Chapter 331: 331: Playing Pai Gow?

Words : 1496 Updated : Oct 11th, 2025

Chapter 331: Chapter 331: Playing Pai Gow? Zhan Lan followed her gaze and saw a woman dressed in green, her ink-black hair smooth as silk, at the entrance of Jinxiu Workshop. She was speaking to Mu Yan, who in turn was smiling gently at her. “Imperial Aunt, it is said that the girl’s name is Qingcheng. She used to live in the same courtyard as Imperial Uncle. It is rumored that the Regent King treats her differently from other women...” Bai Lu hadn’t finished her sentence when suddenly she felt a sharp pain in her neck, nearly choking. Zhan Lan’s expression was frigid as she grabbed Bai Lu by the neck, saying, “What does the business of others have to do with you? If you, a gossiping woman, continue to spread chaos, I will cut out your tongue!” Bai Lu’s cheeks reddened from Zhan Lan’s grip, and her maidservant, terrified, immediately knelt down to beg Zhan Lan for mercy. “Princess, please spare the young lady! She is to be married in a few days; she shouldn’t have bruises on her neck!” Zhan Lan released Bai Lu, then kicked her in the stomach, knocking her to the ground with a thud. She hadn’t gotten up from the ground, still propping herself up with her hands, when Zhan Lan stepped on her hands, spoke coldly: “Remember, today it was your future Imperial Aunt disciplining the younger generation. If there’s a next time, it will be Prince Zhenbei punishing those who spread rumors and create trouble. You’ll bear the consequences of life or death. Get out!” Zhan Lan lifted her foot off Bai Lu, who shivered uncontrollably. She thought Zhan Lan was still the amiable woman she used to be. After three years without seeing her, she had forgotten that Zhan Lan was a general who had fought her way back through a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood. Bai Lu had only wanted to provoke Zhan Lan, not anticipating that her Ruyi Abacus would play out so wrong. Bai Lu was helped up by her maid. Zhan Lan looked downstairs again; this time, she did not see Mu Yan and Qingcheng’s figures; lifting her gaze, he had already come upstairs. Mu Yan, holding her hand, asked, “Do you see anything you like?” Zhan Lan shook her head, to which Mu Yan stroked her hair and said, “Then, let’s go to the next place.” The two went downstairs hand in hand, with Bai Lu trailing behind them, unsure whether to clutch her stomach or her hand. She gritted her teeth and thought to herself: Just wait, now both the Crown Prince and King Wei are under her control. Mu Yan and Zhan Lan will get what they deserve later! ... Zhan Lan sat in the carriage, looking at Mu Yan and said, “Let’s go home!” Mu Yan approached her and asked, “Lan’er, are you not in a good mood today?” Zhan Lan sighed and said, “I feel somewhat tired.” Mu Yan drew her close into his embrace and began to pat her shoulder as if coaxing a child, “Sleep then!” Zhan Lan suddenly noticed a scent that didn’t belong to Mu Yan; it was faint, presumably Qingcheng’s fragrance. Zhan Lan pushed him away and said, “It’s a little hot.” Mu Yan took her home and then left for court affairs. Zhan Lan was idly gazing at the scenery of the mansion. She suddenly saw Qingcheng. Qingcheng came to the Regent Prince Mansion wearing a new yellow long dress. Vermilion Bird, standing on the opposite side, said, “The Princess is resting. Lady Qingcheng, please come again another day!” Qingcheng smiled warmly, “If sister-in-law is resting, then Qingcheng will take her leave.” Zhan Lan smiled slightly; how Qingcheng was with Mu Yan in the past, she did not care, but now that she was Mu Yan’s wife, she must meet whoever needs to be met. Zhan Lan’s voice reached Vermilion Bird’s ears, “Visitors are guests, let Lady Qingcheng in!” Vermilion Bird’s lips twitched – how did the Madam see Lady Qingcheng! It’s done for, later the two of them wouldn’t start fighting, would they? After all, once upon a time only Qingcheng was a girl in Master’s courtyard. If Madam gets jealous and gives Miss Qingcheng a spear, he can’t stop it either! Vermilion Bird nodded in agreement, Qingcheng looked at Zhan Lan with a faint smile and