In Da Qian, it was common for prostitutes to be favored by officials and nobles, redeemed, and housed. However, a prostitute’s status remained lowly, and upon entry into a man’s household, she usually became relegated to a concubine.
Indeed, there were many who had taken a liking to Yi Ling before. There were those who even wanted to redeem her, considering she was the top courtesan of the Flower House. How could she not hold such an allure?
However, compared to becoming a despised concubine in the harems of men and enduring the cold looks, it was more comfortable being the center of attention in this Flower House. Most top-tier prostitutes would not willingly choose to leave unless their prime had passed.
But becoming a honored concubine was a different matter.
Especially considering that the Sun Family was one of the wealthiest families in Lian’an Town, their connections even extending to the nobility in the capital. Such a household was far better than that of an ordinary rich family.
Even more crucially, due to Sun Yaowen’s infamous reputation, he had yet to arrange a formal marriage. Although he had several maids in his house, only two had been elevated to the status of concubine. Once she entered, she would naturally be the mistress of the house. If she bore a son or daughter for Sun Yaowen in the future, there was nothing to worry about regarding further advancement.
Moreover, Sun Yaowen was an incompetent fool, totally lacking in ability. If she followed him, on one hand, she could carefully plan to secure the Sun Family’s fortune. On the other hand, she could easily control him. Future wealth and honor was a given.
Considering this, Yi Ling’s laughter grew even stronger: "Right now, as Yi Ling, who has neither name nor status, I dare not serve Young Master Sun. However, once Young Master Sun lifts Yi Ling into the mansion, I will naturally do my best to serve."
A trace of mockery flashed in Sun Yaowen’s eyes. She was just a prostitute, yet she spoke as if she were a chaste and virtuous woman.
However, he found Yi Ling to be quite interesting. Precisely speaking, he was very interested in several top courtesans in the Flower House.
"Fine, when do you plan to enter the mansion? If not, I’ll have someone carry you in tomorrow." Sun Yaowen said casually.
She was just a concubine, he really wasn’t afraid of anything.
But Yi Ling laughed and said, "Although Yi Ling is eager to serve Young Master Sun, unfortunately, the timing is not right now. After all, Yi Ling hopes to seek as many benefits as possible for Young Master Sun."
Sun Yaowen’s eyes lit up. Last time it was Yi Ling who had helped him gain benefits. If he could gain even more benefits this time, his position in the Sun family would surely rise drastically.
"Good! Let’s settle it like that. Rest assured, as long as you help me accomplish this, I, Sun Yaowen, will definitely not let you down!"
Yi Ling gave him a sweet smile: "Yi Ling imagines Young Master Sun couldn’t possibly be more aware of her intentions. Yi Ling seeks nothing other than Young Master Sun’s sincerity as I have blocked my other paths for the sake of Young Master Sun."
Hearing this, Sun Yaowen was moved and felt a deep fondness for Yi Ling. He softly pulled her into his arms: "Don’t worry, you are so sincere to me, how could I bear to let you down?"
Yi Ling leaned against his chest, her slightly drooping eyes flashed a look of contempt. He really was a dimwit.
But in her heart, she was deeply worried. Her current employer was now much more cautious, even insisting on getting everyone to sign a confidentiality agreement. If there were any leaks, she would face a fine of one hundred thousand pieces of silver. It was a sum she couldn’t repay and one the Sun Family couldn’t easily produce either. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖
It was clear she had to act quickly, stall the signing of the agreement, and secure all the other benefits from the Flower House as soon as possible.
——
Someone had already brought the news to Xin He.
"It seems Sun Yaowen did indeed go into Yi Ling’s room. They entered quietly and have an agreement to make Yi Ling an honored concubine," Xiaochaihu reported their conversation in detail.
Xin He wasn’t surprised, but sneered, "Honored concubine? She so easily betrays me for the position of honored concubine in Sun Yaowen’s household!"
Xiaochaihu said, "From the information I gathered, it seems that Yi Ling’s ambition isn’t limited to just being an honored concubine."
"Of course not, she has always been wildly ambitious. I used her in the past because she seemed intelligent. While I like intelligent people, I don’t like uncontented ones." Xin He’s gaze grew colder.
Xiaoyu said in a grave tone, "How does madam plan to handle this? Dispose of that Yi Ling first?"
Xin He’s eyes narrowed slightly, she said softly, "There’s no hurry. Without her, the Sun family would have to find another way in. After the last incident, I found that the Flower House has many vulnerabilities and is not as impregnable as it seems. It wouldn’t be that difficult to find another way in. Instead of letting them catch us off guard again, might as well use this opportunity to whet their appetites."
"So madam is suggesting we turn their plan against them?"
Xin He frowned and shook her head, "Not quite right. We should think about this some more. It’s not urgent. Let’s see how Yi Ling moves first. With the signing of the confidentiality agreement pressing down on her, she will undoubtedly act hastily. Have someone keep a close eye on her."
"Yes."
Just as Xiaoyu had agreed, Xiaochaihu said, "Should I keep an eye on her?"
Xin He, laughing, patted his head, "You better rest. You need to go to school tomorrow. Leave this matter alone."
"But...."
"Being disobedient?" Xin He said fiercely.
Xiaochaihu saw Xin He’s stern expression, but couldn’t help but smile. Did she think he was as childish as Xiao Bei? Did she think her stern expression would really scare him?
But he dutifully nodded, "I understand."
Xin He, not noticing his inner thoughts, patted his head with satisfaction, "Hmm, go to sleep."
Once Xiaochaihu had left, Xin He’s gaze lowered, contemplating the current issue. Everything happening was clear, so it wasn’t difficult to handle. But how to maximize the opportunity needed careful planning.
Xin He spent a long time deep in thought, then suddenly had an idea. A faint smile formed on her lips.
——
In the following days, knowing she had a plan, Xin He remained calm and didn’t alert anyone. She took a hands-off approach with Yi Ling. After all, the person who should be anxious was not her. She waited until Yi Ling couldn’t bear the pressure, knowing that the more desperate, the less alert a person would be.
Meanwhile, she found herself with an unexpected company, Mu Houchu.
She’d sit in the room reading, and he’d sit watching her.
She’d lie down for a nap in the room, and he’d sit watching her.
She’d sew clothes with a needle and thread, and he’d still sit watching her.
Finally, Xin He couldn’t stand his unabashed gaze any longer and threw down her needle and thread, glaring at him unhappily, "Don’t you have anything better to do today?"
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