cold clothes

Agree or not?

Suddenly, Leng Yi noticed that the air pressure around her had dropped several degrees. The chill emanating from Hu's mother seemed to envelop her as if it were a tangible thing, making it hard for her to breathe, and even her hands and feet couldn't help but tremble.

It was as if she had promised Mrs. Hu that she would not let her go.

But could Madam Hu really reach into the palace? Suddenly, Leng Yi had a jolt. She realized that Madam Hu was not just a brothel madam. Since she wanted revenge against the Wang family, her success would inevitably involve bringing down the Third Prince, who had Wang family blood. Madam Hu's influence would certainly reach the palace! So if she agreed to the Third Prince's request, it would be an act of betrayal, and her fate would be predictable.

Upon closer reflection, it seemed incredibly difficult for her to completely escape Hu's mother's control. She was like a little insect that had accidentally gotten caught in a spider web, unable to climb out no matter how hard she tried.

She might be useful to Madam Hu, but what about the Third Prince? He was only interested for a moment and would probably discard her in a few days… Thinking this way, agreeing to his offer would actually be taking a greater risk. But she was truly unwilling to accept this fate. Why should she be a prostitute, sinking into the filthy, dark mire? She only wanted to live freely, with dignity, and with hope…

God, please give me a reason.

Leng Yi remained silent for a long time, and Zhao Qun's expression gradually turned displeased. He asked, "What? You don't want to?"

He had only reluctantly allowed her to become a court musician because she was Qingyou's apprentice, but she was unwilling? Zhao Qun was a little angry, feeling that this woman was truly ungrateful.

With Madam Hu casting a dark shadow around him, the Third Prince growing impatient, and many princes and ministers watching, now was not the time for indecisiveness. Leng Yi steeled her heart and made a decision immediately.

Leng Yi curtsied and said clearly, word by word, "I am deeply grateful for Your Highness's kindness, but I am of limited talent and learning, merely echoing the words of my predecessors. I dare not presume to be among them. Moreover, my sword dance was not taught by Senior Qingyou alone; the Flower Queen of Warm Winter, the Flower Queen of Flowing Summer, and others have all worked tirelessly for me day and night. I am truly ashamed of my dullness and find it difficult to speak. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

Zhao Qun felt a little better after hearing this. He thought that the ministers were watching and that the matter would reach the ears of the common people. It was really unreasonable for him to make things difficult for a young courtesan. So he decided to let it go and said with a relieved smile, "Very well, I cherish your talent, but I will not make things difficult for you. You don't need to be nervous."

"Thank you for your magnanimity, Your Highness."

Leng Yi breathed a sigh of relief, clearly feeling that the cold air around her was not so strong anymore. Fortunately, the Third Prince was quite easy to talk to, handsome and with a good personality. It was a pity that he was on the opposing side. Sigh.

Zhao Qun was taken aback when he noticed a sudden gleam of joy in the girl's eyes. He was startled to realize that the dancer had been wearing a veil since she came to see him, and he became angry again. "You haven't taken off your veil yet. Do you look down on me, the prince, or are you afraid to show your true face?"

Only then did Leng Yi realize what had happened. She wondered why Mama Hu hadn't reminded her, and apologized, "I was rude for a moment, please forgive me, Your Highness." With that, she reached out and took off her veil.

The young girl raised her slender fingers and circled them to the side of her face. Her veil fell away like a wisp of cloud, revealing the beauty hidden beneath. Her straight nose and lips resembled the soft lines of a mountain range, naturally beautiful and untouched by artifice.

As the clouds and mist dissipated, her beauty became clearer and more captivating.