Chapter 106: Winning Pei Lang

"You!" Liuying hated most when birth in pleasure trade raised—furious.
Shen Miao said. "Consider well."
"Since Miss despises fallen women—why speak thus." Liuying laughed angry-not-angry.
"I despise those who accept falling willingly." Shen Miao stood. "In days Mo Guard returns—no hurry answer. But—beauty serving men—never good end."
Shen Miao signaled Mo Qing—he placed silver on table—Liuying swept glance—annoyed. Mo Qing awkward—Shen Miao won't stay—nodded Liuying—left—unknown Liuying's face behind.
Outside Baoxiang—Jingzhe indignant. "M-Master tried redeem her—she ungrateful—kindness wasted."
Mo Qing wanted speak—swallowed.
Gu Yu asked. "Miss—return now?"
Shen Miao unmoved. Gu Yu odd—Shen Miao watching—street corner opposite—green-robed man staring Liuying's pavilion.
Before Gu Yu spoke—Shen Miao walked there.
Eaves—green man straight—eyes locked on Liuying's pavilion—too absorbed—didn't notice approach—until cough broke thought—four before him—leading youth moon-white—clear brows jade cute—some family's young master—light smile at him.
Pei Lang startled—youth familiar—youth nodded. "Master Pei."
"Shen Miao!" Pei Lang eyes widened—looked at attendants guard—looked at her—shocked. "You—why dressed so?"
Women as men not rare—Ming Qi ladies sometimes men's dress for convenience—pretty in own way. But Shen Miao… Pei Lang at jade young master—speechless.
"I just left Baoxiang." Shen Miao said.
Pei Lang coughed—face red. Women's dress common—women's dress visiting brothel—first time hearing. Shen Miao utterly frank—no shame.
Shen Miao stepped close—snap—folded fan blocked both faces—soft behind fan. "All say Baoxiang girls are heaven's beauty—so I visited. Lately Persian dancers—each fragrant and bold."
Pei Lang outwardly calm—even nobles at ease—Shen Miao's ambiguous gesture—lost. Her chaotic words—illusion—real young master of pleasure houses discussing which dancer prettier.
"Nonsense!" Remembering teacher identity—two words through teeth.
Shen Miao smiled—eyes crescent—almost breath like orchid. "But I—ordered Miss Liuying's token."
Pei Lang's body stiffened.
Shen Miao lowered fan—smiled at him. "Master Pei watched Liuying's pavilion long—is Miss Liuying also your longing?"
Pei Lang stared—plain face sudden fierceness.
Shen Miao unmoved—laughed—pointed Kuaihuo Tower. "Since Master Pei interests Miss Liuying—join me for wine—discuss beauty." Manner slightly frivolous—yet irresistible authority—fan across chest—walked upstairs alone—threw back. "Wine and beauty—life's joy."
Jingzhe Gu Yu Mo Qing didn't understand—never contradicted Shen Miao—followed in.
Pei Lang alone—pause—determined—followed.
Upstairs window—Ji Yushu jumped. "See! I said Miss Shen loves Pei Lang—big circle ordering Liuying—all for today speaking with Pei Lang!"
Gao Yang ignored—speculated. "What did she say behind fan?" Shook head. "Used fan—knows you read lips?" Looked at Xie Jingxing.
Xie Jingxing shrugged—noncommittal.
"Speaking—Miss Shen's fan flutter—more dashing than me." Ji Yushu sighed. "Such beauty—why poor scholar—even me better than brothel-poor face."
Xie Jingxing stood—Ji Yushu asked. "Where?"
"Hear what they say." Xie Jingxing meaningful smile. "See what kind of piece Pei Lang is."
Kuaihuo Tower private room—Mo Qing guarded door—Jingzhe Gu Yu sides—heads down—as if absent.
Shen Miao poured wine at table.
Lu wine—amber color—fragrant aroma—not strong—moderate drinkers fine with little.
Shen Miao poured two cups—graceful—fingers on handle—crystal wine into jade cup—sound pleasant.
Pei Lang watched Shen Miao push cup before him. "Master, please."
"Shen Miao," Pei Lang used her name—face unrelaxed since entry. "What do you want?"
"Master Pei so impatient—discuss beauty without wine—bull chewing peony?" Shen Miao leisurely.
Pei Lang stalled. Years at Guangwen Hall—all respectful—even wildest students not so frivolous. Others fine—but Shen Miao—he felt—not frivolous person—such speech—can't read her depth.
Pei Lang silent—Shen Miao laughed lightly. "Joke with Master Pei—why so tense?"
Speaking—eyes clear—teasing glint—pure girl moment—inadvertent charm—Pei Lang's gaze paused.
"This is Lu wine," Shen Miao raised cup—toast Pei Lang—Pei Lang suddenly changed color—Shen Miao as if not noticing—slow. "Lu-Qi region—wine amber—Kuaihuo Lu wine likely shipped from Lu-Qi."
Pei Lang looked—suddenly raised cup—drained.
