Birds chirped and a light breeze passed through the imperial garden. It was a breathtaking oasis of nature and beauty. It was meticulously designed with intricate pathways, lush greenery, and colorful flowers. Ornate pavilions and grand sculptures adorned the landscape, creating a serene and majestic atmosphere fit for emperors. The sound of laughter was heard. It sounded clear and crisp with a melodious tone.
"Haha", a lively young girl dashed through the gardens, her robes rustling among the flower petals and delicate plants. With small, quick steps, she playfully challenged her maids, teasingly exclaiming,
"Ha! Catch me if you can!" Her plain yet adorable features showcased a fair complexion, ink-black, and beautifully flowing hair adorned with golden pins and accessories.
Amidst her laughter, she accidentally bumped into one of the palace eunuchs, causing her to exclaim, "Ah...ouch!"
Rubbing her head, she tried to ease the pain. A soft yet domineering voice spoke, filled with concern and disappointment, saying, "Han Ting! You are a princess, so behave like one."
"Greetings to Princess Han Cufen"
The maids and eunuchs immediately greeted Princess Han Cufen by clasping their fists and bowing respectfully.
"Sister, don't scold her, she's still a child. '' a calm yet authoritative masculine voice spoke in her defense.
The servants clasped their fists and bowed in reverence, saying, "Greetings to the emperor."
He commanded them to rise.
"Uncle!" Han Ting hurriedly approached, taking quick steps to hug the emperor. With a bright, beaming smile, she said,
"May uncle be blessed with longevity and prosperity." As he looked at his adorable niece with her vibrant aby-blue eyes, he affectionately squeezed her chubby cheeks. "What a dutiful child A'tin'er is," the emperor praised.
Observing the display of love and affection, Han Cufen felt a warm sensation in her heart. The interaction between the emperor and Han Ting painted a picture of a loving father and daughter rather than an uncle and niece simply playing together. It was an incredibly heartwarming scene to witness.
The emperor gazed into the eyes of his thirteen-year-old niece, a mix of sorrow and longing evident in his handsome features as he reminisced about the birth of his daughter. Could she already be a lifeless body, withered and motionless? Or perhaps... a glimmer of hope stirred in his heart... maybe she was still alive. He couldn't help but wonder if she might still be alive.
Xiaofen (@_@)
Back at Xanadu House, Xiaofen stood frozen, her eyes wide with disbelief. He was not just a noble, but a marquis no less! Her mind raced as she tried to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
"What is Marquis Wen doing here? " some patrons asked in bewilderment.
" Maybe he just like us, he can't continue to live high and mighty with a woman's touch. " another chimed in.
"Haha, l knew it, this patricians are pretentious, acting out in the out but vile and lustful in secret." a chubby patron butted in.
"He sure is handsome, looking at that statue of a man. " a courtesan whispered shamelessly to another.
"I would die to get into his chamber to serve him. " another added.
"He is my fantasy. "
The crowd murmured in surprise at the sight of Marquis Wen, known for his integrity and decency. What could have brought him to a brothel? Curiosity and speculation filled the air as they wondered about the hidden motives behind his unexpected presence.
Marquis Wen held a prestigious position, representing the highest level of nobility below the royal family. Adorned in elegant silk sky blue and white robes embellished with intricate patterns, he exuded an aura of authority and power. With his refined demeanor, one could presume he governed his territories with wisdom and maintained a lavish lifestyle befitting a noble status.
He was truly a sight to behold! Standing tall, his devilishly handsome features caught everyone's attention. His azure eyes exuded intelligence and nobility, while his midnight hair was elegantly tied with a sky-blue ribbon. The courtesans vied for his attention, but he remained untouched by their charms. His eyes found her, and a subtle, captivating smile graced his lips, captivating all the women present.
In a cold and low voice, he declared, "I want her."
All eyes turned to his gaze and settled on Xiaofen, who wore a frown on her features. He was intrigued by her irritated expression, the crowd murmured among themselves. Overwhelmed by jealousy, Liuying couldn't help but blurt out, "She's cursed!"
"I want her," he intoned with determination. Stepping forward, Madam Liling offered an apologetic smile and gracefully pulled Ehuhng closer. Pointing at Xiaofen, "She's not available here," she stated, trying to divert his attention. While twirling the second beauty of the Xanadu House, she continued, "She's a fine beauty..." she stopped mid sentence as Bingwen's glare was bone-chilling and piercing, sending shivers down Madam's Liling's spine
"I want her," his voice was forceful and icy. Madam Liling cleared her throat, attempting to conceal her fright. After a moment of contemplation, she finally announced,
"Two thousand ounces of gold." Like ripples in a lake to a fallen pebble the crowd erupted into an uproar, shocked by Madam Liling's audacity to deceive a noble in broad daylight. It was evident that she was a shrewd and cunning businesswoman, capable of shameless acts.
Just when the crowd anticipated that Marquis Wen would be outraged and livid at Madam Liling's audacity, he surprised them all by speaking without hesitation, "Agreed." The crowd was left in silent whispers and mutters of shock. Madam Liling smiled gratefully, knowing she had made a killing this time. Meanwhile, Xiaofen looked at Marquis Wen in disbelief and anger, unable to fathom that she had been sold to him!