No. 1 Girl in the Imperial City

Chapter 253 Arriving at Mingyin Pavilion for the First Time

It was already evening when Ji Rong received Luo Jinyan's reply, and it was only an hour before the time agreed on the letter. Obviously Luo Jinyan didn't intend to give him much time to think.

"Mingyin Pavilion?" Ji Rong rubbed the letter, his pale and emaciated face showed obvious contemplation and hesitation.

The gray-clothed guard standing in front of him hung his head and waited for his reply. After a while, he heard him chuckle and said, "So, is Mingyin Pavilion the reason why my mother stayed in Shangyong?" The gray-clothed guard was silent. If he didn't speak, he would naturally not know the answer.

Ji Rong wanted to refuse, he didn't want to offend his mother right now.

Ji Rong knew Bai Jingrong very well, and it really made her anxious. When she attacked, she didn't care whether you were her biological son or not.

However, if you don't go to...

Ji Rong propped his forehead and thought for a while, then raised his head and said to the people in front of him: "Go back to Mr. Luo, he sincerely invites me, I will definitely go."

"Yes, Your Highness." The guard bowed his hands and retreated, turned around and left.

Ji Rong was the only one left in the empty room. He sat alone in front of the window, watching the warm light from the setting sun in the yard move gradually until finally disappearing completely.

The sky gradually darkened, and the temperature seemed to drop as well.

Luo Junyao had been curious about Mingyin Pavilion for a long time, but Xie Yan repeatedly warned her not to take risks by herself, and secondly, she was really busy, so it was delayed for several days.Today Xie Yan took the initiative to bring her along, so she was naturally very interested.

At three o'clock in the morning, night had already enveloped the entire imperial city.

Most of the people in the west of the city had already blown out their lamps to rest, and a large area was gradually plunged into darkness.But there is one place that is still brightly lit, more lively than during the day.

Mingyin Pavilion is not an attic, but a continuous building complex that occupies half a street.

This place is not as dilapidated, dirty and messy as Luo Junyao originally guessed. On the contrary, their carriage has just approached, and from a distance, the main building of Mingyin Pavilion can be seen shining brightly in the night, resplendent and resplendent.

Luo Junyao couldn't help but said: "Shangyong Huangcheng still has such a place?" Just looking at it from a distance, it is much more magnificent than the flower street and willow alley, Shangyong's No. [-] brothel.

If it weren't for the standard issue, I am afraid that many mansions of high-ranking officials would not have such a grandeur.At least all the dignitaries' mansions in the inner city will not be so bright at night.

Hearing that they were coming to Mingyin Pavilion, Wei Shizi also rushed to join in the fun and said with a smile: "Princess, I don't know, there are many interesting places in Shangyonghuang City. However, most of the girls are inconvenient to go Yes, of course no one will tell you."

Indeed, in at least ten years of his life, Luo Junyao had never heard of a place like Mingyin Pavilion in Shangyong.

Of course, the ladies who are similar to her have never heard of it.

Luo Jun rolled his eyes and turned away without speaking. Luo Jinyan glanced at Wei Changting, raised his hand and patted his sister's head, "Don't listen to his nonsense, those places are very dangerous, girls, don't run around by yourself."

Although I know that my sister is very skilled, the most terrifying thing about people in these places is not their skills, but their sinister thoughts.

Wei Shizi couldn't help touching his nose: Did he offend Mr. Luo in any way?I always feel that his eyes are cold.

The carriage stopped outside Mingyin Pavilion, and the four people in the carriage got off one by one.

Outside the Mingyin Pavilion, someone who is responsible for welcoming guests has already greeted them.

After all, Mingyin Pavilion is not a serious place. Some of the guests who come and go don't care about their own fame and status, so they naturally come in and out without any scruples.There are also quite a few people wearing masks, and people who are not familiar with each other cannot know the identity of the other party.

The guests here seem to know the rules, and they are used to seeing people wearing masks and are not curious about their identities.

If the group of them appeared here in their true colors, Mingyin Pavilion might not have to do business tonight.

