Cultivation Begins with Caring for Sister-in-law-Chapter 561: Zhihua, First Encounter

The spring breeze caresses the thousands of willows, as the flower houses sing with throngs of wine guests.

The noble ladies and young misses of each household peer out from their residences and lofts, gazing tenderly at the handsome young man clad in white.

"I’ve long heard that Duke An is just in his early twenties, which I found hard to believe. After all, how could a Third-Grade Martial Artist be this age? But upon seeing him now, the rumors are indeed true."

"He would make a splendid son-in-law. My daughter Yan’er is only fourteen; if she can weave a beautiful story with Duke An, it would surely be a blessing from our ancestors."

"I’ve been a widow for five years, yet I’ve maintained myself well and am still in the prime of my life. If I could find love with Duke An, oh, it would be so embarrassing."

"Lady Qian, stop dreaming in broad daylight; you’re nearly thirty. There’s no way Duke An would fancy you."

"Bah, you’re the old woman. Rumor has it that Duke An fancies married women, and I fit his taste. The legitimate daughter of the Xiao Family is already over thirty and has a son, yet she still joined the Chen Family."

"You want to compare yourself with the Xiao Family’s legitimate daughter? In her youth, she was Jiangnan’s number one beauty."

"Jin Cuihua, I don’t want to argue with you today, so don’t stir up trouble."

"..."

"These Yangzhou Thin Horses are said to be beauties full of grace and charm, and indeed they are not exaggerated." Chen Mo couldn’t help but marvel as a casual glance landed on several stunning beauties.

Several patriarchs of noble families engaging with Xiao Quan heard this and immediately had ideas.

Patriarch Qin Hao of the Qin Family approached Chen Mo and said obsequiously, "Duke An, my daughter has a flower-like face in a moon-like form and is at a charming age. She highly admires Duke An and declares that she will marry no one else. Serving by Duke An’s side would be her honor."

Chen Mo: "..."

Xiao Quan: "..."

The other family patriarchs immediately voiced their opinions: "Patriarch Qin, you’ve only sired sons, where did this daughter come from, daring to deceive Duke An in broad daylight."

"Nonsense, I wouldn’t dare deceive Duke An. I recently adopted two goddaughters. If Duke An wishes, they could serve by his side," Qin Hao said.

This statement made the other family patriarchs secretly curse Qin Hao for his shamelessness.

Even goddaughters are brought into it.

Even the corner of Chen Mo’s mouth twitched slightly, just as he was about to politely decline.

A commotion suddenly erupted ahead as the crowds on either side retreated.

At the street’s end, a startled carriage rushed straight toward Chen Mo and his entourage.

"Be careful, Marquis." Sun Meng frowned and immediately led some personal soldiers to intercept.

Chen Mo nodded.

Sun Meng, being a Sixth-Grade Martial Artist and with soldiers to assist, found stopping a startled carriage a simple task.

Once halted, Sun Meng and his men surrounded the carriage.

Sun Meng shouted, "Who in the carriage dares to gallop recklessly on the street and charge at Duke An? Such audacity. Men, apprehend them for the General."

"Mercy, General." Just then, a melodious voice akin to a yellow warbler emanated from the carriage, captivating.

The curtains of the carriage were lifted, and a figure in a red dress with a red veil over her face gracefully descended.

The surrounding soldiers remained vigilant, aiming their weapons at her despite her being a woman.

"That... seems like Miss Zhihua from the Flower Fragrance Building."

"That red dress, that slender waist; no one else in Qinhuai City but Miss Zhihua fits that description."

"Miss Zhihua is this year’s newly crowned courtesan of the Flower Fragrance Building, having not yet entertained any guests."

"..."

Among the onlookers were many patrons of the Flower Fragrance Building who recognized Zhihua at a glance.

Behind her red veil, Zhihua’s face showed panic, her eyes filled with fear. She bowed to Sun Meng and said, "I was returning from a flower viewing at Guanshan Lake when my horse became inexplicably startled upon entering the city, recklessly causing chaos. I am deeply thankful to the General for stopping the horse, saving my life..."

She glanced at the crowd behind Sun Meng and apologized, "If I disturbed the noble, I ask for their forgiveness."

Sun Meng shot her a glance and then looked back at Chen Mo.

Chen Mo initially intended to let Sun Meng release her, but spotting the red number "111" on her forehead surprised him.

Power 111, a Seventh-Grade Martial Artist’s mark.

A Seventh-Grade Martial Artist would undoubtedly be dominant, living effortlessly in a small county.

Unlikely for such a person to be a courtesan in a brothel.

Of course, he might have been too absolute.

Yet, his interest was piqued.

Chen Mo approached, looking Zhihua over from head to toe, and asked, "Are you a local, miss?"

"Perhaps. I am an orphan who was passed and sold many times before being sold to the Flower Fragrance Building at thirteen," Zhihua replied softly, her melodious voice conveying a heartbreaking plight.

As if by chance, a refreshing breeze blew away her red veil.

At that moment, exclamations erupted around.

Under the veil was a face exquisitely beautiful.

"It’s said Miss Zhihua has the looks to enchant an entire city. I thought it was just empty praise from impoverished scholars, but it turns out she indeed lives up to her name."

"She looks like a fairy, pity she’s a courtesan."

"If I could just kiss Miss Zhihua, I’d gladly live luxuriously—have a mansion, ride in a sedan chair."

Brokers’ favorite poets found their verses were paid in nourishment, if betters weren’t.

In the pre-media age, brothels depended on poets’ praises to spread a lady’s fame, some even paid them.

"The lady is truly beautiful." Chen Mo glanced at the sky; in June, the sun blazed warmly, yet Zhihua’s makeup remained exquisite. Such fine rouge.

"Thank you for the compliment, Duke An. To catch your eye is my honor." Zhihua picked up the blown away red veil, a faint blush gracing her face.

This left the onlookers slightly disappointed; they hoped to glimpse something as Zhihua bent to retrieve the veil, but she concealed it with her hand.

"Since the horse was startled, it was a misunderstanding. No harm done; Miss Zhihua, you may leave." Chen Mo smiled.

"Thank you for your magnanimity, Duke An." Zhihua’s face lit up with joy, and she bowed to Chen Mo.

Without lingering further, Zhihua turned back to her carriage, instructing her servant to clear the way for Duke An.

"Let’s move on," Chen Mo said, turning to continue forward.

One by one, they passed, and Zhihua never reappeared.