I personally deliver it to you."
Bai Feifei's sharp gaze swept over the musician from head to toe, causing the musician to tremble uncontrollably, confirming that she was merely a messenger without any martial arts skills. Xie Huailing's gaze, on the other hand, was completely fixed on the excessively luxurious box. Judging from the style and extravagance of the box alone, very few people in the world could afford to give it away, let alone use it as a gift. She already knew exactly who it belonged to.
Xie Huailing didn't touch the box, but asked, "Did this distinguished guest ask you to deliver any other message?"
The musician nodded quickly and whispered, "The distinguished guest did indeed have a message for me to convey. He said, 'Wild grasses grow in the fields, glistening with dew. There is a beautiful woman, graceful and charming. We meet by chance, and will stay together forever.' The distinguished guest earnestly requests that Miss Xie do him the honor of meeting him alone."
The poignant verses, from the *Book of Songs* (specifically the section on the *Airs of Zheng*), express the poet's admiration and anticipation upon encountering a beautiful woman, as well as the boundless tenderness in his heart. However, this particular line, from the second half of the poem, describes the scene of lovers confirming their feelings for each other after their initial joy at meeting. Without even meeting in person, the poet has entrusted the verses to a musician, specifying a private meeting—a blatant act of rudeness and an intensely sensual atmosphere that cannot be concealed.
Xie Huailing remained silent for a moment, feeling speechless, then suddenly reached out and unfastened the clasp on the box lid.
Inside the box lay two things, not gold or silver jewels, nor priceless treasures. The first was a plain-looking, long, narrow iron dagger, its cold gleam subtly concealed. Near the hilt, the blade was stained with dried, blackened blood, emitting a faint, metallic odor. The second was several neatly folded sheets of paper. Xie Huailing picked one up and unfolded it. On it, densely packed, tiny characters recorded several secret transactions of favors and money, clearly organized and with a definite purpose.
Bai Feifei also saw the contents of the box, but before she could figure out what was going on, she saw Xie Huailing stuff Lin Shiyin's note into the wooden box and then neatly close the lid. Her expression was indistinct; a few strands of hair obscured her eyes, and her pupils seemed as black as night, as if she were trying to scoop up a handful of snow in the still-warm room, while the charcoal fire grew colder and colder. Then, before anyone could see clearly, her thoughts ended.
Xie Huailing disliked hesitation, so he said to the anxious musician, "Go and tell them that I have agreed."
Bai Feifei immediately questioned, "You—"
Before she could finish speaking, Xie Huailing pushed the wooden box directly in front of Bai Feifei. She seemed to dislike what was about to happen as well, and instead of mentioning it to Bai Feifei, she said, "Take this and go back to the building to give it to Yang Wuxie. He knows what to do, so don't worry about me."
Bai Feifei took the box, suddenly unsure of what to say, or what else she could say. She looked at Xie Huailing, her eyes filled with complex emotions, and finally coldly uttered, "You asked for it, don't expect me to collect your corpse."
.
The sticky, warm fragrance, wafting to the nose, evokes a tingling sensation, somewhat like pastries, yet also like cosmetics. Wisps of smoke rise gently, carrying a hint of chill within the lingering aroma, like the indifferent glance of a beautiful woman sweeping across the room. The narcissus on the table, perhaps aware of its unwelcome presence, lowers its head after the fragrance rises, its petals drooping, its original serene elegance sinking deeper into the scent.
Xie Huailing sat alone on the soft couch by the window, idly toying with a smooth jade clasp between her fingers. A short while later, the door opened, and a refined, tall figure entered the room, closing the door behind him.
This time, the newcomer did not wear a silver mask, revealing his refined and indescribable face. His features were exquisite, and his temperament was as elegant as pure white snow in spring. Anyone who saw him would praise him as a handsome young man in this turbulent world, and no one could guess the truth beneath his appearance.
Gong Jiu greeted her, showing no trace of the madness he had displayed that day, and said, "Sorry to have kept you waiting."
Xie Huailing didn't even look up, still staring at her jade buckle, his expression extremely cold: "It is indeed a long wait. You came to invite me two quarters of an hour ago, and all you did was make me wait two quarters of an hour."
Gong Jiu replied apologetically, saying something quite remarkable: "Sorry, I'm lost."
Even Xie Huailing couldn't help but look up at him, and all she could find on his face was honesty and frankness. He was even staring at her without any attempt to hide it. She asked him, "You, are you directionally challenged?"
"I can never remember the way, nor can I remember it," Gong Jiu said.
Xie Huailing couldn't help but sigh, "The heir of the prestigious Taiping Prince's Mansion is truly a genius. Even so, is he still haunting me?"
Gong Jiu seemed oblivious to her sarcasm and walked straight to sit down opposite her. He had also brought other gifts, but they were much more normal than the ones in the wooden box. There was a whole box of plump pearls, and a whole box of silver notes and house deeds. He knew that it wasn't enough to just give gifts that catered to her tastes; a girl cared about many other things, so he had prepared everything he needed.
After Xie Huailing finished speaking, Gong Jiu asked a completely different question: "Don't you like the gift I gave you?"
Xie Huailing met his gaze, a half-smile playing on her lips: "You like it? It's nice. Where did you get it?"
Gong Jiu leaned closer, his cool, incense-like scent wafting through the sticky fragrance. But it seemed that his very essence was the stickiest: "The Prince Taiping's Mansion has its own channels, far superior to those of the Jianghu forces or the constables. It's much easier to investigate things through the Prince's Mansion's channels."
Xie Huailing raised an eyebrow and leaned back subtly, clearly not wanting to be close to him: "So what are you trying to do? Sending me clues, a bunch of gifts, and a poem with no clear meaning—are you pursuing me?"
