280 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

Ning Songwu gently wiped the beads of sweat from Ran Fanyan’s cheeks with the corner of her robe, then brushed aside the hair that covered her eyes. Ran Fanyan, seizing the moment, held onto Ning Songwu’s hand. At that moment, Ning Songwu was her lifeline. Due to the inertia of her movement, Ning Songwu ended up bending over and sitting sideways at the head of the bed. Ran Fanyan leaned against Ning Songwu’s thigh, gripping her sleeve tightly. The faint gardenia fragrance emanating from Ning Songwu was like a tranquilizer, soothing and lulling Ran Fanyan into a drowsy sleep. In the middle of the night, Ning Songwu initially attempted to pry Ran Fanyan’s hands off to return to the chaise longue to sleep. However, she found that Ran Fanyan’s grip was too tight—any attempt to pull away only made it tighter. Thus, she gave up and leaned against the head of the bed, spending the night there. The next morning, Ran Fanyan woke up to find herself sleeping on Ning Songwu’s thigh. Ning Songwu said teasingly, “Awake now? I see you’re afraid of thunder.” Remembering the scene from the previous night, Ran Fanyan was instantly overcome with embarrassment. Trying to maintain her composure, she said, “You’re overthinking it, Wu-lang. I just coincidentally wasn’t feeling well because of my period.” Deep inside, she was already covering her face with her hands, mortified that Ning Songwu had seen her weak and helpless side laid bare. Normally, her carefree, disciplined, and intelligent demeanor seemed to have vanished overnight. “Well then, dear lady, remember to call for your husband whenever there's thunder or when you have your period.” Ning Songwu, with her own sly humor, emphasized the word “thunder,” and then with a cheerful stride, walked out of the room. Misunderstanding Ran Fanyan’s intentions, Ning Songwu thought she was referring to the thundery night three days ago when Ran Fanyan, scared of the thunder, had asked Ning Songwu to stay with her. *The next day, Ning Songwu rose early and hurriedly wolfed down some breakfast at a street stall with Lu Jin before rushing to Fengming Court. “Ning Daren, slow down; it’s still early.” Lu Jin, lifting the hem of his robe, hurried to catch up with Ning Songwu’s quick pace. “Lu Daren, you can take your time. I’ll go ahead and check things out for you.” Ning Songwu darted through the passing crowd with footsteps as swift as the wind, eager to reach Fengming Court. One wanted to see the lady they missed day and night under the pretense of a visit, while the other wanted to see for themselves what kind of transformation had turned Fengming Court overnight into the talk of the town. “Lu Daren, Young Master Ning, welcome! Please, come in.” Xiao Liu, spotting them from afar, greeted them respectfully and led them to a reserved spot. “This crispy green grape delight was specially sent by Yunniang, and this divine nectar, meticulously crafted by Miss Yu, cools and refreshes. Enjoy, the musicians will be here shortly.” The girl spoke sweetly, her voice soothing as she smiled behind a semi-transparent veil that added a touch of mystique. Inside, the fragrance of incense and the sound of music filled the room. Guests arrived in small groups, taking their seats in the hall, while the musicians, partly concealed behind a screen, played the pipa. Through gaps in the screen, one could faintly see the musicians’ slender fingers plucking the strings, with mellifluous melodies drifting through, filling every corner of the hall like wisps of smoke weaving into each guest’s ears. The music was like a stream cascading down from a cliff, striking the rocks below and producing clear and resonant sounds. It also felt like a breeze carrying the faint scent of fresh grass, bringing a cooling sensation amidst the summer heat. Fengming Court had completely transformed; though still a brothel, it now only evoked the word "elegance." Lu Jin, entranced, seemed intoxicated even before drinking. So absorbed was he by the music that he failed to notice his chilled drink tilting in his hand, the liquid flowing onto the table and dripping onto his legs. Only when he felt the chill on his legs did he realize his mistake. Hastily, he placed the nearly empty drink on the table and licked the remnants from his hand, using his sleeve to dry the water stains on his legs while muttering, “Oh no, what a waste, what a waste.” Since entering the establishment, each guest was treated to a complimentary snack and a cooling drink referred to as the "Divine Nectar." A long line had formed outside, as people queued for a taste of the rare, free refreshment. It was a first for many to enjoy a chilled drink in summer, making everyone eager to try it. The morning served mainly as a warm-up, earning enough to cover costs, with the real attraction set for the afternoon. “Dong~” Seeing the heightened excitement of the crowd, Yunniang, sensing the perfect moment, struck a copper gong on the second floor and cleared her throat to announce, “Dear guests, our morning services have concluded. This afternoon, we have a spectacular event waiting for you. However, entry will be by ticket only. Interested patrons, please proceed to the counter. Tickets are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis.” “What’s this spectacular event? Can you give us a hint?” “Yeah, stop keeping us in suspense—it’s driving us crazy.” “This divine nectar is so good. Can I have another? Or I’m willing to pay for it!” “Hey, don’t step on my new shoes!” “I need a ticket! Save one for me!” The counter was swamped with people anxious to secure their tickets, fearing they would sell out if they delayed. Those who hadn't managed to get inside, now grumbling outside the door, waited impatiently, hoping to witness the excitement. Ning Songwu sat quietly, her gaze wandering as though searching for something. She took occasional sips of the special drink Ran Fanyan had made, pondering how such an icy concoction, usually only available in winter, could exist during this heat. Did Ran Fanyan possess some extraordinary ability? At that moment, her eyes fell on a man not too far away who was harassing a serving girl. “What’s wrong with letting me touch you? Didn’t your boss teach you how to serve customers?” The man reached out to pull away the girl's veil. “Please, sir, enjoy your drink.” The girl kept stepping back, dodging the man's filthy hand. “Well, that’s a surprise. A brothel girl acting all high and mighty. Remove the veil and let me see your face. If I’m pleased, you’ll have my business for the night.” “Please, sir, mind your manners.” The girl clutched the tray by her thigh, straining to maintain her composure. “Manners? You’re talking to me about manners? You, a woman of the night? Ludicrous.” “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.” The girl held the tray tightly to her chest, her eyes beginning to well with tears. “You insolent woman, don’t act so high and mighty.” Angered by her resistance, the man grabbed a half-empty drink from the table, making as if to throw it at her.