Chapter 31: A Maiden's Feet Are Not For Casual Viewing

**Zhenfusi Headquarters, Front Courtyard**

Li Qing summoned Li Yu. "How many men do we have remaining?"

"After Deputy Commander Liu took fifty, we still have 158," Li Yu replied.

"Good. That will suffice for now," Li Qing nodded. "Take the men to Bashu immediately. Assist Liu Qiang in investigating Ouyang Lun, the Imperial Consort."

Li Yu stiffened. "Sir…"

"Proceed with the investigation thoroughly," Li Qing said calmly. "I will bear responsibility for any consequences."

"But…" Li Yu swallowed hard. "He's the Emperor's son-in-law! Are we truly to target him?"

Li Qing said nothing, his steady gaze pressing down until Li Yu finally bowed.

"Understood, Your Excellency."

"Prepare to depart at dawn tomorrow," Li Qing added with a faint smile. "Leave no stone unturned."

"Yes, sir!" Li Yu clasped his hands. Hesitating, he asked, "Regarding the matter with Duke Cao… Did the Emperor reprimand you?"

"Acting with justice requires no reprimand." Li Qing waved dismissively. "Follow protocol, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard's authority will shield you."

"Understood."

**——**

After leaving headquarters, Li Qing ate a bowl of plain noodles at a tavern, meditated briefly at home, then slept. By afternoon, he awoke, washed, donned his dark robe, and studied medical texts left by his mentor to prepare for Empress Ma's next treatment. Dusk fell unnoticed.

With little to occupy him beyond the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, Li Qing set out. Among the Ten Refined Pursuits of a Nobleman—calligraphy, incense, tea, rain-listening, snow-viewing, moon-waiting, wine-savoring, gardening, zither-playing, and secluded exploration—he favored the last two.

**Wanling Pavilion**

The hall buzzed with patrons. Upon Li Qing's arrival, bold admirers approached, asking about the annotations to his poem *Dedication to Wanling*. He deflected with vague profundity: "It was but a spontaneous outpouring—no annotations exist."

The madam scurried over. "Young Master! The girls have been worried sick. Please, come upstairs."

Li Qing ascended under envious gazes.

**Private Chamber**

Ice, fine wine, and delicacies awaited. The madam simpered, "Wanling will join you shortly. Hongxiu and Lianxiang are indisposed. Shall I summon two other top courtesans?"

"No need." Li Qing waved. True refinement lay not in carnal pursuits but in appreciating artistry—tonight, music and dance would suffice.

Soon, three women entered. Seeing Li Qing unharmed, they sighed in relief.

"Young Master, what happened after you arrested that man last night?" Lianxiang poured wine, curiosity brimming.

"Merely a beating in the cells before his release at dawn," Li Qing shrugged. "I've no taste for cruelty."

Wanling's eyes sparkled. "He seemed influential. Aren't you afraid of retaliation?"

"A fledgling brat? Hardly." Li Qing chuckled. "He won't trouble you again."

The women exchanged glances, sensing Li Qing's formidable background. Wanling excused herself briefly. When she returned, her ink-pleated skirt revealed pale, delicate ankles. Barefoot, her toes like polished gemstones, she began to dance.

Li Qing froze. Her movements—swaying waist, fluttering sleeves, luminous eyes glancing coyly over her shoulder—stole his breath. Youth and allure merged impossibly. When she finished, cheeks flushed, she slipped on embroidered shoes and waited, trembling.

Li Qing applauded fervently. "Divine! A dance worthy of immortals!"

Wanling blushed, peeking at him expectantly. Recognizing her unspoken request for poetry, Li Qing faltered—improvised verse eluded him.

As silence stretched, Hongxiu interjected slyly, "Young Master, a maiden's feet aren't shown lightly."

Li Qing nodded awkwardly.

Lianxiang giggled. "Then shouldn't you redeem her from the madam?"

"Redeem her?!"

"Of course!" Hongxiu teased. "Unless you dislike Wanling?"

Li Qing spluttered. "I—she's delightful! But…" He spread empty hands. "My purse is light."

Wanling whispered, "I've savings. With your status…"

"Power serves the realm, not personal gain," Li Qing said firmly. "To abuse it would make me no better than yesterday's fool."

Tears welled in Wanling's eyes. Li Qing rose hastily. "I… have evening matters. Another time—"

A small hand caught his sleeve. Wanling gazed up, heartbreak in her eyes.

Li Qing sighed. "It's not disdain, Wanling. I… have complications."

"Complications?" The women exchanged glances.

Lianxiang smirked. "He's perfectly vigorous."

Li Qing: "…"