Liu Zhenqing was a frequent visitor to the Drunken Spring, the largest brothel in the capital. There was, after all, very little entertainment in ancient times. This place was considered to be the liveliest establishment in the capital at night, with everything from food and drink to entertainment. One could occasionally come across some interesting things, join in the fun, and listen to gossip. Ultimately, it was a good place to kill time.

Liu Zhenqing was beautiful, wealthy, generous, and knew how to please women. The girls in this establishment wanted to accompany Liu Zhenqing even for free. 

Although there were countless stories about Liu Zhenqing’s love affairs with various courtesans here, the girls all knew in their hearts that no one had truly been with Liu Zhenqing.

Liu Zhenqing’s habit of keeping himself clean made the girls in the establishment like him even more. Many of them had given him their hearts in truth, but they could only love him secretly.

In the largest private room on the second floor, a few obviously drunk men sat on the floor laughing.

“Feihan has a wife now and won’t play with us anymore.”

“Yes, yes, it’s a rare Courtesan Night. We all have wives, but we’re not controlled to death like Huo Feihan, so we came just to watch.”

“Aiya, don’t tell me we still have a single person here?”

Everyone sent Liu Zhenqing mocking looks. He softly tapped his wine cup and said: “I think that if you have a wife, you should be like Huo-dage and only be with her. After all, if you already liked her enough to marry her, what’s the use of spending time with other girls?”

They were all displeased by these words. “Then why haven’t you gotten married?”

“Because I want to spend time with other girls,” Liu Zhenqing shot back smoothly.

This scumbag’s remark caused everyone to burst into laughter.

At this time, a young girl came in to serve them wine. Such a young girl wouldn’t accompany the guests, so she just kept her head lowered and left after serving the wine. But one of the young masters was drunk and, seeing the pretty little girl, he took her into his arms. The girl was so frightened that she struggled and begged for mercy with tears in her eyes.

Just as the young master was about to use threats and coercion, he suddenly heard someone pound their wine cup down hard on the table.

When everyone saw that it was Liu Zhenqing, they immediately warned the young master.

The young master also recalled that he must not do anything to embarrass the girls when out drinking with Liu Zhenqing, and immediately smiled and released the young girl.

“Xiting still likes to play the hero and save damsels in distress,” someone said wryly.

“Aiya, that’s not the case. I just think it’s embarrassing for a man to bully a girl,” Liu Zhenqing said with a smile.

As they were laughing and chatting, the Courtesan Night began. Courtesan Night was a time for them to show off their talents. Each girl would go onstage and perform, and customers would buy flowers to toss onto the stage. Whoever received the most flowers would be the winner. And that courtesan would have the right to choose her partner for the night.

Without saying a word, Liu Zhenqing bought 500 taels of flowers, ready to reward anyone who performed well. Others had also come to support their favorite girls.

“I say, it’s useless for us to join in the fun. Xiting is here today. No matter which courtesan wins, she’ll definitely choose him tonight.”

“Yeah, this is unfair!”

“Next time, don’t invite Xiting to this kind of thing!”

Liu Zhenqing smiled, saying nothing. Courtesans sometimes wanted to borrow his name, and on the nights they weren’t receiving customers, they would spread gossip to boost their reputations. Liu Zhenqing was happy to cooperate. 

But he never expected that there would be a girl smart enough to use him to win the title of Top Courtesan.

Dong Yun was familiar with Liu Zhenqing. She had a good figure and danced well, but generally speaking, it would be very difficult to stand out tonight. So when she came onstage, she deliberately asked the qin player to pretend to be injured and unable to play.

Dong Yun feigned helplessness, and finally looked to Liu Zhenqing for help. Liu Zhenqing was famous for his qin skills, and under everyone’s encouragement, he also went onstage to play. He didn’t hate such small tricks.

And Dong Yun didn’t hide it. She said when he came onstage: “Please help me, Young Master. I’ll definitely repay you in the future.”

Liu Zhenqing smiled gently and just asked which song she wanted, then sat down to accompany her.

