Being an emperor is not something he can do, so he can only rely on his connections.

The night was as dark as ink, and Gaoyang County had long since fallen into the silence of curfew. On the empty streets, only the hurried footsteps of Huangfu Ling and Douya, their master and servant, and the dim glow of swaying lanterns cast fleeting shadows on the bluestone pavement. The dull sound of clappers drifted in from the distance, adding a touch of solemnity and unease.

"Douya, the streets are closed. Where else can we go?" Huangfu Ling wrapped her cloak tightly around her body. The night wind, carrying the chill of late autumn, penetrated her collar. Her voice was filled with obvious fatigue and a hint of subtle anger. "If we run into patrolling soldiers, where will I, the wife of the county magistrate, put my dignity?"

Douya didn't stop holding the lantern, the dim light danced on her face, reflecting a bit of stubbornness: "It's okay, madam! You are the wife of our Gaoyang County Magistrate. If you don't get familiar with Gaoyang City first, how can you be a good wife to the master in the future? You must know where it's lively and where it's quiet, right?" She spoke in a light tone, but deliberately avoided Huangfu Ling's scrutinizing gaze.

"I feel like you're acting weird today," Huangfu Ling frowned slightly, staring at the back of Douya's head suspiciously, "You've been taking me out for a stroll since dusk."

Douya stuck out her tongue and said, "We often come home late in Yunzhou too."

Huangfu Ling explained: "That's in Yunzhou, we have to keep an eye on our own shop!"

Douya's voice rose a little, a hint of subtle guilt in it. "I know! But think about it, Madam. What's the difference? Shouldn't the entire Gaoyang City belong to the master... uh, isn't it all his property?"

Huangfu Ling's face darkened, and she lowered her voice and scolded, "Bean Sprout! Stop your nonsense! If others hear such presumptuous words, it will at best lead to criticism, and at worst bring disaster to your husband! What happened to you today?"

Douya shrank her neck and said awkwardly, "My humble servant's words may have slipped, please don't blame me, Madam. I...I just think Madam should take a closer look at Gaoyang City."

"I'm a little hungry," Huangfu Ling sighed helplessly. Douya's interruption temporarily suppressed his uneasiness and doubts, and his fatigue became even worse. "Let's go back quickly. It's so late at night..."

Before he finished speaking, an enchanting voice suddenly floated out from the shadows of a deep alley nearby, carrying with it the thick fragrance of powder: "Ladies, it's a cold and windy night. Could you please stay?"

They were both startled. A voluptuous, beautiful woman dressed in rich brocade sauntered out from the darkness, an overly enthusiastic smile plastered on her face, a fragrant silk handkerchief clutched in her hand. Behind her stood a two-story building with a gilded plaque reading "Yan Yu Pavilion." A warm, ambiguous glow shone through the crack in the doorway.

Douya subconsciously took a half step in front of Huangfu Ling. The light from the lantern illuminated the beautiful woman's heavily made-up face. "What's the matter?"

The beautiful woman chuckled softly, her eyes flickering as she took in Huangfu Ling's slightly tired yet undeniably noble face. "I'm the receptionist at Yanyu Pavilion. You two ladies are so lucky! Today, we've just invited a top-notch massage master to our pavilion. His techniques are amazing! They dredge the meridians, relieve fatigue, and relax the muscles. It's simply amazing! Ladies, you've all been so tired, would you like to come in and give it a try? I guarantee you'll feel completely relaxed and forget all your worries."

(A massage therapist is a technician in a bathing center.)

Huangfu Ling frowned slightly and declined politely, "Thank you for your kindness, but it's late and curfew is almost here. It's better for you to close early." She was instinctively wary of this sudden invitation and overly enthusiastic attitude.

Douya seemed to be hooked by the feeling of "comfort all over the body". Her eyes lit up, she tugged at Huangfu Ling's sleeve and begged in a low voice: "Madam... you see, the master has taken office recently, and we have been busy running around. My shoulders are as stiff as stones. This special acupressure master... just listening to him can make me feel refreshed. How about... moxibustion on my shoulders?" Her eyes flickered, with an eagerness and instigation that Huangfu Ling had never seen on her face before.

