Chapter Forty-Five: Cunning Tricks and Hidden Schemes—The Curious Affairs of the Xiao Family

It was still early, and there were few guests in Elegant Courtyard, yet the place already showed signs of lively bustle.

Upstairs and downstairs, all kinds of fairy-like maidens came and went, adorned in dazzling attire, their beauty both alluring and provocative. Those with urgent desires seemed utterly entranced, their gaze unwaveringly fixed upon the soft and shapely charms before them.

“Master Xiao is in a guest room at the back yard. Please follow me,” said the madam, leading the way with a seductive sway, her hips moving from side to side.

Chen Nanxing turned and, with a face full of envy, whispered, “The people of the Xiao family are all like this—capable and fierce.”

Han Fu was rather surprised and couldn’t help but comment, “Capable and fierce—shouldn’t that be the Zhang family?”

“Hmm? Why should it be the Zhang family?” Chen Nanxing asked, confused.

“Just a joke,” Han Fu replied, unwilling to explain a reference that none in this world would understand. He shook his head and asked, “He’ll be all right, won’t he?”

“He should be fine…” Chen Nanxing said uncertainly. “I’ve never seen him this wild before—tsk… One day and one night, five girls. Is he even human?”

Passing through the hall, they arrived at the back yard, where a warm breeze carried a faint fragrance. The courtyard was artfully arranged with a pond, rockery, flowerbeds, and greenery, all connected by pebble paths.

Following the corridor a little further, the madam stopped before a door and said, “It’s this room. Listen, Master Xiao is still busy.”

The door was shut tight, yet the sounds of pleasure drifted out—sometimes slow as a stream, sometimes intense as a waterfall, sometimes hurried like a sudden rain, sometimes gentle as a warm breeze.

Han Fu grew even more curious—what sort of person could be so vigorous?

Pale face, sunken eyes, cracked lips, dull gaze, weak legs… Han Fu pictured the scene in his mind.

Chen Nanxing stepped forward, pressing his right ear to the door without hesitation.

He listened closely for a moment, then raised his hand and slapped the door hard.

Bang, bang, bang… The door shook as Chen Nanxing shouted, “Xiao Youchai, stop now! Any more and you’ll die!”

Bang, bang, bang… He kept pounding the door.

“Who are you?” came a furious reply from inside. “How dare you disturb my pleasure! Do you know who my grandfather is? My family ancestor is Xiao Enke!”

The sounds inside grew quieter, but did not stop.

“I’m exhausted, you can’t even recognize my voice,” Chen Nanxing said helplessly, turning back. He resumed pounding on the door and shouted, “It’s me, Chen Nanxing. Do you know Han Fu? He’s the son-in-law of the Zhou family. Today he amazed everyone at the Lotus Garden literary gathering, causing the famous scholar Zhao Ziqian to lose face. He’s here as well. We’ll drink together soon.”

Xiao Youchai was silent for a moment, then responded, “Go wait out front. I’ll be there soon.”

“Very well.” Chen Nanxing stopped knocking, but before turning away, he added, “Be quick, don’t keep us waiting. Finish up and come over.”

“Got it.”

“Brother Han, let’s go to the main hall and drink while we wait,” Chen Nanxing said with a smile, making a gesture of invitation.

“Gentlemen, please follow me this way,” the madam said cheerfully, hurrying ahead to lead them.

Han Fu followed, lost in thought.

Chen Nanxing and Xiao Youchai—these two must share the same tastes to become such close friends.

One was born a merchant, now a son-in-law, unrestrained and generous. The other, grandson of the Grand Sikon, cared little for proper conduct, obsessed with his own pursuits, and held no prejudice about family status.

In the circle of idle young men in Dingxing, the two were like a wild current—striking and distinct.

It was hardly a matter of poor judgment in choosing friends, for by status, Han Fu too was a son-in-law, rarely met with respect.

Each had their own talents, whether in cunning or craft.

Just as Lord Mengchang was, so too was Han Fu.

