cold clothes

bandage?!

Wang Yiqing was a little confused. Why was Qingchun's face wrapped in bandages? He mustered up his courage and felt all over her face, only to find that it was completely covered, even her eyes.

"What's wrong with you..." Wang Yiqing smiled bitterly, somewhat horrified. His burning desire had been extinguished as if by a bucket of cold water. What strange thing had he just been holding? A naked woman with bandages wrapped around her head... she looked exactly like a ghost.

"I accidentally ate the wrong thing, and my face is covered in pimples. It will take a month to heal." Qingchun would not tell Wang Yiqing the truth that her whole face was ruined, nor would she reveal that Lengyi had poisoned her just to get the point, unless she was completely unafraid of Madam Hu.

Actually, seeing Erlang in her disfigured state would be of no benefit to her. If Erlang knew that her appearance was ruined, it might frighten him, and it would also be difficult for her to be affectionate and playful with him. But she really wanted to see him so much; she had practiced her sleeve-dancing painting for a month just for him.

"Does Erlang dislike me?"

How could you dislike me? Qingchun thought to herself, and said softly.

It was only then that Qingchun realized she might have truly fallen for him. Initially, she had treated each man with a playful, amused attitude, her affection for each man depending on the amount of gold and silk they bestowed upon her and their social status. The second son of the Duke's mansion was a relatively high-ranking guest, and he was also very refined and cultured. Moreover… he only noticed her at first glance.

It was the Lantern Festival, and all the brothels had their own parades with decorated floats. The lanterns were dazzling, the carriages were magnificent, and the air was filled with the sweet fragrance of perfume. Qingchun, Yunqiu, and the other two stood together on a float, dressed in their most glamorous attire. She was actually somewhat insecure, because compared to her three sisters, her delicate features were the least suited to heavy makeup. She was afraid of letting people see her face clearly, so she half-covered it with a fan, her eyes lowered, afraid of hearing people say she was the ugliest of the four courtesans of Fengxiang Pavilion. But just then, Qingchun sensed a strong gaze fixed on her, and then heard his voice.

"Who is that girl with her face partially veiled? I think she's the most charming!"

Strangely enough, despite the deafening noise of gongs and drums and the cacophony of voices, she could still hear his praise for her.

“How could I possibly dislike you! Even if I can’t see your face, your figure is the most beautiful in the world!” Wang Yiqing said without hesitation.

The reason I didn't hesitate was because what I said was absolutely true, but I couldn't help but imagine a face covered in bandages... I had to leave quickly, it was really a bit terrifying.

"I'm so happy to hear you say that." Qingchun couldn't help but feel a sweet warmth in her heart, completely disregarding the possibility that it might just be Wang Yiqing's flirtatious words. She concealed herself in the moonlight and said, "Erlang, it's time to leave. I'm afraid that Mama Hu will find out."

Wang Yiqing was overjoyed and readily agreed. He quickly pushed open the door and left.

Qingchun stood there listening to his departing footsteps. The night was cool, and goosebumps rose on her exposed skin. She crossed her arms over her chest, as if trying to give herself some warmth.

At this moment, her personal maid, Xiao Lü, walked in. She was slightly taken aback when she saw her mistress standing still. Then she bent down, picked up the robe that had fallen to the ground, and draped it over her mistress.

"Little Green, do I look ugly now?" Qingchun asked coldly.

"How could that be? Even if she can't show her face, Miss's beauty still surpasses everyone else's," Xiao Lü said softly.

Xiao Lü's words were similar to Erlang's. Qingchun suddenly felt happy and wanted to smile, but the rotting flesh on her face was pulled and caused waves of pain. Her smile disappeared as soon as it appeared.

She hadn't forgotten that all this pain was caused by Leng Yi. She wouldn't let her get away with it.

After the maid from Shuiguang Pavilion led Wang Yiqing out of the pavilion, she returned home, leaving him at the entrance. Wang Yiqing felt a pang of panic. Even though he had been to Shuiguang Pavilion many times, it was now late at night, and the sparse lights around him were insufficient for him to find his way in the darkness. The autumn wind added to the desolate atmosphere. Were they just going to leave him here like this? When had he ever been treated like this!

Wang Yiqing looked around blankly and became a little impatient, almost cursing. Fortunately, Yun Qiu arrived in time and made him swallow the filth stuck in his throat.

"I apologize for keeping you waiting, young master. I was late because I was taking a bath," Yun Qiu said with a charming smile, holding up a lantern to illuminate the space between them.

Like a beam of light suddenly shining in the darkness, it didn't refer to the light of the lantern, but rather to Yunqiu's smiling face.

Yun Qiu came out as soon as she finished washing up. Her long, half-dry hair was loose, held up only by a wooden hairpin. The hair on her side fell to her chest. She was only wearing an inner shirt and an outer robe. Since girls are delicate and afraid of the cold, she also put on a fur cloak. Perhaps because she was in a hurry, her collar was not very neat, revealing her slender collarbone and a patch of fair skin below. Wang Yiqing wanted to look down but could only see the fabric. The full bulge under the fabric made him want to look but dared not. So his gaze moved upward and fell on her face, as beautiful as a lotus emerging from water, in the dim light.

Wang Yiqing unconsciously swallowed. In his mind, Yunqiu, the courtesan, was always alluring and beautiful. He preferred Qingchun, a beauty like a pink lotus, to Yu Meiren. But Yunqiu, fresh from her bath and without makeup, was more delicate and charming than a lotus flower covered with dew in a pond. Her upturned peach blossom eyes seemed to be covered with a layer of water, and he was willing to be a fish swimming in that clear pool.

The courtesan Yunqiu's beauty was truly stunning, and Wang Yiqing couldn't help but exclaim in amazement. He couldn't help but compare her to Qingchun's beauty. Qingchun's face could only hide in the darkness and could not see the light, wrapped in bandages like a rotting corpse!

Wang Yiqing shivered deeply.

"Is the young master cold? Let's go out quickly." Yun Qiu said gently, taking Wang Yiqing's hand. The soft, boneless hand tickled his hand, an itch that was so intense it was almost unbearable.

He willingly followed Yun Qiu. The autumn wind blew from time to time, carrying not only a chill but also a delicate and sweet fragrance from Yun Qiu, making Wang Yiqing feel dizzy while also stirring up some desire.

Is he really just going to leave like this? Did he come to Fengxiang Tower tonight just to watch a woman with a disfigured face perform? How can that be?

Wang Yiqing gripped Yunqiu's hand tightly in return. This long, cold, and lonely night needed the warmth and softness of a woman in his arms…

Yun Qiu suddenly gripped his hand tightly, but before he could even feel happy, he heard Yun Qiu say nervously, "Someone's coming!"

Wang Yiqing was taken aback, thinking to himself that if someone came, someone would come; when had he ever come to Fengxiang Tower in such a sneaky manner?