In the carriage, Bai Qingqing was sharing the snacks she had bought with her mother. "Mother, try this, it’s so sweet."

Qiao Shi put one in her mouth. "Indeed, it’s good. But why did you go out and come back so quickly? Leaving the city will take some time. It wouldn’t hurt to walk around a bit more."

Bai Qingqing stifled a yawn, covering her mouth, and rubbed her eyes in a playful manner. "I got up a little early and just wanted to rest for a bit in the carriage."

Seeing the faint bruises under her eyes, Qiao Shi felt a pang of sympathy and quickly had someone lay out a cushion. Mother and daughter settled down in the carriage to catch up on sleep.

Qinghan Temple was not far from the outskirts of the city, situated on a not very high mountain. It covered a large area, with bustling incense offerings.

The rear mountain had many side rooms, but they weren’t crowded. The small courtyards were arranged neatly, exuding a graceful charm.

By the time Qiao Shi and Bai Qingqing had settled in, the sky was already darkening. The prayer would have to wait until tomorrow. Qiao Shi instructed Bai Qingqing to rest early and went to the adjacent courtyard.

...

At Jin Xiu Lou, the evening marked the beginning of the influx of guests.

The scent of incense wafted at the entrance, and inside, the sound of orioles and swallows singing lured people in, making them eager to spend their money.

In a private room of Jin Xiu Lou, the air was filled with the warm fragrance of incense. Ning Yan sat in the host’s seat, with fine wine and exquisite food placed on the low table in front of him. In front of the screen, courtesans and dancers displayed their skills, their silk curtains flowing gracefully. The seductive sound of silk and bamboo instruments filled the air, creating an intoxicating ambiance.

The men at the lower end of the table were each accompanied by stunning beauties, who either fed them wine or laughed coquettishly. One moment of distraction, and a beauty would end up in their arms. Only Ning Yan’s side remained empty, the only woman close to him sat a full ten feet away, kneeling carefully, her sweet smile almost faltering.

The most beautiful and enchanting dancer, after finishing her performance, lightly moved to Ning Yan’s side without fear, pouring him a drink. "Master, did you think Yan Rou danced well?"

Ning Yan leaned his head on his hand, a faint smile playing on his lips as he watched her. "Compared to Miss Qi Yue from Yanlai Tower, it seems..."

Yan Rou’s eyes flickered as she placed the wine cup down. She then moved closer, her breath like orchids. "I have an even more beautiful dance, one that will not lose to that Miss Qi Yue. Would you like to see it, Master? But... Yan Rou only wants to dance for you."

Her eyes were filled with seductive intent, her full, crimson lips almost dripping with allure. She carried a fragrance that was irresistible, soul-stirring.

Ning Yan reached out and gently cupped her delicate chin. Yan Rou’s body stiffened for a moment, then softened into a puddle, flashing a playful smile.

"That’s very good."

Ning Yan followed her into her room. The intoxicating fragrance became even more pronounced. Yan Rou went behind the screen, removing the thin veil that had covered her, emerging with coral-colored armlets adorning her snow-white arms, which made her skin appear even more delicate.

Barefoot, she stepped onto the soft carpet, walking slowly toward Ning Yan, like a bewitching fairy from a tale.

When she reached Ning Yan’s side, Yan Rou leaned against his shoulder, her intoxicating fragrance enveloping him. "Master, dancing is so dull. Yan Rou knows better ways to please you."

Ning Yan lowered his phoenix eyes, a faint smile on his lips. "Is that so?"

In his eyes, there was none of the madness others felt when they looked at him, yet it was this very calmness that captivated Yan Rou, making it irresistible for her. It wasn't just because of others; she wanted to make him her subordinate, and so, she exerted herself even more to charm him.

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With confidence, Yan Rou sat softly on Ning Yan's lap. Her exposed skin emanated a strange fragrance as the warmth of her body stirred it. Her delicate, snow-white fingers caressed Ning Yan's cheek with infinite tenderness, but just as she made contact, Ning Yan swiftly caught her hand.

Yan Rou didn’t pull back. Instead, she leaned against his chest shyly, her eyes gleaming with the secret joy of impending success. No one could escape her allure, let alone him... especially with her backup.

Ning Yan’s eyes remained calm, though he could distinctly feel a restless stir within him—not because of the woman before him. His gaze swept across the room and landed on an inconspicuous lotus incense burner in the corner.

In the past, he would have never paid attention to the scent, but recently, for some inexplicable reason, he had been more observant, and that led him to quickly notice something amiss.

