Chapter 8, The Meeting at the Embroidery Pavilion, Fragrance of Orchids (I)

Cousin, I believe that those who possess rare orchids are either wealthy or noble. I only know a few such individuals, but you know many more. Can you think of anyone else who cultivates rare and famous orchids?

Why inquire specifically about those few residences

Jin Xi gazed at him from a distance, as Li Jinglong stood in the corridor, a hint of a cynical smile playing at the corners of his mouth. The plain moon-white robe accentuated his tall figure, completely shedding the usual air of ostentation.

Jinxi gasped in shock, knowing that she could not possibly defeat him. If she were captured, it would be a tremendous loss of face. She employed her sect's ultimate skills to engage in combat with Li Jinglong. Upon hearing his cold laugh, the force of his punch suddenly changed, and Jinxi was unable to evade in time, causing her black veil to be swept away. Li Jinglong stared at her face in astonishment, a light smile appearing at the corner of his mouth: "Indeed, it is you, Fei Lan!"

Jinxi and Zhu Shouqian were both astonished and perplexed, unaware of who had saved them. Jinxi carefully examined her entire body; her clothes were intact, and there were no abnormalities. Calculating the time, it had only been two hours from when Yutang Chun fell into a coma to their return to the Jingjiang Wangfu. Who could possess such speed and strength? Why did he choose to save them? Did he know Zhu Shouqian's identity, and was he aware of hers?

The Eastern Palace? Is it the Crown Prince? If it is the Crown Prince, he should have escorted her back to the residence. It is evident that the elder brother is unaware, so it cannot be the Crown Prince. Jinxi's focus is on Li Jinglong and Zhu Di.

The person who saved them should be someone they know, otherwise they would not have been sent back to the Jingjiang Wangfu. Jinxi pondered and straightforwardly asked: "Are there any precious orchids raised in the Crown Prince's East Palace, the Qin Wangfu, the Yan Wangfu, or the Cao Guogongfu?" Jinxi directly focused on these few individuals she was familiar with, as she did not recognize anyone else.

The renowned fortune teller, known as Yu Tangchun, had an ominous name, thus no one reopened the brothel under the name of Yu Tangchun thereafter. From that moment on, the most famous Yu Tangchun along the Qinhuai River vanished without a trace

He changed out of his embroidered brocade robe and wore only a moon-white deep robe. His hair was unbound, cascading over his shoulders, presenting a lazy appearance as if he had just gotten out of bed

A few days later, Zhu Shouqian learned that: "The Crown Prince's Eastern Palace has raised dozens of precious orchids, and there is also an orchid garden in Li Jinglong's residence, which is filled with famous orchids. It is said that the Yan Wang's residence also has orchids, but they are treated like weeds by Zhu Di and planted as such"

Quietly returning home, Jinxi found it difficult to fall asleep for a long time, as the image of Li Jinglong in his moon-white long gown resurfaced in her mind. Jinxi touched her own face, which was already frighteningly hot. She had not expected that Li Jinglong was indeed not the carefree figure she usually saw, nor was he merely a debauched young master who only knew how to indulge in food, drink, and pleasure. Where had he learned such remarkable skills, and why did he need to conceal himself?

Aren't you here for it? Is it not disrespectful to the host to enter the orchid garden without revealing your true self?" As he spoke, Li Jinglong struck out with a palm, exuding an imposing aura

It was evening when a sudden fire broke out on the Qinhuai River, exclusively consuming the flower boat of Yutangchun. The flower building of Yutangchun was also completely looted. All fifty-seven people on the flower boat perished in the flames, with no one escaping. Upon thorough investigation by the authorities, it was determined that a candle flame had ignited the fire, which, combined with the strong winds on the river, resulted in a complete incineration.

How could Li Jinglong have changed his appearance? He merely stood there, yet Jinxi distinctly felt a surge of murderous intent. Could it be that Li Jinglong did not wish for others to know his other side? ... He possesses murderous intent ...

This orchid is a rare treasure in the world; if it were to be seen in the residence of the Duke of Cao, it would undoubtedly be Li Jinglong. As the late spring breeze gently blows, Jinxi once again closes her eyes, delicately searching for the fragrance of the Su Cui Hong Lun Lian Petal Orchid among the scent of orchids.

If Zhu Di treated Lan as mere grass to be planted, he would not have left Lan as a sign. Could it be Li Jinglong? Jinxi immediately recalled the flamboyant appearance of Li Jinglong. Is it him? Li Jinglong? Her thoughts were tumultuous, could it really be that frivolous and carefree Li Jinglong? "Is there none in the prefecture?"

The one who asked this question must be the master of this place, I suppose!" Li Jinglong leisurely walked out from behind the pillar

Jinxi noticed that his gestures were even more assured, and Li Jinglong's skills were undoubtedly superior to hers. Could it really be him? Jinxi felt a flush on her face, glanced at him, and lightly tapped her toes to leap into the bamboo forest

Zhu Shouqian understood that this matter needed to start with the orchids, and immediately summoned the guards to investigate.

