As dusk fell, the streets below gradually came alive.
Tonight was the Courtesan Selection Banquet.
The Peach Blossom House blazed with lights, its streets teeming with life. Wealthy merchants and nobles rushed to enter, while vendors called out their wares. As music rose from the theater stage, this corner became the most prosperous spot in Lin'an City.
"I heard Du Qingdai is the favorite this year. Her song 'Drunken Dreams' echoed for three days..."
"Her twin sister Du Qingshuang has even more exceptional talents..."
"What a pity Qingshuang isn't participating this year..."
"Su Xingyao is making a comeback," someone in the back sneered. "Beauty fades with time. How can she compete with these young women?"
"Isn't she the one who danced the Rainbow Feather Dance? Even Lord Zhao was captivated..."
"She's older now, and divorced. Surely her former glory has faded..."
"I heard Lord Zhao found someone else..."
Whispers of doubt about her return filled the air. Su Xingyao gazed at herself in the mirror, her red lips curling slightly.
Today, she wasn't here to relive past glories.
Nor was she here to prove anything.
She was here for... revenge! To right the wrongs done to her!
As night deepened, the Peach Blossom House grew even livelier. All eyes in the city focused on this brilliantly lit establishment, waiting to see who would be crowned the premier courtesan.
Amid the sound of silk strings and bamboo flutes, behind flowing curtains, beautiful women moved like woven silk. Suddenly, the door curtain lifted, letting in a cold breeze. A tall figure entered, his dark cape billowing, snow fox fur gleaming softly in the lamplight. It was Jiang Yuchuan.
"Your Highness, you've finally arrived." A woman at the front batted her eyes, taking his arm.
"Tonight is for business." Jiang Yuchuan smiled lightly, walking straight to the elevated platform. His eyes swept through the crowd, pausing momentarily as if searching for something.
"Isn't that Prince Jing?" In a corner, a rat-faced man lowered his voice, glancing around before continuing, "Prince Jing is the orphaned son of the late Prince Ping, the Emperor's own nephew. When Prince Ping was alive, his military achievements were legendary, his prestige enormous. If heaven hadn't taken him so soon..."
"What would have happened?" His companion leaned forward unconsciously, voice barely audible.
"This empire might have..." The man's words were cut short as footsteps approached. His face changed dramatically, and he hurriedly drained his cup, swallowing his words with the wine.
Just then, a fresh breeze carrying subtle fragrance dispersed the chamber's clamor. Cheng Xuan entered, dressed in snow-white robes that shimmered with elegance. His features were refined, his expression cold, as he walked directly to sit beside Jiang Yuchuan.
"Master Cheng!" Several women exclaimed softly, their voices full of admiration.
"Is Master Cheng here to judge as well?"
"He's the dream husband of every girl in Qiantang!"
As the sole heir to Qiantang's wealthiest family, Cheng Xuan's every move captured countless maiden hearts. Yet he remained unmoved, his white robes floating ethereally. He turned to Jiang Yuchuan, who was playing with three rings of sandalwood prayer beads: "Your Highness, I hear there's an old acquaintance at tonight's selection—Su Xingyao, once Lin'an's most famous courtesan."
"How could I not know of Lin'an's most famous courtesan?" Jiang Yuchuan's fingers spun the prayer beads, their clicking mixing with the fragrant air.