Chapter 3, The Fury of Hou Fangyu

Qin Mu had no ulterior motives to sympathize with these people; as for the notions of protecting one's home and country, that is utter nonsense. He should wait until tomorrow when he is not on the verge of starvation before making grandiose statements.

Beneath this intoxicating splendor, there are certainly some tragic scenes; beggars relying on alms can be seen everywhere, as well as those selling their children. Among them are not a few scholars dressed in Confucian robes. With years of famine in the northern regions and the ravages of bandits like Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong, it is inevitable that those whose families have been shattered will flock to this southeastern paradise, the last refuge.

However, one undeniable fact is that their resistance has almost completely failed, with none able to organize a substantial counteraction. This stands in stark contrast to their previous arrogance when they claimed to be the only ones capable of directing the course of events, indicating that these individuals are indeed lacking in capability

These individuals criticize and criticize, feeling that everything about the Ming Dynasty is lacking; later, most of them went to serve as subordinates under the Manchu Qing Dynasty

The voice of the young master Qin abruptly ceased, and immediately he felt two warm pancakes stuffed into his hands. As he inhaled the rich aroma and watched the figure of the woman bending down to tidy up her stall, for some reason, his eyes inexplicably became slightly moist.

Mao Xiang hurriedly came forward to mediate. It was unclear whether Hou Fangyu was softened by Li Xiangjun's tears or had vented enough, but under Mao Xiang's persuasion, his tone became gentler. He offered a few words of comfort to Li Xiangjun before leaving with Mao Xiang downstairs.

"Madam, aren’t you tired watching over two pots by yourself? If you trust me, how about I help you watch one?" Young Master Qin firmly believed that kindness would always be rewarded. Not only did he put on a familiar smile, but he also rolled up his sleeves, ready to take over one of the iron pots.

There is no need for the young master to shout, it is getting late, and the old woman is about to pack up.

He was seething with anger as he rushed towards the Meixiang Building. His friend, Mao Xiang, followed him to mediate, but the more he tried to persuade, the more embarrassed Young Master Hou felt. By the time he entered the door, he even omitted the usual greetings and directly shouted, "What is going on? How could you allow that person with the surname Qin to stay overnight in the room?"

The noble character of the young lord of the Qin dynasty was completely abandoned by him, resulting in him wandering through eighteen streets, exhausted to the point of numbness in his legs, yet he could not even find a job sweeping the latrines

What are your plans, Brother Zhao Zong?

Brother Zhao, please do not hesitate to speak.

In recent days, Qian Wan has caused a great uproar at the Mei Xiang Lou, even taking the lawsuit to the authorities, stirring up a significant commotion in the city of Jinling. Such romantic affairs are most eagerly spread by the common people, who do not hesitate to unleash their imagination, with all sorts of tales circulating. Some even describe in detail the positions of Qin Mu and Li Xiangjun in bed.

Not tiresome, not tiresome, how could it be tiresome? The way this old lady makes pancakes has truly opened my eyes; it can be said to be endlessly fascinating. However, dear lady, as the saying goes, even the finest wine fears a deep alley. How about I help you shout a few words to ensure your pancakes sell like hotcakes? The integrity of Young Master Qin has long been shattered, and now he speaks without restraint. "Ladies and gentlemen, as you pass by, do not miss out! Look, ever since I started eating this lady's pancakes, my waist no longer aches, my legs no longer hurt, and I've become smarter. My parents no longer have to worry about my studies..."

There is much to explore in this matter, which can be summarized into two main points

Han Xin's story and the matters of literature have also been heard by the old woman, but over the course of several thousand years, there has only been one Han Xin. Young master, it is better to take care of yourself first in this world... Alas! It is not easy to survive.

As soon as the two got into the car, Hou Fangyu's expression darkened again. After a moment of contemplation, he said: "As long as that person with the surname Qin remains in Jinling for a day, this rumor is likely to be difficult to dispel"

When a person's jealousy is at its peak, it is not so easy to persuade them. Hou Fangyu looked down at Li Xiangjun and continued to question sternly: "He was injured for you; you can simply provide him with some money for treatment. Even if you want to personally take care of the medicine, can't Meixiang Tower spare a room for that?"

The young master of the Qin family trudged along with heavy steps, continuously addressing the heavens, until the aroma of pancakes once again wafted into his nostrils, truly a case of searching high and low without success, only to unknowingly find himself here.

The sun gradually sets in the west, and on both banks of the Qinhuai River, the sound of flutes and drums emanates from the tall pavilions. Painted boats glide over the clear waves, and the visitors seeking beauty come and go, their carriages and horses bustling about, creating an increasingly lively scene

I hope Brother Bijiang can assist me with this matter

Is time travel fun? Nonsense. What is this about having multiple wives? If I don't time travel, I could easily become dozens of little Ming's "sugar daddies". Why would I need to take on this high-risk, uninsured job?

However, even though he has a thick skin, it is now difficult for him to move forward. Although the old lady's words are quite cultured, they clearly carry a sense of flattery that can be lethal, elevating you high while allowing you to starve in your own self-respect and self-love

Whether to willingly serve as a subordinate or to rise up in rebellion is a matter for later discussion, and I shall not elaborate further on it here

Hou Fangyu and Mao Xiang got out of the car in front of Mei Xiang Lou and went upstairs together to find Li Xiangjun. The two were regulars, well-known in the literary circles, and could be said to have free passage within the establishment.

This reputation has also provided convenience for the courtesans, with both aspects complementing and enhancing each other. Many renowned courtesans vied to present gifts to Qiu Bo, and the one who became associated with Hou Fangyu was Li Xiangjun. The two had been exchanging poetry and paintings for two to three years, establishing a romantic relationship, and Li Xiangjun had been waiting for Young Master Hou to help her redeem herself.

