Chapter 28: Where Did I Really Lose?

Inside the Hall of Benevolence, people came and went in a constant stream. After much effort, Lu Qingqing finally found the doctor who had cured Manman’s poisoning that day.

The man waved his hand with a troubled sigh and drew her aside.

“This matter—let me be honest—I’ve already meddled too much. Please, young madam, don’t bring it up again.”

“If I don’t know what poison it was, or who was behind it, what am I to do if someone targets Manman again? Please, try to understand a mother’s heart.”

As she spoke, Lu Qingqing made to kneel before him. She knew the doctor must be kindhearted if he could cure Manman; surely, this would move him.

Startled, the doctor hurriedly reached out to help her up. “Young madam, there’s no need to make it hard for me. I’m merely keeping someone’s secret. In truth, I wasn’t the one who cured the poison.”

Her eyes widened in shock. “Then I owe even more gratitude to my benefactor.”

“That poison did not originate in Northern Qi. She never intended for it to harm others—it was her own creation. Ah, but it’s just as she predicted. All this was within her expectations.”

The doctor looked helpless; the mysterious woman had foreseen everything.

“Surely, you’ve heard of Lady Miao? She dwells in the House of Pleasures. She said you would surely get to the bottom of things, and if fate allows, you will meet her.”

Seeing that the doctor had offered her a clue, Lu Qingqing pressed him no further and thanked him sincerely.

The grandest pleasure house in Northern Qi, the House of Pleasures, was bustling even in the middle of the afternoon.

Lu Qingqing was no stranger to this place. As a child, she’d been curious about what went on inside and coaxed Shen Jin to bring her here. Every time she suggested it, the boy’s face would flush scarlet, and he would scold her for her mischief.

In their younger days, Shen Jin was powerless against Lu Qingqing’s wheedling. After much pestering, he finally brought her into the pleasure house. The two of them, sneaking about, had barely entered a room before the heavy scent of powder and rouge overwhelmed them—they hadn’t even managed a proper look before Shen’s father caught them and dragged them home. Shen Jin was flogged, and his father sternly rebuked him for leading Qingqing astray.

His little bride, raised at home, was someone Shen Jin could only spoil.

Now, returning to the House of Pleasures, Lu Qingqing crept in, dodging groups of patrons and slipping deftly through a window. Years of childhood mischief had left her quite skilled. She listened to the suggestive voices drifting from the rooms, and while everyone was “otherwise occupied,” she slipped through to the next chamber. Just as she was about to ascend to the third floor, a pair of hands yanked her into the shadows.

Suddenly, the whole house erupted in commotion.

“Hurry, search carefully! Don’t offend the distinguished guests!”

A man clamped a hand tightly over her mouth. Shen Jin’s eyes blazed red, his anger barely contained.

“What are you doing here?”

“It’s none of your business.”

“You’re a mother now—do you think it’s proper to be in a place like this, Lu Qingqing?” Shen Jin’s irritation was palpable.

Judging by the uproar inside, it was clear someone uninvited had slipped in. This was a place of utmost secrecy, patronized by high-ranking officials and nobles. Shen Jin dragged Lu Qingqing into another room.

Inside, the air was thick with incense, the cloying fragrance leaving both of them uncomfortable.

“Aren’t you afraid your little wife will find out, young marquis?” a woman teased. “I’ve heard your wife is quite the firebrand.”

“That shrew,” Xie Zhiyun spat, following her lead. “Don’t mention her—she’s a real killjoy!”

“If you dislike her so much, why not cast her aside?”

Lu Qingqing heard the woman’s goading and knew that Xie Zhiyun would never spare her dignity in front of others.

A low, mocking chuckle sounded by her ear—Shen Jin, no doubt enjoying the spectacle.

“My parents arranged the match; I had no choice. Besides, she practically threw herself into my arms. Say what you will, Lu Qingqing is a beauty.”

Lu Qingqing ground her teeth. Very well, Xie Zhiyun—your days are numbered.

“You really set your sights on someone like that?” Shen Jin leaned down, his breath hot against her ear, making her tremble in his arms. “Compared to the young marquis, just how have I fallen short, hmm? Qingqing?”