"A secret chamber?" Jiu Yue stroked her chin. "If we can act there, I'm ninety percent confident."
Operating outside came with too many constraints—a secret chamber was perfect for dirty work like murder.
She shared her earlier speculations with Qiu Dongfang.
"Taking over the Misty Rain Pavilion?" Qiu Dongfang gave her an approving glance. "That is indeed the prince's plan, but it's not our concern. Our mission is to kill Ma Dachun and, if possible... expose her shady dealings."
Jiu Yue nodded in understanding.
"It's almost time. Be careful when you meet Ma Dachun later. I'll notify you once I locate the secret chamber." Qiu Dongfang pulled on his mask and carefully climbed out the window.
Jiu Yue exhaled, splashed some water on the floor, then woke the two matrons, feigning panic.
"Are you two alright? You slipped on the water earlier and hit your heads—it scared me half to death!" She reached to help them up but "accidentally" slipped again, landing hard on the floor.
She hissed in exaggerated pain.
The matrons, seeing how clumsy she was, didn’t overthink it and quickly ushered her to the outer room to prepare her makeup.
Ma Dachun seemed busy elsewhere, so the matrons left Jiu Yue alone in an empty room for a long while.
She didn’t move recklessly, but her eyes darted around, meticulously studying the room’s layout.
If this is Ma Dachun’s quarters… the secret chamber’s entrance might be here.
But she wasn’t left alone for long.
A girl in green robes escorted her to another room.
"You must be Sister Ruyan. Mama instructed me to look after you if she couldn’t return in time," the girl said with a gentle smile.
Jiu Yue was stunned by the name.
Ruyan?
Probably the stage name Ma Dachun had given her.
It sounded like a top-tier courtesan’s alias.
She touched her face, impressed. Qiu Dongfang’s disguise skills are next-level! I’ll have to learn from him later.
Noticing her distraction, the green-robed girl spoke again. "I’m Yi Yao, the eldest among the sisters here. Don’t be afraid—as long as you obey Mama, she won’t mistreat you."
Jiu Yue looked up, sniffling, her expression stiff with forced composure. "Will… will Mama make me entertain guests tonight?"
Yi Yao smiled. "You’ve just arrived and know nothing of our ways. If you’re obedient, Mama won’t force you."
"I—I’ll obey! I’ll do anything…" Jiu Yue clutched her hand, feigning resignation. "Mama’s right… she’s all I have now…"
Yi Yao squeezed back reassuringly. "Rest assured, we’ll treat you far better than your gambler brother ever did."
Jiu Yue managed a fragile smile.
For the rest of the afternoon, Yi Yao brainwashed her, subtly emphasizing how "generous" Ma Dachun was and warning against escape attempts.
Jiu Yue nodded meekly, and Yi Yao’s smile turned genuine.
"Mama will return soon. Let’s get you some food before meeting her."
Jiu Yue didn’t refuse.
No way I’m eating that, but this is my chance to scout the place.
Yi Yao, likely still wary, hadn’t let her explore earlier. Now, Jiu Yue eagerly followed.
The Misty Rain Pavilion’s rear compound housed the girls’ quarters, a large kitchen, and privies. The courtyards were clustered close to the back gate.
As night fell, the front courtyard grew lively. Jiu Yue watched courtesans emerge from the main building, their faces painted, smiles practiced as they greeted patrons.
She paled, shrinking behind Yi Yao. "Sister Yi Yao… will you go to the front tonight too?"
Yi Yao patted her hand. "No, I’ll stay with you."
Jiu Yue nodded, playing the clingy ingénue.
Back in the empty room—now confirmed as Ma Dachun’s—Jiu Yue sat obediently while Yi Yao guarded the door. Her mind raced.
Yi Yao’s definitely Ma Dachun’s right hand. Those calluses… she’s no pushover either.
Pretty, gentle, yet exempt from entertaining guests? Must handle Ma Dachun’s darker tasks.
Her thoughts were interrupted as the door swung open. Ma Dachun sauntered in, fan fluttering.
Jiu Yue scrambled up, trembling. "G-Greetings, Mama."
Ma Dachun’s eyes narrowed with approval. "Yi Yao briefed you, yes? From now on, you’re Ruyan. Clever girl—not like those weepy brats who make trouble."
Jiu Yue forced a bitter smile. "I… I have no one else to rely on but Mama now…"
Ma Dachun’s grin widened. "Sit. Since it’s your first day, I won’t force you to work tonight. But tomorrow—"
"Mama," Jiu Yue bit her lip, "tomorrow might… might not work either."
The smile vanished. Ma Dachun’s gaze turned predatory until Jiu Yue stammered, "The matrons noticed during my bath… I’ve just started my monthly courses."
Ma Dachun paused, then softened. "Ah, well. Some patrons enjoy that thrill, but fine—take one more day." Her tone dripped faux magnanimity.
Jiu Yue: "Thrill my ass, you old hag. Just you wait."
After more intimidation, Ma Dachun had her escorted out. Soon, Yi Yao returned—now stern, nothing like her earlier gentleness.
"Well?" Ma Dachun lounged lazily.
"A brainless fool," Yi Yao reported. "Fell for the act completely. She despises her brother and even vowed to rise under your wing to take revenge."
Ma Dachun chuckled. "Hatred? Good. Hatred keeps them from suicide, makes them compliant. That fifty taels was well spent."
"Oh, and Master Feng’s batch of children—deliver them tomorrow at midnight. No slip-ups."
"Yes."
