cold clothes

After Yunmei left with Zhao Yuncheng, the backyard gradually returned to normal. Lengyi walked to the backyard gate and listened to the singing, dancing, and laughter outside.

The backyard, surrounded by layers of corridors, was both an impenetrable cage and a protective shield. She dared not imagine what kind of treatment Yun Mei would face on her journey.

"Ningbi, what are you doing standing here?" A cold voice came from behind. Lengyi turned around and saw Hu Mama, dressed in gorgeous clothes, looking down at her.

Leng Yi said somewhat flusteredly, "I'm just a little worried about Sister Yun Mei."

Mrs. Hu smiled, "You and Yunmei have such a good relationship, but don't worry, Yunmei is so smart, she'll be fine."

Leng Yi forced a smile, then Hu's mother told her to go back to her room quickly, "Don't come to the front, okay? Now is not the time for you to be seen by others, otherwise... you might be even more worrying than Yun Mei."

Mrs. Hu's words were like a cold wind, chilling Leng Yi to the bone, leaving her with no choice but to obey. Mrs. Hu was right; to men, beautiful women were like jewels, the more beautiful, the more alluring. Beauty itself was not wrong, but weakness was the original sin.

Leng Yi's appearance is becoming more and more beautiful. As her skin becomes fairer, her superior features become more prominent, not to mention her blue eyes. Even in Fengxiang Tower, where everyone is a beauty, she is someone that everyone can't help but stop and stare at.

Lengyi and Lingcao were worried in the room for a long time, but they were overjoyed to see Yunmei return unharmed.

"Miss! You're back! How are you? Did Young Master Zhao hurt you?" Lingcao said as she checked Yunmei's body.

"I'm fine," Yun Mei said reassuringly, glancing at Ling Cao before looking tenderly at Leng Yi. Seeing Yun Mei's gentle gaze, Leng Yi felt a warmth in her heart.

Yun Mei said, "Young Master Zhao and Lord Liang are at odds. He wanted to use me to humiliate Lord Liang, but Nuandong came to my rescue."

"So it's Miss Warm Winter! Miss Warm Winter is so kind!"

It was a warm winter... Leng Yi had seen her before; she was one of the four most beautiful courtesans. At that time, she was admiring lotus flowers on the bridge, and Leng Yi, gazing at her from afar, was stunned by her beauty. She was so beautiful, exceptionally beautiful, as if her beauty did not belong to this world. In modern terms, it was like she had a filter applied. Moreover, every glance she made was full of charm; her eyes were clear yet naturally alluring.

"What about Sister Warm Winter?" Leng Yi asked.

Yun Mei smiled and said, "Don't worry, everything will be fine during this warm winter."

This serene and peaceful atmosphere reminded Leng Yi of that breathtaking beauty. Was this the courtesan? Her beauty was as powerful as her authority.

Thanks to the warmth of winter, Yunmei was spared from the humiliation of that young master Zhao. Now she only needs to entertain Lord Liang, who seems to be a conscientious official who doesn't come to Fengxiang Tower every day. Therefore, Yunmei has more free time in the evenings to spend with Lengyi.

Has everything calmed down? Actually, no. Fengxiang Tower is never peaceful; it's just that Lengyi is not involved.

I've heard that the affair between Nuandong and Young Master Zhao has caused quite a stir in the capital. Many versions of the story are already circulating. Young Master Zhao, who has won Nuandong's favor, has become famous, and even more people are spending lavishly to see Nuandong. There have been several incidents of fighting and brawling over Nuandong, and the Imperial Guards have even been needed to maintain order.

The courtesan's charm far exceeded Leng Yi's imagination. A single dance or song would inspire poets to write poems for her, storytellers to create tales for her, and wealthy men to shower her with money. On grand festivals, the courtesan's performances would draw massive crowds, and she could even perform at the imperial palace.

This isn't a prostitute, she's a top-tier celebrity! What's most amazing is that only the four most beautiful courtesans of Fengxiang Pavilion have such a reputation.

The vast difference between the second-class girls and the top courtesan became apparent; in fact, the differences between the various ranks in Fengxiang Pavilion were quite significant. The top courtesans each had their own courtyard, the second-class girls lived together in Nuanfeng Pavilion, and the third-class girls were servants and maids, sleeping in separate rooms from the young ladies' bedrooms at night. Lengyi should now be considered a third-class girl, which was actually for the best. None of the ladies in Fengxiang Pavilion had a bad temper; she hadn't witnessed any palace intrigue in the past month. She considered it a job as a maid with room and board, so despite Yunmei's polite refusal, she began to help her comb her hair and dress.

She noticed several red and purple marks on Yunmei's neck. Although she had been single for over twenty years in her previous life, she was an adult and knew what she was talking about. She couldn't help but chuckle to herself. No wonder Sister Yunmei was dressed so warmly in the middle of summer; Lord Liang was just too enthusiastic.

Leng Yi suddenly asked with a touch of melancholy, "Sister Yunmei, will Lord Liang help you redeem yourself?" If she were to be redeemed, they would probably never see each other again in this lifetime, but redemption was a good thing for a courtesan, and she would be happy for Yunmei.

Yun Mei paused for a moment, then said, "Perhaps yes, perhaps no... I don't care about that. I've lived in Fengxiang Tower for many years, and I'm afraid I wouldn't be used to it if I went to another place."

These words conveyed a sense of desolation. Leng Yi remembered that on her first day at Fengxiang Tower, Yun Mei told her that this was not a good place. Yun Mei understood this clearly, but there was nothing she could do about it.

"Does Ningbi want to go abroad in the future?"

"Yes, of course I want to." Leng Yi answered quickly in her heart, but this answer was inappropriate. Moreover, after hearing Yun Mei's words, she suddenly felt uneasy about the future. So she said innocently, "Ning Bi will have no food if she goes out. At Feng Xiang Lou, I can eat my fill and wear new clothes. In addition, I have Sister Yun Mei and Sister Ling Cao with me. Ning Bi wants to stay with you like this forever."

Leng Yi's innocent demeanor was simply a gift of nature; her clear blue eyes were innocent enough without any pretense. Who knew that behind those eyes lay the thoughts of an adult? Yun Mei, seeing those blue eyes, felt only cuteness and pity, and her gaze softened. "Indeed, you are still young. The most important thing now is to eat well and grow up. However, you should be moving to Zhuoyu Pavilion soon." Yun Mei stroked Leng Yi's seemingly bewildered face and said with a hint of hope, "You will become the most beautiful girl in Fengxiang Pavilion along with your sisters. I especially look forward to seeing you grow up. Ningbi will definitely be the most beautiful."

It seems that some people have also said they look forward to seeing her grow up.

Recalling some past events, Leng Yi's eyes suddenly welled up with tears. "Sister Yunmei..." Leng Yi couldn't help but reach out and hug her.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, Yunmei hugged Lengyi even tighter, a single tear silently sliding down her cheek.

Leng Yi smelled the fragrance of osmanthus in Yun Mei's arms. She looked up and saw the morning light shining through the window. The sparse shadows of osmanthus made her feel at peace with the passing years and the tranquility of life.

Wherever my heart is at peace, that is my hometown.