Qin Dynasty: Ying Zheng is my brother, I am the Bad Commander

The top floor of Zilan Pavilion, the No. 1 private room in the Heavenly Class.

The furnishings here are extremely luxurious yet unconventional. On the sandalwood table, incense from the Western Regions burns, its smoke curling and creating a hazy, dreamlike shape in the air.

The room was covered with fine Persian carpets, which were so soft and comfortable that they could completely swallow the sound of footsteps.

Zi Nu knelt beside the table, her delicate hands holding the pot, and slowly poured the clear and bright orchid wine into the white jade cup.

The wine clinked against the jade cup, producing a pleasant, soft sound, like pearls falling onto a jade plate.

"Second Young Master, please drink this cup to the brim. This orchid wine is a secret recipe of Zilan Pavilion. It is smooth on the palate and has a sweet aftertaste, and it is the best way to relieve the fatigue of travel." Zi Nu's eyes sparkled, and a perfectly charming smile played on her lips as she pushed the wine cup in front of Ying Chen.

Ying Chen leaned back on the large, soft couch, his posture extremely languid.

He didn't rush to pick up his wine glass, but instead used his deep, unfathomable eyes to scrutinize Zi Nu from head to toe without any hesitation.

From her exquisite and flawless face to her long, fair neck, and then to her breathtakingly alluring curves outlined by the tight purple dress.

"The wine is fine, but..." Ying Chen chuckled, leaning forward slightly, his pleasant masculine scent instantly enveloping Zi Nu. "Compared to this orchid wine, I find Miss Zi Nu's thorny purple orchid even more intoxicating. I wonder, in this city of Xinzheng, who will be fortunate enough to pluck it?"

Zi Nu's heart skipped a beat, but she remained outwardly calm, covering her mouth and giggling, "Young master is too kind. Zi Nu is just a courtesan who greets and sees off guests, barely making a living with this Zi Lan Pavilion. How could I possibly be worthy of the attention of someone of your noble birth? The two ladies beside you are like the sun and moon, while Zi Nu is but a firefly in their presence."

She skillfully changed the subject, while her gaze casually swept over Jing Ni, who was standing quietly behind Ying Chen, and Yan Fei, who had gone straight to a soft couch not far away to rest with her eyes closed as soon as she entered the room.

Neither of these two women is simple.

"Young master has come from afar, and instead of resting at the post station, you have condescended to come to Zi Nu's humble Zi Lan Pavilion. Is there something in this city of Xinzheng that is more attractive to you than matters of state?" Zi Nu asked indirectly while pouring wine.

Ying Chen picked up his wine glass, drank it all in one gulp, then smacked his lips, revealing an expression of lingering enjoyment.

"State affairs? That's something for the King and the Prime Minister to worry about. I have no great ambitions in this life, only love romance, fine wine and beautiful women." As Ying Chen spoke, he suddenly reached out and grabbed Zi Nu's soft hand as she was pouring wine.

Zi Nu's hand stiffened slightly, and a barely perceptible glint of cold light flashed in her eyes, but she quickly concealed it.

Her hands were smooth and soft, yet they bore the thin calluses left from years of handling weapons.

"I've heard that Korean women are known for their amorous nature, so I came here specifically to enjoy the scenery. But after seeing Miss Zi Nu today, I feel this trip to Korea has truly been worthwhile. If Miss Zi Nu is willing, why not return to Xianyang with me? I guarantee you a life of wealth and luxury. What do you say?"

Ying Chen's eyes were filled with frivolity and possessiveness, making him look exactly like a spoiled brat blinded by beauty.

Zi Nu subtly withdrew her hand from Ying Chen's palm, then casually wiped her lips with a silk handkerchief, and said with a charming smile, "I appreciate your kindness, young master. However, I'm used to living in Xinzheng, and I'm afraid I might not be able to adapt to the climate and environment of a place as imposing as Xianyang. Since you're here for sightseeing, please relax in Zi Lan Xuan. I will certainly do my best to entertain you."

After several attempts, Zi Nu discovered that Ying Chen was like a ball of cotton. No matter how she tried to probe him indirectly, he always responded with a greedy and lustful playboy attitude, and she couldn't get any useful information out of him.

Is he truly a playboy, or is he just too cunning? Zi Nu couldn't make a judgment for a moment.

"Since you have two elder sisters to serve you, then I will not disturb your enjoyment any longer."

"There are still some mundane matters to attend to downstairs, so Zi Nu will take her leave now." Zi Nu bowed slightly, preparing to leave the room that made her feel somewhat oppressed.

"etc."

Ying Chen's lazy voice came from behind.

Zi Nu stopped and turned back with a smile: "Is there anything else you need, young master?"

"Wine is fine, but without the accompaniment of string and wind instruments, it would be rather monotonous." Ying Chen yawned and casually pointed to the empty zither stand in the room. "I plan to stay at your Purple Orchid Pavilion for a while. During this time, I can't just listen to those vulgar tunes every day. Go and find me the best girl with the best zither skills. Remember, the best."

Zi Nu's eyes flickered slightly.

Will you reside permanently in Zilan Pavilion?

Why would this prince of Qin choose to stay in a brothel instead of a proper inn or a villa in the general's mansion?

However, this is also an excellent opportunity.

"Since you have such an interest, I, Zi Nu, will gladly oblige. In my Zi Lan Pavilion, there happens to be a young lady who is skilled in music, named Nong Yu. I will go and arrange for Miss Nong Yu to play the zither for you."

Zi Nu nodded and left the room.

……

In a quiet room in the backyard of Zilan Pavilion.

Zi Nu looked at the gentle and quiet girl holding the guqin before her and whispered, "Nongyu, the guest in room number one of the Heavenly Palaces is no ordinary person. He is Ying Chen, the second prince of Qin. When you go there to play the guqin, just focus on playing and don't say anything. Also... keep an eye out for any noise in the room."

Nongyu nodded slightly, her clear, watery eyes remaining completely calm: "Nongyu understands, Sister Zinu, please rest assured."

Zi Nu sighed and gently stroked Nong Yu's hair: "I'm sorry you had to go through this. Remember, the two women beside him are not simple either. If you encounter anything amiss, stop playing your instrument and leave immediately, without any hesitation."

"Yes."

A moment later, Nongyu, carrying the precious guqin, gracefully walked into the No. 1 private room.

She lowered her eyes, not daring to look around, and respectfully bowed before walking to the zither stand, kneeling down and placing the zither properly.

"Nongyu greets you, young master." Her voice was clear and melodious, like a fragrant orchid in a secluded valley.

"Let's begin. Play a few soothing pieces." Ying Chen's voice came from the direction of the soft couch, carrying a hint of languor and huskiness.

Nongyu took a deep breath, raised her delicate hand, and plucked the strings of the zither with her fingertips.

"Zheng—"

The clear, crisp sound of the zither flowed out like a mountain spring, instantly filling the entire room and dispelling the faint sense of oppression in the air. Nongyu's zither skills were indeed superb; the music seemed to contain some kind of strange magic, capable of calming the mind and making one forget worries.

However, when Nongyu glanced unintentionally at the soft couch out of the corner of her eye during a break from playing the zither, a blush involuntarily appeared on her beautiful face.