Huangfu Ling hesitated a bit. "This... a special-grade massage master must cost a fortune. I didn't bring much money with me when I went out today."

"Oh, my lady, what are you talking about!" The beautiful woman immediately joined in, smiling like a blooming peony, "It's not expensive, it's not expensive! It's all a matter of fate! If you don't have the money at the moment, it's okay! I'll send someone to take you two back home safely along with the bill in a moment! You can rest assured, our little shop can survive in Gaoyang because we have some support behind it. Curfew? It's not a big deal. The patrolmen will have to take a detour when they see our lanterns!"

"Madam~" Douya drew out his voice again, looking at Huangfu Ling eagerly, his eyes almost pleading.

Seeing Douya's unusual persistence, and the beautiful woman's hint of "someone behind the scenes," Huangfu Ling was filled with suspicion, but her exhaustion and curiosity about Douya's odd behavior overwhelmed her vigilance. She thought about how today was her birthday, while her husband was busy with official duties, and a sense of grievance and a desire to reward herself crept into her. She took a deep breath and reluctantly nodded, "Okay... okay. Thanks for watching the counter."

"Hey! That's right! Ladies, please come in!" The beautiful woman smiled even more brightly, stepped aside, and a warm breeze mixed with aroma, water vapor and some herbal scent blew in her face.

Inside Yanyu Pavilion.

The pavilion was softly lit and filled with mist. In its center was a spacious white marble bathing pool, its warm waters emitting a faint scent of sulfur and herbs. Despite curfew, a few women still lingered in the pool, some resting with their eyes closed, others whispering quietly, their figures looming in the hazy mist.

Huangfu Ling and Douya found a secluded corner and entered the pool. As the warm water enveloped them, Huangfu Ling couldn't help but let out a soft sigh of satisfaction, and her tense nerves seemed to relax a little.

"So comfortable~" Douya buried her whole body in the water, leaving only her head exposed, with a look of contentment on her face. "It's been a long time since I had such a comfortable bath~ Madam, don't you agree?"

"Yeah~" Huangfu Ling leaned against the smooth pool wall, closed his eyes, and felt the warmth dispel the cold night wind and the boredom in his heart. "It really does relieve my fatigue."

At this time, a maid in a plain bathrobe quietly approached and said respectfully, "Ladies, the special massage therapist you ordered will be here shortly. Please move to the private room."

The private room was elegantly and comfortably furnished. In the corner, a delicate fireplace burned with smokeless silver charcoal, scorching the room with warmth and dispelling the slight chill after the bath. Two massage tables, covered in snow-white cushions, looked priceless and were incredibly soft to the touch.

The maid settled them down and served them warm tea. Her eyes fell on Huangfu Ling's feet, which looked even whiter and more delicate after the bath. She praised sincerely, "Madam, your feet are so beautiful, so delicate and exquisite, and your skin is like cream. Would you like to try our new nail polish? It's newly arrived from the south, and the color is very elegant."

Huangfu Ling looked down at her smooth toes, then thought of her birthday, which no one remembered. A wave of self-pity washed over her. Without hesitation, she said, "Yes, we both want them."

Douya looked at her in surprise: "Madam, didn't you say at the door just now that you were worried about spending money?"

Huangfu Ling picked up the teacup, concealing the fleeting loneliness, and said softly: "But thinking about it being my birthday today... I have to reward myself. My husband is very busy with official duties and he certainly has no time to celebrate my birthday." There was an imperceptible bitterness in her voice.

Douya was stunned for a moment, then a smile spread across her face: "Oh! Then I'll be shameless and follow Madam to take advantage of this and enjoy this premium service and manicure!" Her smile was a little exaggerated, but her eyes flashed quickly.

Soon, a maid led a woman in a simple technician's uniform, carrying a specially carved medicine box. The woman had a slender figure, a pretty face, and a low brow. She looked very beautiful.

Huangfu Ling frowned slightly: "Why is there only one technician?" She remembered that she had requested one hour each for two people.

The maid quickly explained: "Please forgive me, madam, there is only one special-grade massage therapist, Miss Yunzhu, and according to the rules, special-grade massage therapists usually only serve one customer for one hour." She looked at the massage therapist named Yunzhu and seemed a little embarrassed.

Huangfu Ling didn't want to spoil the fun, so she said directly: "I can pay extra and work for two hours." She needed time to observe Douya and the situation here.

The maid looked at Yunzhu. Yunzhu raised her eyes, quickly glanced at Huangfu Ling and Douya, then nodded slightly, still silent.

"Okay then," Huangfu Ling pointed at Douya, "You go first. I need to do my manicure first."

"That's so embarrassing..." Douya said politely, but her movements were very quick. Before she finished speaking, she had already neatly untied the towel and lay down on the soft bed without any scruples, revealing her smooth back. She urged, "Excuse me, young lady."

Technician Yunzhu's movements were gentle and precise, her fingers pressing the acupuncture points with a strange rhythm. Douya was initially nervous, but under this masterful technique, her body quickly relaxed, a heavy sense of fatigue washing over her like a tide. After forcing her eyelids open for a few minutes, she actually began to snore softly and steadily, falling into a deep sleep.

Huangfu Ling let the maid carefully apply light pink nail polish on her toenails.

……

The manicure was finally completed. The ten small nails were shimmering with a soft pink pearlescent luster, which was indeed exquisite. At the same time, Douya's time had also arrived.

Huangfu Ling untied her towel and lay down on the other bed. Her skin touched the soft cushions, and the comfort temporarily made her put aside her doubts. "Excuse me, young lady," she pointed to the lower center of her back, "Please press my body more. I've been feeling a little short of breath lately."

"Okay." A deep, magnetic, and clearly male voice sounded in the quiet box!

This sound exploded in Huangfu Ling's ears like thunder! The hairs on her body instantly stood on end, and a chill ran down her spine straight to her head! All her doubts and vigilance instantly turned into raging anger and extreme shame and indignation!

Without a second thought, she didn't even have time to think! Her body's instincts outran her consciousness, and her years of martial arts training unleashed their full force at that moment! She slammed her palms against the bed, causing the soft cushion to dent deeply. With the powerful reaction force, her body sprang up like a spring, twisting and turning in mid-air. A slender, snow-white leg, imbued with terrifying power, swept up with a powerful gust of wind and struck Yunzhu Technician's chest like a battering ram!

“Bang—Crack!”

A dull thud echoed with the piercing sound of splintering wood! Technician Yunzhu was blasted off the ground by the immense force, smashing through the exquisitely carved wooden door of the box like a torn sack, before crashing heavily to the floor of the atrium outside! Sawdust and broken door panels scatter in all directions!

"Ugh!" Technician Yunzhu groaned in pain and struggled to stand up.

Huangfu Ling succeeded in her strike, and she didn't stop! Her figure wrapped in a bath towel followed like a ghost! Without waiting for the opponent to fully stand up, she launched another fierce whip kick, with a sharp sound of breaking through the air, fiercely sweeping towards the opponent's waist and ribs!

“Snap! Crash—!”

Technician Yunzhu hastily blocked the blow with her arms, but was still yanked back by the immense force, tumbling over a large celadon vase and several pots of precious orchids in the atrium! The sounds of shattering porcelain, splattering dirt, and toppling pots filled the air, completely shattering the tranquility of Yanyu Pavilion!

The loud noise startled Douya awake from her deep sleep! She sat up in terror, not even noticing that the towel had slipped off her body, and looked around in confusion: "What's wrong? Madam! What happened?!"

Huangfu Ling stepped barefoot on the cold, debris-strewn floor, one hand tightly grasping the edge of the bath towel, the other pointing at the disheveled, coughing Yunzhu technician. Her voice trembled slightly with extreme anger and shame as she sternly shouted, "He's a man! Lecher!"

