Chapter 33 – Blind Date Scenario

Chapter 33 - Blind Date Scenario

Like a gust of wind, the Sixth Prince suddenly appeared by his side and just as abruptly left, leaving nothing but a lingering scent that caught him off guard, plunging him into confusion.

What... just happened?

Wen Ruan carefully recalled every moment, finding each one perplexing, with every line of dialogue seeming illogical. It was as if he and the Sixth Prince were speaking different languages, never on the same wavelength.

Yet, the atmosphere remained strangely calm and harmonious, without causing any irreparable consequences.

In fact, he wasn't really afraid at all.

Nanxing hesitated, "Young Master..."

Wen Ruan raised his hand to stop her, "It's fine, don't worry."

Due to the unpredictable temper of the Sixth Prince, he hadn't told Nanxing about the incident in the cave a few days ago. She would naturally find facing the Sixth Prince dangerous, but in reality, they had already made an agreement. No matter how bad the Sixth Prince's mood was, he wouldn't truly harm Wen Ruan.

The Sixth Prince might have a wild side, but he wasn't insane, prone to sudden outbursts at any time. He could be communicated with normally... right?

Wen Ruan shook his head, clearing these thoughts from his mind, and returned to enjoying the sunlight.

Today was indeed comfortable, and walking on the road was enjoyable. However, it seemed his luck today was very biased; he was destined not to have peace, constantly bumping into people.

He encountered Fang Rui.

"Whoa—"

Fang Rui was galloping on his horse when he saw Wen Ruan and immediately pulled the reins to stop, dismounted, and tossed the reins to a servant chasing after him. "What are you doing here? Are you feeling better? I was going to visit you at your country estate outside the city, why didn't you tell me you came into town?"

He circled around Wen Ruan, examining him closely, ensuring there were no major issues before relaxing, his eyes sparkling. "I knew you'd be alright!"

Wen Ruan smiled faintly, allowing him to look. "I've just returned, and something came up at the mansion, preventing me from sending word to you. Did you seek me for something?"

"What could it be? Drinking, of course," Fang Rui lightly bumped him. "Didn't we make plans last time? Can you drink now? If not, I'll drink while you watch. The weather is nice today, let's find a place with a good view for a couple of drinks? I think the Sun Gathering Tower ahead looks good, although it's a bit early... how about we go there for tea first?"

Wen Ruan: "Sure."

The messy arrangements from the Duke's Mansion didn't count as serious matters. Honestly, he hadn't even had lunch yet.

"Let's go—"

Fang Rui pulled Wen Ruan forward but suddenly stopped, unable to move. "Um, why don't you go ahead and wait for me?"

Wen Ruan followed his gaze and saw three cats at the street corner, one large and two small. The large one was round and plump, while the small ones were fluffy, their big round eyes curiously watching the passersby, occasionally tilting their heads and meowing, their voices soft and adorable.

"Look how terrifying they are!" Fang Rui pointed seriously. "Their eyes are so big, their noses so round, their paws so tender, and the back of their heads is an absolute domain! They're so obedient and beautiful, they're meowing at me, so cute!"

Initially trying to maintain seriousness, his eyes softened more and more as he spoke, his expression becoming increasingly dreamy.

Wen Ruan cleared his throat. "Little Marquis Fang is telling the truth."

Fang Rui immediately coughed twice, recomposing himself, straightening his waist. "As the heir of the prestigious Marquisate, inheriting the legacy of a warrior, I'm not particularly fond of these soft and warm little creatures. What I said earlier was just mimicking others."

Wen Ruan: "Your Excellency, the Little Marquis, is correct. I didn't hear anything just now."

"Brother, you're understanding. Later, we'll open a good bottle of wine!" Fang Rui let Wen Ruan go ahead. "Before dinner time, I will definitely arrive!"

Wen Ruan doubted, "Are you sure you'll come?"

Fang Rui declared firmly, "Absolutely certain!"

Alright, Wen Ruan understood. Not entirely certain.

"Have fun. Whether you come on time or not is fine."

He actually wanted to pet the cats too; the little darlings were really adorable. But today was not a good opportunity, so he forced himself not to look at the cuties and quickly left.

The Sun Gathering Tower was a comprehensive entertainment venue, combining dining, relaxation, and entertainment. It was divided into areas for dining, tea drinking, and listening to storytelling and music performances. There were private rooms and elegant seats, some overlooking the windows and others facing the central hall's circular stage. The entire structure was a massive ring shape, spanning three floors, ensuring guests could enjoy excellent service no matter what time they arrived or where they sat.

