Fengyue Pavilion.
To protect Taifei, Xie Caiqing came alone, at least on the surface.
He planned to spend some money and return home to read. Just as he was about to head upstairs to a private room, he noticed that among the bustling crowd on the first floor, quite a few elderly men were sneaking peeks at him. But when he looked their way, they quickly averted their eyes.
Xie Caiqing paused.
It wouldn’t be strange if it were young women staring. But these were old men.
He squinted at those who had been casting furtive glances, and his face darkened slightly.
They were all second- or third-rank officials.
Xie Caiqing was puzzled. Great Ning was a place of open-minded customs, and Xiao Yun rarely interfered in personal affairs. He was usually quite lenient with the ministers. But still, it was unheard of for high-ranking officials to go brothel-hopping in groups—especially these vain old men. The higher the rank, the more they cared about appearances. If they did come, they’d certainly sneak into a private room, not loiter in full view on the first floor.
And dressed so plainly.
These veterans had seen all kinds of storms. Even in modest clothing, their bearing stood out like sore thumbs.
This was clearly suspicious.
Something must be going on.
And now he, Xie Caiqing, had been caught visiting a brothel right under their noses. If Liu Yun found out tomorrow…
Just then, a well-groomed, upright-looking young man approached him with a smile. “There you are!”
Xie Caiqing blinked, then saw Zhang Yi wink at him. Immediately understanding, he smiled and replied, “Sorry I’m late.”
“No worries. Come, let’s have a chat over there.”
Xie Caiqing nodded.
As they neared the senior ministers, Zhang Yi leaned in close as if whispering intimately and said in a low voice, “Later, just tell them we’re close friends, that I told you about this and invited you here to help.”
Xie Caiqing’s eyes flashed with gratitude, though his heart was confused.
Help with what? What exactly is going on?
“Didn’t expect someone like you to show up at a brothel,” Zhang Yi joked with a smile.
Zhang Yi was the son of Zhang Gong, former Minister of War. Back when Qi Wang tried to frame Xie Caiqing and Zhang Gong, Xie Caiqing still spoke up for Zhang Gong under those circumstances. The Zhang family remembered this. So once the crisis was resolved, the younger generation began to form good relations with the top scholar.
When Xie Caiqing moved for the second time, the Zhang family even sent generous gifts.
Embarrassed, Xie Caiqing said, “…I haven’t seen much of the world. I was just curious and thought I’d take a look, but I didn’t expect to run straight into something.”
Zhang Yi said, “Understandable. You don’t look like the type to actually buy a courtesan’s company.”
“…,” Xie Caiqing thought to himself that this was exactly his original intention, and asked softly, “May I ask why the lords are here?”
Zhang Yi lowered his voice and covered his mouth amid the noise, saying, “To catch His Majesty.”
Xie Caiqing’s eyes widened slightly. “His—His Majesty is at the brothel?”
Zhang Yi said quietly, “Since you serve beside His Majesty, have you noticed if there’s been anything different about him lately?”
Xie Caiqing thought for a moment, then shook his head in confusion.
Zhang Yi laughed and whispered, “You’re still too young to understand. In short, His Majesty has someone on the outside.”
Xie Caiqing’s expression changed drastically. Seeing that Zhang Yi didn’t notice, he quickly composed himself and said calmly, “Is that so… Do we know who it is?”
“No idea,” Zhang Yi replied. “That’s why we’re here—to find out. Elder Liu said, if the person is of good background, he’d reluctantly agree to let them into the palace. But if it’s someone notorious for their affairs, and His Majesty insists, then they’ll go to war with him over it.”
Zhang Yi smiled at Xie Caiqing. “Good thing you came. His Majesty favors you right now—he might listen to your words. If he really does show up, try to persuade him.”
“…Alright,” Xie Caiqing responded earnestly. “It’s my duty.”
After a bit more small talk, Zhang Yi led Xie Caiqing to greet the senior officials, then had him take position in a corner of the brothel’s first floor to wait for the emperor.
Suddenly, the noisy room fell silent.
A beautiful woman descended the stairs from the second floor.
She had a curvy figure, fair and smooth skin, and a petite frame that contrasted with many of the taller women of Great Ning. Dressed in a vibrant red gown, she looked lavish and confident without being vulgar.
Many men called out to her teasingly, sweet-talking her as “Madam Proprietress.”
The proprietress responded absentmindedly while scanning the room.
She’d been waiting in the private room for the little Wangye for ages. She had even brewed tea to present, but he still hadn’t arrived.
Her eyes finally landed on Xie Caiqing, standing obediently in the corner.
Their gazes met. Xie Caiqing’s expression froze slightly as he gave her a subtle wink.
