Ex-Wife is a Big Villainess
Chapter 491 - 258: A Woman’s Cunning

Chapter 491: Chapter 258: A Woman’s Cunning

The next day.

The Jinse Pavilion was much busier than usual by dusk.

The great hall was filled with guests, all of whom were renowned scholars and high-ranking officials.

It could be said that most of the prestigious figures of Qingzhou were present.

The reason, of course, was for Qingzhou’s top Oiran, Miss Liu.

Since Miss Liu’s arrival in Qingzhou five years before, she had become the goddess in everyone’s heart. During this period, many guests even fought to win her favor, bearing grudges.

Despite the continuous scandals surrounding Miss Liu, as a professional consort, her reputation remained untarnished, preserving her dignified status.

Because of this, people regarded her as the moonlight in their lives.

Just when everyone was used to her aloof and pure image, rumors suddenly surfaced that Miss Liu intended to sell herself, and moreover, she would personally select a suitor.

As soon as these words spread, public opinion was in an uproar, stunning many admirers, who frantically speculated about the reasons.

But whether it was regret, anger, or excitement, the fact that Qingzhou’s top Oiran was selling herself ultimately made it an eagerly awaited event, meaning one could deeply interact with the goddess.

And everyone hoped to be chosen by the goddess.

In this period, many spared no effort to win the beauty’s heart, with overt and covert competition ongoing.

When Jiang Shouzhong arrived at the Jinse Pavilion, people in the great hall were lively and cheerful.

Although they conversed amiably, occasionally bringing out poems, songs, or treasures for others to admire, complimenting each other, an unspoken competition was clear to all.

The sound of lutes and flutes harmoniously blended, filling the air, as did the fragrance of garments and powders.

The dancers spun gracefully, their colorful sleeves flying.

Miss Liu’s maid had been waiting for Jiang Shouzhong for a long time and hurriedly greeted him upon his arrival, whispering, "Mr. Jiang, please follow me."

"Where’s Miss Liu?" Jiang Shouzhong inquired.

The maid replied, "Miss is getting dressed in her room, she will come out in a moment."

They proceeded to a private seating area on the second floor.

This area was much quieter compared to the bustling main hall.

Jiang Shouzhong saw Zhang Fuwang, Qingzhou’s wealthiest man, whose corpulent body occupied a specially made, spacious chair, piled up like a little mountain, with two beautiful young women accompanying him.

Upon seeing Jiang Shouzhong, Zhang Fuwang raised his drinking glass and smiled, "Mr. Jiang, we meet again."

Jiang Shouzhong nodded and smiled.

Beyond Zhang Fuwang, there were other rich merchants and officials from Qingzhou, but one man caught Jiang Shouzhong’s attention.

He had a square face, bright eyes, and a sturdy figure. Dressed in a simple blue robe, he radiated the distinct air of a military man, characterized by a ruthless aura.

Unsurprisingly, this man should be Mr. Zhao Hezi from Qingzhou Mountain Camp.

As Jiang Shouzhong entered the specially arranged private room, he was surprised to see Princess Yingmo and a remarkably handsome young man.

That beautiful young man was obviously disguised as the Commandery Princess.

Truth be told, as a princess, visiting such a place was bound to stir rumors. It seemed that seeing Miss Liu had sent a sachet, she couldn’t resist coming to see if Miss Liu would choose Jiang Yi.

Jiang Shouzhong hesitated for a moment, then walked over.

"I have seen... "

"Sit, there’s no need for formalities, just call me Mr. Zhou."

Zhou Wanyue said softly, not wanting her identity to be known.

Jiang Shouzhong nodded and sat down.

Princess Yingmo winked at Jiang Shouzhong and said with a smile, "Congratulations, Mr. Jiang, for winning beauty tonight."

Jiang Shouzhong chuckled, "Just don’t know which beauty I’ll be taking home."

Princess Yingmo was startled, glanced at Zhou Wanyue, and teasingly said, "Well, Mr. Jiang, I thought you were all wooden, but you do have some skills in wooing women."

Jiang Shouzhong looked confused, "Who did I woo?"

Princess Yingmo smiled and stayed silent.

Zhou Wanyue spoke softly, "Do you hope to be chosen, Mr. Jiang?"

Jiang Shouzhong thought for a moment and said, "I truly don’t hope to be chosen, and I don’t think I will be chosen."

Zhou Wanyue pursed her lips, a smile forming, "Why wouldn’t you be chosen? Didn’t Miss Liu send you a sachet? To my knowledge, she hasn’t given anything to anyone else."

"The heart of a woman, a needle in the sea."

Jiang Shouzhong shook his head and sighed, "Who can guess what she’s thinking."

At this point, Jiang Shouzhong noticed Lu Renjia and Zhang Yunwu in the great hall on the first floor.

Though they were just joining the excitement, Lu Renjia’s gaze was constantly fixed on Qing Niang, who was tending to guests in the distance. Whenever Qing Niang passed by, the fellow would scurry over and try to curry favor.

Eventually, Qing Niang even made it a point to avoid him.

Jiang Shouzhong withdrew his gaze and glanced at Mr. Zhao, who was not far away in the private seating area, casually asking, "That must be Qingzhou’s Mr. Zhao, right?"

Zhou Wanyue followed his gaze and nodded, "It is him."

Princess Yingmo remarked, "Mr. Zhao is an upright person. He once even assaulted his superior over improper behavior. He’s skilled in training troops and has previously participated in battle affairs in Fengcheng..."

"He has been to Fengcheng?" Jiang Shouzhong’s eyes focused sharply.

Princess Yingmo picked up a teacup, blew the tea leaves floating on top, and nodded,

"He should have had a better future. Twelve years ago, because of the turmoil in Qingzhou and previous military failures with Nanjin Country, he was wrongly implicated with many other generals, demoted, and sent to Hu Men Pass in Fengcheng to redeem himself. Six years ago, he was reassigned back to Qingzhou as the commander of the Mountain Camp."

Twelve years ago...

Jiang Shouzhong watched Zhao Hezi conversing with a friend nearby, lost in thought.

Miss Liu was saved by a mysterious person twelve years ago and brought to Fengcheng.

Now, it seems very likely that this mysterious person was Zhao Hezi.

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