Today, Wen Ruan felt slightly cautious, paying attention to the doors and staircases, places that facilitated easy escape routes. He didn't sit by the window but chose a spot on the second floor facing the central stage, where he could see the entire first floor clearly, not far from the windows. Due to the sparse number of guests, he could also enjoy the scenery.

It was still early, and the stage wasn't hosting a crowd-drawing storyteller or a performer's tune. Only a lute player sat there lazily strumming the strings, the melody ethereal, sometimes present, sometimes absent, creating a unique ambiance.

Wen Ruan settled down, ordering a pot of tea. Before the Duke's Mansion could make its move, he inadvertently looked up and saw the Sixth Prince on the third floor, who also hadn't chosen a window-side seat.

Why was this person here today?

So their encounter earlier wasn't coincidental; their destination was always the same place? Did the Sixth Prince have an appointment here today? Was it for tea or a meal?

Zhu Yan certainly wasn't here for tea or food. The Second and Third Princes had jointly invited him, and he had to give them some face.

"Sixth Brother, look at this?"

"Take a closer look."

The Second and Third Princes exchanged glances, both looking mysteriously as they slowly took something out from their bodies with a sense of ceremony—slowly unfolding it.

It was an album, inside which were portraits of beauties, both male and female, in their prime, with styles ranging from dazzling and eye-catching to graceful and refined, gentle and charming, to elegant like jade, imposing and dignified... the variety was endless.

Zhu Yan: "I haven't heard that the Second and Third Brothers have started a human trafficking business."

"Sixth Brother, be careful with your words, what human trafficking!"

"These are all the refined ladies and noble sons of the capital!" Zhu Bin, the Second Prince, gritted his teeth but maintained a smile. "Do you remember how old you are? Twenty-six! How many men at this age are still unmarried? At my age, your nephew would be climbing onto the roof, shooting arrows at people, and causing trouble every day! You're not marrying a consort; do you want the whole capital to blame the imperial family for not caring about the princes, or do you want the world to suspect that you're impotent?"

Zhu Fu, the Third Prince, held back a laugh. "Not liking women isn't a big problem. A few generations ago, it was a refined pursuit that literati and scholars aspired to. Sixth Brother, there's no need to be shy. My Second Brother and I merely hope that you have someone by your side who can understand your warmth and coldness. Once you start a family and mature, perhaps you won't be so irritable, and it will give Father Emperor peace of mind."

Zhu Yan lifted an eyelid. "Is that truly what my Royal Brothers think? If I were to make Father Emperor even more at ease and pleased... you might not even have a place to stand."

How audacious he is!

How dare he speak like that!

The Second and Third Princes snorted in disdain.

Who do you think you are? Do you really believe that just by revealing your ambitions, you can accomplish great deeds? Do you think the court is that easy to navigate? Each of us has expended considerable effort and resources to reach our current positions. We have invested vast amounts of wealth and manpower to gain enough influence to stand firm. And you think you can succeed just by clacking your jaws? It's sheer folly!

The Second Prince wasn't the least bit angry; instead, he smiled warmly, appearing affectionate and protective towards his younger brother. "Sixth Brother, why don't you take a look and see which one you prefer? You've criticized all these ladies before, so it might be hard for you to comment on them. But the young masters and gentlemen each have their own unique styles. Why don't you pick one that suits your fancy?"

Third Prince: "If this book isn't enough, there's another one here. It doesn't matter if you don't like any of them. As long as you come to your senses and are willing to speak up about what kind of person you like, both Second Brother and I can help you find someone!"

What kind of person...

Zhu Yan glanced away, showing no interest in the men and women depicted in the albums. By chance, he turned his gaze and saw Wen Ruan sitting across from him on the second floor.

The youth was too frail. Despite being close to the age of adulthood, he lacked the vigor and robustness typically associated with young men. His waist was slender, his shoulders thin, and his features delicate. Fortunately, his spine was straight and his bones strong, giving him the resilience of a bamboo shoot, which somewhat reduced the impression of youthful naivety. He had the stability of a breeze over a mountain ridge, yet still, there was a lingering concern about his fragility.

His wrists were too slender, and his waist too fine, as if they couldn't withstand even a gentle grip.

"What's so good about people."

Zhu Yan rested his fingerbones lightly on the edge of the table, tapping them slowly. "They're not as sturdy and durable as a pipa. If you could dig out the pipa bones of these people and give them to me, I might appreciate them. Indeed, they are beautiful, and I wouldn't mind bestowing a memorial tablet upon them."

Second Prince: ...

Third Prince: ...

