“Yes, one hundred thousand taels. The young lady did say you would pay. Surely you can’t afford this sum? If you’re broke, wouldn’t this be an embarrassment to my lady and a violation of Linglong Pavilion’s rules?”
Before Wanqing could respond, Honglian behind her couldn’t hold back, her eyes filled with disdain as she retorted, her expression making it seem as though Sun Fengyu was some kind of eternal troublemaker.
“You—” Sun Fengyu clenched his fists in anger at being spoken to like this by a mere songstress.
“Honglian, don’t be rude to Brother Sun. Since Brother Sun can’t afford it, we shouldn’t force the issue. This would only make others look down on us—well, not me, but certainly Brother Sun. But Brother Sun promised to bring me to the auction. How disappointing. I suppose I’ll just tell Miss Bai upstairs that it was all a prank, and that you couldn’t afford it, so the item should go to someone else.”
Hearing Honglian speak up for her, Wanqing’s admiration for her grew.
But on the surface, she feigned displeasure, lightly scolding her before sighing and preparing to stand up.
“No need. I do have the money, but this will be the last time. Next time, you might as well sell me off too.”
As she stood, Sun Fengyu gritted his teeth, his chest tight with frustration. As a descendant of the imperial family, he couldn’t bear the humiliation of being seen as a cheapskate in public. Though his heart ached, he forced himself to swallow the bitterness rising in his throat, his face turning ashen.
With trembling hands, he pulled out a stack of silver notes from his sleeve and handed them to her. The moment he did, he felt as though all his strength had been drained, slumping weakly into his seat.
He couldn’t help but wonder—how much longer would he have to indulge this girl? And would it even make her truly devoted to him?
The thought of spending over two hundred thousand taels of silver on her made his entire body ache, not just his heart. He sat there, barely able to breathe, as if gasping for air would ease the pain.
“Brother Sun, you’re so good to Qing’er. With your love and pampering, Qing’er will definitely share any treasures she finds with you. I’ll go get the phoenix screen now. Hehe.”
Seeing Sun Fengyu’s miserable, stifled expression, Wanqing inwardly sneered but outwardly beamed, taking her maid and heading to the stage.
“You got what you wanted. Now behave.”
Watching the little minx clutch the phoenix screen with satisfaction, Sun Fengyu barely managed to lift his head before closing his eyes in exhaustion, refusing to engage further.
When the fourth item was presented, Sun Fengyu instinctively tensed, his arm resting on the back of her chair, ready to strike her pressure point if she made another move.
Sighing at his paranoia, Wanqing leaned back lazily, her eyes half-lidded as she observed the auction with disinterest.
Though she feigned boredom, Sun Fengyu’s attention never left her, his peripheral vision locked onto her every twitch.
Amused by his vigilance, Wanqing suddenly sat up, prompting Sun Fengyu to abandon all pretense of watching the auction and stare directly at her.
“Brother Sun, isn’t this exhausting? Or are you feeling unwell?”
Unable to resist, Wanqing shot him a disdainful look, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Ah, no, I’m just a bit tired. Besides, I enjoy watching Qing’er—your expressions are becoming more and more charming.”
Stammering, Sun Fengyu forced a smile, lying through his teeth.
“Oh? Then why do you act like I’m a thief? Look at that gorgeous robe up there—I want—”
Before she could finish, Sun Fengyu struck, pressing her pressure point to silence her.
“I’m too tired to play along. Enjoy the show yourself.”
Relieved to have stopped her, Sun Fengyu exhaled sharply, barely suppressing the urge to cough up blood. He slumped back, feigning exhaustion while glaring at her.
Furious but unable to speak, Wanqing could only seethe silently. If only she had the token she’d stolen from the Tang Clan’s secret vault, she wouldn’t be immobilized like this.
Her maids, oblivious to her plight, left her no choice but to watch helplessly as the robe was auctioned off.
Then came the final item.
When Bai Nianlong announced “Silver Flower Snow Radiance,” Wanqing’s entire body tensed with excitement.
Seeing the familiar box in her maid’s hands and hearing its described uses, she could hardly believe it—had the treasure crossed time with her? The mere thought sent her blood racing.
This was the Tang Clan’s secret weapon—24 silver needles, each with unique effects. Mastery meant striking with pinpoint precision, whether to heal or harm.
More effective than ancient pressure-point techniques, these needles could instantly relieve pain or inflict unbearable agony.
As the bidding began, Wanqing’s entire focus was on the Snow Radiance. But with her pressure points sealed, she couldn’t move or speak. The thought of losing this treasure made her feel as though thousands of ants were crawling under her skin.
Her desperation, anxiety, and fury were etched across her face—unseen by Prince Ning in front or her maids behind, but noticed by Leng Mingye, who sat to the side.
He had assumed her earlier antics were just to annoy Sun Fengyu. But her silence during the fourth auction had puzzled him.
Hearing the Snow Radiance’s description—perfect for a physician skilled in acupuncture—he recalled her begging him to teach her pressure points and her recent studies with Mu Chengfeng.
Glancing over, he saw her distress, her frozen posture, and Sun Fengyu’s smug exhaustion.
Realizing she’d been immobilized, Leng Mingye’s fingers brushed the jade button at his collar. With a flick, he sent it flying toward Wanqing with a sharp whistle.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage