Chapter 61: Three Months Later, I’ve Come

Chapter 61: Three Months Later, I’ve Come

"These mediocre women are just playthings for ordinary men. Madam, I wish to meet the Pure Courtesan of your establishment." Ning Xiaochuan took out a Large Silver Cake and handed it to the madam.

"Pah! Pah! Who are you calling 'madam'? I’m still young! Call me Yu Youyan, or just Youyan! Young master, you’re looking for a Pure Courtesan? I am one—very pure indeed! And since you’re so handsome, I’ll give you half off. Play with me however you like, you little rascal!"

The madam extended two slender Jade Fingers, deftly plucking the Large Silver Cake Ning Xiaochuan had offered and tucking it into the snug bodice of her dress. She then leaned into Ning Xiaochuan’s arms, pressing against his chest as she gazed at him with seductive, half-lidded eyes.

Ning Xiaochuan remained composed, his hands clasped behind his back. He retrieved another Large Silver Cake from his Heaven and Earth Bag and said, "Now, may I meet your Pure Courtesan?"

Yu Youyan accepted the Large Silver Cake with a laugh. "Young master, you truly are a generous patron. We have ten Pure Courtesans here, all skilled in the arts—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—and none of them sell their bodies. Among them, three are even noble Heart Nurturers. Most importantly, each is breathtakingly beautiful, adored by all."

"I want to see the most beautiful one," Ning Xiaochuan declared.

"You mean Ningsheng? Ah…" Yu Youyan’s expression turned troubled.

Ning Xiaochuan frowned. "What? Am I not worthy of meeting her?"

"It’s not that, but… there’s already a distinguished guest who wishes to see Ningsheng, and he’s just gone in. You see…" Yu Youyan looked awkward.

Ning Xiaochuan said, "How much did he pay? I’ll double it."

Yu Youyan shook her head. "It’s not about money. Ningsheng is the foremost beauty of our Jade Viewing Pavilion, one of the three great beauties of the Imperial City. No amount of money guarantees an audience unless she herself is willing. You know how she is—unless she wants to see someone, not even the heavens could force her."

Ning Xiaochuan took out yet another Large Silver Cake. "Then do me a favor and announce me. Tell her that an old friend, Ning Xiaochuan, has come to fulfill the promise he made three months ago."

"No gift for her?" Yu Youyan blinked her round eyes, her gaze fixed on the Heaven and Earth Bag at Ning Xiaochuan’s waist, as if determined to drain him dry.

Isn’t that just like a woman?

Ning Xiaochuan frowned slightly. Dealing with clever women was dangerous—even a fortune could vanish in an instant.

"Of course, there’s a gift." He retrieved a jade box of icy coldness from his Heaven and Earth Bag and handed it to Yu Youyan.

When she opened the box, a burst of white light erupted, releasing a chilling aura. A wave of Pill Fragrance spread through the entire Jade Viewing Pavilion.

"This is a supreme-grade Intermediate Elixir—the Cold Silkworm Elixir," Ning Xiaochuan said. Truthfully, he hadn’t prepared a gift, but after some thought, this elixir was the most fitting present for Yu Ningsheng.

Though the Cold Silkworm Elixir was precious, compared to the life-saving favor Yu Ningsheng had done for him, it was nothing.

Yu Youyan's jaw nearly hit the floor, revealing a row of neat, snow-white teeth. Her eyes were filled with shock as she grabbed her own hair, messing up her hair ornaments. "Heavens! Such a grand gift—priceless! Master, your love for Ningsheng runs as deep as the sea! Why don’t you take me in too? I’m easy to keep, and I’m cheap!"

Inside the Jade Viewing Pavilion, the martial artists also sensed the aura of the Intermediate Elixir and were equally stunned. A few eccentric figures with profound cultivation even revealed greedy expressions, rubbing their hands in anticipation of snatching the Cold Silkworm.

"What’s this? What’s this? You dare try to steal from me? Who the hell dares to act out of line in the Jade Viewing Pavilion? Believe me, I’ll have their heads rolling in an instant!" Yu Youyan planted her hands on her hips, her body radiating a chilling Profound Qi, her voice carrying the sound of wind and thunder.

The martial artists who had been eyeing the Intermediate Elixir immediately straightened up, withdrew their gazes, and quietly retreated.

Ning Xiaochuan silently observed everything. It was no wonder the Jade Viewing Pavilion stood unshaken in the Imperial City—it clearly had formidable backing that made many think twice.

Ning Xiaochuan said, "Madam, may you take me to see Miss Ningsheng now?"

"Master, follow me!" Yu Youyan led Ning Xiaochuan through a series of painted pavilions and towers, entering the rear courtyard of the Jade Viewing Pavilion, heading toward a small, serene, and elegant garden.

The environment here was refined, far removed from the clamor. Faintly, the sound of strings and zithers could be heard drifting through the night—tranquil and melodious, evoking an indescribable sense of peace.

Was this really a brothel? It felt more like a hidden paradise!

"Extreme vulgarity becomes elegance," Ning Xiaochuan remarked.