Wen Ruan couldn't hear the conversation upstairs clearly due to his insufficient hearing. He could vaguely make out something about marriage. According to his knowledge, among the adult princes of the imperial family, only the Sixth Prince was unmarried. So, was the Sixth Prince getting married? Was he choosing his concubines?

No wonder he had been in such a foul mood before. Was it because he was dissatisfied with the candidates?

He gently touched his own neck, feeling no discomfort or marks. His skin was sensitive and pale, the type that easily left marks. The absence of any signs suggested that the Sixth Prince hadn't used much force. He indeed hadn't felt any pain. At that moment when he felt unable to breathe... Was it due to the Sixth Prince's skillful technique, or was it because of the overwhelming intimidation?

"Master, the shops of the Huo and Liang families are right downstairs," Nanxing reported after observing the surroundings, her expression somewhat peculiar.

"Two textile stores? Here?"

Even Wen Ruan was surprised, though his surprise stemmed from his poor geographical orientation skills. Sometimes, even if locations and directions were mentioned, he wouldn't have a clear mental image of them. Nanxing, however, never got lost. She could instantly associate addresses with locations, so why did she have that particular expression?

"What's wrong?"

"It's nothing major. Let them sort it out themselves. Master, you don't need to worry," Nanxing was more concerned about the situation inside the building. "I wonder what the Second Branch's move will be today..."

"In broad daylight, they probably won't dare to cause too much trouble."

Wen Ruan wasn't overly worried. Instead, he went to the window to take a look at what was happening with the two shops downstairs.

He couldn't see anything.

The shops were surrounded by layers of people, both inside and out. There were too many voices, making it impossible to discern any specific conversation. He couldn't figure out what was going on. However, at the other end of the street...

"Is that the Sun family's shop?" Wen Ruan pointed at the sign with the character 'Sun' at the beginning, asking Nanxing.

Nanxing nodded. "Yes, the Sun family was once a prominent name in the capital. Even now, they still enjoy the benefits of their ancestors' legacy, possessing many valuable items."

Was the Sun family's shop truly uninvolved, given its unusual tranquility?

Wen Ruan sat back at the table, pondering the situation. Unexpectedly, someone from the Sun family approached.

"May I ask if you are Young Master Wen Ruan of the Duke Wen's Mansion?" The man was in his thirties, his eyes gleaming with intelligence. Although his expression was smiling, it didn't feel particularly warm, only polite. "My name is Sun Wencheng. I manage several shops, and they are doing quite well. This is my daughter, Tao Niang."

"Greetings, Young Master Wen." The young girl gracefully curtsied, her eyes filled with shyness, her cheeks flushed, and her gaze flickering with a captivating allure.

Wen Ruan immediately understood who they were. They were part of Lady Zhou's arrangements, having cooperated with her in the past. Their goal was the soap formula in his possession.

However, Lady Zhou had only mentioned the possibility of collaborating with the Sun family, not involving their daughter... Was this daughter truly Sun Wencheng's daughter?

Not only did the two of them bear no resemblance to each other, but this girl named Tao Niang appeared to be around fifteen or sixteen years old, very young. She was also quite beautiful, dressed appropriately, but her demeanor...

Wen Ruan didn't want to speak ill of others. On the contrary, he usually viewed strangers who approached him with kindness. But the girl's obvious flirtatiousness and bold gaze directed at him were unmistakable. Her curtsy emphasized her body curves and tender skin intentionally.

He wasn't some naive young man unfamiliar with girls. He could recognize the blatant seductive hints. This girl wasn't shy; on the contrary, she was very daring and showed no hesitation regarding matters of love and romance. In this era, it was rare for respectable parents to raise a daughter like her.

Wen Ruan, familiar with Jiang Nan, knew about the custom of adopting 'god-daughters.'

What did Sun Wencheng mean by this? Did he genuinely wish to establish ties with him, or was he taking advantage of his youth and inexperience, trying to deceive him?

It was at this moment that new guests arrived downstairs, guided to the second floor for tea. It was an acquaintance from not long ago, whom the Sixth Prince had teased about recently.

They had met once before, when she had gotten lost during a banquet at the Duke's Mansion, and he had helped her find her way. Her surname was An, and she was a charming and sweet young girl.

"Oh, Young Master, we meet again."

Miss An was truly shy, her face turning into a rosy apple, her eyes avoiding Wen Ruan's gaze as she hid half her body behind her older brother. "Last time... I haven't thanked you yet. Elder Brother, Young Master helped me, and I can't be impolite. Please help me thank him."

Wen Ruan understood. This was arranged by Lady Lu of the Second Branch.

