After leaving Baili Chen, Daoming did not return to his residence. Instead, he went to a small path behind the main hall of Baiyun Temple and walked all the way to a courtyard with shady willows and fragrant herbs. Some dried herbs were drying in the courtyard. There were two people standing in the courtyard. Daoming hurriedly asked, "Master, is there any movement?"
"Not yet," replied the darker-skinned man among the two.
"Has the message been sent through?"
"The message was sent in, but the master didn't respond."
Daoming sighed anxiously, and the dark-faced man asked, "What's wrong, Senior Brother?" It turned out that the two people standing there were Daoxuan and Daozong, the other two disciples of Master Lingyun. They were both Daoming's junior brothers, and Daozong was the youngest and most talented of them all.
"The Prince of Chen has arrived, and he immediately made a show of force, constantly criticizing the Master for disrespecting the Empress Dowager, and even ordering wine and meat, along with many other meat dishes."
Daozong frowned: "Senior brother is so confused. How can you let him eat whatever he wants? This is Baiyun Temple, and we must abide by the rules of Baiyun Temple."
Dao Ming looked at Dao Zong and snorted coldly: "What do you know? If you think I did something wrong, then I'll leave the task of serving Baili Chen to you. Let's see how well you can do it."
Daozong glanced at Daoming and remained silent. Daozong had been with Master Lingyun for the shortest time, yet his talent far surpassed Daoming's in Dao Xuanxue. Naturally, Master Lingyun favored him even more. The three brothers had never gotten along well.
Daoming said, "If Master hadn't come out sooner, I'm afraid Baili Chen would have caused even bigger trouble. He's the most arrogant and domineering person in the royal family, and he's also very much favored by Emperor Mingxian. I'm afraid he might do something that would damage the reputation of Baiyun Temple."
The three brothers shared the same thought on this point.
Daoming's concerns were not unfounded. The next day, Baili Chen did not ask Daoming to prepare any meals, as he cooked them himself.
One day, Daoming was interpreting fortune sticks for several worshippers in the main hall when a young Taoist disciple whispered a few words in his ear. Daoming's expression changed drastically and he ran away, leaving the worshippers puzzled. When Daoming arrived at Baili Chen's courtyard, panting, he saw Baili Chen sitting under a willow tree enjoying the cool shade. Not far away, Leng Sha and his men had set up a fire on the ground and were roasting chicken and fish!
Daoming's expression changed drastically: "No! This is Baiyun Temple, how can we kill here? Prince Chen, please stop immediately!"
Baili Chen said lazily, "That won't do. I get upset if I don't see Master Lingyun for a day. How can you not let me have a taste? Don't listen to him. Keep roasting. Master Daoming, you can do it yourself."
Master Daoming was extremely anxious. Baiyun Temple always served vegetarian food, and the smell of roasted fish or chicken would be immediately recognizable. If they knew about Bai Shichen's actions, it would be a slap in the face to Baiyun Temple. Daoyun pleaded urgently, "Your Highness Chen, please forgive me. My master is at a crucial stage of his seclusion. He truly didn't mean to avoid you. Just two more days, just two more days and my master will emerge from seclusion. Please, Your Highness Chen, wait two more days."
Baili Chen said impatiently, "I'll give Lingyun Celestial Master some face. Tomorrow I want to drink turtle soup, deer antler and white fungus... You all go and prepare them. These are all time-consuming things. If they're not done well, don't blame me for not giving Lingyun Celestial Master face."
Dao Ming's face darkened completely, but he still gritted his teeth and endured it. He could probably tell that the men brought by Prince Chen were all skilled and powerful. If he didn't agree, they might really turn Baiyun Temple upside down. After leaving the side courtyard, Dao Ming went to the residence of Celestial Master Lingyun. Seeing that there was no movement inside, he was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. When Dao Xuan and Dao Zong learned of Baili Chen's actions, they couldn't help but turn pale. Baili Chen's actions were clearly a threat. If Celestial Master Lingyun didn't go to see him quickly, Baiyun Temple's reputation would be ruined. Baili Chen was capable of anything.
