The Beauties of the Cold Palace A Subtle and Alluring Woman

Chapter 24

I clenched my fists silently. I will never forgive the person who deceived me by taking advantage of my gratitude!

Seeing my suddenly cold expression, Xiao Quanzi asked worriedly, "Master—Young Master, are you alright? Are you sick? Are you feeling unwell?"

Seeing his worried expression and innocent eyes, I couldn't help but relax and gently smiled at him, "It's okay, go on upstairs, I'm hungry."

"Oh, I see," he said, his face lighting up immediately. "Then young master, please hurry upstairs."

"Um."

Upstairs, sure enough, he had already booked half the VIP seats. What disgusted me was that he seemed to be deliberately trying to attract attention; otherwise, why would he choose such a place when there were so many exquisite private rooms on the third floor? After finding a secluded corner to sit down, I noticed several young noblemen were already fawning over him, trying to strike up a conversation. These young men, usually so arrogant and disdainful, were now begging and groveling.

After cursing under my breath and venting my anger, I finally looked up and calmly examined the so-called imposter.

From afar, I saw him dressed in a magnificent blue robe—and what's outrageous is that it was a brand new design I had just created this season! The robe was simply embroidered with a few green bamboo leaves in black thread by the best embroiderers, yet it instantly elevated its quality. I never expected this imposter to have such discerning taste.

On either side of him stood a burly man, and "burly" wouldn't be an exaggeration; they were a full head taller than the young nobleman! One had chestnut hair, the other blond, and the chestnut-haired one even had a thick beard. Their clothing also had a distinctly ethnic and exotic feel. They didn't look like people from the Central Plains, or even Jin Dynasty; they looked more like foreigners. Somewhat like Persians. Or perhaps ancestors of Arabs? I wondered. Damn it, I'd been impersonated by a foreigner! What a blond devil!

Amidst their unrestrained laughter and conversation, Xiao Quanzi and I ordered our fill and rested contentedly for a while. I gestured for Xiao Quanzi to stay put, then stood up, walked straight over, and with a flourish, snapped my fan open. I remembered how I'd practiced that pose countless times in front of that gleaming bronze mirror in the Qulan Garden, trying to perfect it. Sure enough, seeing my dashing appearance, they all looked at me and asked, "Young master, is there anything we can help you with?"

I deliberately approached the imposter and asked with a gentlemanly smile, "Excuse me, gentlemen, do you know anyone named XXX?" I made up a story.

Everyone present shook their heads. I pretended not to have seen the imposter at all, covered my mouth with my fan in feigned surprise, and then respectfully bowed, saying, "Gentlemen, I apologize for my rudeness." Then I casually brushed past the imposter.

Hehe. I chuckled to myself. I had prepared a generous gift for him.

I calmly returned to my seat, waved for the waiter to settle the bill, and exclaimed, "Damn it, it cost me fifty taels of silver!"

"Let's go." Xiao Quanzi followed respectfully behind.

The Nineteenth Level of Hell: A Strange Itching Poison. After being poisoned with this, you'll feel fine for half an hour, but after that, the itching will be so intense that even if you descended to the eighteenth level of hell, you'd still know the feeling of the nineteenth. Unexpectedly, this unfortunate imposter became my first test subject right after I developed it.

I had only taken a few steps downstairs when I was blocked by a tall, burly figure. I managed to look up and saw it was that cool-looking blond guy. He coldly said to me, "My master's jade pendant is missing. He would like to invite you upstairs for a chat."

I was about to curse when my hand instinctively reached into my pocket. A chill ran through me, and my heart sank. When had he put the jade pendant in my pocket? Regret gripped me. I'd thought it was a brilliant scheme; now I wished I had no pockets at all! I hadn't felt a thing. Looks like I'd met a master. He must have put it there while I was poisoning it. I was so careless.

He grabbed Xiao Quanzi, who was about to confront him, and coldly said to the blond-haired man, "Lead the way."

I followed him silently upstairs. When we got there, I noticed that the young noblemen who had been surrounding us had all somehow shrunk into a corner. I tossed the jade pendant from my pocket to him: "Speak, what do you want?" Xiao Quanzi stood to the side, his eyes wide, seemingly wondering how I had inexplicably acquired a jade pendant.

