13. Destroy Chu
"Is this young master selling?" I chose the most famous brothel in Jiangnan. The old woman smiled and looked me up and down, wanting to see my face under the cloak.
“I’ve run out of money and want to make a living by performing. I’m skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. I won’t sign a contract of servitude; just provide me with food and lodging. I can play music in return,” I said calmly.
"No problem." Old Mo had seen all kinds of people, so she didn't ask any more questions.
So I settled in the renowned Juxiang Tower in Jiangnan, inquiring about the Chu family's recent situation while cultivating my character. The old woman tried several times to drug me, wanting me to sell myself, but I was immune to all poisons; even aphrodisiacs couldn't affect my senses. After several unsuccessful attempts, she gave up on me.
My guzheng playing skills have been honed since childhood, and so far, no one can rival me. However, since I'm not the top player here, there's no need for me to steal their thunder. Playing the guzheng half-heartedly, without performing at my normal level, is enough to earn a living. If it weren't for the excessive seasonings in their food—some good for the skin, some bad for facial hair, some aphrodisiacs, and other low-grade medicines—I'd often have to use the excuse of some young master wanting some fresh food to sneak off to the usual street stalls. Street food is definitely easier to digest.
Even within the brothel, there were factions. Two factions existed here. One, led by Zijin, consisted of women of unparalleled allure and captivating charm. Their mere sway of their hips could bewitch countless wealthy and powerful men, their eyes gleaming with hearts as they promptly reached for their wallets. The other faction, led by Lianxi, consisted of women of icy indifference, possessing a unique and alluring charm. Those with slightly more refined tastes primarily sought Lianxi's favor. Lianxi's room was overflowing with rare treasures, yet he seemed unmoved by anyone. Perhaps he was simply born cold-hearted, I thought.
The higher the rank of the top performer, the more free they are. They entertain guests when they feel like it, and do nothing when they don't. Most of them sell their art, not their bodies.
I am of humble status and not a prostitute. I play the zither in my spare time, and sometimes, out of kindness, I help some young masters by applying medicine to their backs. Although it's called applying medicine, there are many customers who don't know how to be gentle with women, and they always feel that they should get their money's worth, so they always make people feel drowsy.
"Why did Feiwu come here?" Lianxi asked me once.
"Why can't I come?" I smiled, seeing his beautiful, gentle face, so pleasing to the eye. My emotions surged without me even realizing it.
“Feiwu doesn’t seem like someone from here,” he said calmly. “This place can’t keep you.”
"Is that so? I didn't plan to retire here either. Why are you still here, Lianxi? You've earned enough money and already bought yourself off, why don't you leave?"
“It’s all the same wherever I go, so I might as well stay here and live more freely,” he said, with a nonchalant air.
"Is something on your mind?" I asked, looking at the faint sadness in his eyes. He was another person troubled by love.
"What is the true appearance of the non-fog? Why does it always wear a cloak?" He looked at me.
"It's incredibly ugly, I'm afraid it will ruin your eyes." I laughed.
"Oh no! The Eighth Prince is here!" a servant boy cried out in a panic.
I didn't look up and continued playing. The Eighth Prince probably came thinking of my master too; the rumors are spreading like wildfire in the martial world, and many have come just to catch a glimpse of the Poison Prince. It seems it's time for me to leave.
"The Eighth Prince summoned Lianxi to entertain the guests."
Continue playing, ignoring him.
"Poor thing, the Eighth Prince likes those who seem aloof the most. But I wonder how the Eighth Prince will treat Lianxi."
"What else could happen? Last time, Lianxi refused to submit no matter what, and she was almost beaten to death. In the end, the prince still took her. When she came back, she couldn't even walk."
My fingers tightened, and the melodious tune transformed into a passionate and stirring one.
"I heard that because Lianxi lost her virginity, that young master of his despised her and abandoned her. Poor thing, Lianxi never smiled again. Nor did she dance."
I laughed; how laughable are the ordinary people of this world. My spirits lifted, and I began to play the guzheng with renewed vigor. The enchanting music captivated my soul, and the once bustling hall fell silent as many stared in disbelief at my performance.
"Not Fog!" The song ended, and thunderous applause erupted. The old woman's plump figure rolled down from the second floor. "You're quite something! The Prince has rewarded you. Hurry up and go up." Hearing her words, sighs rose from all around. Some sympathized, some regretted not discovering this treasure, some gloated, and some even cursed the vixen. I bowed and followed the old woman up to the second floor.
