Cultivation Begins with Caring for Sister-in-law-Chapter 571: Risking Her Life

Of course, it’s not all idle gossip; there’s also talk of love and hate.

As the Xiahe Banquet approaches, the noble sons of Qinhuai have prepared their silver, ready to win Zhihua on that day. Some have even managed to persuade their families to agree to buy her freedom, but to their surprise, a few days before the Xiahe Banquet, someone snatched her away.

If it had been on the day of the Xiahe Banquet, where silver could outshine them, it would have been fine.

Some of the young masters, sour at the thought, grumble that Duke An used his power to force the Flower Fragrance Building to give up Miss Zhihua.

But no matter what, the fact has occurred, and they can only watch helplessly as Chen Mo and Zhihua boarded the Tingxuan Pavilion’s tower boat.

The time has not yet reached noon, not yet time for drinking and dining, but the private rooms in the Tingxuan Pavilion are almost all occupied with people drinking tea and bantering.

Tingxuan Pavilion is a place for the noble class to make friends and chat, emphasizing elegance and serenity. It’s modest rather than luxurious, evoking a sense of returning to simplicity. The main hall on the first floor is spacious and quiet, with faint fragrances lingering in the air.

The owner behind Tingxuan Pavilion, Qin Hao, was entertaining a few friends on the second floor when he heard that Duke An had arrived. He quickly went forward to greet him, cupping his hands in respect: "This humble one greets Duke An. Miss Zhihua is hosting today, but she did not inform me of your visit. I apologize for the inadequate reception, and I invite Duke An to the upper floor."

"Landlord Qin, the private room I booked is downstairs," Zhihua spoke.

The private rooms in Tingxuan Pavilion are always in high demand, and the positions upstairs are far better than those downstairs. With Zhao Ping’s capacity, it would be impossible to secure a good spot at Tingxuan Pavilion without booking months in advance.

And Zhao Ping wasn’t sure if Chen Mo would attend, so he naturally couldn’t tell Qin Hao this invitation was for Chen Mo. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

Qin Hao laughed loudly: "Downstairs is not fitting for Duke An’s status."

Saying this, he looked at Chen Mo: "Duke An, please go upstairs."

"Since Landlord Qin insists, let’s go upstairs," Chen Mo glanced at Zhihua and said with a smile.

Qin Hao’s face turned somewhat red, as Duke An’s words seemed to accept his goodwill.

Zhihua gave Qin Hao a curtsy.

Then the two, led by Qin Hao, went up the stairs and stopped at the private room on the top floor of the tower boat, opening the room door.

This private room was reserved by Qin Hao specifically and not available for others, fearing an important person might come to Tingxuan Pavilion and find no room.

It came in handy today.

After bringing the two to the spot, Qin Hao withdrew.

Staying on would be too intrusive.

In the room, incense curled into the air, and it was equipped with a tea table, chess desk, writing desk, and even a low wooden bed in a corner.

After Qin Hao left, Zhihua removed the veil from her face. At the moment she saw the wooden bed, a blush appeared on her cheeks.

"Please have a seat, Duke An," Zhihua invited Chen Mo to sit at the tea table.

Chen Mo sat down first, completely at ease.

Zhihua seated herself beside Chen Mo’s right hand.

On the tea table lay a pot of hot water and some new tea of the year.

This is the rule of Tingxuan Pavilion; whether or not the room is occupied, staff must change the hot water every half-hour.

As the Courtesan of a brothel, Zhihua was proficient in all the arts, including brewing tea.

Brewing, placing tea, warming the cup, high-pour...

Each step was done with meticulous care.

While Zhihua brewed tea, Chen Mo’s gaze openly appreciated her features.

As the Flower Fragrance Building’s Courtesan of the year, her beauty was unparalleled, with a high nose bridge, red lips that seemed to drip with charm, skin as white as jade, and brows like delicate silken threads.

Her deft tea brewing only added to her allure.

"Duke An, is there something dirty on my face?" Possibly sensing Chen Mo’s gaze, Zhihua grew even redder.

Chen Mo shook his head.

"Then what is Duke An looking at?"

"A beauty."

"Ah?" Zhihua flushed, almost overturning the tea in front of her.

Before she could speak, Chen Mo continued: "Indeed, Jiangnan has beauties in abundance, but none compare to Zhihua."

Zhihua’s cheeks were so red they seemed about to drip water; like a neighborhood girl, she shyly avoided Chen Mo’s gaze, mumbling: "Duke An jests. My humble appearance cannot compare to noble ladies."

Chen Mo said: "Having a humble birth is not your fault, Miss Zhihua; there’s no need for self-deprecation. And I am not joking."

"To catch Duke An’s eye is a great honor for me."

As she spoke, Zhihua finished brewing the tea and served a cup to Chen Mo with both hands: "Duke An, please enjoy the tea."

Chen Mo received it with both hands, nodded with a smile, and then raised the teacup to his lips in a perfectly mannered gesture.

Chen Mo’s robe sleeves were wide, and while drinking, he hid the entire process of sipping the tea.

"Good tea," Chen Mo said after a sip.

Zhihua topped off Chen Mo’s cup again and then said: "That day, when the horse was startled and charged wildly on the street, if not for Duke An’s people stepping in, I can’t imagine what would have happened. There were so many people then, so I couldn’t properly thank you, Duke An. Today’s feast is to make up for that regret..."

After saying this, she bowed to Chen Mo.

Chen Mo helped her up with a laugh: "It was just a small gesture, no thanks needed."

Zhihua shook her head: "To Duke An, it might be a small gesture, but to me, it was a life-saving favor."

Saying so, she bowed before Chen Mo again, softly saying: "If Duke An does not mind my humble origins, I am willing to serve as a servant at your side for life."

Chen Mo looked at the prostrate Zhihua, his eyes lowered, pondering whether she truly intended to approach him just for a class leap, and if this was all an act.

"Could it be she has poison in her body?" Chen Mo suddenly thought abstractly.

After all, such things are not impossible.

There are quite a few people in this world who wish to kill him.

And Zhihua, appearing so mysteriously before him now, seemed rather peculiar.

But to discover what she was really up to, Chen Mo decided to play along: "It’s just a trivial matter; no need for such gratitude, Miss Zhihua. If you truly wish to thank me, then... show me a sword dance."

Zhihua was taken aback, her hands at her sides subtly clenching before she looked up: "I am somewhat familiar with chess and painting, but with sword dancing, I am a little... clumsy. However, since Duke An wishes to see it, I will do my best."

This room naturally contained a sword.