Taifei: “…”
She continued upstairs, feigning indifference.
Zhang Yi was still talking to Xie Caiqing, who replied with a faint smile, thinking, Good thing they’ve got it all wrong.
Xiao Yun was probably still in the palace—or maybe heard he was at the brothel and decided not to come.
He’d said he wouldn’t restrict Xie Caiqing from doing anything, so he surely wouldn’t show up here…
Xie Caiqing silently sighed in relief and was just about to continue the conversation with Zhang Yi when a glance toward the door made his face change dramatically.
Previously, many of the courtesans were sneaking glances at the elegant man in plain clothes in the corner. But now, their eyes were drawn to a man in dark robes entering from the door.
Compared to the man in plain clothes, this new arrival better fit the Great Ning ideal: tall, handsome, heroic—overflowing with masculinity.
Several women blushed, eyes full of shyness.
Xie Caiqing had chosen a spot closest to the door. For the first time, he forgot all about maintaining proper posture and practically rushed over in a few quick steps.
Xiao Yun’s face was calm and handsome. “Come back with me.”
As he spoke, he reached out to grab Xie Caiqing’s hand.
Xie Caiqing quickly hid both hands behind his back and took two steps back, desperately signaling with his eyes.
Xiao Yun, failing to grab his hand, looked even colder. “You’re not coming back with me?”
Xie Caiqing bit his lip and blinked rapidly at him.
Xiao Yun frowned.
Xie Caiqing blinked again.
Xiao Yun furrowed his brow more deeply, glancing behind Xie Caiqing. Xie Caiqing subtly nodded.
Xiao Yun’s face shifted slightly. Just as he turned to leave, several older officials had already strode up and “respectfully” grabbed the emperor’s robe.
Looking at their familiar faces, Xiao Yun froze, then smiled cheerfully. “So you all enjoy visiting brothels too? Don’t worry, I didn’t see anything. I won’t punish you tomorrow—it’s only human nature. Just don’t upset your wives at home.”
Xie Caiqing: “…”
Fan Qing thought: His Majesty can still act this calmly? He said sternly, “Your Majesty.”
The officials stared intently at Xiao Yun, like stern fathers glaring at a wayward son—hoping their silent gaze might restore his dignity and spark some shame so he’d change his ways.
Xiao Yun finally realized something was off. His face was full of disbelief. “What do you mean by this?”
“Please don’t deny it,” Fan Qing said.
“Yes, please don’t deny it.”
Xiao Yun said, “Deny what?”
The officials stared at the ambiguous scratch marks on the emperor’s face. “We’re not trying to make things difficult for you. We just hope that—”
They trailed off, suspiciously eyeing the silent Xie Caiqing, seeming to suspect he’d tried to help the emperor escape earlier.
After all, Xie Caiqing was the emperor’s favored official. Maybe he was on His Majesty’s side.
Sensing the unkind stares from the officials, Xie Caiqing looked up with concern. “Indeed, such a place… You really shouldn’t come here again.”
Xiao Yun: “…”
“Yes,” Fan Qing said sternly, but with a hint of flattery. “If Your Majesty wishes, we’d be willing to help you take a few wives.”
“Indeed. If your noble body gets even a small scratch here, we won’t be able to sleep soundly for days.”
Your noble body is damaged?
Xiao Yun touched the red scratch on his face that Xie Caiqing had accidentally left. His expression changed slightly. After listening to the ministers’ veiled comments for a while, Xiao Yun finally understood. He turned to look at Xie Caiqing in disbelief.
Under his accusatory gaze, Xie Caiqing calmly lowered his head. “I hope Your Majesty takes care of your health and refrains from visiting such places in the future.”
“…” A dark and dangerous look clouded Xiao Yun’s eyes as if he might devour Xie Caiqing on the spot.
Xie Caiqing slightly raised his head, his calm eyes rippling faintly, silently pleading with him.
Their eyes met for a few seconds. Then Xiao Yun abruptly changed his demeanor and said pleasantly, “I understand now. This was my mistake. I troubled you all with worry.”
The ministers were briefly stunned, then moved by his humility.
For a moment, all was harmony between monarch and ministers.
…
After the ministers left, fully satisfied, Xiao Yun followed Xie Caiqing back to the residence, his face still dark. The moment they stepped inside, he hoisted Xie Caiqing over his shoulder and carried him toward the bedroom without a word. Caught off guard and afraid of falling, Xie Caiqing clutched his neck tightly, breathing heavily. “Your Majesty, put me down!”
Many servants passed by, eyes straight ahead—they were clearly all the emperor’s people.
Xiao Yun ignored him, strode into the room, kicked the door shut with his foot, and flung Xie Caiqing onto the bed. Xie Caiqing felt dizzy from the landing and was about to push himself up when Xiao Yun loomed over him.