Only then did I take a good look at this imposter. He had a head of messy hair (I absolutely refuse to admit it had a modern dyed look), and a pair of frivolous, fox-like eyes that were now staring at me with interest. I didn't want to admit that my clothes seemed tailor-made for him; he wore them with an air of nobility, no wonder no one doubted his self-proclaimed title of "Young Master Jin." However, what puzzled me was his sapphire blue eyes. He was definitely not from Jin.

He gave me a sly smile and said, "I only wish to have a chat with you, young master. Why are you so aloof?"

I glanced at the blond-haired man following behind to prevent us from escaping, curled my lip in disdain, and sneered, "I can't afford your kind of hospitality, sir. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

"Is that so? I would like to invite you, young master, for a chat. Why ask a question you already know the answer to?"

I remained calm and asked, "What brings you here, sir?"

He remained seated there casually, his eyes shining as he looked at me. I awkwardly turned my head away. We remained in this silent standoff for a long time. During this time, a young nobleman came to say goodbye, and more importantly, he addressed him as Young Master Jin.

I gave him a look of utter contempt and sneered, "Are you sure you're Young Master Jin, sir?"

"What do you mean?" He suddenly turned to look at me, his gaze sharp as an eagle's.

I shrugged nonchalantly. "Nothing much, just saying. Here, this is the antidote you wanted. Take it for two days and you'll be cured." I knew it was pointless to pretend in front of him; revenge is a dish best served cold. We'll have a long road ahead of us!

I turned to leave, but the blond-haired guy stretched out his arm and blocked my way. I couldn't use my skills here, so I had to hold back and turned back to ask, "What do you want?!"

"What do you want?!" He smiled knowingly and said, "Don't you know the consequences of offending Young Master Jin are dire?"

I was about to unleash a torrent of curses at him, thinking how shameless he truly was, when suddenly a familiar male voice rang out behind me, "That young master is right. Are you truly Young Master Jin?"

The imposter suddenly realized, "I wondered who it was that had graced us with their presence. It turns out to be the Vermilion Bird King under Young Master Jin's command. Young Master Jin's steward."

The Vermilion Bird King?! I turned around, and there was Xiao Qi. However, he probably wouldn't recognize me in this disguise. Cough cough, I'm disguised as a different man.

"I dare not accept such praise. My young master has never liked to show his face to strangers, which is common knowledge in the martial world. I just heard that someone saw my young master at Changmo Tower, and I was puzzled, so I came here to see him. It turns out to be you, sir." As he spoke, he even patted his chest realistically, as if he had been frightened. "You really startled me."

As he spoke, the Vermilion Bird King's eyes suddenly turned cold: "You do indeed have the qualifications to impersonate someone else. Unfortunately, you are not the young master."

"You—" The imposter suddenly became angry, but he quickly regained his usual composure. "I won't bother with you today. Laman, Sakong, let's go." With that, he jumped out of the window and disappeared quickly.

I don't know if it was just my imagination, but as he left, I heard him say through gritted teeth, "Young Master Jin, it's Young Master Jin again! I'm done with you!" I don't think I've ever offended this person, at least not in my memory. Besides, I don't know him. I'm sure he looks very distinctive; someone who has seen him before would remember him.

It was only then that those present realized that the person was not Jin Shao.

Seeing that he couldn't catch up with the person, Mai Qi glanced at me indifferently and then turned and left.

I looked at him, feeling a pang of guilt. Not only had I deceived him, but I'd also left him to face so much alone. I watched him leave silently before Xiao Quanzi and I went downstairs to head to the fashion show. By then, there was no longer a crowd gathered downstairs; Xiao Qi must have been dealt with before going up. Xiao Qi, truly worthy of being my Vermilion Bird King.

Although I said I wouldn't attend the fashion show, I still managed to get a few VIP seats from him, and now they've finally come in handy.

My expectation is to experience its success and beauty from the perspective of an outsider.

