Chapter 15: Phoenix Seeking Phoenix

Shen Fu woke up and ate. Her hunger eased, and her mind cleared. She felt the bandages on her limbs; excellent medicine had been used. The coolness was soothing, relieving the pain, and her stiff joints felt remarkably better. Only then did she look around the room.

The room’s furnishings didn’t resemble an inn, but a woman’s boudoir. A faint, unfamiliar scent hung in the air. No incense burned; the windows were slightly open. The scent must have lingered; it was faint, but Shen Fu found it unpleasant, instinctively rejecting it.

She guessed where she was. Ruyi had successfully hidden her.

“Before, you were badly hurt; the doctor said not to move. So I kept you here, making it easier to care for you. Don’t worry, I’ve taken precautions; no one will disturb you. If…”

“If you don’t like staying here, I still have money; the inn isn’t far. I don’t know what else you need, but the doctor said you shouldn’t move too much for half a month; it’s easy to hurt yourself and leave lasting problems. Remember to change the medicine daily. I’ll give you the prescription. If the money isn’t enough, send someone to tell me…”

After listening silently, Shen Fu asked, “Aren’t you coming with me?”

Ruyi looked at her, smiled, and asked, “Silly girl, what are you thinking?”

Shen Fu pursed her lips. “How much did you sell for? I’ll redeem you. Five hundred taels isn’t enough? Hong Si Niu’s bounty is five hundred taels; the cave was so deep, he must not have been discovered yet. If it’s not enough, I’ll catch a few more wanted criminals…”

“Afu,” Ruyi said, “I know you mean well, but there’s no need. For me, maybe this is where I belong.”

Shen Fu didn’t understand. Ruyi smiled, explaining, “Afu, I’m the daughter of a criminal. Even if you ransom me and the government finds out, I’ll still be sent to the Jiaofang Division. Rather than being a prostitute in a place with no freedom, I’d rather choose where I stay.”

Shen Fu said anxiously, “But—”

“Afu, don’t treat me as an ordinary woman,” Ruyi said, looking at Shen Fu. “I’m not as fragile as you think, and I’m not self-defeating. I’ve thought this through.”

“I’ve been through a lot, lived and died. I know the value of life and won’t ruin it carelessly. I’m willing to stay here, not just for you, but because it’s the best place for me.”

Shen Fu didn’t believe her. A brothel—how could that be suitable for Ruyi? If not born into such circumstances, who would willingly serve others? Which woman wouldn’t want a sincere partner and a lifetime of happiness?

“If you’re worried about exile, I have an old friend who can help…”

The person Shen Fu meant was Zhao Qin. Though living on Shenxian Mountain, she understood power and knew Zhao Qin’s identity and status in Zhao. Ruyi’s exile was a family burden. A powerful figure could easily pardon a minor offense; especially since Ruyi’s escort had died. As long as Ruyi killed them and denied her identity, even the government might not take her back.

Even without Zhao Qin, Shen Fu had connections to create a new identity for Ruyi. But Zhao Qin’s help would be more reassuring.

Ruyi saw Shen Fu’s disbelief, smiled, and rubbed her head. She wasn’t much older than Shen Fu; she’d been a teenager when her family fell. But compared to Shen Fu, she was far more mature.

“Afu, I know you mean well, but after everything, can I really marry peacefully?”

Shen Fu hesitated. “…Someone who truly loves you should cherish your past, not despise your suffering.”

“I know you’re kind, Afu, but finding such a man is rare. Even if I did, I might not want him.”

Shen Fu was confused. “…Why?”

“Because I’m not worthy of such sincere feelings. It’s too heavy, like a mountain. I’d be crushed.” She said, “Before, I wanted to give up. Your injuries were serious; without money, you wouldn’t survive. But here, in this world, I’m more comfortable.”

Shen Fu was young and didn’t understand. But she stayed, wanting to see if Ruyi’s life was truly comfortable. She didn’t care about reputation; she had no family to consider except her senior sister, Zhao Qin.

For ordinary women, a brothel was hell. But Ruyi was different. She’d somehow managed to improve the brothel’s situation, even gaining the respect of the madam.

Shen Fu learned that Ruyi had used her intelligence to resolve a crisis, turning the brothel into a prosperous business. Ruyi worked behind the scenes, manipulating events to her advantage.

