Chapter Thirty-Six Lady Mingzhu

In the dimly lit room, violet incense smoke slowly rose, wafting through the air and filling the entire space. Long, black gauze curtains fluttered gently in the breeze. The room was sparsely furnished: a large bed, a tea table set, a writing desk, and a wall of lattice cabinets. The dominant shade was a deep crimson, lending the chamber an air of mystery that irresistibly tempted one to explore its depths—like a spider’s web patiently awaiting its prey.

Upon the bed, draped in blood-red curtains, lay a slumbering prey, mumbling softly in the throes of a beautiful dream. Lady Mingzhu sat at the head of the bed, gazing at Li Yu, who was lost in sleep, curious to know what dreams occupied his mind. She took a hairpin and gently stirred something in a dish, then blew softly toward Li Yu’s forehead. A wisp of violet smoke drifted toward him.

Closing her eyes, Lady Mingzhu pressed her hand to Li Yu’s temple. A vision appeared in her mind: a scholar carrying a basket of books wandered through a desolate forest. A woman in purple clothing soared above, noticing the scholar traveling below. When she saw the scholar enter a peculiar, dilapidated house, the woman decided to approach and tease him. But the scholar remained unmoved, believing that a man of virtue should not indulge in such frivolity.

The woman continued to pester him, but with time, she was moved by his gentlemanly restraint and found herself falling in love. The scholar, too, gradually warmed to her, and the two spent their days enjoying music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, living freely and elegantly in the mundane world.

But happiness was short-lived. The one who controlled the woman from behind the scenes discovered her growing affection for a mortal and ordered her to kill the scholar. She refused. She confessed everything to the scholar: her master required her to kill someone every so often, and this time, the target was him. She told him to flee while she stayed behind to cover his retreat. In the end, the woman was captured by her master, and the scholar, in order to save his beloved, ventured to confront the powerful manipulator. At the last moment, a formidable hero appeared and, together with the scholar, defeated the villain. Only then did the scholar learn that the woman was not of this world. Amidst their tearful embrace, they vowed to meet again in eighteen years.

Lady Mingzhu slowly opened her luminous eyes, studying the man lying on the bed with growing curiosity. The scholar in the dream was the spitting image of Li Yu, and the woman—astonishingly—was Lady Mingzhu herself.

She reached out her orchid-like fingers, gently caressing Li Yu’s face, her gaze dreamy and unfocused. In another moment, Li Yu’s eyelashes fluttered slightly. He opened his eyes slowly, seeing Lady Mingzhu standing before him.

Lady Mingzhu was dressed in a deep purple strapless gown, her sleeves and arms adorned with lace. Elegance and allure intertwined as the dress cinched at her waist, accentuating her perfect curves and every contour, as if she was deliberately displaying her proud beauty. There was not a trace of shyness—only regal confidence, as if she were flaunting herself like a queen.

Her hair, black as a waterfall, cascaded down, a few hairpins studded with pearls swaying gently as she moved, adding to her noble aura. Her neck was long and graceful, reminiscent of a proud swan, and an exquisite pearl hung at the base of her delicate collarbone.

Lady Mingzhu’s attire was undeniably seductive; beneath her slender neck, a swath of creamy white skin peeked out, half hidden and half revealed. Her slender waist was cinched, her posture graceful, but most enticing of all were her slightly upturned lips—rosy and barely parted, inviting a kiss. Her narrow eyes radiated languid charm, exuding a teasing allure.

Li Yu blurted out instinctively, “So beautiful…”

But as soon as the words left his lips, he seemed to remember himself and hurriedly climbed out of bed. Bowing his head, he saluted Lady Mingzhu, saying, “I was rash. Please forgive me, my lady.”

Lady Mingzhu’s beautiful eyes flickered with amusement, watching Li Yu’s furtive glances and bashful demeanor. Her interest deepened. She gently swept aside a lock of hair from her shoulder, her posture growing even more beguiling. Her voice was soft and alluring yet tinged with the dignified grace befitting her station. “Is the Grand Tutor afraid of me?”

