Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 1239 - 515: Niu Yanghui’s Promotion (Part 2)

The brothel madam looked at the painting scroll in Xiang Wei’s hands, her face lit up with joy, and she said with a smile: "Did Lady Lian send you to deliver the painting?"

Xiang Wei glanced coldly at the brothel madam: "My master only promised Miss Xiang Ru to show her the painting once it was done. She never said she would give the painting to her."

The brothel madam felt a bit regretful; a painting by Lady Lian could be worth a fortune. Of course, the money wasn’t the most important thing; after all, even a single visit from Miss Xiang Ru was worth a thousand gold. The key was that with this painting, Miss Xiang Ru’s fame could rise to another level, and then the money would surely roll in towards her. Thinking of this, the smile on the brothel madam’s face bloomed like a chrysanthemum, particularly radiant: "Gentlemen, this way." As long as the painting was good, it didn’t matter if the lady didn’t give it away; they could buy it.

Hearing the sound of silk and bamboo inside, the brothel madam asked Xiang Wei and her companion to wait outside: "Please forgive me, gentlemen; Miss Xiang Ru has guests inside, would you kindly wait for a moment, I’ll be right back." If they were here to watch Xiang Ru dance, they certainly couldn’t be led inside, the gentleman inside would definitely throw a fit. But these two were different, they came to deliver art, which the gentleman inside would surely be interested in.

Sure enough, after a while, the brothel madam came out and said: "Gentlemen, please come inside." She had an exceptional eye; despite the two being dressed not so lavishly, the fabric of the leading one’s attire was top-grade, and his demeanor was not what a mere servant or runner could possess.

Upon entering, Xiang Wei first saw not Xiang Ru but a young man dressed in brocade robes, with a silk girdle at his waist and a jade hairpin holding up his hair. Xiang Wei recognized the young man and smiled, saying: "Young Master He, I apologize for disturbing your refined interests!"

He Feng, upon seeing Xiang Wei, was not displeased. Although he indulged in brothels, his actions somewhat scandalous, it didn’t mean he didn’t know who he could and couldn’t provoke. This person before him was clearly unwise to cross: "It’s fortunate to be able to admire Lady Lian’s masterpiece." The main point was Xiang Wei delivering art, not competing with him for beauties, hence why he spoke so agreeably.

Xiang Wei certainly wouldn’t be petty; this artwork would be exhibited in the Capital City someday, with many viewers, and lacking this one wouldn’t make a difference: "Naturally, but better if Miss Xiang Ru would join us in appreciation, that’s best."

As Xiang Wei finished speaking, the sound of bells chiming softly was heard; no need to guess, it was Miss Xiang Ru arriving.

For a while, Miss Xiang Ru came out. This time, her attire differed entirely from the last time she danced, with lightly swept brows and lightly parted red lips. She glanced at Xiang Wei, and the aura she emitted made one forget everything instantly.

Xiang Wei enjoyed looking at beauties but couldn’t be entranced easily, and said to Xiang Ru: "I have brought a painting for you under my lady’s instructions."

Xiang Ru personally took the painting scroll from Xiang Wei’s hands and spread it open on the table. As the painting was fully unfurled, Xiang Ru gazed at it without blinking.

The brothel madam was also captivated and, coming back to her senses, gritted her teeth, saying: "Gentlemen, could this painting be sold to Xunfang Pavilion? Any price would be negotiable." With this painting, Xiang Ru would solidify her place as the top Oiran, sending Peony to a cooler spot. If she could buy this painting, she would accept any cost.

He Feng concurred, saying: "Such a fine painting, hidden away from public appreciation, would be a great pity." Even He Feng wished to claim it for himself.

Xiang Wei, smiling, said: "This painting is meant to return to the Capital City for exhibition, so it can’t be sold for any price. If you like, take a longer look; I can delay my return."

The brothel madam excitedly asked: "Is what you say true?" If they could take this painting to the Capital City for exhibition, Xiang Ru’s name would surely spread there; then, surely more people would come to Xunfang Pavilion. This would pose greater benefits than hanging the painting in Xiang Ru’s boudoir. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Xiang Wei nodded, saying: "It is true."

