Chapter 79 - Stay away from This Young Master
Contrary to stirring up trouble for Teng Yu, Yin Xu's visit to the brothel stemmed from Teng Yu's remarks about marriage and children. Rather, it was an outlet for his frustration.
The hour was late, and with the elite families yet to commence their New Year gatherings, the brothels appeared deserted.
Upon Yin Xu's arrival at the Dream Pavilion, the assembled girls in the grand hall brightened and eagerly approached him.
The matron, with her sinuous figure, appraised Yin Xu before jesting, “Young noble, have you mistakenly found your way here? Alone? Yet… why does your countenance seem familiar?”
A lady in a cerulean gown giggled, “Mother, did you consort with benefactors in your youth? Your knack for recognizing faces is uncanny.”
Laughter erupted as the girls closed in around Yin Xu.
The Dream Pavilion boasted a long history, with the madam herself once a belle of the establishment.
“Indeed, I possess sharp memory and seasoned discernment, but doesn't he strike a chord of familiarity?”
“Perhaps Mother speaks truth…”
“Ah… I remember now, he… he…” A girl, her smile radiant, struggled to utter Yin Xu's name, her hand pressed against her chest.
“Who do you think you are? Say it now…”
The girl gazed fondly at Yin Xu and softly uttered, “Huo Lang…”
Silence followed, then a shrill scream pierced Butterfly Lane.
“It's uncanny, yet true… Though I glimpsed Marshal Huo from afar once, years ago, his visage remains imprinted in my memory.”
“Indeed, in my youth, I caught sight of him. Back then, Marshal Huo was youthful, much like this gentleman… It's striking.” The matron reminisced, extending her hand to touch Yin Xu's face.
Irritated, Yin Xu snapped, “Enough!” Slapping away the matron's hand, he rebuked, “Keep your distance, all of you!”
The scent of fragrant powder enveloped the place, nearly overwhelming Demon Lord.
Despite his outburst, the women retreated but continued to regard him with affection.
Shui Yan'er, the leader of Dreamy Cloud Pavilion, smoothed her hair and tenderly inquired, “Is Young Noble surnamed Huo?”
Yin Xu sneezed, shooting her a glance. “What, must all guests disclose their names here?”
“Of course not, but I am consumed by curiosity.”
The matron intervened, halting the chatter among the girls. With a smile, she invited, “Young Noble, please come inside. If you seek entertainment, just let me know. The ladies are at your disposal, as there aren't many guests today.”
Yin Xu strode in confidently, selecting a plush seat. As he settled, a cluster of women encircled him, their gazes akin to hungry wolves'.
In his youth, Huo Zhengquan was the desired paramour of all the capital's women. Despite his age, he remained the object of admiration.
Yin Xu regretted his presence here; what could he do? Frolic with a woman? How tedious.
His physique recoiled from the touch of a woman. Enclosed by a ring of women, discomfort engulfed him.
Teng Yu's warmth appealed more to him. It was inviting, prompting a desire for constant proximity.
Naturally, Yin Xu wouldn't stoop to such vulgar behavior.
“Stop crowding this young master; it's suffocating!” “Let's start with some wine. If you possess any talents, now's the time to showcase them. Is this how you treat guests?”
The elderly madam chuckled, “Ah, this young master, our entertainment revolves around our skills in bed. Musical instruments, calligraphy, and the like are mere embellishments. Whatever you desire, we provide.”
Surveying the scene, Yin Xu instructed a handsome youth to pour him wine. “Very well, let's commence.”
The designated girl rushed over joyfully. Habitually, she aimed to perch on Yin Xu's lap but was rebuffed before making contact, as he scolded sternly, “Stay put!”
Observing his demeanor, the other beauties inferred that this young master sought diversion, thus they showcased their talents, playing instruments and dancing, hoping to captivate him.
Passersby heard music emanating from the pavilion and peeked out, remarking, “Already lively after the new year. These nobles must lead idle lives.”
Teng Yu, attired discreetly, lingered near the Dream Pavilion for a while. The usual girls who solicited clients were absent, replaced by laughter from within.
Aware of his likely sour expression, Teng Yu entered a nearby restaurant, ascending to the second-floor window seat, gaze fixed on the Dream Pavilion's entrance.
Han Sen signaled for tea and queried anxiously from behind, “Your Highness, are we not joining them?”
“Why should we? To engage in their activities?” Teng Yu scoffed. “I want to witness how long he'll last inside!”
Han Sen shivered, mourning for the Seventh Young Master.
Lanterns illuminated Butterfly Lane as more guests arrived. Some ventured into the Dream Pavilion, gradually hushing the surroundings.
Teng Yu had his men serve wine, but even after numerous drinks, he tasted nothing.
After an interval, a commotion erupted from the Dream Pavilion, tables and chairs crashing amid men's angry shouts and women's screams.
Catching Teng Yu's frown, Han Sen signaled to a nearby guard to investigate.
The guard swiftly returned. “Your Highness, Master Huo is under attack inside, surrounded by assailants.”
Teng Yu's hand halted, and he inquired icily, “And?”
The guard glanced at Han Sen, receiving a nod, hastily adding, “I may have imbibed a bit too much. Those fellows seemed to recognize him and verbally abused him quite harshly.”
“Then let them continue their tirade, it might just rouse him!” Teng Yu gritted his teeth, pausing briefly before continuing, “Keep watch over him, prevent any fatal harm, but don't fret over broken bones.”
“Understood.” He believed he grasped His Highness's true intent. His Highness likely tasked him with aiding Seventh Young Master in a scuffle while regulating the force employed.
Yin Xu initially intended to assign Dark Guards to assist, but considering the man's secrecy, he presumed he preferred not to be shadowed.
Moreover, Teng Yu harbored a mysterious confidence in him. Should trouble arise, the adversary would likely regret it.
The guard dashed into Dreamy Cloud Pavilion, primed to display his skills, only to be stupefied by the scene.
The hall lay in disarray, with tables and chairs strewn about. Women huddled in a corner, while the troublemakers writhed in agony on the floor.
The figure he sought occupied the sole intact chair. A youth stood atop it, nonchalantly asking, “Still game?”
His brief absence resulted in Seventh Young Master's swift resolution. No wonder His Highness appeared aloof.
He navigated the clutter and approached Yin Xu, asking deferentially, “Seventh Young Master, the situation's chaotic here. Might it be wise for you to depart while I handle aftermath?”
Yin Xu glanced at him, uncertain if recognition dawned, then kicked the youth beside him into the wall before rising, patting his attire. “Excellent.”
The guard hurriedly added, “Master awaits at the adjacent restaurant.”
Yin Xu responded with an “Ah” and strutted out, exuding contentment.
Just before reaching the door, Yin Xu halted. “Ah, I forgot to settle the bill. Tomorrow, I'll present it to the Third Prince Mansion for payment.”
The old procuress, recognizing the Third Prince Mansion's involvement, refrained from pressing for payment, trembling as she bid farewell.
With Yin Xu gone, the guard corralled the fallen men, gesturing to the madam, “Dispatch a messenger to notify them of their misdeeds and to collect reparations.”
“Certainly…”
“Regarding the damaged furniture, compensation arrangements should be clear, correct?”
“I understand, I understand.” The old procuress approached, a sorry sight with her disheveled appearance.
“Excellent.” The guard crouched, patting the injured parties, warning, “Keep silent, or the Third Prince will gladly wash your mouths.”
Yin Xu exited, inhaling deeply, his previously blocked nose now clear.
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