Seduction

Mingyao saw the thirty-something heads and the blood debt letter, then it clicked. That was why the air was so heavy in Yin Lian Pavilion.

She looked at Mo Yan's frozen face and sighed before asking, "How many casualties were there?"

"Casualties? What do you mean casualties?"

"You don't have to pretend, Mo Yan. Yue Ying is always cool and level-headed, so for her to take such an action, something must have happened. The only thing I can think of that would warrant such bold actions from her is an attack on our members. So, how many?"

Mo Yan let out a slow breath. "As expected of you, Grandmaster, you figured it out... Eight of our members died last night. So... what are you going to do?"

Mingyao paused before speaking, "I see. We lost eight of our own." She exhaled, shaking her head. "This is reckless, but I understand her pain."

Mo Yan hesitated before asking, "Are you going to order Yue Ying to stop?"

"No."

"Why not? She'd listen to you."

"She'd stop, but she'd hate it." Mingyao's gaze turned distant. "This is her family. She needs to do what she must to find peace."

"But she's putting our entire sect in danger. We aren't in great shape to take on powerful enemies."

"We might know that, but the enemy doesn't. If we revoke the challenge now, we may as well announce to the world that something is wrong with our sect." Her voice softened. "And besides, many of our members—including you, Mo Yan—want revenge for this. We shouldn't rob them of that comfort."

Mo Yan sighed. "I suppose you're right, Grandmaster."

"Good. Let's proceed with our mission. Take me to Fanghua Hall."

Mo Yan grinned. "Of course, can't wait to see how you'll look."

When they arrived, Mingyao's eyes landed on Xiulan. She quickly ducked, but it was too late—Xiulan had already caught a glimpse of her.

Xiulan hurried over, her steps agitated and her brow furrowed. "Your Highness, you can't keep doing this! You're making me worried!"

"I'm fine, Xiulan. I just have important matters to handle. Why don't you go back to the Su's? I'll return later."

"But, Your Highness—"

"I'm safe, Xiulan. Mo Yan is with me." Mingyao gestured to the handsome figure beside her.

"Your Highness! I am your attending maid; I should be with you. And besides, how do we know if we can trust him?"

Mo Yan smirked. "Fierce, protective, always by your side... Grandmaster, is she your maid or your lover?"

Xiulan's face turned tomato. "L-lover?! I am only Her Highness's maid!"

Mingyao sighed. "You don't have to worry, Xiulan. I've known Mo Yan for over eight years. She's one of my most trusted confidants."

Mo Yan chuckled. "Didn't know you held me in such high regard, Grandmaster."

Xiulan frowned. "She? What do you mean, she?" Her sharp eyes scanned Mo Yan. "And eight years… that's nearly a decade."

Mo Yan's grin widened. "Ever heard of the Thousand Faces Demon Art? It has quite the reputation."

Xiulan scoffed. "I thought that was just an exaggeration... Anyway, it doesn't matter. I'm coming with you."

Mingyao exhaled. Xiulan clearly wasn't giving up, so she had no choice but to let her stay. At least Su Mei wasn't around, or this would be a nightmare.

Inside the shop, Ye Lan worked her magic. A shichen later (two hours), Mingyao emerged in flowing blue robes. Her black hair was adorned with delicate floral and jewelry ornaments, the exquisite hairpin complementing her perfectly. Her face was lightly dusted with scented powder, a touch of rouge highlighting her natural beauty. She was, in every sense, breathtaking.

Mo Yan whistled. "Oh my, Grandmaster, you're quite the beauty. That Chen certainly won't stand a chance."

Mingyao adjusted her sleeves. "I certainly hope so. Now, where do you think we'll find him?"

"Either a Chen brothel, a courtesan house, or a gambling den. He loves women, gambling, and fine wine."

"Charming. I need to scope him out first before deciding on an approach. Mo Yan, take me to his most frequented spot."

"Right—wait. What about her?" Mo Yan nodded toward Xiulan.

Mingyao had almost forgotten about her. She sighed. "Do you have a carriage?"

They didn't, but after searching, they found one. Soon, they arrived at their destination.

Mo Yan stepped out first, then Xiulan, then Mingyao.

"My lady, after you," Mo Yan said cheekily, reaching out a hand to help Mingyao. She accepted absentmindedly, frowning at her surroundings. Why did this street feel so familiar? Then, her gaze landed on Yin Lian Pavilion.

"Mo Yan, why are we back at Yin Lian Pavilion? I thought we were going to Chen Xiao's favorite spot."

Mo Yan grinned mischievously. "We are."

She pointed across the street. The building had a similar design to Yin Lian Pavilion, but the plaque read Golden Orchid Pavilion. Mingyao stared, baffled. How had she never noticed this before?

"Mo Yan, can you check if our target is in?"

Mo Yan's smirk widened. "Don't ask me how or why, but I'm certain he is."

"Alright. You're both women—any tips on seducing a man?"

Xiulan blinked. "Unfortunately, Your Highness, I wouldn't know."

Mingyao turned to Mo Yan. "And you? You must be familiar with such things."

Mo Yan arched an eyebrow. "Look at me. Do I seem like someone who needs tricks? But... from what I've heard, men like graceful, feminine women. One who knows how to move—walking, dancing. A soft, melodious voice. A pleasant fragrance. A gentle touch and smooth skin. And, of course, one who's ready to serve the man." Her voice turned sultry as she ran her fingers over Mingyao's skin.

Mingyao exhaled. "Quite the task I have ahead."

Xiulan's expression darkened. "Your Highness, are you seriously going to do this?"

Mingyao met her gaze. "Xiulan, we agreed—no interfering."

Xiulan's lips pressed into a thin line. "Yes, Your Highness."

She was clearly uncomfortable. She feared something might go wrong—or worse, that it might go right. But she held her tongue, watching Mingyao from the shadows.

Mingyao turned to Mo Yan. "Oh, before I forget, I want you to investigate the bank hosting the auction. I need to know everything—no matter how small."

Mo Yan's playful demeanor vanished. "I won't disappoint you."

Mingyao nodded. With everything set, she took a deep breath and stepped into Jin Lan Pavilion.