First Record, White Tea Flower · Pigeon Blood Stone
Yan Shize felt a sweat in his palms, so he walked to the window to get some fresh air. The white camellias bloomed in full glory, their fragrance delicate and rich, resembling the renowned snow lion variety, exuding a unique elegance. Yan Shize was a flower enthusiast, and upon closer inspection, the flowers seemed to be a hybrid of a Western variety and the snow lion. Suddenly, he recalled that Hui Shu also loved white camellias, and her home had several beautiful French white camellias. She mentioned that Westerners assign a meaning to each flower, and the meaning of the white camellia is "How can you underestimate my love?"
Listening to the soft sobs of Miss Wu, he felt his heart in turmoil, as if recalling something, yet also as if he could not remember anything at all. The torrential rain showed no signs of abating, accompanied by wind that drenched the world. Outside the window, the trees in the courtyard swayed and the flowers were battered. Suddenly, a clap of thunder erupted, as if rolling overhead.
As the four young masters and their female companion departed together, Yan Shize felt a sense of confusion and loss. The woman wearing the black cat mask did not glance at him again as she left, gracefully leaning against the arm of the fourth young master, her figure tall and elegant like that of a delicate orchid.
This must be the true master of the casino. The man known as the Fourth Young Master is barely thirty years old, with elegantly arched eyebrows, thin lips that hold a smile, and a pair of naturally captivating eyes. The simple black evening suit he wears exudes an indescribable charm, and his composed demeanor immediately convinces one that he is the master of this place
What card game does Mr. Yan enjoy playing? The Fourth Young Master spoke casually, his voice soft and deep
Hui Shu
The four major generals set down their cards and said apologetically, "Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for my absence. I will escort the lady home first, and Belle will take my place for this round."
Imagine the expression of Huishu, likely a smile filled with mockery. She understands him, clearly aware of every one of his vulnerabilities, knowing that he lacks even the courage to speak the truth.
"The lesson is taught by the four young masters." In a soft voice, the woman in green stepped out from behind the screen, smiled at Yan Shize, and removed her mask, revealing her black hair, snow-white skin, and a pair of cat-like green eyes. Her fluent Chinese carried a slight Southeast Asian accent, "Thank you for waiting so long, Mr. Yan"
What? Yan Shize really did not hear clearly, the Fifth Miss's voice was too low
Without waiting for an invitation, Mrs. Bei walked over, saying, "The Fourth Young Master really knows how to dampen the mood, but fortunately, there is still Mr. Yan!" As she spoke, she shook the bell on the table, and the large oil painting in the corner turned, revealing a hidden door. The Indian maid, who had disappeared after coming in to announce, emerged in response and took over the card dealing from Mrs. Bei
The ruby that even the old associates in the shop had never seen was specially presented to Huishu, who secretly hoped she would like this future engagement gift. If she had not revealed the news, how could Mrs. Bei have known that there was this gem in the shop? Her past demeanor of being dignified and proper was merely an act; she had never shown him her true self. She wore a mask of a refined lady, perfunctorily mingling between the Qi and Yan families, while secretly having clandestine dealings with the mysterious Fourth Young Master... Last night, she mocked him to his face, watching him appear timid and embarrassed, and he was completely oblivious.
Yan Shize, fully engrossed in the entertainment, leaned back on the sofa, clapped his hands in admiration, and exclaimed, "What a magnificent Cloud Peak Palace! The Paradise of Extravagance truly lives up to its reputation; such lavishness is hard to believe when spoken of!"
Seeing Yan Shize with a beaming smile, fortunately, he did not hear the earlier remarks. Young Master Yuan Wugong secretly breathed a sigh of relief and signaled to his younger brother with his eyes, urging him not to speak carelessly. The marriage between the Yan and Qi families is only a matter of time. Miss Qi Qi has known Yan Shize since childhood, and the outside world has long regarded her as the young mistress of the Yan family. For a scholarly family like the Qi family, it would indeed be quite embarrassing if Miss Qi Qi were to appear in such a place of indulgence and extravagance.
The maid walked ahead, softly laughing as she said, "A distinguished guest is coming tonight, and the lady is in the small attic entertaining the guest with cards. It would be a favor if Young Master Yan could make his way there." Yan Shize nodded, unsure of what to say.