The next morning, as soon as Baili Chen entered the courtyard, he saw a white-clad figure standing with his hands behind his back on the willow tree in the side courtyard. The figure was a man, tall and slender, and his white robes gave him an air of otherworldly elegance. Standing under the willow tree, with the hem of his robes fluttering in the wind, he exuded a dashing and unrestrained charm.
Baili Chen watched coldly, but the man had already turned around. Baili Chen's eyes flickered slightly when he saw this man. He saw that the man had a handsome face, gentle eyebrows and eyes, and a faint smile on his lips from time to time. He was not exceptionally handsome, but he gave people a very comfortable feeling. He was about twenty-six or twenty-seven years old, almost thirty. "You must be Master Lingyun?"
The man's lips curved into a wider smile: "Prince Chen's discerning eye is indeed remarkable; it is indeed I, this humble Taoist."
"Oh? Shouldn't Master Lingyun be in seclusion researching alchemy right now? How come he's out of seclusion so quickly?" Baili Chen's face clearly carried a hint of sarcasm.
Master Lingyun didn't mind, and still had a smile on his face: "This seclusion was delayed for a while because of the bottleneck in alchemy, which delayed the time to send the pills to the Empress Dowager. It is kind of you, Prince Chen, to come in person. I will start the furnace to refine pills for the Empress Dowager as soon as I come out of seclusion."
"In that case, I'll have to trouble Celestial Master Lingyun."
"This is my duty." Master Lingyun smiled, but then glanced at Baili Chen: "Your Highness Chen, Baiqu Temple is a place for monks, so please forgive me and refrain from making any rash remarks."
Baili Chen wore a dismissive smile: "Then I thank Master Lingyun for the reminder. If there are truly gods in this world, they will naturally know from heaven that this matter has nothing to do with the people of Baiyun Temple. Gods will not make things difficult for those they truly respect and cherish. Even if there is to be punishment, that is my own business."
Master Lingyun glanced at Baili Chen, sighed softly, and took his leave. Baili Chen watched the man's retreating figure and murmured, "I should meet this person. Why does he seem so familiar? Unfortunately, I can't figure out who he is."
Since Master Liuyun had already left seclusion to refine medicine, Baili Chen decided to wander around Baiyun Temple. Daoming and Daoxuan followed him. However, Baili Chen almost crippled a woman who came to his door. Daoming and Daoxuan were so frightened that they gave orders that no pilgrims were allowed to approach Baili Chen whenever he went out.
Of course, Baili Chen didn't stay at Baiyun Temple for long because officials came.
The one who came was Lin Chang, the Prefect of Zhongzhou under Xue Heng, the Prefect of Linzhou. Lin Chang was very fat, and his eyes almost disappeared when he smiled. At this moment, he bowed respectfully to Baili Chen: "Your Highness Chen, I have come on behalf of the Prefect to prepare a welcoming banquet for Your Highness Chen. I wonder if Your Highness's presence is acceptable?"
"Xue Heng sent you here, but where is he? Why didn't he come to personally greet me?" Baili Chen raised an eyebrow and said.
Lin Chang laughed and squinted his eyes: "Your Highness Chen, you may not know this, but there were bandits running rampant and disturbing the people on the border of Linzhou. The governor had already led his men to suppress them but did not return in time. Before leaving, he specifically instructed his subordinates to take good care of Your Highness Chen."
"Oh, it was Xue Heng who ordered it," Baili Chen said casually.
Xue Heng was one of the key ministers who helped Emperor Mingxian seize the throne. After Emperor Mingxian ascended the throne, he was transferred to Linzhou, one of the three prefectures. In Linzhou, he was considered a local tyrant. However, Xue Heng knew his limits and did not abuse his past actions. Instead, he paid great attention to local affairs. Linzhou was the most prosperous of the three prefectures.
As for Lin Chang, he wasn't very famous, but Baili Chen had seen him when he investigated the officials of Linzhou. As Xue Heng's assistant, he didn't have any real power, but he had the function of supervising Xue Heng. Moreover, he was from a branch of the Lin family, and it was the Lin family that had worked hard to get him this position.
"Then it will be up to Lord Laurin."
