Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Peony

Lan Ze approached Leng Jiu, standing tall without a stoop. His appearance, distinct from Long Yue Li's flamboyant allure, carried its own charm. Facing Long Yue Li, he bowed respectfully: "Lan Ze greets the Xuan King."

Long Yue Li only then acknowledged him. However, instead of responding, he pulled Leng Jiu close, whispering in her ear, audible only to them: "When did Jiu'er get involved with him?"

His breath, enticingly fragrant, tickled her ear, prompting Leng Jiu to push his head away: "Don't assume everyone is like you."

"What about this king?"

Leng Jiu glared at him briefly, avoiding further discussion. She wouldn't engage in a battle of egos with him: "Didn't you say you had a special place to take me to?"

Raising an eyebrow, Long Yue Li replied with a hint of mystery: "You'll see when we get there."

Lan Ze observed the two in front, recognizing Xuan Wang for his unique looks and unrestrained character. He wasn't surprised by Long Yue Li's presence. However, Leng Jiu was more enigmatic to him. She didn't claim to be a palace maid, yet wore their attire. She seemed too noble and imposing, her occasional displays of grace and haughtiness unmistakable.

Clenching his fist inside his sleeve, Lan Ze then relaxed. It wasn't time to reveal himself yet.

The trio boarded a carriage, with Long Yue Li still close to Leng Jiu, and Lan Ze sitting quietly aside. After half an hour, the carriage stopped. Lan Ze was the first to alight, followed by Long Yue Li, who turned and gallantly extended his hand to Leng Jiu. She accepted it casually and stepped down, but upon seeing her surroundings, her expression was a mix of surprise and disdain, "This is the 'nice place' you mentioned?"

Before them lay a bustling alley, lit up and lively, lined with dancing red veils and provocatively dressed women beckoning to inebriated patrons. It was the infamous red-light district.

"Surrounded by beauties, indulging in wine and song – isn't it a fine place?" Long Yue Li suggested.

Leng Jiu glanced at him, thinking to herself that indeed, men are often driven by their base desires.

Suddenly, she felt a tug at her sleeve and turned to see Lan Ze looking embarrassed and whispering, "Ah Jiu! This isn't a place for ladies. Let's go back."

Leng Jiu felt amused at his innocence, thinking maybe not all men are led by their lower selves.

"Scared to go in?" Long Yue Li teased, touching her chin with a challenging smile.

Raising an eyebrow, Leng Jiu was unfazed. She had been around more daunting environments and bit his mischievous finger, "Afraid of you?"

Long Yue Li hissed, not from pain, but from the tantalizing touch of her tongue on his finger, stirring unexpected sensations within him. His eyes darkened as he smiled invitingly, "Then, please!"

The madam at the entrance brightened up upon seeing Long Yue Li, her heavily made-up face blooming like a chrysanthemum. "Prince! You've finally come. Our Peony Lady has been pining for you!"

With a sweep of his sleeve, Long Yue Li kept the madam at bay, "Send her here!"

"Right away!" The madam hurried off to fetch the lady.

Dragon Yue Li dismissed the other women who were trying to curry favor and led the two through familiar paths to his usual private room. He knew the place well, which didn't surprise Leng Jiu as she observed her surroundings. Indeed, it lacked the grandeur of modern star-rated nightclubs, but it had its own charm with its pure, simple architecture, the exquisitely carved pavilions, and deliberately lit red or pink lanterns, along with fluttering sheer curtains. This place, much quieter than the vulgar bustle ahead, seemed less like a brothel and more like a courtyard with an intriguing twist.

Pushing open a room door, they entered an elegant private space of about a hundred square meters, fully furnished with tables, chairs, and tea sets, all exquisitely decorated. It was indeed much nicer than the outside!

As the three entered, Dragon Yue Li watched Leng Jiu's expression. She looked around and finally her gaze settled on Lan Ze, who was exceedingly restrained. Reluctantly, she pulled him over and found a seat, saying, "We're just out for a drink, why be so tense?"

Lan Ze, feeling uncomfortable as she held his hand, withdrew it and said, "I've never been to such a place before. It's a bit embarrassing. I must be a laughingstock for Ah Jiu!"

At these words, Leng Jiu actually laughed, her eyes twinkling. Leaning in, she teased in a very low voice, "Why not try something new with a girl here?"

The usually refined Lan Ze almost jumped at her suggestion. Although he managed to sit back down, his face turned red to the tips of his ears. He remained silent, not daring to reply, while Leng Jiu watched him, slightly entranced. His skin was as pale as flower petals, now flushed with an enticing pink, stirring desires she hadn't felt in a long time, tempting her to kiss him.

"Jiu'er seems to like him quite a bit. Could it be that you've taken a fancy to him?" Dragon Yue Li's ambiguous voice snapped Leng Jiu back to reality. She met his meaningful gaze. Lan Ze was oblivious to the deeper implication, but Leng Jiu understood. Her identity as the Empress Dowager was sensitive; traditionally, she shouldn't be seen too close to men, as it would be unbecoming of her status. This situation with Lan Ze clearly crossed that line, and Dragon Yue Li's remark was a warning.

But she was Leng Jiu, unconcerned with such matters. Her eyes shone with a lazy indifference as she replied, "It's not that I fancy him. Could it be that I should fancy the Prince instead?"

Dragon Yue Li's eyes narrowed like a fox, and he revealed a frivolous smile. With his crimson lips slightly parted, he feigned hurt, "My whole heart belongs to Jiu'er, yet she treats it like nothing. How cruel!"

Leng Jiu's eyelid twitched, ignoring him. Lan Ze saw all the subtle tensions and ambiguities between them but said nothing, keeping his gaze downcast.

"Peony pays her respects to the Prince!"

A slender figure with a slight blush entered, bowing gracefully. Her beauty was like a blooming lotus, her smile filled with the unique charm of a woman of the night. Yet, what was most captivating wasn't her face, but the white curves at her chest, almost spilling out, drawing awe.

Lan Ze, who had just calmed down, felt awkward again. He looked everywhere but at her.

"Come here!" Dragon Yue Li motioned to a spot beside him.

Peony rose and approached, showing a brief moment of surprise upon seeing Leng Jiu, but it quickly passed. She then gracefully took a seat beside Dragon Yue Li, calling for a maid to bring his favorite wine, pouring it for him herself, "Prince!"