The scent was problematic.

However, Ning Yan still remained motionless, allowing Yan Rou's arms to drape around his neck, her soft, boneless body pressed against his. A barely perceptible frown appeared between his brows. This scent was truly intoxicating, but not nearly as...

His thoughts shifted. Not nearly as pleasant as that girl from the Bai family?

Suddenly, the door to the room was kicked open, and Yan Rou, startled, immediately straightened up, scolding, "Who’s there?"

Mu Shu strode in and effortlessly lifted her off Ning Yan, saying, "Sir, we've captured them. They're hidden in a secret room. They're all death warriors, but we only managed to leave one alive."

"One is enough," Ning Yan finally stood up, took a handkerchief, and leisurely wiped his hands, as if wiping off all the places Yan Rou had touched. He then casually tossed the cloth onto the floor.

He stepped on the handkerchief and walked slowly to the corner. Using the scabbard, he knocked the incense burner over and carelessly dug through the ash. "Where did you get this incense?"

Yan Rou was shocked beyond measure. Did he know? Had he figured out the problem with the incense? But why did he seem completely unaffected?

"It’s fine if you don’t want to say. You’ll eventually tell me."

Mu Shu understood his meaning, "Rest assured, Sir, I’ll make sure she talks."

Yan Rou’s face turned pale. The fact that her charm had no effect on Ning Yan was something she refused to accept. She tilted her head, exposing more of her soft, white skin. "It’s useless. You’ve smelled it for so long, it can’t be without effect. Why don’t I serve you instead? Whatever you want to know, I’ll tell you everything."

Hearing this, Mu Shu's expression turned serious. "Sir, should we call Lord Wen to take a look? What if the scent really..."

"It’s fine."

Ning Yan interrupted him, "Leave this to you. I’ll go ahead."

He vaulted out of the window and into the cold night air, but the chill did nothing to cool the heat that still burned within him.

Ning Yan closed his eyes. This kind of thing wasn’t something he hadn’t encountered before. If he couldn’t even control his own body, wouldn’t that be a joke? It was nothing to fear.

...

Qinghan Temple indeed had nothing entertaining to do. It wasn’t late, and most of the women in the back mountain had already gone to bed. However, Bai Qingqing couldn’t sleep; she had napped too much in the carriage during the day...

“Zidai, you go rest. I’ll read for a bit before going to sleep.”

Zidai trusted her completely, changed her tea to a hot one, added more charcoal to the stove, then closed the door and left.

Bai Qingqing leaned back against the soft couch by the window, adjusting the light a bit brighter, and took out the novel she had borrowed from Yaoyao.

Yaoyao had always loved these stories. Before Bai Qingqing was married in her past life, she often advised her, saying that girls shouldn’t read such things, that virtue and good conduct should be their focus. Looking back now, she realized how ridiculous she had been. Only Yaoyao, being so obedient, hadn’t gotten angry with her.

Now, Bai Qingqing found herself enjoying them too. She liked the chivalric and righteous themes in the novels, and the unfeeling and heartless ones she took as a cautionary tale. Aren’t they far more interesting than the deceit and scheming outside?

Bai Qingqing became so absorbed in the story that she lost track of time. It was late, but she didn’t feel sleepy. Just as she was becoming more immersed, two noises suddenly came from the window beside her, startling her so much that the hairs on the back of her neck stood up.

Bai Qingqing quickly jumped off the soft couch, not even taking the time to put on her shoes, and backed away a few steps. The room was silent, both inside and outside, with only the light flickering occasionally.

Could it be… she had heard wrong?

Bai Qingqing felt uneasy. Perhaps the sound was just an insect or bird bumping against the window ledge?

Her mind was on edge. It was all because the novel she was reading had some strange and eerie elements, making her feel uneasy, and now her legs were trembling. Maybe... she should call Zidai to come sleep with her...

Just as Bai Qingqing moved, the window suddenly flung open, and a cold wind rushed in, extinguishing the light. In the instant the light went out, Bai Qingqing caught a glimpse of a figure standing outside!

Her soul almost left her body in fear. Instinctively, she ran toward the door, opening her mouth to scream. But in the next moment, an arm like an iron clamp was wrapped around her waist, and her mouth was tightly covered.

Tears welled up in Bai Qingqing’s eyes. She nearly fainted, but then, suddenly, she smelled a faint scent—so faint it seemed like her own illusion—a familiar scent.