Chapter Ninety-Five: Jade Branch

Jiang Li and Tong’er walked into the Xihua Pavilion.

Bai Xue was simple-minded; she did whatever Jiang Li told her to do without questioning the right or wrong of it. Tong’er, however, felt that this was somewhat improper, and she suspected that all of this was merely a dream. Just think, how could her own young mistress go strolling into a brothel? If the person she served were a young master, it might have been understandable.

As soon as they reached the entrance of the brothel, a young woman with a beaming smile greeted them, saying, "Is the young lady looking for someone?"

She had an air of practiced familiarity. Come to think of it, the proprietor of the Xihua Pavilion was quite ingenious. Men entering through the front door were greeted by women who were full of charm and provocatively dressed. However, the women greeting guests at the back door were dressed modestly, looking very much like "respectable women."

This was only natural. Men coming to the front door were there for pleasure, so they naturally required the utmost temptation. Those greeting guests at the back door were there specifically for wives coming to catch their husbands in the act. If the greeters were dressed too seductively, it would only incense the wives further.

Tong’er’s eyes widened. Seeing that this woman did not appear as debauched as a typical courtesan, she couldn't help but feel suspicious, thinking that Jiang Li had deliberately lied to her about this place being a brothel, and that it was actually just a proper restaurant.

While Tong’er was sizing up the woman, the woman was also sizing them up. She could tell at a glance that Jiang Li was the mistress, but she couldn't understand why a young lady who clearly hadn't yet married would come looking for someone. Could she be looking for her fiancé?

However, such occurrences were commonplace for the people at Xihua Pavilion.

Jiang Li smiled and said, "I would like to see Miss Qiongzhi."

The woman's expression shifted slightly. She paused, then offered a polite smile and said, "Young lady, in our Xihua Pavilion, our star courtesans do not meet with female guests."

Seeing Jiang Li specifically asking for Qiongzhi, she assumed Jiang Li was a fiancée coming to cause trouble, so she naturally wanted to intervene.

Jiang Li smiled, took a banknote from her sleeve, and had Bai Xue tuck it into the woman's palm. She said, "Rest assured, I am not here to cause trouble. I have some matters I wish to ask Miss Qiongzhi about. I won't cause you any inconvenience. Could you please do me a favor?"

The woman glanced at the amount on the banknote and felt her heart race. Even among the men who frequented the front door, many were not as generous as this young lady. Looking at Jiang Li’s delicate, pretty features and her gentle tone—and most importantly, seeing no contempt in her eyes—the woman felt touched by the final request, which was phrased with an inquiring, respectful tone.

In this profession, dignity was scarce. She spent her days at the back door dealing with wives who "came to cause trouble," women who despised them to the core. Even though she dressed like a "respectable woman," she could never erase that hatred, and she had long forgotten what dignity meant.

In this moment, this pampered young lady treated her like an ordinary person. The woman found she could no longer bring herself to refuse. Even if she had intended to, the generosity of Jiang Li’s tip had made those thoughts vanish into thin air.

She smiled and said, "Please wait a moment, young lady. I will go see if Miss Qiongzhi has any guests. If she does..."

"That is fine," Jiang Li smiled. "If she does, I shall wait here for her. Whenever she is free, I will go in."

The woman was stunned, thinking this young lady was truly unconventional. She didn't delay, poured Jiang Li a cup of tea, and went inside to inquire.

After the woman left, Tong’er asked, "Miss, who is this Miss Qiongzhi? Is she... is she..." Tong’er could not bring herself to say the word "prostitute." Jiang Li was the daughter of the Chief Minister; if others found out she was associated with a prostitute, there would be no end to the gossip.

Jiang Li said, "She is."

Tong’er gasped, "Ah!"

Though surprised and confused, Tong’er dared not ask further. She saw that Jiang Li’s expression had turned uncharacteristically serious. Sometimes, Tong’er felt that her mistress had been a different person ever since she left Mount Qingcheng. Often, Tong’er did not know what her mistress was thinking, and Jiang Li had no intention of explaining her actions.

