The imperial palace, side garden.

Eunuch Fu handed the withered Twin Serpent Fruit tree to Huang Rang and prepared texts about this tree. He then took the procurement list that Huang Rang had written out and went to make purchases.

He was truly anxious. After all, a precious tree personally entrusted by His Majesty had been cultivated to death under his watch—what kind of situation was that?

If blame truly came down, Dai Yue would certainly be at fault, but he wouldn’t escape unscathed either.

In the courtyard, the sunlight was just right.

Huang Rang sat in a reclining chair, flipping through these texts. Dai Yue stood attending to one side, head bowed, not daring to speak the entire time.

After quite a while, Huang Rang finally said, “Dai Yue, do you dream?”

“Dream?” Dai Yue had a guilty conscience, and her tone was uncertain as she said, “This servant doesn’t know what Miss Ten is referring to. If you mean when sleeping, everyone has dreams.”

Huang Rang nodded and said, “I once had a dream too. In the dream, one year, I met a rather decent man. But he looked down on my background. To win his favor, I exhausted all my efforts.”

Dai Yue listened in confusion but didn’t dare interrupt. Huang Rang continued, “Later, I finally succeeded. But he still wasn’t at ease and secretly investigated everything about me. Originally I had concealed things quite well, but later, a maid in my room, in exchange for her freedom, embellished various matters and told him about them.”

“How could Miss have such a person in her room?” Dai Yue was thoroughly confused—after all, it was just a dream. Should it be taken seriously?

Huang Rang said, “Exactly. So at the end of that dream, I actually didn’t fare well. I exhausted all my strength trying to scoop up the moon’s reflection in water, and in the end only gained a hollow grief.”

Dai Yue didn’t understand the meaning behind her words and could only say, “Miss is simply overthinking things, which is why you had such dreams at night. We are all loyal to Miss Ten, absolutely without ulterior motives. This time when the imperial edict came, Dai Yue couldn’t report back to Miss only because the edict pressed urgently. Dai Yue is utterly loyal to Miss Ten—the sun and moon can bear witness.”

Seeing that Huang Rang remained unmoved, she simply knelt on the ground and pointed to heaven, saying, “All these years, Miss Ten has treated me with the utmost affection and generosity. Dai Yue swears that if I have even half a thought of disloyalty toward Miss Ten, let me die a terrible death. If Miss Ten suspects Dai Yue, you might as well kill me—at least it would set Miss’s mind at ease.”

“Is it really that serious?” Huang Rang laughed and gestured for her to rise, saying, “I’m tired. You read to me.”

Seeing that she didn’t blame her, Dai Yue’s heart eased slightly. She picked up a book and began reading about the origins of the Twin Serpent Fruit.

Huang Rang closed her eyes and gradually came to understand what this Twin Serpent Fruit was about. It was originally a treasure guarded from birth by a type of highly poisonous exotic beast called the Hui Snake. Every Twin Serpent Fruit sapling required the Hui Snake’s venom to be applied to its entire body year-round in order to survive.

And Hui Snakes, this type of exotic beast, had now become extremely rare. Thus the Twin Serpent Fruit naturally became rare as well.

This Twin Serpent Fruit, nourished by Hui Snake venom, flowered once every thirty years and bore fruit only after another thirty years.

Each time it bore fruit, one black and one white fruit grew together. The black fruit was highly poisonous—every time a Hui Snake ate a black fruit, it would grow one more snake pattern and its cultivation would greatly advance. The white fruit could neutralize all poisons under heaven. Whenever the Twin Serpent Fruit tree bore fruit, the Hui Snake would destroy the white fruit, leaving only the white fruit’s seed.

Of the entire Twin Serpent Fruit tree, only the white fruit’s seed could grow new saplings. And when the Hui Snake had offspring, the old Hui Snake would give the white fruit seed to the young Hui Snake and then drive it from the nest.

Huang Rang listened bit by bit as Dai Yue read, but suddenly recalled another matter—outside her dreams, on White Bone Cliff, Di Yiqiu had once mentioned a past event. He said that over a hundred years ago, Miao Yunzhi had traveled to the capital.

And Emperor Shi Wenyu, seeking the method of longevity, had specifically sought his counsel. To mock Shi Wenyu, Miao Yunzhi had said, “All mortals have their destined lifespans; only exotic beasts can live for a thousand years. I’ve heard that in this world, Hui Snakes have boundless lifespans. If Your Majesty seeks longevity, why not take the blood of a Hui Snake to reforge your physical body and extend your years?”

It was precisely this one sentence that had brought calamity for a hundred years.

Was this current Twin Serpent Fruit tree related to that matter?

Huang Rang felt uneasy. After a while, she couldn’t help saying, “Go to Si Tianjian. Tell the Jianzheng that when he has time, he should come over.”

