Chapter 143: Crown Prince: Lin Qi’an, Are You Stealing My Woman Again?!
“You? You’re not even worthy. Scram!” Xi Chao retorted coldly.
Zhao Ziyu chuckled. “I’ll dedicate a poem to Qin Jinxian: ‘Clouds think of clothes, flowers think of beauty. Spring breezes brush the threshold, dew glimmers rich and heavy.’”
The recitation drew gasps of admiration. This poem was a masterpiece, perfectly capturing feminine elegance. Who would’ve thought they’d hear such a gem in a place like the Pleasure Quarter? Was a famous scholar secretly among them?
Qin Jinxian’s beautiful eyes sparkled with wonder. Such a poem, dedicated to her, was a priceless gift!
Even courtesans dreamed of immortal fame. Normally destined to fade into obscurity, a poem like this could elevate her reputation and worth beyond measure, leaving her name etched in history.
Suddenly, a burst of flame shot into the air, shattering the ice zither into pieces.
Xi Chao’s icy voice followed. “You dare challenge me? Believe me, I’ll kill you!”
“That’s the Divine Son of Xiling!” shouted a sword guard—strategically placed there by Lin Qi’an.
The crowd erupted.
“The Divine Son of Xiling?! He came to the Pleasure Quarter to fight over a courtesan?”
Having his identity revealed, Xi Chao no longer bothered with pretense.
“Pathetic scholar, take your poem and leave before I make you regret it.”
Zhao Ziyu’s fury boiled over. “A Divine Son dares to act like this on my turf?! This is Tai’an City, my territory!”
The crowd froze in shock.
The Crown Prince?!
Tai’an’s Pleasure Quarter had suddenly become the stage for two of the most powerful figures in the land to clash!
“Greetings, Your Highness!” the onlookers bowed in unison.
Now, it was Xi Chao who looked like the fool. First, his grand display was overshadowed by a poem. Then, revealing his identity backfired spectacularly when it couldn’t outmatch the Crown Prince’s status.
—
“Pfft, the Divine Son of Xiling is in such an awkward spot now.”
“He can’t win by force or finesse…”
“Trying to throw his weight around in Tai’an City’s Pleasure Quarter? He must’ve had too much to drink.”
Xi Chao’s face darkened at the mockery swirling around him. The humiliation was unbearable. He had come to unwind after a bad day, only to be humiliated even further.
Though he was stronger than Zhao Ziyu, this was Tai’an City—his odds were clear.
Grimacing, he could only retreat. “Hmph!” With a flick of his sleeve, Xi Chao stormed off.
Ding! Destined Child Xi Chao failed to show off, mocked by the crowd. Luck Value -100.
Lin Qi’an’s plan was a complete success. His own identity remained hidden, while Zhao Ziyu’s was fully exposed.
—
Moments later, Qin Jinxian’s maid approached the scene, making her way through the crowd.
Zhao Ziyu felt a swell of pride. Surely, Qin Jinxian had been so moved by the poem that she sent her maid to thank him. But to his utter shock, the maid walked right past him—straight to Lin Qi’an!
“This gentleman, Miss Qin invites you upstairs for tea.”
“What?! Zhao Ziyu was flabbergasted. “I’m the one who recited the poem! Why is she inviting Lin Qi’an?!”
The crowd buzzed in astonishment.
“What’s going on? Qin Jinxian invited someone? That’s a first!”
“Yeah, I’ve never seen her do this before. Who is that man?”
Qin Jinxian had spent enough time in Tai’an City to know Zhao Ziyu’s capabilities—or lack thereof. The poem had thrilled her at first, but upon realizing its true origin, she saw through the scheme.
The one standing beside Zhao Ziyu, the one who whispered in his ear—that was the real poet. Thus, the invitation naturally went to Lin Qi’an.
—
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Lin Qi’an didn’t hesitate to accept the invitation. After all, he came here specifically for Qin Jinxian.
Who would’ve thought his visit would end this way?
Successfully suppressing a Destined Child while also—once again—snatching the Crown Prince’s intended woman? Lin Qi’an was enjoying the benefits, though he felt a bit sheepish about it.
Under countless envious gazes, Lin Qi’an ascended the pavilion stairs at Qin Jinxian’s invitation.
The sword guards below exchanged whispers of admiration.
“I told you the Crown Prince would catch her eye!”
“Shh, don’t let His Highness’ identity slip…”
“Keep the story straight—if Her Highness Liuli asks, just say the Crown Prince went to dine with friends.”
Meanwhile, Zhao Ziyu could only stand frozen, glaring in frustration before stomping away. He didn’t dare expose Lin Qi’an, fearing retaliation. Who knew when Lin Qi’an might swoop in again to steal another woman?
“Fine, fine, I’ll let him have another one!”
—
Upstairs, Lin Qi’an was invited into Qin Jinxian’s private room and the two were alone.
The room was fragrant and serene. Sitting by the table, Qin Jinxian, dressed in a flowing red gown, cast her enchanting gaze toward him. Her graceful figure was mesmerizing and she suddenly knelt beside him, “This humble woman greets the Crown Prince.”
“Oh? And how did you figure out my identity?” Lin Qi’an raised an eyebrow, surprised.
Hearing his admission, Qin Jinxian’s excitement grew, “Someone who can craft such a magnificent poem yet willingly let another take credit—why? If not for indifference to fame, then surely to avoid the spotlight.”
“When I invited you, the Crown Prince was furious but didn’t question me, which only confirmed my suspicions. Thus, I deduced that your identity must be extraordinary.”
Lin Qi’an nodded with a smile. “Sharp as ever.”
He removed his disguise, and Qin Jinxian froze in awe. She had heard tales of the Crown Prince’s striking appearance, but seeing him in person exceeded all expectations.
Such an extraordinary man, sitting in her room—it felt like a dream.
“Though I have entered the dust of the mortal world, I am still untouched. I ask the Crown Prince to cherish me…”
“Didn’t you claim to sell only your art, not your body?” Lin Qi’an teased.
“If no money is exchanged, it isn’t selling.”
“Fair and logical.”
—
The next morning, the grand ceremony of Tai’an City was set to begin at noon.
Knowing his family would attend the opening together, Lin Qi’an slipped back home early, ensuring he’d changed out of the scented clothes from the previous night.
—
“Stop right there!” It was none other than Lin Liuli, clad in her black-and-white Daoist robes. The attire, favored by Daoists, symbolized Yin and Yang and the interplay of cosmic balance.
“Sister? Good morning!”
“Where were you last night?” Lin Liuli asked with a bright smile.
“I just stepped out; I was home sleeping last night. Why do you ask, Sister?” Lin Qi’an replied, feigning innocence.
“Oh, nothing. I just heard a rumor about the Divine Son of Xiling and the Crown Prince having a confrontation at the Pleasure Quarter. I thought you might have gone too.”
“Come on, Sister, how could I go to the Pleasure Quarter? I, Lin Qi’an, absolutely detest such places! Do you think I’m like Xi Chao?”
“To think Xi Chao appears so gentlemanly on the surface yet indulges in such vulgar pleasures,” Lin Liuli remarked with a trace of disappointment.
Ding! Lin Liuli expresses disappointment in Xi Chao. Luck Value -100.
Smiling faintly, Lin Liuli said, “Let’s go prepare. The ceremony is about to begin.”
“Got it.” As Lin Qi’an entered the house, Lin Liuli’s smile quickly faded.
“You rascal! If I ever catch you, I’ll make sure you regret it!”