Chapter 12: Bittersweet: Lowering One’s Dignity

Nestled in the most bustling street of Yan Capital, Myriad Treasures Pavilion rose three stories high, with red lanterns hanging from the eaves, illuminating the walls in splendid gold and jade hues.

From afar, it resembled a city that never slept.

Myriad Treasures Pavilion never welcomed strangers.

Those who could enter were all prominent figures in Yan Capital.

The guests alighting from carriages wore brocade robes of various colors, but without exception, each wore a half-mask that revealed only their eyes.

Holding a folded fan, dressed in cloud satin brocade robes, Zhao Huairen walked steadily toward Myriad Treasures Pavilion.

Her refined features were obscured by the mask, but the air of refined nobility around her was hard to conceal. The moment she stepped into Myriad Treasures Pavilion, someone had already noticed her presence.

Upon seeing Zhao Huairen’s figure, a pair of fox-like eyes lit up instantly. Murong Yan set down the white jade abacus in her hand and hurried out from the inner room.

The young attendant guarding the door saw Zhao Huairen’s extraordinary bearing and immediately stepped forward to greet her. “This young lord…”

“You may go. I’ll personally attend to this young lord.” Murong Yan wore a light purple long skirt and also sported a half-mask, its edges inlaid with tiny gems.

After the attendant left, she glided toward Zhao Huairen with a smile playing on her lips. “Little young lord, that jar of wine you sent last night… this slave likes it very much.”

“Lead the way.” Zhao Huairen’s voice was slightly cool.

“You’re so aloof, young lord~”

Knowing she was deliberately teasing her, Zhao Huairen lifted her folded fan and gently pressed it against Murong Yan’s shoulder. “If you keep this up, there won’t be any more wine next time.”

Murong Yan shot her a coquettish glance, gathered the shawl on her arms, and a sly glint flashed in her eyes. “Young lord, don’t blame me for not warning you in advance—there’s a good show to watch at Myriad Treasures Pavilion today.”

“I know.”

Seeing that Zhao Huairen remained unmoved, Murong Yan pouted in self-defeat. “Come on then, Little Zhao Blockhead.”

Zhao Huairen made no comment on the new nickname.

She followed behind her into a private room on the second floor.

A carved purple sandalwood table sat by the window in the room, with a set of celadon tea wares on it. The air was filled with the curling fragrance of tea, refreshing to the soul.

“Is the Heir here to make an arrest today?” Murong Yan sat facing Zhao Huairen.

“Didn’t you just say there’s a good show at Myriad Treasures Pavilion today?” Zhao Huairen picked up the celadon teapot from the corner of the table and personally poured her a cup. “I’m just here to watch.”

Murong Yan recalled the invitation slip she had received last night and tried to suppress a smile at the corner of her lips. She nodded. “The Heir will surely enjoy today’s show.”

“Please enlighten me, Lady Murong.” Zhao Huairen detected the implication in her words.

“The Heir is the top scholar of the imperial exams; I’m just a humble pavilion master with nothing to teach.” Murong Yan took a shallow sip of the clear tea, then gracefully rose and pushed open the cloud-patterned gauze window overlooking the auction platform. “Heir, this private room of ours has the best view in Myriad Treasures Pavilion.”

Understanding her hint, Zhao Huairen looked up and asked, “What do you want me to see?”

Murong Yan lightly traced a slender finger in the air, smiling without a word.

Zhao Huairen’s gaze followed her direction and paused briefly upon spotting that tall figure. She frowned. “Why is she here too?”

The Heir is amusing. Myriad Treasures Pavilion isn’t some haunted place—why couldn’t General Yan come?”

“Today…” Zhao Huairen paused, then said, “Forget it. Have someone arrange a private room for her—one that’s more secluded.”

“General Yan is a valued guest of Myriad Treasures Pavilion. I’ve already arranged a private room for her, so no need for the Heir to worry.”

Myriad Treasures Pavilion always recognized money, not people.

Yan Yiqing had only returned to the capital yesterday.

On her first visit, how had she become a valued guest?

“You’ll find out soon enough, Heir.” Murong Yan winked and turned to Qin An standing by the door. “Qin An, want to make a bet with me?”

Seeing Zhao Huairen nod, Qin An respectfully replied, “What does Lady Murong wish to bet on with me?”

“What to bet on~” Her voice rose playfully at the end as Murong Yan grinned. “Let’s bet on your Heir—that she’ll be heartbroken today.”

“Why would the Heir be heartbroken?” Qin An countered.

Murong Yan slowly turned her head, propping her chin, her gaze fixed intently on Zhao Huairen. “With the Heir’s intelligence, you’ve surely guessed it already, right? So, heartbroken yet?”

“Not heartbroken.” Zhao Huairen’s phoenix eyes lowered slightly, without a hint of hesitation.

Murong Yan tried to find any ripple in Zhao Huairen’s eyes but failed. “You’re no fun. The first time you give this lady a gift, and she turns around and sells it—you’re not even angry.”

“General Yan is selling the Heir’s congratulatory gift!?” Qin An’s eyes widened.

“Yes, the item was already delivered here through someone.” Stroking the rim of her cup with her fingertip, Murong Yan raised an eyebrow. “Zhao Huaijin, did you ever imagine this when you rejected me back then? That you’d have this day too.”

The Murong clan had been merchants for generations and once rendered service to the founding emperor, earning them this neutral-ground Myriad Treasures Pavilion.

The position of pavilion master passed to daughters, not sons. As the legitimate eldest daughter of the Murong clan, Murong Yan had treasures at her fingertips since birth—except for the Zhao Heir before her.

She had liked the Heir for three years.

And thus, she had been rejected for three years.

Unwittingly lifting her gaze, Zhao Huairen looked at her intently and said warmly, “Lady Murong is peerlessly brilliant; it was this Zhao who failed to recognize your worth.”

“Hmph, at least you have some self-awareness!” Murong Yan ground her teeth and crossed her arms. “This is what they call the wheel of fortune turning—serves you right.”

“Yes, it serves me right.” Zhao Huairen lowered her eyes.

The candlelight flickered gently, casting faint shadows from her refined brow bones under her eyes. Her thin lips pressed into a straight line, making the pale pink hue appear a touch more vivid.

The beauty before her was truly captivating.

Unwittingly, Murong Yan became entranced.

“What’s wrong?”

“You’re so beautiful…”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized what she had said. Her cheeks flushed faintly, and Murong Yan angrily snapped, “Zhao Huaijin, you’re seducing me again!”

“Seducing?”

“You’re not allowed to be this beautiful, or this gentle…” Murong Yan’s voice grew softer and softer.

Murong Yan’s personality was straightforward and kind; Zhao Huairen truly regarded her as a little sister, so—

“Next month, it will be the date of my wedding with her.” Zhao Huairen suddenly brought it up.

“Of course I know.” Water shimmered in her bright fox-like eyes as Murong Yan turned her head away. “No need for you, Heir, to lower your dignity and specially remind me!”

Her fingertips contracted slightly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. Zhao Huairen skirted the main issue. “In the future, on the day Lady Murong marries, this Zhao will surely prepare a generous gift.”

“Hmph, that’s what you owe me.” Murong Yan muttered softly.

Zhao Huairen’s phoenix eyes lifted slightly, her gaze carrying a hint of inquiry.

“I mean, the auction is about to start.” Her heart sour and bittersweet, Murong Yan turned her head away and refused to look at her anymore.

Zhao Huairen did not dwell on what she had actually said.

She withdrew her gaze and looked sideways toward the main platform in the courtyard.