Chapter One: The Return of the Prodigal Son (I)
Recently, Ji Che, the young leader of the Hongshui Gang, has been experiencing some headaches, as a friend of his is coming to the capital. This in itself would not be a problem, but the issue lies in the fact that this friend's interests are somewhat peculiar. To put it nicely, one might call it flirtatious; to put it bluntly, it could be described as debauchery. This individual sent a letter a month ago, requesting him to extend an invitation to the top courtesans of the four major red-light districts in the capital to gather at Huating Tower, solely to welcome him.
Guo Zichen, the assistant to Ji Che, noticed that Ji Che's already few expressions had become even more clouded in recent days, and could not help but advise: "Young Master, you have known Young Master Jiu for quite some time; do you not know what kind of person he is? This matter is not actually difficult to handle. If you personally take action, it would not be a challenge to mobilize not just a few courtesans, but even the entire brothel street."
The one speaking is a handsome young gentleman seated at the head of the table, clad in a sky-blue cloud-patterned satin long robe, the hem intricately embroidered with silver thread, both luxurious and understated. A simple white jade hairpin holds back his black hair, and beneath his full forehead are a pair of phoenix eyes with tips that curve upward, exuding a watery allure filled with emotion. After not seeing him for half a year, this friend who has returned to the capital from afar has not changed much, still presenting the charming and alluring demeanor of a captivating rogue.
Seeing her silent, he couldn't help but reach out to stroke the top of her head: "Let's go, it's getting late." His fingers glided through her thick, smooth black hair, and a faint, almost imperceptible fragrance brought a hint of warmth to his usually indifferent gaze, accompanied by a smile, "And, Qiqi, welcome back to Liaoyangjing."
Immediately, someone grabbed him and laughed, "Young Master Ji, don't leave! If you're late, you must first punish yourself with three cups!"
Young Master Zhao listened in astonishment as he finished—wasn't this meal arranged by Ji Che to welcome Murong Jiu and invite them to accompany him? ... Why did he end up being the one to pay the bill in the end?
You are indeed quite troubled, and your concerns are very reasonable
However, despite the words spoken, he would ultimately not refuse a friend's request. He merely sought a compromise, replacing the courtesan with the top-notch singers and dancers from the "Ya Yin Fang". Although the price remained steep, it was far more elegant and serene than that of the common courtesans. Even though that friend had long since abandoned any sense of morality, he still had to put on a facade of earnestness in trying to salvage the situation, in order to honor the promise made before their elders.
Thank you for the reminder!" Murong Jiu snorted.
This young master, now that you are here, please do not maintain a stern expression. Would it be acceptable for me to make you smile?
Having said that, he dragged himself away, leaving behind a room full of puzzled gazes
Ji Che raised an eyebrow noncommittally and said, "Overall, the act is quite convincing, but when it comes to having a thick skin, I still need to learn a lot from Xiao Jiu."
Who did it? Those musicians who only perform ancient music scores?
Murong Jiu, it has been a long time since we last met. He spoke again, narrowing his eyes, but his voice grew deeper.
The two women exchanged a glance and immediately retreated with a sense of propriety, without the slightest hesitation
You may watch me eat
So it turns out...
Taking advantage of the moment, Ji Che extended his hand and grabbed the collar of Mu Rong Jiu, who was planning to slip away amidst the chaos, and repeated, "Why are you running when I asked you to come out with me?"
He spoke without changing his expression, calm and composed. Those around him assumed he was the leader of a group and must be very busy, so they refrained from persuading him further. Just as they were about to let him leave, a voice of laughter rang out in the room: "Young Master Ji's ability to lie has improved greatly. Everyone, be careful not to be deceived by him. Since you are here, you might as well stay. Don't leave, hey."
The two women were instantly taken aback
"How much did he give you?" Ji Che slightly turned to the side and suddenly asked.
Do you know how much it costs for those four young ladies to go out for a day
If Xiao Jiu is restrained by me, he cannot break free relying solely on his fists and feet
With such inner turmoil, he tugged at the corner of his mouth: "Murong Jiu..."
He wept and accused: "You unscrupulous merchant! You deceitful merchant!"
Do not mention this terrifying word in front of girls with such a calm tone, you bastard! The originally gentle and jade-like voice of the young man finally transformed into an irritated and furious female voice.
Murong Jiu was the first to touch his throat upon hearing the words, and fortunately, the Adam's apple was still there; he then pressed on his chest, which was indeed tightly bound. However, Ji Che impatiently pushed him against the wall and immediately began to tear at his clothes
Murong Jiugang was just brought downstairs by Ji Che, when he used a clever maneuver to break free, flipping his palm and striking towards his chest
On the day of the cleansing banquet, he arrived a bit late due to an unexpected matter. When he pushed open the door to the private room of Huating Building, he found it already filled with people—men and women alike, enjoying exquisite dishes and fine wine, creating a lively atmosphere. However, something felt amiss. The one playing the guqin was clearly the renowned courtesan from Baihua Building, and the one singing seemed to be the captivating headliner from Qinfang Garden. Amidst the enchanting melodies, several alluring women moved gracefully among the guests, their dazzling jewels and ornaments dazzling his eyes.
No matter how much he offers, I will give double and immediately retreat to a distance of three feet away from me. Otherwise, I will have that six-foot-tall man outside beat you to the point where you won't be able to get out of bed for a month. He said slowly, his tone lacking much of a threatening undertone, yet sending chills down the spines of those who heard it
This ... ...