"It is my honor that Your Highness would do me the honor. I have already prepared a banquet. Please come into the city, Your Highness." Lin Chang smiled as brightly as a chrysanthemum. Baili Chen took two-thirds of his troops with him, leaving the rest to guard Baiyun Temple.
The main city of Linzhou Prefecture is called Lincheng. It is a very prosperous and wealthy place. Although it cannot be compared with the capital, it is one of the most famous cities in the Great Zhou Dynasty. Lin Chang and Baili Chen entered the city in sedan chairs. Then, led by Lin Chang's men, they stopped at a street with a lot of people an hour later. Leng Sha first opened the curtain, and Baili Chen stepped out. Before looking at Lin Chang, he looked at the signboard of the place where they stopped: "Xiuge, the name is not bad."
"Yes, yes, this Xiuge Pavilion is a famous place in Lincheng. I guarantee that Prince Chen will have a great time." Lin Chang's eyes were already narrowed to slits as he invited Baili Chen to enter.
However, when Baili Chen entered and saw the women dressed in flamboyant attire, his face immediately darkened. This was no ordinary restaurant, but a brothel!
☆、272、Midnight assassination, causing a scene!
Baili Chen sneered: "Did Lord Lin usually receive people in places like this?"
Seeing Baili Chen's expression, Lin Chang naturally understood his meaning and hurriedly explained, "Your Highness Chen has misunderstood. In fact, this Xiuge Pavilion was established by women who have skills and sell their art but not their bodies. Some scholars who greatly admire their integrity often hold poetry gatherings and drinking parties here. Moreover, the dishes in this Xiuge Pavilion are very unique and the taste is superb. It is truly one of the three most famous restaurants in Lincheng."
"Is that so?" Baili Chen squinted at them. The women were all quite beautiful. Although they weren't dressed as provocatively as the women in brothels, their fitted waists and busty outfits were not the attire of ordinary young ladies.
"Lord Lin, Xiu Niang has been waiting here for a long time." At this moment, a soft, melodious voice came, and Baili Chen immediately smelled a very faint fragrance. The fragrance was not strong, but it was like the scent of a fragrant sleeve. The scent arrived before the person, and the voice arrived before the person. It was just like a dream.
Upon hearing this voice, Lin Chang's eyes lit up instantly. Although his eyes were quite small, they gleamed as he looked forward and saw a woman dressed in a light chrysanthemum-colored long robe and a silk skirt slowly approaching. The woman was about thirty years old but still possessed a captivating charm, even more so than a typical fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl. Lin Chang immediately introduced her to Baili Chen: "Your Highness Chen, this is the owner of this Xiuge Pavilion, named Xiu Niang. She was once the most renowned young lady in the Lin family, but later, due to a family incident, she had to take on the family business alone and eventually opened this Xiuge Pavilion."
The young woman's eyes were very bright, and when she saw Baili Chen, a hint of amazement flashed in her eyes. However, she quickly concealed her expression and said respectfully, "This humble woman, Xiu Niang, greets Prince Chen. Lord Lin had reserved a private room upstairs earlier, and Xiu Niang has been waiting for a long time. I wonder if Prince Chen would like to dine now?"
Baili Chen looked at Lin Chang, whose eyes were fixed on Xiuniang, and said coldly, "Then lead the way. This is to give Lord Lin face."
"How dare I, Your Majesty? It is my honor." Lin Chang hurriedly laughed exaggeratedly, his eyes sweeping over Xiu Niang's slender waist and full hips. Baili Chen squinted. There was indeed a Xiu Pavilion in one of the three major restaurants in the Lin family, but he had only glanced at it and hadn't paid any attention to it. Since Lin Chang had invited Xue Heng to a banquet here, it would be disrespectful for Xue Heng if Baili Chen didn't come. After all, this was the old man, Emperor Mingxian.
The private room that Lin Chang booked must be one of the best rooms in this Xiuge Pavilion. The room was decorated with elegance, especially the two paintings by ancient masters. No wonder this place attracts students. It truly has a refined and elegant atmosphere.
"Your Highness, Lord Lin, may we serve the dishes now?" Xiu Niang asked with a smile.
