Chapter 166: Events on the Eve of the National Exchange (Part 9)

Chapter 166: Events on the Eve of the National Exchange (Part 9)

Time flew by in an instant; only three days remained until the trilateral exchange meeting.

The bustling scenes in Beiyang Street were even more vibrant than during the New Year festivities. Various taverns and brothels were filled with a steady stream of visitors.

Beiyang Street was once again thriving, bustling with activity.

Two days ago, Yun Ji conducted an examination as per the Emperor's instructions at the Imperial Examination Hall.

One day for literary skills, one day for martial arts, ultimately selecting three outstanding candidates in each category.

Su San and Su Si happened to be one literary and one martial candidate.

Both made it into the top three.

As the Emperor had predicted, the examinees were not disheartened by their failure but instead felt honored to have been evaluated by Prince Yijue. Being able to receive pointers from him on their shortcomings was a great source of pride and honor for these scholarly talents.

Such blind adoration was incomprehensible to Su RAO, nor did she have time to ponder it, as Yinyin brought her news that was less than favorable at this particular moment.

Yesterday at noon, Xiao Ziyu appeared at Freedom Pavilion.

Earlier, Yinyin had delivered the new batch of cosmetics from Lian Ge to Huan Niang as instructed by Su RAO. In recent days, there had been no unfamiliar faces or merchants from Zhu Xian at Freedom Pavilion.

Everything was as usual until yesterday when a guard from Lian Ge, who had accompanied Su RAO to Tianguguan County, recognized Xiao Ziyu.

"Miss, Xiao Ziyu appeared at Freedom Pavilion..."

Yinyin spoke solemnly, her heart filled with worry.

Why now, just before the trilateral exchange meeting? Was it a coincidence, or was Freedom Pavilion planning something? Or perhaps it was related to Yan Yi Chishao, whom they needed to be wary of.

"This matter..."

Holding a peach porcelain cup, Su RAO's eyes narrowed in thought, her face serious. After a moment, she put down the cup and said in a firm voice:

"Yinyin, don't worry about this. Just keep a close eye on Yun Mu Yi and prevent any mishaps. I will personally meet Xiao Ziyu at Freedom Pavilion to see what he is up to."

Yinyin nodded, knowing it was the best course of action.

...

At Freedom Pavilion, regardless of the time or season, music and dance always filled the air. Now, with the trilateral exchange meeting approaching, the place was even livelier, with lights shining brightly day and night, and music echoing from the boats.

Especially at night, the entire inner lake was surrounded by flickering lanterns, with flower lamps floating on the water, creating shimmering ripples.

In the luxurious boat, officials' sons, wealthy merchants, poets, and friends gathered, conducting business over drinks, filling Beiyang Street with noise and revelry.

In Huan Niang's pavilion, Su RAO once again dressed as a young scholar, with a white square handkerchief tying back her dark hair, a touch of makeup at the corner of her eyes, and a scholar's fan in hand, looking shy and scholarly.

"Oh, oh, oh, little master, you haven't visited me in so long. I thought you had forgotten me!"

Huan Niang swayed her graceful waist, waving a floral fan, her words filled with a hint of reproach as she lightly hit Su RAO's shoulder, almost clinging to her.

"I've been so sad and heartbroken since you last came!"

Su RAO turned her head, her eyes suddenly sparkling despite the altered shape of her almond-shaped eyes. Her gaze still exuded charm and allure.

Xiao Gongzi's flirtatious demeanor, portrayed through her shy appearance, was uniquely captivating.

Without saying a word, Huan Niang shivered and stepped away.

"My heart can't take it. If you were a man, you'd break countless innocent girls' hearts. You're truly a menace."

"Is that so?" Su RAO smiled wryly, "It seems my disguise isn't quite convincing. Even dressed as a shy scholar, I still managed to captivate you."

Huan Niang laughed and scolded, "Little girl, stop being so vain! My soul isn't so easily bewitched."

Su RAO chuckled and stopped teasing Huan Niang, instead focusing on the dancing outside, her face showing pure appreciation while her eyes revealed a desire to join in.

Seeing this, Huan Niang teased, "So, Miss Su is tired of the celestial beings at home and has come here for some fun?"

"Indeed, one can't look at beauties all the time, or they'll become boring," Su RAO nodded seriously, "If I don't change things up, I might even start to feel stale."

Huan Niang shook her head, amused.

"But I've heard different rumors. They say Miss Su declared she would make Prince Yijue marry her with the proper rituals and has been diligently studying poetry she dislikes to please him. She hasn't been seen around those handsome officials' residences for a long time, which is a shame."

"If that's a shame, then it's only Huan Niang who thinks so."

Su RAO didn't agree.

In the hearts of other women, they might yearn to possess Miss Su. The dashing and enchanting Young Master Xiao was compelled to depart due to her, leaving numerous women bereft of the chance to witness his charm.

You said that ugly girl from the Su family is going too far, isn’t she? If she hadn’t driven away Young Master Xiao, how lively would this pleasure boat be tonight? The stream in the Free and Easy Abode would have at least doubled in flow.

I could have had a good time too, instead of just looking on with envy like now."

The round fan in Madam Huan’s hand stopped, and she gave Su RAO an eye roll.

"Cut it out! With such a graceful beauty by your side, do you really think there’s anyone else in my Free and Easy Abode who could catch your eye?

You came out tonight because you couldn’t see Prince Jingyue, and only then did you remember me."

Madam Huan spoke with a tinge of jealousy.

Su RAO immediately smiled and affectionately hugged Madam Huan’s arm.

"Oh, dear Madam Huan, don’t be so blunt; it hurts feelings. We’ve been friends for four years now; it wouldn’t be worth it to hurt our friendship so easily."

Madam Huan laughed in exasperation, tapping Su RAO’s forehead.

You little minx.