Chapter 7, The Scheme

The birthday banquet of the Prime Minister

She solemnly said: "When you go to Goryeo, you must strive to respect and diligently serve them day and night"

She recalled the last admonition, and could not help but frown

She gazed at Ji Xin, her dark eyes unfathomable.

Stop!

He thirstily licked his lips, stepped forward, and pulled the girl out of the corner, caressing the delicate skin on her wrist. He smiled with pride and said: "You are nothing but a captive of a fallen nation, trapped in this brothel, destined to sell yourself. What pretense of purity do you have?"

Jin Yuan said with a cold smile, glancing down at her sister from a height, "If you are convinced it is him, I have no way to change your mind. However, I must declare one thing in advance: if you suffer any grievances, do not rush back to the Central Plains to come crying to me."

The iron-like arms enveloped her, the warm large hand gently patting her back, that familiar voice still as clear and rich as when they first met

The clouded eyes flickered slightly, and she spoke calmly

Her voice still carried a tone of sarcasm, as if she was certain that her sister's marriage was nothing more than a joke

He spoke in a low voice, watching the debauched young master leave in embarrassment. Just as he was about to comfort the beauty in his arms, he felt a chill on his arm, as a single tear slid down.

She called her younger sister by her nickname, her voice low and almost like a whisper

Rest assured! Once I marry far away, I will never look back. This vast Central Plains, the imperial capital, I will never set foot in for the rest of my life

At that time, Baojin was still young, and under this provocation, he abruptly cut off the conversation. Jin Yuan then smiled gently and said: "Alright, as you wish"

In the dimness of the cloud, recalling the emperor's cruelty, he gritted his teeth and said: "Then send her to the Southern Quarters!"

But today is the day I leave the palace and step out into the world, can't you at least give me your blessings

There is a task assigned to you to complete

Baojin, having endured her mockery for some time, could no longer contain herself and retorted with a sarcastic remark.

You should not have come here

Korea is merely a small territory, and the Li family appears humble but is actually deceitful. The Celestial Empire is strong, and they bow their heads in submission. If we were to show any signs of weakness, they would be the first to become restless

The low murmurs seemed to still echo in her ears, and Baojin couldn't help but shiver. She raised her eyes to the sky, only to see a bright moon obscured by clouds, leaving the alley shrouded in darkness

Five days later, it will be my brother-in-law's grand birthday celebration

After Ji Xin hurriedly left, Bao Jin disheveled the bedding on the couch, changed into a new dress, and let her hair down, with a cascade of black silk falling straight beside her.

A faint cold smile appeared at the corner of her lips as she gently nudged Ji Xin awake

A low growl sounded at the door, and when the man turned to look, Baojin was struggling fiercely, breaking free from his grasp, resembling a frightened little beast, and ran towards the outside.

The night breeze caressed her hair, and the uncertain murmurs faded away, leaving no trace behind

The steward looked at him with a pressure-laden gaze, and said no more, only agreeing, "Then let Miss Yu Ran go!"

The person praised the delicacy of the skin between the fingers, and he reached out his hand towards the chest of the treasure brocade, intending to tear it off

We are tired of the vulgar silk and bamboo music, and we long to hear elegant music

Your Highness, the Prince Jing, it is not that I am lacking in understanding, but this young lady, Miss Yu Ran, is the family member of a convicted criminal whose assets have been confiscated. She cannot be redeemed with money.

Baojin, dressed in formal attire, cried out in anguish.

Finally arrived

At that time, she was about to marry King Li Xin of Goryeo, and during the final farewell in the palace, the sisters nearly caused a scene of discord.

She looked up, unable to hold back her tears, "Yun Shi!"

She gazed at Jin Yuan in his imperial attire and continued, "Sister, perhaps you have been accustomed to looking down from a high position for a long time, which is why you regard Goryeo as merely a small place, and my perspective is even more narrow and mundane..."

