Rey de reyes

Capítulo 10

“That’s right. Twenty years ago, I gave this set of seven-colored hairpins as a wedding gift to your master and mistress. So as soon as you took out the hairpins, I knew that you were the disciple of the Master of the Divine Mechanism Pavilion.”

Bi Feixian was completely bewildered. The situation was becoming increasingly complicated, and she never expected that after going around in circles, it would ultimately come back to her! This hairpin set belonged to her master and mistress? Why had she never heard them mention it? And how could their things have fallen into someone else's hands? Who exactly was that mysterious man? Could he be related to her master and the others?

If her mood was heavy before, filled with melancholy and unhappiness, she was now even more uneasy. Thinking of the possible consequences of this bizarre event, Bi Feixian's expression immediately became solemn, and she clasped her hands in a fist and said, "Thank you for telling me, senior. I will take my leave now."

Wu Youweng called out to her, "Girl—"

Bi Feixian turned around and saw Wu Youweng's eyes gleaming. He looked at her as if she were a child who had done something wrong, his kindness and tolerance tinged with a hint of insight. "Thank you for spending time with me today."

Bi Feixian smiled and turned to leave. However, her mind was unsettled the entire way, disturbed by that meaningful look in her eyes. It turned out she had overlooked something.

And those are crucial.

Steam rose, and the air was filled with the fragrance of flower petals. Dai Kejian lay comfortably in the golden nanmu wood tub, soaking in the bath. Xiao He peeled a tangerine, sprinkled it with pure white Wu salt, and fed it to him. Xiao Wan casually scrubbed his back with a pumice stone. Just as they were enjoying themselves, they suddenly heard Xiao Wei's surprised shouts from outside: "Miss Bi, what are you doing? Young Master is taking a bath... Miss Bi! Miss Bi! Ah..."

Dai Kejian gave Xiao He a wink, and Xiao He quickly lifted the curtain to take a look. He saw Bi Feixian stride in with a gloomy face. Without saying a word, she began to search the desk drawers, cabinets, and under the pillows, leaving no stone unturned.

The snack vendor followed her closely, cautiously asking, "Miss Bi, what are you looking for? Let me help you!"

Bi Feixian bit her lip, turned around and walked to the antique shelf. She took down all the bottles and jars on it and looked at them. Her expression became increasingly unpleasant.

Xiao Wan peeked through the curtain and whispered, "Young Master, Miss Bi seems to be looking for something and looks very angry!"

Dai Kejian rolled his eyes, nonchalantly splashing water on himself as he said, "Let her look. Let her look for as long as she wants."

"But……"

While Xiao Wan was still hesitating, Dai Kejian raised his voice and said, "Teacher, if you can't find it outside, please look inside."

Upon hearing this, Bi Feixian put down what she was holding, turned around and stared at the curtain, her face turning pale and then red, clearly very angry.

Xiaochi scratched her head, confused as to what had happened to make her so angry. The young master was really something, still making sarcastic remarks at a time like this, clearly certain that Miss Bi wouldn't dare go in!

No sooner had he thought that than he saw Bi Feixian walk over quickly and swiftly pull back the curtain—

Everyone in the room was startled, their mouths agape as they stared in disbelief at the scene. Dai Kejian, in particular, dropped the bunch of grapes he was holding into the water with a "plop."

Bi Feixian blushed and didn't look at him. Instead, she started searching around. After a while, she still couldn't find what she wanted. Suddenly, she got angry and demanded, "Where did you hide it?"

Dai Kejian pulled the bunch of grapes out of the water, muttering, "What a pity, they're all scalded and can't be eaten. Xiaohe, bring in another bunch—"

Before she could finish speaking, Bi Feixian grabbed a towel from the shelf next to her, lassoed it around his neck like a lasso, pulled him close, and said, "Don't play dumb with me, I know it's you, it's definitely you!"

The four servants were completely stunned, their jaws practically dropping to the ground.

Dai Ke stared blankly back at Bi Feixian's gaze. Perhaps because the water was too hot, his face turned strangely red. Finally, he lowered his eyes and stammered, "What do you want?" His voice trembled slightly, no longer as flamboyant and smooth as usual.

Bi Feixian, however, remained completely unaffected and continued to speak in a harsh tone: "Hairpin!"

Upon hearing this, Dai Kejian's brows relaxed, a smile spreading across his face, and he visibly breathed a sigh of relief. "I thought you were looking for something else, but it's just a hairpin. Too easy. Snacks—"

Xiaochi paused for a moment before realizing he was being called, and quickly replied, "Yes, young master!"

"The teacher wants hairpins. Go and tell the manager of Baoxiangzhai to send over a batch of the best ones..."

Bi Feixian retorted angrily, "You're still pretending to be stupid!"

As she spoke, she tightened her grip on the towel, causing Dai Kejian to struggle, and water splashed all over her.

The scene was so ridiculous, both embarrassing and comical, that Xiao Wan couldn't help but burst out laughing. His laughter made Bi Feixian realize how badly she was behaving, and she stomped her foot, cursing, "Dai Kejian, don't think this is over! This isn't finished!" With that, she turned and ran off hastily, leaving water droplets that dripped across the floor and spread outside.

Xiao Wan then dared to exclaim, "My goodness, this Miss Bi is truly remarkable, daring to barge in like this... But judging from her appearance, she seems quite anxious, as if she has lost something very important. Young Master, do you know..." He turned to ask the young master, but saw him leaning on the edge of the bucket, staring at the water stains on the ground, looking as if he were in a daze.

"Young Master? Young Master?" After calling several times without waking him, Xiao Wan's heart began to race with alarm. Could it be? Miss Bi was already strange enough, how could the young master have become so odd too? Goodness, she couldn't understand it at all.

Chapter Seven

Bi Feixian, clutching her clothes, hurried across the cobblestone path. Just as she was about to return to her study, she bumped into Luo Yi at the archway. The two were both stunned for a moment upon seeing each other.

Luo Yi's gaze fell on her wet clothes. Bi Feiqian pursed her lips and was about to walk past her when Luo Yi suddenly spoke up: "Being the teacher of the City Lord of Hantian City must be very prestigious, right?"

Bi Feixian stopped, her brows slowly furrowing.

"But he doesn't seem to value you that much." Luo Yi smiled charmingly, leaned over and whispered, "Actually, if you want someone like Dai Kejian to listen to you, putting on airs like an old scholar and moral guardian won't work. You should learn from me."

"What do you want me to learn from you?" Bi Feixian raised an eyebrow. "The honey trap?"

Luo Yi didn't mind the sarcasm in her words at all. "Why not? At least everything will be much easier that way, won't it?" she said, gracefully tucking her hair back.

Bi Feixian had to admit that the woman in front of her did indeed have the looks to be a femme fatale, so she replied half-jokingly, "If I were as beautiful as you, I think I would consider it."

Luo Yi chuckled and said, "Ha, you have such a sweet tongue... How is your master?"

"He is doing well, thank you for your concern."

"Where is your teacher's wife? I heard she's a famous beauty?"

“Ten years ago it was.” Bi Feixian gazed at her quietly and said, “If you want to ask me how she compares to you, I think you don’t need to worry about that question, because youth is always invincible.”

"Ha, I don't know why, but the more I look at you, the more pleasing you become... If Dai Kejian doesn't want you anymore, you can come to Anluo City."

"Okay, I will definitely go."

Just then, Xiaochi ran over from afar and said, "Miss Luo... Great! You're here! Young Master is admiring the moon in the back garden and asked if you'd like to join him?"

"It would be my pleasure!" Luo Yi smiled at him, then turned and asked, "Miss Bi, would you like to come along?"

"I need to go back and change my clothes, I'm not going."

"Okay, goodbye then." Luo Yi said as she left with the snacks.