It turned out that she had lost her patience for restraint. She no longer looked down on him and ultimately made it clear to him that Yan Shize was unworthy of Qi Huishu
The source that had been disturbing his peace of mind turned out to be this pair of eyes. They emanated from beneath the strange black cat mask, familiar yet elusive. She then turned her head away and no longer looked at him, but leaned close to the Fourth Young Master and whispered something in his ear
Yan Shize was not particularly pleased, yet Yuan Wu's words were not without reason. He had a very good temper, and was always soft-hearted, unable to withstand the persuasive tongues of the Yuan brothers. In the end, he was swayed and, with some reluctance, instructed a maid to deliver a visiting card.
Watching her lean against another man, watching her leave
"What is going on with you? Where has Xiao Qi gone? Do you know?" Miss Five, with her keen perception, noticed the oddity and looked at him anxiously, "If you know Xiao Qi's whereabouts, you must tell me!"
The mysterious casino named "Yunding Palace" has caused a sensation throughout the city within less than half a month of its opening, attracting the attention of high-ranking officials and nobles.
"Bridge is a silent war." The four young men cast a sidelong glance, their expressions a mix of amusement and mockery, leaving Yan Shize momentarily speechless
This is not true; it must be yet another one of her little tricks to tease him. Yan Shize lowered his head to look at the paper box in his hand, its edges worn and frayed, the Western painting album box he had given her when they were young. The Fifth Miss watched as he lifted the lid of the box, but his hand trembled, causing the box to fall to the ground, revealing a black cat mask adorned with feathers. ... Masks, rubies, Madame Bei, the Fourth Young Master ... . ... Each one flashed before his eyes. The Fifth Miss watched as he lifted the lid of the box, but his hand trembled, causing the box to fall to the ground, revealing a black cat mask adorned with feathers. ... Masks, rubies, Madame Bei, the Fourth Young Master ... . ... Each one flashed before his eyes.
Yan Shize followed her gaze and finally saw clearly the person at the head of the table
Miss Wu personally poured a glass of brandy for him. Watching him gulp it down, after a while, there was still no sign of recovery; his lips remained pale and his cheeks white, as if he had been struck down in an instant.
Isn't there a saying outside about the concubines of Indian princes?
"Why not send in a calling card? Lady Bei might be inclined to show some favor," Yuan Wu leaned closer and said, "If she truly is an old acquaintance of your family, wouldn't that be a fortunate encounter? Brother Shijie, just think about it, what kind of backing does Lady Bei have? If she is willing to lend a hand, wouldn't you be able to hold your head high in front of your father?"
Beside him, the beautiful woman, though wearing a mask, still exudes an enchanting grace. Her figure is accentuated by a floral qipao that outlines her slender waist, while the black cat mask on her face conveys an imposing chill
Yan Shize was lost in thought, forgetting that the game had already begun. Suddenly, he was caught off guard by a glance from Lady Bei, and his recently regained focus was once again thrown into disarray. The players at the table were all experts, and it was expected that there would be a significant loss tonight. However, he miscalculated; after Lady Bei took over the game, it was as if she was giving away gold, as she hardly won a hand all night, and even the foreigner lost so much that his face turned green. Yan Shize only needed to follow his partner and collect the winnings, ending up with a substantial profit.
At midnight, amidst a torrential downpour, a call came from the Qi family, stating that Miss Qi had run away from home. Yan Shize rushed through the rain to the Qi residence, where chaos had already ensued. Upon his arrival, the situation became even more awkward. Old Master Qi was furious like thunder, while the eldest madam, Miss Qi's biological mother, covered her face and wept incessantly, unable to utter a single word. The fifth young lady quietly led him aside and handed him a very worn-out paper box, saying, "This is left for you by Xiao Qi."
In less than a quarter of an hour, the maid came to respond.
Madam Bei smiled charmingly, not only refraining from blaming him for his impolite gaze but also inviting him inside to play cards together, as if he were an old friend. Yan Shize, feeling both awkward and somewhat flattered, was taken aback. Just as he was about to think of something to say, Madam Bei had already turned gracefully, waving her wrist towards him, "Follow me"
As dawn approached, Lady Be personally saw him off, her words earnest and her demeanor kind
Hui Shu, the gentlest Hui Shu, it turns out you are so ruthless
Yan Shize also wished to take this opportunity to bid farewell and extricate himself
The essence of Whist lies in the collaboration between partners; to win, two individuals must trust and cooperate with each other. Each person is both their own leader and a protector of their partner, making decisions when necessary and sacrificing when required, as honor and failure are not borne by one alone. In fact, Yan Shize is not particularly skilled at this old-fashioned form of bridge, often finding it somewhat dull and tedious. He is distracted, while the Fourth Young Master is a master of the game, appearing to engage in a tabletop activity, yet his thinking is exceptionally agile, and his playing style is aggressive, making it difficult for Yan to keep up, gradually revealing his clumsiness and awkwardness.