The garden was quiet and serene. Jinxi closed her eyes and took a deep breath, a faint and elusive fragrance wafting over from the west side of the garden. The subtle scent of orchids made her unable to help but smile gently, as she employed her lightness skill to follow the fragrance.

Some have it, all have it, it's just that his family needs a bit more

Jin Xi blushed, stamped her foot, and flew away. Li Jinglong stood with a smile, allowing her to leave.

After returning to the mansion, Jinxi stared blankly at the orchid in her hand. Curiosity clashed within her, and she longed to find the person who had saved her. What she wanted to know most was whether the visitor had already realized that she was a woman.

"Orchids?" Zhu Shouqian pondered for a long time and shook his head: "Among those with gardens in the residence, eight or nine out of ten have planted orchids. Don't you also grow orchids? You seem to like them quite a lot?"

On one side is Li Jinglong's suave demeanor, while on the other side is his ruthless action in which he actually exterminated Yu Tangchun, resulting in fifty-seven lives lost. Jinxi cannot comprehend what kind of person he truly is

With just this one strike, Jinxi realized she had encountered a master, and she was certainly no match for Li Jinglong. Having found her answer, she hurried to extricate herself, her fingers moved to pluck an orchid to toy with, and suddenly she raised her hand and sent it flying towards Li Jinglong

The person who saved Jinxi and Zhu Shouqian did not reveal themselves, but rather discreetly returned the two to the residence of the King of Jingjiang. When the two regained consciousness, what they heard was the matter of Yutang Chun's departure.

The tender flower branch was used by her as a hidden weapon, infused with internal energy, and the sound of "hiss" cutting through the air was already carried by the wind. Li Jinglong raised his eyebrows, extended his hand, and without any visible movement, had already grasped the orchid in his hand. A faint fragrance wafted to his nose, and he took a deep breath, casually saying: "The orchid is a symbol of nobility; how can one bear to trample it so?"

As the hour approached midnight, Jinxi changed into her night attire and stealthily climbed over the courtyard wall, heading straight for the residence of the Duke of Cao. Glancing around to ensure no one was watching, she lightly tapped her toes and leaped into the back garden of the Duke's estate

Jinxu remembered that the master had said that the Su Cui Hong Lun lotus petals were exceptionally precious, and the owner would never casually plant them under the rocks; they must be nurtured in a jade pot indoors. However, its fragrance was particularly unique, resembling musk yet not quite musk. Before Jinxu arrived, she had carefully inhaled the fragrance of the orchid and made a note of it.

His eyes were bright and expressive, and Jinxi felt her face flush and her heart race as she blurted out: "Do you have the Su Cui Hong Lun lotus petal orchid in your residence?"

Jin Xi looked at Zhu Shouqian with a mix of laughter and disbelief, thinking to herself, what kind of answer is this? She was determined to get to the bottom of it.

The guard said that a branch of orchid was left by the visitor. Zhu Shouqian gestured for Jinxi to take a look

"Who?" Jinxi asked in surprise as she woke up

The moonlight shone upon her, casting only a faint, hazy shadow, while the tight-fitting garment accentuated the graceful figure of the young girl. Li Jinglong stood not far away, silently observing this unexpected guest, and leisurely inquired: "Intentional fragrance is not willing to be scented, yet the fragrance exists in the unintentional. The night is enchanting; when will the seeker of beauty arrive at the orchid garden?"

Turning past the artificial hill, the fragrance of orchids became even more intense. Jinxi frowned slightly; not far away, a lantern was lit. She held her breath and stood still for a moment, and after not hearing any voices, she revealed her form and flew over like a bird

She lowered her head to gaze at the orchid garden before her, clearly tended by someone who loves and understands orchids. The orchids are situated near the bamboo grove, some nestled beneath the rocks, others planted by the stream, always shaded by lush greenery. A shallow stream, artificially introduced, flows gently through, perfectly aligning with the orchids' preference for shade and moisture.

This is a precious Su Cui Hong Lun Lian Petal Orchid. A streak of red, like blood, adorns the emerald green petals, resembling a new moon. This type of orchid is extremely rare and likely unaffordable for an average household. "Cousin, among the people you know, is there anyone who particularly loves orchids?"

Is that so? You are not spying on my treasured Su Cui Hong Lun Lian Petal Orchid, are you?" Li Jinglong slowly walked towards her

Li Jinglong would not allow her to escape, and with a leap, he landed right in front of Jinxi. "Lift the veil, so this young master can see your face!" Li Jinglong said leisurely.

Did he leave the orchid behind, intending for her to seek him out?

She lowered her voice and cupped her fist towards Li Jinglong, saying: "I beg your pardon, I merely lost my way and was drawn in by the fragrance of orchids, which led me to enter your residence at night. I hope for your understanding. I assure you, I harbor no ill intentions"