In matters of matchmaking, after meeting twice, both parties would understand the intentions. Lady Lu hadn't arranged for any disreputable individuals. She believed that Miss An's appearance and temperament would be enough to attract and pacify him. No additional effort was needed for this match to succeed.

This was a straightforward strategy.

Lady Lu, the head of the Second Branch in the mansion, was likely very skilled in the art of first extending courtesy before resorting to force. She would see if he would bite the bait. If he insisted on his own path, stubbornly maintaining his pride and refusing this respectful offer, there would be consequences waiting for him.

There was nothing inherently wrong with matchmaking; everyone would experience it. However, Wen Ruan had encountered two potential matches in quick succession... It was an awkward coincidence.

The elder brother who had come with Miss An furrowed his brows even more, hiding his sister tightly behind him: "So this is the etiquette of the Duke Wen's Mansion."

Sun Wencheng understood better than anyone what was going on, smiling faintly: "The threshold of the Duke's Mansion is noble and dignified, with ample grace to accommodate others. Young man, do not view the celestial buddhas with the heart of an ant."

The two sides were about to clash.

But it wasn't enough; someone else came over, two young masters. One, Wen Ruan recognized, was Xue Gonglin, who liked Wen Ru. His father was a royal merchant and seemed to have deep roots with the Second Prince. The other one he didn't recognize, his appearance was passable, exuding a scholarly elegance. Xue Gonglin showed deference and respect towards him, indicating that he must have a good status.

"Are you Wen Ruan?" The unknown young master sized up Wen Ruan from head to toe, full of scrutiny and criticism. "Not bad looking."

Wen Ruan slightly frowned.

Nanxing's face had already darkened.

If the two girls, regardless of their intentions, at least came with sincerity, wanting to compete for his attention, this frail young master was different. He looked down on people as if Wen Ruan should be vying for his attention, something he would have to consider.

Was this arranged by different people in the Duke's Mansion based on different motives, or was it deliberately done to give him room for choice?

Compared to misshapen pumpkins, no matter what flaws the girls had, could they also be readily accepted?

That frail young master didn't care about these things. He lifted his robe and sat down at the table, staring straight at Wen Ruan: "I prefer elegance and refined taste. What can you do? Painting, calligraphy, music, chess, which ones do you know? Which master did you learn from? How skilled are you in horseback riding and archery? Are you good at hunting? How familiar are you with using a whip? Of the four gentlemen—plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum—which do you love the most? As for the current four major kiln wares, jade, and emeralds, can you appreciate them? If you have expertise in all these areas, I might grant you more face."

Wen Ruan: ...

That person seemed unable to read other people's expressions, continuing on his own: "You can't control me. I like to play around outside. It's called elegant affairs for a scholar, the wind, flowers, snow, and the moon. You cannot label it as vulgar. You need to be magnanimous and not jealous. You're a man, so you should understand that it's just a show. The respect due to the main wife, I won't lack. Hmm, I also like cleanliness and don't like to see filth. Your current appearance is nice, but in front of me, you'd best maintain it at all times. I don't want to open my eyes in the morning and see messy stubble and disgusting eye boogers. You need to tidy up before I wake up..."

As he spoke, he laughed, taking a meaningful glance at Wen Ruan's waist, laughing with extreme arrogance: "You should know, right? For people like us, it's easy to find those who submit, but hard to find those in power. How many young men in the Southern Wind Pavilion want to find a strong older brother but can't, and have to demean themselves to do this rough business. Today, if you miss me, you may not find a suitable person again. I'm giving you this opportunity, you should cherish it—do you understand?"

Lady Tao's expression immediately changed. Such bold nonsense, perhaps Miss An didn't understand, but she did. What did this mean? Was the young master of the Duke's Mansion into men? If he liked men, why marry a wife? She wouldn't want to be a living widow!

She glared fiercely at Sun Wencheng.

Sun Wencheng: ...

Miss An indeed didn't understand, blinking in confusion, as if she somewhat got it. Could it be that the young master didn't like women and wanted to marry a man?

"Bad luck!" The elder brother of Miss An directly grabbed her hand and took her away.

Wasn't this fraud? What was the Second Lady of the Duke's Mansion doing, managing the household finances? Was this how she harmed her in-laws?

Nanxing was so angry she laughed. Even the Duke's Mansion played such low-level tricks?

"How dare you! My young master is not someone you can slander!"

"When spreading rumors, you were quite active, asking others to find someone for your young master of the Duke's Mansion. Now that someone has been found, you're unwilling to talk about it," Xue Gonglin said sarcastically. "If you think it's shameful, then don't take this path. I think what the young master of the An family said earlier was correct. This is the etiquette of your Duke's Mansion, the scale of the Duke's Mansion."

