Daqing Reborn Prince, Intercepting Si Lili at the Beginning - Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Visiting Miaoyin Pavilion! Meeting Gong Yu for the First Time!

That evening, in the emperor’s chambers at the palace.

“Your Majesty, this has just been delivered from the Overwatch Council.”

Eunuch Hou bowed, holding the secret report in both hands as he presented it to the emperor.

Hearing this, the emperor put down the memorial in his hands and took the secret report to read. The content detailed the events that transpired at the Li Junwang Estate earlier that day.

Every word that Li Chengyuan and his two brothers had exchanged was recorded in full detail, nearly verbatim.

After reading it, the emperor’s expression did not change, but his eyes narrowed slightly.

This was the second time Li Chengyuan had explicitly stated that he didn’t want to involve himself in the fight for the throne!

Of course, whether or not Li Chengyuan was willing didn’t matter. However, this behavior of his made the emperor think more deeply.

This third son of mine… Is he genuinely so straightforward? Or is he merely playing dumb to catch others off guard?

After pondering for a while, the emperor suddenly asked, “What is Li Chengyuan doing right now?”

“Reporting to Your Majesty, the third prince has already left his residence. From the looks of it, he seems to be heading toward…” Eunuch Hou’s expression was conflicted as he hesitated to continue.

Impatient, the emperor urged, “Speak! Where is he headed?”

Eunuch Hou shut his eyes nervously and answered guiltily, “Miaoyin Pavilion!”

“!!!”

The emperor was momentarily stunned, then immediately looked at the secret report again.

There it was—clear as day—mention of the second prince recommending it to Li Chengyuan.

Drunken Immortal Inn by the Liu Jing River, Miaoyin Pavilion on Tingyun Street, and Qingyun Tower on West Fourth Street…

The emperor was silent for a while before he suddenly chuckled.

“You rascal, you’ve surprised me this time.”

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Miaoyin Pavilion was quite a unique place in the capital.

The city had countless brothels and pleasure houses. Along the Liu Jing River alone, there were countless flower boats. However, Miaoyin Pavilion was different from all of them—it only sold art and never sold flesh. It was the only place of its kind in the entire capital.

In the past, some didn’t believe this and attempted to stir up trouble by forcing the girls at Miaoyin Pavilion to sell themselves. But those troublemakers didn’t get far. Not only were they thrown out of Miaoyin Pavilion, but that very night, they were beaten until their bodies were covered in bruises.

Strangely, the local authorities made no move to investigate the incident afterward, which led many to speculate that someone very powerful was backing Miaoyin Pavilion.

Since that incident, Miaoyin Pahas become one of the most mysterious and respected entertainment venues in the city, and no one dared to cause trouble there again.

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Miaoyin Pavilion wasn’t located in a particularly bustling area, just an ordinary street. However, the pavilion itself covered a large space, with three stories of simple yet luxurious decor, elegant but not extravagant.

Although Li Chengyuan was quite familiar with the capital, he had never visited this place before.

As soon as he stepped inside, the sound of captivating music reached his ears.

Upon entering the main gate, the first thing he saw was a spacious hall.

In the center of the hall was a large stage where a dancer was performing.

Around the dancer, a group of female musicians played various instruments, filling the room with melodious tunes.

Surrounding the stage were round tables, where officials and nobles of the capital sat. There were elderly men in their seventies and eighties, as well as youths barely in their teens, all lost in the beauty of the music.

Of course, many didn’t come here just for the music. Some simply wanted to feast their eyes on the beautiful women performing on stage.

In addition, Miaoyin Pavilion was also a favored place for discussing poetry and philosophy. The girls here were not only skilled in music but also versed in other arts, such as chess, calligraphy, painting, and poetry. Many talented scholars had gathered here, composing poems to the accompaniment of the music, enjoying themselves immensely.

For this reason, Miaoyin Pahasion has become known as the most elegant entertainment venue in the capital, especially popular among the literati.

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As soon as Li Chengyuan entered, a steward came over to greet him. After a brief exchange, Li Chengyuan followed her upstairs.

Along the way, many people noticed Li Chengyuan. Most didn’t recognize him, but a few did. Their jaws dropped in astonishment, though none dared to reveal his identity.

A prince visiting Miaoyin Pavilion?

That’s quite rare!

The princes of the Da Qing dynasty were known for upholding their dignity.

Even Li Chengze, when going out in public, would have the streets cleared in advance. This wasn’t just to ensure his safety but also to maintain the dignity of the royal family. Most importantly, Li Chengze had grown accustomed to a high-and-mighty status, disliking mingling with commoners.

In short, he wanted to experience life outside the palace but still maintain his royal air.

But for Li Chengyuan to openly go out like this, well, he was the first prince in recent times to do so.

No wonder many were so shocked.

Li Chengyuan, however, didn’t care in the slightest. He followed the steward up to the third floor and was led to the most luxurious private room.

Miaoyin Pavilion’s private rooms offered one-on-one service, though, as always, they only sold art, not the performers’ bodies.

Many people like to come here, call for a girl to perform music for them, and then host private gatherings with friends, eating, drinking, and enjoying themselves in a refined, tasteful manner.

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The room Li Chengyuan entered was labeled “Gong.” This was the most prestigious room in Miaoyin Pavilion.

The name corresponds to one of the five notes of traditional Chinese music: Gong, Shang, Jue, Zhi, and Yu. It also represented the pavilion’s top performer, Miss Gong Yu.

Everyone who frequented Miaoyin Pavilion knew that Miss Gong Yu rarely entertained guests. Those who entered this room were generally the most powerful figures in the capital.

After entering, Li Chengyuan casually removed his shoes and sat comfortably on the couch as if he were at home.

This place was like home to him.

According to the system’s description, the head steward of Miaoyin Pavilion was someone known as Master Thirteen.

Not only was Master Thirteen a rare master composer, but he was also the leader of Miaoyin Pavilion’s intelligence network. Together with Miss Gong Yu, they were the true core of Miaoyin Pavilion.

Neither of them had memories of a past life, only of this one.

According to their memories, they had both received favors from Li Chengyuan in the past and thus, they were completely loyal to him.

The system had specifically mentioned that any forces or subordinates it rewarded would be loyal to the host for life, never betraying them.

So, there was no need for Li Chengyuan to be cautious or probe around here. Was safer here than at the Li Junwang Estate.

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Creak.

The door quietly opened.

Li Chengyuan looked up to see an elderly man and a young woman entering the room.

The elder had silver hair, but his spirits were high, and his eyes shone with a sharp gleam. He looked calm and reliable. This was none other than Master Thirteen, the backbone of Miaoyin Pavilion.

The young woman wore a blue palace gown, her hair adorned with delicate hairpins. She was both alluring and enchanting, with a striking beauty. This was the pavilion’s top performer, Miss Gong Yu.

As soon as they entered and saw Li Chengyuan, they immediately knelt before him, their voices soft as they greeted, “This old servant (this humble servant) greets Your Highness!”

Li Chengyuan quickly helped them to their feet and said, “Alright, alright, how many times have I told you? No need for such formalities when you see me. You know I’m not fond of all this pomp and ceremony!”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Master Thirteen, his face full of joy, stood up and looked at Li Chengyuan with a sigh of relief. “It’s been half a year since we last saw Your Highness. This old servant has missed you dearly. But now, finally, Your Highness has left the palace!”

After Master Thirteen finished speaking, Miss Gong Yu, her eyes filled with tenderness, said softly, “Gong Yu has missed Your Highness very much as well.”

Looking at Gong Yu, Li Chengyuan felt a strange emotion stir within him.

He couldn’t help but wonder if it was just his imagination, but it seemed like there was more than just loyalty in her gaze—there was also a hint of longing… and affection.

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