Lady Mingzhu slowly approached Li Yu, her long black hair falling around her shoulders. With each step, the pearl hairpins swayed, enhancing her regal elegance. She walked gracefully toward Li Yu, the hem of her dress swirling, her legs long and shapely enough for his imagination to run wild. Standing before him, she watched his body tense, then reached out with both hands to rest on his shoulders, bending forward slightly, her figure growing even more alluring.

Her hair draped over his shoulder, releasing a faint fragrance.

Lady Mingzhu’s fingers gently traced the line of Li Yu’s cheek, studying his well-defined features—the handsome face stiff with nervousness. Her eyes gleamed with mischief. Leaning close to his ear, her breath warm, she teased, “Grand Tutor, just now you called me ‘sister’—why do you now address me as ‘madam’?”

As she spoke, her body pressed against his, the softness an immediate, nerve-tingling sensation.

Li Yu stepped back, bowing once more. “I do not wish to deceive you, madam. I dare not address you as ‘sister.’ In my eyes, you are like the celestial goddess of the nine heavens. I fear I would profane you.”

Towering and proud, Lady Mingzhu stepped before him again, pausing. A subtle, enchanting fragrance drifted on the air—intoxicating yet not overpowering—stirring the deepest desires of the heart.

“Then why are you so afraid of me, Grand Tutor?” she murmured, her long lashes fluttering, her seductive gaze lingering on him. She traced her fingers across the back of his hand, as if finding mere fingernails insufficient for her purpose.

The ticklish sensation made Li Yu’s skin prickle with goosebumps. He never expected Lady Mingzhu to be so adept at this art.

“No, it is not fear, but respect. As the Master said, ‘To subdue oneself and return to propriety is benevolence!’” Li Yu replied, as earnest as a scholar, his tone dignified and upright.

“So, according to you, is it that you harbor desires for me in your heart?” Lady Mingzhu withdrew her hand, her eyes flickering with surprise.

“Beauty is what all men desire. Your beauty, madam, is unparalleled in all ages—rarely seen in one’s lifetime. Thus, I dare not draw near. As the Master said, ‘Do not look at what is improper, do not listen to what is improper, do not speak what is improper, do not act on what is improper!’” Li Yu responded, cloaked in righteous air. His manner said plainly: this is not my fault; you are simply too beautiful, so beautiful you cause stray thoughts.

Lady Mingzhu’s eyes sparkled with even more amusement. Far from embarrassed, her voice grew softer, more seductive, tinged with a plaintive undertone. “Then why does Grand Tutor try to avoid me?”

This time, Li Yu did not retreat. Instead, he stepped forward. Lady Mingzhu’s figure was perfection itself—a blend of enchantment and dignity that would captivate any man. Li Yu’s real purpose in approaching the Han Palace was to get close to this Su Daji. Otherwise, whether King Han An participated in his plans or not would make little difference.

“My lady, in my heart, you will always be the kind and innocent girl you were before entering the palace, not the Mingzhu dulled by the world’s dust. I truly wish to help you, not out of desire.”

With these words, Li Yu turned toward the door without another glance.

But at the threshold, he found himself awkwardly stuck. “Would my lady kindly open the door?”

Lady Mingzhu found Li Yu ever more intriguing. “Did you not promise the king that you would stay and discuss the matter of perfume with me? Why are you in such a hurry to leave?” she asked, her eyes bright with laughter.

“It is already late, and propriety forbids men and women to be alone together. You, my lady, are the king’s favored jewel and a daughter of heaven. I fear that, if I linger, I may lose control of myself.”

With that, Li Yu mustered the courage to force open the door and fled.

Lady Mingzhu watched him go, gently flicking a lock of hair and murmuring to herself, “Fang Yu…” A faint smile played on her lips as she waved her sleeve, closing the door.

…

Once outside the palace, Li Yu wiped the sweat from his brow. He had been on the defensive the entire time—thoroughly embarrassed. Lady Mingzhu’s reputation was well deserved. This enchantress… I’ll see how I deal with you yet!

Little did Li Yu know, Lady Mingzhu had already spied on his dreams. What had just transpired was a reenactment of their first meeting in the dream.

Li Yu strolled through the streets, stick in hand, taking in the city that would one day be shaped by his own design. As he replayed the evening’s events in his mind, he grew increasingly convinced he had made the right choice. To miss out on such a woman would be a lifelong regret!

