It can be said that Wanqing, along with Leng Mingye and Sun Fengyu, went to the auction venue hosted by Linglong Pavilion.
“Linglong Pavilion is actually a gathering place for people from other countries. Look at those women—their clothes and headpieces are so beautiful.” Upon entering, Wanqing felt as though she had stepped into an entirely different, exotic world.
The people here, even the attendants and maids, wore attire completely distinct from that of Daqi, resembling the ethnic costumes of the Yao women she had known in her previous era. The women wore dazzling headpieces and hats, creating a mesmerizing and dazzling effect.
The women here were also different from those in Daqi—taller in stature, with features that seemed mixed-race, high nose bridges, and an air of elegance and beauty.
As they entered, Wanqing looked around with wide-eyed curiosity at the men beside her while pointing out the maids’ headpieces and shell-like necklaces to Xia Tao in amazement.
“Linglong Pavilion was personally recommended to the Emperor by the late Imperial Consort Hui during her lifetime, serving as a temporary stop for merchants from the Celestial Ascendancy in the capital. It’s a pity, though—Linglong Pavilion has changed so much over the years, expanding its business across all industries in Daqi, yet Imperial Consort Hui is no longer with us.”
Seeing Wanqing’s fascination, Leng Mingye turned to explain, his handsome face tinged with rare melancholy and nostalgia as he spoke of Imperial Consort Hui.
“So it was all Imperial Consort Hui’s doing. For you, Brother Shizi, to hold her in such high regard, she must have been a beauty beyond compare. What a shame I’ll never get to meet her. Oh, Brother Ning is here too! Brother Shizi, let’s go see him. Hey, Brother Ning, Brother Ning!”
Noticing Leng Mingye’s odd expression, Wanqing observed the bustling auction venue, which was even more luxurious than modern-day banquet halls. The Imperial Consort he spoke of—using her influence to encourage commerce and even attract foreign investment—was a woman far more visionary and formidable than modern-day businesswomen.
Nodding in agreement, Wanqing gazed at him with admiration. Seeing her reaction, Leng Mingye gave a slight nod, though his demeanor remained peculiar. Remembering that Imperial Consort Hui was Prince Ning’s mother, Wanqing couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness for the long-departed woman.
Just then, she spotted a familiar figure being ushered forward by two men in blue robes. Her face lit up with joy as she turned to call out to Leng Mingye while waving excitedly at Prince Ning.
“Qing’er, keep your voice down. People from all walks of life are here. If you attract the wrong attention and endanger Prince Ning or the Shizi, you’d be held accountable for centuries. Shizi, please forgive her—this girl is always so impulsive.”
Seeing her tugging them forward so conspicuously, Sun Fengyu couldn’t help but scold her before offering an apologetic smile to Leng Mingye.
“No harm done. At least she’s not scheming like other women. Don’t you find her innocence rather endearing, Young Master Sun?”
Though Sun Fengyu wasn’t yet married to Wanqing, he already acted like a husband reprimanding her. Though the girl said nothing, Leng Mingye felt an inexplicable displeasure and smirked at Sun Fengyu in challenge.
“You flatter me, Shizi. But it’s precisely this trait of Qing’er’s that drew me to her.”
Though Leng Mingye spoiled the girl outrageously, Sun Fengyu inwardly groaned. With him around, extracting information from her would be even harder. Seeing Leng Mingye as an obstacle and knowing Prince Ning’s hostility toward him, Sun Fengyu maintained a humble facade while inwardly seething.
“Good that you understand. If she lost this trait, would she still be our little fool? Ah, Prince Ning, you’re early. Greetings.”
Noting Sun Fengyu’s suppressed frustration, Leng Mingye’s lips curled mockingly as he followed Wanqing to greet Prince Ning, who had just arrived.
Of course, their titles and forms of address were adjusted accordingly.
“Young Master Ye, Wanwan, you’re here too. Young Master Sun, so you’re openly pursuing my sworn sister now?”
Prince Ning acknowledged Leng Mingye’s greeting—rare for him since his leg injury. Though they had little interaction before, their shared connection through Wanqing led to this exchange. His phoenix eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced at Sun Fengyu beside Wanqing, his tone light but carrying an unspoken demand for proper decorum.
Sun Fengyu’s face darkened with suppressed anger.
“Brother Ning, Brother Sun has promised to openly court me! He even took me to buy jewelry earlier. When Brother Shizi mentioned the auction, we thought we’d come see if there’s anything fun to buy.”
Wanqing beamed at Prince Ning, oblivious to Sun Fengyu’s discomfort. She cast a coy glance at Sun Fengyu before bashfully lowering her head, playing the lovestruck maiden.
“Is that so?”
Prince Ning’s scrutinizing gaze shifted to Sun Fengyu.
“Indeed. Young Master Sun bought her a few pieces at the jewelry store earlier. Hearing about the auction, he decided to tag along. It’s about to start—let’s find seats. Little fool, if you see anything you like, just bid. It’s quite fun.”
Seeing Sun Fengyu’s discomfort, Leng Mingye chuckled before noticing the crowd moving toward the raised platform. He ushered them forward, reminding Wanqing to enjoy the bidding.
“Really? Then I must see what treasures Linglong Pavilion is auctioning today! Brother Sun, let’s go!”
Recalling modern auction scenes, Wanqing felt excitement surge through her. A venue this grand surely offered exceptional items.
Already plotting how to squeeze more from the men beside her, she feigned disbelief before tugging Sun Fengyu’s arm and following Leng Mingye.
By the time they arrived, Leng Mingye and Prince Ning were already seated—Prince Ning in his usual spot ahead, while Leng Mingye chose a nearby seat with Qingfeng and Baiyu standing behind him. Though separated by a few people, they could still see each other.
“Let’s sit here.”
Sun Fengyu considerately swapped seats with someone to secure two spots, gesturing for Wanqing to join him.
“Alright, here then.”
She nodded and sat down, positioned closest to Leng Mingye yet still separated by a few people, with Sun Fengyu beside her and Prince Ning not far ahead.
Shortly after they settled in, a graceful woman in her thirties, dressed in elegant Celestial Ascendancy attire, stepped onto the red-draped stage.
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