The early morning sunlight lazily streamed in through the carved window. The young master leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. Only after the footsteps and hoofbeats faded away did he close his folding fan and say, "Let's go for a stroll."
The servant quickly made way for his young master.
Having experienced so much of the modern world, I felt a strange sense of familiarity when I suddenly arrived in ancient times. My nostalgic heart was stirred, and my eyes even turned red as I wandered around.
The servant saw it.
They thought their young master was overjoyed to see Young Master Yu return and was crying tears of happiness.
That's wonderful, young master, the clouds are finally parting and the sun is shining.
They didn't return to the Minister's residence at noon. Instead, the two ate at a restaurant and went to listen to music in the afternoon. It wasn't until evening that Dengxin, holding a candied hawthorn, called to the servant, "Shangqing, what do you think about us going to Zuihonglou for some fun?"
Shang Qing was startled. "Young Master, please don't do anything rash. If Young Master Yu finds out, you two will start arguing again."
The wick took a bite of the hawthorn and mumbled something.
"Didn't he say he treats me like a younger brother? Let's go to Zuihonglou." A sudden inspiration struck, and her words quickened: "I heard a small restaurant opened on North Street, let's go!"
As he spoke, he ran towards North Street. Shang Qing, who was still standing there, hadn't recovered yet. When he realized what was happening, his young master had already run more than a hundred meters away. He quickly cried out and chased after him, shouting, "Young master, wait for me!"
Qingfeng Tower.
Dengxin had only been in this world for a few days and this was her first time visiting a brothel. The male prostitutes were similar to the girls at the Drunken Red Chamber, divided into those who sold their art but not their bodies, those who sold both their bodies and their art, and those who sold their bodies but not their art.
Most of them still sell their art, not their bodies.
The lamp wick was lit by the 'Queen of Courtesans' of Qingfeng Pavilion. As expected of No.1, her appearance was absolutely stunning, and even her zither skills were so beautiful that the lingering sound was unforgettable. Even through the gauze curtain, the young master felt that he had fallen in love with her.
Just as he was completely absorbed in the moment, a gust of wind blew open the window, causing the gauze curtains to flutter like a silk skirt. The glimpse of the curtains revealed a corner that caught the young master's eye and caused him to be amazed.
Everyone wants to book the whole place for the night.
Before he could do anything, a commotion broke out just a door away.
You can vaguely hear that it's about the courtesan. The madam probably tried to persuade her, but when the other party revealed her identity, the madam and her staff hurriedly went upstairs.
The young master heard several footsteps approaching from afar.
They stopped in front of the door, knocked, and then with a creak, the door to the luxurious private room was pushed open. The madam, all smiles, stepped in with light, graceful steps, followed by a handsome young male prostitute.
The young master was enjoying himself when the madam burst in.
Although I knocked on the door, I didn't ask for his permission.
Upon seeing the person, he frowned and asked unhappily, "What is it?"
The madam hurriedly curtsied, her smile barely concealing her unease: "Young master, I am truly sorry. I shouldn't have disturbed your enjoyment, but the Third Prince specifically requested to see Qinglang, so I brought you a piece of jade."
As she spoke, the young male prostitute behind the madam stepped forward, curtsied, and called out in a low voice, "Young master."
Well, the emperor's son can't possibly win a fight over someone.
Dengxin agreed to the replacement, but the Third Prince below couldn't wait and rushed up to snatch the person. The Flower Queen Pavilion was filled with enchanting light and shadow. The newcomer stepped into the private room and paused slightly. Dengxin inadvertently raised her eyes.
The Third Prince was stunned. The young master was dressed in a blue brocade robe with cloud patterns embroidered on the collar. Under the light and shadow, he seemed to have his own radiance. His lips were like spring cherry blossoms, naturally red without any makeup. He had just drunk water and now had a luminous glow. His skin was whiter than snow and his cheeks were slightly pink, like flower petals moistened by morning dew.
The young master looked away, adjusted his outer robe, stood up and bowed: "Greetings, Third Prince."
The third prince stared at the lamp wick, his eyes glazed over.
The more I look at him, the more I find the young master's charm captivating.
Nan Yu frowned and called out again, this time raising her voice.
The other person then realized what was happening and said, "Get up."
"You know me, Your Highness?"
Lamp wick: "Don't recognize it."
He wasn't the eldest son of the legitimate wife, nor was he chosen to accompany the princes in their studies. Even though they were all in the capital, he wasn't familiar with everyone.
The Third Prince gave a half-smile and asked, "Since you don't recognize me, how do you know I am the Third Prince?"
The lamp wick pursed its lips. Was this prince an idiot?
If someone openly tries to steal someone, the madam will immediately tell him who's stealing them. If he doesn't reveal his identity, the madam might not be able to let him go.
"The madam told me you are the Third Prince."
The third prince suddenly burst into laughter.
Lamp wick: "..."
"What's your name? Which family are you from?"
The lamp wick: "My father is Qi Lin, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat." Since he had no official position, he could only refer to himself as a commoner. However, since this was the emperor's son, after thinking for a moment, he decided not to refer to himself as such: "Qi Zimo."
