In the end, Jiang Pengji brought ten taels of silver pieces . The amount was enough to alarm most commoners at pickpockets . Jiang Pengji found it adequate, too, but it was close to nothing for Meng Liang .
Unlike the other four kingdoms, Dongqing had not imposed a curfew . The town gate was closed only at night .
The streets were noisy . Vendors were yelling, selling handicrafts and cheap jewelry . The commodities were sophisticated despite their plain materials .
Against the backdrop of the prosperous streets, there were young ladies walking, hiding their countenances behind thin veils . Their diminishing figures stunned Meng Liang, causing him to stop in the middle of the road .
Jiang Pengji side-eyed him and teased, “You act more like a man than I do now . Why are you staring at them like that? You are much prettier . ”
Interrupted, Meng Liang frowned at her . He admitted that he was proud of his appearance, but he disliked it when others compared it to feminine contours . Jiang Pengji’s words were like mockery to him, and, if they were in Cang, he would have smacked her on the face .
Luckily, he managed to refrain himself and faked a smile when his hands secretly clenched into fists . “Lanting, you shouldn’t have said that, or else others would know I’m a girl . I’m just curious about beautiful ladies in Hejian . ”
Jiang Pengji nodded with unshown scorn, turned to him, and said some flatteries that made Meng Liang feel better .
She then stopped in front of a hawker . “How much are these?” The round-shaped flowers were made of rabbit hair and tinted with attractive colours . Similar handicrafts were hung next to the one she liked .
“Boys don’t buy flowers . ” Meng Liang seized the opportunity to tease her back .
Jiang Pengji said, “It’s for my attendants . I may use all my money on gifts for them like clothes and makeup… Nongqin, try this on! It suits you . ”
Nongqin blushed when she touched the flower and felt the warmth of her finger tips . “Thank you . ”
“Oh, I’ve forgotten that you can’t wear it now . Maybe later . ”
The girl’s hands froze, her face red like apples . She had also forgotten about her disguise as a male at the moment .
Next to them, Meng Liang said, “Tst! Is this what you give to ladies? Such cheap products?”
“Attendants can’t wear jewelry . ” She picked some other flowers, and then bought some blush palettes and pink lip balm . The colors were not too sharp so the girls could use them every day at the Liu’s house . “My attendants are at their bloom . It’s better we avoid luxurious items that will only make them appear older than they really are . ”
After a long time of selection, almost every attendant had a small pile of gifts .
Meanwhile, Meng Liang had lost his patience .
His plan was to take Liu Xi to the gambling house . As soon as he became a punter, he would be too afraid to tell his parents, and Meng Liang would be the only person he could turn to . That way, Meng Liang could form a close relationship with Liu Xi, and at the same time ruin the langjun’s future .
I can’t wait to see how Liu Xi wastes all his family’s money! However, when Meng Liang watched Jiang Pengji pick girlish items, he wondered if his goal could ever be achieved .
“Why do you want to gamble?” Jiang Pengji shook her head . “What if someone offends you? There are all kinds of people in those places . Let’s go somewhere else…”
Meng Liang laughed at her innocent rejection . “No worries! My servants say many langjuns frequent there, too! It won’t be that bad . Cousin, please! I’m so curious!”
“No! Definitely! My mother won’t forgive me if anything happens to you . ” Jiang Pengji rejected as if she was determined .
Yet, Meng Liang would not give up easily . Eventually Jiang Pengji “was persuaded” to take him there for a glimpse, but the two agreed they would not stay there long . Nonqing was deeply concerned—how she wished to alert Second Langjun to Meng Liang!—but she must swallow the words in front of the “cousin” and follow the two into a gambling house .
Behind the curtains was a boisterous crowd of men shouting around tables . Their sleeves were rolled up, and some stepped on a bench to watch clearly .
“Big! It must be big!”
“No way! It must be small!”
Nongqin shuddered at the constant roar .
“I’m here . ” Jiang Pengji put her arm around the girl’s shoulders and gave her a comforting smile, which calmed her down .
The place was spacious . The first floor alone consisted of around fifteen tables, each surrounded by more than twenty people .
A receptionist’s eyes were brightened the moment he saw them . The teenagers assembled all features of easy prey: young, innocent faces, lavish clothing…
“Good evening . How may I help you?” The receptionist approached them, grinning . His teeth were yellow .
Jiang Pengji took a step backward, gesturing to Meng Liang to leave, but the boy answered, “We’re here for fun . What do you have?”