Therefore, the group of four were all wearing ordinary silk and satin uniforms, not only wearing masks, but there was no logo on the carriage they were riding in.

Luo Junyao even changed into men's clothing. She is small in stature, so she is more like a little brother who followed her elder brother out to learn more.

Even the steward who came up to meet her couldn't help but look at her a few more times, obviously thinking that these few young masters brought such a young master to such a place, and that this elder brother was really incompetent.

"Please invite some distinguished guests." The steward who greeted the guests was also well-informed. Although these few were dressed in ordinary clothes, they could tell at a glance that the other party was extraordinary, and it was obvious that they were not ordinary pleasure-seekers.

Xie Yan led Luo Junyao to walk behind, and naturally let the long-sleeved and skillful Wei Shizi deal with it.

Wei Changting lived up to everyone's expectations, and said to the manager with a smile: "I heard that the wine in Mingyin Pavilion is good, we invited a friend to come, I wonder if he has arrived?"

The steward smiled and said, "A few distinguished guests just now confessed that they invited friends to drink, I don't know..."

Wei Changting chuckled, raised his hand and threw a small delicate wooden sign to him.

The steward took it in his hand and took a look, but he didn't return it to Wei Changting.Putting the wooden sign into his sleeve pocket, he smiled more attentively, "It's Mr. Rong's honored guest, please."

The steward raised his hand to call for someone to replace him, and he personally led a few people into the main building of Mingyin Pavilion.

Standing outside, you can already vaguely hear the noise coming from the lobby.However, as the steward walked through a spacious corridor more than ten feet long, and then pushed open a heavy door, the light inside still almost caught Luo Junyao's eyes.

The music is loud and the voices are full of people.

The spacious lobby is almost not much smaller than the square in front of the Palace of Political Affairs. To say that this is the lobby of Mingyin Pavilion is better to say that this is a square with a roof on it.It's no wonder that the main building of Mingyin Pavilion is connected to a large area of ​​buildings. If it weren't for this, how could there be such a spacious place.

The lobby is naturally huge, but the original size of the main building can still be seen.Located in the center of the lobby, a huge ornate glazed lamp hangs above it.

Under the light of the fire, the huge glazed lamp was radiant, so luxurious that people couldn't take their eyes off it.

Under the brilliant light, on the resplendent high platform, a group of beautiful and enchanting orchids are dancing lightly.There were many men and women gathered around the high platform, they were obsessively admiring the singing and dancing while drinking wine, and some people simply got up and danced to the passionate music, which naturally attracted a group of drunken guests to laugh in unison.

Not everyone is interested in Orchid's dance, there are still many people in the spacious lobby looking for their own fun.

Some people gathered to gamble, some hugged charming women for fun and teased, there were also various jugglers, talents, and even some seemingly glamorous people who seemed to simply sit together to exchange knowledge.

It's just that they all have delicious food and wine in front of them at any time, and the stunning beauties are nestled beside them.

Even the watering pots in the lobby seem to be made of gold and silver.

It was rare for Luo Junyao to be surprised, not only because of the luxury of Mingyin Pavilion, but she had never seen so many beauties even in the palace.

Even the most non-existent girl serving tea and water in the lobby is a beautiful girl with beautiful appearance.

Not only Luo Junyao, but also Luo Jinyan and Wei Changting looked a little solemn.

Wei Changting said with great interest: "It is said that Mingyin Pavilion is the most magnificent gold-selling cave in Dasheng, and it really lives up to its reputation. I'm afraid there might not even be such a good thing in the palace, right?"

The steward who led the way said with a smile: "Young master, you are very praised. We are a small business, how dare we compare with the royal family? It's just that our pavilion master traveled to the Western Regions in his early years and brought back a few rare things."

Although the steward spoke humble words, the expression on his face was somewhat proud and complacent.As if to say: You are right, indeed.

Wei Changting smiled and said nothing, tilting his head to look at the orchid dancing gracefully on the high stage, his eyes fell on the woman leading the dance in the middle, "What's the name of that beauty?"

