Exploring the Illusory Tomb Part 1 [Ancient Times Version] - Chapter 31: Su Yuan

Chapter 31: Su Yuan

“I… I…” 

My face flushed red as I stammered. I was unsure how to respond. But in my heart, I thought—if a girl like me wasn’t here for the first time, that would be the real scandal.

Yu Linxing saw me being teased to embarrassment by one of the courtesans. And she covered her mouth, secretly laughing on the side. I shot her a glare. But she just winked at me and stepped forward to greet the leading courtesan.

“We three would like to ask elder sister about something,” 

She said politely. 

“Would sister be so kind as to help us?”

The courtesan seemed to enjoy being addressed so sweetly. Her were eyebrows arching as she smiled, 

“And what would you three young masters like to know?”

“We would like to know if Miss Su Yuan is receiving guests today.”

Hearing this, the courtesan’s smile briefly faded. She spread her hands helplessly and replied, 

“You came on the right day. Su Yuan is indeed receiving guests today—but she’s meeting friends through painting. All the bigwigs in town are lining up eagerly. The pavilion is packed full. Look at us—we’ve been so neglected that no one even looks our way.”

Yu Linxing’s eyes sparkled and she smiled. 

“Sister is too modest. With such beauty as yours, how could anyone not think of you?” 

As she spoke, she took out a small, gold-trimmed jade box from her sleeve. 

“This is the finest rouge from Jewel Fragrance House in East City. A small gift to show our admiration, we hope sister will not mind. Also, could sister help us get a good seat?”

The head courtesan took the rouge box with delight. She examined it closely. Her face lit up with joy.

Women who love beauty treat fine makeup like treasures—especially courtesans who are often just playthings for men. When are they ever treated with this kind of courtesy? Her smile bloomed like a flower. 

“Young master’s words are so sweet—and so thoughtful too. You’ve warmed our hearts. Please follow me. Though most of the prime seats were bought out at high prices by the city’s nobles, there’s still one table left in front of Su Yuan’s painting desk—it’s been held up due to disputes. It’s yours now.”

She winked at Yu Linxing again and added, 

“Those other men only come to spend money for fun—they never care about our feelings. Only young master here is so kind. But after you see Su Yuan, don’t forget about us sisters!”

Yu Linxing bowed, 

“Of course, I won’t forget your great kindness.”

These two kept exchanging pleasantries. Watching from the side, I couldn’t help clicking my tongue. When it comes to charming others, no one can beat this demoness.

The courtesan cheerfully took the rouge and led us into the main hall of the Wind and Moon Pavilion. Inside, people bustled about. On either side of the hall were four rows of tables. Each of them was seated with finely dressed men. Outside the doors, those who couldn’t afford a seat stretched their necks. They were peeking in just to catch a glimpse of the scene.

The surrounding railings were draped with light gauze. It created an ethereal atmosphere. At the center of the hall was a long, dark-carved table covered with cloud-patterned silk. It was equipped with ink, brushes, and paper.

We walked over and took our assigned seats. Instantly, every man in the room turned to stare at us in unison. They were wondering who had snagged such a prime spot. With my sharp hearing, I caught snippets of conversation nearby. One rough voice said, 

“Hey, who are these people, hogging the best seat?”

Another chimed in, 

“Look at the one in the mask—slender and graceful. He’s clearly a beauty. And those other two—delicate too, even more charming than the girls here. What a waste for them to be men.”

A high-pitched voice laughed, 

“Second brother, didn’t know you liked pretty boys. Why don’t you go flirt with them? Just be careful—that masked one has a sword. You might get cut up!”

Their banter made my bl00d boil. Just then, Luo Shen poured a cup of wine, took a sip, then stood up. Her icy eyes fixed coldly on the group in the corner whispering about us. Her gaze froze the air like spring water turned to ice. Even I, sitting next to her, felt a chill.

The men shrank under her stare. Their faces went pale. They did not dare to move a muscle.

Yu Linxing burst into laughter. She clapped Luo Shen back into her seat. 

“Amazing! If I had gone up, I’d have sewn their mouths shut and thrown them to the wolves outside!”

