Chapter Forty: The Incomparable Spirit of Ah Q

Liu Ling’er patted Bai Li Xian on the shoulder. “Well done, but unfortunately, there’s no reward. So, do you want to go enjoy yourself at Moon Phoenix Pavilion again?”

Bai Li Xian’s face darkened, and he promptly hoisted Liu Ling’er up and tossed her into the carriage. “You’ve got some nerve to speak! You’ve ruined official business, so now we’re heading back to the manor.”

Silver Wula obediently climbed onto the driver’s seat and took the reins, fully aware that whether he could speak or not was entirely up to the Prince’s whim. If he performed well, perhaps the Prince would grant him the freedom to speak sooner. But judging by the Prince’s indifference, it was clear he was only fooling himself.

Liu Ling’er hadn’t even had time to react before she was thrown into the carriage, nearly suffering a concussion. Thankfully, her nimble hands managed to grab hold of a handle inside; had she missed, it would’ve been a disaster for her face—a prospect that sent a chill down her spine.

And what was this about “official business” being ruined by her? Heaven help her! He made her sound like some meddling troublemaker. Hmph! He’s the real troublemaker. Liu Ling’er, beautiful and gracious, innocent and adorable—how could she be that sort of person?

Besides, he calls visiting brothels “official business”? Shameless! If only she hadn’t witnessed it—Bai Li Xian, the master of twisting right and wrong, was truly something else. Curled up in a corner of the carriage, she imagined herself pummeling Bai Li Xian in her mind, unleashing an unparalleled A-Q spirit.

When they reached the gate of the Prince’s manor, Bai Li Xian suddenly spoke with rare kindness, “Would you care to join me for a cup of tea? It’s made from dew gathered from a hundred flowers—you won’t be disappointed.”

Liu Ling’er was tempted, but remembering the two patients waiting for her medicines back home, she reluctantly refused. Besides, unsolicited kindness always hides an ulterior motive. They weren’t familiar enough; best to keep her distance.

If Silver Wula could speak, he’d surely berate Liu Ling’er, “Our master is offering you Hundred Blossom Dew Tea—a great honor! And you don’t appreciate it? You’ll regret it sooner or later…”

The guards behind the gate saw the Prince’s expression darken, and watched the Princess vanish from sight, all sighing with regret.

The Prince’s Hundred Blossom Dew Tea was famous throughout the capital. Even the Emperor could only taste it if the Prince was in a good mood. The maidens who brewed the tea said that even a whiff was enough to boast about for days. Yet the Princess wasn’t impressed—ignorance truly was frightening!

It was also rumored that this tea not only beautified the drinker, but prolonged life and eased all ailments. Thankfully, the guards kept these thoughts to themselves; otherwise, Liu Ling’er would be the first to doubt, “Really? Are you sure it’s flower tea and not some legendary miracle pill?”

Never mind the guards’ envy—when Liu Ling’er reached the manor’s accounting office, rage overwhelmed her. The room was empty. Not a soul in sight!

That wretched steward, Li Chao, sleeping on the job was bad enough, but to neglect his duties—most importantly, preventing her from obtaining funds. Without money, she couldn’t buy medicine. Even a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle wouldn’t tolerate that.

Liu Ling’er flew into a furious rampage, determined to confront Bai Li Xian for answers.

But she had overestimated her sense of direction. Though the Prince’s manor wasn’t as vast as the imperial palace, it was still sizable. She’d walked this route two or three times, yet managed to get lost.

Wandering aimlessly, she soon found herself in a garden. Exotic flowers and rare plants crowded the space. It was springtime—even Liu Ling’er, usually insensitive to such beauty, felt her spirits lift as she beheld the vibrant blooms, the anger within her fading.

Sadly, the peaceful scene was short-lived, interrupted by something thoroughly unpleasant. As she walked, she heard strange sounds: “Ah… please, be gentle… mm… mm…”

What was this, a wild tryst in the royal manor? A passionate encounter in the back garden?

Liu Ling’er’s eye twitched. Instinctively, she glanced toward the source of the sounds, and the sight before her nearly blinded her.

Not far away, a man and woman, engaged in activities not suitable for children. Their heated struggle was in full swing. Liu Ling’er crouched, covering her nose, cheeks flushing, but her eyes remained fixed on the live-action performance—her first time witnessing such a scene up close and for free; how could she not watch?

The distance was close, and compared to the censored videos she’d seen before, this was a wholly different level—so intense, she nearly had a nosebleed.

Spying the blue clothing, Liu Ling’er’s spirits jolted. Damn it! Wasn’t that the wretched steward, Li Chao? The nerve on that man!

Brazenly fooling around in broad daylight within the manor! She glanced up at the blazing sun, then back at Li Chao engaged in his exertions, and the imaginary black lines above her head multiplied without end.