HCB Chapter 307 Qi Huai's Side Story 1
Chapter 307 Qi Huai's Side Story 1
Princess Fuyao of Rong'an Kingdom was a notorious playboy who spent his days either sleeping or going to brothels to listen to music and admire flowers.
Because of her excessive philandering, she was impeached by many ministers. Every day when the emperor held court, he could hear them saying that the princess was damaging the royal family's image.
But the emperor always let these words go in one ear and out the other. His most precious possession was Princess Fuyao; he cherished her like a precious gem. He couldn't bear to say a harsh word to her, so how could he possibly criticize her for some trivial matter?
As the emperor listened to the ministers' lively discussion, he was also distracted, thinking that Fu Zhao had been in Suzhou for two months and it was about time for him to return.
As he expected, the princess's carriage quietly entered the capital.
When I passed by Chang'an Avenue, it was unusually noisy outside.
The woman inside the carriage lifted the curtain and looked out curiously.
Some people noticed this place and were momentarily amazed by the woman's stunning appearance.
The woman's features were exquisitely beautiful, her eyes clear and bright with slightly drooping corners, her nose straight and elegant like bamboo, and her lips the color of newly blooming flower petals. Her skin was like solidified cream, shimmering with a soft, pearly glow in the dim light.
If it were anyone else who came, they wouldn't recognize that this ethereal beauty was the same Princess Fuyao that everyone talked about as being ignorant and addicted to sensual pleasures.
"Stop."
Seeing that there was some excitement, Yun Fuzhao quickly told the coachman to stop the carriage.
Hearing this, Xiao Cui, who was sitting outside, lifted the carriage curtain and peeked in. "What's wrong, Princess?"
"I've spotted something fun. We can go back later."
Xiao Cui had been with her for so long, so she naturally knew her temperament and didn't say anything. She carefully helped her down from the carriage.
"I had no idea that a Hundred Flowers Pavilion had opened in Chang'an."
Xiao Cui smiled and said, "It must have been built by the princess during her time in Suzhou."
Yun Fuzhao's return was timely, just in time for the opening of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion. At this time, a large crowd of people had gathered outside.
Yun Fuzhao overheard the people around him discussing, "I've heard that the most beautiful courtesan in the Hundred Flowers Pavilion is absolutely stunning, her beauty surpassing all others throughout history, even making lotus flowers blush with shame."
"You make it sound so incredible, I'd like to see how it goes."
Yun Fuzhao has had a special fondness for beautiful food since childhood. Regardless of its usefulness, everything used and worn in the palace must first pass the test in terms of appearance.
Things are like this, and so are people.
None of the servants in her household were ugly. Her friend Xie Wan often teased her, saying that going to her household would make your eyes blurry.
Hearing what the people were saying, she too began to dream of a woman with unparalleled beauty.
She immediately waved her hand and pulled Xiao Cui into the Hundred Flowers Pavilion.
Because it was newly opened, there were quite a few people inside. Yun Fuzhao waited for a long time before a servant came to greet him.
Yun Fuzhao went straight to the point, "I...I want to see the most beautiful courtesan in your establishment."
The servant looked apologetic. "I'm sorry, miss, Miss Xichun has already gone to accompany another gentleman. If I didn't know, I could introduce you to some others. Our Hundred Flowers Pavilion also has quite a few handsome young men."
Yun Fuzhao had come specifically for the beautiful woman, so why would she settle for second best? She winked at Xiao Cui.
The latter immediately understood and pulled out a large wad of silver notes from her sleeve. "Whatever amount that person spent, our young lady will pay ten times that amount."
The servant's eyes immediately lit up. "Miss, please wait a moment."
Within minutes, Yun Fuzhao was led to a side room on the second floor, and to her surprise, the door was not closed.
She swaggered in with Xiao Cui.
A faint scent of incense wafted through the room; the aroma wasn't pungent, but rather calming and soothing. A large screen stood in the center.
She thought to herself that this girl was quite shy, and was just about to go over and talk to her when someone walked out from behind the screen.
The man had silver hair that cascaded down to his waist, long, narrow eyebrows, and narrow, fox-like eyes. When he glanced at someone, the corners of his eyes would slant slightly, as if a cunning smile was spreading out, yet also concealing a profound depth accumulated over a thousand years.
Yun Fuzhao was stunned. She had seen countless beauties, but this was the first time she had ever seen such a stunningly beautiful face that could bring ruin to a country.
She was so beautiful that she even forgot to breathe.
She blurted out instinctively, "Would you like to come home with me, young lady?"
Such a beautiful face would be a feast for the eyes in any mansion.
The man seemed surprised by her blunt remark. A flicker of surprise crossed his golden eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a faint smile.
The beauty spoke up: "I had no idea that Princess Fuyao was so absurd."
The voice was clear, resonant, and magnetic—truly pleasant to listen to. But it was clearly a man's voice.
Yun Fuzhao froze on the spot, especially when he heard his title being called out. This beauty actually recognized him.
Moreover, he just referred to himself as "the true self"?
She didn't react for a moment.
Xiao Cui also looked confused.
"Uncle, I was wrong, please spare my life."
As the three looked at each other in bewilderment, another male voice came from behind the screen.
Yun Fuzhao looked over and saw a man in purple robes stagger out from behind the screen. His handsome face was filled with fear.
She was very familiar with this face.
Isn't this Qi Ling, who shares the same reputation for being a womanizer?
If we were to name the most outrageous young people in the capital, Yun Fuzhao and Qi Ling would definitely be on the list.
Yun Fuzhao and he were kindred spirits; they both enjoyed admiring beautiful women and listening to tunes.
Qi Ling was also surprised to see Yun Fuzhao. "What are you doing here?"
As soon as she finished speaking, a young woman in white walked out gracefully, a smile in her eyes. She bowed slightly to the group and said, "Xichun will take her leave now."
Ah, this is the most beautiful courtesan.
Seeing that she was about to leave, Qi Ling instinctively wanted to say something to stop her, "Hey—"
Before he could finish speaking, a cold gaze fell upon him.
Qi Ling immediately cowered like a cat whose neck had been choked, lowering his head and standing obediently in place, not daring to utter a single word.
With a quick thought, Yun Fuzhao roughly understood the whole story.
It turns out that both she and Qi Ling had their eyes on this courtesan, but they hadn't chosen the right time and were caught red-handed by what he called his uncle.
Yun Fuzhao had heard of the uncle he spoke of. When the two occasionally met and talked, he would complain to Yun Fuzhao that the uncle was too cold and heartless.
He wasn't allowed to do this, and he wasn't allowed to do that. It almost drove him crazy with frustration.
I had only ever heard about this so-called uncle from him, but today I finally met the real person.
Yun Fuzhao stared straight at him.
How come I didn't know the Right Chancellor was so beautiful before? I don't know how she got her face like that. Did Nuwa slack off when she created her?
Qi Huai said calmly, "I'll settle your score with you when we get back."
Qi Ling shuddered and revealed an expression of utter despair.
"How long is Your Highness going to keep an eye on me?"
Yun Fuzhao coughed. "Excuse me. It's nothing else, I'll be going now."
However, as soon as she turned around, she heard the person behind her calmly say, "Princess, please watch your words in the future, so as not to give others cause for gossip."