She squinted her peach-blossom eyes and glanced at the group. Under that amused yet dangerous gaze, they trembled like leaves and went completely silent.

“Pfft.” 

I nearly spat my drink. I covered my mouth to suppress a laugh. Yu Linxing noticed and raised her brow at me.

The three of us sat in the front row. We were sipping wine and nibbling snacks while waiting. The hall buzzed with loud, crude talk from the men around us. It was suffocating.

From Yu Linxing, I learned that Su Yuan was once the top courtesan of Ying City. She was beautiful like a painting, and obsessed with art. She was especially skilled with ink painting. And she had a passion for antiques and calligraphy—completely different from other courtesans. Men were fascinated by her uniqueness. But even after spending lavishly, most only ever saw her a few times—never heard her speak a word.

The wait grew long. Finally, a burly man couldn’t hold it in and shouted, 

“Damn it! I’ve been waiting forever! Is she sewing in there?”

The whole hall burst into laughter.

A sycophantic voice answered from the upper floor. A middle-aged woman chuckled, 

“Sewing? Su Yuan takes time to dress up! You rough brute—watch your tongue, or you’ll get a beating!”

A heavily painted madam lifted the curtain and walked out. She was swaying with a flower fan in hand. But what truly caught our eyes was the woman who followed behind her.

Two dark brows, tinged with sorrow. Star-like eyes rippling like spring water. She looked like a pear blossom blooming in early spring or a fragile willow swaying in the wind—so delicate she seemed like she’d fall with the lightest breeze. She stirred deep pity.

A true beauty. I silently praised her.

Su Yuan descended slowly from the stairs. Every man craned his neck, eyes glued to her. Silence fell for a moment. It was then followed by raucous chatter—none of it clean talk.

Su Yuan walked gracefully to the inked table. She said nothing. We were closest and could see her clearly. Her skin was like creamy jade. Her expression was composed and unreadable. She glanced at our seats. She then picked up a brush and began painting on the white paper. Her wrist was dainty, yet her movements sharp and precise. The madam came over to grind the ink for her.

I turned my head and whispered, 

“Why doesn’t Su Yuan speak?”

Yu Linxing replied, 

“She used to speak. But since coming here, she hasn’t said a word. I heard a rich man offered ten thousand taels just to hear her voice. But she refused.”

“A woman like this who refuses to speak… must feel terribly lonely.” 

I sighed. After a while, the madam fanned herself and announced, 

“Alright, the painting is done. Gentlemen, please name your price!”

The burly man—called He Lao Wu—waved impatiently. 

“Same old trick! I’ll pay a thousand taels!”

The madam laughed. 

“Today we don’t want money. Su Yuan wants your words—your interpretation. Whoever pleases her gets full access to her private quarters!”

The room erupted. All the men were visibly excited.

Yu Linxing opened her fan and asked, 

“Madam, what exactly do you mean by ‘words’?”

“It means say what the painting means. I don’t know art—just say what you want. Miss Su Yuan will listen.”

She unfurled the scroll. The ink was still wet—distant mountains in light haze. And two elegant birds were flying playfully, their affection vivid.

He Lao Wu sneered, 

“What kind of birds are those? Look like scrawny mountain chickens. Can’t even eat them!”

I chuckled inside. Crude as he was, he spoke his mind.

Su Yuan smiled gently and said nothing.

But none of the men could explain the painting’s deeper meaning.

I stood up and said, 

“This painting is called Phoenix Seeking the Phoenix, the final work of Master Yuxu of Zhongshan. It mourns his late wife. Though sparse in brushwork, Su Yuan has captured much of his spirit.”

Su Yuan looked at me and smiled faintly. Her eyes were shining. She nodded at the madam.

The madam beamed, 

“Such insight! Our girl has another painting for you—though she didn’t make this one herself. Have a look.”

She signaled a servant to bring a black case.

The men all shouted, 

“Just because he can read a painting? I’ve got money! I’ll pay anything!”

The madam ignored them. Clearly used to this, she carefully opened the old scroll.

The moment she unrolled it, a chill swept through the room. The painting was old and damaged—twisted rocks, dense trees, and several dark monkey-like creatures dancing under a cold moon. I broke into cold sweat. It was as if something had gripped my throat.

