The Ageless Dream

17.5 Land of Xiang (69)

Dong Li Hua glanced around the place upon arriving at the manor. Its not heavily guarded and it's somewhat prosperous. On top of the gate is a large sign with written 'Xiang Estate' but of a different language. Dong Li Hua was stunned she can read the strange words. They were totally different from Qin's character. Moreover, their accent here is not the same as Qin and so were their language. The words she has spoken out a moment ago is not the modern nor archaic Chinese but the language of another state. If her guess is right, she is not in Qin.

"Bring those girls inside Uncle's residence. Someone notify him the transaction was completed." Xiang Ji commanded a soldier. Seeing him distracted, Dong Li Hua slowly walked away. She turned her back and sprinted to escape but a hand grabbed her arm.

Dong Li Hua was pressed on a hard chest that her nose stung from the impact. "Trying to run away?" Xiang Ji cupped her face with one hand, his eyes spilling threats and bliss. She started to think he have some sort of problem in his brain. Why would he look at her in a dangerous way?

"Xiang Ji, don't scare Miss Fei Yu. Its better if she's with me." Ze Shuai came out of a sedan to hold Dong Li Hua but Xiang Ji raised his foot. "Hey! Im your friend! You can't hurt me!" he hurriedly stepped back to avoid the kick while Xiang Ji grinned.

"I can if I want. Now go call Uncle." he used his thumb to point at the manor gate when it opened.

"Ji'er, you did a good job." a man in his thirties came out with a martial robe.

"Uncle." Xiang Ji smiled and faced the man with pride. However, his uncle showed a confused look since he is embracing a girl protectively.

"Sir, I can't... I can't breathe..." Dong Li Hua struggled; he is truly holding her tight as if he can't afford to let her leave. Finally, Xiang Ji loosened up.

"Ji'er, what did I told you to do?" the man asked as his gaze went cold.

"Complete a transaction to have a strong evidence against Madame San for operation an illegal flower house." he slowly lowered his eyes. Xiang Ji let go of Dong Li Hua and distanced himself.

"Wait, is he an official?" Dong Li Hua felt her doom is close. They are actually investigating the flower house who picked her. If this is a family of military officials then it will be difficult for her to escape. She can leave this place, find a work and wait for her bracelet to bring her back to time.

"Let the girl return to their home after Madame San is detained. They should stay here for tonight."

"But Uncle-" Xiang Ji is reluctant to let Dong Li Hua leave. Her attitude and level of allure is quite rare. "I spent my own money to-"

"Xiang Ji! Even if you did use your wealth to take her, keeping her here as if asking for death. She is just a mere girl." his tone became more forceful but when Dong Li Hua turned to have a glimpse of him, Xiang Ji's uncle was stupefied. Green jade eyes...?

"Hmph!" he snorted. The man left them there but Xiang Ji's expression turned grim.

"Sigh, Uncle is too strict." Ze Shuai comforted. He knew how hard it was for Xiang Ji when it comes to disappointing his uncle.

"Let's not talk about it." Xiang Ji faintly smiled. He glanced at Dong Li Hua with a sly smile. "Hey."

"Hey are for horses." Dong Li Hua used a disdained look but he did not feel bothered.

"Where are you from? You don't know me?" he asked, recalling the inklings from her refusal.

"No." she turned her back from him to pour all her annoyance. That Xiang Ji took advantage of her inside the sedan, she will also take advantage of this moment.

"Strange. How did you come here in the Land of Xiang? My family controls this place. That man I called Uncle is a general here in Chu. I bet you heard the name Xiang Liang. That's his name." the instant he said those, Dong Li Hua was struck with realization. Xiang Ji assumed she must have heard of his uncle.

"Xiang Liang, Land of Xiang... Xiang Ji?" Dong Li Hua thought. She turned her head to Xiang Ji and had a good look at the young man. If she is not wrong, he is the person who will destroy Qin Dynasty. The man who started the Eighteen Kingdoms, surnamed Xiang with the given name Ji. He must be the future Xiang Yu!

"What? Too handsome for you?" he teased but Dong Li Hua quickly looked away. Xiang Ji thought she is being shy; he reached his hand to pull her close to him yet Dong Li Hha dashed into the estate to follow the other two girls. The young man stomped his foot for missing the chance.

"Wow! That Fei Yu is the first girl to reject you!" Ze Shuai wanted to applause but seeing Xiang Yu's murderous eyes, he stopped himself and pursed his lips tightly like an obedient pet.

The next day, Dong Li Hua and the three girls were interrogated. As they spoke about Madame San selling them, the soldiers raided the flower house immediately. All the female courtesans there became a witness against Madame San. Aside from that, seems like one of Chu State's prince is profiting from this business. The news was quick and within a day, that prince of Chu was detained from operating illegal flower houses.

About to be freed on the third day, Dong Li Hua started to wonder where can she find a job and a place to rest at. If she can't last here from hunger, that would be a shame. Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Dong Li Hua thought they must be servants bringing meals but when she opened it, she immediately closed the door. It's not a servant but it was Xiang Ji instead.