Chapter 6: Guo Xiaolang’s Apology

The Ministry of Rites handles confidential matters and carries out the emperor’s will. It is a crucial part of the prime minister’s duties.

Li Ning’an had to temporarily put aside sending Hong Xiu to the criminals’ warehouse. She needed to investigate where Fu Minglang had obtained that painting in her past life. She couldn’t let him use it to ingratiate himself with Wen Taishi and use Wen Taishi’s connections to enter the Ministry of Rites.

Li Ning’an immediately left the palace with Hong Xiu.

Some who saw Xing’e heading to the Fu residence and then saw Ning An Princess leaving thought she regretted it and was going after Xing’e.

They feared that the Fu residence wouldn’t return the contract, and Ning An Princess might have to go back again.

While everyone was eager to watch the drama, no one dared to crowd around the Fu residence. They hoped to hear some news and enjoy the gossip.

Yan Ziqi was supposed to go out today.

His departure was delayed by Hong Xiu.

He was heading to Zui Chun Ge. Even though it was daytime, with such a generous and influential guest, how could the madam refuse?

This gentleman often visited there.

The madam opened the door to welcome him, skillfully keeping Leng Shuang and a few familiar maids by his side, carefully instructing them to provide excellent service.

With a hundred taels of silver given by the heir, the madam smilingly went back to rest. After all, it was her business to work at night, and this was her time to rest.

One of the maids, named Ling’er, was close to Yan Ziqi.

She skillfully held a wine cup and handed it to him, her red lips parting as she spoke, “Yesterday, I heard quite a stir. They said Princess Ning An wants to marry you and is afraid you might not come anymore.”

Ling’er had heard a bit about his reputation.

He liked Fu Minglang.

He was unwilling to let other women get close.

Fu Daren was more reserved than Yan Ziqi and would not visit brothels.

Unfortunately, encountering someone like Princess Ning An, he couldn’t even have a beloved confidante or a concubine.

Yan Ziqi was dressed in a purple robe and long gown today. His every gesture exuded an air of charm and elegance. Embracing Ling’er’s waist, he took a sip of the wine she handed him and said with satisfaction, “Even if she wants to marry me, what of it? I truly can’t marry her.”

His tone implied that even if he were to marry such a precious princess, it would be out of his kindness.

He spoke as though the emperor was his father and no one was worthy of marrying him, as if he should marry a fairy from the heavens instead.

After driving Hong Xiu away, Yan Ziqi was not the least bit worried that Li Ning’an would cause him trouble.

In this capital city, who could he possibly fear!

Sorry.

In this city, there was no one he feared.

So what if she was the emperor’s daughter?

His entire family fought bravely to defend the frontier, and he was the only one left. If he wasn’t treated well, who would fight the battles in the future? Yan Ziqi was a scoundrel but was not afraid of imperial edicts.

At worst, he would disband the Xiangguo Gong residence.

He’d find a comfortable wall and bump his head against it.

Of course, Yan Ziqi also valued his life.

Li Ning’an had pursued Fu Minglang for three years; it was impossible for her to simply give up. Even if Yan Ziqi had some interest in her, he would stick to his own nature and not accommodate Li Ning’an.

He wasn’t Li Ning’an’s dog; he wouldn’t obediently follow her without getting anything in return. If she wanted him to marry her, she should start by becoming his concubine first.

He wanted to see where Li Ning’an’s heart truly lay.

As for himself, he would continue to enjoy music, wine, and brothels as usual.

Ling’er giggled in his arms, her fingers lightly tapping on his arm. “I’ll take it seriously. You must come visit me often.”

The sound of a zither played by Leng Shuang filled the air.

With Yan Ziqi’s support, no one had dared to touch her yet, except for the son of the Minister of Punishment. This meant her reputation remained intact.

Ling’er, on the other hand, had long lost her virginity. Her small hands skillfully explored Yan Ziqi’s back. He was broad-shouldered and slim-waisted, and the fine fabric of his clothes was smooth and precious.

Yan Ziqi pinched her slender waist and was about to kiss her when Shuang’er, on the other side, protested with a soft, delicate voice.

“Master~”

The two women vied for his attention and exchanged barbs.

Ling’er covered her nose and said, “Sister, you seem to have applied your powder a bit too thickly today. It almost choked me.”

This implied that Shuang’er was older and that applying powder was futile.

Shuang’er lifted her eyes and replied, “You should be more attentive when serving. Hold the wine cup steady.”