Yu Youyan, walking ahead, was slightly taken aback by his words, and her impression of Ning Xiaochuan improved somewhat.

Even when Ning Xiaochuan had produced stacks of Large Silver Cakes, Yu Youyan had merely seen him as a wealthy patron—someone she’d smile at, take money from, and owe nothing to, someone she’d look down on.

Yes, she had looked down on him.

But after hearing his words just now, her opinion of him shifted. At the very least, she now thought this young master wasn’t so bad.

"Young Master Ning, please wait outside for a moment. I’ll go in and announce you," Yu Youyan said, her address for him changing instantly. Earlier, she had called him "Master"—a polite term used for any guest.

But now, she called him "Young Master Ning."

There was, of course, only one Young Master Ning.

In her eyes, this was already a much friendlier form of address.

Before long, Yu Youyan emerged, her face lit with joy, whispering mysteriously, "Young Master Ning, what exactly is your relationship with Ningsheng? When I relayed your words to her, she was overjoyed. She even sent away Ru Yizhi, one of the Imperial City's Ten Outstanding Youths—a guest as esteemed as him! Do you know that Ru Yizhi is one of Ningsheng’s closest friends and one of the outstanding individuals she most enjoys meeting? His character, appearance, and literary talent are all acknowledged as the finest among the younger generation."

Ning Xiaochuan replied, "A chance encounter."

"What a fine phrase—'a chance encounter'!"

A handsome man dressed in pristine white robes walked out of the small garden, followed by two veiled maidens in white gauze, exuding an ethereal and transcendent aura.

This was none other than Ru Yizhi, the First Scholar Under Heaven.

Ning Xiaochuan had long heard of this man’s reputation—renowned as the "First Scholar Under Heaven," a man of profound erudition and extraordinary talent, with unparalleled aptitude in martial cultivation. Along with nine others in the Imperial City, he was hailed as one of the Imperial City's Ten Outstanding Youths.

Compared to the illustrious Ten Outstanding Youths, Ning Xiaochuan, Xiao Li, and the young prince of the Kirin Prince's Manor were merely rising stars who had emerged in the past two years, still too young and far from matching the prestige of the Ten.

The Ten Outstanding Youths had already entered the Emperor's Martial Palace five years ago, with some even gaining admission a decade prior.

Ru Yizhi wore a faint smile as he cupped his hands in a polite salute toward Ning Xiaochuan, his demeanor humble and refined. "Any man granted an audience with Lady Yu Ningsheng must be no ordinary figure. A pleasure to meet you. May I ask your name, young brother?"

"Ning Xiaochuan," he replied with a nod before stepping into the garden.

Inside the elegant pavilion where Yu Ningsheng resided, a delicate fragrance lingered in the air, adorned with renowned paintings and the gentle murmur of a flowing spring. A beautiful Silver-ranked Courtesan opened the door for Ning Xiaochuan and ushered him inside.

Yu Ningsheng sat beside a qin table, her face veiled in white silk, her figure graceful and ethereal, flickering between illusion and reality. Her slender, exquisite fingers cradled the Cold Silkworm Elixir. At the sound of footsteps, she turned her gaze toward Ning Xiaochuan and said, "Young Master Ning, this gift of yours is far too precious!"

Her voice was elegant, as clear and melodious as a nightingale’s song!

Had she chosen to sing, even the most skilled musicians in the world would pale in comparison.

Inside the room, seven Silver-ranked Courtesans and two Gold-ranked Courtesans watched Ning Xiaochuan with keen curiosity, as if scrutinizing every strand of his hair.

Ning Xiaochuan said, "A life-saving favor cannot be repaid with even a hundred Intermediate Elixirs, let alone one. Today, I have come to fulfill the promise I made three months ago. Madam, come in!"

Yu Youyan, who had been eavesdropping outside, immediately pushed the door open upon hearing Ning Xiaochuan’s call and asked curiously, "What promise?"

Ning Xiaochuan pointed at Yu Ningsheng and declared, "I wish to buy her freedom!"

Those six simple words stunned everyone present, leaving them questioning whether they had misheard.

Even Yu Ningsheng herself had never dared to imagine such a thing. Three months ago, when Ning Xiaochuan had vowed to redeem her, she had dismissed it as youthful impulsiveness. Yet now, three months later… he had truly returned!

Her bright, star-like eyes locked onto Ning Xiaochuan’s gaze, and in that moment, she saw unwavering determination and resolve in his eyes.

That single glance was so steady and resolute!

Just like when Ning Xiaochuan had treated her poisoned wound—one look had made her trust him completely, and in the end, he had indeed pulled her back from the brink of death.

Even the shrewd and formidable Madam of the Jade Viewing Pavilion, Yu Youyan, stood frozen in shock!

She had thought she already held Ning Xiaochuan in high regard, believing she had given him enough credit. Yet, she never expected to still underestimate him—he had actually come to buy the freedom of Yu Ningsheng, one of the Three Great Beauties of the Imperial City?

Heavens! This was bound to cause a massive uproar in the Imperial City!