Yan Shize followed along involuntarily, the thick, plush carpet beneath his feet was so soft that it offered no support, as if it were trying to swallow him whole. Madame Bei introduced Yan Shize to the others present, without mentioning his name or status, referring to him only as a distinguished guest of the Fourth Young Master
Yan Shize held the item in his hand in confusion, murmuring, "Did she leave on her own? Where is she going, and why didn't she say a word to me... What on earth could have happened that led her to leave?"
Yan Shize's gaze fell upon her, and he inexplicably paused, suddenly realizing that he seemed to have seen her somewhere before. Beneath the black cat mask, her eyes, like polished lacquer, made him hesitant to look too long, and after a hurried glance, he quickly shifted his gaze away. The tall, slender man in the long robe in the seat stood up to give way to him, slightly bowing to the Fourth Young Master, and retreated to the side.
Upon first encountering this scene, one feels a sense of novelty and intrigue. However, at this moment, Yan Shize feels a sense of unease in his heart. Looking around at the masked faces, it is impossible to discern truth from falsehood, beauty from ugliness, and an inexplicable fear suddenly arises, causing him to turn away and not dare to look further. He closely follows the maid to the bottom of the spiral staircase. The maid turns back and makes a quiet gesture, signaling him to tread lightly as she leads him up to the attic. The heavy carved peach wood door opens, revealing a sight that seems like the opening of a treasure cave. Dazzling light pours down from the chandelier in the dome, and the long-pile wool embroidered carpet falls silently beneath his feet. On the walls hang intricate Persian court paintings, and in the center stands a hand-painted screen. In front of the screen is a carved and undulating court chaise longue, flanked by four Indian beauties, each presenting a striking pose.
In the square card game, Si Shao and Yan Shize are on one side, while the two Germans are on the other side, with Madame Beif still dealing the cards
Hui Shu, called off the engagement, left home.
Now I understand, she was speaking German
In a moment of contemplation, I raised my head and found myself on the third floor, where my eyes were dazzled. A fragrant aroma wafted through the air, and the ancient furnishings shimmered with golden brilliance. At each table, the gambling games were in full swing. Indian beauties in flowing saris swayed their ankle bells, their waists undulating like serpents, either holding glass trays or crystal cups, weaving through the dimly lit ambiance. Among them, men and women adorned in various splendid garments wore colorful masks without exception. Unlike Western masks and Peking opera facial makeup, these were intricately decorated with gold paint, feathers, and sequins, creating a complex and enchanting appearance. Some resembled fox faces, while others looked like monstrous heads; some grinned widely, while others had blood and tears streaming down their cheeks. Each mask was vividly lifelike, and amidst the swirling smoke, they presented a uniquely eerie beauty, as if one had stepped into a realm of spirits and phantoms.
These hands are exceptionally long, with evenly spaced knuckles, more elegant and beautiful than those of a woman. The playing cards spread out in his palm like a bird's screen, while the obsidian cufflinks on his snow-white cuffs shimmer with a deep luster, revealing brilliance amidst restraint
In that fleeting moment, he unexpectedly met another gaze. The woman wearing a black cat mask sat quietly behind the Fourth Young Master, simply observing him.
Under the long window, a cluster of white tea flowers blooms abundantly and vividly. The maid asks Yan Shize to wait outside for a moment and directly enters to convey the message. Inside, there is a soft interplay of light and shadow, revealing figures dancing gracefully, occasionally accompanied by soft laughter and whispers
The casino has three levels, becoming increasingly luxurious as one ascends. The topmost loft is where Madame Bei receives distinguished guests, and it has always been off-limits to others, accessible only to individuals of exceptional status. Yan Shize followed the maid up the stairs, feeling somewhat apprehensive. He had not expected Madame Bei to actually meet him, and to extend such courtesy. Ordinary casinos are often associated with gangs, and the Yun Ding Palace is even more enigmatic. The Yan family has always been a reputable household; although they are not lacking in social experience, they have never encountered such mysterious figures.
If Zhenxiang were to dress like Huishu, her charm would not necessarily be inferior to that of this beauty
Yan Shize hurriedly stepped back, feeling greatly embarrassed. Just then, he heard a gentle and refined male voice say with a smile: "Beier, not inviting someone in is a breach of hospitality."
