Volume One: The Beauty Who Brings Ruin, Chapter 36: Wind and Moon Pavilion

The Wind and Moon Pavilion stood majestically in the bustling district of Yongan City, shining like a brilliant, precious pearl. The building rose in tiered layers, adorned with upturned eaves, carved beams, and painted rafters, resembling a masterful ancient painting.

Stepping inside, the intoxicating fragrance hit the senses; the mingling scents of fine wine and exquisite food created an atmosphere akin to an earthly paradise. On the long tables, a dazzling array of dishes delighted both the eye and the palate. Wine vessels trembled slightly, the precious nectar within them rippling and shimmering with an alluring luster.

The private chambers within the pavilion were arranged with elegance, offering seclusion and tranquility where guests could savor their drinks and share their innermost thoughts. Melodious zither music, accompanied by the delicate movements of dancers, gently tugged at the heartstrings of everyone present. The Wind and Moon Pavilion was the most renowned place for revelry in Yongan City, a sanctuary for the romantic escapades of the powerful and elite.

"Come, come! I am in high spirits today, my prince! Let us share a cup of wine!"

"Your Highness, you are truly magnificent; I am filled with such admiration for you! I simply cannot wait to experience your..."

"Indeed, Your Highness, my feelings are exactly the same as my sister's! My Prince, let us sisters serve you well tonight!"

"Won't you, Your Highness?"

"Haha! You two sisters, you truly make me love and loathe you both at once!"

At this moment, the sixth floor of the Wind and Moon Pavilion served as the pinnacle of opulence. Murong Hai, the young prince, was wrapped in the embrace of twin star courtesans, immersed in the pleasures of his private chamber. He had booked the entire floor for himself, the luxurious decor reflecting his kingly airs. Candlelight flickered, illuminating the triumph and indulgence on his face, while the courtesans whispered softly, their giggles rising and falling like the song of nightingales, leaving one intoxicated and enchanted. As wine cups clinked and the air grew thick with perfume, time seemed to freeze, capturing the very essence of extravagance and delight.

"Your Highness, Elder Han has returned and is waiting outside," a sword-bearing guard said, knocking softly at the door to report respectfully.

Murong Hai, previously lost in his revelry, felt his eyes light up at the news, a glint of greed appearing in his gaze. He hurriedly pushed the two courtesans aside and gestured, "I have urgent matters to attend to tonight; you two may leave."

"Your Highness, are you chasing us away?" the two courtesans pouted, clearly reluctant to depart.

"Here is two thousand silver coins for your trouble. Take the money and be gone," Murong Hai said, impatiently retrieving a money pouch from his storage ring.

Upon receiving the coin, the two courtesans immediately chirped in unison, "We thank you, Your Highness."

"We shall take our leave." With that, they swayed their figures, pushed open the door, and slowly exited, leaving the guards outside drooling at the sight.

Meanwhile, Han Yuancheng, dressed in black robes, strode in carrying a burlap sack, which he placed gently upon the bed.

"Uncle Han, as expected of you, your speed is remarkable. In less time than it takes for an incense stick to burn, you have brought Yu Mei here."

Murong Hai hurried to the bedside, his gaze fixed on the unconscious Qin Yumei, a lascivious smile spreading across his face. Qin Yumei lay quietly on the bed like a slumbering fairy, her skin as fine as congealed fat, glowing with a soft luster. Her long hair cascaded down like a waterfall, spreading gently across the bedsheets and framing her red sleeping gown, which made her look like a blooming, dew-kissed rose. Her features were as delicate as peach blossoms, and the slight flush on her lips—tempting as cherries—made it seem as though a mere touch would release a sweet nectar.

"Yu Mei, you truly have me completely obsessed!"

Murong Hai stared at her, a wave of frenzy rising in his heart. His saliva dripped involuntarily, his eyes filled with undisguised greed and desire. That enchanting face, sparkling like the stars, made his heart flutter; it seemed no amount of luxury or pleasure could compare to her beauty.

"By the way, Uncle Han, what is her condition?" Murong Hai asked, turning to look at the still-unconscious woman.

Han Yuancheng stroked his beard and replied respectfully, "Your Highness, do not be alarmed. She was merely knocked unconscious by me and will wake in a short while. Furthermore, I have completely sealed her spiritual energy, which will remain suppressed for two days."

Hearing this, Murong Hai gave a sinister smile and turned to Han Yuancheng, "In other words, Uncle Han, her cultivation is entirely gone, and she is now no different from an ordinary mortal?"

"Precisely so, Your Highness," Han Yuancheng replied softly.

"Haha! Uncle Han, you are indeed thoughtful!" Murong Hai clapped his hands in praise, then turned and said, "Uncle Han, go and rest now."

"Your Highness, is that wise? I am concerned for your safety and dare not leave your side without cause," Han Yuancheng urged earnestly.

On this trip to Yongan City, Murong Hai had come in secret, defying the Prince of the North. Han Yuancheng bore a heavy responsibility; should any harm befall the young prince, he would surely face severe consequences.

"Uncle Han, why worry so much! Did you not leave just a moment ago? Am I not perfectly fine?" Murong Hai waved his hand dismissively and laughed. "Besides, there are guards outside; that is more than enough. In Yongan City, there is no one who poses a threat to me."

"But, Your Highness..." Han Yuancheng tried to persist.

Before he could finish, Murong Hai interrupted, "Enough, Uncle Han, you may rest easy! Today is my joyful day; is your presence here not a bit inconvenient?"

"Sigh... Very well, I shall withdraw." Seeing no other option, Han Yuancheng shook his head in compromise, adding before he left, "Your Highness, I shall be just outside the door. If you need anything, call for me."

"Good! Go and get some rest, Uncle Han."

Murong Hai muttered, though his gaze remained fixed like a nail upon the silent Qin Yumei, his heart filled with an irrepressible, ravenous desire.

"Yu Mei, tonight you shall finally become my woman! Once I have made this a reality, let us see how your father can continue to oppose our marriage! Once that is done, I shall not only possess a peerless beauty like you, but the entire influence of the Wanbao Pavilion shall belong to me!"

Murong Hai leered at the sleeping Qin Yumei, gently stroking her porcelain-smooth skin. Under the soft light, she looked like a flower petal beneath the moon—pure, beautiful, and shy. Qin Yumei's eyelashes fluttered slightly, as crystalline as morning dew, softly veiling her beauty. Murong Hai felt waves of emotion, a mix of appreciative awe and unbridled longing.

"Come, Yu Mei, take this pill first, so we may enjoy ourselves even more thoroughly later." With that, Murong Hai retrieved a pill from his storage ring and gently placed it between her jade-like lips.

"I wonder if this pill is truly as that man claimed—capable of making one lose all restraint and float away in ecstasy..." Murong Hai’s thoughts drifted in the quiet moment, a fire igniting in his eyes, his appearance that of a man driven by insatiable hunger.