Li Hong waved a hand and raised his wine cup toward Xiang Yang. The rich fragrance of the wine stirred Xiang Yang's craving as well. He lifted his cup in return, letting a stream of mellow, crisp liquor slide down his throat, unwilling to slight the other man's goodwill.
"Constable Xiang, your keen eyes are like torches, and your divine gaze never errs. Have you seen the three treasures in this room?"
Setting down his cup, Li Hong clapped twice. The three beauties who had been standing silently to one side swayed their graceful figures toward the center. Their slender waists seemed small enough to encircle with one hand. They dipped in salute, their soft voices like orioles and kingfishers, making even the old eunuch Deng Fang raise his brows as his heart softened.
Xiang Yang's heart stirred. From what he knew of Li Hong, since the man had sought him out, he must have thoroughly investigated him.
And if he had investigated him, he should know that Xiang Yang was not a lecherous man greedy for flowers, but a pure martial devotee whose heart was set wholly on the path of martial arts. Li Hong should not have resorted to such absurdity as currying favor through female beauty. Could these three women possess some unusual quality?
Thus, he held his breath and focused, carefully examining the three women standing before him with their backs to him through the Insight Technique. Though their beauty was boundless and breathtaking, they were still ordinary mortals without the slightest peculiarity. He could not help feeling puzzled.
"Your Highness, could the three treasures you speak of be these three ladies? Forgive Xiang's poor eyesight, but I fail to see what makes them exceptional. Please enlighten me."
The moment Xiang Yang spoke, Li Hong's gaze