Chapter 8
Chapter 8
I went to Qin Tower.
I had asked the madam there to help me select a few girls. She had sent word that she had found them, so I went there today to inspect the goods.
When I saw the four girls-each with a delicate, pitiful air and her own unique charm-I nodded in satisfaction.
I handed the madam a banknote for ten thousand taels of silver and pointed at the most captivating one. “I want this girl. This girl will be your star attraction. This girl…”
After settling the four of them, I led the one named Chen Qiaoqiao out the door.
A few days later, Chen Qiaoqiao, dressed in mourning white and selling herself to pay for her father’s funeral, was being harassed by local thugs. In her moment of peril, she encountered the Sixth Prince, who was out picking a hairpin for Gong Qiuyue.
The Sixth Prince froze the moment he saw her face, which bore a striking resemblance to Gong Qiuyue’s.
He generously dealt with the ruffians, paid for her father’s burial, and arranged a place for her to stay.
In a secluded courtyard, Chen Qiaoqiao began to loosen her robes, saying she didn’t care for status or a title; she only wanted to repay her benefactor.
The Sixth Prince fled in a panic.
A few more days passed.
A famous courtesan named Fuxiang emerged in Qin Tower. Someone had written a poem for her: “The cold moon soaks the silken sash, as floating fragrance is sought in the shadows.” Her fame skyrocketed instantly.
Innumerous refined gentlemen flocked to the establishment, vying for the chance to claim her first night.
The Sixth Prince, fond of that particular poem, disguised himself and visited Qin Tower. He marveled at how perfectly the girl matched the verse.
He had no idea that this was a poem he had written for Fuxiang in his past life.
Later, he bought Fuxiang’s freedom…
After that, he met a cook who ran her own shop and a girl from a respectable family. Without exception, they all bore a resemblance to Gong Qiuyue.
The Sixth Prince felt it was too much of a coincidence.
It was as if, overnight, Gong Qiuyue’s face had started appearing everywhere.
He ordered an investigation, but it yielded nothing.
He could only try to convince himself that perhaps Gong Qiuyue wasn’t as unique as he had thought.
Eventually, he got drunk at the cook’s little shop and woke up in Fuxiang’s arms…
He was completely lost in his indulgence.
The Ninth Prince told me I owed him a favor. If he hadn’t stepped in, it would have been impossible to cover up the backgrounds of those women.
I replied indifferently, “Even without you, the First Prince would have acted. Your Highness should thank me for helping you eliminate a rival for Gong Qiuyue’s affections.”
His expression darkened.
“Why do you hate Gong Qiuyue so much? You’re sisters!”
“Hahahaha!”
I couldn’t stop myself from laughing, as if I had just heard the greatest joke in the world.
“Your Highness, what meaning do ‘siblings’ have for people of our background? Regardless, I accept your favor this time. Of the three oaths Your Highness owes me, one has been redeemed.”
He looked at me intently, a few words escaping his thin lips:
“You madwoman…”
He seemed to say something else, but I didn’t hear him clearly.