With a twang, a string snapped, and the music stopped.
Forcing down her unease, Red Girl hurried over to Chu Kuangren and the others and bowed. "This servant is feeling unwell today and has spoiled your enjoyment. I will call another of the girls over to take my place."
The second prince's expression turned rather ugly, but with Chu Kuangren present, he could hardly lose his temper and disgrace himself. "Hmph, hurry up, then."
"Yes."
"Wait."
Chu Kuangren suddenly called Red Girl back and said mildly, "There's no need for a replacement. Get another zither and keep playing."
"But this servant..."
"If you're told to continue, then continue. To have Fellow Daoist Chu take a fancy to you is a blessing you cultivated over eight lifetimes. Don't fail to appreciate it."
The second prince spoke coldly.
Red Girl considered for a moment. "Very well, then."
She fetched another zither and continued playing.
The second prince smiled faintly at Chu Kuangren. "Fellow Daoist Chu, did you specifically ask her to stay because she caught your eye?"
Red Girl was a stunning beauty too. Though she could not compare to Lan Yu, the second prince saw nothing wrong with Chu Kuangren taking a fancy to her. After all, he was young and vigorous, at an age when his blood ran hot.
All the more so for a man as outstanding as Chu Kuangren.
"Heh, Your Highness, do you know what sorts of places the Elysium Sect, one of the Azure Dragon Domain's Three Demonic Sects, usually hides in?"
Chu Kuangren's question took the second prince somewhat by surprise.
Why had he suddenly brought up the Elysium Sect?
"Please enlighten me, Fellow Daoist Chu."
"The Elysium Sect specializes in the arts of sexual union, and its women are particularly skilled in bedroom matters.