Chapter 88: City of Mist (1)


    This Murongshi, what kind of flower is it? Someone interrupted them.


    The old man shook his head: Mu Rongshis is not a flower, furthermore, her name is not even engraved because its not known whether this name is true or not.


    A low murmur was heard in the hall, the audience seemingly dissatisfied. The person who asked the question raised his voice again: Then why are you talking about her? Last time, the story of the magnolia flower, Wu Xian, ying two men was brilliant. Why not continue telling it?


    The people in the audience echoed his sentiment.


    Mu Yaos face turned red. She looked around and sure enough, most of the people sitting around were young men, so she became even more embarrassed.Advertisements


    The table behind them was still talking about science: This old man here, tells a short part of a story every day for the amusement of the diners present. Everything being told is something which once happened before in Huazhe. His trailing voice took on a bit of levity.


    Once happened?


    The story is from when Huazhe was still a brothel, and each girl had a refined name on top of their brothel name. Legend has it that Huazhe has nine thousand nine hundred eighty-one flowers, a dazzling line-up, each with its own charm This old man, has already talked about forty-nine flowers.


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    Therefore, Young Noble Zhao had a proud temperament, and he didnt give a second nce to any of the females who showed him affection.Advertisements


    With just a few words, brought the people seated below into the story, listening with zest.


    This year, Young Noble Zhao rejected two to three marriage proposals, and refused dozens of confessions. Feeling very annoyed, he came to Wufang Town to rx on the pretext of taking care of business. And in our town, is eating, drinking, and ying not what its most famous for? A line-up of bars and brightly lit nights, perfect for travelers to indulge and forget about their worries and the road home.


    That year, there was not only antern festival, but also a fireworks show. Young Noble Zhao wanted to see the fireworks, but did not want to squeeze in with the crowd, so he carefully observed for a bit, and found a small, infrequently visited hill at the southern end of the city- were he to climb to the top of the hill, he would be able to overlook the town and also look up at the sky, a very suitable location.


    Hence, at nightfall, Young Noble Zhao went up the mountain alone. There was only a path that had been abandoned for many years, the road was very steep, the grass was growing wild, and there were insects everywhere. He was sweating profusely, and in a sorry state. After walking for two hours, he had only climbed one-third of the way, and couldnt help but feel discouraged.


    Suddenly, he smelled something fragrant in the breeze, looked up and saw a white figure in front of him. There was a slender, graceful young woman, walking alone up the mountain.


    The white-clothed back looked as if it was walking on level ground, quickly, and seemingly undisturbed by the mountain road. She had a fine slender waist which was not more than a handful, and her sleeves fluttered, unstained by sweat and dust, truly like a heavenly fairy.


    Young Noble Zhao was curious, so he quickened his steps to catch up. The girl looked back and was very surprised to see a stranger. Her face was adorned with a white veil, covering most of her face, but just looking at the revealed pair of eyes  they really were like limpid autumn waters, soft like flowing water, and so simr to the rippling waters of Xizi Lake. Though there was clearly no other emotions in her eyes, but they still hit him in the heart.


    Ah, there was a low intake of breath below.


    A sh of smugness passed through the old mans eyes. Then he continued, Young Noble Zhao then froze for a moment, immediately suppressing the shock in his heart, and exined, if its not rude, may I ask why the youngdy is traveling alone on the mountain?


    The eyes of the fairy-like girl unexpectedly revealed a helpless emotion, as if she was afraid that her actions were not permitted. She opened her mouth, her voice like silk sweeping sand, which would make the listeners heart tremble- she carefully replied in a soft voice: I came to see the fireworks.


    Ha- There was an unspoken understanding within the crowd: A fated couple, it really is a curious coincidence.


    Taking advantage of this pause, Mu Yao looked down and quietly asked Liu Fuyi, What did you tell His Highness?Advertisements


    The restaurant was burning charcoal and the heat dispersed the wine vapors. Liu Fuyi wiped his sweat, his face was a bit flushed: I got the princesss order and immediately escaped.


    The outside of Fengyang Pce was heavily guarded, a cold light was reflected off of their armor, and everyone was standing at attention.


    Princess, Prince Consort has escaped. Pei Yuns quick steps carried her to the dressing table, the mirror reflecting the stern look on her face.


    Duanyang was carefully drawing her eyebrows, after a serious illness, a yellow hue colored her face. She hoped to cover up her sickly appearance with makeup, and when she heard the words, her hand trembled, and the eyebrow pencil broke.


    She raised her half-drawn eyebrow, and even the indulgent look on her face seemed to be weak: What a ruckus- and here I thought it was something big.


    Princess, you just let Prince Consort go like this? Peiyuns eyes widened and she grabbed her arm. Due to too much force, her nails pressed into her skin. The young girl shrieked and hurriedly pushed her away, How daring, youre hurting me!


    Peiyun took a few steps backward to silently stare at her, a trace of coldness surfacing in her light-colored pupils.


    Brother Lius heart was never with me. Theres no point in forcing him to stay. It would only look like I, Duanyang, am being petty. Duanyang rolled up her sleeves and carefully blew on her reddened skin. She intended to reprimand Peiyun, but a wave of weakness swept through her, making her hold her forehead and lie down on the dressing table whileining, This princess is already well, I wont bite or run around. Tell my royal brother to take away the people outside. There are so many guards, just looking at them is annoying.


    Peiyun did not move, just looked at her and said coldly, Princess, how can you privately release the prince consort without my consent?


    You, the princess raised her red eyes and finally let out a weak rebuke, This pce is this princesss; I can decide to keep or let go of the people in the pce, since when did I need your consent?