Oh well, she thought, since she is my young mistress, I must stand by her even if it means going through fire and water.

Before long, the woman who had taken Jiang Li’s money returned. She smiled at Jiang Li and said, "Young lady, Miss Qiongzhi has no guests at the moment. Would you like to go over now?"

Jiang Li smiled slightly. "Yes."

The path the woman led them on was likely different from the one taken by the male patrons. Along the way, they didn't see anything inappropriate, which made Tong’er breathe a sigh of relief.

After rounding several corridors and climbing a few flights of stairs, the woman stopped and smiled. "This is Miss Qiongzhi’s room."

She stopped in front of the door.

Jiang Li paused and said, "Thank you."

After the woman left, Jiang Li said, "Tong’er, Bai Xue, you two wait for me outside."

"Miss..." Tong’er was startled. Jiang Li didn't intend to take them inside. She wasn't hurt by the lack of trust, but she was worried that Jiang Li might actually be planning to engage in some scandalous affair. Could her mistress have a penchant for women? Tong’er felt a chill.

Jiang Li, unaware of the chaotic thoughts in Tong’er’s mind, simply pushed the door open and entered, turning back to pull it shut behind her.

Before the vanity mirror sat a slender, graceful silhouette. Her water-blue silk dress was nearly slipping to her waist, revealing a large expanse of snow-white skin. Her back was exceptionally beautiful, making the woman’s figure appear truly enchanting.

"Miss Qiongzhi," Jiang Li said softly.

The figure slowly turned around.

The woman had a palm-sized face, with thin brows and long eyes. While her look leaned toward sharp, provocative beauty, she had a slightly fuller chin, which added a touch of innocence and naivety, giving her charm a unique quality. She likely knew her mouth was her best feature, as she had tinted it with vivid lipstick, making it look all the more luscious. Having just taken down her hair, her long locks hung loose and tangled behind her, possessing a kind of lazy beauty.

This was the famous Miss Qiongzhi of the Xihua Pavilion.

Truth be told, in terms of features, Qiongzhi was not exactly stunning; she had many flaws, and even Jiang Yu'e was arguably more beautiful. Yet, that air of naive charm etched into her very bones made people linger and find her unforgettable.

Seeing Jiang Li, Qiongzhi also studied her carefully. After a moment, she asked with a smile, "Would the young lady like a cup of tea?"

She didn't know Jiang Li’s intentions, yet she remained calm and unhurried, showing her to be a woman of courage.

Jiang Li smiled and said, "No need. I came to see Miss Qiongzhi because I have some things I wish to ask."

"But I don't know you," Qiongzhi said with a radiant smile. "Or perhaps... do I know your sweetheart?" Her voice trailed off, alluring and provocative.

"That is not it," Jiang Li sat down in a chair. Facing Qiongzhi’s provocation, she smiled unhurriedly. "Perhaps, I know your sweetheart."

Qiongzhi covered her mouth. "What are you saying..."

"Xue Zhao," Jiang Li said.

Qiongzhi’s smile froze.

The naively charming beauty finally shed the flirtatious air she had displayed from the beginning, staring intently into Jiang Li’s eyes. Despite trying to hide it, a trace of panic flickered, making her look more serious.

"Who are you?" Qiongzhi asked after a long silence.

"I am an old acquaintance of Xue Zhao," Jiang Li lowered her gaze.

"How do you know I know Xue Zhao?" Qiongzhi asked.

"Xue Zhao mentioned you to me," Jiang Li said. "I remembered it."

"He mentioned me..." Qiongzhi’s expression turned somewhat dazed.

Jiang Li stared at the woman before her; Qiongzhi clearly still held some shred of affection for Xue Zhao.