Bi Feixian turned around and continued walking. Just as she passed through the archway, she unexpectedly saw Huai Su standing by the artificial hill not far away. She didn't know how long he had been there, but judging from his expression, he must have heard everything.

Huai Su looked at her clothes and asked, "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing, just that young master's prank." Bi Feixian brushed a strand of wet hair from her forehead as she passed by him.

Huai Su said calmly, "Don't you like Luo Yi?"

Why do you ask that?

"Because you were too polite to her—to the point of being hypocritical."

Bi Feixian turned her head and smiled, "I just think it's not worth arguing over a pawn; it would be beneath my dignity." She paused, her smile gradually turning cold, and said, word by word, "Especially a pawn that is destined to be sacrificed."

"You're so naughty! You said you were going to admire the moon, but you brought me here to see some of Hantian City's treasures." In the spacious and quiet treasure room, Luo Yi pouted at Dai Kejian. The four servants were all kept outside; it was just the two of them. Even a fool would know his intentions. This Dai Kejian was indeed the lecherous man rumored to be! The last time he got drunk must have been an accident, otherwise things would have already progressed. But it wasn't too late now. So, as she spoke, she leaned closer to him. Sure enough, Dai Kejian didn't push her away; instead, he took the opportunity to embrace her.

"When will you like to admire the moon? But not everyone can see the treasures of Hantian City." Dai Kejian flicked her nose, led her to the sandalwood shelf, and took down a brocade box from it.

Luo Yi opened the brocade box and exclaimed softly. Inside the box was a pair of jade earrings, exquisite and translucent, truly a masterpiece.

Dai Kejian pulled her along, presenting her with silver ivory combs, amber necklaces, luminous pearls, dragon and phoenix bracelets, and more.

Luo Yi chuckled and said, "Are you giving all of these to me?"

"Do I look like one of those kids who only know how to tempt children with candy? Since I'm showing it to you, of course I'll give it to you."

Luo Yi pounded his chest and said, "How dare you compare me to a gluttonous child!"

"Your eyes lit up when you saw them, why don't you take a look in the mirror?"

"How many women in this world can resist the allure of jewels?" She picked up the jewelry, clicking her tongue in amazement. "Seeing these, I realize all my previous jewelry was wasted... Hantian City is truly remarkable, possessing such a collection of rare treasures. Even the imperial palace probably doesn't have such fine items!" Turning her gaze, she noticed a sandalwood box on the shelf to her left. Of all the boxes present, this was the most beautiful, carved with a "Phoenix Seeking Its Mate" motif, the carving exquisite and lifelike. She couldn't help but walk towards it, asking, "What's in here?" Before Dai Kejian could answer, she had already opened the lid, her eyes widening in shock, speechless.

The black satin shimmered with a smooth, watery sheen under the light, upon which were arranged five hairpins, each crafted from gold, silver, white jade, glass, and coral. Each piece was unique and exquisitely designed, a feast for the eyes.

Luo Yi had always been quite proud of her appearance and therefore paid great attention to her attire. She had worn hundreds, if not thousands, of hairpins, but compared to the five before her, they were utterly crude. The jewelry Dai Kejian had shown her earlier, though exquisite, had only elicited admiration. These five hairpins, however, stirred within her an irresistible urge to possess them. So she turned back and exclaimed, "These hairpins are truly beautiful!"

Dai Kejian sighed and said helplessly, "I wanted to stop you from opening that box because I knew you would want what was inside, but I couldn't give it to you... sigh."

"Why?" Luo Yi was deeply disappointed, her eyes welling up with tears and pleading. She knew that whenever she showed this expression, no man could resist her, but unfortunately, it seemed to have no effect this time.

Dai Kejian smiled and said, "This set of hairpins is called 'Qixi'. There are seven hairpins in total. You only see five now because the other two have already been given away. This set of hairpins cannot be separated, so these five will also be given to that person sooner or later. They are already taken."