    Pei Yun coldly snorted, walked to the makeup table, tracing the waxen face of Duanyang reflected in the mirror, a hint of acrimony in her tone: Do you know why Exorcist Liu does not like you? The servants tter you but do not dare to tell the truth- the looks of Miss Mu are far above that of Her Highness.


    Nonsense! Duan Yang interrupted, gasping for breath, trying to remove the hand pressing on her shoulder. She tried this several times without sess, This princess regards herself as not inferior to Mu Yao in looks. Brother Liu does not like me, but, but thats because She reluctantly admitted, Its because this princesss temper is unpleasant.Advertisements


    Peiyun sneered: Your Highness knows that youre unpleasant? Its not just unpleasant, its disgusting!


    You, Duanyang was half lying on the dressing table, eyes wide, body trembling with anger, even her sentences came out iplete, Rebellious, how dare you..


    Peiyun held her down firmly, her sharp gaze like a cold sword: If you were not born in the imperial family, no one would even bother giving you another look. How could such a domineering, arrogant, vicious, and stupid woman, be worthy of being my countrys princess?


    Nonsense Stop talking!


    To tell you, its not only Liu Fuyi, in this whole pce, no one treats you sincerely. The female servantsugh at you behind your back for thinking to highly of yourself, and His Majesty is only apologetic towards you


    Duanyangs breathing became more and more rapid, and an unusual flush colored her face: Shut up shut up


    Peiyuns tone, however, gradually softened, carrying beguiling tone, Even your own mother, once thought of burning you to death. treating you like worthless firewood, a fire lit to pave her sons bright path How pathetic you are, Li Songmin. She tucked the princesss messy hair behind her ear, who was too angry to speak, with a mocking look in her eyes, Everyone, they all want you to die Dont you feel angry?


    In the mirror, Duan Yangs pupils suddenly dted.


    She and Peiyun, who was behind her, froze at the same time. Then, in unison, they trembled, and Peiyun fell down bonelessly.


    However, Duanyang sat up straight from the dressing table, her chestnut pupils illuminated by the brilliant sunlight, like precious jewel-like cat eyes, with a strange kind of beauty.


    The princess began to slowlyb her own hair, looking into the mirror, inserting the hairpins one by one. She dipped her index finger into the rouge andnguidly tapped it onto her lips.


    Finally, she picked up the half-broken eyebrow pencil, unhurriedly filled in her half-drawn eyebrows, drawing a nted tail, sharp as a sword tip.Advertisements


    A long-tailed green peacock embroidered with countless small beads on Duanyangs overcoat shone with colorful luster in the sunlight. Her skirt trailed over the ground and she carried a hexagonalntern in her hand, stepping on the raspy fallen leaves, and walking step by step to the side pce hidden by a small forest.


    The princess The guards at the entrance looked at each other, all a little surprised, Why is the princess here?


    The most honored maiden of Hua¹[1] An ancient name for China was heavily made up and not angry, she did not raise her eyes and her tone was even, I want to go in to see consort mother.


    But His Majesty has exined that outsiders are not allowed to go in to visit Dowager Consort Zhao


    Preposterous. The princess lightly opened her red lips, her face looking more and more indifferent and majestic, Am I an outsider?


    As she spoke, she raised her eyes and nced at them, the eyes were full of charm, but also cold as frost. Her tone seemed to be reproachful, but also censuring, making their heart suddenly shudder.


    The two guards nced at each other and gave way with some scruples.


    The outer corners of Duanyangs eyes were of gorgeous flower colors. She carried a hexagonalntern, her long train trailing, and stepped into the forbidden pce unhurriedly.


    Ling Miao Miao leaned back in her chair and pushed the te to the side: I cant eat anymore.


    Of the six pieces of apricot cloud cake in the small te, three pieces left, their color white like clouds, like pure white snow cut into squares.


    Just now she, Mu Yao and Liu Fuyi each tasted a piece, but Mu Sheng did not move his chopsticks.


    Mu Sheng looked at the te in front of him and tilted his head to look at her.


    Eat it, dont waste it. The girl gazed unblinkingly at the pastry on the te, her tone casual, but her cheeks were a little red.


    Mu Sheng looked at the te of pastries, hesitating for a moment, but she had already rolled up her sleeve and carefully picked up a piece, resting it on his lips, not allowing any refusal: Here.


    The young mans eyes darkened for a moment, and his lips first touched her white fingers, half-kissing, half-brushing. And before she let go in shame, he opened his mouth and quickly bit into the pastry.


    Ling Miaomiao gritted her teeth as she stared at her hands: You


    Mu Sheng chewed on the apricot cloud cake with an innocent look on face. A smile shed through his eyes.


    The fragrance of almonds wafted over, the sweetness soft as melting clouds. Unexpectedly, there was a vaguely familiar texture, like a child who couldnt walk, smiling toothily as he touched the warmth of his mothers bare arm


    He followed that feeling, an acute pain suddenly piercing his temples, as if a lost person in the forest unintentionally stepped into a trap.


    He closed his eyes topose himself and forced the apricot cloud cake down his throat.


    Does it not taste good? Ling Miaomiao noticed his face had paled and her heart flew up into her throat.


    Mu Shengs ck eyes looked at her. After a while, he replied: Its delicious.


    With the expression on your face, I would think there were thorns in the pastries.


    Ling Miaomiao let out a breath and tapped on the edge of the saucer with her chopsticks. Herrge, round eyes carried a smile in them, These two are also for you.


    TL Note: I really disliked tranting this part with Peiyun and Duanyang. TT.TT


    Footnotes:


    [1] An ancient name for China