Cheng Ren leaned back in his chair, a mischievous grin dancing across his face. "Anyhow, we're here today because I have news: there's a new number one beauty, and she's performing tonight."
Reaching into his bag, he pulled out a small pouch and handed it to the two courtesans who had been lingering nearby. One of them immediately held up the pouch filled with coins, her smile bright and untroubled as she accepted it without even checking the contents.
Cheng Ren exchanged knowing smiles with the two courtesans, who giggled softly before gracefully departing the room to afford the gentlemen some privacy. As the door swung closed, Jiang Wei stepped closer, and Cheng Ren poured two cups of baijiu, the clear liquor glinting in the soft light.
"We're here for serious matters, not for fun," Jiang Wei remarked, his tone tinged with exasperation.
"Relax! Relax!" Cheng Ren replied, waving his hand dismissively. "Since we're here anyway, we might as well have some fun!"
Jiang Wei leaned forward, concern evident in his eyes.
"Have you heard anything yet?"
"According to the ladies I've been so graciously spending time with, a number of noblemen have arrived here—men they've never seen before. There's no doubt that these noblemen are from other provinces that have finally made their way to Feijing," Cheng Ren explained, his tone shifting to seriousness.
"Not many people within the Emperor's council were pleased with the decision he made," Jiang Wei replied, his voice tight with tension.
Cheng Ren leaned back with a bemused expression.
"Well, gee, I wonder whose idea it was to implement a cultivation school, Mr. Mastermind. You feared that the other nations would declare their independence, which could likely lead to the outbreak of warfare due to the nefarious figureheads in their kingdoms. This cultivation school can also be viewed as a method of keeping hostages. We literally have the noble sons from the seven provinces under our kingdom's watch."
"Should the other kingdoms attempt any underhanded tactics to disrupt the peace that the Emperor has maintained for years, they would find themselves at our mercy, having entrusted their heirs right into our custody," Jiang Wei stated.
"Action had to be taken. Peace cannot be maintained through the same means while friction rises among the other kingdoms. Though war is always inevitable, I believe that one day we, the Wei Dynasty, will be able to unite all seven kingdoms under one heaven. This cultivation school will be the very seed that sows that vision," Jiang Wei continued, his voice resolute.
"Ah, yes, always so insightful," Cheng Ren replied, a teasing tone lacing his words.
As Jiang Wei and Cheng Ren delved deeper into their concerns, discussing the political landscape in their private room, Kai and his companions had also gathered for an important meeting in the adjacent chamber.
"Donghua! It's been so long! I haven't seen you!" exclaimed a strikingly beautiful lady with a slender waist and captivating features. Her bright, round eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
"Mei, thanks for making time to meet up with me. I'm sure you're busy as the number one lady around here," Donghua said, his voice filled with warmth.
"Not at all! I can always make time for you as a good friend," Mei replied, her laughter light and musical.
"Xing Li, Yifong, this is my childhood friend, Mei. Her family went bankrupt, so she's here now to pay off their debts," Donghua explained gently.
"Nice to meet you, Mei. You truly deserve the title of number one beauty," Kai said, offering her a gracious compliment.
With a swift motion, Kai removed his veil, revealing his striking white hair, blue eyes, and handsome features. Mei's eyes widened in astonishment.
"D-D-Donghua! Who's this beauty?" she stammered, completely stunned by Kai's appearance.
"A good friend I made along the way," Donghua clarified, smiling at the flustered Mei.
He briefed her about Kai's predicament and inquired if she knew how to dye his hair, the urgency of their situation palpable in the air.
"I have been gifted so many things, so I believe I might have the solution. As women, we always want to look our best. There's a medicinal plant that can darken your hair," Mei explained with enthusiasm.
She rummaged through her belongings and produced a large bottle filled with mysterious plants.
"This contains a distinctive property from a plant called artemisia stelleriana, native to the southern Li Kingdom. I received it as a gift from a lord who visited here from the south. This rare plant can serve as a long-lasting hair dye," Mei elaborated, her voice animated. "However, be warned: on the night of a full moon, the dye will dissipate completely."
Kai listened intently, nodding. "That'll work. I'll give anything a try."
"How much is it?" he asked, curiosity lining his features.
"It's not for sale, but you can have it. If you're Donghua's friend, then you're my friend too, and I can't let a beauty be in distress," Mei replied with a reassuring smile.
"Thank you, Mei!" Donghua exclaimed, clearly grateful.
"Well, that solves our problem for now," Yifong added, a sense of relief settling into the room.
With the promise of a solution at hand, the atmosphere lightened, and the evening continued with hope and anticipation.