Emperor's Cunning Wife

Fragrant Orchid Brothel, Top Floor at around 2 a.m. according to modern time calculations

Ning Lou was watching the middle aged man carefully dressing Brother Long's wounds. Her expression was grave contrary to her usual languidness. The smooth forehead was full of sweat and was constantly creasing every time the man on the bed would make a pained expression. Before when this man held her neck with a blade and spoke, she only recognized his voice that shared some familiarity with Brother Long, but now after the tense situation earlier, she got a better look, the face and figure of the man on the bed was a complete replica of Brother Long. This had brought a great amount of confusion to her mind.

She once again stared at the mole under Brother Long's left eye and deeply thought. This matter had really s.u.c.k.e.d her brain juice. She's usually not a person who would pay attention to things that wouldn't generate her money. Pursing her lips, she turned her attention to the Brothel's female manager that had lent them the place to hide Brother Long.

"How is he?" The female manager asked the middle aged physician that has been sneaked inside the business establishment secretly in the middle of the night.

"This man physique's is outstanding. Originally, this one thought that he wouldn't survive pass the night, but he held really well. This one admired his tenacity. However, I only stopped the bleeding and dressed the wounds; the patient still needs some further treatment but…" The physician wrinkled his forehead, it was obvious that there were still some pressing matters about Brother Long' s health. "This one had noticed that his pulse was chaotic from being poison."

Ning Lou stiffened and suddenly forgot that this was ancient era where poisons were abundant and often used as a mean to kill someone. Brother Long's situation must not be very good. Ning Lou knew of his cautious and suspicious personality, Brother Long wouldn't let himself be beaten to this point, he would not put his guard down for even a second and even when he took a bath he carried a weapon. No one could get pass a meter near his body, unless that person was his most loyal confidant. So, when she heard that he was poison, she was shocked. What had transpired this night? This thought worried her terribly.

"Then, are you able to detoxify it?" Mother Shen's voice was filled with slight agitation.

The physician lightly shook his head.

Mother Shen immediately added, "No matter how much money you want and what herbs you need. I will give it to you." She somehow misunderstood the physician's reaction was because the money she gave was not enough.

"You should search for another physician. This one is incapable. The poison is too complicated." The physician sighed and talked to Mother Shen. His face appeared to be tired, the man's condition must have put a toll on the physician's mind.

Mother Shen pursed her lips for a while before fishing out another purse filed with silver to the physician. "Remember, if you told a soul about how you treated someone on my brothel this particular night. I will not let you off. Take this money."

The physician nodded and took the plain purse from her.

"Someone will send you off once the people lingering outside will leave." Mother Shen continued and approached the bed.

Ning Lou watched their exchanges from the corner and somehow discovered that this Mother Shen was too concern with Brother Long's health. Could it be there some unspeakable relationship between them? However, it was too early to conclude so she kept her mouth shut and only looked at the physician being escorted towards the exit.

Screech-

The door closed, leaving Ning Lou and Mother Shen were left inside the room.

"Who are you?" Mother Shen finally acknowledged Ning Lou's presence. She had a guarding look when she confronted Ning Lou.

"Is it really that important?" Ning Lou crossed her arms and smiled seductively at Mother Shen. Her slightly open lapels under the candlelight filled an enchanting temptation on the spectators. One of her t.h.i.g.h had been exposed. It was slender, white and flawless. The lilac dress should have moulded her aura to a delicate beauty but somehow she had managed to elevate the dress' aesthetics making it glamorous and striking. Even the female Mother Shen had some discomfort watching her.

"You're using your charm on the wrong person." A corner of Mother Shen's lips tugged down expressing her discomposure.

"No, it's the right person, Mother Shen. This sister is having a hard time outside. Hoping that Mother Shen could take care of me for a while. This sister is not picky and will accept mother Shen's arrangements." Ning Lou spoke and readjusted her expression to that one having some difficulties.

Mother Shen stayed quiet for a second. She narrowed her eyes and gave Ning Lou's form some reassessments. Sure, she had potential to be very famous in the future but she couldn't take in just any lady with dubious background otherwise the business will be implicated. Mother Shen fished out another plain purse and tossed it towards her. "Leave, take these coins and settle somewhere else. You should also keep quiet about tonight's matter or else Young Lady forgive me for being ruthless."

Ning Lou heard the purse landed on the floor with some clinking sound. Ning Lou was inwardly gratified at the amount Mother Shen had generously given to shut her mouth, but her mind was stoned to stay at this place. Brother Long was here. His presence gave her some kind of security.

"Mother Shen, this sister is sincere in hoping you would give me a job. About tonight's matter, this one treated it as a dream. That man had saved me before so this one was hoping to take care of him until he gets well." Ning Lou said while glancing at Brother Long's figure. It was not entirely a lie since Brother Long had saved her before in the modern world on many occasions.

Mother Shen frowned and checked her expression thoroughly to see any lies. Saved? That's unlikely, Mother Shen had some knowledge about the man in the bed so Ning Lou' words was a big fart to her. But, she also witnessed this Lady's thought actions earlier when she distracted the guards from inspecting the room. These two thoughts contradicted each other. To let her stay or not? She couldn't casually decide. But, towards this lady's intention she had some feeling that she would not harm the man on the bed.

Ning Lou saw the changes of her expressions and was relieved inside. Her decision earlier must have been the cause of Mother Shen's slightly pleasant attitude.

Sure enough, after a while Mother Shen agreed, "You can stay until he wakes but afterwards he has the final say."

"This sister thanks Mother Shen." Ning Lou slightly bowed her head hiding the cunning expression in her eyes. Brother Long, since I save you're a*s this time, allow me to ride on your coattails, don't worry we'll split 50-50 the revenue of this place in the future!