Luo Yi raised an eyebrow and said, "You mean—you've already given them away to someone else? And that person is a woman?"

Dai Kejian shrugged. "That's about it."

Luo Yi's expression turned sour. "You said this hairpin set is called Qixi, which means it's a token of love?"

“That seems to make sense.” Dai Kejian narrowed his eyes.

Luo Yi slammed the box lid shut and angrily said, "Since you already have a woman you like, why did you ask me to come here and give me jewelry? Dai Kejian, what do you mean by this?"

Dai Kejian widened his eyes and feigned surprise, saying, "Giving jewelry to a young lady is the most common courtesy. Is there a problem?"

"Etiquette?" Luo Yi grabbed the hand that was around her waist. "And what about this? Is this also etiquette?"

Dai Ke chuckled and withdrew his hand. "How could I refuse a beauty who has taken the initiative to throw herself into my arms? It's only polite to be worthy of her kindness."

Luo Yi's lips trembled with anger. "Dai Kejian, how dare you play me!"

As he raised his hand to hit her, Dai Kejian grabbed him and hugged her again, laughing, "A beauty is a beauty, even when she's angry she has a unique charm."

Luo Yi struggled naturally, but Dai Kejian tightened his grip, pinning both her arms down, and said, "Let's guess what you'll do next—if your honey trap fails, Lord Anluo will surely be disappointed, right? But does he really not care about his daughter at all? How could he bear to send you to my wolf's den?"

Luo Yi's eyes widened in shock, and she immediately forgot to struggle.

Dai Kejian continued, "And I'm very curious, over the past few years you've traveled to many cities under the title of the young lady of Anluo City. Wherever you go, everyone flocks to you, and many noble sons even fight over you. Now it seems that you did that on purpose. Could it be that you have a relationship with them all? May I ask, which groom am I?"

"You, you..." Luo Yi's face flushed red with anger, and she could barely speak. She was stunningly beautiful and of noble birth, always the center of attention, flattered, cared for, and admired. How could she have ever suffered such humiliation? Why did that seemingly frivolous and nonchalant face have such sharp eyes and such an aggressive voice?

Dai Kejian sighed again and shook his head, saying, "Unfortunately, Lord Anluo probably doesn't know that although I am a womanizer, I never accept women who offer themselves to me. On the contrary, I am more interested in women who are indifferent to me. So, Miss Luo, next time you want to seduce someone, you should do your preparation work first."

"Dai Kejian, you devil!"

Luo Yi's long fingernails scratched across his face. Dai Kejian felt the pain and released her. But Luo Yi, now free, collapsed to the ground with a "thud," her limbs began to spasm, and she foamed at the mouth, appearing to be insane.

Dai Ke was startled and quickly helped her up, only to find that her pupils were dilated and she was not in a conscious state.

"What's wrong with you? What did you eat? Damn it!" He tried to make her vomit, but it was too late. Luo Yi suddenly convulsed, her hand fell to the ground, and she stopped breathing.

She's dead?!

Dai Ke staggered back a few steps, staring at Luo Yi's corpse with a solemn expression. The secret room was quiet, without a breath of wind, but he could feel a current of energy gradually gathering, growing fuller and fuller, about to burst.

A storm is brewing, and the wind fills the tower.

He had planned everything, but he miscalculated one thing. He never expected that the Lord of Anluo City would be willing to give up Luo Yi, his own biological daughter!

Lost in thought for only a moment, Dai Kejian's eyes darted around, and he suddenly turned and flung open the door to the secret chamber, shouting frantically, "Help! Help! Miss Luo, she...she..."

A large group of people rushed into the secret room upon hearing the sound, and they were all stunned.

Because Luo Yi had struggled earlier, most of her outer garment had fallen off, exposing her entire shoulder. The creases on her skirt were also messy and disordered. The whole scene looked like Dai Kejian's attempted rape had failed, and Luo Yi had committed suicide in anger.