The steward glanced at the stage, smiled and said to Wei Changting: "Master, you have a good eye. That's our No. [-] dancer in Mingyin Pavilion, Xue Ji. She's worth a lot."

"First? What's your worth... Is this young master short of money?" Wei Changting raised his eyebrows, "By the way, what rank does Mr. Xueya rank among you?"

The steward was startled, and couldn't help but look at Wei Changting for not speaking.

Luo Jinyan raised his hand and patted Wei Changting's shoulder, turned his head and smiled at the manager, "I heard that the eldest son of Ruan Xiang's family who just came home..."

The steward quickly came to his senses, and said with an apologetic smile: "It turns out that you guys have heard about the Ruan family. This Mr. Xueya...is naturally the number one luthier in our Mingyin Pavilion, and I want to hear him play a piece." It's not easy. Unfortunately..."

The steward shook his head and said: "Master Xueya will naturally not perform on stage anymore, and many distinguished guests who wanted to hear him play the piano may be very disappointed."

While the group was talking, the steward had already led them upstairs.

The corridor outside the second floor can just overlook the entire central area of ​​the lobby. Looking down from the upstairs, you can have a panoramic view of the entire central area, which is a magnificent scene of luxury.

There were not many people in the corridor, only twos and threes standing on the railing, I don't know if they were chatting or admiring the living beings downstairs.

The steward did not stay on the second floor, but led them through a corridor on the second floor and then up to the third floor.

It was much quieter when I went up to the third floor, and I could no longer see the lobby from upstairs.There is a small garden in the center of the third floor, and there are wing rooms on both sides of the garden.The further you go in, the quieter it is, which shows that it has been specially treated for sound insulation.

The steward skillfully led the group to the door of a room, and knocked lightly on the door.

After a while, someone opened the door from inside.

The steward said respectfully: "My lord, the distinguished guest you were waiting for has arrived."

The person who opened the door was Ji Rong. He looked up at Luo Junyao and the others behind the steward, and then said after a moment of surprise: "Understood, let someone bring over some more food and wine."

"Yes." The steward left with a courteous smile, and the corridor going all the way out was very quiet, not even a serving servant was seen.

"Several, please come inside." Ji Rong still had a gentle smile on his face, and his eyes flicked past Luo Junyao.He didn't seem to care that Luo Jinyan brought a few more people who were obviously not servants.

After everyone entered the room, Luo Junyao realized that the wing room was much bigger than she had imagined.

Ji Rong was not alone in the room, a young man in his early twenties was sitting in the room drinking.The young man was wearing a navy blue brocade dress, his appearance could be considered handsome, and there was a bit of nobility between his brows, obviously he was from an extraordinary background.

Luo Jun shook his eyes and instantly remembered the identity of this person.

This is Xie Chengzhao, the eldest son of Prince Ning's Mansion.

Some time ago, Prince Ning's son was trampled by a horse and broke his leg for some reason, and he is still lying on the bed and cannot get up.Therefore, Xie Chengzhao, who is the eldest grandson, had to come forward for many things in Prince Ning's mansion that originally required Prince Ning's son to come forward.

After all, this is the eldest grandson of King Ning, and a dude like Xie Chengli is obviously not in the same style of painting.

Seeing several people filing in, he was startled for a moment.When Xie Yan and the others took off their masks, he had already stood up, and respectfully stepped forward to salute, "My nephew pays homage to Uncle Chu." He also greeted Wei Changting and Luo Jinyan, and finally his eyes fell on Luo Junyao.

Without waiting for others to say anything, he smiled and bowed respectfully: "I have seen the princess."

good eyesight.

Luo Junyao didn't care if she was recognized, she didn't deliberately disguise herself, but it was not easy to hide it from people who had seen her in men's clothes.

"Young Master Xie, you don't need to be too polite." Luo Junyao laughed softly.

Xie Yan looked down at her, and said softly, "Just call him by name."

Xie Chengzhao also immediately said: "Uncle Wang is right, you are an elder, just call me Chengzhao."