"Was that you who just played?" The prince asked, his eyes brimming with tears, looking utterly pitiful.
I bowed slightly. "Yes."
"Very good, look up." I looked up. He looked at me with pity, as if he felt sorry for me.
"Take off your veil." The prince was somewhat angered.
"Only a close friend can take Fei Wu's veil. Why doesn't Your Highness give it a try? I'm afraid you'll regret it after you take it off. Fei Wu is so mediocre, how could she possibly taint Your Highness's eyes?"
"Hmph." He walked over and waved his hand dismissively. "I'd like to see what kind of monster you are..." His eyes widened. "Your hair is actually..."
“Purple,” I replied with a smile. “Feiwu suffered a serious illness and took too much medicine, which is why she looks like this. Please forgive her, Your Highness.”
"Although he is not as handsome as Lianxi, nor as charming as Zijin, he has a unique charm. Old Mo, I want him to serve me tonight."
"No problem." The old woman smiled and took the silver note. ☆Fried☆Ice Cream☆Organization☆
"Unfortunately, Fei Wu is not a resident of this establishment, and she only sells her art, not her body." I slowly put on my veil. "Your Highness, please find another beauty. Fei Wu is unworthy to repay your kindness."
"How dare you disobey the Prince's orders! It's your good fortune that the Prince has taken a liking to you." A lackey is a lackey, and this fully demonstrates the behavior of a lackey.
"It is my good fortune that Your Highness has taken a liking to me. I hope Your Highness will not regret it." I smiled, looking at the worried and pitying face.
"Regret? How could I? It's getting late, I need to rest." With that order, the prince's lackeys quickly dispersed.
"Feiwu?" she asked, looking at me with pity. "Is this your first time? Do you want it?"
"No need. Feiwu can handle it." I smiled.
It was indeed easy to deal with. The moment the prince touched my skin, he was poisoned and fell into a deep sleep. I controlled the drug perfectly. Then I disguised myself as him and left. As I left, I didn't forget to give the unconscious prince a little surprise.
The door was locked, and behind him came lewd moans. "Your Highness, I will avenge what you did to Lianxi, and I will avenge him tenfold. Enjoy this moment, and see if you too ever suffer the humiliation of being forced to crawl between someone's legs."
"I wonder what brings Your Highness here?" the Chu family steward asked, looking at me.
"Of course, it's for the Poison Prince," I said flippantly. "I've waited nearly ten years, and this day has finally come. I've heard that the Poison Prince will appear tonight."
"Is that so? We will double our precautions. Please, Your Highness, take a seat." He prepared a seat for me. Today was the one-month celebration for a grandson of the Chu family. Many guests had come, making it quite a lively occasion. Looking at the full moon obscured by dark clouds, my heart surged with emotion.
Chu Jing sat in the center, saying nothing, only nodding to those offering congratulations. His weathered face, ravaged by time, bore the marks of years, and the youthful vigor of yesteryear was gone.
Nie Xiangrong sat next to him. The woman did indeed resemble her master somewhat. Even though she was in her early forties, she was well-maintained and it was not hard to see her former beauty.
There were probably several hundred people in the hall. If it weren't for the fear of the Poison Prince's revenge, there would probably be even more righteous people from the martial arts world coming to visit.
I sipped my tea slowly, and no one spoke to me. Especially when Chu Jing glanced at me from time to time, her gaze was sharp and venomous. Could this be considered a meeting of rivals, their eyes blazing with hatred?
After several toasts and speeches, the guests gradually became bolder and began to present gifts to the little boy. In no time, the boy was surrounded by jade, swords, books, gold, and other items, waiting for him to grab one. I also placed something down.
The little baby crawled slowly, and everyone around was quiet. The baby's mother smiled, and the baby's father grinned. Sure enough, the baby grabbed my gold.
Nie Xiangrong nodded to me. I smiled. Chu Jingchu looked doubtful.
"Wah!" A bolt from the blue. The little child burst into a heart-wrenching scream. Everyone looked in the direction of the golden basket, and two small golden snakes emerged. Even more eerie, the two snakes remained motionless, slowly spitting out two things stained with blood. They were two eyeballs.
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