Chapter 8, The New Series of Turtle Slaves

Where has Zhang De gone? Why is this slowpoke taking his place?

While turning sideways to make way, he turned his head and called out in a hushed voice to the courtyard: "Ladies, we have a guest—"

That group of people occupied the best "Juefang Pavilion" in the courtyard, calling for the most beautiful young women to accompany them, each with one, laughing and joking, making such a racket that it was unbearable. Yet there was only one corner where everyone consciously refrained from disturbing, creating an atmosphere that was eerily quiet.

You little rascal! The young ladies laughed playfully, yet their expressions were satisfied. Yan Hong smiled and said, "Xiao Zhi, if you weren't a distant relative of Yin'er and working as a helper in our area, I would truly think you were the son of some wealthy family."

Feng Zhiwei, however, had no desire to inquire further. That night on the bridge, they drank together; after parting on that snowy night, she was not willing to see him again

Where did the new turtle slave in the Orchid Fragrance Courtyard come from? Even the way they call for guests sounds like a woman calling for spring.

"Ning Cheng, you have recently begun to show compassion for the delicate," the man said, not even glancing at the woman who lay on the ground in pain. He smiled as he stood up, "I thought you would fall face-first."

This was the original plan. Ning Cheng leaned forward and glanced at Lan Yi, but I suddenly noticed that her makeup was too heavy, fearing it might not be suitable.

A black ebony embroidered silver bamboo screen partially separates a tranquil space. Beside an exquisite mat, a small three-legged black stone censer burns high-quality agarwood. In the pale, cool smoke, the scholar with long, slightly disheveled hair and a drooping collar lazily rests his chin on his elbow, smiling gently as he leans down towards the young lady's fair wrist and jade-like fingers, drinking from the cup of wine she offers.

Yin'er was held in that person's embrace, frequently looking back with a gaze that was both sorrowful and pleading, as if searching for someone who could help her out of her predicament, yet everyone turned their eyes away.

Xiao Zhi, the highly sociable Wei Zhi, and Feng Zhiwei

A guard of unremarkable appearance suddenly emerged from an unknown corner, seized the small black stone cauldron, and turned it over to pour it directly onto Lan Yi's head

After three rounds of drinks, everyone was feeling tipsy. Some people took the young ladies out, and Yin'er was also taken out by that young gentleman. The crowd watched their departing figures, their expressions somewhat peculiar.

Lan Yi thought he was just joking, and with a playful laugh, she leaned in again

Wherever he passes, the ashes do not rise, and tears can only be buried in the dust

Just as she stepped out, in the elegant chamber facing away from her, a refined man in a moon-white brocade robe suddenly smiled and pushed aside the orchid-clad figure in his arms

Her attention was on the seat, as Yin Er's complexion was quite poor, constantly giving her subtle signals, and beside her was the pale, sickly-looking man in yellow, whose murky gaze seemed rather unsettling

Feng Zhiwei, with a blank expression, served tea, thinking to herself that if Lan Yiruo had witnessed that night when he pushed Yin'er into the river, she wondered if she could still feel shy.

He casually pinched the young woman's rosy cheek, prompting the courtesan Lan Yi from the Orchid Fragrance Pavilion to shyly pout and act coy.

However, the affairs of the world often do not align with one's wishes—one cannot simply avoid meeting someone by not wanting to see them.

Mother was taken aback for a moment, reluctantly responded, gestured for Feng Zhiwei to come over, and said softly: "Be careful! Alas..."

With a gentle smile, disregarding his lively guard, the man silently swept past the crowd, heading in the direction where Feng Zhiwei had departed, and exited the door

Once again, she instructed Feng Zhiwei: "Xiao Zhi, you have always been clever and well-mannered, better than anyone else in the courtyard. Today, you must help your mother a bit and keep an eye on things."

She was about to go out with a basket when she suddenly saw a large crowd coming from ahead

Suddenly, he waved his sleeve.

Is it possible? Yin Er came out of the room and patted her shoulder, saying, "The hierarchy of the Tian Sheng Dynasty is extremely strict; even if the young masters of wealthy families fall to the level of beggars and starve to death, they would not come to a place like ours"

Feng Zhiwei furrowed her brows, yet her feet remained still. She always felt that as long as that person was present, it was better not to show off her abilities.

Xiao Zhi, I heard that new dyed silk flowers have come out at the market, please bring me a few branches

Feng Zhiwei was momentarily taken aback, fell silent for a while, silently set down the teacup in her hand, and quietly followed out through the side door.

Feng Zhiwei did not wish to meddle in others' affairs, preferring to act as if she were unaware—women of the world inevitably encounter various unrefined patrons, dealing with them is their essential lesson, not her obligation

Suddenly, silence enveloped the surroundings, and everyone was left in stunned silence.