What is your courtesy name?
The wick: "No doubt."
The Third Prince muttered the young master's courtesy name to himself a few times, and said, "Since Bu Yi likes this courtesan, I will not take what belongs to him. I wonder if Bu Yi has time to have a few drinks with me?"
One look at the prince's eyes and you could tell he wasn't innocent.
Nan Yu was afraid that if she stayed any longer, her chrysanthemums would be in danger.
He tried to find an excuse to decline, saying, "Your Highness is too kind, but I am not a good drinker and I am afraid I would spoil Your Highness's enjoyment."
The Third Prince's chosen 'prey' is like a fish that has taken the bait and will slowly slip away; there's no way he'll let it escape. He has no intention of letting the young master go easily. His hearty laughter makes it impossible for anyone to guess the filth in his heart.
"It's alright, I won't drink alcohol, how about some tea instead?"
Nan Yu didn't want to offend anyone, especially since her father was the emperor, so she reluctantly agreed. The madam was a little confused, but she was thankful that the two elders didn't cause a scene.
Quickly get the young master and prince a larger private room.
Besides Qinglang, the madam also arranged for several male dancers. They were slender, with fair legs, and their skirts were slit up to their thighs. As they swayed in their dance, they were half-revealed and half-exposed, making it hard for anyone to resist.
A woman's dancing is beautiful.
This man's dancing has a unique charm.
Nan Yu watched with great interest.
The Third Prince, however, kept glancing at him, which annoyed the young master, who frowned slightly. The prince beside him, however, did not restrain himself at all. Perhaps this was the nature of royalty; whether you wanted it or not, you could not resist if they wanted to.
I reluctantly stayed with him for half an hour.
It was getting late.
Just as I was about to get up and say goodbye.
The door was flung open with a bang, and a blast of cold air rushed in.
A man dressed in black strode in, his face grim. His gaze swept across the room and settled on the young master.
Nan Yu looked completely bewildered.
Is this guy crazy? Why is he looking at me like that? Did I offend him?
The Third Prince was also startled by the sudden commotion.
His body instinctively shrank back.
The well-trained attendants around him reacted quickly, drawing their swords in unison with a "whoosh," their cold glint flashing. When they saw who it was, the Third Prince was slightly taken aback, but then waved his hand. The attendants understood and sheathed their swords, stepping aside.
The Third Prince rose from the prayer mat, his tense face breaking into a smile as he greeted the prince, "General Shen has returned in triumph. Why aren't you celebrating at the General's Mansion? What brings you here?"
Is it Chenxi River?
During the day, he was seen wearing black armor and a mask, only his cold, hard metallic luster was visible.
Even after shedding his armor and donning a brocade robe, his charisma remains undiminished.
His eyes were deep and cold, like an icy pool; a casual glance from them could send chills down one's spine.
His jet-black hair was tied up in a jade crown, and he exuded a unique, cold aura that contrasted sharply with the elegant and bustling brothel, yet somehow harmonized with it. Indeed, when you have a handsome face, you can stand out even in a pile of garbage.
Shen Qichuan came to the young master's side and stared straight at him.
Nan Yu's hair stood on end. Recalling the original owner's past, she wondered if she had offended the other party. What was going on?
Shen Qichuan was already very tall, and Nan Yu felt pressured looking up at him while sitting. She tried to calm herself down, but her heel hit the hem of her skirt and she almost fell. At the last second, a strong force suddenly appeared around her waist and caught her.
The lamp wick snapped out of its daze and met the divine face so close to its surface; its heart pounded.
The three prince was displeased because their posture was too intimate.
With a slight, forced smile, she poured Chen Qichuan a cup of tea, her movements elegant yet undeniably deliberate, and said:
"I don't believe I can drink, so I didn't prepare any wine. It seems I won't be able to drink with General Shen today. However, this tea is a rare delicacy. General Shen, you might as well try it."
They were being polite on the surface, but they were already telling them to leave.
A chill ran down Chen Xichuan's spine.
Release the hand that was around the young master's waist.
His gaze fell on the teacup offered by the Third Prince, but he did not reach out immediately, as if he was weighing his options. After a while, he slowly raised his hand, his well-defined fingers firmly grasping the cup.
The moment they accepted the cup, their eyes remained locked on the Third Prince, a chilling glint hidden in their deep gazes, as the two engaged in a fierce contest.
The young master couldn't see the tension in the conversation.
Caught between two strangers.
He was even considering running away.
Neither of them can be offended. It is said that Shen Qichuan was praised by the emperor and awarded the title of General of the Cavalry, a second-rank official. His father, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, is also a second-rank official. He himself is only the second son of the legitimate wife.
Even as the eldest son, if he clashes with Shen Qichuan and displeases the other party, he will be punished.
Although his achievements overshadowed the emperor, the emperor currently needed a military general like Shen Qichuan to help him quell the unrest on the frontier. Shen Qichuan held real power, and ordinary people couldn't afford to offend him.
After drinking his tea, Shen Qichuan's gaze fell on the young master again.