Years ago, Xue Zhao had made a bet with his classmates and, behind Xue Huaiyuan’s back, went to the Xihua Pavilion to drink. Though it was a brothel, Xue Zhao was unaccustomed to such places. He intended to use this as an excuse to slip away, but on his way out, he encountered Qiongzhi being roughly pushed around by a crude guest, seemingly being bullied.

Xue Zhao, being one to stand up for justice, immediately stopped and asked what was wrong. Qiongzhi had tearfully poured out a story of a respectable girl forced into a life of misfortune. Xue Zhao beat the guest up and asked Qiongzhi how she could buy her freedom. Qiongzhi named a massive sum, leaving Xue Zhao at a loss.

Xue Zhao had no money, so he told Qiongzhi that if she were willing, he could help her escape the Xihua Pavilion. Only later did he realize that it had all been a ploy by Qiongzhi to use him as a shield to get rid of that guest. Qiongzhi had never intended to leave; the pitiful story was just a lie she had made up on the spot.

Xue Zhao had spent days struggling to figure out how to help her, even asking Jiang Li to help him brainstorm. When Qiongzhi realized he was actually going to try to rescue her, she found it both incredible and laughable, and finally confessed the truth. Feeling deceived, Xue Zhao left in a rage, swearing never to believe the lies of a brothel woman again.

Young and hot-blooded, Xue Zhao had been toyed with by the woman. Jiang Li, unable to stand it, went to the Xihua Pavilion to see Qiongzhi. Upon learning that Xue Fangfei was Xue Zhao’s sister, Qiongzhi showed a rare moment of restraint, spoke with great concern for Xue Zhao, and asked Xue Fangfei to apologize to him on her behalf. Xue Fangfei could see that Qiongzhi had likely fallen for Xue Zhao, but since they were not from the same world, she never told Xue Zhao.

From then on, there was no further contact with Qiongzhi.

"I didn't expect Xue Zhao to mention me to you," Qiongzhi smiled. "After all, I am a prostitute. A man of his upright character wouldn't want to tarnish his reputation. But since he talked to you about these things, you must be very close to him."

The probing tone in her words suggested she suspected that Jiang Li and Xue Zhao’s relationship was special. Jiang Li smiled: "I am a close friend of Xue Zhao’s sister. He didn't actually tell me these things; his sister did."

The implication was clear: she and Xue Zhao were purely platonic, and she was simply close to Xue Fangfei.

Upon hearing this, Qiongzhi’s gaze softened. She smiled, "I see."

"I came here with a tentative heart, thinking perhaps you were no longer at the Xihua Pavilion. I didn't expect to find you still here," Jiang Li said.

"If I am not at the Xihua Pavilion, where else could I go?" Qiongzhi smiled as well.

Jiang Li paused for a moment before asking, "Back then, when Xue Zhao wanted to take you away from the Xihua Pavilion, why didn't you agree?"

Qiongzhi looked at Jiang Li with an unreadable expression and said slowly, "Young lady, I am different from you. I can tell at a glance that you are a pampered young lady who has never known the hardships of the world. I was orphaned at a young age and sold into the Xihua Pavilion to learn music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, all to please guests. This is how I make a living. I don't see any shame in it. Compared to those women sold into wealthy households as servants or maids, only to be taken by the master one day and spend their lives trembling in fear under the mistress’s hand, I am quite content. At least here, as a star courtesan, I don't have to worry about the main wife’s poison."

"You may think I lack dignity, but if I had been born into a pampered family, I could naturally stand tall as well. Only those with money can talk about dignity; those without should probably stay quiet about it." She smiled. "Xue Zhao was a good man. Though he didn't seem like the son of a wealthy family, he was very righteous. It’s just that his righteousness sometimes seemed too naive."

Qiongzhi suddenly remembered something and smiled. "That day he wanted to take me away, I asked him what would happen if I left the Xihua Pavilion with him. He looked at me, astonished, and asked, 'After that, of course, you would find an honest living and live a good life.'" Qiongzhi spread her hands. "You see, he never thought about taking me for himself. Other men who redeem a courtesan don't expect her to go out and earn her own living."

