Chapter 11: Neighboring Pavilion

The Riverside Pavilion, true to its name, was built by the river, and at this moment, faint sounds of joyful singing and laughter drifted from within. The songs were ethereal and winding, and the laughter tinkled like silver bells, charming and coy.

Strings and flutes played softly as the singing in the elegant chamber on the second floor unfolded gently. Through a screen embroidered with golden threads and red flowers, graceful silhouettes could be glimpsed, dancing with poise. The room was filled with the delicate aroma of incense, and beautiful women formed a circle, plucking the pipa and singing softly. In the center stood a woman in a pale blue gown, her long black hair arranged in a chignon adorned with a plum blossom hairpin. Her delicate face wore a gentle smile as her slender figure danced lightly to the melody.

At the head of the room, a man in purple robes sat languidly upon a soft couch, eyes half-closed and leaning against the backrest. One leg was bent, and his fingers tapped rhythmically on his knee in time with the music. Beside him knelt a demure woman in pink, her slender hand holding a cup brimming with wine as she offered it to him with a radiant smile. The man opened his eyes, smiled rakishly, took the cup, and drained it in one gulp. Then, he drew her closer and transferred the wine from his mouth to hers, saying, "Xiu'er, remember to feed me wine this way from now on."

Xiu'er feigned shyness, lightly striking his arm with a blush on her lovely face, her voice coquettish: "You're so annoying, young master."

The man in purple chuckled, refraining from further teasing, turning his attention back to the song and dance. Xiu'er noticed his gaze linger on the woman in blue at the center, and a fleeting shadow crossed her bright eyes. She bit her rosy lower lip but still wore a dazzling smile as she tilted her head, "Young master, do you fancy Sister Yunshang?"

"Hmm?" The man in purple glanced at Xiu'er, then turned to the dancing woman in blue, raising his brows, "Yunshang... 'Clouds think of clothes, flowers think of beauty'—that is indeed a fine name."

Xiu'er furrowed her brows, lips slightly parted, about to say something when suddenly the door to the chamber was pushed open. "Chu Muji, did you summon me here just to let me watch you indulge in revelry with beauties in your arms?" The voice was enchanting, unforgettable from the first hearing, as if a feather brushed gently across one's heart, stirring the placid waters within.

Xiu'er couldn't help but look up, and saw a young man emerge from behind the screen. He wore a pale yellow robe with a moon-white belt embroidered with intricate patterns, accentuating his slender waist that seemed barely a handful. His skin was porcelain white, his nose high and delicate, lips tinged with crimson, his features radiant and alluring. Most striking of all, between his brows was a vermilion birthmark. Xiu'er gazed at him, momentarily stunned, with only four words echoing in her mind—peerless beauty, city-toppling charm.

Chu Muji turned to look at him, teasing, "Peerless Prince, your beauty is unrivaled. With your arrival, all these beauties pale in comparison."

Beigong Qiyi cast him a sidelong glance, paying no heed to the women in the room. He sat casually beside Chu Muji, waving his hand to signal everyone to withdraw.

The previously decadent chamber fell silent at once. Beigong Qiyi ignored the displeasure of those around him, poured himself a cup of wine, and said, "Speak. What is it?"

Chu Muji pursed his lips, shedding his former frivolity, and offered a gentle smile, "You’ve been away from Frost Mountain for two years now, and it's time you return to Li Manor. Since you wish to go back, it’s only right I see you off." With that, he clapped his hands, "Bring the dishes."

Beigong Qiyi glanced at him, his slender fingers tapping the table, his voice unhurried, "You are thoughtful." Since descending from Frost Mountain, Beigong Qiyi hadn't immediately returned to Li Manor but spent two years honing his skills in the martial world. Now, at sixteen, it was time to return. He mused to himself, smiling wryly and shaking his head—no doubt that person had long forgotten this younger brother.

Just then, the door was pushed open again, and a succession of exquisite dishes were placed on the table, their aromas promising delicious flavors. As the servants withdrew, two stunning women entered; one was the blue-clad dancer from earlier, the other wore a dark green gauze dress, far more revealing than her companion. Through the sheer fabric, her snowy white chest was almost visible. Each carried a bottle of wine, kneeling with charming smiles beside the two men.

Beigong Qiyi looked at the green-clad woman at his side, his beautiful brows furrowing. The woman saw his displeasure but did not understand why, so she bit her lip and fluttered her alluring eyes, pitifully inching closer, "Young master..."

But before she could finish her half-coquettish, half-pleading words, Beigong Qiyi pushed her away coldly, "Leave, and change your clothes."

The woman in green widened her eyes, seeing the frost in his gaze, and hurriedly fled the room.

Chu Muji frowned in confusion at Beigong Qiyi, "What's gotten into you?" In three years of acquaintance, he had never seen Beigong Qiyi so angry toward a woman.

Beigong Qiyi shook his head, his eyes shifting to Yunshang beside Chu Muji, and joked, "This girl by your side seems quite nice. Would you part with her?"

Chu Muji blinked and laughed, "If you wish, why not?" He patted Yunshang’s waist, signaling her to go over. Yunshang looked at Chu Muji, then at Beigong Qiyi, her lovely face betraying no emotion as she obediently moved over and poured wine for Beigong Qiyi.

Beigong Qiyi smiled, pulled Yunshang into his arms. Yunshang glanced at the peerless face so close to hers, and a rosy blush bloomed on her pale cheeks as she buried her face in his embrace. Beigong Qiyi looked down at her, laughed indifferently, "Yunshang... In my childhood, I met someone—her name and appearance were much like yours. I believe she was called... Nishang?"

Yunshang nestled in his arms, her voice gentle, "Yunshang cannot compare to Sister Nishang. When Sister Nishang was famed, Yunshang was just a little girl." Beigong Qiyi smiled faintly, then drained his cup, "Our acquaintance spans two years. I must thank Brother Chu for your care. I shall await you at Li Manor anytime."

Chu Muji was taken aback, then quickly raised his cup and drank. He smiled wryly at Beigong Qiyi's words, "I dare not visit Li Manor lightly. Your elder brother is quite intimidating." Then, as if remembering something, he asked, "By the way, why isn't Ximo here today?"

Beigong Qiyi smiled, idly twirling a strand of Yunshang’s black hair, "Ximo is still young. Such a place is not suitable for him."

"Oh, as if you’re so much older," Chu Muji teased. "Speaking of which, your little follower is quite handsome. If you have no interest, why not hand him over to me?"

Beigong Qiyi picked up a thin slice of meat and put it in his mouth, merely smiling at Chu Muji's words, "Come to think of it, you’re rather good-looking yourself." He set down his chopsticks, looked Chu Muji up and down, then leaned in and lifted Chu Muji’s chin, chuckling softly, "Why not follow me? Then you’ll see whether I’m big… or not."

Chu Muji stared at the handsome face just inches away, swallowed involuntarily, caught by the faint fragrance from Beigong Qiyi. His heart skipped a beat, and his face felt hot, "You… what nonsense are you spouting? I never knew you were so shameless!" He shoved Beigong Qiyi away, turning his head and growling in embarrassment and anger.

Beigong Qiyi burst into loud laughter, releasing Yunshang from his embrace and motioning for her to leave. Chu Muji glared at him fiercely, cursing himself for inviting trouble, then poured himself a cup of wine and drank it in silence.