However, when Liu Zhenqing came on stage, more people looked at him than at Dong Yun. After all, many people who attended such an occasion liked both men and women. Seeing Liu Zhenqing, who was more beautiful than any other girl who had taken the stage and whose skills were truly unparalleled, they naturally couldn’t help but take a few more glances. Due to their statuses, they usually didn’t have the opportunity to see him.

And at this moment, under the background candlelight and atmosphere-creating fragrance in the brothel, Liu Zhenqing looked like a dream, as beautiful as an immortal. In addition to his casual manner after drinking, his qin-playing posture was elegant and romantic.

Not only were the women stunned, but many men were also staring with wide eyes.

A man’s waist could be so slender? His posture could be so good? His face could be so beautiful? The brilliance of his eyes was captivating even when they weren’t focused on a single individual. How thrilling would it be if he looked at them?

The more they looked, the more they marveled. He truly deserved Drunken Spring’s title of “unparalleled beauty.” 

If they could obtain him by spending a fortune, countless people here would be willing to spend all they had.

But given the other party’s identity, they could only imagine it without daring to do anything else.

Liu Zhenqing could actually sense everyone’s furtive glances at him while he was playing, but he kept feeling like one of those gazes was more intense, to the point of making him uncomfortable.

There were many ruffians in the capital who had been dealt with by him. Few people dared to provoke him before, much less in the present. How could they dare to offend him?

Liu Zhenqing glanced over casually, but there were too many people around and he was unable to locate the source of that gaze. He couldn’t see Huo Fenglie, who was staring at him from a distance with blazing eyes.

Dong Yun was the last performer, and left a stunning impression on everyone. She was named Top Courtesan, and took the opportunity to extend an invitation to Liu Zhenqing. Everyone was envious, but among those voices of envy, it was unclear who that envy was directed toward. 

Huo Fenglie was already accustomed to such scenes. He just went to the room next to Dong Yun’s with a sullen expression and pretended to be an ordinary guest.

He had realized in recent years that Liu Zhenqing’s romantic nature was a falsehood. He had followed Qing-ge into brothels numerous times, and although Qing-ge flirted with others, everyone abided by propriety. But Huo Fenglie was still worried, ah. He was still too young in Qing-ge’s eyes, and had no position or qualifications. He could only keep a close eye on him for the time being to prevent others from snatching him away.

And Huo Fenglie’s behavior every time he made an appearance here was naturally noticed by the proprietor. The proprietor was very good with people and knew that Huo Fenglie wasn’t here to enjoy himself, so she only sent someone to deliver wine and didn’t send anyone to entertain this guest.

But tonight, something unexpected happened. An ambitious person had come. After a while, the inexperienced Huo Fenglie smelled an unfamiliar scent, but remained leaning against the wall. He concentrated on listening next door and didn’t pay attention to it.

After an untold length of time, he suddenly heard Dong Yun’s sweet voice next door: “Young Master Liu, give it a try. Please, please just try it.”

“…..That…..Okay.”

Huo Fenglie’s face paled. Without a care for the girl pouring wine in his room, he rushed out of this room and into the next.

Going over excuses in his mind, he was about to knock on the door and stop them when he suddenly heard a woman’s scream.

Huo Fenglie’s expression emptied. No longer caring about excuses, he simply kicked open the door.

“Qing-ge!”

As soon as he entered, he was struck dumb.

And so were the two people inside.

Dong Yun’s white arm was placed on a table, where Liu Zhenqing was giving her acupuncture. His technique, however, was so poor that he’d made her bleed.

“Um…..Fenglie? Why are you here? What happened?” Liu Zhenqing said in bewilderment. Huo Fenglie’s entrance had been so fierce. He’d even kicked in the door.

“I….heard a scream and thought…..someone was up to no good.” Huo Fenglie’s mind had gone blank. No excuse he had prepared could explain his behavior just now, so he could only make up some nonsense. He didn’t know if he was anxious or if it was because he was telling a lie to Qing-ge, but Huo Fenglie felt his breathing quicken and his entire body began to feel hot.

Liu Zhenqing was instantly amused. Wasn’t it normal to hear such a sound in a place like this? Ai? Wait!

Liu Zhenqing’s eyes widened, and he said: “W….why are you here? Didn’t I tell you not to come here until you’re eighteen?”

