San San Jade Lotus Gentleman Scarlet Silk Young Lord

Upon seeing the wine, Wu Wei instantly perked up, quickly filling in the empty eyes on the painting with a few strokes. He snatched the wine pot and took a hearty gulp.

It was already afternoon; Lingran rolled up the finished painting for him and set out the dishes one by one.

Wei shook the wine in his hand, estimating that it wasn't enough for him to drink to his heart's content, and asked a bit reluctantly, "Would you care for a cup?"

Lingran, famished to the point of exhaustion, had no interest in alcohol. Shaking her head, she unceremoniously filled a bowl with rice and began to devour it ravenously.

Wei watched her as he drank, growing increasingly puzzled. He sipped his wine and sighed, "I find your manners truly unlike those of others!"

Lingran had just swallowed a large mouthful of food when she heard this and choked, coughing violently. She reached for the cold tea beside her and took several sips, thinking that ever since arriving in this ancient era, she'd constantly reminded herself to be cautious. Yet, despite her efforts, her true nature often slipped through. How exhausting! As a modern person who had crossed over, what advantages did she really have? At the very least, shouldn't she use her skills to help herself and her friends live better?

As she pondered this, her eyes darted about, and a tear forced out by her coughing rolled down her cheek.

Unexpectedly, Wei, orphaned since childhood and a man of deep feeling, saw her tears and asked, "Are you missing your family?"

Lingran shook her head, then nodded, unsure herself.

Wei sighed, "My parents died when I was young, and I wandered the sea and rain. Luckily, a benefactor took me in as his son's study companion. I secretly borrowed brush and ink to paint figures and landscapes. When he saw my work, he said I was gifted and raised me as his own. By the time I came of age and traveled to Jinling, my reputation was already spreading."

He poured himself another drink and, suddenly filled with heroic spirit, tossed the cup to the ground and laughed heartily. "Now, what do I have to lament? But you—a solitary woman trapped in the Prime Minister's residence—must be suffering. Tell me! If there's anything I can do to help, consider it fate; I'll lend you a hand."

Lingran hadn't expected Wei to be so straightforward and generous, offering help without even asking her reasons, simply trusting his own feelings. She was deeply moved, but hesitated—should she ask him to find a way to help her escape, or should she try to rescue Biqing and the others?

After much deliberation, she felt that if she fled the Prime Minister's residence, Liu Yongcheng and his men would likely not let her go, and for now, it was safer here.

Her principle in life had always been to repay kindness with greater kindness; in this era, only her few sisters were true friends. No matter what, she must rescue them first. Resolute, she looked up. "Since you are so righteous, I won't hide anything from you. I have a few good sisters—those who were sent here with me yesterday. None of them wish to serve Lord Chu. Could you help rescue them?"

Wei replied, "I've always despised how the Prime Minister toys with pure and innocent girls. I consider myself a romantic; if I seek companionship, it's with women of the brothel, where there are no obligations and I can keep a clear conscience. But he has ruined countless girls..." He drank angrily, his face flushed, and looked at Lingran. "Are you afraid to hear me say such things?"

Lingran saw that he spoke to her so candidly, her emotions surged. She stood up and replied seriously, "A thousand cups of wine are too few among friends. If you are willing to share your heart with me, I am honored."

"Excellent! In that case, let us seek out Hongxiao!" Wei grabbed Lingran's hand and prepared to leave.

Lingran's expression changed, anxious. "Isn't this approach a bit reckless? Hongxiao is the Prime Minister's favorite, surely twisted in temperament. Why would he agree to release those girls?"

Wei paused, "No wonder! You don't know—the relationship between Chu Yu and Hongxiao is like fire and water, but both are worthy friends. Chu Yu is stern in appearance, warm in heart, and his martial prowess is unmatched; he holds command over the army, and the throne could be his for the taking. If not for his opposition, the Prime Minister would have... would have committed treason long ago! As for Hongxiao, though favored by the Prime Minister, he is outwardly charming but inwardly steadfast, knowledgeable in ritual and propriety, and has saved the lives of many elder ministers."

Lingran squeezed Wei's hand, a bit worried for him. "You like wine, but don't repeat these words. If the Prime Minister hears, or even His Highness, your life would be in danger!"

"Don't worry. When I'm drunk, I often ramble in front of him. At worst, he'll beat me up! Let's go, let's find Hongxiao."

Lingran was still hesitant, but since Wei was so confident in Hongxiao's character, she could only follow.

Together, driven by a desire to save others, they jogged down the mountain, Lingran infected by Wei's enthusiasm, her own blood boiling.

They asked a few maids and learned that Hongxiao was accompanying Lord Chu for a nap in Shende Hall. Lingran thought of Chu Liuxiang's extreme depravity and grew fearful again.

Wei's drunkenness had faded, and his expression showed he was also afraid of the Prime Minister. Still, he couldn't lose face in front of the young woman. He led Lingran to the hall anyway.

A row of attendants in soft armor and cloth stood guard outside, like gatekeepers, each holding a dark, tubular object—not a blade, spear, or sword, but some unknown weapon.

When Wei and Lingran approached, two attendants immediately blocked their way, one barking, "Who are you? No one may disturb the Prime Minister during his rest!"

Wei braced himself and stepped forward, "I am Wei, a friend invited to the residence by His Highness."

The attendants' attitude changed immediately upon hearing this, their tone softening. "Ah, it's Young Master Wei! As a friend of His Highness, if you wish to see the Prime Minister, please wait elsewhere. When he wakes, we will inform him."

Wei replied, "I am not here for the Prime Minister. His Highness wishes to speak with Hongxiao, but does not want the Prime Minister to know. Please, quietly inform Hongxiao."

Lingran felt a surge of anxiety for Wei; impersonating Chu Yu's orders was dangerously bold. If Chu Yu turned against him, his life would be at risk! This man, who seemed at first glance to be nothing but wine and color, was unexpectedly loyal.

The attendants exchanged uneasy glances, clearly troubled.

Wei lowered his voice, "You know His Highness's temper—would you dare defy his orders? Do you wish to lose your lives?"

He had an imposing presence when scolding others, and that prince was known as a 'tiger and wolf.' Even attendants at his father's estate were intimidated by his reputation, like mice before a cat. How Hongxiao managed to thrive despite being disliked by him was a mystery.

Wei's threat worked; the attendants, frightened, pushed and shoved each other, finally settling the matter by drawing lots to decide who would go in.

Lingran stood with Wei outside, her heart pounding, uncertain what would happen next.

Fortunately, all went smoothly. Soon, a youth in red, hair tousled as if just roused from sleep, strolled out languidly. The red gauze robes he wore rippled like waves as he moved, exquisitely beautiful, seeming to draw one's gaze deep within.

Strangely, seeing him again, Lingran noticed the overwhelming allure was gone. Despite his extreme delicacy, he was unmistakably a man.

"Did you know? There's a saying that Hongxiao is ranked alongside His Highness," Wei whispered in her ear.

Lingran glanced at him.

Wei continued, "There is a nursery rhyme in the capital: 'Lotus Prince, Hongxiao, fairest in the land! To marry, choose such a man.' If they stood together, it would be the most beautiful scene in the world! Pity they are like water and fire."