Volume 2, Chapter 43: Fireworks in Full Bloom

It was a struggle to squeeze to the designated spot. I witnessed firsthand the spectacular sight of a sea of people, a scene of utter desolation. Fortunately, we were prepared; there were nearly a hundred bodyguards maintaining order, preventing chaos. Moreover, I doubt anyone in the martial world would dare challenge the authority of Junjin Manor. Even the ruthless and cunning assassin Lou Zhuzhu has submitted to Junjin Manor; why would anyone dare to provoke them? Besides, today is a grand event for the world; why would anyone try to cause trouble in a place teeming with masters?

After finding seats, Xiao Quanzi and I obediently sat down. I looked around, and although it was outdoors, the entire sky seemed to be brightly lit by lights. The sky above was displaying strange and colorful hues, almost like a rainbow, which was breathtaking.

The venue was surrounded by long, wide curtains bearing Junjin's logo, a black lotus. These curtains were adorned with lights, and behind them were specially made bronze mirrors that reflected the front lights in all directions. The entire venue was bathed in colorful light, resembling a giant, radiant oil painting—a truly magnificent sight.

It felt like a dream. The color scheme was warm, with red, peach, sky blue, and pale purple wrapped around the lanterns… the style leaning towards a fairytale world. It was the fairytale world I wanted to create. I drew many characters from modern fairytales and famous animals from memory: Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Bugs Bunny… and those adorable characters from Japanese anime… I even remembered Shiro, the dog from Crayon Shin-chan. At that moment, I was grateful I could draw, so I could leave these beautiful memories in this world. I had the workers rush to make the plush toys overnight, and we'd promote them tonight. In the wealthy district, people would have to pay to buy them, but we'd give them away for free to poor children. Posters for the toys were displayed all around. I'd required every employee to know the stories behind the characters, so they could explain their origins to confused customers.

Although this is a fashion show, it is also a press conference, showcasing Junjin's innovation and endless uniqueness to the world... Junjin is irreplaceable!

Junjin is where I built my dreams; no one can replace its unparalleled beauty!

This is my personal motivation. In this world, perhaps no one knows fairy tales. They are all oppressed by reality. Children and adults alike have no dreams; their dreams have been taken away and stifled. And today, I want to help those who have lost their dreams find their lost paradise again. Although this idea may seem naive, in this rigidly hierarchical feudal society, those people are truly pitiful, and I can never learn to remain indifferent.

My purpose in making money is simply to improve my brother's world. Although it's a pipe dream, it's the only thing I can do in this world. The only thing that makes me feel like I'm not superfluous.

There were drinks and pastries in the VIP seats. I was sipping my favorite orange juice when I saw a man in a blue shirt looking this way. I knew it was Xiao Qi looking for me; he gave me the ticket, so he naturally knew where my seat was, and it could only be me sitting there. When he saw me, he looked a little surprised. I smiled and waved to him, sipping my orange juice. His usually serious, baby-faced expression suddenly lit up with joy when he saw me, although he was even more surprised by my appearance. Sigh, it's time to tell him the truth. I should find some time to tell him who I am.

Just as I was lost in thought, the music started playing.

The music here naturally doesn't have the feel of modern music, but Xiao Qi found various famous musicians in Jiankang City and formed a band called "High Mountains and Flowing Water." This was to commemorate that unparalleled masterpiece. This was a band that was unprecedented and unmatched in ancient times.

The music, like its name, flowed gently like clouds and water, so naturally and serenely that it silenced everyone in the room. In that moment of hesitation, wisps of white smoke suddenly rose from below the platform. Just as people wondered if they had fallen into a fairyland, a group of women, as beautiful as celestial beings, emerged from the misty smoke. They wore long, snow-white silk dresses embroidered with blooming peonies, their vibrant red petals almost dripping with life, blending seamlessly into the women's attire, making them appear noble and ethereal. The women twirled and danced gracefully, their movements so beautiful that the men in the audience practically stared in disbelief.

I was leisurely sipping my orange juice all alone. Not bad, not bad, the person Xiao Qi found was truly top-notch. Just as I was secretly gloating, a familiar voice suddenly sounded behind me: "So you're here." I was about to turn around when a sudden tingling sensation shot through my neck, and I couldn't move. Damn it, who dared to ambush me? Suddenly, it was that same sinister laugh I'd heard not long ago: "Thanks to you, my disguise was exposed, heh heh—"

I never expected that this guy would also buy a VIP ticket to watch the show, and that he would be sitting right behind me! What a "coincidence"!