Dai Yue set down the book. At the mention of Di Yiqiu, she felt rather apprehensive—Di Yiqiu had originally set a wedding date to marry her. But now that such a thing had happened, this matter would probably be difficult.

She acknowledged the order and left the side garden.

At Si Tianjian.

After having Bai Qingyun escort Huang Rang into the palace, Di Yiqiu returned to his bedroom to change into official robes. The bedding in the bedroom was neatly arranged, as if it hadn’t been occupied. But thinking about how that woman had slept here last night, the Jianzheng discovered that he actually didn’t mind it much.

However, just thinking about being cornered against the wall by her earlier made the Jianzheng feel as if something were stuck in his throat.

Though he had been removed from the imperial registry, he was after all born noble. Most people he encountered in this life were servants or subordinates. Among them were naturally countless women, but these women were mostly timid and submissive before him, or if they were noble ladies, they strictly observed propriety.

Who would dare be so frivolous before him?

Moreover, the Jianzheng had been naturally gifted in forging instruments. Before receiving instruction from a master, he had figured things out on his own. Later, when Shi Wenyu failed to win over the immortal sects and realized the court’s power was weak, and seeing his extraordinary talent in craftwork, he arranged for famous masters to teach him.

His entire life, from a young age, had been spent in the forging bureau.

What women were there… Later, when he finally encountered Zhu Xiang, she was the type who rolled up her sleeves to work the forge. Di Yiqiu had never felt there was any difference between women and men. So he neither accommodated women nor courted their favor.

Naturally, he thus had no women.

Later, he met Huang Rang.

At first sight, he felt nothing special about her—she was just rather beautiful. A pink skull, that’s all. The Jianzheng, having forged instruments for many years, could already see through appearances to perceive essence.

His courtesy toward Huang Rang was naturally because of her breeding skills. Every year the court suffered for lack of quality seed varieties and spent enormous sums in this area. And the Jianzheng had always been skilled at calculation.

If he could marry an earth spirit skilled in breeding, wouldn’t those expenses be saved?

Of course, as for whether he himself liked this person, the Jianzheng privately believed it wasn’t important.

What difference was there among women under heaven? If she was brought home, treating her well would suffice. How could any woman, however wonderful, be as interesting as forging instruments? So what was there to like or not like?

Thus he had intentionally traveled to Immortal Tea Town. Later, when he discovered these skills came from Dai Yue, he immediately turned to seek taking Dai Yue as a concubine, not even caring in the slightest about offending Huang Rang.

Now, well, it seemed that Dai Yue’s breeding abilities couldn’t compare with Huang Rang’s at all. The Jianzheng naturally no longer had any thoughts of marrying Dai Yue. He felt no guilt—he dealt with people the same way he forged instruments, clearly distinguishing between form and function.

But starting from yesterday, something had been off with him.

As a master craftsman, idle thoughts were nothing unusual. But thinking until his mouth was dry and his mind was tied in a thousand knots—that was rather wrong.

In the span of one night, he seemed to suddenly understand that not all women were the same.

Perhaps Huang Rang was right—he simply hadn’t experienced women. But as a master craftsman, how could he allow himself to be so shallow in experience? To even be mocked by others?

After lunch, the Jianzheng summoned the two Jianfu and four Shaojian to his study.

Li Lu, Bao Wu, Bai Qingyun, Tan Qi, Zhu Xiang, and Zong Zigui quickly arrived, standing with bowed heads in solemn attention, waiting for their superior to issue orders. Di Yiqiu sat behind his desk, tapping the tabletop with his finger joints. After a long moment, he said, “Go out for lunch.”

This was a joyous occasion… Li Lu and the others exchanged glances. After all, Di Yiqiu had never enjoyed socializing. He usually ate in the dining hall himself—when had he ever treated anyone?

Li Lu could only say, “May I ask the Jianzheng, shall we go to Taibai Tower or Food Mill Workshop?”

Di Yiqiu didn’t drink alcohol. He had always felt that drinking would affect his hands’ dexterity and stability. Li Lu naturally suggested these two places with excellent cuisine. Who knew, Di Yiqiu said, “Go to Embrace Qin Pavilion.”

“Em-Embrace Qin Pavilion…” This time, not just Li Lu, but everyone else wore strange expressions.

After a long while, Bai Qingyun reminded him with a sympathetic look, “Jianzheng, this Embrace Qin Pavilion… it’s…”

Who knew, before he could finish speaking, Di Yiqiu said, “It has quite a few young ladies, doesn’t it?”

Ah? Bai Qingyun could only steel himself and say, “Precisely.” After speaking, he hastily tried to preserve his Jianzheng’s dignity. “Such a messy and unseemly place would truly disturb the Jianzheng’s refined interests.”

The others nodded repeatedly. Of course, no one would speak the truth.

