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The wind blew, and all was quiet.

A piece of paper was placed on the seven-stringed zither, swaying gently in the wind, but it did not drift away with the wind.

On the paper were a few faint lines of ink, yet they told the story of a girl's helpless love and sorrow.

Since ancient times, love has only brought regret, and it is hard to find a loving heart here. When love reaches its end, it turns into indifference, and indifference is more tiring than love. You composed a silent melody for me, and hearing the melody from now on is like hearing you.

Do you still remember that promise we made today, to stay together until we grow old...?

--lotus.

Ye Chuhan stood quietly by the pond.

He stood there for a very long time, so long that even Meiji, who was standing far away, finally showed signs of nervousness, but she dared not take a step forward.

A cool breeze blew, stirring the water in the pond.

Elder Du Heng slowly walked forward and knelt down on one knee behind Ye Chuhan. His eagle-like eyes revealed the sharpness of an eagle.

"Sect Master."

Ye Chuhan gazed at the pond water rippling in the wind, a faint smile suddenly flashing in his elegant eyes. He finally raised his head and looked up at the boundless sky above the flower valley.

Has she already left?

Du Heng replied in a low voice, "Everything has been arranged. Miss Lotus has already left Tianshan."

Ye Chuhan smiled slightly, looking at the empty pond in front of her. "Elder Du, from now on, I'll be quite busy. Do you know... how to cultivate lotus in Jiangnan?"

Du Heng was puzzled.

Ye Chuhan stretched out her slender finger and pointed to the pond, a smile in her eyes, "From today onwards, I will plant Jiangnan lotus in this pond."

...

...

"When the lotus flowers in this pond bloom, would you be willing to be like the most ordinary woman in the world, wearing a phoenix coronet and wedding veil, leaving your home, and waiting for your husband to return gently and happily amidst the flickering red candles in the bridal chamber?"

...

...

As long as I want to—

The lotus flowers of Jiangnan will bloom forever here, in the Tianshan Mountains of the Western Regions!

May in Yangzhou.

It was a wonderful time of year, with a gentle breeze, swaying willow branches, and the city bathed in the glow of sunlight and the fragrance of flowers. Throughout Yangzhou, the air was filled with the sweet scent of milky-white magnolia blossoms.

Night. A corner of Yangzhou city.

Colorful ribbons hung high, music filled the air, and on the towering flower pavilion hung a sandalwood signboard with the words "Red Sleeves Signboard" carved on it shining brightly!

Riding a horse, leaning against a slanting bridge, surrounded by red sleeves beckoning from the tower.

Emerald screens and golden curves, I drunkenly linger among the flowers.

This is the world's premier geisha house—Hongxiuzhao, which possesses the elegance described in the poem, truly a place of singing and dancing, with rainbow-colored robes and jade trees and reeds.

Looking inside from the outside, dozens of sandalwood and boxwood carved cloud and dragon screens cover the hall, and the strong and rich aroma of ambergris wafts out from inside.

The renowned Red Sleeve Inn was run by its proprietress, Yunniang, who had been skilled in social maneuvering for many years. She was influential in both the legitimate and criminal worlds, and everyone, whether in government or business circles, had to give her a wide berth.

today.

It was the liveliest day at Hongxiuzhao.

The annual Flower Queen Contest.

The main hall of Hongxiuzhao was brightly lit and magnificent, filled with distinguished guests. All the wealthy and powerful officials and merchants in Yangzhou gathered here, and an atmosphere of extravagance permeated the air of the brothel. Beautiful young maids held golden platters and served the guests the most exquisite dishes of Hongxiuzhao.

The Flower Queen Contest was naturally held to select the most beautiful girl in Hongxiuzhao, and even in the entire city of Yangzhou. The whole brothel was filled with a strong sense of sensuality and passion. The top courtesans in Hongxiuzhao were none other than the top courtesans of the four pavilions of spring, summer, autumn and winter.

However, today, Yunniang, the owner of Hongxiuzhao, has not brought out these four beautiful girls yet. Instead, she is greeting guests in the main hall of the brothel.

She was dressed in bright red, with a sweet and affectionate smile, flitting around each wealthy businessman like a butterfly. Her smile was especially sweet in front of a large rosewood table.

"Boss Zhu, Yunniang knows it's your birthday today, so she's prepared a special gift for you."

In Yangzhou, everyone knows that Boss Zhu is incredibly wealthy and generous. It is said that even the prime minister of the current prosperous dynasty is a sworn brother of him.

In the private room, Boss Zhu raised his fat face with a vulgar and smug smile, "No problem, no problem, Yunniang, why be so polite?"

He laughed loudly, his fat face greasy, his features all squeezed together, "But the grand gift that Yunniang of Hongxiuzhao prepared must be a beauty that is hard to find in heaven and on earth." "A beauty, a beauty, of course it is a beauty, so beautiful that it will steal your heart, I guarantee that once you see her, you will never forget her for the rest of your life."

Yunniang smiled charmingly and amorously.

She beckoned to the maids at the entrance of the brothel, and the trusted maids understood and went down. Yunniang also walked towards the entrance, but as she walked, her watery phoenix eyes glanced at the sandalwood screen inlaid with boxwood carvings of clouds and dragons.

Behind the cloud-dragon screen, a tall figure could be vaguely seen sitting behind a table, seemingly drinking alone.

It's quite elegant and tasteful.

Yunniang smiled, her willow-like waist swaying gently, and walked to the brothel's courtyard. A moment later, the charming Yunniang returned.

But this time, she returned in a completely different manner. In her hand, she held a fine steel chain, from which hung countless gleaming silver bells, which shone brilliantly under the dazzling lights of the hall.