Shen Fu realized Ruyi was right. She was truly freer here than elsewhere.

“Afu, look, this is the life I want.” Ruyi laughed, pride in her eyes. She was beautiful when she smiled like that. But Shen Fu still felt uneasy. Shen Fu’s injuries were almost healed; she should leave.

As she left, she said, “If you ever regret it, send me a letter, and I’ll take you away.”

Ruyi looked at her; her cold heart softened. Her smile was sincere and moving, unlike her past calculated smiles.

She whispered, “Okay.”

…

The capital, the imperial palace.

Zhao Qin sat bored at the banquet, her eyelids drooping. It was the emperor’s birthday; many were invited—royalty, ministers, and numerous young ladies and eligible bachelors accompanying their elders. The emperor’s reign was short; his court was still forming. This was less a birthday celebration than a mass blind date, the emperor and the young ladies the intended participants.

Everyone knew this. The women, regardless of status or personality, dressed flamboyantly, vying for the emperor’s attention, hoping to become empress.

The emperor, in his early twenties, felt only disgust. If it were a formal selection process, he might have enjoyed choosing a concubine for his family, but this was about power. These women weren’t after him, but the power his position represented.

Therefore, no matter how beautiful a woman was, she appeared dull to him. These aristocratic ladies, uniformly trained, were inherently boring. Their attempts to please him were predictable and tiresome. The emperor, weary of the endless displays, almost yawned.

The emperor secretly glanced at Zhao Qin, unnoticed. Seeing her expressionless and unhappy, he felt a little happier. After all, he wasn’t the only one suffering. Present were not only young ladies from various families, but also countless eligible bachelors. These men, of course, weren’t there for the emperor—he had no interest in men. Their target was Zhao Qin.

The emperor’s harem was empty; only the empress was present, the fourth concubine’s position unfilled. Most of the women present aimed not only for the empress’s position but also the fourth concubine’s, a significant power position. The decision was difficult, involving considerable power struggles. The emperor and Zhao Qin’s sibling rivalry added to the intrigue.

Everyone knew that to gain ultimate power, securing a woman to bind the emperor was crucial, and Zhao Qin was a key player. Despite her bad reputation—five dead husbands, some before marriage—her position as the emperor’s eldest sister, in charge of Xiuchundao, made her influence undeniable. Whoever won her favor would greatly improve their chances. Even those unwilling to inherit family businesses saw value in becoming her lover. That’s why Zhao Qin looked so gloomy.

Midway through the banquet, after the ladies’ displays of talent, all eyes turned to the emperor. A usually quiet minister stood, praising Chen Suwen, Third Son of Han Family.

The emperor, bored, perked up. It was finally someone else’s turn to be the center of attention. He sat straighter, glancing at Zhao Qin with amusement. In such situations, anyone with talent was asked to perform, to show off their skills. He’d been bored; now he could watch someone else suffer.

“Oh, is that true? The Third Son of Han is here? Let’s see if this highly praised individual is truly talented,” the emperor said, feigning interest.

Han San Gongzi rose, addressing the emperor first: “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness.” Then, to the minister: “Since you request it, I dare not refuse. I will offer a humble performance.”

The Third Son of Han was handsome—tall, slender, and fair-skinned. He sat before the piano, exuding an air of aloofness. The emperor noticed several prospective concubines watching him intently, their expressions a mixture of longing and jealousy.

Needless to say, the source of their jealousy is clear. The emperor added silently, Trying to get into my bed? Dream on!

Han San Gongzi sat, placing his hands on the strings, then looked towards Zhao Qin, his expression pained. “Please forgive me, Your Majesty. On your birthday, I wish to use this opportunity to address a beautiful lady.”

The emperor knew who he meant.

“No blame, no blame. Play. If your music is truly moving, I don’t think any beautiful woman will be unmoved,” the emperor said, inwardly contemptuous. Trying to win over my sister, make your dreams come true!

The courtiers exchanged knowing glances. Zhao Qin remained impassive, gently swirling her wine.

The music began. A woman’s eyes widened; she bit her lip, her expression indignant.

“Why… why… is the Third Brother is actually trying to win the phoenix for that idiot?”