Please bring me a few as well, in emerald green and tangerine orange

Her hands were in constant motion, and as she turned back and forth, she always felt a gaze sweeping over her from behind, clinging to her back, filled with curiosity, yet she remained composed, not even turning her head in that direction.

She cast a complex glance at the young servant, who responded with a slight smile, remaining composed as always. This person's demeanor seemed straightforward, yet was actually enigmatic; appeared calm, yet acted beyond the ordinary.

It was merely a matter of reaching out to pull her out of the river; how could it escalate to a life-saving grace? Feng Zhiwei was puzzled, while Yin Er remained silent. She was still haunted by the events of that night, and her expression turned fearful at the mention of that man. The fear she exhibited did not seem to stem solely from being pushed into the river; rather, it appeared to be related to something else.

Mother's expression was one of worry, devoid of any joy at the prospect of business. Feng Zhiwei looked at her in surprise. Mother's demeanor was serious as she whispered, "Did you see that skinny man in the yellow clothes? I heard he is not a good person. The top courtesan at Guanhua Residence, Soft Jade, was reportedly harmed by that guy. Guo Mama from Guanhua Residence, relying on her connections, tried to make a scene, but within a few days, she was forced to close down, even smashing the courtyard and the books. Sigh, why did you think of coming here today? Please do not cause me any trouble..."

Feng Zhiwei lowered her head, catching a glimpse of those people dressed in luxurious attire, clearly members of the noble families from the capital. Among them, one wore a brocade robe of moonlight blue, intricately embroidered with silver-threaded bamboo patterns at the hem, exuding elegance and nobility. The sight of such colors made her brows twitch slightly, causing her to lower her head even further.

The place where he is located

As noon approaches, the ten-mile rouge is on the verge of awakening. In the Orchid Fragrance Pavilion, the sounds of orioles and swallows fill the air. The young ladies lean out, calling to the young servant in blue who is preparing to go out with a basket for shopping in the courtyard below.

Feng Zhiwei was taken aback; just as she was about to hide, someone over there called out: "Hey, you turtle slave, the young masters have arrived, why aren't you arranging for the young ladies to receive guests!"

Sister Yan Hong has a fair complexion with a hint of red, and wearing a turquoise flower clashes with it; a light pink would enhance her beauty even more. The young servant looked up with a smile and added, "Although glutinous lotus root is delicious, eating too much can lead to indigestion. Sister Cui Huan is too fond of eating; be careful not to become a plump beauty."

Four Fragrance Studio Rock Candy Glutinous Lotus Root Half a Jin

Having taken refuge in the brothel for a month, she performed her menial tasks exceptionally well, thanks in no small part to Yin'er’s care. The woman did not allow her to become a mere plaything, instead persuading the madam to take her on as a servant. Although this was of little practical benefit, it was nonetheless an act of kindness. Feng Zhiwei was deeply grateful, while Yin'er repeatedly expressed her thanks, stating that day had truly been a matter of life and death and a debt of gratitude.

Yet Mingming, along with a group of young nobles, engaged in the act of visiting prostitutes, displaying a casual and natural demeanor. However, for some reason, it felt distinctly out of place.

The young servant is a distant relative of the renowned courtesan Yin'er from Lanxiang Courtyard. A month ago, he sought refuge here. Though he speaks little, he is quick-witted and perceptive, earning the fondness of the young ladies.

However, the two of them walked past her in an embrace, and a sudden flash of deep red and purple bruises across the snow-white skin within Yin Er's partially open garment caught her eye

This voice was still learned from the turtle servant Zhang Deying when welcoming guests, lacking proficiency and sounding somewhat stiff, which immediately caused that group of young nobles to burst into laughter

The scorching ash fell in a swirling manner, accompanied by a woman's piercing and sorrowful scream

The person lowered their face, the subtle smile in their eyes captivating all beings, watching as the woman approached, oblivious to the situation, with a slight curve at the corner of their lips

A group of people passed by her, laughing as if she were invisible. Feng Zhiwei stared at the ground, noticing the corner of a robe sweep past her without stirring any dust. Just as she silently let out a long sigh of relief, she heard a young gentleman laughing as he pointed at her, saying to the approaching lady, "Later, we will have a drinking game; have this little one serve us!"

Feng Zhiwei reluctantly agreed, living under the roof of others, and in a brothel at that. This day was bound to come sooner or later. If she could avoid it, she would; if not, then let it be seen how things would unfold.

In that corner, the laughter was low and subdued, and the woman let out a soft moan. Compared to the clamor and noise outside, it possessed a unique and ambiguous charm.