An Eight-year-old Princess novel Chapter 218

Ever since the Flower Show Banquet, Cangjue Qingsu had rarely visited Hua Jing. The Princess sneered as she wondered why he hadn't come. Perhaps, in his eyes, she was now a useless woman, not worthy of his time and energy.

Hua Jing didn't have any feelings for Cangjue Qingsu, either. In her opinion, Cangjue Qingsu was nothing more than a nomadic barbarian. However, she wanted to use him to escape from the Imperial City. She had other options. She could ask her father to decree that she would retire to her land, Xiping County. But Xiping was remote and barren. Living there for the rest of her life would be even worse than Hua Jing's current condition. Compared to Xiping, the State of Yelang sounded like a better alternative. If she married Cangjue Qingsu, she would be his Princess Consort. Although Yelang wasn't as rich as Ning, her life in Yelang wouldn't be worse than it was now.

"It's late, Your Highness. You should rest." A maid who had been waiting to serve the Princess, cautiously suggested.

Hua Jing was still immersed in her own thoughts. She frowned when she realized she was missing the handsome man she had met the other night. She couldn't wait to meet him again. She dreamt of touching him and having him. Last time, she had given her Jade Pass to him thus allowing him to visit her at the Princess Palace whenever he liked. But he had not showed again. Thinking of that, Hua Jing was vexed. She wondered if he was ignoring her. The thought enraged the Princess, 'How dare he ignore my invitation?'

Hua Jing gestured her maid forward, "Help me change. I need to go out."

Puzzled, the maid hesitated. She peeked at the window. It was the sixteenth day of the month and the bright full moon was illuminating the night sky. According to the position of the moon, it was ten p.m. Why would the Princess go out at such a late hour?

"What are you doing? I said I need to change!" When Hua Jing saw the maid dawdling, she raised her voice and snapped.

"Yes, Your Highness." The maid quickly answered. She trembled as she curtsied to Hua Jing. Then, she pulled out a gown made of violet voile and helped Hua Jing dress. Hua Jing always wore delicate makeup. It didn't matter what time of the day it was, or whether she was alone or expecting company. Today was no different. Although she had spent the day in her chamber, Hua Jing's makeup still looked as flawless as when she had put it on. Apart from the dress, she didn't need the maid's help with anything else. Hua Jing smiled as she looked at her reflection in the dressing mirror. She was satisfied with her appearance. She turned sideways and checked herself again. Thrilled, she nodded to herself. Then, she turned to the maid and said, "Have a carriage prepared. Arrange four guards for me. After that, you may stay home while I conduct my business."

The maid nodded to her in obeisance. With a smile, Hua Jing stood and murmured, "Ya Xi." What a beautiful name. Its owner was no less elegant and romantic! What a fitting name for the man who enchanted Hua Jing.*

(*TN: In Chinese, Ya means elegant and Xi is an auxiliary word that was used a lot in ancients poems.)

Within half an hour, Hua Jing arrived at the Suiyu House. To conceal her identity, she had specifically asked for a carriage with an unremarkable design. Hence, it was not decorated with the royal emblem, and looked similar to carriages used by families that could afford them. After putting on her veil, Hua Jing alighted from the carriage and headed toward the house of pleasure.

At that hour, most commoners had settled for the night, but the guests and courtesans at the Suiyu House hadn't. For them, the day had just started.

Hua Jing waved her guards away. She asked them to wait for her outside before turning and entering the House. Inside, the lights were blazing and the crowd was loud and happy. As Hua Jing entered, a man approached her. The man was dressed coquettishly. He smiled coyly as he took hold of Hua Jing's hand. He said, "It's my pleasure to meet you here, My Lady. Is this your first visit? I don't think I have had the pleasure of meeting you before. Are you seeking a companion tonight? Which of us do you want?"

Hua Jing glanced around the House. She noticed that a stage had been set up in the innermost corner. On the dais stood several male prostitutes dressed in cyan. They were playing the Guqin. And around the stage, at every table in the hall, men and women laughed wildly while fondling each other.

Hua JIng had never been to a brothel before. At the scene, she raised her eyebrows in surprise. She then turned to the man holding her hand. She took out a gold ingot from her sachet and showed it to him. The man's eyes gleamed with greed. He reached for the gold ingot, but Hua Jing withdrew her hand. "This will be enough to cover my expenses tonight. I'm here for Mister Ya Xi, " she said arrogantly.

However, the man frowned at her mention of Ya Xi's name. He took a step back, "I can't help you, Miss. Ya Xi is indisposed. He can't entertain you tonight."

'Was he occupied with someone else?' Wondered Hua Jing. Hua Jing was displeased to hear that. She thought for a while and then frowned as she spoke, "Please relay my words to him then. He took my token of affection the other night. Has he already forgotten me? If so, he should return the token."

The man looked at Hua Jing doubtfully. He knew that her dress was made of the finest brocade and voile. Her status could also be gauged from the exquisite jade and gems inlaid in her gold jewelry. With the gold ingot she just offered for Ya Xi's attention, he was now certain that she was either a high-born lady or from a wealthy family. Thinking that through, the man put on a smile and said, "I will, Miss. Please have a seat. I'll go and see if I can find him." He led Hua Jing to a table in the corner of the hall and ordered, "Bring the lady some food and drink!"