walked into the main house with graceful steps. Following behind Zhan Lan were Xiao Tao and Liu Xi, especially Xiao Tao, who had the feeling of a chick protecting an eagle, full of hostility towards Qingcheng. Zhan Lan curled her lips and said: “Please take a seat!” Qingcheng bowed slightly with an amiable smile and said, “Sister-in-law is indeed a stunning beauty, Qingcheng offers her greetings.” Zhan Lan laughed: “Lady Qingcheng, do you have matters to attend to in our mansion today?” Qingcheng’s eyes were clear and her smile was gentle as she looked at Zhan Lan, “Today, Qingcheng is here to explain to my sister-in-law that there are no amorous feelings between Yan and myself, please do not misunderstand.” Zhan Lan looked into her eyes and said: “Lady Qingcheng, did you come here today to say just these words?” Qingcheng smiled lightly, “Yes, Qingcheng will not appear in front of Yan anymore. His kindness towards me is only because I took a knife for him when we were children, so he treats me as if I were his sister. The rumors in the town that I am his woman are all for some reasons, just to deceive others...” Zhan Lan looked at Qingcheng’s legs, no wonder she walked with a slight limp. So that’s how it is. This woman may look naive, but she is definitely not as simple as she appears on the surface. Zhan Lan no longer judges people by their appearances like in her past life; Qingcheng’s move to retreat as a way to advance had inadvertently revealed her affection for Mu Yan. But since she was able to stay by Mu Yan’s side for so many years, aside from his guilt, there must be other reasons. However, she didn’t want to hear the answer from Qingcheng’s mouth. Qingcheng chatted with her about this and that, Zhan Lan had Xiao Tao pour her some tea. Xiao Tao filled the tea brimming to the edge, Qingcheng naturally understood the message of tea full as a way to bid farewell to a guest. She stood up and said: “Sister-in-law, Qingcheng will take her leave now. When it’s convenient for you, feel free to visit our residence and we can exchange zither skills.” Zhan Lan’s eyes darkened, Qingcheng was reminding her that her skills in the four arts were lacking. Zhan Lan stood up and said: “Sure, if convenient, I will come with Mu Yan to enjoy.” Qingcheng’s expression changed, Zhan Lan had treated her like a performing artist. “Liu Xi, the Princess is tired, see off the guest!” Having said that, Zhan Lan entered the room, and Liu Xi escorted Qingcheng out of the door. Xiao Tao waited until she was far away before saying: “Miss, every word she said was flaunting her past with the Prince.” Zhan Lan curled her lips and chuckled lightly, people brag about what they lack. It seems she likes Mu Yan, but Mu Yan’s treatment of her is more about gratitude. The reason she was unhappy, wasn’t because she suspected that there were unclear ties between Mu Yan and Qingcheng, but because Mu Yan had kept these things from her. Zhan Lan looked at Xiao Tao and said: “Don’t make a sound, I want to sneak out for some fun.” She climbed out the window and, taking advantage of the Hidden Guard’s inattention, climbed over the wall, leaving Xiao Tao standing there dumbfounded. After Zhan Lan left the Regent King Mansion, although reason told her there was nothing between Qingcheng and Mu Yan, she still felt uncomfortable. This kind of discomfort was as if someone had kicked her heart fiercely, repressed, stifled, painful. These days in the mansion were indeed very suffocating, she wanted to go out for some fresh air. But where to go? Zhan Lan thought of the alley Chu Yin had taken her last time to play Pai Gow. Only there would she not be disturbed, Mu Yan would not find her. She spent silver to hire a carriage to take her to the place, she still remembered the taste of the Bamboo Leaf Green Tea from last time. The ones welcoming her were still the two men from last time, kneeling respectfully by her side and pouring wine for Zhan Lan. The aroma of the wine was enticing, Zhan Lan sipped her wine and looked at the men, “Shall we play Pai Gow?”

Chapter 331: 331: Playing Pai Gow?

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