That was in the past, but ever since

What nonsense are you going on about? A high-pitched, nasally voice cut in.

They collectively turned back to see Mother Bao of the House of Serenity swaying her stocky body as she walked in, fanning herself with a soft, fluffy fan as she pushed those ladies aside. She added, You lot, what rubbish are you talking about here instead of serving our customers? Quick, shoo, go off and bring in our other esteemed guests.

Yes, Mother! None of those ladies dared to talk back and dispersed, each one tottering off to find themselves another customer.

Mother Bao grinned at Ji Yunshu, her eyes scrunching up into a fine line as she smiled, Hoho, isnt this Master Liang? Pardon my late arrival, how about we head up to the third floor, and Ill have my best girls come and serve this master. She was a mama-san, as decorated with gold and ornaments as a christmas tree! 1

Ji Yunshu retracted her gaze and asked, What happened to that Miss Yuin? Why is her business so bad these days?

No, no, theres no such thing why will Miss Yuin have any trouble? Shes our most well-known dancer here; many people travel from far and wide just to watch her dance for a moment. But shes not getting younger I, Mother Bao, have watched her grow up from a young girl and shes practically my daughter. Tonights stage was prepared especially for her whoever can afford it can bring Yuin home.

So an auction?

Auction? What does that mean?

Nothing much. Since Miss Yuin will be taking centre-stage today, then this young master will wait till nightfall.

Sure, sure, sure. Then how about you two young masters find a good seat on the third storey? Otherwise, itll be a full house when it nears that time.

Fine! Ji Yunshu agreed in a split second, ignoring Jing Rongs displeasure as they made their way upstairs.

Mother Bao noticed the silent Jing Rong as they got up. She leaned towards him purposefully, speaking in a nasally, strangely fluctuating tone, This master is so good-looking, you must be Master Liangs friend. I wonder what type does this young master like? Mother Bao can arrange everything for you.

Theres no need.

Arent you here to have fun? Pleasure? Theres still some time, how about

Jing Rong shot her a stern glance, I said theres no need. Mother Bao flinched backwards; she knew her boundaries since she was so outrightly rejected, she could only continue waving her fan as she showed them the way upstairs.

Once they found a good seat, Ji Yunshu asked Jing Rong for a silver ingot, handing it over to Mother Bao, No need to send any girls just serve us a pot of good tea. We dont want to be disturbed.

Yes, yes, yes. The tea will be here shortly. Then I wont bother you two masters any longer. She tossed that ingot in her hand and practically hopped away in glee.

How are you going to repay me for that silver ingot? Jing Rong rapped his knuckles on the table.

Ji Yunshu looked at him out of the corner of her eye, I seem to recall that you still owe me a sum of money.

What do you mean?

Ive agreed to take on the Lin Capital Case, and solved the Missing Girls Case. You said youll reward me with a sum of silvers how long has it been already? Ive yet to even see one cent.

You greedy moneydigger.

Ji Yunshu scoffed. Money rules the world; a penniless man is bound to suffer.

When you become Princess Rong, there wont be any need for you to even worry about money. What this Prince owns is yours then, this Prince will order a bed crafted from gold for you. You can sleep on that gold all you want.

Ji Yunshu was speechless. The two of them bickered back-and-forth, not the least bit fatigued.

Mother Bao sent a servant with tea and cakes for them, her silver ingot safely in her pocket.

Jing Rong chatted incessantly from morning till night as they waited for what they came for. He talked about his childhood in the Eighth Princes Estate, what happened when he entered the palace, about establishing his own estate once he was conferred his royal title, or those strange and interesting things that he had experienced He even brought up what he had previously shared with Liu Qingping, recounting their conversation word-for-word for Ji Yunshu. He described flowers blooming from rocks, willows that wept blood, river monsters Ji Yunshus ears began to hurt from his talking and she tossed out, Then what about your Imperial Mother? Ive never once heard about her from you.

Jing Rongs expression darkened in the blink of an eye. He gulped down his tea in one shot. I dont want to talk about the past.

Ji Yunshu was not one to dwell on things; since he did not want to speak of it, then she would not ask.

Unexpectedly, Jing Rong continues speaking on his own volition. My Imperial Mother passed away a long time ago. She was banished to the Cold Palace for a tiny mistake and hung herself the next day. Ever since, this Prince had neither backing nor support. He took another sip of tea.

Ji Yunshus clenched painfully in sympathy; this must be why Jing Rong had never been favoured by Qi Zhen Emperor all these years. But what mistake did his Imperial Mother commit?

The two of them sat like this in the House of Serenity for the entire day.

As dusk fell, more and more people gathered in the House of Serenity, most of them here for that Miss Yuin. Looking down from the third storey, the first floor was so packed with people that there was little room for movement. The lanterns outside were brightly lit, a colourful sight complementing that already luxurious round stage.

Ji Yunshu remarked, I think nobody knows that those three dead people saw the ghost here at the House of Serenity. Only those in the yamen and the House of Serenity are aware. Otherwise, if those men knew about what happened in that Moonlit Dream room, I bet there wouldnt be that many people here tonight. Mother Bao must also have been worried that the news would eventually get out, so shes selling Miss Yuin whilst they are all still in the dark. She could still earn some money from this transaction.

Then what exactly do you want to do? Jing Rong was frustrated.

The highest bidder wins didnt Mother Bao tell you just now?

You want to buy her? Jing Rong was startled!

Ji Yunshu shrugged her shoulders, Why else did you think weve been sitting here all day for? Just to have a cup of tea?

Ji Yunshu, are you out of your mind? Why would you want to buy a woman?

Youre the one thats out of your mind. Ji Yunshu narrowed her eyes as she rebutted, Since this string of events occurred in the Moonlit Dream room, that means that Miss Yuin was definitely present at that scene. She must have seen something, but the case files state that she saw nothing isnt it strange? Since ghosts dont exist in this world, then that Miss Yuin must know something but shes purposely hiding it.

Realisation dawned upon Jing Rong. So, you want to buy her and pry that information from her?

Wrong!

Hmm?

Im not buying her, you are.

WHAT?!

Before he could say anything, screams erupted from the floor below. The crowd began to shuffle forwards as they cheered, each one fixing their leering eyes on that round stage. Mother Bao stood just in front of those muslin drapes, her fan still in her hand as she addressed the crowd with a sickly sweet smile, We have kept the masters waiting.

Hurry up, weve been waiting for too long.

Mother Bao knows that you have all come for Yuin. Our Yuin is the top act of our House of Serenity, but this Mother Bao will painfully give her up today. Im sure the masters today are familiar with our rules there is only one way if you want to have Yuin, and that is to bid. Whoever offers the highest price can take Yuin away.

Tensions within the crowd began to run high.

Yuin is mine!

This young master has nothing but money.

Ive travelled from a very faraway place for Yuin. I must get her today. Those young masters had already began their tussle.

Mother Bao quickly calmed the crowd. Ive stated the rules; as long as you can afford it, you can have the girl. Its time, let my Yuin appear!

As soon as she finished speaking, a svelte figure started her descent from a long cloth from the third storey, spiralling down right into that covered stage.

1. A mama-san is sometimes called a madame. She is an older lady that oversees and manages the other prostitutes in a brothel.