Night falls.
Chongren Ward was brightly lit, with colorful lanterns hanging in the streets, and ladies and gentlemen could be seen walking around in the shops along the street.
Ye Xingge rode his white horse through the streets, glancing at the papers in his hand along the way.
After having dinner with Great Beauty, Ye Xingge went to the gambling den where Han Zhongwu had set up the scheme, found the owner and employees involved, and used his memory restoration technique to find out the whole story.
It can now be concluded that Han Zhongwu's scheme was real. On the third day of the fifth lunar month, merchant Yang Chun visited Brocade Sound Tower and then left through the back door with Meng Wanshan, a retainer of Han's household, and was never heard from again.
But these are all testimonies, without concrete evidence. Without finding the body, it's difficult to convict him. To get to the bottom of things, we still need to find Han Zhongwu and question him in person.
As for finding someone, we naturally had to rely on the landlady.
While pondering this, Ye Xingge arrived near Jinghe Hot Springs.
Jinghe Hot Springs is located in the center of Chongren Ward, covering a large area, and its background is quite special.
This land originally belonged to the Cao Clan, but Cao Xiong gave it to his daughter as dowry.
However, the empress's business dealings and competing with the people for profit would be criticized. Therefore, this place was transformed into a welfare bathhouse, where people could bathe for only a few coins, in order to show that the empress loved her people like her own children.
Because the underground spring water does indeed have the effect of relieving pain, promoting blood circulation, and nourishing internal injuries, many important figures have come here, making it a well-known entertainment destination in Yong Capital.
If the Han Clan really hid their son here, it must be because they thought he wouldn't be able to find out who the Empress was working for in a short time, and even if he did, he would be hesitant to kill anyone here.
But the Han Clan was clearly overthinking it.
As Ye Xingge walked, she glanced around and, seeing that no one was paying attention, asked softly:
" Yu'er, have you ever been to a hot spring?" Hongyu had just been kissed twice and was still recovering from the shock. Hearing this, she gritted her teeth.
"Tch~ You pervert, you're done for!"
Ye Xingge shook his head and smiled, then walked along the street and soon arrived at the main entrance of Jinghe Hot Springs.
Draft, dressed as a A Fei, had been waiting at the door. Seeing Ye Xingge over, he quickly stepped forward and took the horse.
"Young Master Ye, you've finally arrived! The patriarch and Miss Shen are at Hibiscus Pool. I'll take you there right away."
After setting down the horse, Ye Xingge straightened his robes and entered through the gate.
Jinghe Hot Springs is open to the public, and the interior is actually quite lively, with many children playing outside the large bath area.
Ye Xingge walked along the corridor, looking around, and halfway through, he went straight to the point and asked:
"This afternoon, Lord An told me that Brother A Fei encountered the Han Clan's coachman on the street?"
A Fei didn't just run into him; he had been keeping a close eye on Han Zhongwu for the past two days to facilitate the execution of the family head's plan. He knew that Han Zhongwu was currently hiding behind Jinghe Hot Springs, with his retainer Meng Wanshan nearby. To avoid alerting Han Zhongwu, he had gone to great lengths.
However, today's task is first to determine whether Ye Xingge is the Crown Prince of Western Shu. At this moment, A Fei did not reveal everything, but rather asked rather solicitously:
"When I came to Dingchizi this afternoon, I saw him on the street. Young Master Ye asked about this matter..."
"I just investigated a case related to the Han Clan, but I have no leads yet. I was thinking of asking Han Zhongwu about the situation."
"Oh, then I'll go ask around the area later and find someone to inform Young Master Ye. Young Master Ye, please go ahead..."
Ye Xingge knew that A Fei would definitely be able to find the person, so he didn't ask any more questions and followed him to the Hibiscus Pool at the back.
Meanwhile, Hibiscus Pool.
As a private hot spring resort, Hibiscus Pool has two small hot spring pools for men and women, as well as a tea room, chess room, etc., which are usually used for family gatherings or friends to socialize.
The bathing pools are located on both sides, spaced far apart. The outer exterior resembles an elegant wooden house, the entrance leads to a changing room, and the interior features a screen displaying flowers and birds.
The hot spring pool, built of bluestone, is located behind the screen. It is estimated to be about two meters in diameter, with its walls winding like a landscape painting. Steam rises from inside, and a faint melody of a zither drifts from afar.
"Clang clang~ clang..."
Shen Yueyao had already untied her double buns and was now comfortably leaning against the hot spring pool, a towel draped over her forehead. Her porcelain-white face was flushed, and she was enjoying the experience with her eyes closed. Through the water, one could vaguely see the undulating peaks beneath the surface, like lively and adorable little bunnies!
But compared to the ones next to it, it's still a bit insignificant.
An Yurou, having removed all her clothes, sat in the bathtub, the water barely reaching her chest. Her approachable chest was half-submerged, and her lower back was rounded like the moon reflected in the water.
At this moment, An Yurou was waiting for Ye Xingge to arrive when she noticed out of the corner of her eye that the usually lively Yueyao had suddenly become silent. Puzzled, she asked:
" Yueyao, what are you thinking about?"
"Well..."
Shen Yueyao's current thoughts are nothing more than the fact that her father is too old to stay at home.
Unable to figure it out and not daring to ask Ye Xingge and her father, Shen Yueyao pondered for a long time before sitting up and looking at her close Sister Yurou:
" Sister Yurou, do you think my father wants to marry me off to Young Master Ye?"
"Um?"
An Yurou had watched Yueyao grow up and still treated her like a little girl. Hearing this, she was clearly taken aback.
"Is there?"
Shen Yueyao's expression stiffened slightly:
No?
"Well..."
An Yurou had never heard of it, but after thinking about it for a moment, she felt it was quite possible!
