Chapter 68, Mingyue Redeems Herself
Chapter 68, Mingyue Redeems Herself
Wu Youdao's excitement was justified. Spirits were high above, like immortals, and ordinary people could only dream of befriending them.
Now, this incredible opportunity is right in front of me, and it's come so suddenly. If I don't get excited, then I'm not a normal person.
"Is Lord Wu here on official business?" Li Lang was also adept at manipulating people's hearts. Seeing that his goal had been achieved, he changed the subject.
"Nalan Mingyue, the top courtesan of Qifeng Tower, has disappeared without a trace. The madam has already reported it to the authorities, and we have come here to investigate." Wu Youdao nodded, then smiled obsequiously, "Lord Lingzhe, you can just call me Little Wu."
Li Lang looked at the man, who was much older than him, who called himself Xiao Wu, and just smiled without saying a word.
"Does the Spirit Master have official business to attend to?" It must be said that Wu Youdao was truly insightful. Seeing that Li Lang remained silent, he instantly grasped the underlying meaning.
First of all, Li Lang was probably not there for pleasure. The presence of soldiers standing in front of Qifeng Tower indicates that something significant is happening inside. At this point, even if someone was extremely interested, seeing this scene would surely make them turn around and leave.
Secondly, Li Lang not only did not leave, but also took out the Princess's jade token and wanted to meet with the official in charge, indicating that he most likely intended to get involved.
So here's the question: how could the disappearance of a top courtesan warrant the intervention of a spiritual medium? The situation must be incredibly complex. Wu Youdao could only probe cautiously.
"I suppose so." Li Lang gently weighed the jade token in his hand. With this, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that it was for official business.
"Please come inside to discuss this further, sir." Wu Youdao was a sensible man, so he quickly made way for Li Lang and respectfully invited him in.
Li Lang smiled and glanced at Wu Youdao, nodded, and then stepped into Qifeng Tower.
Inside the private room, Li Lang sat in the seat of honor, Wu Youdao sat beside him, and the madam stood.
Normally, the disappearance of a courtesan is not a big deal, and it is not even a case. You can report it to the authorities, but at most one or two yamen runners will come to go through the formalities. Who would really take her seriously?
But Qifenglou was different. It was an official music academy where every woman was from an official family and every name was registered. Even if a woman wanted to leave the profession, she had to go through an approval process.
Nalan Mingyue was no ordinary person. She possessed unparalleled beauty and was the top courtesan. Moreover, she was said to have a spiritual body, making her the object of many men's covetousness. However, the risks involved were too great for them to dare to act rashly.
This is what the old saying means: having the desire but not the courage.
"Madam, Miss Mingyue has not disappeared. She has simply come to my residence as a guest at my invitation. You need not worry. Of course, I apologize for not informing you in advance."
Despite being a spiritualist, Li Lang did not adopt an arrogant attitude; he maintained a smile and spoke in a gentle tone. This was a way of giving the other party ample face.
Upon hearing this, the madam's expression changed slightly. However, she was a worldly person and saw that Young Master Li Lang was elegant and had a remarkable appearance. Moreover, the official in charge treated him as the person of honor, so she knew that this person must be someone of great importance.
The madam didn't speak, but turned to look at Wu Youdao. Since the government had already intervened, it was no longer her place to make decisions here.
"Ahem, I see. Then it was a misunderstanding. Master Ling, you could have simply sent someone to inform us. There was no need for you to come in person." Wu Youdao coughed twice, a fawning smile spreading across his face.
Upon seeing Wu Youdao's appearance, the madam was secretly shocked. Was this the Spirit Master who had been the talk of the town recently? He was so young and had such a refined demeanor. No wonder that little hussy Mingyue dared to break the law and go out on her own. It turned out that she was fearless because she had latched onto the Spirit Master's coattails. If that made sense, then it was all right.
"This was my oversight, and I broke the rules. I hope the madam and Lord Wu will not blame me." Li Lang waved his hand, his words still gentle.
"Not at all, not at all. It is a great blessing for Miss Mingyue to have won the favor of the Spirit Master. As for those so-called rules, they are all unreasonable in front of you." Wu Youdao's smile widened. He was pleased that the Spirit Master had given him face and he had to accept it firmly.
"So, what do you think we should do to clean up this mess?" Li Lang asked again.
He came tonight specifically for this matter. Since this whole affair started because of him, he couldn't possibly stay out of it. If the aftermath wasn't too complicated, he would be happy to see it go smoothly.
Upon hearing Li Lang's question, Wu Youdao did not answer directly, but instead glanced at the madam.
"Now that things are clear, Miss Mingyue has not disappeared, but has gone to Lord Lingzhe's residence as a guest. She is from your Qifeng Tower. Give me an answer." Wu Youdao's official authority was evident when speaking to the madam, and his tone was somewhat harsh.
"This, this." Seeing that Wu Youdao wanted her to answer, the madam panicked.
Ultimately, Qifeng Tower was run by the government, and the fate of the girls there was not up to her. She was just someone who made a living there.
Now, faced with the questions from the spirits, even the official in charge dared not answer rashly. What could she possibly say? A wrong answer could lead to utter destruction in an instant.
"Madam, how about this? I'll pay to redeem Miss Mingyue. Firstly, it will shut everyone up and won't be too bad of the rules; secondly, I'll do you a favor, consider it giving me face. What do you say?" Seeing the madam's hesitation, Li Lang chuckled inwardly and proposed again.
"That's wonderful! Why don't you thank him? The favor from the Spirit Master is an invaluable opportunity that money can't buy. You've truly turned misfortune into blessing." Wu Youdao, quick-witted, knew that this was Li Lang's purpose in coming here tonight, so he quickly chimed in.
"Is this alright?" The madam's face lit up with joy. She knew that a spirit's promise was worth a fortune, and it was no exaggeration to say that this was an incredible opportunity. How could she not be happy to have such a chance?
However, she was of low status and her voice carried little weight. This matter was far beyond her authority to make decisions, and although she was tempted, she dared not act on it.
"Of course. Miss Mingyue is already taken, which is a joyous occasion. You should help her achieve this; it's a virtuous act. I will personally witness this and handle this as a special case, simplifying the procedures. There will be no problems whatsoever." Wu Youdao nodded. He was happy to do such a favor.
"Alright, since you say so, I'm relieved." The madam was reassured and nodded solemnly. Then she looked at Li Lang and said, "Young master, you are as elegant as jade. Only a beauty like Miss Mingyue can be worthy of you. Miss Mingyue is delicate. I hope you will cherish her in the future."
"You can rest assured, I will not mistreat Mingyue." Upon hearing this, Li Lang felt relieved and nodded with a smile.
"Alright, then I can rest assured." It must be said that this madam was indeed worldly-wise; she regained her composure in an instant, and her outward appearance was extremely well done.
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