Chapter 85: The Beautiful Elder Sister

Judging by appearances, that little girl seemed a bit older than herself, so Liu Qin chimed in with a smile, "Big sister, we’re not here for fun—we’re looking for someone."

"Looking for someone?"

"Yes, we’re searching for a lady named Hong Jing."

"Hong Jing?" The young girl looked puzzled. She had worked at Misty Rain Pavilion for two years, but she had never seen these guests before. Could they be admirers of Sister Hong Jing? But they’re so young.

The girl hesitated, unsure if she should go and report, when a voice drifted from inside the door: "Dong’er, what are you doing opening the door so early?"

A maid in blue walked out as she spoke—it was none other than Qing’er, whom they had met last time.

Dong’er turned and beckoned to Qing’er, "Qing’er, this guest wants to see Sister Hong Jing. You’ve spent more time with her—come take a look, maybe you recognize them."

Qing’er approached at her words, but upon getting a closer look, her expression matched Dong’er’s—she didn’t know them either.

Lei Hu, who had been leaning lazily against a tree, grew impatient watching the girls dawdle. He strode forward and snapped, "What are you two fussing about? When our young master wants to see someone, it’s not your place to question him. Go and announce us at once."

His imposing figure startled the two girls. Glancing at Jiang Li and Liu Qin, whose attire marked them as children of wealthy families, the girls exchanged worried glances, then turned and headed back to the boat, though Qing’er muttered stubbornly, "What’s wrong with asking? Just because they have money doesn’t mean they’re above the rules. No matter how rich they are, once they’re at Misty Rain Pavilion, they follow our rules."

Despite her words, she still went to make the announcement.

Qing’er was right—Misty Rain Pavilion did have a few ironclad rules: guests could not stay overnight, and no matter their status, everyone had to leave after midnight; the establishment didn’t open in the mornings, and anyone who came would simply be told to leave, no exceptions; and there was a rule for the girls themselves—no romantic entanglements with outsiders. If one lost her virtue, she had to leave, either marrying or setting out on her own, but never again connected to Misty Rain Pavilion.

No one knew who had set these rules or when they’d begun, but anyone who had spent time here knew to follow them—no one wanted to lose face or become a laughingstock.

Liu Qin and the others were unaware of these customs, but since their visit was for serious business, they waited politely by the shore.

Before long, Hong Jing emerged from the building, dressed as always in red, radiating a spirited energy that set her apart from other women. Lei Hu narrowed his eyes—he hadn’t realized this woman was a practitioner. The way she walked—with light, quick steps—betrayed none of the frailty or affectation typical of women.

Hong Jing, seasoned and composed, greeted them with a courteous bow before asking, "Young master, for what purpose have you sought me out?"

She looked toward Jiang Li, but he did not return her gaze. Instead, he looked to the even younger boy by his side, who answered in his stead.

"Sister Hong Jing, we’ve come today as promised."

"As promised?" Hong Jing raised an eyebrow. "Could it be about the Qiongjing Tavern?"

"Exactly! Sister Hong Jing, you have a great memory."

"But our meeting was with the owner. Are you... the owner, young master?" Though Hong Jing asked, she didn’t believe it. The boy before her looked only six or seven years old—surely he wasn’t here to play at business?

Before Liu Qin could reply, Qing’er, who had followed Hong Jing back, scoffed, "How could a child like that be the owner?"

"What’s wrong with being a child? Don’t underestimate us. In the last dynasty, there was a boy of eleven or twelve who became a top scholar and prime minister. I may be a little younger and less talented, but I can certainly handle a small shop," Liu Qin replied, full of confidence. To emphasize her point, she straightened her back and lifted her chin, determined to look unfazed.

Liu Qin’s fair, delicate features and innate charm already made her endearing, and now, hearing her bold words, Hong Jing found herself inexplicably liking this little one. A smile naturally crept onto her face.

Liu Qin giggled and turned to Hong Jing. "To be honest, we’re not the owners. The Qiongjing Tavern belongs to my eldest brother. He’s busy and rarely at the shop, so my cousin and I manage things day to day. But don’t worry, sister, we’re fully authorized to make decisions."

Qing’er gave a look that said, "I knew it," but Liu Qin only stuck out her tongue at her, unembarrassed.

Hong Jing, straightforward by nature, broke into a bright smile and gestured invitingly, "Please, this way, young masters."

Her smile made Liu Qin feel as if the sun had broken through the clouds and all the garden had blossomed—she found herself momentarily entranced.

For some reason, Qing’er seemed to have taken a dislike to Liu Qin. Noticing her dazed look, Qing’er shot her a scornful glance before cheerfully leading the way.

Once aboard the ornate boat, Liu Qin saw up close that the lacquered woodwork gleamed as if freshly painted. The carved patterns were intricate—flowers, birds, fish, insects, landscapes, figures. Before she could study them closely, she was ushered up a spiral staircase straight to the third floor.

Qing’er stopped at the first door near the stairs, lifted the curtain, and Hong Jing led Liu Qin and the others inside. It was a small room, simply furnished with a few wooden chairs and side tables. Windows on both sides offered views of endless misty lake on one, and willows trailing along the shore on the other—a truly delightful scene.

"Please be seated, young masters. I’ll return presently," Hong Jing said, instructing a maid to serve tea before excusing herself.

With such scenery, Liu Qin couldn’t sit still and ran to the window. But Jiang Li, always insistent on propriety in public, pulled her back to her seat. Lei Hu found a chair near the door, while Changxing and Changsheng, ever respectful, stood behind them with heads slightly bowed.

After half a cup of tea, Hong Jing returned—this time accompanied by another woman.

From behind the red-clad Hong Jing stepped a lady in flowing white, her gown brighter than snow, a green silk sash tied carelessly at her waist. No other ornaments adorned her, yet her slender figure swayed like a willow, her waist delicate as if it would yield to a touch. Her hair was piled loosely atop her head, glossy black as a gathering of crows, and a dazzling multicolored hairpin inlaid with eastern pearls shimmered with every step.

Her lotus-petal face was framed by willow-leaf brows, eyes brimming with unspoken mirth and feeling. Her lips were naturally rosy, her brows vivid without pigment, her nose fine, her cheeks tinted peach. Truly, she was a rare beauty in all the world.

Wow—this, this...

Liu Qin was so struck that she leapt to her feet, mouth opening and closing, words stuck in her throat, until finally, she managed to stammer out, "Beautiful... sister."

Though Jiang Li and the others were also stunned by the woman’s beauty, they managed to keep their composure. Seeing Liu Qin’s stupefied state, however, they all lowered their heads in embarrassment, each silently insisting, "I don’t know her, I don’t know her..."