His knees were forced apart—Xie Caiqing gasped. Xiao Yun gripped his waist and said darkly, “So disobedient?”
Burying his face in Xie Caiqing’s neck, Xiao Yun caressed his smooth skin and the pulse beneath it, then inexplicably licked it.
The sensation was damp and ticklish. Xie Caiqing instantly softened, gasping, eyes dazed.
His jade hairpin had slipped, dark hair tumbling down. His smooth, tight waist rose and fell with his breath.
Xiao Yun seemed ready to bite, like a predator poised to tear into a fragile artery.
Xie Caiqing was no match for Xiao Yun in strength or in matters of the bed. Alarmed by Xiao Yun’s sudden possessiveness, he tried to maintain the composure expected of a top scholar. “Your Majesty never forbade me from going to the brothel. So why blame me for being disobedient?”
Xiao Yun ground his teeth. “Just because I didn’t forbid it doesn’t mean I allowed it.”
“You said if I was unhappy, I could spend your money however I liked. If you’re so stingy, why—”
“I’m not stingy about money,” Xiao Yun interrupted. “I’m stingy about you. Lucky I came early. I’ll tell you now—if anyone touches even a finger of yours, I’ll have it cut off.”
Xie Caiqing asked, “Are you afraid I’ll be sullied?”
“Sullied?” Xiao Yun frowned. “You’re mine. No one else is allowed to touch you.”
Xie Caiqing barely held back a laugh, but his face remained cool. “Didn’t Your Majesty say you wouldn’t stop me from marrying?”
“…Why are you so stubborn? I even took the fall for you earlier. Look—this scratch, you gave me that. With all those people watching, you still dared to say things like ‘Your Majesty, don’t come here again.’ You sure know how to pass the blame. When have I ever lost face like this? And it was all for you. They think I frequent brothels—when have I ever gotten attached to any girl? What, did I fall for some courtesan named ‘Miss Xie’?”
Xie Caiqing, who had been secretly amused, flushed with shame and looked away. “I didn’t ask Your Majesty to come to the brothel.”
“If you hadn’t misbehaved, would I have gone?”
“You said I could do as I pleased, that you wouldn’t stop me from marrying or taking concubines.”
“….” Xiao Yun clenched his fists so hard his knuckles cracked. Normally, he’d have struck someone by now, but he held back.
“I said that because I didn’t want you to be lonely with no descendants,” he said. “But I never said you could go play at a brothel! And spend my money on women! That’s not leisure—it’s betrayal.”
“Then I’ll take a concubine and have a child tomorrow,” Xie Caiqing replied quietly.
“….” Xiao Yun nearly exploded. “I’ve stayed chaste for you! You think I’m not tempted? Feel this—it’s devoted to you. Only you. Don’t you feel guilty?”
Xie Caiqing, forced to touch him, trembled and blushed. “I never asked you to stay chaste for me.”
Xiao Yun grinned. “Then I’ll hold a beauty selection tomorrow.”
Xie Caiqing raised an eyebrow. “What fortune for the nation. I’m sure the court and people will celebrate. Congratulations, Your Majesty.”
“…” Xiao Yun’s face darkened. “Don’t push me. I swear I’ll do something you won’t like.”
“Then hit me,” Xie Caiqing said, staring at him.
He raised his chin, no longer meek or pleading like before.
Xiao Yun had no idea when he’d started spoiling him like this. He clenched his jaw and forced a smile. “You really think I won’t punish you?”
“You really want to hit me?” Xie Caiqing asked, startled.
“Hit you? That’s the lightest. Since you’re so eager to betray me, I’ll fulfill that wish.”
Xie Caiqing paled. For the first time, he felt the full cruelty Xiao Yun was capable of. He was about to surrender when Xiao Yun added, “What’s wrong? Scared now, Miss Xie?”
Xiao Yun smirked. “Too late. I’m doing this whether you like it or not.”
He let go and walked to the side of the room.
Xie Caiqing, not seeing him, thought he’d gone to call someone else. His face turned white. He wrapped his disheveled clothes around himself and jumped out of bed—only to see Xiao Yun holding a brocade box.
Xie Caiqing trembled and bolted. Xiao Yun caught him around the legs and hauled him back.
The top scholar began struggling fiercely.
“I don’t want it.”
Seeing that he was frightened, Xiao Yun suddenly felt a little sorry for him, so he didn’t keep him in suspense. He leaned over and kissed him, saying jokingly, “Come on, top scholar, take a look. Do you like the man I picked for you?”
Xie Caiqing was startled, took a look inside the opened brocade box, and his face instantly turned completely red.
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