They entered the main hall, where the madam led them upstairs to a refined room on the east side. The door was wide open and outside was an open courtyard; from the balcony, the entire first floor could be seen at a glance.

“Please, gentlemen, take a seat. I shall prepare food and wine at once,” the madam said warmly, her face full of smiles.

“The best wine, the best dishes,” Chen Nanxing declared with a grand wave.

“Certainly, I shall follow Master Chen’s instructions—only the finest wine and the finest dishes,” the madam replied.

The strong servant who had gone to deliver a message to the Zhou family had not yet returned; the remaining servant stood guard at the door.

The madam swayed away, busily arranging the meal.

“Please sit, Brother Han,” Chen Nanxing invited. Once they were seated, he said with a sigh, “Our identities are sensitive; it’s best not to have the girls serve us.”

“That suits me perfectly,” Han Fu nodded, smiling.

“No girls today, but since we’ve just met and feel like old friends already, let’s feast to our hearts’ content—delicacies and fine wine, as much as you wish. Ha… We’ll drink, and when Xiao Youchai arrives, he’ll make up for what he misses,” Chen Nanxing said, crossing his legs and leaning back in comfort.

A short while later, a procession of young maidens entered, carrying ornate boxes and jade trays.

Dish after dish was laid on the table, both meat and vegetables, all beautifully arranged.

Twin white jade wine pots released their fragrance into the air.

“Brother Han,” Chen Nanxing said, passing a wine pot to Han Fu and taking another for himself. “Let’s start drinking.”

Clear wine splashed into their cups. Han Fu raised his glass and invited, “Let’s drink together.”

“To us, ha ha… Meeting Brother Han today is my good fortune,” Chen Nanxing laughed.

They drank the cup in one go, then poured another.

The maidens withdrew one after another, leaving only Han Fu and Chen Nanxing in the room.

Xiao Youchai was nowhere to be seen; the two drank and chatted leisurely.

“Brother Han, have you heard of the three beauties of Dingxing?”

“I’ve heard a little. My wife is one of them.”

“The Jade-faced Rakshasa as well, and another—Xiao Yourong, who is Xiao Youchai’s elder sister, same father and mother.”

“Oh? I didn’t know that.”

“But Xiao Yourong isn’t in Dingxing. According to Xiao Youchai, it seems she refused a marriage proposal, ran away from home, and now she’s become a bandit, leader of a mountain gang somewhere.”

“She is indeed a remarkable woman—the three beauties of Dingxing, each unique.”

“After your poem today, Brother Han, there’s no longer three beauties—your wife stands alone above all.”

“It was merely a humble effort,” Han Fu replied.

“Don’t be modest, Brother Han. We’re both sons-in-law; we ought to appreciate each other. Alas… though we share the same status, I am not your equal. You have both talent and looks. I have wealth and looks—not quite the same. Xiao Youchai will be here soon, don’t worry. His family is like that—strong and fierce. Grand Sikon Xiao, over sixty, still keeps fifteen concubines, enjoying life every day…”

“Brother Xiao’s name is quite unique.”

“Grand Sikon Xiao gave it to him. They say Xiao was poor as a child, no firewood to make a fire. The name ‘Youchai’ expresses great hope.”

“That’s amusing. If so, Brother Xiao’s father must have a name related to fire?”

“Brother Han is truly clever—I am not your match. Xiao’s father is named Xiao Yan, serves in the military, currently stationed on the northern frontier.”

Han Fu paused, dumbfounded.

So he was a Dou Emperor—terrifying to contemplate… He drank another cup, secretly grumbling.

“You’re a bold one, Chen Nanxing, daring to gossip about my family affairs,” said a young man in fine attire as he entered, pointing at Chen Nanxing and laughing with mock anger.

It was none other than Xiao Youchai, grandson of Grand Sikon.

Han Fu looked up at the voice and saw Xiao Youchai, seventeen or eighteen years old, handsome and bright-eyed, lips red and teeth white, with a hint of fatigue on his face.

Chen Nanxing laughed loudly and said, “Glad you’re done—come drink with us!”