Beside me, Luo Shen’s gaze sharpened. Her dark eyes locked on the painting. She said softly, 

“The Night Parade of the Mountain Demons. This painting carries a sinister energy. It’s cursed. You shouldn’t keep it.”

Su Yuan’s expression changed. Her body trembled slightly. Then, for the first time, her lips parted. Her voice was as soft as drifting clouds: 

“Young master, would you join me in the inner chambers for a word?”

The hall erupted—none of them had ever heard her speak.

Luo Shen glanced at us. Yu Linxing quickly made a “go quickly” gesture.

Luo Shen nodded and said to Su Yuan, 

“Thank you for the honor.”

The madam quickly waved to the crowd. 

“Alright, alright, show’s over! This young master wins today. Everyone else—go find another girl. I’ll help you arrange something!”

She was calm. She was clearly unfazed by the crowd’s anger. The Wind and Moon Pavilion must have powerful backing. The men grumbled a bit but soon dispersed like birds and beasts.

After Luo Shen followed Su Yuan and left, Yu Linxing and I were led to a main room to wait for the time being. The room was lit with incense. On the table was a display of fragrant wine and delicious food.

I furrowed my brows, propping my chin with one hand. But I had no appetite at all.

As time passed, there was still no sign or news of Luo Shen returning. The image of that painting, “The Night Parade of the Mountain Demons,” flashed in my mind. And I thought of Luo Shen’s expression before she left. Then I thought of that girl Su Yuan—soft and weak, stunningly beautiful—what could she and Luo Shen be doing right now?

As my thoughts ran wild, a vague tingling came over my heart. It was like an unkept patch of land where, for no reason, some annoying weeds had suddenly sprung up. It made one feel utterly irritated.

“Shishi? Shishi?” 

Suddenly, a jade-like hand waved in front of my eyes. It was followed by a pretty face leaning in and suddenly enlarging. I was startled and pulled back to my senses.

Yu Linxing said with dissatisfaction, 

“You’re spacing out again. What are you thinking about? You’re not even listening to me!”

I hurriedly said, 

“I’m listening, I’m listening.”

Yu Linxing squinted at me. She smiled mischievously: 

“Listening? Then tell me, what did I just say?”

I was extremely embarrassed. Glancing at the yellow silk cloth spread open on the table, I remembered that earlier Yu Linxing had taken out the treasure map she snatched from the tomb of Consort Chu. And she wanted to study the notes on it with me. So I said, 

“You were just talking about the Numa Grassland in the north. Dong Shaoqing specifically marked that spot—there must be some remarkable tomb there.”

Yu Linxing sighed. Her peach blossom eyes were full of watery light. She was pretending to be hurt: 

“What Numa Grassland? That was half an hour ago already!”

I was momentarily speechless.

Yu Linxing tilted her head and lightly tapped mine: 

“What exactly are you thinking about?” 

Then she stared straight at me. Her delicate eyebrows were slightly raised. She said, 

“Don’t tell me you’re worried that the dead ghost will get eaten up by that delicate little lady?”

I was shocked. And in a panic, I knocked over the teacup with my hand. I quickly backed away and set the teacup upright. I watched helplessly as the water spread across the carved table, dripping down onto the floor.

“You… you demoness, what nonsense are you talking about! They’re both women! Besides… besides…” 

I pointed at her with a trembling finger.

Yu Linxing giggled and said, 

“But the dead ghost is now dressed as a man. And they look like a perfect couple. Just imagine if that little lady takes a liking to her. If she turns around and throws herself at Luo Shen, looking like that, the dead ghost might not be able to say no!” 

Her eyes rolled craftily, and she continued, 

“Besides, between women, some things *can* still be done. How about… I demonstrate a thing or two for you, Shishi?”

My mind went blank. I saw her lean in and grab my hand. Her eyes, like water, hooked into mine. And her warm, fragrant breath blew straight onto my face.

Held by her soft hand, my body went limp. I quickly pushed her away. And blushing furiously, I broke free from her. My heart was pounding like a drum. I rushed to the door in a few steps. I then flung it open and escaped.