"Hmm, serve." Baili Chen responded indifferently. Soon, a group of pretty maids served dishes one by one, a dazzling array of choices. A delicate fragrance wafted in and out of the room. Lin Chang, unconcerned that Baili Chen knew of his lecherous nature, smiled and said, "Your Highness Chen, what do you think of the maids in this Xiu Pavilion?"
Baili Chen said coldly, "I am here only to accept Xue Heng's hospitality and to attend the banquet."
Lin Chang immediately smiled knowingly: "That's right, that's right. Princess Chen is the most beautiful woman in Langya Continent. Although I have never seen her, I can imagine how stunning she must be. However, I'm sure Prince Chen has never seen the most famous courtesan in Xiuge."
"Yeah."
“That Yi Niang was originally the daughter of a high-ranking military officer of the second rank. However, this officer was convicted of a mistake in a battle. He only married one wife in his life and had only one daughter. The mother and daughter lived in poverty, and the daughter had to support herself. She was a pitiful person.” Lin Chang said with a look of regret.
"A high-ranking military officer of the second rank? Are you talking about Wang Wu?" Baili Chen asked with some doubt.
"Prince Chen is indeed very knowledgeable; this is Wang Wu's daughter," Lin Chang nodded in reply.
"Oh," Baili Chen said calmly. This Wang Wu had a deep connection with the Bai family. Wang Wu had fought alongside the Bai family patriarch, the father of the White Empress, risking his life together on the battlefield. They had fought hand-to-hand with the patriarch, sharing countless brushes with death, becoming sworn brothers. However, Wang Wu was later convicted, and the patriarch died, severing ties between the two families. If the patriarch were still alive, he would surely offer assistance upon hearing of Wang Wu's descendants.
Lin Chang waited for Baili Chen's reaction, but to his surprise, Baili Chen didn't react at all. Lin Chang was genuinely surprised. Unless someone is completely cold-hearted, upon hearing about an old acquaintance, even if they weren't sincere, they would still have to feign some affection.
Lin Chang, however, was unaware of the true state of the Bai family, nor did he know that while the current head of the Bai family was indeed a person without talent or virtue, he was not a heartless or indifferent person. Baili Chen had only heard about the matter of the entertainer by chance. At that time, the head of the Bai family had also considered bringing the wives and daughters of the five Wu families to the capital, even if it was out of consideration for the previous generation, to provide them with a house and a livelihood. Although the Bai family had declined, it was still one of the five great families, and this matter would not be difficult for the Bai family. However, the mother and daughter of the Wang Wu family were very principled and refused to accept it. They returned all the gifts sent by the Bai family. The head of the Bai family was somewhat resentful that this person was ungrateful and then declared that he would no longer care about the affairs of the Wang Wu family.
In the eyes of the Bai family patriarch, these people were arrogant, but their refusal made him lose face. Besides, those who dared to refuse him were people of integrity and probably had no worries about their livelihood, so he stopped paying attention to them.
Baili Chen gently swirled his wine cup. Wang Wu's wife and daughter were truly principled. They refused the Bai family's help and instead came to this brothel to do welcoming and entertaining work. Although they were entertainers, and it was said they sold their art but not their bodies, Baili Chen knew all too well that in the face of true power, the talk of selling art but not one's body was utter nonsense. This place, while sounding respectable on the surface, was essentially a brothel. The entertainers had good intentions and a good reputation, and those so-called scholars and people like Lin Chang were probably their clients.
Refusing the Bai family head's help and relying on her arrogance to become a prostitute, why should Baili Chen care about such a childish and self-deprecating woman? Besides, if there is any favor to be done, it is Wang Wu who has done favors for the Bai family, and it has nothing to do with him, a royal prince.
"Since Prince Chen is interested, have someone bring Meiju here." Lin Chang then called out loudly, making the decision for Baili Chen.
Baili Chen glanced at Lin Chang and smiled, "It seems Lord Lin is quite fond of this geisha."
Lin Chang chuckled and said, "Your Highness, you don't know how beautiful Mei Ju really is, and she has an excellent character. Back then, the richest merchant in Lin City wanted to buy her virginity for a large sum of money, but Mei Ju withstood the pressure and refused. Over the years, many people have wanted to buy Mei Ju, but Mei Ju has her pride and has not agreed to any of them. Mei Ju once declared that even if someone understands her, she would be willing to submit to a beggar, but if she doesn't like someone, no matter how noble their status is, she cannot force them to comply."