Huo Fenglie was suddenly unable to utter a word. His mind was full of the rules set by Qing-ge. It seemed that since he wasn’t an adult until age eighteen, he had no right to express anything and could only hide in the dark. He hated the age eighteen rule, but it had been set by Qing-ge and he had to abide by it.

Just as Huo Fenglie was thinking wildly, he sensed that something was wrong. He seemed unable to hear the sounds around him, and only Qing-ge’s figure could be seen in his line of view.

Liu Zhenqing treated Huo Fenglie as his own little brother, and was about to discipline him when he saw the other’s body sway. Then Huo Fenglie lost his balance and leaned against the door.

Shocked, Liu Zhenqing rushed forward to support him before he could fall. 

But then Huo Fenglie took him into his arms.

Hot breath gusted against Liu Zhenqing’s throat. The heat of his body could be felt through their layers of clothing, not to mention the other’s tenseness and trembling. 

“Qing-ge…..Qing-ge…..” Huo Fenglie was already somewhat out of his mind, and could only mutter to himself.

Liu Zhenqing knew something wasn’t right. Before he could take Huo Fenglie’s pulse, he saw a young girl rushing toward him in a panic. But when she glimpsed this scene, she was so frightened that she immediately fled. Liu Zhenqing came to a sudden realization.

Dong Yun beside him seemed to understand something, and quickly explained: “It’s probably the incense here. I’m sorry, Young Master Liu. It seems like this young master was affected by accident.”

“Get the antidote!”

Dong Yun stared. This was the first time she’d heard Liu Zhenqing speak so impolitely, and she was instantly flustered: “Young Master, this…..this is just for fun. It’s not a poison, so why would there be an antidote, ah? Perhaps this is the young master’s first time smelling it, and he couldn’t handle the effects. How about we find him a girl?”

“No need!” Liu Zhenqing tsked. He rummaged around in his robes, but found that he hadn’t brought the medicine bag from Medical Valley.

“Ah?” Dong Yun stared, and could only say: “Then…..just leave him…..by himself. It may take a few more times and be a little uncomfortable…..Young Master Liu, how about we make some space for the young master?”

What she meant was to let Huo Fenglie handle his problem here on his own.

Liu Zhenqing frowned. Although Huo Fenglie had clearly reacted while holding him, and he could actually feel it a little, he wasn’t willing to let his beloved Er-gou experience such embarrassment in a place like this. He decided to go back and retrieve the medicine left to him by his master.

This place was close to Liu Manor, so Liu Zhenqing asked for a carriage and planned to take Huo Fenglie straight there.

Liu Zhenqing held Huo Fenglie and coaxed him for a long time before leading this dazed person out.

After pushing Huo Fenglie into the carriage and telling the driver where to go, he also climbed onboard. As a result, as soon as he lifted the curtain, he was grabbed and dragged inside. By the time Liu Zhenqing could react, he was already being pinned down by Huo Fenglie, who was of a height with him, but was obviously stronger.

In this posture, a certain thing became particular evident. Liu Zhenqing was stunned at first – then his face reddened when Huo Fenglie began to move according to instinct. Liu Zhenqing felt his embarrassment spread, making his scalp tingle and his skin feel as if ants were crawling on it.

And there was also a strange sense of oppression.

He had originally thought it was just a fun supplement and wouldn’t affect his rationality too much, but this was basically like some kind of drug. Did he think Liu Zhenqing was a girl?

Liu Zhenqing was both angry and amused. He decided to end this ridiculous farce, but just as he opened his mouth, his vision went dark. At the critical moment, Liu Zhenqing moved his hand.

By the time he reacted, Hou Fenglie was lightly nibbling the back of his hand.

Just in time. If not for his conditioned reflex, he would have been kissed just now.

Liu Zhenqing’s eyes widened. He was about to push Er-gou away when the other’s eyes suddenly opened and stared straight at him. It should be difficult to see anything in the dark carriage, but Er-gou’s eyes were as black as obsidian, and Liu Zhenqing could see them clearly. His heart inexplicably trembled, as if he was being stared at by some terrible beast. The aggression in that look made him want to run away.

