cold clothes

The young man removed his heavy cloak, revealing his slender figure. He wore a blue brocade robe, and his dark hair was pulled up high. Outside, the bright lights illuminated his handsome, fair profile, and his eyes were as black as lacquer.

The gentle boy's voice and the familiar face calmed Xia Hua slightly, but she was still shaken: "You just recognized me? Then the Third Prince must be..."

"He probably won't recognize you, but if he becomes interested in you, he might send people to look for you. You need to leave immediately."

"I……"

The boy asked again, "Why did my cousin come out of Fengxiang Pavilion? It's a dangerous place out there, full of all sorts of people."

"I just..." Xia Hua was reluctant to admit that she had come specifically to see the Third Prince. She felt that the boy would nag if he knew. Strangely enough, she and the boy had only met twice, yet he was so close to her, even though they were related by blood.

"I came here specifically to observe and learn from the most beautiful courtesan in Fengxiang Pavilion."

"I see," the young man nodded slightly, then asked, "Have all the girls from Zhuoyu Pavilion come?" Suddenly, a figure appeared in his mind, and unexpectedly, he actually hoped to hear news about her from someone else.

"I'm the only one who came out. The rest of the sisters are studying hard in the Jade Pavilion, except for that one..." Xia Hua frowned at the thought of Ning Bi, that annoying fellow, and didn't even bother to say her name. It was uncertain whether Ning Bi would be able to return to the Jade Pavilion.

The boy noticed that Xia Hua was in a bad mood, so he didn't ask any more questions.

Outside, flames blazed, music filled the air, and cheers resounded—a vibrant and boisterous scene that contrasted sharply with the serene tranquility inside. Xia Hua belatedly realized they were alone together, a man and a woman, and a sense of unease crept in. The young man before her was the same height, and she could clearly see his delicate, handsome features. His brows held a sickly, refined air, while his opulent attire highlighted his distinguished status.

Five years ago, after the tragic massacre of the Xie family, she was stripped of her surname and forced into prostitution, but Zhao Yin remained the esteemed Fifth Prince.

Thinking back on everything that had happened over the past five years, resentment, sadness, and pain welled up in her heart. Xia Hua couldn't help but say, "Fifth Prince... why do you still call me cousin? Our statuses are now vastly different."

This caused Zhao Yin's expression to change slightly, and he was speechless for a moment. His midnight-like eyes lost their tenderness and became as deep as the sea.

However, the boy quickly regained his composure and patted Xia Hua's head, saying, "You're just saying these things to hurt me for no reason. My surname is Zhao, and my surname is Xie. We're family." After saying that, he turned his head away as if to cover something up.

"Cousin, you should go back quickly. It's not safe enough outside. I should go too." Zhao Yin, but at this moment he preferred to be Xie Yin, gently turned his head to say to Xia Hua, and then used his lightness skill to disappear from her sight.

Xia Hua stared blankly in the direction Zhao Yin had left, the feeling of being touched on the top of her head still lingering, and his gentle words echoing in her heart.

They are a family...

The waters of Xiuyun Lake shimmered under the glow of the lanterns, and the bright eyes of the summer flowers were as gentle as autumn water.

"Xia Hua, have you seen the Third Prince?" Mama Hu's voice rang out from behind.

Xia Hua turned her head and nodded to indicate that she had seen it. Mother Hu then told her to leave quickly to avoid any accidents, and so a small boat quietly sailed out of the crowded Xiuyun Lake.

Summer flowers look back into the distance, silently making a vow.

Mom, cousin... I will work even harder to become the most beautiful courtesan, so that the Third Prince will one day fall for me and avenge the massacre of my Xie family!

The grand event was nearly halfway through, and the yachts were already set up with banquets, fine wines, and delicacies for everyone to enjoy. Zhao Qun was still too young to drink alcohol, so he substituted tea for wine when socializing with the nobles.

In fact, Zhao Qun was already quite impatient. The singing and dancing in the various brothels held no appeal for him, even falling short of the palace's music and dance. The courtesans were nothing to see either. When he saw noble young men using telescopes to admire the geishas on stage, he nearly flew into a rage. An invention originally intended for the battlefield was being used to look at women… What a bunch of decadent and debauched good-for-nothings! Is this what the pillars of the nation are supposed to be?!

Only then did he realize that his frail and sickly fifth brother was much more pleasing to the eye. His men hadn't found the suspicious-looking little girl, so he waved it off, not really caring anyway, and told someone to bring his fifth brother out. His fifth brother had rested long enough inside; he should come out and keep his third brother company while he suffered, instead of enjoying his carefree life alone.

Not long after, Wang Yiqing excitedly said to Zhao Qun, "Third Prince, the courtesan of Fengxiang Pavilion is about to make her appearance."

"Oh, it seems it's almost over." Zhao Qun was only thinking about the end, but he also perked up a bit, hoping that the renowned courtesan of Fengxiang Pavilion would make his trip worthwhile.

As the stage curtain slowly opened, the spacious platform became cold and empty. Compared to the dazzling songs and dances before, there was now only a table, a chair, a person, and a piano.

Could it be that he's going to play some highbrow, elegant music? Zhao Qun wondered, but the thought was completely dismissed the moment the music started playing.

Fast and intricate! Fingers dance across the strings like raindrops, as if they were not seven strings, but swords flashing, transporting the listener to a thrilling ancient battlefield, but in the aftermath of a great victory, amidst bonfires, mutton, and fine wine—a song of victory and joy!

No grand spectacle is needed; she alone can play the music of a prosperous era.

After listening to this piece, Zhao Qun felt as if he had been transported to another world. He broke out in a sweat, feeling as refreshed as if he had drunk a barrel of liquor. He couldn't help but ask Wang Yiqing, "Is this Qingchun?"

"No, this is Yunqiu, the most beautiful courtesan. Her guqin skills are so exquisite that if she claims to be second, no one dares to claim to be first." Wang Yiqing was still immersed in the excitement from just now, but he was a little puzzled. Shouldn't it have been Qingchun's performance? Oh well, whatever, as long as it pleases the Third Prince...

After stunning everyone present, Yun Qiu gracefully departed, leaving the entire capital with a cool and aloof silhouette. Madam Hu smiled with satisfaction; the person she had nurtured should indeed amaze the world.

"Liu Xia, go ahead," said Mrs. Hu.

Liu Xia smiled confidently and walked calmly to the center of the platform, surrounded by a group of musicians.

Wang Yiqing carefully explained to Zhao Qun: "This is Liu Xia, the most beautiful courtesan of Fengxiang Pavilion. Even the oriole would be ashamed of her singing voice, because it is the sound of a phoenix crying as if Kunshan jade were shattered."

The Kunshan jade shattered and the phoenix cried. When Liu Xia opened her mouth, Zhao Qun believed that it was not an exaggeration. The courtesan's singing voice actually contained internal strength.

The singing voice was like a blow to the head.

"Extraordinary, truly extraordinary." Only then did Zhao Qun show some of his youthful spirit, giving Liu Xia's singing a very high evaluation.

“If Your Majesty likes them, you may bring them into the palace.” At this moment, Zhao Yin’s weak and hoarse voice came from beside him.