The Jade Lotus House

[Note:- From this moment Dominance system is called as Resonance System. There is nothing major changes aside from now and how system works.]

***

The next day ..

After the first and last exchange words with Mu Qing, she left his home with her father and the army that comes with her.

Of she didn't completely leaves this place, she was still within city wating for further orders from regarding this marriage issue.

The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the capital in hues of amber and rose. Han Jin reclined in a lavish palanquin, the cushions soft beneath him as four sturdy attendants carried him through the bustling evening streets. The scent of roasted meats and spiced wine lingered in the air, mingling with the distant notes of a pipa drifting from a nearby teahouse.

Beside him, Luo Ping—a round-faced noble with a perpetually nervous expression—fanned himself with a silk handkerchief, already sweating despite the cool evening breeze. On horseback behind them rode Prince Chen, the Third Prince, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd with a blend of amusement and thinly veiled disdain. The prince's dark robes, embroidered with golden dragons, fluttered lightly as his horse moved at a slow, regal pace.

"Brother Han, are you certain about this?" Luo Ping asked, his voice barely above a whisper. His fingers fumbled with the jade ring on his pinky. "The Jade Lotus House is… extravagant. Even my father refuses to pay their entry fee."

Han Jin's lips curved into a lazy smirk. He twirled a silver coin between his fingers, watching it dance in the fading light. "If you're going to live, live loudly, Brother Luo. What's the point of hoarding gold if it only gathers dust in a vault?" His eyes narrowed slightly with mischief. "Besides, they say their top courtesan, Lian Xue, is worth every tael. Tonight, I intend to see if that's true."

Prince Chen chuckled softly, drawing closer. "Lian Xue? Ambitious. They say she's as cold as her namesake—'Snow Lotus'—and twice as untouchable. It'll take more than charm to win her favor." His tone turned sly. "Speaking of bold women… have you heard the latest about your warlord bride?"

Han Jin's fingers paused mid-spin, the coin nearly slipping. His smirk wavered. "Mu Qing?" he asked, keeping his voice even. "What about her?"

Prince Chen leaned forward in his saddle, lowering his voice. "Rumor has it she rode into the city this afternoon with her Black Tiger Legion. Full armor, blood still crusted on their pauldrons. People are saying she's here to refuse the marriage decree. Or maybe"—his eyes gleamed with mock sympathy—"to demand your head."

Luo Ping paled. "That demoness is here?" He dabbed at his brow with his handkerchief. "Brother Han… she'll crush you."

Han Jin forced a laugh, flicking the coin back into his palm. "Let her try," he drawled. "If she thinks she can defy the will of the imperial court, she's welcome to challenge me. But for tonight…" His grin widened. "I'm more interested in conquering the Snow Lotus."

The palanquin came to a halt before a grand, three-story building adorned with crimson lanterns and gilded silk drapes. The Jade Lotus House stood as the crown jewel of the capital's pleasure district. The carved double doors were lacquered with rich mahogany, and golden phoenix motifs shimmered in the light. A crowd of onlookers—merchants, minor nobles, and curious commoners—gathered nearby, whispering among themselves. The names "Han Jin" and "Mu Qing" rippled through the crowd in hushed tones.

A stern-faced doorman in black robes stepped forward, his hands clasped behind his back. "Entry is five thousand taels per head. No exceptions."

Luo Ping blanched, patting his robes with trembling hands. "F-Five thousand? That's a year's stipend!"

Han Jin merely snapped his fingers. Wei Kang, his personal guard, approached with a lacquered chest. Without a word, he opened it, revealing neatly stacked silver ingots. Han Jin's voice rang out clearly, meant for the crowd to hear. "Fifteen thousand taels—for me, Luo Ping, and His Highness. No need to count it twice."

Gasps spread through the crowd. Some gawked with admiration, others with envy. Whispers of "The Chancellor's son" and "Mu Qing's betrothed" fluttered in the night air. The doorman's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly bowed and gestured them inside.

