Chapter 3: Jiangzuo (III)

Although Huangfu Yun was extremely reluctant, she was after all part of Zimo Pavilion. If she failed to win over this young prince’s favor, wouldn’t Mother Sun turn against her later? In her eyes, this Gaoyou Prince was nothing but a sucker—failing to extract some profit from him would be a disservice to Zimo Pavilion’s reputation. She still relied on Zimo Pavilion’s backing to survive, so worsening her relationship with Sun Fangfang wouldn’t be good. With these thoughts in mind, Huangfu Yun sighed and began plucking the strings of the zither with her delicate hands.
“Veils flutter above, soft fluff in the breeze;
Moonlight blocked by walls, flowers drooping low.
Year after year, spring brings sorrow deep;
My heart breaks as crows seek rest.
The mirror fades, the phoenix quilts grow dim;
Tears like pearls, wax reddened by time.
The heavy doors hold back dreams of longing;
They wander freely across the world…”
As she played gently and slowly, Huangfu Yun sang along, her voice like a rare orchid in a secluded valley, drifting beyond the world.
“Rain outside nourishes plums sweet;
Water circles lotuses at the steps.
A gentle breeze blows through shaded doors;
Ice-patterned mats, shy watercress sprouts.
Spring ends, no more swallows’ songs;
Long days filled only with bees’ hum.
Incense burns cold, lanterns dim at dusk;
Alone by the green window screen… Alone by the green window screen!”
Li Yi, who knew nothing about music, felt something deep within him stirred as he listened to Huangfu Yun sing, his spirit uplifted.
“Excellent! Played beautifully! Miss Yun truly is a talented woman—I admire her!”
Li Yi clapped his hands in praise, his face filled with joy. He had long admired Huangfu Yun but never had the chance to express his feelings. Last time, though she played for him, it was too hasty, and he didn’t even get a chance to talk to her properly.
“I’m but a humble person with limited skills; I’ve embarrassed myself,” she said.
As usual, Huangfu Yun remained unperturbed by praise or criticism. She bowed gracefully to Li Yi before rising and returning to her stone bench.
Li Yi waved his hands dismissively. “Ah, Miss Yun, you’re too modest. Your performance truly moved my heart. Well, the melody itself is quite ordinary, but you mastered its nuances perfectly—suddenly shifting tones in the midst of the music. It’s amazing!”
He struggled to recall some knowledge of music from his childhood tutors and poured it all out. As a prince of royal blood, he had no lack of wealth, but his aloof nature meant he lacked literary refinement. To avoid giving Huangfu Yun a wrong impression, he relied on whatever knowledge he had from his tutors, without caring whether it was accurate or not.

Huangfu Yun thought to herself that this Prince of Gaoyou was truly a country bumpkin, not even understanding the melody of such a famous musical piece as “Wuye Ti.” These royal descendants simply took advantage of such excellent resources for nothing.
“Since the prince has already listened to the melody, I have some personal matters to attend to. How about…”
Before Huangfu Yun could finish speaking, Li Yi interrupted her, “Ah, no rush, no rush at all. I heard that Miss Yun has delicate and fair skin. May I take a look?”
As he spoke, Li Yi leaned forward, his hands instinctively reaching for Huangfu Yun’s chest, trying to pull down the bag covering her breasts.
“Your Highness, please behave!”
Huangfu Yun never expected that a prince of the Tang Dynasty would dare to do such vile things in broad daylight. She immediately rebuked him, “Your Highness, I have matters to attend to. I must excuse myself.”
With that, Huangfu Yun strode away from the garden.
Perhaps having suppressed his desires for too long, Li Yi rushed forward and embraced Huangfu Yun tightly.
“Miss Yun, do you know how much you’ve made me suffer? I’ve been longing for you day and night, unable to sleep. Why can’t you show some understanding? Ah, Miss Yun…”
Li Yi’s hands wandered recklessly over Huangfu Yun’s body, squeezing her mercilessly.
“Help! Save me…”
Huangfu Yun screamed loudly for help. This Prince of Gaoyou was truly lawless. Although this was a brothel, she was a singer who sold her art, not her body. How could he treat her like this!
But before she could shout again, Li Yi covered her mouth. With a swift motion, he lifted Huangfu Yun and laid her on the bench in the pavilion. Just as the Prince of Gaoyou was about to undress and commit his vile acts, a strange sound was heard above his head, and his crown was shot off.
“Ah!”
Li Yi, who had never experienced such a thing before, jumped up immediately.
“Who are you? How dare you attempt to assassinate me!”
Fearing yet trying to appear brave, Li Yi straightened his back and cursed loudly at a tall, thin man not far away. Whoever dared to attempt to assassinate him in this region must be desperate.
The man across from him ignored Li Yi’s threats and put the crossbow back in his sleeve.
“Get lost!”
“What did you say? Do you know who you’re talking to? I’m the Prince of Gaoyou, a prince of the Tang Dynasty! If you dare speak to me like this, I’ll just tell Minister Yao and have you thrown into prison!”

Li Yi had lived a life of luxury from childhood, surrounded by sycophants who flattered him. No one had ever been so rude to him before. At that moment, he felt his royal status had been insulted, and he exploded in anger.
“I’ll say it again—get lost!”
The man pulled out his crossbow again and said coldly in Li Yi’s face, “You brat! You know who I am yet still dare to be so insolent. You’re utterly disrespectful!”
“Don’t make me say it a third time.”
The man’s finger slowly moved toward the trigger, his expression growing more fierce.
“Have the guts! If you dare, state your name. Don’t be such a coward!”
“I won’t change my name or identity. I’m Li Kuo, the military commander of Huainan Circuit. I’m at the disposal of the Prince of Gaoyou at any time!”
Seeing that the other party had backed down, the man retracted his crossbow and left behind a threatening remark.
“Good, Li Kuo, right? Wait for it. Don’t run, don’t run!”
With that, Li Yi fled through the bamboo forest, rolling and scrambling, even forgetting to pick up the leather crown scattered on the ground.
“Young Master Li!”
Huangfu Yun was overjoyed to see Li Kuo and rushed forward eagerly. “Young Master Li, how did you come here?”
Li Kuo shook his head. “Miss Yun, I originally came to Zimo Pavilion to talk to you. By chance, I met Miss Chisu. She said you were playing music for the Prince of Gaoyou in this bamboo forest in the back yard. Since I had nothing to do, I decided to come and take a look. I never expected to encounter such a situation.”
“Miss Yun, I owe you so much!”
Grateful, Huangfu Yun bowed deeply to Li Kuo. After a brief pause, she said, “But, Young Master Li, the Prince of Gaoyou has immense influence in Huainan Circuit. If you offend him…”
“Miss Yun, don’t worry about it!”
Li Kuo waved his hand. “I’ve never started trouble on my own in this life, but if someone comes looking for me, I’m not afraid to spar with them a few rounds!”