But as he walked, he sensed something was off. It was not yet dusk—the city should have been bustling. Yet, as he passed through the district, not a soul was in sight.

Li Yu stopped at a street corner and waited.

Before long, a shadow appeared in the distance. Then, suddenly, the whole block was filled with figures.

Among them, a youth in white stood out awkwardly from the rest.

Li Yu understood at once: the Night’s Veil had made their move.

He raised his stick and pointed it skyward, then walked up to an old acquaintance.

“Crow, what’s all this?”

“The general wishes to invite the Grand Tutor to the General’s Mansion for a talk,” Crow replied, eyes darting.

“Oh? And if I refuse?” Li Yu replied coolly. In the Han kingdom, not everyone enjoyed the privileges Lady Mingzhu granted him. As for Ji Wuye, Li Yu was not overly concerned.

Crow, however, knew exactly what Li Yu’s raised stick meant.

“Please, Grand Tutor, do not make things difficult. Emerald Tiger is here. The general is very interested in the matter of the money house.”

Li Yu chuckled. “Lead the way.”

The youth in white looked indignant and muttered to Crow, “Why are you being so polite? Just arrest him. Does he dare resist?”

Crow ignored the youth and bowed to Li Yu. “Please forgive him, Grand Tutor.”

Li Yu glanced at the youth and waved dismissively. “No harm done. This must be White Phoenix—a passionate young man indeed. Not bad.”

White Phoenix, seeing that Li Yu was no older than himself yet acted as if he were an elder, snorted and turned away arrogantly.

Crow led Li Yu forward. After only a few steps, a graceful woman appeared before them, holding a strange, flexible sword.

“My wife? What are you doing here?” Li Yu stepped forward, calling out.

He hadn’t expected Zi Nu to appear.

“I was worried about you, so I came to check,” Zi Nu said coldly, her gaze fixed on Crow and the others.

“You look so dashing, my lady,” Li Yu said, seeing her with a sword for the first time—her allure now tinged with heroic spirit, causing his heart to race.

“No need to worry, my lady. The general only invited me as a guest. Besides, you know I can handle myself.” Li Yu smiled, trying to reassure her.

White Phoenix looked on with even more disdain. This “Grand Tutor,” so grave a moment ago, now rendered helpless by a woman—how had King Han An ever appointed him? Han really was doomed.

After much effort, Li Yu finally persuaded Zi Nu to leave, his expression immediately returning to its former seriousness—enough to earn White Phoenix’s grudging respect. How did he do it?

At the General’s Mansion, Ji Wuye sat at the head of the hall. To his left was a man draped in gold and silver, as rotund as a Buddha statue, exuding the aura of a nouveau riche. Enormous gems glittered on his fingers, and a gaudy golden butterfly necklace sparkled at his throat. This vulgar tycoon was currently engrossed in building a tower of wooden blocks.

“Emerald Tiger, what do you think of this Fang Yu? Can he be used by us?” Ji Wuye asked, glancing over.

“I haven’t met him yet, so I dare not judge. However, if he’s as you say, General—if he cannot be used, then he must be eliminated. Talent is only valuable if it belongs to us, don’t you think?” Emerald Tiger grinned savagely, never pausing in his game.

“Exactly. There must not be a single unpredictable element in all of Xinzheng. We’ll see what he’s like. If not…” Ji Wuye crushed the jade cup in his hand with a single squeeze.

“Still, there’s something I like about what this Grand Tutor says: ‘Talent touches the divine—truly a kindred spirit!’” Emerald Tiger chuckled.

“Remember: only power decides everything,” Ji Wuye reminded him, warning his subordinate not to get any ideas.

Emerald Tiger offered no rebuttal. When he finished building, he began carefully removing blocks one by one, testing his patience.

“General, Fang Yu has arrived,” a soldier announced.

“Show him in,” Ji Wuye said, looking expectantly toward the door.

As Li Yu approached, a guard stopped him, demanding the stick he carried.

Li Yu glanced at Ji Wuye and did not move.

“It’s fine,” Ji Wuye said dismissively, barely glancing at the stick. Since he mastered external martial arts, he had never been injured. A stick was hardly a threat.

