Chapter Fifty-Five: The Covenant

When Su Li Luo opened her eyes again, Yun Yan Yi was already holding her, standing in a room on the second floor. Yun Yan Yi saw Su Li Luo staring blankly, glanced at her attire, snorted coldly, and gave her a push, causing Su Li Luo to stagger to the side.

Once she regained her balance, she couldn't help but yell at Yun Yan Yi, "What are you doing? I almost fell to the floor!" Yun Yan Yi stared at her with a dark expression, saying nothing for a long moment. Under his gaze, Su Li Luo grew uneasy and muttered, stammering, "How impressive, Your Highness."

She dusted herself off, and hearing the commotion outside, grew curious. She pushed open the window and exclaimed with envy, "No wonder everyone covets power. The view from here is truly splendid, and those people below are running wild."

In the main hall, the men, having lost sight of the beauty, blocked the madam from leaving. The madam had to send the girls downstairs one by one to soothe the men’s anger, only managing to escape once the situation calmed.

Su Li Luo gazed at the scene outside, unaware that she herself had become a spectacle for others. Sensing a burning gaze upon her, she turned and found Yun Yan Yi watching her.

Suddenly remembering her attire, she quickly covered her chest, blushing as she scolded, "So, Your Highness is shameless after all. Where exactly are you looking?"

Yun Yan Yi’s expression grew colder. He sneered, "You need not worry—your looks are far from catching my eye."

"If you hold me in such disdain, why were you staring so intently just now? It seems Your Highness is not consistent in word and deed." Su Li Luo’s face was flushed with anger and embarrassment; as a woman, to be told she lacked beauty by a man was no pleasant thing.

"Heh, I only glanced at you. You really think too highly of yourself," Yun Yan Yi retorted, though the image of what he had just seen lingered in his mind, making his tone less certain.

"Your Highness, I dare not believe that. If I don't value myself, who else would? I won’t allow others to pity me," Su Li Luo replied firmly.

Yun Yan Yi murmured, "Pointless," just loud enough for Su Li Luo to hear. Her eyes blazed, and she shot back, "Even if you won't look, others will. Anyone can tell at a glance whether I have the charm. If I weren’t afraid you’d belittle me, I’d stand tall and let you see for yourself."

The thought of those ignorant men outside gazing at Su Li Luo’s body made Yun Yan Yi wish he could send them straight to the underworld. The lips before him, he wanted to silence; then he wouldn’t have to hear those wounding words.

As they argued, the madam knocked cheerfully on the door. Yun Yan Yi turned away, unwilling to quarrel further. "Your Highness, may I enter?" she asked.

"Come in," he said coldly, making the madam shiver. Yet at the thought of the silver streaming in from outside, her spirits lifted, and she pushed the door open.

Inside, she found the two standing apart, not acknowledging each other, their eyes lowered and their earlier pride gone. Standing before Yun Yan Yi, she reported the situation from downstairs.

"Your Highness, the reward for the lady’s performance tonight is five times the usual amount," the madam’s voice trembled as she raised her hand repeatedly, eyeing Su Li Luo like a god of wealth, her eyes shining.

Su Li Luo asked excitedly, "Madam, is that true? I never thought earning silver could be so easy." Her smile was bright, and the madam smiled along.

"Of course it’s true. If you have any ideas, tell me, and I’ll have the staff carry them out at once." The madam’s eyes sparkled, eager for Su Li Luo to share any profitable scheme.

Su Li Luo opened her mouth to speak, then thought better of it, closing it and shaking her head. "No rush, Madam. I have matters to discuss with His Highness. If we reach an agreement, you’ll hear all the methods you wish for."

Seeing her probing failed, the madam looked disappointed, glancing at the strained faces of the two. She laughed twice, then quickly withdrew. "Your Highness, I’ll take my leave. If you have any instructions, simply send word."

With no outsiders left, Su Li Luo relaxed and asked, "Your Highness, do you still honor the promise you made to me earlier?"

"Rest assured, I never break my word," Yun Yan Yi replied. Soon, someone brought a contract for them to sign. The terms stated Su Li Luo would train the brothel’s girls monthly, and Yun Yan Yi would give her thirty percent of the profits.

They each signed their names and pressed their fingerprints, finalizing the contract. Su Li Luo smiled, carefully tucking the agreement into a brocade pouch and then into her clothing for safekeeping.

She grinned, her fox-like eyes full of shrewdness, and asked sweetly, "Your Highness, might I receive an advance on my share? I have urgent need."

Afraid Yun Yan Yi might not believe her, Su Li Luo gazed at him with watery, pleading eyes, her earnestness laid bare for him to see.

Yun Yan Yi glanced at her with deep, inky eyes, then leisurely sipped tea from the cup at hand. Su Li Luo’s smile grew stiff, but remembering her current predicament, she forced herself to ask again, "Your Highness, I truly have urgent need. Rest assured, I’ll devote myself to training the girls."

Yun Yan Yi remained silent. Su Li Luo could no longer maintain her composure, pouting, "It's just a little silver. For a prince, you’re really stingy."

Yun Yan Yi watched her lips move, guessing she was not speaking kindly of him, perhaps even cursing him in her heart.

Su Li Luo, growing disheartened, muttered, "I really need this money, or how will I deal with the cold? I gave my word to Liu Zhu."

Thinking of Liu Zhu only made her regret more. Had she known, she wouldn’t have used that excuse. Now there was no turning back. She looked at Yun Yan Yi, but he showed no reaction, and she knew hope was lost. She sat, troubled, trying to think of another way.

"Since you have no further business, Miss Su, I’ll have the guards escort you back," Yun Yan Yi said, setting his porcelain cup aside, his jade-like hand drawing into his sleeve, lips curling as he seemed to be in a good mood.

Suppressing her disappointment, Su Li Luo bowed in farewell. "Your servant takes her leave." She exited, changed back into her original clothes with the help of a maid, and was escorted to the door by Leng Feng. Looking up, she saw the sky had already darkened.