---
Zora made up her mind. Since she had come to a different world, even if it was just for her mother's sake, she couldn't just give up and do nothing.
"Mother, I want to go to school. I'm already 17. Do you think they will still accept me?"
Madam Bai was shocked, staring at Zora in disbelief.
"My child, didn't you always avoid studying? Even when the Chen family hired tutors for you, you scared them all away. If you cause trouble at school and hurt a teacher, it'll be serious—you might even end up in court!"
Zora smiled faintly.
"Mother, I was immature back then, young and reckless. But now, I'm serious. I really want to improve myself. Just think about it—when I tried to propose marriage to the Shen family's young master, why did they refuse me? Isn't it because of my terrible reputation?"
Madam Bai finally understood. So her daughter wanted to change herself to marry the person she liked. She tested Zora, saying, "Then tomorrow, I'll ask about it for you?"
"Alright. I'll go back to my courtyard to rest for a bit and come back later to have dinner with you."
Zora wanted to laugh. Didn't her mother know? Everything she was thinking was written all over her face.
"Good, go ahead, my child."
---
Meanwhile, Yeyin was chatting with Mr. Chen in the Peach Blossom Courtyard. She was telling Mr. Chen all about what had happened earlier on the road, adding a lot of extra details to make it sound worse. Mr. Chen's eyes flashed coldly for a moment, but then he smiled knowingly.
He patted Yeyin's hand, stood up to adjust the incense burner, and the room filled even more with the scent of peach blossoms.
"Why should you waste your energy being angry with her? Everyone saw what happened today. I'll send someone to spread the story even more. Her reputation will only get worse. And the worse she looks, the more virtuous you will appear."
"Do you understand what I mean?" Mr. Chen turned and looked deeply at Yeyin.
Yeyin thought for a moment, then smiled.
"Father is right. I was thinking too much."
"It's a pity about that young master Sean. He looked so impressive. It seems we won't get a chance to get close to him..."
"Oh? You like him? You only met him once and already can't forget him?" Mr. Chen teased her.
Mr. Chen continued, "You're at the right age to be engaged. I originally thought of the third son of the Taichang Temple's Vice Minister. Have you heard of him?"
"Ah, Wayen? He's pretty enough but has a fierce temper. He's nothing like a refined gentleman, and compared to Young Master Sean, he's not even close," Yeyin said casually, feeling that her father underestimated her marriage options.
"If you don't like him, we can keep looking slowly," Mr. Chen said.
"Besides, your older sister isn't even married yet. No rush."
"As for Zora's marriage, that's something I should really pay more attention to..."
Father and daughter exchanged a knowing smile.
---
After Sean returned home, he sat alone by the window, playing chess.
His mind was still restless. He had always believed he had only half a year left to live. He never thought that someone would say they could cure him!
It felt like someone drowning in water had suddenly been pulled out to breathe again.
If Zora could really cure him, maybe he could delay his original plans. Maybe... those people could live a few more days.
AJing, his loyal servant, walked into the study carrying tea. When he saw that Sean hadn't moved even a single chess piece for a long time, he spoke gently, "Young Master, here's some freshly brewed tea."
"Put it down. For dinner, just have the kitchen make some plain porridge. Also, prepare hot water. I'll take a bath with flower oils later."
Sean remembered Zora's dumbfounded expression when she stared at him. His lips curved slightly into a smile.
It seemed that the girl was very fond of his appearance. But he wondered, when she said she would come to treat him, how would she do it? When would she come? Did she really dare to break into his private quarters?
Sean's heart became restless.
Meanwhile, Zora had already forgotten all about it.
She lounged on a chaise lounge, while Lisa was massaging her legs, and Mana was peeling grapes for her.
"Hey, do you think the Green Grass Pavilion is really as fun as they say?" Zora asked lazily.
Lisa, who was burning incense at the side, turned her head and laughed softly.
Mana, trying to please Zora, quickly added, "Miss, it must be fun! You usually only take Lisa there. Next time, can you take me too?"
"The music of Biluo Master, the dance of Mist Master, the song of Mountain Master, and the flute of Sparrow Master—each one is amazing."
Zora became interested. This place was like an ancient version of a fancy entertainment club! In modern times, there was no such place anymore.
"We're going! Tonight, I'll take you there!" Zora said happily.
She popped a grape into her mouth and leaned back, feeling extremely satisfied. This was truly the life of a goddess.
She had promised her mother to study hard and improve every day. But before that, she could have a little fun, right?
---
In the evening.
After having dinner with Madam Bai and chatting for a while, Zora left the house. Before she went out, Madam Bai stuffed a few silver notes into her hands.
Lisa drove the carriage, and the four of them set off towards the Green Grass Pavilion.
The carriage passed through narrow alleys and finally reached the southern market area. Before them, everything opened up wide—bright lights, crowds, lively music. It didn't look like night at all.
This was the most famous nightlife area in the capital. Here were the best brothels, restaurants, and gambling houses, all open until dawn. Especially famous were the Green Grass Pavilion and the Fragrance Tower along the banks of the Dian River.
The river was calm, with small boats floating on it. Performers played instruments to attract guests, while young masters accompanied their clients on boat rides.
Zora was amazed. This place could even compare to the famous Qinhuai River of ancient China!
As soon as their carriage stopped in front of the Green Grass Pavilion, the madam of the house twisted her waist and hurried out to greet them.
"Oh my, isn't this the famous Miss Zora? Please come in, I missed you so much!"
"Someone, prepare the best private room facing the main stage!"
"Miss Zora, you came at just the right time. Mist Master is performing tonight! He's choosing his first official guest. You must come in quickly!"
"You'll have the best seat for Mist Master's dance!"
The madam's laughter almost made the whole building shake, and the heavy scent of her makeup made Zora's head spin.
"Hurry up and show us the way! And bring the best wine!" Zora said quickly.
"Of course! This way, to the second floor. Be careful on the stairs!"
---
"Hey, did you also come for Mist Master?"
"Yes! Sister Huang, please let me have a chance. I've admired Mist Master for so long!"
"But he only performs, he doesn't sell himself. I almost missed my chance today!"
"Exactly. And I don't have much money left. But after tonight, maybe I'll have another chance to get closer to him."
"You're not the only one who thinks so."
"I heard Mist Master's foster mother is seriously ill. He needs a rare five-hundred-year-old ginseng to save her life, so he had no choice but to start accepting guests..."
The whole second floor was filled with whispers about Mist Master.
---
Inside their private room, everything was elegant and luxurious. They served the best wine, called "Leisure Drunkenness." Zora sipped it slowly while Lisa and Mana looked excitedly out the window. Lisa stood quietly beside Zora, pouring her wine.
Knock knock knock
"Miss Zora, I've brought Biluo Master," the madam's voice came from outside.
Mana quickly opened the door.
"Cloud, go inside."
The madam added politely, "I'll leave you now, Miss Zora. It's a busy night, please forgive me if we don't serve perfectly."
A handsome young man walked gracefully into the room, holding a guqin. He bowed slightly.
"Cloud greets Miss Zora."
Zora quickly waved her hand.
"No need for formalities. Play something soft and elegant. I'm feeling a little tired."
"Yes," Cloud said gently, looking at Zora with affectionate eyes. His voice was soft and beautiful, full of hidden feelings.
At that moment, Zora remembered—Cloud was actually her former self's closest confidant!
Ah... no wonder his eyes were so sticky and affectionate!
---