"Xue Zhao didn't love me; he only did what he did out of a sense of justice. I couldn't mistake that for affection. I couldn't follow a man who had no feelings for me. Why would I leave the Xihua Pavilion? At least here, I don't lack money, nor do I lack men who adore me."

Qiongzhi sighed, her gaze filled with a touch of melancholy. Recalling the past, she said, "It was perhaps that naive sense of justice of his that moved me. I’ve seen countless men in the Xihua Pavilion—everyone has their own agenda, everyone is selfish. A man as clear-cut as him is truly rare. I thought, I wonder if I will ever meet anyone like him again in this lifetime, someone who wanted to help me with no ulterior motives... It’s a pity," she laughed at herself, "he never came back, and I never saw him again."

Listening to Qiongzhi, Jiang Li found that while she didn't agree with everything the woman said, she had to admire her clarity. Xue Zhao indeed hadn't loved Qiongzhi, and Qiongzhi knew it well, which was why she hadn't pestered him. Xue Zhao was indeed naively righteous; otherwise, he wouldn't have been framed by Princess Yongning and died so unjustly.

Suppressing the surging emotions in her heart, Jiang Li said, "Miss Qiongzhi, it wasn't that Xue Zhao didn't want to come; he couldn't."

"Oh?" Qiongzhi smiled. "Why couldn't he? Is he married?"

"He is dead," Jiang Li said.

Qiongzhi froze. It seemed to take a long time for the meaning of those three words to sink in. She cried out, "Impossible!"

"He is indeed dead. He died in Yanjing, killed by bandits and his body thrown into the river."

Qiongzhi covered her mouth. Jiang Li clearly saw tears welling up in her eyes. She shook her head, muttering, "How can this be..."

"You only know his name, not his identity. Xue Zhao was the son of Xue Huaiyuan, the Assistant Magistrate of Tongxiang County. His sister, Xue Fangfei, married into Yanjing. A year ago, when Xue Fangfei was pregnant, Xue Zhao went to Yanjing to visit her and was killed by bandits. Later, Xue Fangfei died of illness, and Xue Huaiyuan also passed away." Jiang Li spoke with extreme calm. She looked at Qiongzhi. "In just one year, all three members of the Xue family died. Don't you find that strange?"

Qiongzhi asked, "What do you mean?"

"Because of my relationship with Xue Fangfei, I am trying to find out the truth. But I can tell you for certain that Xue Zhao had a different cause of death, though it is not yet clear. I came to Xiangyang to fulfill Xue Fangfei’s final wish. Miss Qiongzhi," Jiang Li looked at her, "I know you are a capable person. Wealthy families in Xiangyang come to the Xihua Pavilion every day. It would be effortless for you to gather information."

"What do you want me to find out?" Qiongzhi asked immediately.

"The Xue family in Tongxiang," Jiang Li said. "I can confirm the deaths of Xue Zhao and Xue Fangfei, as I saw them myself... but I am not clear about Xue Huaiyuan in Tongxiang. I would like you to help me find out why he died half a year ago, who handled his funeral, and where he was buried."

"Why should I believe you?" Qiongzhi asked.

Though she was devastated by the news of Xue Zhao’s death, she hadn't lost her reason.

"Xue Zhao was a man of loyalty and integrity. I believe the people he befriended were not heartless either. I am here for the sake of the Xue family, and I hope you can help me." Jiang Li said, "I have no bargaining chip to offer you, because you lack nothing, so I am asking for your favor."

Qiongzhi stared blankly at Jiang Li. Jiang Li’s attitude was sincere, almost to the point of humility, and her eyes were genuine and firm; she did not look like she was lying.

