The vermillion gates stood closed before her, like an icy wall separating her from that elusive justice.
Su Xingyao remained motionless before the Court of Justice, her slender fingers slowly releasing the petition paper, letting it flutter silently to the ground. The words "case inadmissible" still echoed in her ears like a heartless sigh. The crowds hurried past, shoulder to shoulder, yet none spared her a glance. She stood there, like a lonely boat adrift in a sea of humanity.
A sudden commotion from the street corner broke through her reverie. She lifted her gaze unconsciously, catching sight of a blood-red notice fluttering in the gentle breeze—"Peach Blossom House Courtesan Selection · Prince Jing's Literary Gathering."
"Have you heard? This year's top courtesan will attend Prince Jing's gathering," whispered several elegantly dressed young women nearby, their eyes gleaming with aspiration. "What an extraordinary opportunity!"
"Indeed! The annual gathering at Prince Jing's mansion is the most prestigious event in all of Lin'an. Think of all the noble officials one could meet—it could change one's entire fate!"
Prince Jing's mansion.
These three words sparked something in her mind. Not memories, but possibility.
The setting sun painted Lin'an's skyline blood-red. The Peach Blossom House looked more alluring in the dusk as Su Xingyao stood before its carved doors, gazing at the faded golden signboard where past glory had long since peeled away. Red lanterns lit up one by one, swaying like blooming lotus flowers in the twilight. Behind sedan chair curtains, the silhouettes of silk-clad young masters swayed with intoxication, while Madam Liu, the brothel keeper, greeted guests on the steps with the same fawning smile as always.
Everything seemed exactly as it had been years ago.
But no, the Su Xingyao of today was no longer that powerless courtesan who could be manipulated at others' whims. Her eyes grew determined as a cold smile played across her lips. A storm was brewing, and this time, she would be the one controlling the game.