Liu Zhenqing suddenly returned to his senses and turned his wrist, hitting Huo Fenglie right in the ribcage. When the pain came, Huo Fenglie finally regained some rationality.

“Ah….Qing-ge…..” Huo Fenglie seemed to feel what he was doing, and his face immediately reddened in shame. He rolled over and shrank into the corner of the carriage.

He wasn’t very old, after all, and even though he was facing someone he had liked for a long time, this kind of thing still put him in a fluster.

Once Liu Zhenqing got over the initial shock and embarrassment, he didn’t overthink things. This was only a teenager under the influence of drugs.

“Calm down, just bear with it for a while. Wait until we get to Liu Manor, and you can take some medicine.” Liu Zhenqing felt sorry for Er-gou, who was facing such a situation for the first time, and said: “Don’t be afraid. It’s alright, Qing-ge is here.”

Huo Fenglie didn’t answer, but he began to shake again and was obviously in great discomfort. Seeing that there was still half the journey to go, Liu Zhenqing could only sit up with a cough and face the main door curtain. Sitting with his back to Er-gou, he said: “If you really can’t bear it, just relieve yourself. Qing-ge won’t look, so don’t be shy.”

“No…..I won’t. I…..I can bear it.”

He clearly sounded as if he was on fire, but Huo Fenglie’s personality had always been like this. Liu Zhenqing didn’t say anything further, and just hoped the journey would be swift.

But their luck was poor, and they were caught in a traffic jam when passing a busy road, unable to move forward or backward. Liu Zhenqing’s face paled.

He looked back at Huo Fenglie, who seemed as if his body was about to explode, and could only say with a cough: “It’s going to take a while here. You…..don’t hold it in and cause problems for yourself.”

After saying this, Liu Zhenqing lifted the curtain and was about to get out.

Huo Fenglie suddenly grabbed his arm from behind and said: “Qing-ge, don’t go!”

Liu Zhenqing was stunned, but didn’t look back. Perhaps sensing the boy’s embarrassment, he wondered if Er-gou was experiencing this situation for the first time. He was still feeling uneasy, so he didn’t let him go, ah. But if he didn’t let him go, would Er-gou have the nerve to do it?

Just as he was lost in thought, he heard Er-gou say: “Qing-ge, can you just stay here and cover your ears?”

Liu Zhenqing thought about it for a moment, then smiled helplessly. He covered his ears obediently, saying: “I won’t look back. I’ll keep my eyes closed and guard the door for you. Don’t worry.”

Huo Fenglie sat behind him, staring at him with a deep gaze. He didn’t retract the hand holding Liu Zhenqing’s arm when he covered his ears, but slid it to his shoulder.

Liu Zhenqing only felt the hand on his shoulder, and was unaware of what the other hand was doing.

He seemed to hear Huo Fenglie’s voice, but there was a fight going on outside and it wasn’t quiet enough. Liu Zhenqing was covering his ears and couldn’t hear anything. He thought the sound was just breathing, unaware that these heavy breaths were whispering two words.

“Qing-ge…..”

Then the hand on his shoulder suddenly clenched. Liu Zhenqing felt the pain of Huo Fenglie’s grip, then an impact against his back as the other’s forehead fell onto it. The hand on his shoulder fell to his thin waist, and a chin landed on his shoulder. 

It was a quiet, intimate embrace from behind.

Liu Zhenqing hadn’t felt anything when this happened earlier in the day, but now he felt a little uncomfortable. He had no hearing or vision, but he still had his sense of smell.

Just as his mind was completely blank, he heard the driver say that he was able to continue on.

This voice startled Liu Zhenqing so much that his heart skipped a guilty beat.

And Er-gou behind him also released his grip. Perhaps due to embarrassment, he shrank back when Liu Zhenqing turned around to ask him how he was.

It wasn’t until Huo Fenglie got to Liu Manor, took the antidote, and fell into an exhausted slumber in Liu Zhenqing’s bed that the thrilling night came to an end.

But that night, Liu Zhenqing’s sleep was uneasy. In his dream, a giant wolf stared at him and pinned him down with its claws. Then the giant wolf lowered its head, as if about to feast.

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