If the petals were to part not the air but his own neck... Young Master Zhao couldn't help but touch his slender neck, shivering slightly, and said tearfully: "Ji Che, it was just a thrown object, no need to be so flamboyant, right?"
Young Master Zhao exerted great effort to pull it down, and what he found was an extremely thin piece of jade flower. ... Ji Che threw this object from such a distance, and it was perfectly embedded in the door panel without damaging the jade quality at all. This precise control of strength is truly ... ! ... Quite terrifying!
He was startled: "Ji Che, what are you doing?"
I see that the nights are filled with springtime pleasures, yet my strength is insufficient
Could it be that I have an upset stomach from something I ate
Here, I forgot to cover it up. He slightly pulled open his collar, placing his index finger on the red mole at his collarbone, looking down at him: What on earth are you and your sister up to
In the spring of the 19th year of Chunping, the Great You Emperor resided in the capital city of Liaoyang.
With one month remaining until the ascension of the new emperor, nobles from all directions, merchants from various routes, and common folk, a mix of fish and dragons, have gathered here
He cast a glance at the two stunning women draped in sheer veils who were nestled beside this enchanting figure. In truth, he had never quite understood why so many women were attracted to men who were even more beautiful than themselves. Did they not feel any shame when looking in the mirror? Moreover, when it comes to judging whether a man is good or bad, physical appearance is the least valuable criterion of all
Ah Che? The young master was clearly very familiar with his change in expression. Upon seeing this, his demeanor shifted slightly, and he quickly clarified: "These young ladies were not brought by me; it was Young Master Zhao and the others who found the musicians at Yayin Fang to be quite dull, as they could only play the piano and sing lyrics, and could not even perform a single seductive song. That is why they decided to change them at the last minute"
Ji Che said: "I have something urgent to attend to, you all take your time to play, I will be back shortly" and *illustration* book
He raised his eyebrows, said nothing, and turned to leave
It has been two years since I last saw Ji Che, and you have become even more malicious!
Ji Che seemed to have anticipated this long ago; with a light misstep, he dodged aside. Extending his hand, he grasped the sleeve of the other person and pulled him into a small alley beside Huating Tower
Amidst the heated discussions, Young Master Zhao, sitting beside Murong Jiu, suddenly recalled an extremely important matter and hurriedly rushed to the door, shouting: "Young Master Ji, the bill for this meal..."
"Do not..." The young master instinctively refused, only to realize that the people around him were looking at him with strange expressions. In a moment of quick thinking, he leaned down and whispered to the two women beside him. Their eyes immediately lit up, and they simultaneously turned to look at Ji Che at the door, standing up and walking towards him with a graceful sway of their waists
... ...
Hmm, it seems that Xiao Jiu is a bit off today
As long as he smiles, the handsome young man will agree to give one hundred taels of silver. Such a good deal, only a fool would refuse it
Upon hearing this, Murong Jiu immediately retracted the leg he was about to kick out, intending to lower his head and feign weakness. However, Ji Che had already coldly interrupted him: "Useless, the cover has already been blown."
Ji Che heard the sound and couldn't help but frown as he turned to look in the direction of the noise
Hmm. Ji Che nodded noncommittally and said: "Come out with me for a moment."
"You are welcome." Ji Che, with an unchanged expression, released his grip, adjusted his collar for him, and then stared at her for a moment before saying: "Qiqi, it seems you have gained some weight."
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At this very moment, a woman is attempting to reach into the collar of a young gentleman. Although she is promptly restrained, in that instant, the expression on the young gentleman's face resembles a mask that has suddenly cracked open, with a hint of embarrassment spreading from the depths of his eyes.
Everyone: "... ..." Since it's not us paying the bill, let's just pretend we didn't see it... ...
What is your intention in saying I am fat while suggesting we go eat a whole roasted lamb
That ... ...
When do you think Murong Jiu will be able to repay the money to me
Outside the door, Guo Zichen waited silently, tears streaming down his face: "Young Master, I have never struck a woman; my reputation has been ruined by you..."
Ji Che glanced at him lightly and said, "I know it is not difficult to handle"
Ji Che continued to ask expressionlessly: "I am hungry, shall we go eat roasted whole lamb?"
Ji Che coldly looked at the two individuals. Although his eyes were beautiful, the chill emanating from his gaze startled even the two seasoned individuals. However, upon recalling the enticing conditions proposed by the handsome young man earlier, they immediately gathered their courage and approached him, four hands reaching out to touch him, giggling as they said: "Young master, are you ticklish? Just smile, come on, just smile..."
Murong Jiu lowered his head to look at the revealing red mole, then raised his head and wrinkled his nose to correct, "Wrong, it is elder sister and younger brother, not sister and brother!"
"Usually, even if I can't defeat Ji Che, I would at least have the upper hand in words. Why have I become mute today?"
Ji Che looked from a distance, playfully re-evaluating the person he had known since childhood—a handsome face with a charmingly wicked aura, sharply defined lips, a smooth jawline, a long neck, and a red mole near the collarbone... Wait, a red mole?
In the distance, the calm voice of the young master Ji Shao was heard: "I will not be dining with Murong Jiu for this meal. Your name is left on the bill, and you hold the VIP card for Huating Tower, which allows for a 10% discount. No need to thank me, I will take my leave first."
His voice suddenly stopped
Before he could speak, an object flew past his face and was pinned to the door panel beside him