Chapter 8 is splendid
Although it is quite faint and cannot be detected from a distance, the young lady is a trained individual, and her sense of smell is different from that of ordinary people; she is quite perceptive
"If you pull the bow too tight, it will only hurt yourself. This time, I will let you go out to witness the talents of contemporary scholars, and also to gain some self-awareness. However, you are only permitted to observe the poetry gathering. If you go elsewhere, do not blame me for being ruthless!" At the end of her statement, Yan Zhiqing's tone turned extremely cold.
Another voice of playful reproach was heard, but this voice sounded somewhat aged, and the newcomer also appeared to be somewhat old. Shen Yujia speculated that it must be the old matron of the Wanhualou.
During this lavish banquet, Shen Yujia continued to drink until the evening. Along the way, the Englishman even tried to arrange for a woman from the Western Regions to accompany him, but he declined. With Juan'er and Dan'er already present, that was more than enough for him. If another one were to join, it would be truly overwhelming; he was genuinely afraid he might lose control.
A voice of discontent came from behind Shen Yujia; the madam did not even need to look to know it was a regular customer, the handsome young master had arrived
Well, if it gets too late, not only will I be in trouble, but you will also be implicated. Take your time, but don't forget to tip the two beautiful ladies for me. I will take my leave first
Shen Yujia understood that these must be the women from the Western Regions referred to by the Englishman.
The second young master has quite a capacity for alcohol, come, Dan'er also offers you a toast
In the study, Yan Zhiqing set down the military book, furrowed her brows, and stared at Shen Yujia, asking in confusion: "Are you going to attend the poetry meeting?"
The two elderly gentlemen walked into the Wanhua Tower, surrounded by a group of young ladies.
It is rumored that Madam Shen is as beautiful as a celestial being, the most beautiful woman in Yongzhou! Is it that after the Second Young Master has spent time with Madam Shen, he has grown disdainful of us faded flowers and wilting willows?" said Juan'er, pouting her little lips.
The carriage arrived at the front of the Wanhua Building in the west of the city. As Shen Yujia just stepped down from the carriage, there was an immediate stir among the young women at the entrance and on the balcony of the Wanhua Building
On the other side, a voluptuous and stunning woman, resembling a ripe peach, with her ample bosom tightly pressing against Shen Yujia's arm through a thin veil, boldly engaged in this act, causing Shen Yujia to feel a wave of embarrassment deep within. Upon seeing Dan'er feign a shy expression, for some reason, Shen Yujia felt quite out of place. He had once yearned for this kind of life, yet when it truly arrived, he found it somewhat distasteful. Perhaps it was because he understood that these women were only playing coy with him due to the money in his pocket. Although he had no money himself, having a wealthy benefactor by his side was sufficient.
Two individuals boarded the carriage, which sped along the way. Upon reaching the city center, the carriage suddenly turned into an alley and came to a halt. Immediately afterward, another identical carriage emerged from the alley, heading towards the southern part of the city
The middle-aged courtesan still possesses a certain charm, yet when compared to the young women around her, her allure is somewhat diminished. At most, she can attract men who have a preference for older women. However, these courtesans, when compared to Shen Yujia's wife, fall significantly short. Were it not for this, he would truly find it difficult to maintain his composure.
Is that so? A practitioner can also enhance their sense of smell. Does that mean she is still human? This is similar to.
Yang Mao reacted quickly, but Shen Yujia was even faster. Without a moment's hesitation, he nodded and said: "Indeed, with talented individuals from all sides gathering, the competition of poetry and wordplay is truly spectacular"
You have sensed all of this!
This is also true. You are not capable; if you wish to succeed, you must study literature. Our family, the Shen family, has held official positions for generations, with each generation being more intelligent than the last. Especially your grandfather and elder brother, who are exceptionally knowledgeable and talented. You are their closest relative, so it is reasonable to assume you are not foolish. It is just that you have squandered your time in the past and did not know how to cherish it. Now that you have reached the age of twenty, although it is a bit late, as long as you are willing to put in the effort, you can still make up for it.
Shen Yujia only had a general understanding of the Shen family's connections and was not aware of the extent of the Ying family's power. He only knew that in Yongzhou, they were unparalleled at the moment. He couldn't help but secretly admire, "This guy is truly a genuine local tyrant!"
Oh, so wonderful! When will the second young master go again? Could you take me along? It would also allow me to broaden my horizons, " Yang Mao feigned surprise and said.