Yan Shize pondered his response, "The usual games are all enjoyable, but the most interesting is still Whist bridge"
In this turbulent world, there exists such elegance.
Once the maid entered, she did not come out again. After waiting for a while, there was still no sign of her. From inside, there were occasional low voices and laughter, speaking in a language that was unfamiliar, sounding nothing like English. Yan Shize waited quietly for a while, glancing at his watch to find that half an hour had passed, and he gradually began to feel restless. It was unclear whether Madame Bei was intentionally delaying him or had some other intention. Caught in a dilemma, unable to contain himself any longer, he leaned forward to peek through the gap in the screen. The lighting inside had dimmed considerably, with the wall lamps casting a warm, ambiguous hue, the color of the fabric covering them unknown, allowing the orange-yellow light to filter through in a dark purple shade. At the card table sat two blonde foreigners, each wearing a pure white mask, while beside them sat a tall, thin Chinese man in a brocade long gown, sitting upright and wearing a mask with a smiling face.
If it is merely luxury, it cannot be considered extraordinary
Another clap of thunder suddenly erupted. Yan Shize staggered back two steps, staring at the strange black cat mask on the ground, his face gradually turning pale and distorted
It truly confirmed his ominous prediction
The Baroque chair is intricately carved, with the backrest featuring open wings. Yan Shize held his breath and approached, peering through the gap in the screen to see the person reclining against the chair back in a seemingly nonchalant posture. The black formal attire accentuated the elegant curve of the shoulders and back, with a snow-white collar turned out from beneath. The neatly groomed black hair framed the face, one hand holding a cigar while the other casually picked up a card.
The previous round of the card game seemed to have just concluded, with a deck of cards scattered on the table, and no chips in sight. The dealer was a graceful lady dressed in a green silk gown, wearing a butterfly mask. She had a slender neck and short wavy hair styled up, with a white camellia silk flower tucked into her hair. Her hands, adorned with elbow-length lace gloves, moved skillfully as she shuffled the cards, quickly arranging them and dealing them one by one to the four players in front of her. There are not many people left who play the old-fashioned Whist, yet the four players here were quite engaged. Two individuals, one male and one female, were seated with their backs to Yan Shize, the woman’s figure was graceful as she leaned against the man in the main seat.
Yan Shize suddenly raised his head, yes, it is so!
Two foreigners asked in astonishment: "Wie bitte?" (Note: meaning "What?" )
That is merely a rumor; I have heard that this Lady Beif is just a front, and there is someone else behind the scenes.
The mysterious Lady Beif, however, is a young mixed-race beauty, with a demeanor full of sophistication reflected in her brows and eyes. As she personally steps forward to remove her mask and reveal her true face, Yan Shize finds himself momentarily stunned.
Yan Shize opened his mouth, but his voice was caught in his throat
What should be said, should it be about the Cloud Top Palace, or should the secrets of that place of indulgence be laid bare, revealing the private affairs of Qi Huishu and others to the world? ... This would ruin Qi Huishu's reputation, disgrace Yan Shize, and also tarnish the esteemed standing of both the Qi and Yan families ... . The black cat mask that fell to the ground still had its whiskers perfectly curled upwards, as if it were revealing a smile
The man sitting beside him tilted a cigar in his mouth and chuckled, "You must have misheard; if this reaches Brother Shizhe, it would be quite serious..." Before he could finish his sentence, light footsteps were heard coming from the stairs behind them, truly a case of speaking of the devil and he appears
Miss Qi Qi, are you referring to Qi Huishu
Who else could it be? When I just entered, I truly saw that it was her
Yan Shize has always been proficient in card skills, and upon witnessing this beautiful hand, he almost exclaimed in admiration. The dealer, sensing something, looked up at the screen; her red lips, shaped like diamonds beneath the butterfly mask, suddenly broke into a smile as she said, "Wir haben einen Besuch." (Note: meaning "We have guests coming.")
It is uncertain whether it is an illusion, but Yan Shize always feels as if a gaze is constantly lingering around him, elusive and unattainable. This sensation makes him increasingly uneasy, leading to frequent mistakes in his card play.
Speaking of Madame Bei, I encountered a curious incident. Yan Shize tapped his forehead, recalling the strange occurrence at his family's jewelry store the other day—Yan's jewelry store is home to many rare treasures. In the early years, the old master of the Yan family opened a pawnshop in Beiping, collecting many fine items from the hands of fallen banner people, among which were not few items that had come out of the Forbidden City. A pigeon blood ruby has become the store's prized possession.