"Wine not strong," Shen Miao smiling. "Else others think Master Pei a wine jar." Coy tone—words made Pei Lang palms damp. "Lu people drink well—often by jar—Master Pei's manner—somewhat Lu-like."
Pei Lang pressed lips—gentle brows twisted.
Shen Miao propped cheek—wine flushed face—slight red—even sober—half-lidded like crabapple spring sleep—men's dress added crisp pretty charm. "I recall over ten years ago—Lu prefect surnamed Pei—perhaps Master Pei same family."
Pei Lang slammed cup on table—Mo Qing tiger eyes—hand on sword.
"Pity that Prefect Pei—old dynasty affair—Emperor executed whole family. Men killed—daughters exiled as official prostitutes." Shen Miao laughed unstoppable. "Heard Prefect Pei had fine pair of children—young—died in storm too."
Pei Lang's lips trembled—word by word. "Who are you?"
"Shh." Shen Miao hushed gesture—drank another cup—snow face red. "Fortunate heard a secret—for Master Pei's surname—share with Master Pei."
"That Prefect could send both children to safety—officials chased tight—could save one—so… Prefect saved son—daughter taken by officers." She sighed shook head. "Officers wolf-tiger—criminal kin never mercy—girl caught—what good end? I say—that Prefect knew daughter in tiger's mouth worse than death—still pushed her out—somewhat heartless."
Pei Lang closed eyes—pain on face.
"Master Pei so moved—empathy." Shen Miao propped chin smiling at him. "But nothing to do with Master Pei—Master Pei born Dingjing merchant—not Lu. Speaking thus—Lu wine intoxicates—moment's sentiment only."
Pei Lang's gentleness vanished—thick wariness—he said. "General Shen's meaning?"
Shen Miao shook head.
"Father dotes—gave me embroidery workshop—needs embroiderer." Shen Miao drawled. "Heard Prefect Pei's eldest daughter—double-sided embroidery from childhood. Coincidence—Baoxiang's Liuying also double-sided embroidery. Both fallen—both embroider—perhaps Liuying and that pushed-out criminal daughter related. I—moved to pity—rescue from dust."
Shen Miao looked at Pei Lang. "Master Pei—student right or wrong?"
She said "student"—hair in men's official cap—smiling like jade youth—clear eyes hiding depth—unreadable. Playful spirit—official court smile-blade knife—perfected.
Deal with her—cliff wire—words within words—friend foe unclear.
Pei Lang turned head. "What do you think?"
Shen Miao laughed pure—as if truly happy for good deed. "I think very good. Even if Prefect Pei's son knew sister's whereabouts—came redeem—Miss Pei's grudge against father and pride—would refuse—ruin her life instead."
Pei Lang silent.
"Some people—jade in stone heap long—become stone. Some—pride in bones—ground to dust—pride unchanged. Heard that Prefect Pei—guilty yet proud—children no less. You say—" Shen Miao looked at Pei Lang. "That girl rather live fallen noble—or live washed courtesan?"
"So much said—" Pei Lang sneered cold. "What do you want me to do?"
"Master Pei clever—I knew couldn't hide. See tiny know much—hear string know melody—exactly so." Shen Miao flattered—then. "Master Pei talent—strategy in chest—why not enter office?"
"Shen Miao!" Pei Lang suddenly shouted—some word hit pain—excited—Jingzhe Gu Yu stared. Pei Lang raged. "You wish in vain!"
"Master Pei don't hurry—hear me calmly." Shen Miao smiled. "Perhaps my story frightened you—office—one mistake—whole family—dangerous—plus after office—not free as teacher now."
Pei Lang's face gradually calm—returned clear gentle teacher.
"But Master Pei alone now—no spouse—no family—no worry of implicating. Besides… world—stand high see far—stand high—do more. Protect those you can—white-roof teacher not enough. Master Pei may teach generations—but…" Shen Miao raised cup calm—smiling instant cold indifference. "When trouble—great houses avoid—won't exert heart."
"Only self strong—is right path." Shen Miao's voice seductive—more than Baoxiang's seductive songs.
"Who taught you these words—purpose what—my office—what benefit to him?"
Shen Miao smiled faintly. Pei Lang—seemingly gentle—truly teaching-only—yet always asks key point. Last life Fu Xiuyi exhausted means to win Pei Lang as strategist—even National Preceptor—not accident.
"Why ask others' benefit—not your own?" Shen Miao didn't answer—circled. "Promotion wealth wife—all cheapen Master Pei himself. Business—who asks others' coins—not own profit?"
"I gain nothing." Pei Lang flat.
"Master Pei gains nothing—but Liuying gains." Shen Miao smiled at him—eyes glint. "Woman leaves trade—stable rest of life—you saved a life."
Pei Lang stared dead—if still unclear now—true fool.
"After office—what do I do?" Pei Lang asked.
Shen Miao satisfied—shortest time weigh pros cons—best choice—Pei Lang's habit. But… remembered when Fu Xiuyi deposed crown prince—she knelt begging Pei Lang—Pei Lang's tone—same rational heartless. Now—chips in her hand—once lofty National Preceptor—only her to manipulate—shallow pleasure in heart—became joy on face.
