Emperor's Cunning Wife

High Priest Zhang observed the two new female members of the temple from the side lines inside the kitchen. These two girls had come along with the search party and relayed him a private message from the missing troublemaker.

'I'll fetch these two flowers in the future. On the account that we're destined, Old Zhang must take care of them otherwise…' That's what he read from the small note the girls had given him. 'Why did I save her in the first place? I should have just turned a blind eye.'

Abbot He was beside him, and also had narrowed his eyes at the two girls cleaning the kitchen. 'Troublemaker was gone but she brought another two. At this rate, the temple should also allocate some space for nuns in the future.'

"What a little…" Both of them mumbled at the same time and looked at each other. A few seconds later they closed their eyes and chanted 'Amitabha'.

When evening came, Ning Lou asked someone from the kitchen some leftover charcoals. Feng Hong was with her in the room, observing her wrote some words on the paper with a pointed tip charcoal she just carved.

"Moonlight separation…Thousand realms…You know poetry?" Feng Hong read some verses of what she's written from behind and was amazed by the content. He gave Ning Lou a doubtful look.

Ning Lou gritted her teeth inside. She knew that some of Brother Long's guards are keeping an eye on her as of the moment and this Feng Hong actually read some of the phrases out loud. Now, she needed to revise the lines in order for Brother Long to dispel his doubts.

"Someone asked to write a love letter, would you mind scooting away?" She recalled that a courtesan actually requested her some poem.

"Love letter? Alright I won't bother you anymore." Feng Hong's cheeks had blush in them.

Ning Lou took another clean sheet of paper and began scribbling some lines from the operas she remembered.

"Time to go to bed." Ning Lou said before blowing the flame of the candle.

Feng Hong shifted uncomfortably in his makeshift bed. Ever since he knew of Zhaopin Zhe's gender he was quite shy and mindful of his behaviours.

The night became dawn but Feng Hong eyes' were still opened. He heard the stable breathing from the other person and gulped a mouthful of air. After a few seconds he tried to fell asleep, but his consciousness wouldn't sink therefore he could only scratched his head in frustration. 'How can a girl female sleep so peacefully with a male in the same room?'

--

Morning the next day, Ning Lou woke up early. She fiddled with Feng Hong's newly bought clothes before nudging him with her foot. Feng Hong didn't have enough sleep last night so when he opened his eyes, there were some dark circles underneath.

"What the hell?" Ning Lou exclaimed and retrieved her foot.

Feng Hong sat up groggily and fixed his bed while Ning Lou waited for him in the corner.

There were few mosquitos last night. There was also no night karaoke. The room was also located on the above the receiving rooms so the noises will be at a minimum. Feng Hong wouldn't be bothered by the new environment so, what made him uncomfortable?

"Anyway, dress up while I'll fetch the food." Ning Lou ordered and left the room.

By the time Ning Lou got back from the kitchen, Feng Hong finished tying his belt.

"Let's eat first." Ning Lou set the table ready and placed a pair of chopsticks and bowl in front of Feng Hong

The two ate the simple breakfast and cleaned the dirty dishes thereafter.

"I need you to do something for me." Ning Lou said once again going outside.

"What is it?" Feng Hong asked following her from behind.

"The man in a red robe, silver crown, with a fan on his hand, remember him." Ning Lou spoke in a low voice that only both of them could hear while waving at the courtesans below.

Feng Hong searched for the man Ning Lou described and found him in the corner drinking some tea while chatting with a few ladies.

"I see him, what do you want me to do?" Feng Hong asked and looked elsewhere the courtesans who were with him only had thin clothes.

"So shy? I'll give you a note. Give it to him without letting him and anyone else know your identity." Ning Lou smilingly said.

"Without letting them know? What do you mean?"

"There are pairs of eyes watching our every move, so act naturally." Ning Lou replied.

Feng Hong detected the seriousness from her tone and didn't dare to disobey.

"Do I have to do this?" Feng Hong asked. His fingers trembled.

Ning Lou didn't answer and began to stride towards the stairs. In the midst, she stuffed something in Feng Hong's hands. Feng Hong gulped and held it tightly.

Reaching the first floor, Ning Lou halted and mumbled, "I'll create a diversion if you're having difficulties."

Feng Hong nodded and accepted his circ.u.mstances. Who ask him to owe her three lives?

Ning Lou patted his shoulders and went to a separate direction, where the kitchen staff would usually

Feng Hong pulled a face and hid the note inside his sleeve. His eyes blinked and locked on the man Ning Lou had pointed out earlier. 'You can do this.'

The brothel at morning was not that crowded compared at night, but still some customers had come visit and ordering some tea or wine. The man in red clothes had been coming for consecutive mornings. Ning Lou had observed him from quite a distance and knew of his routine. Every morning he would order some tea and a couple of dishes, and invite few girls for a conversation after an hour he would leave and come back on the next morning. Such an ordinary daily activity that if one would not looked at the details deeply could not spot anything wrong.

A gentleman was currently drinking his wine in the neighbouring table and casually threw Feng Hong's back glance.

Pui-

He spat it right away.

Ning Lou looked at Feng Hong's back without any conscience.