Everyone knew the Jianzheng handled government affairs by day and buried himself in forging by night. He hadn’t married either. Such an inexperienced person—if he were frightened, that would be bad.

But hearing these words, Di Yiqiu said, “No. Today, this seat specifically intends to visit this place of pleasure and entertainment.”

Li Lu and the others couldn’t help but glance out the window—had the sun risen from the west today? The ten-thousand-year iron lump had suddenly come to his senses.

To the side, Zhu Xiang asked weakly, “What does the Jianzheng want to do in that kind of place?”

Her question hit the mark. The others all looked at Di Yiqiu.

The Jianzheng’s expression was solemn as he slowly said, “To experience women.”

…

All right… all right. This really was… coming of age. But if you want to go, can’t you go secretly? Why are you bringing us along…

Li Lu steeled himself and said, “This subordinate and the others… are willing to accompany you.” Having spoken, he turned to instruct Bai Qingyun, “Proceed immediately to Embrace Qin Pavilion and make proper arrangements!”

How could Bai Qingyun not understand? He quickly rose and went out. Only Zhu Xiang looked utterly helpless. She said in a small voice, “But why do I have to go with you all to experience women? With that time, I could just take off my own clothes—what experience wouldn’t I have?”

Of course, no one paid her any attention.

Have you all forgotten that I’m also a woman? Zhu Xiang looked despairing.

That afternoon, Embrace Qin Pavilion announced it was closed, supposedly because distinguished guests were visiting.

Who exactly these distinguished guests were, the pavilion master didn’t say publicly.

But before long, Si Tianjian’s carriage arrived outside the pavilion. Jianzheng Di Yiqiu, bringing his capable subordinates, arrived in full array to collectively increase their experience. Li Lu and Bao Wu accompanied him on either side. Even Bao Wu was quite moved, saying, “Our Jianzheng has really grown up. I remember when old Bao first met him, he was only this tall…”

He gestured to a height below his thigh and said, “Now he can even bring us to visit prostitutes…”

Li Lu immediately glared at him. “Jianfu Bao!”

Bao Wu fell silent.

The two Jianfu and four Shaojian accompanying their superior to this kind of place inevitably felt constrained.

Everyone sat around the table, and the pavilion master came up to receive them. Fine wine and dishes naturally came without hesitation.

But this couldn’t catch the Jianzheng’s eye. The Jianzheng asked, “Why don’t I see any young ladies?”

My goodness, how direct!

Though the pavilion master was receiving this distinguished guest for the first time, she loved such directness! Besides, this guest was so handsome—which young lady would be blessed tonight? She said with a smile, “Since the Jianzheng rarely visits, how would this humble one dare be negligent? Young ladies, the distinguished guest who’s come today is the renowned master craftsman known throughout the realm. Whether you can catch this lord’s eye depends on your abilities!”

As her words fell, many young ladies suddenly emerged from the second floor. Embrace Qin Pavilion was different from ordinary pleasure quarters—its style was naturally more elegant. Though the young ladies wore revealing clothes, they each had their own charms, plump or slender. They didn’t rely solely on heavy makeup.

They descended the stairs in orderly fashion, and upon entering the hall, stood in a row.

Since Di Yiqiu had personally come, the pavilion master naturally held nothing back—all the young ladies in the building were here.

The pavilion master said with a beaming smile, “Today we’ll see who has the greatest fortune. Jianzheng, please first select someone to your liking.”

The young ladies all had flirtatious eyes. The Jianzheng surveyed them for a moment, extended his hand to point, and said, “This one!”

“Excellent!” The pavilion master was about to have this young lady come forward to attend, when Di Yiqiu suddenly said, “And this one, her, her…” My goodness, he selected twelve in one breath.

The pavilion master was somewhat dazed and could only look to Bai Qingyun.

Bai Qingyun was also astonished—this, this, this… was he really this formidable?

He drew in a sharp breath and reminded, “Jianzheng, this… isn’t it too many?”

Di Yiqiu said seriously, “I came specifically to broaden my knowledge. A mere dozen or so people—this seat still feels the number is too few.”

The pavilion master saw that things were already this direct, so there was no need for courtesy. She said, “The guest rooms are upstairs. How about the Jianzheng take them up and properly… broaden… your… knowledge?”

“Acceptable.” The Jianzheng nodded and led the twelve young ladies upstairs.

Next time I see that woman, at least I won’t be mocked again. Hmph.

Speaking of which, it was strange—before, he hadn’t really taken others’ words to heart. But now, he hoped to be “well-traveled and knowledgeable” so that woman would see him in a new light.

Li Lu, Bao Wu, and the others exchanged glances. The hall fell utterly silent.

After a long while, Bao Wu finally murmured, “Our Jianzheng really is… like a little heifer wagging her tail—showing off quite impressively.”

Li Lu, too shocked, even forgot to rebuke him.