Technician Yunzhu clutched her chest, a trace of blood foaming from the corner of her mouth (or perhaps her lip was cut). She (he?) raised her head with difficulty and defended herself in her signature deep, magnetic voice, her voice broken by the pain: "Ahem... misunderstanding... misunderstanding... I... I am a woman!"

"Woman?!" Huangfu Ling laughed in anger, the cold light in her eyes even brighter! She flashed, and her figure wrapped in a bath towel was as fast as lightning, approaching in an instant! Her delicate hands turned into iron clamps, with a sharp wind, she pinched the neck of technician Yunzhu tightly, and lifted her (him) off the ground a few inches! "Lecher! How dare you quibble!" Her nails almost dug into the other person's flesh, and murderous intent surged in her heart. She was the wife of the county magistrate, and she was actually being seen by a man in the women's bathhouse? This was simply a great shame!

Douya finally came to her senses, realizing she had been seen naked. She was instantly filled with shame and indignation. She screamed, frantically grabbing a towel to wrap herself tightly, and shrieked at Technician Yunzhu, "You... you shameless bastard! Do you want to listen to what you're saying?! Woman?! I wouldn't believe you!"

"Uh...uh..." Technician Yunzhu's eyes rolled back and his face turned the color of liver. He tried in vain to pry open Huangfu Ling's iron-hooked fingers. Only a hoarse sound came from his throat as he suffocated.

"Stop! Madam, please stop!" The maid who had been leading the way heard the earth-shattering roar and rushed over, tumbling and crawling. She was terrified by the scene before her. She obviously understood what had happened and cried out in a sobbing voice, "Madam, calm down! It's a misunderstanding! A huge misunderstanding! She...she really is a woman! It's Miss Yunzhu! Let go, someone's going to die!"

Huangfu Ling's fingers did not relax at all, but tightened even more. She stared at the maid with eyes cold enough to freeze a person to death: "If you are a woman, how can you make such a filthy sound?!" The magnetic male voice sounded extremely harsh to her and was irrefutable evidence.

"She was sick when she was a child and was given random medicine by a quack doctor, which caused her throat to become like this. Madam, please let go! Please!" The maid knelt on the ground and kowtowed repeatedly.

"Bean Sprout!" Huangfu Ling shouted, her eyes piercing Douya like knives. "Examine! Now! Immediately! If you were a man..." Her voice was cold, "I would have my husband send all of you from Yanyu Pavilion into slavery!"

Douya was so frightened by Huangfu Ling's murderous aura that she shuddered, not caring about shame anymore. She rushed to Technician Yunzhu and, under Huangfu Ling's cold gaze, gritted her teeth, reached out her hand, and fiercely grabbed the most vulnerable part of his lower body!

To begin with... it is flat, feminine... nothingness!

Douya's hand suddenly retracted as if it had been burned. The expression on her face instantly changed from anger to extreme shock and confusion. She raised her head and looked at Huangfu Ling. Her voice changed tone and trembled with disbelief: "Husband... Madam... she... she is not... really... really a woman!"

"What?!" Huangfu Ling was struck by lightning! The fingers pinching Technician Yunzhu's neck suddenly loosened!

"Cough cough cough... Ugh..." Technician Yunzhu collapsed to the ground like a puddle of mud, covering his neck, coughing and retching violently, gasping for breath, his face covered with tears and snot, looking miserable. The look he gave Huangfu Ling was filled with fear and great grievance.

Huangfu Ling stood frozen in place, looking at the "woman" curled up in agony on the ground, at Douya's stunned face, then at the weeping maidservant kneeling on the ground, and at the other female guests and servants in the pavilion who had rushed over after hearing the noise and were watching in disbelief from a distance...

Her body, wrapped in a bath towel, trembled slightly, not from the cold. Instead, an unprecedented sense of absurdity and utter embarrassment washed over her like ice water pouring down from her head, instantly drowning her.