"Actually little." Shen Miao said. "Master Pei talented—even without active entry—year later—noble will recruit. Hope then—Master Pei not refuse noble—accept surface—work for me."
"You want me as inside man?" Pei Lang incredulous.
Shen Miao shook head. "How inside man? Master Pei can promote wealth—I guarantee identity hidden—only sometimes—tell me news."
Pei Lang silent—looked at Shen Miao. "Which noble you mean?"
Shen Miao smiled faintly. "Prince Ding Fu Xiuyi."
Pei Lang startled—looked at Shen Miao again. Knew Shen Miao once loved Prince Ding—city laughingstock—Prince Ding deep—indifferent to Shen Miao. Since when Shen Miao changed—Pei Lang thought someone guided behind—now wondered—love to hate—so calculate even Prince Ding?
But love unrequited—such deeds?
Pei Lang confused. Girl before him—men's dress pretty—wine faint red—budding age—white tender—eyes newborn beast unstained—yet gestures careless frivolity. Pei Lang uneasy.
Speaking with girl her age—like elder to junior—or brother sister—now—he lower hand—led by nose—can't resist.
"What do you truly want?" Pei Lang asked many times—still uncertain—others or Shen Miao herself—cards seen—her initial purpose unclear.
Absolute suppression.
"I want nothing—only decision good for me and Master Pei." Shen Miao smiled tucking hair behind ear—neck jade white. "Master Pei—accept or not?"
"Answer only here?" Pei Lang asked.
"You have—" Shen Miao pointed wine pot. "One pot's time. Finish pot—tell me answer."
"Needn't." Pei Lang cut her. "If you keep promise—I agree."
Room silent moment—Shen Miao laughed—lifted pot—filled both cups—raised hers—toast Pei Lang.
Pei Lang hesitated—raised cup—strange feeling—toast student in tavern—heart somewhat hot.
"Wish Master Pei future vast—brocade unlimited." Shen Miao drained fast—wine trickle corner—sharp chin—into white collar.
Pei Lang looked away—budding girl beautiful—still green—especially Shen Miao gentle clear—proper restrained. Pei Lang not beauty-lover—yet moment mind disturbed—wrong—discordant.
Flash of pleasure in Shen Miao's eyes.
Perhaps wine—hidden emotions sin-like grew. Remembered Pei Lang upright—most propriety—before Pei Lang she embodied empress dignity—still lost to Pei Lang's profit-loss.
Last life's man who decided Fu Ming's life—now she held his weakness. Before Pei Lang—empress decorum—even Wanyu's marriage tears forbidden. Now—no empress dignity—no wifely virtue—men's dress—brothel—student toasts teacher—frivolous loose—what could Pei Lang do?
He couldn't do anything to her.
Yet pleasure—brief instant.
When Pei Lang agreed—no need continue entangle.
Wine-born charm faded—inches of sobriety climbed. She stood—chin slightly raised—returned somewhat imposing Shen Miao.
"After Liuying settled—will tell workshop address to Master Pei." Shen Miao nodded. "Silver paid—Master Pei drink slow—Lu wine—not often tasted."
Last line—mockery or courtesy—Pei Lang brows furrowed—watched Shen Miao and party leave.
He drank—should be mellow—mouth astonishingly bitter.
Outside—Jingzhe Gu Yu silent—saw Shen Miao's mood poor—Pei Lang talk cloudy—sensed grave matter—dared not speak.
Cold wind—flush gone—Shen Miao closed eyes—opened—eyes only cold.
Pei Lang—still grudge from his standing by last life—however hidden—leaked trace.
Purpose achieved though.
"Return mansion." She walked to carriage.
……
Kuaihuo Tower—hidden room adjacent previous private room—all silent.
Good play watched—first amusing—now tea cold—thinking—chilling.
Ji Yushu swallowed—break silence. "Adjacent room convenient—eavesdrop easy—hear and see—hehe—fine."
Behind carved pillar—huge foreign glass—fine rail—this side sees that—not reverse—copper pillar small holes—speech clear.
Ji Yushu's words—other two silent. Gao Yang fan on chin—thinking habit—Xie Jingxing elbow on head—played teacup—lowered eyes thinking.
Ji Yushu couldn't bear silence. "Don't silent—just Lu Prefect Pei affair—Pei Lang is Prefect Pei's son!"
Shen Miao's story easy—because Pei Lang understood—three here not fools—slight thought—clear.
Lu criminal Prefect Pei—two children—sister is Liuying—brother is Pei Lang now. Escape—to save Pei Lang—Pei family agents abandoned Liuying—Liuying fell to dust. Pei Lang on arranged escape—became Dingjing merchant-born—parents died years ago—alone now.
Seamless identity—years undiscovered.
Yet… Xie Jingxing lazy smile. "So—what Fengxian couldn't find—how does she know?"
Last words cold—peach eyes killing air rising.