As I was being led away, frozen stiff, my pressure points were sealed, rendering me unable to move or speak. Xiao Quanzi and the people around me were completely absorbed in the moment, oblivious to my distress. That guy even put his arm around my shoulder like a scoundrel, acting like we were brothers. Damn it, how dare he take advantage of me! My fashion show wasn't even over yet!

I was led into a dark alley. Soon, his annoying, foxy eyes were right in front of me, scrutinizing me. I frowned and glanced away disdainfully. There was no need to be polite to an imposter!

Seeing my disdain, he smiled instead of getting angry, and gave me a wink. The blond guy then came over and tapped me on the back, and I could speak again, but I still couldn't move. Ugh! I feel like a little lamb being threatened by a big bad wolf.

He walked over and grabbed my chin hard, his eyes icy as he said, "Tell me, do you know 'Young Master Jin'?"

Oh, so that's what happened. I rolled my eyes inwardly. I asked, puzzled, "What did Young Master Jin do to you? I don't think you two have ever met before. Why do you hate him so much?" I don't remember ever offending a foreigner.

Mentioning Jin Shao, he blushed furiously and said, "I want to see what that brat looks like! Even our 'Number One Beauty of the Xianbei' has been bewitched by her!" Xianbei?! Number One Beauty?! I caught the key point: Isn't the Number One Beauty of the Xianbei Sister Danyi?! What does this have to do with her—in his anger, he was completely unaware of what he had inadvertently revealed. Am I really that harmless-looking?

"I advise you not to go see him. I'm afraid you'll be too disappointed. He's not good-looking at all, just like you and me, with one nose, two eyes, and one mouth. There's nothing special about him." I made up a story.

He muttered to himself, "How could this be? All the way to Jin, everyone who asked about Jin Shao praised him as handsome, dashing, and refined... almost absolutely gorgeous!"

I comforted him, saying, "You have to believe that rumors can become a myth because of the sheer number of people who spread them."

Suddenly, a glint flashed in his eyes as he looked at me and said, "How do you know? Do you know him?"

I wanted to shrug, but I couldn't move at all, so I said casually, "Let's get to know each other." I paused, then continued, "It's just that I know them, but they may not know me."

Seeing his confusion, I kindly explained, "Back then, the two villains stormed into Yichun Garden together, passed three trials, and eventually became the most popular courtesan, Dan Yi Meiren's, lover. Everyone in Jiankang City knows about this romantic tale. Unfortunately, I was also in Yichun Garden that day, and had the good fortune to see the real face of Young Master Jin. Naturally, I know that you are an imposter."

"So that's how it is. You were captivated by him back then, weren't you? That pretty boy!" I guessed he had completely imagined me as a guy with a pretty face who specializes in seducing women.

“By the way,” I asked him, “what’s your sister’s name? Maybe I can help.” I tempted him.

Sure enough, without a second thought, he blurted out, "Danyi, her name in the Jin state was Murong Danyi." He looked so fierce and cunning, but he was actually so naive and innocent. Later, I realized why his uncle wanted to seize his throne. No wonder he, at such a grown man, still needed Danyi's help to protect his throne.

So his sister is the beautiful sister?! Am I saying how small this world is? How could I run into her like this?

"Your sister? What does Guan Jinshao have to do with this?"

He slumped his shoulders and said dejectedly, "My sister met that Jin Shao when she traveled to the State of Jin, and she still can't forget him."

I was speechless. What business is it of his if Sister Danyi misses me?!

Wait, when Sister Danyi left, she confessed to me her hidden identity. She was a Xianbei, and a Xianbei princess at that. She left because her father, the Xianbei king, had passed away, her uncle and nephew were vying for power, and the Yan state was in turmoil. She needed to return to take charge. Her father, during his lifetime, loved her most and had said she was the most special princess in Xianbei history. The people of Yan held her in high esteem, and she held a certain status among the Xianbei. Therefore, after the Yan king's death, her uncle attempted to usurp power, and her brother also rebelled. She needed to return to support her only younger brother, the crown prince, to ascend the throne and also serve as a regent.

As she left, she said she might never set foot on this land again, but that in the future, the Xianbei would come to this land and establish a country for me. At first, I thought she was joking, but later I realized how serious she was. I recalled history, and indeed, the Xianbei later came to the Central Plains and established that famous country—the Northern Wei.

Could it be that Sister Danyi is not doing well in Xianbei, which is why he came to the Central Plains to settle scores with me? Just thinking about my beautiful sister makes my chest suddenly ache for some reason. Oh right, this is the injury I sustained when I was with her.

Well, there's something important I completely forgot! I looked at this man with fox-like eyes, and his allure was just like Sister Danyi's—Sister Danyi said she only had one younger brother, so isn't this person right in front of me—isn't he the newly enthroned Prince Yan?! He is the Prince Yan, Murong Huang, that the beautiful sister spoke of!

Just as I was about to ask him how Sister Danyi was doing, a familiar figure suddenly appeared at the alley entrance—a figure I would remember even if I turned to ashes. It was Brother Sima! He never missed such a lively event—

Seeing that he was looking this way, I finally broke through the pressure point at the last moment. Just kidding, I'm not the kind of lamb to be slaughtered. I had been diverting his attention to secretly release the pressure point.

After regaining my freedom, I said to Murong, "Farewell forever," and then used my ethereal technique to quickly disappear into the dark alley.

As I fled, I heard him shouting from afar behind me, "We'll meet again!"

I got goosebumps all over. I had absolutely no interest in this little brat that Dan Yi-jie was talking about, who was supposedly my age.

I only stopped completely when I had run out of sight of anyone behind me. As I was leaning over, hands on my knees, panting heavily, a series of sharp, explosive sounds came from the sky behind me, along with the whooshing sound of air currents. The sound was so intense that it made my eyes light up. Then the entire sky, and even the entire city of Jiankang, was illuminated, and everyone went wild!

I turned around with a smile, and unlike others, my smile remained calm throughout. I succeeded. I never expected to succeed. This was a special gift I prepared for myself for this fashion show. I specifically sought out someone who researches this field, shared my general understanding of fireworks with them, and after a long period of experimentation, I never imagined it would succeed today.

I watched the colorful fireworks fill the sky and smiled quietly, as if I were the only person in the world. Yes, in this world, I am truly alone. My world lacks the hustle and bustle of the streets, the celebrating crowds, and everything from that other world. There is only me, standing alone at the crossroads of an alley, my eyes fixed solely on the dazzling fireworks...

"Fireworks and silver flowers merge, the iron locks on the bridge open." Is this what they mean? Dazzling and magnificent, a tapestry of blossoms, my eyes were captivated by their opulent display. I know that things too beautiful are fleeting. The moment fireworks pierce the night sky is also the moment they turn to ashes, a poignant reminder of past glories.

Although it was brief, I wasn't afraid. I liked it precisely because of its brevity, and because that fleeting moment was almost breathtakingly beautiful. I just need to remember it in my heart.

As night fell, clusters of fireworks soared into the tranquil sky, rising rapidly in graceful arcs. With a crisp "whoosh," they burst forth with countless petals, slowly unfolding in the sky and scattering a shower of colorful blossoms, transforming the heavens into a tapestry of vibrant hues. The boundless splendor of these fireworks... reflected golden light amidst the myriad lights of Jiankang City...

A breeze brushed past my ears, my mind was clear, and finally, I smiled gently and said to myself, "Happy birthday, Anjin."

I had no idea that, at that very moment, in just a few not-so-distant corners, three people were watching the fireworks and saying:

Happy birthday, Miss.

Happy birthday, Xiaojin.

Happy birthday, young master.

Another stunningly beautiful figure stood alone on a high rooftop, taking a sip of wine before gazing at the inky black starry sky and silently saying: "Happy birthday, Xiao Jin."

Volume 2, Chapter 44: Missing

Seven days have passed since I returned to the palace. Life continues uneventfully.