First of all, although Yueyao is still young, she is of marriageable age and has both parents alive, so she will obviously consider this.
Secondly, Ye Xingge rose to prominence in Qingxi. It is said that he used to help Magistrate Shen all the time. After he went to the capital to serve, Magistrate Shen even wrote a letter of recommendation to the Heaven-Observing Decree. It is impossible that he did not know Ye Xingge's potential and talent.
Therefore, it is perfectly reasonable for Magistrate Shen to want Ye Xingge as his son-in-law.
But if Ye Xingge were the Crown Prince of Western Shu, and Yueyao were to marry him, wouldn't she become the Empress of Western Shu?
Moreover, her sister-in-law was even groped and had her hands undone...
My sister-in-law is half of my brother-in-law's... well, you know...
Tsk~
An Yurou felt her thoughts were a bit jumbled, so she quickly cleared them away:
"It's possible that your parents spoke to you about it?"
Seeing that Sister Yurou said it was possible, Shen Yueyao felt that it was probably true, and her brows furrowed immediately.
"That's why I asked you, I'm not sure. If my father really arranged it this way, why hasn't Young Master Ye reacted these past few days? I was even planning to refuse to come here; if he doesn't fancy me, then it'll save us from hurting each other's feelings..."
Hmm~
As a professional spy, An Yurou could easily see through the little girl's thoughts. At this moment, she looked at Yueyao's flawless face:
"You're so beautiful, and you're also the granddaughter of the Heaven-Observing Decree, how could Ye Xingge not be interested? Hmm... perhaps he's been too busy these days, traveling all over the country, fighting his way through, and hasn't had time to think about these things."
"Oh..."
Shen Yueyao blinked and leaned closer:
"I've heard that some young masters prefer more mature girls, like... Sister Yurou and Sister Luo, especially those who are easy to raise. Young Master Ye and Sister Luo are getting close, could it be that..."
An Yurou didn't seem to notice this.
After all, Ye Xingge was quite polite in front of her. Hugging, touching, and scratching her, and showing her naked were just expedient measures taken in an emergency!
"I don't think so. Do you like Ye Xingge?"
"Hey!"
Shen Yueyao quickly sat up straight and lifted her breasts:
"I'm the future Heaven-Observing Decree, how can I be distracted by romantic feelings? I just can't figure out what my father means." "Then let me ask him for you?"
"No, no, if you ask, my dad will think I want to get married."
Just as the two sisters were having such a private conversation, Xiyue's voice came from outside:
"Master, Young Master Ye has arrived."
Worried that Ye Xingge would hear her coming in, Shen Yueyao quickly sat up straight.
But since the two were taking a shower, An Yurou definitely wouldn't call anyone in; she would only give them instructions:
"Take Young Master Ye to the sanatorium to recuperate, take good care of him, and bring him anything he needs."
"Understood! I'll go right away..."
The front hall of Hibiscus Pool.
After arriving outside the Elegant Garden, Ye Xingge was led by a maid from the An family. After walking a few steps inside, they arrived at the tea room where they were resting.
The tea room wasn't empty; five beautiful dancers from the An family had been waiting for some time. A young maid was playing the zither beside them as the five graceful dancers began to dance.
So much loneliness in this song... I can't recapture those days...
They were all dressed in low-cut, off-the-shoulder tops, their bare skin trembling slightly, their slender waists and shapely hips swaying rhythmically. Their dazzling dance skirts had high slits, revealing glimpses of their long, jade-like legs. A captivating, feminine fragrance filled the living room...
Oh my god
Seeing this sprawling, spiderweb-like scene, Ye Xingge felt less like a guest and more like a tyrannical emperor visiting the harem for pleasure.
Upon entering and taking a quick look around, one could see Xiyue, as light as a willow, walking out of the back room with a bathrobe in her hand, smiling broadly:
"Young Master Ye has arrived. The Patriarch and Miss Yueyao are taking a bath. I'll take you to rest first, and we'll have tea and refreshments together later."
As they spoke, Xiyue pulled Ye Xingge towards the side room to help him change into his bathrobe.
Ye Xingge was completely bewildered by the madam's demeanor, and slightly raised her hand. "I can do it myself."
Xiyue's task today was to find an opportunity to see the dragon pattern mark, which would definitely require her to take off her clothes. She then teased:
"Is Young Master Ye still shy?"
"No, it's not that. I grew up in the city and I'm not used to being waited on."
Xiyue raised her delicate, flawless cheeks, a hint of coquettishness in her voice:
"Young Master Ye is no small figure now. In the entire capital, who hasn't heard of his name? You'll have to get used to this."
Seeing that Xiyue was determined to take off his clothes, Ye Xingge realized that she wanted to see the mark.
But as the Crown Prince of Western Shu, knowing full well that he bore the mark on his body, he couldn't simply let everyone see it without any concealment. Therefore, he said:
"That's really unnecessary, I can do it myself much faster..."
"Young Master Ye, are you perhaps disgusted by this servant? My master is so virtuous; I've never even changed a man's clothes..."
"You flatter me. Miss Xiyue is the female prime minister of the Lady of Anyang's mansion. How could I dare to treat you like a maid? If this continues, I'll have to flee in panic!"
"Sigh~"
Xiyue already knew that Ye Xingge wouldn't let her help change clothes, so she had to switch to a backup plan, such as sneaking in with drinks and snacks later.
"Alright then, Young Master Ye, please feel free to call me anytime you need anything."
After saying that, Xiyue pushed her way out the door, and before closing it, she gave a meaningful wink with her left eye.
?
Ye Xingge thought Da Xiyue was really hot, almost making him dizzy. He shook his head and smiled, and after confirming that Xiyue had left, he took off his robe, changed into a loose bathrobe, and went to the small bathtub on the side...