It feels good to be senior, Luo Junyao thought to himself.

After exchanging pleasantries, Xie Chengzhao invited everyone to sit down, and said with some complaints: "Brother Ji Rong only said that he was meeting with his friends at Mingyin Pavilion and asked me to accompany him. But he didn't say that it was the King of Chu, Mr. Luo and Mr. Lingchuan. Chengzhao was almost rude. Chengzhao would like to offer you a cup first."

After finishing speaking, Xie Chengzhao personally picked up the jug and poured wine for everyone.

Sure enough, Mingyin Pavilion is the best in everything. Although the aroma of the wine is not strong, it makes people very tempted and can't help but want to have a sip.

Ji Rongdao: "Originally I had an appointment with Mr. Luo, but this Shangyong...I'm afraid I'm not familiar with Mr. Luo, so I bothered Brother Ziming. But I didn't expect His Highness the Prince Regent and the Princess to come too. I'm rude. It's my time to toast."

Luo Jun smiled and said: "I heard that the eldest brother was coming to Mingyin Pavilion, so I brought the prince with me. It should be because we disturbed the Ninth Prince."

Ji Rong said: "How come? Ji Rong still needs to be taken care of by everyone in Shangyong. I will do it first as a respect."

Ji Rong was born thin and pale, with a sickly look on his face, but he drank very recklessly.

After the voice fell behind, he picked up the wine glass and drank it down.

Wei Changting said good, and said with a smile: "The Ninth Prince is really refreshing, since that's the case, why don't you all have a drink."

Except for Luo Junyao, everyone had a drink together.

Luo Junyao just took a sip, but Xie Yan pressed him down.

Luo Junyao glared at Xie Yan with some displeasure, her drinking capacity was not that bad.

However, Xie Yan did not intend to let go.Luo Junyao looked at him for a moment, and had no choice but to succumb to the beauty.

Soon, the attendants of Mingyin Pavilion brought up new wine and dishes, perhaps out of consideration for the younger teenagers among them, they also brought a bottle of sweet fruit wine with no alcohol smell.

The waiters who serve the food are also well-trained, the whole process is silent, and they don't look up to see the guests.After putting the food and wine on the table, he bowed respectfully and then withdrew.

Xie Chengzhao smiled and said after the attendants of Mingyin Pavilion retreated, "It must be the first time for Uncle Chu and everyone to come to Mingyin Pavilion, right?"

Wei Changting nodded and said: "That's right, although I've heard of such a place when I was young, I really haven't been there." Naturally, I couldn't come when I was young, and when I was a little older, I went to the battlefield and didn't have time to come, but it was much less pleasure.

Xie Chengzhao said with a smile: "I don't know, Mingyin Pavilion is indeed lively at the moment, but the real exciting thing is after midnight. Let's take a rest now and eat something. It's not too late to go down when the time comes."

Wei Changting suddenly realized, "So that's what I said... Mingyin Pavilion is certainly a gold-selling cave, but if it's just those downstairs, or if you enjoy delicious food and wine upstairs, I'm afraid it's a bit overrated."

Xie Chengzhao said with a smile: "Since Mingyin Pavilion has been able to establish itself in Shangyong for so many years, it must not disappoint the prince."

Wei Changting was a little excited, "The prince is waiting."

After talking to Wei Changting, Xie Chengzhao turned his head to talk to Xie Yan again.With a humble and respectful demeanor, he was much more pleasing to the eye than Xie Chengyou, who was extolled by a false name.

Obviously, the eldest grandson of Prince Ning's Mansion is not a simple person.

Prince Ning's Mansion clearly suspected that Xie Yan was responsible for Prince Ning's son being trampled and broken by a startled horse, but he did not show any emotion in front of Xie Yan.Respectfully, as if Prince Ning's Mansion and Prince Chu's Mansion really had a good relationship, and he really was a good nephew of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent.

Luo Junyao saw it in his eyes, and sighed in his heart: There is a big difference between those who want to inherit the throne and those who are freed.

(End of this chapter)