"It's said that there are different opinions about who should top the list of the young masters from noble families. Some say it's the divine doctor Luo Ruyan, while others claim it's Lord Jing, Yi Junshi."
The divine doctor Luo Ruyan is now about twenty - three or twenty - four years old. Although neither rich nor noble, he is regarded as a divine being by everyone from commoners to court officials and even the royal relatives. With his extremely handsome appearance, he always wears a white robe all year round, looking as if he is not of this mortal world. His fame has spread far and wide, and he is like a god. However, he disappeared without a trace after a plague a few years ago and has never been seen in the capital since then.
Her father, Yi Junshi, is a world - renowned strategist and was the only advisor to the current emperor in the past. One could say that if it weren't for Yi Junshi, the current emperor might not be in power. Moreover, Yi Junshi is extremely good - looking. Even though he is a man, his phoenix - like eyes are so captivating that his features are even more delicate than those of a woman. He truly deserves the description of "captivating the nation and the city".
No matter how the current rankings change, the top positions of Luo Ruyan and Yi Junshi have never dropped. Especially Yi Junshi, even though he is already a father, he still firmly holds the top position, which shows how outstanding his appearance is.
The young masters from noble families of this generation are all around the same age. Since the current emperor ascended the throne at a young age, most of the court officials are the old officials who served the previous emperor. Among the young masters from noble families, the youngest is only fourteen, and the oldest is not yet twenty.
Ranked second is Hou Chen, the eldest son of Marquis Chi, the Duke of Zhenguo. He is eighteen years old. Different from the fair - skinned young masters, he grew up on the training ground as the son of a general. His appearance is tough and he never talks much to idle people. Compared with other young masters, he is truly unique.
Ranked third is Wu Ya, the youngest son of Wu Bo, the Minister of Rites, and also the Vice - Minister of Rites. He is gentle and polite. His appearance is also warm and kind, with a gentle and affectionate look in his eyes. He is humble and courteous.
At this point, the young master stopped. Yi Zhici was listening intently. Suddenly, there was no more sound, so she asked, "What about the others?"
"I can't remember the rest." He waved his hand.
"Oh, what about you, young master?" Yi Zhici asked casually.
"Me?" The young master in the smoke - colored robe was silent for a moment. Looking down at his robe, he let out a couple of bitter laughs. "I'm just an admirer and follower of Young Master Yan. I'm not worthy of a place on the list."
This man was also very good - looking, which was why she asked about his ranking. But even with such good looks, he was only a follower of Luo Ruyan. One could imagine how outstanding Luo Ruyan was.
Yi Zhici looked at this man, whose eyebrows were full of sorrow. She was afraid that she had touched on his pain. Just as she was about to comfort him, there was a commotion on the stage.
An old man walked onto the auction stage. "There are no rare items for auction at the Golden and Jade Hall today. The only rare thing is a pair of Life and Death Together. Please check the item first."
As soon as he finished speaking, those who were chatting stopped, and even the waiter stopped wiping the tables. All eyes were focused on the stage.
The curtain opened, revealing a glass box that was completely transparent. Under the sunlight, it emitted a colorful and dim light. Just this glass box alone would probably fetch a high price. Inside the glass box were two silver butterflies. The silver butterflies were fluttering their wings, shining brightly with a flowing light.
The glass box was not small, but the two silver butterflies never separated. They just fluttered around each other, creating a circle after circle of charming halos in the box.
Yi Zhici patted the shoulder of the young master in the smoke - colored robe to comfort him, but her eyes were already attracted to the item.
After most of the people in the audience had exclaimed enough, the old man slowly said, "Life and Death Together is a kind of witchcraft that has been passed down since the ancient Yunjin period. This pair of silver butterflies has no practical use. They can only be turned into tattoos and imprinted on lovers as a mark. And the requirement for turning the butterflies into tattoos is very high. The two people must have a mutual understanding. Life and Death Together is just a little thing for lovers. Although it is rare, it has no practical value. So the starting price is not set. Please bid according to your own valuation."
Yi Zhici: "Three hundred taels."
The young master in the smoke - colored robe: "!!" Are you crazy? You can buy such a small thing for just a few dozen taels!
Yi Zhici comforted him, "Brother Yan, don't be in a hurry. You should know that in an auction, you must make a high bid at the beginning to intimidate the others. This can prevent others from raising the price and also keep the price within your maximum affordability. It's very reliable."
The young master's face turned green then white, and then red. It was not clear whether it was Yi Zhici's tone of comforting a child that touched his sore spot or the address "Brother Yan" that reminded him of something. In any case, he didn't stop her anymore.
"Then what do you... want to buy this for? Are you going to confess your love to your beloved girl?"
Yi Zhici turned her head. "No. My father's birthday is coming soon. I want to buy it as a birthday gift for him."
"..."
Sure enough, after the bid of three hundred taels, the hall was completely silent. No one dared to raise the price. But at this time, a very clear and pleasant voice came from a private room on the second floor. "Three hundred and ten taels."
Yi Zhici: "..."
The old man on the stage smiled slightly. The price already exceeded his expectation. Now he didn't hesitate anymore. "Is there anyone else who wants to raise the price?"
"Three hundred and ten taels for the first time!" Yi Zhici was silent.
"Three hundred and ten taels for the second time!" Yi Zhici continued to be silent.
"Three hundred and ten taels for the third time!" Yi Zhici still remained silent.
"Sold!"
The man in the smoke - colored robe opened his folding fan and waved it. Teasingly, he said, "Little brother, this trick doesn't work this time."
Yi Zhici took a deep breath. She had completely forgotten about her father's birthday before, but now that she remembered it, she was determined to get this rare birthday gift. Otherwise, she would really feel ashamed of her father.
With this thought in mind, she walked straight up to the second floor.