"Yes." Gong Jiu's answer was straightforward. "I'm pursuing you."
He gazed at her. With his handsome and refined face, coupled with his current demeanor, he truly resembled a charming young nobleman pursuing a woman he admired. If one did not know his background, one would almost be deceived by his appearance: "Since you are unwilling to do business with me, that is fine. Between men and women, it is the man who should give more in order to show my sincerity."
Xie Huailing scoffed and said, "There's no story between us that you can create just by trying."
Gong Jiu wasn't annoyed and continued speaking slowly, seemingly with an excellent temper: "How can you know the result if you haven't tried?"
He seemed like an perfectly normal person—rational, elegant, and even possessing a captivating charm. This starkly contrasted with his manic state of agony, curled up in agony, kneeling and weeping beneath the glass pavilion. He politely introduced himself to Xie Huailing: "In terms of family background, I am the only son of a prince, a member of the imperial family; in terms of appearance, I believe I am no less handsome than most men in the world; in terms of talent, I mastered music and chess at seven and calligraphy and painting at eight; in terms of wealth, my household possesses tens of thousands of taels of gold, which I could use as easily as dirt. Why can't there be a story between us?"
"Miss Xie." Gong Jiu called her name. The young man was handsome and refined, just inches away, and every syllable was exceptionally pleasant to hear. "Everything I have, I can give you as long as you come with me. If you still want to stay at Golden Wind and Fine Rain Pavilion, as long as you agree to me, I can also go and support your cousin."
Xie Huailing remained unmoved: "Forget it, I really have absolutely no interest in you."
"Let me think about it some more."
Gong Jiu's gaze was condescending and undeniably aggressive. When he wasn't having an episode, he was undoubtedly a competent leader; his pampered upbringing had given him not only arrogance but also a condescending perspective. Perhaps it was because he had received so much that he sought out suffering. Few could refuse him; at least in his eyes, Xie Huailing's confidence was somewhat lacking. He said, "Remember my identity, Miss Xie. The Golden Wind and Fine Rain Pavilion is not something I should fear."
“You are threatening me,” Xie Huailing stated.
"I'm pursuing you," Gong Jiu repeated stubbornly.
Seeing his appearance, Xie Huailing showed no fear, and even lazily moved back a little. Then she suddenly tilted her head, casually beckoned to Gong Jiu with her finger.
This was an unexpected move, and Gong Jiu's arrogance froze after her action. His expression didn't change much, but his entire aura suddenly twisted. Beneath his noble exterior, some suppressed thoughts surged forth, clashing with his coercive intentions, determined to determine a victor. His gaze was both scalding and cold, his Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily, and his breathing became somewhat rapid. In the hazy center of his soul, Xie Huailing waited patiently.
Instinct prevailed, and half of his mind went blank, his noble demeanor completely gone. Gong Jiu, who was already very close, covered all the distance in one step, his knees pressed against the soft couch, his hand on Xie Huailing's thin shoulder.
The beauty beneath his palm was so slender, seemingly within his grasp, yet she was also incredibly cold-blooded. Gong Jiu leaned down, his breath enveloping her, while her gaze met his with disdain.
The two were so close they could see each other's every move. Xie Huailing leaned back slightly, avoiding his nose as he tried to touch hers: "Your Highness, are you trying to threaten me like this?"
She even had the leisure to tease him, even though she was the one pinned down: "It looks tiring. How about this, I'll just find something for you to do. Come and help me out, what do you think? Of course, there's no payment."
Gong Jiu did not answer. He moved closer and closer, his eyes almost brushing over every inch of her skin, gently inhaling the fragrance of her neck. His heart felt as if it were soaking in warm water, everything was intoxicating, light and airy, and he could no longer utter any harsh words. He could only see her face, and only needed her face.
There was nothing about him that he disliked about her, and nothing that he didn't like about her.
Not satisfied, Gong Jiu disregarded everything and tried to kiss the red mole under her eye.
Xie Huailing had anticipated this and knew it would happen. Before he could succeed, she placed her hand on his lips, interrupting his actions.
Gong Jiu stopped. He didn't force his way past Xie Huailing's obstruction, but obediently withdrew his intention to kiss her. His thin lips lightly brushed against Xie Huailing's palm, which was also very soft. Then, the next second, unable to restrain himself, Gong Jiu bit Xie Huailing's palm.
Without bothering to discern whether this was a count of people or something else, Xie Huailing twisted her wrist and then raised it, delivering a slap of moderate weight to Gong Jiu's face.
She didn't exert much force, and this posture couldn't generate much power, but Gong Jiu still turned her face to the side.
While others might feel refreshed and alert after being slapped, for Gong Jiu, it had the opposite effect.
He slowly turned his head, all his former senses gone. People have a facade, and his essence was filthy, muddy, deep, dark, even sinister. His morbidity reignited; his eyes were devoid of any light, only a faint glimmer of fanaticism. Gong Jiu suddenly gasped, then his face, as unyielding as a jade tree atop a snow-capped mountain, pressed against Xie Huailing's hand, where she had just been bitten.
Xie Huailing touched his face and said, "Did you hear what I said?"
Gong Jiu replied haltingly, no longer able to speak: "I heard you."
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Every time I write about Gong Jiu, I get scared. After I finish writing, I have to delete it all over again, and I've deleted a lot of things...
"Without a thought to distinguish whether this is a person or something else," the original sentence can be obtained by replacing the last two characters with a single character.
Regarding Gong Jiu in this chapter:
Gong Jiu: That's how the underlying code is written, there's nothing I can do about it.
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