The candlelight flickered inside, casting shadows on everyone's faces. Shen Qichuan glanced at the inky night outside the window, his voice low and cold, as if carrying the frost of a winter night: "It's almost midnight. Do you not return to the Minister's residence without a doubt?"
I've wanted to run away for a while, and this is a good opportunity to give him a way out.
The young master hurriedly cupped his hands, bowed slightly, and said with just the right amount of respect, "My father doesn't allow me to stay out overnight, so I'll head back now. Your Highness, General Shen, please enjoy your drink."
He ran off as soon as he finished speaking, not daring to stop for even a second.
I'm afraid the Third Prince will keep me here.
The young master ran away, and the third prince wanted to chase after him, but was stopped by a long arm.
The Third Prince was about to speak when he met Shen Qichuan's cold gaze. He swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue, his face flushed red. Unable to retaliate, he could only angrily flick his sleeves and return to his seat.
The young master is gone, and so is Shen Qichuan.
The madam was stunned.
She didn't know Shen Qichuan, but the Third Prince said he was a general. Was General Shen the one who had won a battle and returned to the capital today?
The madam secretly made a note of it, fearing she might offend a VIP next time.
Nan Yu ran away without taking a carriage. She left Qingfeng Tower and walked along the street with Shang Qing, intending to go home. The tower was definitely locked at this time, so she would have to climb over the wall later.
He hadn't walked far when he heard the sound of horses' hooves and wheels. Curious, Dengxin glanced back and saw the carriage stop right beside him. Thinking it was the Third Prince, he ran away in fright before anyone could come out.
The man knew martial arts, and Nan Yu had already run a distance when the other man stopped right in front of him. Unable to stop in time, he crashed into him, staggered backward, and almost fell.
Fortunately, those arms caught him in time once again.
Nan Yu's heart pounded with fear. She looked up and saw Chen Qichuan.
What is he doing?
The moonlight, as white as frost, spilled onto the streets of the capital, which were gradually quieting down after their bustling activity. A man in a black brocade robe, whose appearance appeared even more aloof under the moonlight, broke the silence first: "Get in the carriage, I'll take you!"
Shen Qichuan's voice was deep and mellow. Perhaps he was used to giving orders in the army. When he spoke to the young master, he forgot to suppress his authority, and the young master was afraid.
Her hands unconsciously gripped the hem of her clothes, and her voice trembled noticeably as she spoke: "No...no need, I...I can walk by myself."
Shen Qichuan frowned slightly, probably realizing that his overly serious demeanor had intimidated the young master. He coughed lightly and softened his voice: "The Minister's residence is still quite a distance away. If we go back now, the gates will probably be locked by now. We are both men, and we won't eat you. What are you afraid of?"
But you look even more terrifying than the Third Prince.
The wick could only grumble inwardly.
Thinking that the original owner wasn't familiar with him, when did he provoke him?
Seeing the young master's conflicted yet hesitant expression, Shen Qichuan softened his tone again, trying to sound as gentle as possible: "The carriage needs to move quickly, otherwise we might really have to sleep on the streets tonight."
Are you determined to keep him on the bus?
The night market is on South Street, and the brothel is on North Street. Both are quite a distance from the Minister's residence. Only the night market has streetlights; the rest are dark and inconvenient to walk around in. Since he insists on giving me a ride, I'll just sit down.
The lamp wick lifted the hem of her dress and boarded the carriage.
Shen Qichuan followed, while Shang Qing sat outside the carriage.
The man was tall and imposing, making the already cramped carriage feel even more confined. Deng Xin wanted to scratch his head, but he was afraid that if Shen Qichuan spoke to him, the other man's aura would be too strong and he would feel pressured.
The lanterns hanging outside the carriage swayed gently with the movement of the carriage, and the dim yellow light shone through the windows, casting dappled shadows inside the carriage.
Shen Qichuan sat upright, exuding an aura of authority. The poor lighting inside the carriage made it even more oppressive. The lamp wick, which had been enduring the journey, could only put its head out of the window for some fresh air. As the wheels rolled, they suddenly hit a stone, causing the carriage to sway violently. Caught off guard, the young master rolled into the man's arms.
Shen Qichuan could either dodge him or push him away.
But just as the young master rolled over, he not only deliberately caught him, but also helped him sit on his lap, and the young master's head was pulled back out of the window.
Nan Yu realized what was happening and tried to move away.
The hand around his waist remained motionless.
I simply can't get up.
The young master frowned. "Thank you, General Shen."
Shen Qichuan gave a deep "hmm," but still didn't let go of his hand.
The carriage jolted again.
If it were a straight man, he probably wouldn't think much of it, but Dengxin is a slightly gay man, and he was sitting on someone else's lap, bouncing up and down. Even though he was being bounced around, it was really strange.
My ears turned red with embarrassment.
"General Shen, could you please let go of my hand?"
He was speaking in a hurry.
Shen Qichuan hummed in agreement again, but his hand remained still.
The lamp wick could only be pushed by hand. Shen Qichuan wrapped his long arm around the young master and pressed him into his arms. His actions were domineering and forceful. Anyone who didn't know better would think that the two of them were flirting.
Holy crap!
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