"Xue Zhao was not well-known in Yanjing, but the name Xue Fangfei is known to everyone there," Jiang Li said. "Those who visit the Xihua Pavilion may have been to Yanjing. If you ask around, you will learn of Xue Fangfei’s situation and know whether I have lied."

Jiang Li had thought it over and decided Qiongzhi was the best person to investigate Tongxiang. First, she was the most popular star courtesan; her patrons were rich and powerful, making it easy to dig up secrets others couldn't.

Second, Qiongzhi could not be threatened. From her belief that being a prostitute was perfectly fine, it was clear she lacked nothing, feared nothing, and had no desire to climb the social ladder. She had no family, so even if someone suspected Jiang Li of seeking information, they would find nothing; Qiongzhi would not let them succeed.

Lastly, it was unlikely that anyone would suspect a Chief Minister’s daughter of having dealings with a star courtesan. Staying in the shadows was always the safest path.

Qiongzhi struggled for a long time, then said, "I can agree to help you, but you must tell me if Xue Zhao is truly dead."

"Xue Zhao’s grave is in Yanjing," Jiang Li said softly. "But rest assured, one day, both brother and sister will return to their hometown. I will reunite them." She added, "When that day comes, Miss Qiongzhi, you can pay your respects to an old friend."

...

When Jiang Li walked out of the room, Tong’er and Bai Xue were almost at their limit, fearing that Jiang Li had fallen victim to the "Miss Qiongzhi" inside. Seeing her emerge unharmed, they finally relaxed. Tong’er looked inside and saw only the blue-clad back sitting at the vanity, shoulders trembling slightly, as if she were sobbing.

Tong’er was startled. What was going on? Why was Miss Qiongzhi crying? Surely Jiang Li didn't bully her? A young lady like Jiang Li, why would she bully someone to tears?

Jiang Li said, "Don't look, let’s go."

Tong’er quickly reined in her thoughts and hurried with Bai Xue to catch up with Jiang Li.

Jiang Li’s steps were not exactly light, but they were certainly not as heavy as when she had arrived.

Asking for Qiongzhi’s help was something she hadn't been sure about at first. She had gambled on that one meeting back when she was Xue Fangfei, sensing that Qiongzhi had feelings for Xue Zhao. But that affection had existed so long ago, she didn't know how much remained.

People often said that prostitutes were heartless and actors were unfaithful, but Jiang Li believed that women in the world of pleasure, when they did care, were often more absolute than ordinary people. She had won this gamble; Qiongzhi still held old feelings, and Xue Zhao’s death had touched her. Her willingness to help was the best outcome.

As long as she got news from Tongxiang and learned the truth about Xue Huaiyuan, this trip would not have been in vain. Once she knew the situation, it would be much easier to formulate a plan. Her trip to Xiangyang to find an excuse to return to Tongxiang would be solved.

The three of them walked back the way they came. Tong’er had intended to find a guide to avoid getting lost, but seeing Jiang Li move without hesitation, as if she knew the path perfectly, she gave up, thinking her young mistress was truly talented at navigating, remembering the way after only one walk-through.

Just as they reached the back door, they didn't see the woman who had greeted them, but instead bumped into a man. Since those who came to the back door were usually wives looking for their husbands, and men usually entered from the front, Jiang Li couldn't help but look at him twice.

He was a sturdy, middle-aged man dressed somewhat strangely—not like a local of Xiangyang, but rather in a suit that looked like armored light gear. It was quite odd. The man had a one-inch-long scar on his left cheek, giving him a slightly bandit-like air that seemed out of place in Xiangyang.

The man likely hadn't expected a young lady to suddenly walk out, and it was clear at a glance that she was not one of the women from the Xihua Pavilion. He, too, couldn't help but look at Jiang Li.

As their eyes met, they both felt a strange sensation, as if they were familiar, yet Jiang Li was certain she had never seen this man before. While she was hesitating, he brushed past her and walked inside.