Baili Chen was taken aback. Mei Ju had actually said the same thing as Yue'er. Thinking of this, Baili Chen couldn't help but think of Ouyang Yue and fell into deep thought.
Just then, a knock sounded in the room, and a graceful woman dressed in a white gauze dress slowly walked in. With each step, the light gauze fluttered slightly, bringing with it an ethereal air. The woman's eyebrows and eyes were extremely charming, yet her eyes were extremely clear and resolute, giving her a touch of heroism. Combined with her overall temperament, she had an indescribable charm. At this moment, even those who were used to gentle and refined ladies from noble families would find this woman's appearance striking.
Baili Chen glanced at her and then looked away, but Lin Chang had already smiled and said, "Meiju, come over here and pay your respects to Prince Chen."
"Meiju greets Prince Chen. May Prince Chen be well." Meiju's voice was clear and melodious, like a nightingale's song. A faint smile on her face added to her beauty. However, Baili Chen noticed that Meiju's back was very straight even when she bowed, which showed that although she was humble in appearance, she was not humble in heart.
Baili Chen slightly raised his lips: "Get up. Lord Lin has been met. Let's begin the banquet."
Meiju was taken aback. In the past, all the guests who saw her were captivated by her beauty. How could Prince Chen ignore her beauty?
“Very well, a beautiful lady playing the zither while I accompany Prince Chen to the banquet, wouldn’t that be a wonderful thing?” Lin Chang suggested. “Meiju, why don’t you play a tune for Prince Chen? Meiju is undoubtedly the best player in the Xiuge Pavilion.”
Baili Chen nodded, and the dishes had already been served. Xiuge was indeed quite interesting, with a rich variety of dishes that were very creative and appetizing. Meiju had already started playing the zither. Meiju's zither skills were indeed remarkable, with melodies that were so vivid and lifelike that Lin Chang listened with rapt attention. When the music ended, he clapped his hands and praised it. Baili Chen, however, calmly ate his food.
Meiju's expression turned somewhat unpleasant: "I wonder if Prince Chen is dissatisfied with my zither playing?"
"It's alright," Baili Chen said indifferently. Mei Ju pursed her red lips, somewhat dissatisfied, and looked at Baili Chen with a hint of reproach in her charming eyes. Unfortunately, the latter was clearly more interested in the dishes than her and didn't even look at them, so it was all for nothing.
Meiju was furious. This was outrageous! She had always been pursued by men who loved her, showering her with attention and affection. What was it about this Prince Chen that displeased him so much? He wouldn't even glance at her. Or was this some kind of playful banter between men? Given her status, Prince Chen couldn't possibly be unaware of it. Even if it was because of their elders, he shouldn't be so cold and rude. This was hardly the attitude a gentleman should have towards a lady.
"Meiju, you must be tired after playing that piece. Why don't you sit down and have something to eat? You can also keep Prince Chen company while you chat," Lin Chang said with a smile.
Meiju hesitated for a moment before walking over. Baili Chen suddenly looked up and stared straight at Meiju. He had eyes that Meiju could never forget once she saw them. His eyes were deep and sharp, as if there were whirlpools in them, ready to draw people into helplessness and despair at any moment. Her heart skipped a beat and her face flushed.
Baili Chen pointed at Leng Sha and said, "Sit down together."
Upon hearing this, Leng Sha sat down next to Baili Chen. Although it wasn't proper for a master and servant to sit at the same table, Leng Sha cared more about her master's orders. Mei Ju had just taken a step when her foot immediately froze. Wasn't that the spot Lin Chang had just pointed out to her? How could Prince Chen be so outrageous? He was making her lose face.
Lin Chang was completely stunned. He had brought Baili Chen here for a meal today with the intention of introducing Mei Ju to Baili Chen. Mei Ju was top-notch in appearance and demeanor, and even a non-lustful man would be amazed by her. Who would have thought that there would be such an oddball as Baili Chen, who showed no respect for the beautiful woman at all?