In this Wanhualou, the decor features redwood inlaid with gold and silk curtains, arranged in an extremely luxurious and opulent manner. In the main hall, there are thirty-nine Eight Immortals tables and five large round tables. Although it is still morning, a considerable number of guests have already arrived, occupying half of the seats.
Listening to Yan Zhiqing's words, which were half praise and half sarcasm, Shen Yujia immediately realized that there was a way in
Shen Yujia had just picked up the small wine cup, no larger than a thumb, when he suddenly recalled the wager with his wife. He was so startled that his whole body trembled, causing a small amount of wine to splash out of the cup.
Upon getting into the carriage, the coachman wisely refrained from asking further questions and directly took Shen Yujia back to the Shen residence.
As the sky darkened, Shen Yujia dared not linger any longer. After all, the poetry gathering would not last into the night. By this time, the talented young men had already taken the opportunity, under the pretext of discussing poetry, to invite the beautiful ladies to stroll among the lanterns.
Ah, Young Master Jiu, have you lost weight? We can hardly see you standing behind Young Master Er, it is truly a shame
"So, does this mean you have agreed, my wife?" Shen Yujia asked, suppressing her joyful expression.
Shen Yujia felt somewhat embarrassed, a bit reluctant, and even more nostalgic as he rubbed his arm between the two soft mounds, provoking a fit of delicate laughter from Dan'er. Just as she was about to tighten her embrace around his arm, she suddenly noticed that Shen Yujia, looking extremely shy, withdrew his hand and said with a wry smile: "You smell too good; if I get it on me, I’ll be in trouble when I go back!"
Before Shen Yujia could nod in agreement, Yan Zhiqing's cold voice had already reached them
Shen Yujia found solace in her own thoughts, tilting her head back to down a cup of wine.
Immediately after, one beautiful girl after another surged forward, vying to hold onto Shen Yujia's arm. In an instant, it was a scene filled with charming voices and sweet words, captivating and intoxicating.
Hey, I may not have anything else in England, but I do have money. Even if that person wasn't as fat as I am before, I will make sure to feed him until he is just like me
Hehe, Dan'er, why does it feel like the second young master after marriage has become a different person? The previous second young master would never speak such rational words!
From beginning to end, Shen Yujia remains an ordinary young man of the 21st century. While he claims to be open-minded, there are limits to this openness. Now that he has a wife at home, it is difficult for him to engage in actions that would betray his partner. Drinking is acceptable, but when it comes to playing around, he has the desire but lacks the courage.
Ah, isn't this Young Master Shen Er? It's been a long time, I've almost forgotten what you look like.
Oh, my lord, please tell me, for I am very eager to hear what is so extraordinary and unparalleled
Shen Yujia said half-jokingly, which elicited another round of delicate laughter from the two young ladies
I have a few pounds and ounces, and you know better than I do. With someone like me, even if I want to participate, others wouldn't want me. As a husband, I merely wish to observe and learn a bit; otherwise, you always say that I am not ambitious and lack skills.
"That’s right, don’t be fooled by my size; I’m quite clever. Not only do I have two identical carts, but in one of those carts, there are also two individuals who closely resemble us. You can rest assured, Brother Yujia." said the Englishman proudly.
What, is this just the beginning, and you, Brother Yujia, are leaving already?" the Englishman exclaimed, his face jiggling with fat.
Yang Mao's nose twitched as if he had caught a whiff of something. He raised his eyebrows and said nervously, "This is not good, Second Young Master, you smell of alcohol!"
Although the Englishman is not as tall as Shen Yujia, his build is definitely nearly twice as wide. The words of the madam are clearly insincere, yet upon hearing them, the Englishman immediately displayed a simple smile, clearly pleased. His earlier complaint also attracted quite a few young ladies to him. Although the Englishman is very fat, he is not unattractive; his round face features thick eyebrows and large eyes, a prominent nose, and he is dressed in luxurious attire, which greatly emphasizes his wealth. Moreover, these young ladies are well aware that the Ninth Young Master is indeed a true god of wealth
How could I dare? I certainly do not wish to lie back down on the bed again
This performance of the Western Region dance is quite alluring. Shen Yujia had witnessed numerous exotic dances in his previous life, so he remained calm. However, for the Englishman and the other guests, maintaining composure proved to be difficult, especially for the Englishman, who was nearly drooling all over his cup.
"Second Young Master, I offer you a cup."