The next day, the Yuan brothers heard about Yan Shao's adventure in the attic, and they were filled with regret, cursing the ungrateful Yan for not recommending them. Young Master Yuan Wu, who was used to being sharp-tongued, could not stand Yan Shize's lofty demeanor and spat, "Be careful that joy may turn to sorrow!"
Yan Shize shook his head and smiled, having inquired among all his relatives at home, yet none recognized the Bei family.
Father was extremely angry, telling her to get lost, and said that if she dared to break off the engagement, she should no longer bear the surname Qi. Unexpectedly... Xiao Qi really left, without saying a word, only leaving this for you. Miss Five wiped her tears with a handkerchief, saying, "Xiao Qi has always been the most honest; heaven knows what kind of spell she has fallen under this time..."
There are three remarkable aspects to this place: First, it only accepts regular customers; without a recommendation, even if one were to present mountains of gold and silver, entry would be denied. Second, there is a specially designated secret room at the entrance, where each person is provided with a Western mask. Once inside, everyone wears a mask, and no one recognizes each other's true identity. Even renowned scholars and virtuous ladies can indulge in playful interactions. Third, the manager of this casino is a woman, known as Madame Bei, rumored to be the mistress of an Indian prince, and all the servants and maids she employs are exclusively Indian. The beauty of Indian women is famous, and at night, with bright lights and the faint scent of sandalwood, it captivates guests, making them reluctant to leave. Just considering Madame Bei's extravagance, one might say she is as wealthy as a nation!
If a woman were to change her heart and feelings, what could possibly stop her... She chose such a person, wealthy enough to rival a nation, charming and graceful... Naturally, she made a good choice. Not only did she leave, but she also left behind this mask to mock him, Yan Shize, you are such a failure, a man who cannot even keep his fiancée. In the past, she always subtly hinted that a man should have ambitions in life. Since her return from studying abroad, she has repeatedly asked, Shize, why do you always remain unchanged? In the past, she always subtly hinted that a man should have ambitions in life. Since her return from studying abroad, she has asked more than once, Shize, why do you always remain unchanged? Yet she never expressed her disgust or disappointment, so he thought it was fine, as long as he could make her happy.
"Please follow me to the small attic, Young Master Yan," said the Indian maid in a melodious tone of Mandarin. Her honey-colored skin was smooth and radiant, and her enchanting eyes sparkled as she smiled charmingly at Yan Shise.
"You two ungrateful ones, hiding here in leisure." Yan Shize descended the stairs, his face beaming with joy, and went directly to sit at one end of the deep green velvet sofa. The sofa, illuminated by the crystal chandelier, appeared lush and verdant. The two young scions of the Yuan family leaned against either end, while an Indian girl with a long braid draped in a pale yellow sari bent down in front of Young Master Yuan Five, striking a match to light his cigarette. The sofa, illuminated by the crystal chandelier, appeared lush and verdant. The two young scions of the Yuan family leaned against either end, while an Indian girl with a long braid draped in a pale yellow sari bent down in front of Young Master Yuan Five, striking a match to light his cigarette.
Yan Shize felt somewhat disoriented, as if he had not fully awakened, listening to everything in a dazed and confused manner
"Whist is not a flashy card game; it is a game for men." The four young men smiled and said, "Let’s continue playing."
Miss Qi Wu bit her lip for a moment, then squeezed out a faint voice: "She said she wants to annul the engagement"
The day before yesterday, a guest came to the door, claiming to be from the Bei family, specifically requesting a certain red gemstone, offering a price that was hard to refuse. What is peculiar is that the Yan family had not publicly displayed that red gemstone, and it is unknown how that person found out about it. Upon hearing this, the Yuan brothers were both astonished and intrigued, and they began to entertain the idea of a fortunate turn of events. "The surname Bei is indeed quite rare; judging by this offer, it is highly likely that it is this Mrs. Bei! It seems you have quite a connection with her, perhaps even a deeper relationship."
At the end of the game, when the accounts were settled, the amount startled him into a cold sweat. Fortunately, he won; had he lost, he would have likely faced severe scolding from his elder at home
Yan Shize was taken aback, suddenly turning his head to look, but the woman had already disappeared with the Fourth Young Master beyond the screen, their footsteps gradually fading away.