Chapter 430 - 225: "Time Demon

Chapter 430: Chapter 225: "Time Demon

Lounging in the main hall, Zheng Xiu clapped his hands and gave an order. Before long, Zizi, Pingping, Lily, and Bobo appeared before him, dressed in luxurious silk robes, their expressions calm.

A plainly dressed maidservant brought hot tea.

A moment later, Yin Qingqing arrived, her expression also calm. She wore a thin blouse, through which a bright red bodice was faintly visible.

Zheng Xiu looked at Zizi. He knew this girl was the most mischievous of the bunch; he certainly hadn’t asked Yin Qingqing to dress like this. Sure enough, Zizi gave a wicked smile, then asked in a soft, cloying voice, "Master, what song would you like to hear?"

"It doesn’t matter. You can sing whatever you like. Qingqing, you will dance."

"Right away!"

Zizi agreed readily. Her ten fingers glowed with a white light as they flashed across the zither strings, plucking out a few crisp notes. DING DING DONG DONG.

In an instant, the other three girls, all but Yin Qingqing, blushed. Pingping, who had been about to join in, froze with her fingers poised over the Ji Zither.

Zheng Xiu, who was sipping his tea, did a spit-take, nearly spraying Yin Qingqing.

It was the tune of *Eighteen Touches*.

"Just play the one from the reunion banquet."

Zheng Xiu knew that if he didn’t request a song, Zizi and the others might actually dare to perform *Eighteen Touches* in broad daylight to liven things up, so he quickly made his choice.

"In the mortal world, there is always a wind or two..."

The zheng, the zither, the xiao, the song—the four girls each displayed their talents, their movements like an Orchid. The melodious tune drifted from the hall, echoing throughout the Zheng Residence.

Amid the music, Yin Qingqing, who was supposed to be dancing, remained motionless, her head bowed in silence.

Zheng Xiu frowned.

Yin Qingqing bit her lower lip. "I don’t know how."

"Come here."

Zheng Xiu’s eyes narrowed as he beckoned to Yin Qingqing with his finger.

Yin Qingqing obediently came before Zheng Xiu.

This was the first time in many days that Zheng Xiu had truly taken a good look at Yin Qingqing’s face. Ever since Old Wei had forced her upon him, Zheng Xiu had all but forgotten the woman in a corner. As he examined her closely now, Zheng Xiu couldn’t help but be amazed. He hadn’t gotten a clear look that rainy night when she was fully clothed; in truth, Yin Qingqing’s beauty surpassed that of his four musical maids.

Her well-proportioned figure, accentuated by the thin gauze and bodice, exuded a mature charm. The delicate curve of her collarbones was perfect, and a small, delicate bone chain hung around her fair neck. What struck Zheng Xiu most were her eyes. They held none of the youthful innocence expected of someone her age; instead, they possessed a calm and indifference, as if she had seen through the ways of the world.

"Massage my legs."

Yin Qingqing knelt and began to knead Zheng Xiu’s thighs, her grip alternating between tight and loose.

"Tell the Great Emperor that I accept." 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ

Yin Qingqing’s whole body trembled slightly, and her kneading hands paused for a moment. Nevertheless, she nodded and replied, "Understood, Master."

"If you wish to leave, this place cannot keep you."

"Qingqing cannot go back."

Zheng Xiu closed his eyes, listening to the music and enjoying Yin Qingqing’s service. He was not surprised by her reply.

"You were originally with the Secret Ministry?"

Yin Qingqing answered calmly, "Master Zheng is wise. Before I came to the Zheng Clan, I was indeed a member of the Secret Ministry."

"The Great Emperor is truly generous."

"The Holy Emperor has always held the Marquis in high regard."

She had stealthily switched from calling him "Master" to "Marquis." If one savored the difference, it carried a different connotation.

"Since you’ve come to the Zheng Clan, just stay here and behave yourself."

"Yes, Master."

Zheng Xiu continued asking questions idly.

The four girls played and sang.

"How old are you?"

Yin Qingqing fell silent, then sighed softly. "Master, are you sure you want to know?"

"Speak."

Zheng Xiu’s tone grew stern.

"I am thirty-five this year."

The music came to an abrupt halt.

"What?" Pingping was stunned. "That’s impossible."

Zheng Xiu opened his eyes and studied Yin Qingqing again. She looked to be in her early twenties.

Yin Qingqing stood up before Zheng Xiu and turned her back to him. The thin gauze draped precariously over her smooth shoulders slipped off.

Right in front of Zheng Xiu, she half-untied her bodice. Her expression remained calm as she held the front, while the curves of her back were completely exposed to him. In the spot once covered by the bodice, two twisted characters were particularly conspicuous—Ji You.

"I am a ’Time Demon’," Yin Qingqing stated her identity in a calm voice. "I used to make a living by kidnapping."