Rebirth of Poisoned Empress, by 颜若优雅

Chapter 19

Luofengju was not an ordinary place. Those who entered weren't ordinary people either. When Shen Liang, the master and his two servants stepped out of the carriage, a young man dressed in plain, ordinary clothes hurried over with a clever and enthusiastic attitude. He led their carriage away with a flattering attitude. Qi Yue and Qi Xian were embarrassed by being greeted so respectfully by Shen Liang responded accordingly. What has he not experienced in his previous life?

"Liang, fifth young master?"

Seeing that Shen Liang still had not caught up, Qi Yue followed his gaze and peered upward as well. However, there was nothing in sight.

"Let's head inside."

Retracting his gaze, Shen Liang suppressed the peculiarity he sensed in his heart. He then led their group of three into Luofengju indifferently.

"This servant goes by the name of Lian Ying. May I inquire what clients are in need of?"

Another young man who cannot appear to be more than twenty greeted them with a smile. Qi Yue and Qi Xuan both turned to look at Shen Liang as neither of them were clear on their purpose here either.

"To sell."

Shen Liang said lightly after sweeping a gaze over the humble but luxurious jewelry in the showcase.

"Guests, please come on in."

One could tell this man was accustomed to the trade Luofengju did. Lian Ying welcomed them with the gesture of his hand and led the group of three into a spacious quarter before inquiring, "I wonder what the guest intends to sell? Is it possible for the item to be verified first?"

Luofengju was not a pawnshop. The items they bought were often priceless or treasures that costed a fortune.

"You won't do. Have your shopkeeper come. What I wish to sell is of a value you cannot fathom."

Shen Liang met his gaze evenly. It wasn't that Shen Liang looked down on the man before him, but he was only speaking of it matter-of-factly.

"This..."

The young man revealed an embarrassed expression, "According to the regulations of Luofengju, regardless of how priceless the item of interest is, a general verification must first be done by us. Once we verify the authenticity, only then may we call the shopkeepers over. I ask the guest to please understand."

Lian Ying has interacted with many guests in Luofengju for many years now. He was experienced and naturally knew that Shen Liang wasn't ordinary, despite Shen Liang's ordinary and plain attire.

"The whereabouts of the Blood Jade Linglong."

"Guests, a moment please!"

As his words just fell, the young boy immediately turned and ran our=t from the quarter. When only the three of them remained, Qi Xuan, who already had curiosity gnawing at him from the inside out, asked, "Liangliang, what is this Luofengju place? And what is the Blood Jade Linglong? How did you come to know of its whereabouts?"

Qi Yue shared his curiosity and perplex. The three of them had lived and survived through many hardship together. They were almost always with each other. How was it possible for Sheng Liang to suddenly acquire so many secrets?

"The walls have ears. We'll discuss this further once we return."

Deliberately alluding to the screen in the room, Shen Liang elegantly raised his teacup and took a sip from it. Although he lacked martial foundations and wasn't sure whether there truly was someone behind the screen, generally, in this sort of place, there would almost always be some decorations and designs with intent and purpose. It was better to proceed with caution. 

"En."

Qi Yue and Qi Xuan had only returned from the countryside for a few days. They were still ignorant and naive with how complex schemes and society can be in the Imperial City. They were still youths who didn't know anything. With Shen liang's words, the two of them immediately understood and retreated to a position behind Shen Liang's back. 

Creak!

The doors of the quarters soon opened, and a man donned in white brocade robe stepped in. He was young and handsome, with a fit, slender built. Trailing behind him was Lian Ying who had left earlier.

As Shen Liang, Qi Yue and Qi Xuan examined him, a sudden whistle echoed. In the next moment, the man who was still before them with a bearing aura materialized beside them and seated himself beside Shen Liang, "This one goes by the name of Chu Li, and is the shopkeeper of Luofengju. May I inquire this young master's name, age and if perhaps a marriage partner?"

Chu Li looked over him with fascination. Truly beautiful. Although the boy hadn't completely grown into his beauty yet, he would have never expected that Shen Da had such a beuatiful younger brother under his wings.

"...."

What was with this strong resemblance and taste similar to Dengtu Zi? * a famous lecherous character.*

Not just Qi Xuan and Qi Yue, even Shen Liang was stunned. He highly suspected whether this person was in actuality, an undercover agent sent by a rogue.

"Third brother, I think it's best if we throw him over to eldest brother or second brother instead."

In the room next door, Xiao Muchen who observed the scene through the screen made of specialized materials, felt powerless as he rubbed his forehead. This was too humiliating. Too embarrassing!

"En..."

Pei Yuanxian gave an imperceptible whisper as he gaze locks onto Shen Liang. First it was Duan Yu, and now it was the Blood Jade Linglong. These were news even his Ironclad Guards couldn't retrieve. How did this little one come to know of all these?

"Shen Liang, fifteen. Unmarried."

After the short momentary pause, just when everyone thought Shen Liang's face would darken and change, he responded to the other party with a slight smile.

"En?"

AS expected, Chu Li didn't expect his response. An imperceptible light flickered across his eyes before he responded with a wide smile, "Fifteen, huh. Fifteen's good. Right at the age ripe for marriage. I wonder if this little brother has any sisters or Ger brothers at home?"

"I am a Ger."

"Ah?"

  The tea leaf in his teacup floated leisurely as Shen Liang sipped on the tea while responding, with no intent to shy away. He admired the surprise on the other party's face. 

"Ahem..."

Chu Li, one who boasts of tampering and living amongst a thousand flowers, coughed unnaturally. Why did he feel like he had been counter-teased by the other party? Illusion. It was definitely an illusion!

"Shouldn't your next step be to extend a marriage proposal?"

Shen Liang placed the teacup down and reminded the other party with consideration. Those present in the other room fought back their smiles that toyed with the corners of their lips. If they originally thought it was a coincidence or mistake, they were now certain this Shen Liang was teasing Chu Li back. 

"Pft.....haha...I like him. He's quite interesting, old five's face is already black...haha...."

Muchen held his stomach and he fought against his laughter. Pei Yuanxian's lips were also helpless against his smile. His gaze on Shen Liang became more intrigued.