“I am Fang Yu. Greetings, General,” Li Yu said, bowing.

With a crash, Emerald Tiger, who had just been stacking blocks, turned as if he’d seen a ghost at the sight of Li Yu.

“Oh? So you know Fang Yu?” Ji Wuye asked, his suspicions aroused by Emerald Tiger’s reaction.

“We’ve done business in the past, General. Isn’t that right, Lord Emerald Tiger?” Li Yu said, squinting at the now flustered man.

“Ah—yes, General. Years ago, I met Fang Yu during a transaction in a foreign state. It was a pleasant deal, and meeting again here is a surprise. Please forgive my reaction,” Emerald Tiger stammered, digging his fingers into his palm to stay calm. If nothing else, years of block-stacking had taught him composure.

“Then why are you so nervous?” Ji Wuye pressed, not easily fooled.

“You’re being unfair, Emerald Tiger! That deal was hardly so pleasant—you never paid the remainder, and then vanished. Now that we’ve met again, you can’t shirk the debt. General, I hope you’ll see justice done!” Li Yu quickly smoothed over Emerald Tiger’s lie.

“Oh? Is that so? That does sound like you, Emerald Tiger. How much do you owe?” Ji Wuye asked, half believing Li Yu.

“Twenty thousand gold,” Emerald Tiger replied through gritted teeth, naming a sum that pained him.

“Now, now, Emerald Tiger, you’re being dishonest in front of the General! That shipment was worth far more, and you even sold off my share to another client behind my back. That’s at least fifty thousand,” Li Yu said, seizing the opportunity to extort him further. Money wasn’t the point, but it was necessary to keep a two-faced man like Emerald Tiger in check.

“My mistake, Brother Fang Yu—fifty thousand it is. But I don’t have that much on hand right now,” Emerald Tiger admitted, relieved that Li Yu had named the real price. He could treat this as a bribe to the Prince of Qin—not a loss.

Many sought to send bribes, but Liu Feixu was a tough nut to crack.

Thinking of Liu Feixu, Emerald Tiger seemed to remember something.

“General, I’m very curious about your money house. Could you enlighten me?” Ji Wuye cut in, uninterested in the squabble. In his eyes, Li Yu was no different from Emerald Tiger—a clever upstart with a few more ideas.

“If the general is interested, why not join in? Let Emerald Tiger invest in my money house as well,” Li Yu said, laying his cards on the table.

“Straightforward—good! I’ll take you up on that,” Ji Wuye replied, satisfied with Li Yu’s sense of propriety. He turned to Emerald Tiger, “Settle your debt with Fang Yu quickly. We’re all family now—don’t let trivialities ruin our harmony. Tiger, see Fang Yu out.”

Having gotten what he wanted, Ji Wuye dismissed his guests.

In the carriage, Emerald Tiger bowed respectfully to Li Yu. “What brings you to Han, my lord? Is there anything I can do to assist?”

“Little Tiger? Ha! As it happens, there is. There are a hundred Yue women skilled in the Fire Charm. Inform me when you hear news of them,” Li Yu replied, eyes closed, mind drifting to the woman from his dream. Though the original story’s timeline had not yet arrived, he didn’t wish her to suffer further and hoped to advance the plot.

“Consider it done. I have a villa on the outskirts, Emerald Manor—it can serve as collateral for your payment.”

“Promising—very astute. You see the situation clearly,” Li Yu said, clapping him on the shoulder. A merchant’s acumen lay in his sharp instincts, and Emerald Tiger knew well enough to choose between Han and Qin. With a Han general and a prince of Qin in the balance, it was no wonder he’d amassed such wealth.

Li Yu’s confidence in dealing with Emerald Tiger came from this.

“May I ask why you travel incognito, my lord?” Emerald Tiger couldn’t restrain his curiosity.

“For love. You wouldn’t understand,” Li Yu replied, gazing out the carriage window.

And indeed, Emerald Tiger could not. With Li Yu’s status, what kind of woman could he not have? Why go to such trouble?

To Emerald Tiger, everything had its price—even love.

Li Yu knew it was pointless to explain. Ever since becoming a prince, he realized he might never again have the purest kind of love. Still, he wanted to try.

After all, he was born starved for love—a great, great deal of it.