This suggested that Ling’er lacked experience and might offend a distinguished guest.

Leng Shuang, sitting by the window playing the zither, remained silent.

Her playing ranged from swift to slow, like a rushing stream or a mountain view. This level of artistry was beyond the reach of the two courtesans who had been sold to the brothel.

Yan Ziqi smiled and waited for the two women to finish their arguments, each offering him a drink or a delicacy.

He waited to see which one he would choose first.

Yan Ziqi extended his hand and pushed both offerings away.

He looked at Leng Shuang with appreciation. “In my opinion, Leng Shuang is the most captivating. You two, leave. Only she will stay and keep me company.”

Ling’er and Shuang’er, no matter how much they wanted to stay, did not dare to offend Yan Ziqi. Reluctantly, they lowered their heads and said in unison:

“Yes.”

If Yan Ziqi had grown tired of them, they would end up serving petty, miserly young masters. There was no comparison to Yan Ziqi.

Even a simple embrace could earn them a hundred or eighty taels.

Even if Madam Chun took a 70% cut, it would still be a significant sum.

Before they could leave, the door was gently knocked.

“Is Master Yan Ziqi here?”

The visitor spoke with respect and apology.

“I am Guo Zhou, the son of the Minister of Punishment. I received a scolding at home yesterday and specifically came to offer my apologies. I didn’t expect you wouldn’t be at the Xiangguo Duke’s residence, so I’m taking a chance here,” Guo Zhou said.

He pleaded repeatedly and assured that he wasn’t here to settle scores with Yan Ziqi. Only then did the madam reveal Yan Ziqi’s whereabouts.

Standing at the door, Guo Zhou looked genuinely sincere. “I’ve set up a table at Hongfu Residence to apologize. I hope you’ll do me the honor of accepting.”

Guo Zhou was much like Yan Ziqi in some ways.

He was also a scion of the wealthy class, but he relied on his father, Guo Shangshu. The Minister of Punishment held a certain degree of prestige in the court.

His father, being an old man who had a son later in life, had a particular fondness for him.

Among the young rakes, there was often some interaction.

Guo Zhou was quite annoyed by Yan Ziqi, who appeared out of nowhere and had the Emperor’s backing, but the two had no direct conflict.

It was like two parallel lines that didn’t intersect.

Guo Zhou had long been interested in Leng Shuang and had competed with Yan Ziqi for her twice, only to end up on the losing side and receiving a beating.

On his return home, his father made him host a banquet to apologize.

This was clearly a way to avoid offending Yan Ziqi.

Guo Zhou relied on his father’s influence for his bullying.

When his father had spoken, he dared not refuse to make amends.

But Guo Zhou was also unwilling to resign himself to defeat.

Thus, today’s invitation was something of a “Hongmen Feast.”

Yan Ziqi stayed inside, unmoved, while Ling’er opened the door and gave Guo Zhou a meaningful look.

Seeing the door open, Guo Zhou slipped inside.

“Guo Young Master is too insensitive,” Ling’er said, rubbing her bumped waist.

“Guo Zhou is truly sincere; he even arranged a feast at Hongfu Residence,” Yan Ziqi remarked, impressed by the grand gesture.

Hongfu Residence was the most renowned restaurant in the capital, frequented by many nobles and high-ranking officials.

Yan Ziqi agreed to go.

But he had one condition.

“If you drive me there, I’ll be willing to go,” he said.

This was clearly an attempt to make Guo Zhou act as his chauffeur.

Guo Zhou clenched his fists. Today, he had to get Yan Ziqi to go; otherwise, his father would stop giving him money.

Guo Zhou, who was adept at yielding and bending, said, “Alright, it’s my fortune to drive for Young Master Yan.”

Yan Ziqi stood up, acting as if they were good friends, and put an arm around Guo Zhou’s shoulders. As they left, he even glanced at Leng Shuang.

“I’ll come again tomorrow.”

Leng Shuang picked up her zither. Without expressing gratitude or other words, she gave a respectful bow, as if to bid him farewell.

Ling’er and Shuang’er, however, looked longingly at Yan Ziqi, their gazes almost glued to him. The madam, knowing Guo Zhou had come, stood outside the door, fearing a confrontation between the two masters.

She was no longer sleepy.

She worried that the two might destroy her brothel.

Yan Ziqi, feeling sorry for the young beauties, took out a few silver notes and handed them to Ling’er and Shuang’er. As for Leng Shuang, although Yan Ziqi didn’t give her any money, she was on a monthly allowance.