Having been in Xunfang Pavilion for almost an hour, Xiang Wei prepared to leave. At that time, Xiang Ru called her to stop: "Considering I promised Lady Lian to dance for her before, could I be so bold as to make one request?"

Xiang Wei nodded, saying: "As long as it’s not difficult, I can agree to it."

Xiang Ru’s lips carried a hint of bitterness: "I’m nineteen this year, the Golden Period has passed. In three years at most, I will be replaced. By then, I’d like to leave Xunfang Pavilion; rest assured, I don’t need Lady Lian to help me redeem myself, I’ve saved some money. I just wish, upon leaving Xunfang Pavilion, I could find support, otherwise, even if I leave, I couldn’t survive outside alone." Xiang Ru was well aware that despite her current prominence, adored by countless literati and scholars, once someone replaced her, even grass would be worth more than her. By then, who knows how the brothel madam would mistreat her, nor did she wish to become someone’s concubine, for a brothel woman as a concubine was nothing more than an ant, with no knowing how she might meet her end in the inner quarters.

For the past two years, Xiang Ru had been contemplating escape routes; however, none of her patrons were reliable, but today, she saw hope. This painting showed her Lady Lian’s respect for her. Thus, she wished to strive for herself.

Xiang Wei was surprised by Xiang Ru’s words, at that moment understanding why her master, among the four Oiran, had taken a particular interest in Xiang Ru. It’s not that Xiang Ru stood untainted by mud, but at least she maintained a certain purity deep within: "It’s not that we don’t want to help you, but you must know, our lady is merely traveling in Jiangnan, she won’t reside here." Xiang Wei understood Xiang Ru’s concerns; a beautiful woman with money but without backing would certainly attract attention, and women in such situations often met unfortunate ends. Hence typically, no one would choose to leave the brothel without reliable support.

If they were in Jiangnan, Xiang Wei would not mind lending Xiang Ru a hand. But as they were returning to the Capital City, even if willing to help, it was beyond their capability. As for asking Mingzhu to help, neither Yueyao nor Xiang Wei would open their mouths to ask favor.

Xiang Ru’s expression darkened.

But Xiang Wei smiled and said: "My lady’s art exhibition will undoubtedly open within three years. By then, you’ll surely gain fame in the Capital City, and if you happen to arrive there, I could indeed assist you." Xiang Wei rarely showed enthusiasm, but having been touched by Yueyao, decided even this would be saving a life.

Xiang Ru nodded, saying: "Alright." Though the Capital City is quite a distance from Jiangnan, it’s at least a ray of hope.

Yueyao understood Xiang Wei’s decision and said nothing: "When she truly arrives in the Capital City, you can handle it privately." Yueyao wouldn’t interfere. There were too many pitiable people in the world, and one couldn’t save them all.

Xiang Wei didn’t find it to be a difficult matter; if Xiang Ru went to the Capital City, she could find her a place to settle, no more than that would she do.

Yueyao looked at the swaying tree branches outside: "It’s already the 24th of the twelfth lunar month, Brother Feifei should be returning." Yueyao certainly wouldn’t allow Brother Feifei to spend the New Year at Elder Wen’s, hence she had sent a letter at the beginning of the month.

Xiang Wei’s voice was very soft: "Are you preparing to bring Brother Feifei back home?"

Yueyao nodded slightly: "I definitely want to bring him back. If everything goes smoothly, I might let him visit Jiangnan again in a couple of years." The child was too small to be left alone in Jiangnan, it was too harsh, and Yueyao couldn’t bear it.

Xiang Wei remembered Yueyao hadn’t yet sent out the letter, and said quietly: "Changed your mind? If you alter your mind now, there’s still time."

Yueyao gently shook her head, saying: "Since I prepared to inform the Marquis, I never thought of retreating." Having decided, she wouldn’t withdraw.

Xiang Wei couldn’t help but sigh. She knew trying to persuade Yueyao was almost impossible; now, she could only hope that everything proceeds smoothly.