His voice was deep, and he felt the trembling in his arms intensify, causing great pain in his heart

Yun Shi, upon hearing the harsh words "courtesan," could not help but feel a surge of anger

This is a sign for selecting individuals for night service and companionship

The steward was suddenly taken aback, recalling his responsibilities, "The silk and bamboo performers are all ready..."

She sat in front of the dressing table, slowly combing her hair in front of the mirror. After a moment of careful thought, she applied a touch of crimson to her lips, adding an alluring charm to her pale face

Princess Baojin bowed her head again, her expression unusually cold and composed. After the ceremony, she rose and retreated to the entrance of the hall. The noblewomen outside were about to assist her when they heard Jin Yuan softly calling from the high platform: "Baby..."

Your maid came to my residence in tears, and it was only then that I became aware of the situation, prompting me to rush over

Who are you

Could it be that she has anticipated some terrible event, and that is why she is deliberately provoking me

She trembled slightly, fearfully and with attachment, calling out his name

I will play the zither

The person was about to become angry, but finally recognized his identity and forced a smile, saying: "I heard that a new courtesan has arrived at the North Quarters of the Teaching Department, and I came to try something new... I did not know this was your person, my apologies."

It has finally arrived

That is also elegant music... it is unnecessary during the time of feasting!

Originally, it was just a bet with someone to see what was going on, but unexpectedly, I found a real treasure

Baojin lowered her head, a faint smile appearing at the corners of her lips, cool yet enigmatic

You should go to the north side wall now, where someone will meet you. Time is of the essence, my plan is ... ...

Am I to disguise myself as a man for a lifetime, learning from you?

Baojin shrank back in fright against the wall, while the person became increasingly entranced. That delicate face was exceptionally enchanting, and those crimson lips nearly captivated one's very soul.

She was secretly calculating the time, and before long, she heard the door being slammed open with a bang. A frivolous voice laughed and said: "I heard new goods have arrived... Is this the princess of the Gu Mo Kingdom?"

Do not be afraid, it is me

He turned around and coldly glanced at the young scion, "You must be the son of Minister Wang!"

Among the countless excellent suitors in the world, you have uniquely chosen the King of Goryeo

The manager was so anxious that he was about to stamp his feet

Yun Shi felt the shivering and fear of the person in her arms, carefully adjusting her disheveled clothing, "Don't be afraid... I'm here, you don't have to fear anything!"

As Baojin rushed along Yilu and returned to Jiaosi Fang, dawn had already broken. She cast a glance at the red ribbon hanging by the window, and her heart involuntarily sank.

Baojin struggled with all her might, yet she was helpless against the overwhelming strength of the other person, who forcibly pulled her into their embrace

Yun Shi tightened his grip, as if he had made up his mind, and resolutely raised his head

You are ... ... His Highness the Prince Jing

The young man in splendid attire was not lacking in appearance, yet the dark, swollen bags under his eyes revealed a state of debauchery due to excessive drinking. He walked in directly, casting a few glances up and down, and then scoffed, "The beauty is nothing remarkable..."

She sat high above the imperial throne, speaking of her sister's future husband with a tone of lazy disdain

After experiencing so many worldly matters, she is no longer that naive and ignorant girl. In retrospect, that statement may not have been a curse, but rather a...

... ...

You leave... leave far away... never to return to the capital again...!

The Baoyin Low Road

The manager was instantly drenched in sweat, as he was met with a cold glare.

Yun Shi smiled gently and said leisurely

Bao Jin choked with emotion, lowering her head, "You can save me once, but you cannot save this life..."

Your Highness, are you not putting me in a difficult position? The Southern tunes are all renowned talents in the capital; what can she possibly do?

The storm is about to arrive!

Get lost

The manager continues to complain, yet not as resolutely as before

Sister Jin Yuan is adorned in a splendid ceremonial robe, which is the most magnificent of court attire. The robe is embroidered with twelve patterns, with the upper garment featuring the sun, moon, stars, mountains, dragons, and auspicious insects, while the lower garment displays patterns of ancestral rites, aquatic plants, fire, powdered rice, and the colors black and red. Ten jade beads serve as tassels, further accentuating her fair and noble visage.