Chapter Fifty-Three: The Only Daughter of a Reclusive Family

“How did you confirm Jun Muxuan’s identity?” The innkeeper was somewhat curious, but more than that, he felt admiration—each generation of the Gu clan grew more formidable, whether in perception or cultivation, they were all promising talents. Speaking of cultivation, Gu Zhou, the innkeeper, was only at the ninth level of the Spirit Sect, yet he could not discern the cultivation level of Young Master Gu Hua at all. Either Gu Hua carried some artifact that concealed her cultivation, or, as Gu Zhou dared not even imagine, she was already a Spirit Sect at fifteen—such a prodigy would be unparalleled in the entire Red Moon Dynasty.

Gu Zhi smiled mysteriously. “The jade pendant at his waist is no ordinary item. The dragon pattern carved on it belongs only to a certain figure in the palace. Considering Jun Mulin would never lower his status to accompany Ning Xue’er, and as you just said, the other princes are all kept within the palace, so apart from Jun Muxuan, I can’t think of anyone else.”

Clapping his hands, Gu Zhou praised, “Indeed, astonishing! If you don’t mind, from now on, just call me uncle!”

The group, led by Gu Lin, quickly agreed—they, after all, held their elders in the highest regard.

“You must also be wondering why the beloved daughter of the Ning family would be seen with Jun Muxuan, am I right?” Gu Zhi’s curiosity was piqued. “Please, go on!” she said.

“Well, it all stems from a verbal marriage agreement between Ning Feng, the head of the Ning family, and the Red Moon Emperor years ago.

According to city folk, the Red Moon Emperor once traveled south in disguise and was attacked by bandits. All his guards and shadow escorts were killed, but thanks to their sacrifice, the Emperor managed to escape, dragging his wounded left arm. It was the rainy season, and he took shelter in a deserted temple. By coincidence, Ning Feng, then a young merchant and now the head of the Ning family, happened to pass by, saw the torrential rain, and also entered the temple for refuge.

Ning Feng found the Emperor unconscious in the weeds, having lost much blood. Ignoring the rain, Ning Feng carried the Emperor for countless miles to the town’s medical hall. At the time, Ning Feng was simply a small merchant. Once the Emperor awoke, grateful for his life, he noted Ning Feng’s details, left him a jade pendant, and upon returning to Red Moon City, summoned Ning Feng from the south.

Ning Feng had no idea he’d saved the sovereign. When he arrived in Red Moon City, he was called straight into the palace and, unprepared, forgot all protocol upon seeing the Emperor. Fortunately, the Emperor never cared for such trivial formalities.

‘Ning Feng, I must thank you for saving my life. Speak, what reward would you like—money, title?’

Kneeling, Ning Feng accepted reality and after some thought, replied, ‘Your Majesty, I seek neither wealth nor rank, only a residence in Red Moon City and a shop.’

The Emperor was surprised but quickly agreed. After leaving the palace, palace guards escorted Ning Feng to the city’s most prosperous street, purchased what is now the Ning Mansion, and selected a shop nearby. Thus, Ning Feng began his business in Red Moon City.

Two years passed, and Ning Feng became the richest man in Red Moon City—excluding the First Pavilion, of course, which I, Gu Zhou, deeply respect for its management.

Ning Feng married and fathered Ning Xue’er, but tragedy struck. Her mother, Bai Rong, died from hemorrhage after giving birth. Upon hearing the news, the Emperor summoned Ning Feng and the infant to the palace. As he comforted Ning Feng, the verbal marriage agreement was made.

At that time, palace gossip spread freely. The whole city celebrated the Emperor’s gratitude toward his benefactor, rejoicing over the future marriage between the richest man’s daughter and the prince.

Many versions circulated, but this one is the most trustworthy.” Gu Zhou recounted a lengthy tale. Little Rascal’s earlier summary paled in comparison.

[Master, I just pick the highlights!] Little Rascal objected—if it were a matter of time, it could tell the story from start to finish!

“I feel like the Second Prince doesn’t really like that girl...” Tao Tao spoke with her mouth full of pastries, yet hit the nail on the head.

Gu Lin rolled his eyes. “Are you a hungry ghost? Always eating, you’ll be fat to death.”

Gu Hua’s brows arched. “Little Lin, if you keep this up, you’ll never find a wife. Girls most fear getting fat.”

Tao Tao bristled, “So what if I eat? The flesh grows on me—I’ll eat however I please! Hmph!”

Gu Lin laughed, “Childish!”

Tao Tao, hanging herself over the chair, shouted, “Don’t stop me! I’ll make you pay!”

Gu Zhou hadn’t seen such lively squabbling among the younger generation in ages. Previous generations matured quickly; this one was truly amusing.

“The Second Prince indeed dislikes the verbal engagement, but out of respect for the Emperor and Ning Feng, he never refuses Ning Xue’er’s invitations.”

As Gu Zhou began another tale, Gu Lin and Tao Tao quickly sat upright, making faces at each other.

Gu Hua mused that these two were truly children—despite being in their teens, they still possessed innocent hearts, a rare thing.

“If our First Pavilion’s spies are correct, according to their reports, the Second Prince already has someone in his heart. Yet, the woman is a courtesan, and the Emperor may not approve.”

“A courtesan? Which pavilion’s leading lady?” Tao Tao asked.

“Oh? You know, Miss Tao Tao?”

Tao Tao hurriedly waved her hands. “No, no, just speculation, just guessing...”

She had no idea, but as a modern girl, if she didn’t know about courtesans, how could she survive in the Zu’an circles!

“That woman is the top performer of Moon Gathering Pavilion—Red Moon City’s courtesan, Miss Starshade. She sells her art, not her body, renowned as the city’s foremost musician. Many travel from afar just to hear her play or watch her dance. Her most famous piece, ‘Phoenix Descends,’ is entirely her own composition. However, it’s said she has now retired, and only the Second Prince, Jun Muxuan, might know her whereabouts.”

“A true talent, no doubt. Seems Jun Muxuan has good taste.” Tao Tao had always admired women who could sing, dance, and play multiple instruments. Sadly, she had no such gifts herself—at thirteen, she tried to imitate TV stars and dislocated her jaw, her mouth hanging open for hours, drooling like a waterfall.

Afterward, she realized she and the arts were not meant to be, so she studied IT and became a bona fide hair-loss esports girl. Even after crossing worlds, her hairline remained a prominent feature.

[Master, Tao Tao’s world seems so interesting! I’d love to visit!]

[...Your master’s abilities don’t allow for that...]

“Hey, Gu Hua, isn’t your weapon the zither? Perhaps someday you’ll have a chance to perform with Miss Starshade!”

Suddenly named, Gu Hua was bantering with Little Rascal and for a moment, awkwardness filled the air.

“Gu Hua, you play the zither? Which kind? Piano or guzheng? Wait, maybe there’s no piano here, right?” Tao Tao desperately tried to smooth things over, but her own awkwardness was so acute her toes could dig a three-bedroom apartment into the floor. Why was her mouth so reckless? As if she wanted everyone to know she didn’t belong to this world!

She “accidentally” dropped a grape, bent to pick it up, and then slapped herself, “Mouthy!”

Luckily, Gu Lin responded quickly, “What zither? Gu Hua plays the guqin, and plays it beautifully!”

Tao Tao sprang up—good brother, thank you!

She cheered, “Guqin? Guqin is wonderful! Gu Hua, could you play a piece for us?”