As the sound of the hand drum gradually diminished, the dance came to an end. Shen Yujia withdrew her gaze and inwardly sighed: "I used to think that ancient dances could not compare to the increasingly splendid adaptations of today. However, after witnessing it firsthand, I realize how ridiculous my previous thoughts were. A truly beautiful dance does not require adaptation; it must embody the essence of the art itself"
As soon as he entered the Shen residence, that rascal Yang Mao immediately approached him and whispered in his ear: "It seems that the young mistress has been waiting in the main hall for quite some time; you should be cautious, Second Young Master!"
The matter of the marriage alliance between the Shen family and the Yan family is known to everyone in the Water City, and of course, many are also aware of who Shen Yujia's wife is
Why do I not receive this kind of treatment when I come here every few days
Whether at the brothel or the poetry gathering, he must return at this time. If he is late, he fears that Xiao Ming, the star, will become suspicious. In the future, if he wishes to go out again, he can only dream of it.
Before Shen Yujia could finish speaking, a cold snort suddenly came from behind Yang Mao, startling him into silence, and cold sweat immediately broke out on his forehead
Shen Yujia believes that this is not a sign of his weakness or inadequacy as a man, but rather a responsibility, something that should be self-controlled
As Shen Yujia and the Englishman took their seats, someone promptly presented them with fine food and drinks. The several young ladies beside them, displaying great tact, did not immediately offer a toast but instead allowed the two to quietly enjoy the dance from the Western Regions
Oh dear, what is going on? Young Master Shen, you have graced us with your presence, yet you are being stopped at the entrance. What kind of decorum is this? Hurry and invite Young Master Shen inside to rest.
Yang Mao was very astute. Upon hearing a cold snort, he quickly turned his eyes and, without looking back, changed his tone to ask: "Second Young Master, the poetry gathering is lively today, isn't it"
I am not afraid, the sky is high and the emperor is far away. I cannot share a bed with her, and when I am drunk, she cannot smell the alcohol on me
Upon seeing Shen Yujia withdraw his gaze, the enchanting young woman beside him immediately filled his glass with wine
Upon receiving the consent, Shen Yujia smiled lightly as she walked out of the study, waving to the stout Englishman hiding around the corner of the hallway. The two of them, along with the books, then exited the Shen residence.
With a playful pout, a bewitching woman, her face adorned with makeup and her graceful figure alluring, suddenly leaped onto Shen Yujia, leaving him completely stunned
After Shen Yujia finished speaking, she stood up and left. Although the Englishman felt somewhat reluctant, he did not dare to stop her, as he was well aware of how formidable her sister-in-law was
As he passed by the gate, Shen Yujia proudly took out a token given to him by Yan Zhiqing and showed it to the gatekeeper; otherwise, this fellow would certainly not have allowed him to leave
"You are all very beautiful; why demean yourselves? A confident woman is the most beautiful. Come, give this young master a smile," Shen Yujia said with a faint smile.
What is there to fear? This young master is going to observe the poetry gathering, not to those disreputable places
The young women of the Wanhualou all take flower names. Juan'er is named after the cuckoo flower, while Dan'er is named after the peony. They would never use their real names to avoid unnecessary troubles that may arise when they seek to redeem themselves and marry in the future
The mother of Ying Fatty is Shen Fu's younger sister, making him a cousin of Shen Yu Jia. Although the Ying family is not a family of officials, they are a wealthy and prominent family, with shops of the Ying family business located in major towns throughout Yongzhou. It is said that strong alliances lead to strength; currently, Yongzhou is essentially equivalent to the combined influence of their two families
At the end of the seating area, there is a large stage measuring ten zhang in circumference, where a dance performance is currently taking place. The dancers, tall and slender, wear unconventional outfits, each piece as thin as a cicada's wing. Although their faces are veiled, their eyes are captivating and enchanting, especially their exposed waists, which twist like water snakes, extremely alluring
Shen Yujia was concerned about the smell of alcohol on him, so after the afternoon, he dared not drink anymore. Moreover, he did not drink much; in total, it was less than a bowl, certainly not a large bowl.
Shen Yujia looked at the Englishman with a sense of difference; it was not because of the Englishman's petty tricks, but rather because of his body covered in fat. He exclaimed, "In this small plot of land, can you find another person like you?"
"Go ahead, it has long been arranged." Shen Yujia said to the Englishman, giving him a thumbs up.
This young master has turned over a new leaf, which is more valuable than gold; you all should take note of this