Chapter 5, Urgent Drum

Passing through the decaying grandeur of the courtyard, she entered a large estate

Baojin lowered his head in silence, while the little yellow gatekeeper beside him was eager to complete the task quickly, thus he smiled and said: "How would the golden branches and jade leaves understand this?"

The steward cast a sidelong glance at Baojin, surveying her with a frivolous gaze, as if she were an item to be appraised for sale

Do you know? They have counted me among the Northern Melodies!

Ji Xin recalled her noble status, yet now she had to endure such humiliation, her voice choked with emotion as she picked up her chopsticks, swallowing each bite with great difficulty.

Ji Xin set down the bowl, wiped her tears with her sleeve, and nodded with a smile

In the midst of the falling snow, the young girl supports herself with one hand on the yoke...

The two exchanged a glance and both broke into hearty laughter

She no longer spoke much, urging Ji Xin to go to bed early, while she herself lit a solitary lamp, as if waiting for something

The little yellow gatekeeper beside him flattered with a smile, yet inwardly cursed: What airs are you putting on? If it weren't for the fact that you just recommended a beauty to His Majesty and gained his favor, would I still need to fawn over your stinking feet?

In recent years, Emperor Jingyuan's tyranny and reckless actions have provoked widespread public resentment. The current ruler has taken up arms to rescue the people from their plight, thus earning the title of Jingcong. Has he, after only a little over a year of seizing the capital, become so malicious in thought?

Although I would like to bestow upon you something more, since you have firmly declined, you may first accept the title of Prince Jing, and I shall additionally grant you a double salary

Is it that they believe I am unworthy of commanding them

... ...

Of course, it is ... ... trying to bring in the southern melody!

Above the high platform, the emperor's voice descended, ethereal yet as heavy as ten thousand jun

Baojin was escorted by two strong women, entering through the side door of the official residence, with only Ji Xin timidly following behind her

Although the former subordinates of the Lord have scattered, they can still be found one by one, but...

Ah Shi, having achieved such great merit, what reward do you desire

I apologize for startling you

Shen Hao pushed open the window, climbed down, and nimbly jumped into the room

Shen Hao felt a heaviness in his heart as he recalled the sovereign who had perished in the capital, and a look of sorrow and desolation appeared on his face

Baojin sat quietly under the lamp, her snow-white face revealing an expression of resolute determination

Your Excellency, this has been sent by the Eternal Emperor. If there is anything amiss, I hope you will be understanding

At the second watch of the night, someone lightly tapped twice on the window

I am filled with trepidation, for I am merely fulfilling my duties to Your Majesty, and nothing beyond my responsibilities

Baojin secretly channeled her internal energy, yet she heard it clearly. Her thick eyelashes fell, concealing the chilling killing intent in her eyes

After laughing, Baojin looked out the window at the sky and said softly: "Our situation is, in fact, extremely difficult. Those petty individuals are complying with the Emperor's wishes and intend to humiliate me thoroughly"

Yun Shi's palm was almost clenched to the point of bleeding, yet his face was obscured by the high crown on his forehead, preventing anyone from noticing the anger in his eyes

The moonlight filtered through the window paper, illuminating her features with an ethereal clarity, resembling the deceased Nai Jie.

The little yellow gatekeeper saw him becoming increasingly affected in his mannerisms, and secretly resented it, but could only suggest in a low voice: "Your Majesty sending her here is merely a thought of humiliation; why not place her over in the northern curve instead, wouldn't that suffice"

Is this the princess of the Kingdom of Gumo

Bao Jin extended his left hand, carefully examining the scars upon it, and said with a leisurely smile: "That newly appointed Prince Jing, Yun Shi, can be of some use."

Baojin was roughly pushed into a room, where she stood still, surveying her surroundings

Bao Jin's heart was already filled with great anger, yet her expression remained calm. She set down the teacup in her hand and said with a light laugh: "Since that is the case, I must meet with you even more!"

If you do not eat, you will still go hungry at the next meal

The eaves of the high-flying building are layered, with the sound of raindrops echoing. Between the winding corridors, at times, a beauty resembling a cloud glides by.

Can you dance? Can you sing?

Ji Xin was momentarily stunned, and then her face turned pale as she trembled slightly and said: "Your Highness, what should we do?"

Pearl tears fell into the bowl, creating ripples in the clear soup. Baojin looked at her deeply and said: "In the future, our situation may be a thousand times more difficult than this. Can you endure it?"

Your Highness

Then let's do it this way

Ji Xin fiddled with the noodles using chopsticks. Although her stomach was growling with hunger, she simply had no appetite—despite being merely a maid, she was accustomed to a life of luxury and had never encountered such a shabby and coarse noodle before

This is a space with two sections, the front of which contains tables and chairs, as well as a maid's bedroom. The rear section features a copper mirror dressing table adorned with rouge and fragrant lotion, and in the center, there is a wooden bed, clearly indicating that this is a woman's boudoir

By dusk, the two had finally finished their arrangements. An elderly woman in black arrived with a food box. Upon opening it, they found it contained green onion vegetarian noodles

The Jiao Sifang is subordinate to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, yet it is exclusively involved in matters of entertainment and pleasure. Among them are singers, dancers, and various performers, all of whom are sinners, with their wives and daughters confiscated and brought here

They are either serene and graceful, or cold and elegant, or possess a dignified demeanor, yet all remain silent and speechless. From a distance, they appear like exquisite and unparalleled dolls gliding by with umbrellas.

Shen Hao wore a troubled expression and hesitated, saying: "There are a few individuals who are rather unruly, and I fear they may not heed your commands"

This is difficult; where do you expect me to put her? Although the teaching office is large, it does not accommodate idlers

Baojin delicately picked at the plain dish, savoring each bite with an air of tranquility, as if she were indulging in the royal feast of her daily life

Have you contacted everyone?

How could such a precious and noble lineage fall to this state

The teaching of the Si Fang is divided into two parts: the Southern Tune and the Northern Tune. The Southern Tune cultivates musicians and vocalists, while the Northern Tune focuses on renowned courtesans and dancers, particularly the enchanting beauties. They are required not only to possess both beauty and talent but also to serve the high-ranking officials and nobles during the night.

Your Highness, I have arrived

Yun Shi did not dare to decline any further, humbly expressing gratitude and withdrawing. From beginning to end, the emperor on the high platform, his once dearly respected义兄 and companion, never made an appearance.

Bao Jin sneered coldly, with a gaze as frigid as ice

A low chuckle echoed, faintly reminiscent of the clear and bold spirit during the times of fighting side by side

Those ink-dyed, ice-bound heavy eyes

If Your Highness is able to proceed, I will certainly accompany you with my life!

She smiled slightly, as if unafraid of the predicament before her. Glancing at Ji Xin, she said, "Look at this dust, I wonder how long it has accumulated. Let's take matters into our own hands!"

The steward glanced at the woman below the stairs and said with a sarcastic smile, "In terms of talent and beauty among the women of the Northern Song, there are many who surpass her. Who would choose her to serve?"

He surveyed the indoor environment, feeling both guilt and anger

"Sacrifice one's life? Can this thing really kill people?"

As we have traveled along this road, this row of houses is the most rudimentary

The steward, leaning slightly on the couch, raised his head slightly and glanced at the serene woman in plain clothing, saying淡淡道: "It is not necessarily that she possesses extraordinary beauty."