Volume One, Chapter 19: The Crown Prince Visits the Courtesan

“Did you all see it yesterday?” Fang Yang asked slowly.

The group nodded.

“Hm?”

Fang Yang’s expression changed abruptly.

Everyone quickly shook their heads.

“Zhang Long!” Fang Yang called out sharply.

“Yes, Young Master!” Zhang Long responded respectfully.

“Tell me, did you see it?”

Zhang Long hesitated, feeling somewhat troubled. Why did the question have to be directed at him?

“Speak up!”

Lowering his head, Zhang Long whispered, “Yes, I saw it.”

“Who else?”

Fang Yang’s face grew cold.

“Everyone saw it, and even the passing townsfolk know about it,” Zhang Long hurriedly replied.

Fang Yang was speechless.

A wave of helplessness washed over him. He hadn’t expected his words to be known outside.

What Fang Yang didn’t realize was that when Zhang Long said everyone saw it, they had only seen him vomiting uncontrollably in front of the Duke’s mansion gate.

As for the strange looks people gave him, it was because they were trying to bring him inside, but he clung stubbornly to the stone lion at the gate, resisting and trying to run away.

As for Fang Yang himself, he only remembered writing the Six Kingdoms Treatise at the tavern, becoming increasingly absorbed, then drinking a little wine, after which his memory failed.

“Enough, no more talk. You did well at the tavern yesterday,” Fang Yang shifted his tone.

He continued, “I always reward merit and punish faults. Tonight, I’m treating you all. I’ll take you to enjoy some entertainment.”

“What?” The guards were stunned.

The Young Master said he would take them to a pleasure house?

“Why? Don’t want to go?” Fang Yang asked, surprised.

He hadn’t expected any of the men to dislike that.

Everyone quickly shook their heads.

Then in unison, they shouted, “How dare we not show loyalty to the Young Master!”

Fang Yang smiled faintly.

“Young Master, how can you go to such a place? If the Lord finds out, he’ll surely punish you again,” Lian’er frowned and asked.

“Hmph! My father isn’t home. Whatever I do, how could he possibly know?” Fang Yang sneered.

“But... but...” Lian’er faltered.

“Why are you betraying me?” Fang Yang glared fiercely at her.

Lian’er was frightened and hurriedly shook her head.

“Come on! Young Master invites you to explore life!” Fang Yang waved his hand and led the group out.

***

“What about me?” Lian’er quickly asked.

Without turning his head, Fang Yang said, “Hmph! Yesterday, Manager Wang didn’t keep an eye on the brewed wine. He’s punished by being sent down to procure grain. If he can’t buy enough, his salary next month will be docked. You’ll take over his duties for a few days.”

“Ah?” Lian’er was stunned.

But Fang Yang had already gone far away.

Angrily, Lian’er stomped her foot and hurried to discuss the matter with Steward Fang.

***

Meanwhile, at the Ministry of Rites.

Agulabatu grumbled with dissatisfaction, “What’s up with Great Chu? They drag things out. If they agree, just say yes; if not, then start the war. Why waste so much time on trivial matters? If it were up to me, the Khan would have led the troops here months ago to seize money, grain, and women!”

Agulabasan frowned at these words.

Glancing outside to ensure no one was nearby, he lowered his voice and said, “Silence! If it were possible, the Khan would have acted a month ago. Right now, he’s busy subduing the Wusuo tribe to the west. Once that’s done, the army will march. This is just a delay. Don’t you understand?”

“Hmph! That’s your business. I’m sick of doing nothing here every day. I’m going out to see the beauties with slender waists in Chu country,” Agulabatu snorted, clearly frustrated.

Agulabasan frowned and watched him.

Seeing this rough fellow was really restless, he cautioned, “You may go, but don’t cause trouble.”

“Got it,” Agulabatu grumbled.

***

In Xuanyang District, at the residence of the Duke of Qian.

Unlike the Duke of Cheng’s residence, the Duke of Qian’s was located at the northern end of Xuanyang District, closer to the imperial palace.

At this moment, Mu Ying, son of the Duke of Qian, was respectfully receiving a visitor.

This visitor was none other than the crown prince, Chu Neng.

“I am Mu Ying, paying respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince,” Mu Ying bowed deeply.

Chu Neng quickly pulled him up.

“No need for such formality, I’m in disguise today, incognito.”

Mu Ying’s brow twitched immediately. “Then, where is His Majesty?”

“No matter, that’s none of your concern.”

Chu Neng waved his hand and continued, “I heard you also study at the Imperial Academy. Recently, the Academy had a notorious figure who urinated in the wine gourd—Fang Yang. Do you know of him?”

Mu Ying was momentarily stunned.

He forced a bitter smile and said, “To be honest, Your Highness, I was the one who reported his deeds.”

Chu Neng’s expression grew strange.

After a moment, he said, “Then you must know he is the son of the Duke of Cheng, right?”

“I do,” Mu Ying replied.

“I want you to take me to the Duke of Cheng’s residence. Are you willing?”

Mu Ying was speechless. He had thought that after the Fairy’s intoxication, he wouldn’t have to associate with Fang Yang again. Yet here, the crown prince was asking him to take him to see Fang Yang tonight.

“What if it’s difficult? You can just drop me off at the Duke of Cheng’s gate. I’ll go in myself,” Chu Neng added softly.

Mu Ying had no choice but to say, “It’s getting late, Your Highness…”

Before Mu Ying finished, the prince interrupted.

“My oversight. It’s not proper to disturb him so late. Fine, I won’t go. But since I’m out anyway…”

Chu Neng’s thoughts shifted rapidly.

He then slowly said, “The palace gates will still be locked when I return, which is troublesome. Wait! I know!”

Suddenly clapping his hands, his eyes glowed as he looked at Mu Ying.

“I’ve heard the Wine Pavilion at the Fragrance Parlor has the most enchanting drinks. Take me there for a visit!”

“What?” Mu Ying was stunned.

What was this? Taking the crown prince to a brothel?

Who was this? The crown prince! The foundation of the nation!

And yet he wanted Mu Ying, son of a duke, to escort him to a brothel?

If the court officials found out, even if he had ten lives, Mu Ying wouldn’t survive!

“Your Highness, this… this…” Mu Ying panicked.

“Don’t be afraid. I just want to see where the talented poets gather and recite. Nothing else,” Chu Neng assured him.

“Your Highness, I think we should find Fang Yang instead. I feel more at ease with him,” Mu Ying said helplessly.

Though reluctant to meet Fang Yang, compared to taking the prince to a brothel, meeting Fang Yang was a blissful thought.

“It’s late. How could I disturb others’ rest?” Chu Neng said solemnly.

Mu Ying silently wailed, ‘Then can you not disturb me?’

He tried to persuade a little more.

But the prince said firmly, “I’ve made up my mind. Will you come or not? If not, I’ll go alone.”

Mu Ying gave up.

He had been told by his father to befriend the crown prince well.

And this was the outcome?

Truly heartbreaking.

Watching the eager prince, Mu Ying quickly warned, “Your Highness, within the pleasure house, there are all kinds of people. You’d better change your title.”

“Fine! I… understand,” the prince nodded.

“Also, your identity…”

After agreeing on the arrangements, Mu Ying took money, summoned two skilled guards, and left the Duke’s residence...