Jiang Li stopped and looked back, but the man had already gone upstairs and disappeared from view. Perhaps he was just a patron looking for pleasure.

"Miss, do you feel something is wrong?" Bai Xue asked, seeing Jiang Li look back at the man.

"It’s nothing." Jiang Li couldn't figure out where she might have seen him, but the strange feeling wasn't unpleasant. Standing here would only attract attention, so she said, "Let’s go."

She led her two maids out of the Xihua Pavilion without looking back.

...

The moment Jiang Li left the Xihua Pavilion, Ji Shu reported the matter to Ji Heng, who was in the pavilion.

"The second young lady of the Jiang family entered the Xihua Pavilion and met with the popular star courtesan, Qiongzhi," Ji Shu said.

"Qiongzhi..." Lu Ji mused. "Did she go specifically to find Qiongzhi?"

"It seems so. Qiongzhi is the head courtesan, and there are secret guards stationed outside her room, so our people couldn't hear what they were saying. However, the second young lady stayed in Qiongzhi’s room for over an incense stick’s worth of time; it wasn't a brief visit. After she left, Qiongzhi seemed very agitated, staying in her room alone and refusing to see any guests today."

Ji Heng raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"My Lord, should we have someone find this Miss Qiongzhi," Lu Ji suggested, "to see what the second young lady said?"

"That is impossible," Ji Heng said lightly.

"Why?"

Ji Shu explained, "This Miss Qiongzhi is a tough nut to crack. She doesn't respond to soft or hard tactics. She was trained by the madam of the Xihua Pavilion and has a natural, seductive grace. Many patrons have wanted to redeem her, and even young masters from wealthy families have wanted to take her as a wife, but Qiongzhi refused them all. Other courtesans sell themselves to save enough money to leave the life, but Qiongzhi doesn't lack money, nor does she want to leave. Wealth cannot tempt her, and the position of a main wife cannot sway her."

Lu Ji was stunned. He hadn't expected Qiongzhi to be such a difficult obstacle.

"Furthermore, Qiongzhi has dealings with many prominent figures in Xiangyang, all of whom are willing to protect her, much like the Fairy Jinghong of the past in Yanjing. So, we cannot act forcefully. Besides—given Qiongzhi’s personality, even if we were to force her, it might not work."

Ji Heng lazily closed his fan and said, "Do you see? The second young lady of the Jiang family came prepared; she specifically found a dagger without a sheath."

"In that case, the second young lady’s scheming is far deeper than we estimated," Lu Ji said solemnly.

Jiang Li chose Qiongzhi. Regardless of what they traded, Qiongzhi was a rock that couldn't be pried open. Jiang Li had chosen the safest option from the start to prevent anyone from getting the truth out of her.

She had considered all possibilities and exit routes, leaving others helpless.

"Have someone keep an eye on Qiongzhi," Ji Heng said with a smile. "Let’s see what she does next."

Ji Shu accepted the order.

Lu Ji looked at Ji Heng again. "Speaking of which, the people arranged by the Li family have arrived. This time, that son of the Right Prime Minister has decided to deal with the Ye family. Ye Shijie hasn't followed the path they laid out, so I don't know if this attempt to trip up the Ye family will succeed."

"Why wouldn't it?" Ji Heng asked.

Lu Ji hesitated, stroking his goatee before saying, "My Lord, the previous plans were all disrupted because of the second young lady of the Jiang family. Now that she is also in Xiangyang, I can’t help but feel that this second young lady is not simple. If she found Qiongzhi this time, could it be related to this? If she intervenes again and disrupts your plan, it would be a disaster."

Time and again, Jiang Li had disrupted Ji Heng’s plans, yet each time it seemed accidental. Lu Ji couldn't help but wonder if the second young lady was Ji Heng’s nemesis from a past life. Wherever Jiang Li was, "accidents" followed.

"If she has the ability, let her try to disrupt it," Ji Heng narrowed his eyes slightly. "I’ll be waiting."