"Oh, Meiju, come here quickly." Meiju sat down with a stiff face, and as she sat down, she did not forget to give Baili Chen a resentful look. After that, the room was very quiet. Baili Chen ate most of the time, while Lin Chang and Meiju hardly touched their chopsticks.
Lin Chang muttered to himself, "This Prince Chen is really a simple man. He said he was inviting me to dinner, but is that really what he meant by 'dinner'? He doesn't even know how to have some fun here. Rumor has it that Princess Chen is an extremely jealous and shrewish woman. What kind of person is she that she can scare Prince Chen so much that he has to painfully refuse even when a beautiful woman is in front of him? Isn't Princess Chen afraid of being infamous?"
Lin Chang coughed lightly and smiled at Mei Ju, saying, "By the way, I've always been very interested in your name, Mei Ju. How did you come up with such a stage name for yourself?"
Meiju smiled reservedly and said, "Meiju is actually two kinds of flowers. I like their symbolism. Plum blossoms are aloof, pure, and untainted by the dust of the world. As the saying goes, 'The courtyard is empty, the moon casts no shadow, and the dream is warm, the snow gives off fragrance.' Chrysanthemums, on the other hand, have the meaning of purity and nobility. As the saying goes, 'How many women in this world have such lofty taste? They only appreciate the flowers of the Double Ninth Festival.' This is the meaning behind the name chosen by the people on that day."
"Excellent, excellent, excellent! What a beautiful line: 'The courtyard is empty, the moon casts no shadow; the dream is warm, the snow exudes fragrance.' And how many women in this world possess such lofty sentiments, only admiring the flowers of the Double Ninth Festival? Indeed, she lives up to her name, Meiju, Meiju, pure and noble. This woman should only exist in heaven! Meiju is not only exceptionally talented, but her demeanor is also truly captivating." Lin Chang was lavish in his praise, and of course, he was stating the truth. This Xiuge Pavilion had been open for so long, and he had been attracted to Meiju for a long time, but he had never had the opportunity. Now, he liked her even more. Turning to Baili Chen with a smile, he said, "What does Prince Chen think? Isn't Miss Meiju indeed a rare and extraordinary woman?"
Baili Chen put down his chopsticks, glanced at Mei Ju indifferently, and looked at Lin Chang's eager expression for approval: "It's alright."
Meiju immediately bit her lip with her pearly white teeth and said, "If that's all you've got, then Prince Chen must have heard of someone even better, or seen someone stronger than Meiju. I wonder if I would be so fortunate as to hear who this woman is?"
Baili Chen smiled faintly: "You must have heard of her, that is my queen."
"Princess Consort Chen?" Mei Ju chuckled lightly, her face showing disbelief and her eyes filled with disdain. Ouyang Yue's reputation was certainly well-known. Not only did she win the title of the most beautiful woman in Langya Continent, but Princess Consort Chen also controlled the Chen Prince's residence, refusing to let anyone enter, except for the sickly Fourth Prince who only had one principal wife and was unable to favor any other concubines. The concubine that the Third Prince had given her was also forced away by Princess Consort Chen.
What great things can a jealous and intolerant woman like her accomplish? Although Meiju is unmarried, she has seen many men here. Even though she is strangely aloof, she would not force men to do things they do not want to do. Once or twice is fine, but after a while, the men will get annoyed. This Princess Consort of Chen is already like a grasshopper in autumn, she won't be able to jump around for much longer.
"What, you don't believe me?" Baili Chen's expression darkened as he stared at Mei Ju, his dark eyes filled with a cold sharpness: "You are not worthy to be compared with my queen."
“You… how could Prince Chen be so rude? I am a woman after all. How could Prince Chen humiliate me like this?” Mei Ju’s eyes welled up with tears, and Lin Chang couldn’t help but look at Baili Chen with some displeasure.
Baili Chen sneered: "What right does a prostitute have to compare with my queen?"
“Your Highness Chen, I am a virgin. I came here only because I was forced to by circumstances. Besides, this Xiuge Pavilion is a place of purity. How can Your Highness Chen slander me like this?” Meiju said with resentment and anger. Her beautiful eyes were wide open, and even when she was angry, she was still beautiful.