What kind of scholar? A scholar is of no use at all. If it weren't for that Qin Mu in the past, who only knew how to study hard, turning this body into one that couldn't even tie up a chicken, struggling to hold a bean sprout with both hands, how could I possibly not be able to grab a knife now and do the most unskilled work? Is it really necessary to be this hungry?

Young master, you have been standing here watching this old woman make pancakes for quite a while; don't you find it tiresome to watch?

"Young master? A man who lives off others, how can he even be called a young master! You actually let him stay overnight in the house, do you know what everyone in the city is saying?" Hou Fangyu grew increasingly angry; for him, the truth was irrelevant, what mattered was how the citizens of the city spoke of him

First, establish good relations with mainstream media. To put it bluntly, it is akin to associating with famous courtesans, indulging in the beauty of Qingxi and Baishi, and enjoying the life of a wealthy young master with fine horses and exquisite companions. The advantage of this approach is that it is easy to gain fame, as people are always fascinated by romantic escapades.

The individual surnamed Qin has failed the imperial examination three times and is now on the waiting list for a position in the Ministry of Personnel. I have heard that the last two county magistrates of Huichang in Jiangxi both fell victim to bandits. It has been a year since Huichang has had any official governance, and the Ministry of Personnel has dispatched several individuals, yet none dare to take up the post, all due to the persistent presence of fierce bandits.

Indeed, it is no surprise that the people of Jinling City possess such cultural depth. The words of an elderly woman selling pancakes and books carry a certain literary flavor, intermingled with the aroma of pancakes, and Young Master Qin is certain he has not misheard.

Mao Xiang advised, "Brother Zhao Zong, Miss Xiang Jun indeed has her own difficulties. There is no need for you to take it to heart. As the saying goes, rumors cease with the wise. As long as you do not pay them any mind, in due time, the outside rumors will naturally dissipate."

Young Master Hou was greatly shocked upon hearing this matter, considering it a profound humiliation. The fact that he and Li Xiangjun had mutually pledged their love was known to all. Now, with Li Xiangjun suddenly engaging in such a situation with Qin Mu, it was naturally something he could endure no longer.

Secondly, hold more discussion meetings. To put it nicely, it is called hosting a public discourse, but in reality, it is merely gathering a group of people to boast and chat idly. The Fourth Young Master, being young and impetuous, prides himself on his talents and often hosts banquets at Taoye Ferry, inviting the remnants of the "Six Gentlemen." Once the banner of these remnants is raised, it is certain that renowned scholars will gather. After indulging in wine and revelry, they will point out the state of affairs, criticize the government, and frequently burst into wild lamentations, drawing attention.

Li Xiangjun greeted with a joyful expression. In recent days, Qian Wan had been incessantly causing a commotion at Meixiang Building, leaving Li Xiangjun feeling aggrieved and eager to confide in her beloved. However, upon their first meeting, Hou Fangyu immediately began to question her harshly.

The number of members in the society approaches ten thousand, as numerous as fish crossing the river. There are many individuals whose writings surpass those of the Four Scholars. Why then have they become known as the "Four Young Masters"?

Only Young Master Hou remained unchanged in expression today. After hearing about the matter between Li Xiangjun and Qin Mu, he could not sit still and immediately came to seek an explanation from Li Xiangjun

Qin Mu couldn't help but smile awkwardly, impulsiveness is the devil, how could such words slip out? ... Perhaps saying this was more about comforting himself in the Anhe Library, after all, Han Xin wasn't in a much better position before he became successful, a true man can endure and adapt ...! ... Pah pah pah!

Young Master ... ..." Li Xiangjun was left speechless, with two lines of clear tears silently sliding down her cheeks, resembling pear blossoms in the rain

"Madam, the kindness shown today will be remembered by me for all eternity. In the future, I will certainly repay you with a hundred gold coins."

Certainly, there were also a small number of individuals who took up arms against the Qing dynasty. The courage of these anti-Qing individuals is commendable, and their spirit is worthy of promotion

Li Xiangjun never imagined that the once eloquent and courteous Hou Fangyu would turn out like this, the bitterness in her heart making her eyes misty: "Young Master Hou, there is truly nothing between Qin Gongzi and me. On that day, when he saved me, he was gravely injured, and his life was uncertain. It is only natural for me to keep him here to take care of the medicine. I hope you will not take it to heart..." The bitterness in her heart made her eyes misty: "Young Master Hou, there is truly nothing between Qin Gongzi and me. On that day, when he saved me, he was gravely injured, and his life was uncertain. It is only natural for me to keep him here to take care of the medicine. I hope you will not take it to heart..."

Hou Fangyu, aged 25, and Mao Xiang, aged 33, both dressed elegantly with flowing sleeves, truly embody charm and grace. In the city of Jinling, there is not a single courtesan who does not recognize these two young gentlemen

Her expression turned pale as she said: "Young Master, please listen to me. This matter is not as it is rumored outside; I am innocent with Young Master Qin..."

Hou and Mao, along with Tongcheng's Fang Yizhi and Yixing's Chen Zhenhui, are collectively known as the Four Young Masters of the Revival Society, esteemed by the world

Are those who wear it really impressive? Why don't you give it a try instead of just talking without experiencing it yourself

The Four Young Masters, through the aforementioned means, along with a few individuals who indeed wrote several commendable articles, naturally saw their reputation grow like a dogtail grass that has consumed dung, rising steadily upward

The wife has gotten used to it, it is not a problem. Look at the way the young master is dressed, he must be a well-read person. How could he be burdened with such menial tasks