"Anyone who dares to stir up trouble again will end up like her," the man said, delivering another harsh lash to the eldest legitimate daughter of the general's mansion. The young lady bit her lip, letting out a muffled groan, tears swirling in her eyes but not daring to fall. The others didn't dare make a sound. The firewood shed fell silent.
A madam with a large red flower pinned to her ear waddled in, her wide hips swaying. As she entered, she fanned the air in front of her nose with a look of disgust. Her plump hand waved a couple of times, and a thick scent of powder and perfume wafted through the room. She cast a disdainful glance at the eldest daughter, then looked over the others. When her eyes landed on the young emperor and Shen Yunyun, they suddenly lit up. She hurried over to the young emperor, pinched his cheeks, and shook them left and right, her face beaming with delight.
"This one's quite handsome—he'll fetch a good price. Master Qian has a taste for this sort. Handle him carefully and don't damage the face," she said. Then she pinched Shen Yunyun's chin, her grin widening. "This one's pretty too. The goods this time are decent." The madam's red lips looked like she'd eaten a dead child, and the thick powder on her face flaked off as she spoke.
"Clean her up. She's receiving guests tonight."
The young emperor's eyes blazed with fury as he stared at the madam as if she were already dead. Shen Yunyun quickly tugged at his clothes, signaling him to stay calm. The young emperor's face darkened, and he wished he could tear everyone present to pieces. But why hadn't their arranged people arrived yet? Shen Yunyun also sensed something was off—could there have been a hitch in the plan? She exchanged a glance with the young emperor, both seeing confusion in each other's eyes.
Shen Yunyun had her own idea and smiled at the madam. "Are all the girls here kidnapped by you like this?"
The madam snorted. "So what if they are? Don't tell me you're going to be like that young lady and say your father will raid my place and wipe out my entire family? Hah, no matter who you are, even a royal princess, once you're in my hands, you'd better behave. Otherwise, don't blame me for making things rough for you."
"Madam, she doesn't seem like she'll stay put. How about we teach her a lesson?"
"Get out of here. If she's deflowered, she won't sell for a good price."
"But with her looks, if she hurts a guest, it might bring trouble to the brothel."
The madam pondered, looking at Shen Yunyun. Unlike the other women who were panicked and lost, she clearly had something backing her up. She suddenly stepped back and waved at the thugs behind her. "Then teach her a lesson first."
The thugs immediately leered and approached Shen Yunyun, bickering over who would go first. After a round of rock-paper-scissors, the leader—a disgusting man with yellow, crooked teeth—won. He lunged at Shen Yunyun eagerly. The young emperor was about to step in, but Shen Yunyun was faster, kicking him square in the groin. Quick, ruthless, precise! The disgusting man let out a howl, his bad breath filling the room.
"Oh, a spicy one. I like it," another thug said, swinging a whip at Shen Yunyun. The young emperor grabbed her and dodged the lash. Shen Yunyun said to him, "Cover your nose and mouth." Without a second thought, he did as she said. She pulled out pepper spray and sprayed it wildly at the attackers. In an instant, they all crouched on the ground, groaning in pain. The madam, startled, turned to run out, but before she could call for help, Shen Yunyun caught up and stunned her with a taser.