Chapter 17-Part 4

The tail tone of the “tsk” was dragged out for a long time, and everything was self-explanatory.

Teng Yuyi’s smile frozen.

It seemed she would have to go to Caifeng Tower after all.

The priests’ eyes flickered.

They had received generous gifts but failed to lift the spell.

They worried she might demand the gifts back.

Smiling, they produced a pile of colorful talismans: “Young Master, these are ‘Five Beauties Heavenly Immortal Talismans.’ They can ward off evil and protect your home. Normally, we would only give these for a large donation. But since we have met by fate, we will give them to you. No need to pay us.”

Teng Yuyi could see through their scheme, but, with the day growing late, she didn’t have time to argue.

She played along: “Since the elder offers these talismans, how can I refuse? I have elderly relatives at home who are devout, but we are unfamiliar with the area. Aside from lifting the spell, I wanted to find a good temple for them. If these talismans work well, I will bring them here often to pray.”

The priests’ hearts tightened.

This young woman seemed wealthy and influential.

If they tricked her too much, it could bring trouble.

They decided it was better to leave a good impression for future donations.

Jian Tian flicked his whisk and produced another item with a solemn face: “Young Master, don’t be in a hurry to leave. Since you and our temple are fated, I have another gift for you.”

Teng Yuyi took it and looked at it. It was a worn-out brush. Dongming Temple was said to be quite famous, but who knew that these old Taoist priests in the temple only knew how to cheat people.

The brush was clearly useless, and it is ruthless to throw it in front of them.Besides, it was getting late, and she really didn’t have time to bother with it, so she stuffed it into her sleeve along with the pile of talisman paper and smiled meaningfully: “I’ll remember what the Taoist said, and I’ll come to visit again another day.”

She left and boarded the carriage, instructing Huo Qiu to head straight to the southern district of Pingkang Ward. By the time they arrived, it was dusk. The drums of Chengtian Gate echoed in the distance as the ward gates began to close.

Teng Yuyi had prepared in advance, showing the Marquise Wu waist token to the guard and entering the ward without issue.

Pingkang Ward lived up to its reputation.

As night fell, lanterns lit up the brothel fronts.

Courtesans in colorful attire greeted customers at the doors while officials and scholars seeking pleasure roamed the streets, their laughter echoing everywhere.

Teng Yuyi watched from the carriage, feeling overwhelmed by the bustling scene. She took out the map given by Shaotang and guided Huo Qiu through the streets.

After many twists and turns, they arrived at the tall and wide door of the building.

Huo Qiu announced from outside: “Miss, we’ve arrived.”

Teng Yuyi dusted off her robe and stepped out.

The brothel before her was extraordinary, with three floors and carriages lined up outside.

All the patrons were richly dressed nobles.

Teng Yuyi stood at the entrance, marveling at the luxurious establishment.

She instructed Chunrong and Biluo to wait in the carriage and entered with Huo Qiu.

A middle-aged woman with a jade ornament on her forehead stopped them, recognizing Teng Yuyi as a woman and smiling: “Young Master, please wait. Caifeng Tower does not serve guests like you.”

Ignoring her, Teng Yuyi continued forward.

The woman’s expression changed: “Young Master—”

Before she could finish, a glint of gold appeared before her eyes.

Teng Yuyi held a gold ingot between her fingers, smiling: “Will you serve me now?”

“Yes, yes!” The woman’s eyes lit up. The ingot was enough to buy a shop in the eastern market. Although the place often hosted wealthy patrons, such generosity was rare.

She gleefully accepted the gold and led Teng Yuyi inside: “Young Master, please follow me.”

Teng Yuyi followed the woman, looking around as she walked. The sound of bamboo flute could be heard in the side rooms, and the guests were enjoying food and wine.

The young Taoist priest said he came here to exorcise evil spirits, but there was singing and dancing inside and outside the building, so it didn’t look like there were evil spirits hiding here.

She went straight up to the second floor, but neither Lin Chengyou nor Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi were anywhere to be seen.

Teng Yuyi asked the woman, “Madam, have any Taoist priests come here tonight?”

The woman covered her mouth with a round fan and laughed, “Young Master, you must be joking. Our Caifeng Tower is famous for its gentle and luxurious hospitality. Why would any Taoist priests come here?”

She led Teng Yuyi and her servant to a private room by the window on the second floor and warmly introduced herself, “My name is E Ji. Young Master, if you wish to drink or see beautiful women, just let me know.”

Teng Yuyi signaled Huo Qiu with a look, and Huo Qiu nodded, then went outside to look for Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi.

Teng Yuyi smiled and asked E Ji, “I heard the wine at Caifeng Tower is better than anywhere else. Do you have grape wine?”

E Ji eagerly replied, “Young Master, you’ve come to the right place.”

She stepped out into the hallway and instructed a servant, “Quickly, bring Bao Zhu and Juan Erli to warm the wine.”

Teng Yuyi remembered her purpose for coming and instinctively touched the jade sword in her robe, but her hand brushed against a pile of talismans.

In her hurry earlier, she had almost forgotten about them. The priests at Dongming Temple had no real skills but were very adept at swindling money.

Feeling they were a burden, she was about to ask E Ji to throw them away when suddenly, the talismans ignited at her fingertips with a sizzle.

Startled, Teng Yuyi flung the burning talismans to the ground. They continued to burn for a moment before slowly extinguishing into ashes.

Teng Yuyi stared at the pile of ash in bewilderment. The priests at Dongming Temple had claimed the talismans could detect and ward off evil spirits, but she hadn’t believed a word.

Yet, why had the talismans suddenly caught fire?

Just as she was pondering this strange occurrence, a man adorned with a flower ornament and a jade pendant passed outside. This man, nearly thirty years old, was handsome and charming. As he walked, he joked with the two beautiful women beside him.

When he glanced into the room and saw Teng Yuyi, his gaze was strangely bewitching, as if he could see right through her.

Teng Yuyi’s heart skipped a beat. The man smiled and, with a stride, walked into the room.