[Resonance System Notification: Emotional fluctuation detected. 300 individuals affected. Resonance Value +3,500 (1-15 points each). Total: 3,865.]

Han Jin's grin grew wider at the system chime. Mu Qing's stirring the pot without even being here. He allowed himself a brief chuckle. Good. More fuel for me.

Inside, the Jade Lotus House was a palace of hedonism. Polished jade floors gleamed under the soft candlelight. Golden chandeliers dripped with crystal, casting shimmering reflections across silk-covered walls. The air was thick with the scent of jasmine, wine, and incense.

Han Jin led the trio to a private balcony overlooking the main stage, where the crowd had gathered. Below, a veiled figure stepped onto the stage. Lian Xue. Her robes were silver and lavender, flowing like mist, and her movements were as fluid as falling petals. Even veiled, her beauty was arresting—delicate yet untouchable, like a frost-covered blossom.

Luo Ping clutched his cup of wine. "She's… stunning," he breathed, eyes wide. "But I hear she's picky. Only the wealthiest men can afford her time."

Prince Chen's eyes glimmered with challenge. "Rich or cunning. Let's see if Han Jin can outshine that warlord bride of his tonight."

As Lian Xue began her dance—a mesmerizing sway of silk and shadow—Han Jin loosened the pouch at his belt and tossed it onto the balcony table. Gold taels spilled onto the polished surface. His voice was smooth but commanding. "Ten thousand taels for Lian Xue's first song." He let the words linger. "Let's make it memorable."

The room fell into a stunned hush. Patrons turned, staring in awe or disbelief. Some with admiration. Others with venom. Lian Xue's veiled face turned toward him, her eyes briefly meeting his. A faint smile curved beneath the silk.

[Resonance System Notification: Emotional fluctuation detected. 50 individuals affected. Resonance Value +750 (15 points each). Total: 4,615.]

Prince Chen smirked. "Show-off."

Luo Ping shook his head with a nervous laugh. "You're mad, Brother Han."

Han Jin merely lifted a hand. Wei Kang stepped forward once more, presenting a lacquered box. Inside, a shimmering hairpin pulsed faintly with qi—a spirit artifact, rare and valuable. Han Jin's voice carried across the hall. "Twenty thousand taels' worth. A gift for the Jade Lotus House's star. Let's see if she'll grace us with a private audience."

Gasps erupted throughout the hall. Some cursed, others cheered. But across the room, a young man in green robes slammed his cup down. His eyes burned with fury.

"Who does he think he is?" the man growled. "Some Chancellor's brat throwing gold around while his warlord fiancée marches into the city?"

Han Jin's lips curled. He leaned over the balcony, his voice a mocking drawl. "What's your name, friend? If you've got something to say, say it to my face."

The man stood, glaring. "Gao Shun, heir to the Gao Trading Guild." His voice was sharp with contempt. "I bid thirty thousand taels for Lian Xue's time. Let's see if your pockets can keep up."

[Resonance System Notification: Emotional fluctuation detected. Gao Shun's anger: +300. 70 onlookers' excitement: +1,050 (15 points each). Total: 5,965.]

Han Jin chuckled darkly. "Thirty thousand? Cute." He raised his cup. "Fifty thousand taels—and the hairpin stays in play." His eyes locked onto Lian Xue. "What do you say?"

The room held its breath. Lian Xue stepped forward, her voice cool and smooth. "Young Master Han's generosity is… impressive. I will join you after my performance."

The crowd erupted. Gao Shun's face flushed crimson, but he swallowed his fury—for now.

[Resonance System Notification: Mass reaction: +2,000 (10 points each, 200 affected). Total: 7,965.]

Han Jin clinked his cup with Prince Chen's. His eyes gleamed with ruthless satisfaction. Mu Qing's name is boosting this. His lips curled into a predatory smile. If she wants a war… I'll give her one worth watching.