At this moment, there were few guests in the Juri Building, but there were still some.

An old man hummed in a corner: "The Duke Wen's Mansion is filled with foul air, lacking propriety. I will certainly write a memorial!"

Due to this sudden outburst, the Third Prince Zhu Fu looked over, raising his eyebrows.

Meng Weiyi? What a pity.

Being scolded by this old man in court, he couldn't swallow that anger. He promised the second son that he wouldn't meddle in gathering this person, but he never promised not to deal with this person. Everyone knew that he, the Third Prince Zhu Fu, would repay every slight, and it was normal for him to do something. The Emperor would at most scold him, but yesterday, this old man had just been dealt with by the sixth son...

He couldn't conveniently make a move now.

The old man had a foul mouth, being disciplined and humiliated once, everyone wouldn't have too much of an opinion. But if he was humiliated by the princes repeatedly, the officials might form a bad impression of him.

The Sixth Prince Zhu Yan looked at Wen Ruan.

Impressive, being bullied like this and not saying a word? Learning the skill of a turtle from whom? Chen Yong'an?

He said he wouldn't intervene anymore, so he wouldn't. Let this naive young master learn fear.

The Second Prince, seeing the scene on the second floor, suddenly had another idea: "Isn't this the new young master that the Duke's Mansion found? A bit pitiful, isn't it?"

No one spoke. The Third Prince was staring straight at Meng Weiyi, wanting to do something bad but unable to.

The Sixth Prince pursed his lips, as if the sky falling had nothing to do with him.

The Second Prince had to clarify: "Doesn't my sixth brother really like that young master? Want to consider being a hero and saving—"

Zhu Yan looked over, his eyes dark: "I thought you knew my temper."

The Second Prince: ...

Understood, not wanting to please others.

He shouldn't have said that.

The Third Prince finally regained his senses, sizing up Wen Ruan again: "But this young master is truly handsome, slender and graceful, with obedient features, suave and debonair. If he were really paired with a lecherous man, it would indeed be a pity."

Zhu Yan remembered Wen Ruan's words, 'Do you want to touch it?'

His pipa bone was indeed beautiful to look at, the more he saw it, the more peculiar and exquisite it became, tempting people to not want to let go.

"It's pretty good," Zhu Yan's voice was indifferent. "If Third Brother likes it, I'll find a similar one and give it to Third Sister-in-law."

Zhu Fu: ...

What was today's Sixth Brother doing, why was his aggressiveness so strong?

Zhu Bin also felt something was off. Did the Sixth Brother drink before leaving?

Zhu Yan hadn't drunk, but 'accidentally' knocked over a wine pot, spilling alcohol all over himself: "I'll go change."

He stood up and walked out.

Wen Yu was not far from the door.

He couldn't let the Sixth Prince see him, but he couldn't possibly abstain from today's events. Persuading Xue Gonglin to bring his men here naturally had its purpose. But discovering that the Sixth Prince was here was an unexpected delight. With such a perfect opportunity, why wouldn't he take advantage of it!

The Sixth Prince had an obsession with the word 'pipa'. The more he couldn't have it, the more he would yearn for it. It was irrelevant to anyone else. In this current scene, his emotions were already stirred. All it needed was a little more appropriate provocation, and...

What others didn't know, he knew best: what could drive the Sixth Prince mad.

Hiding by the side of the private room, when the Sixth Prince passed by, he splashed the prepared Tusu wine outward—

Zhu Yan paused, supporting his forehead, closing and then reopening his eyes. When he opened them again, his pupils were a deep, dark ink color.

His gaze shifted downward, sweeping over Wen Yu. He knew someone was hiding there, someone was plotting against him, but he didn't bother. Instead, he stepped on the wooden railing and flew down the stairs, landing precisely beside Wen Ruan. His large hand clasped around his waist, his toes lightly touching the ground as he leaped away, taking him with him.

Swift as a startled phoenix, amidst thundering winds, his speed was so fast that no one could react in time, unable even to see the face of the intruder.

Not seeing the face, not recognizing him, of course they would chase!

Sun Wencheng led the way, followed by a group of onlookers. They saw these two people fly into the opposite private room, the door slamming shut, and all rushed over—

"Open the door, open the door! What are you hiding for? I know you're inside!"

"Dare to snatch someone and not show your face or make a sound? Do you believe I'll call the authorities to arrest you?"

Inside the room, Wen Ruan took a deep breath. You guys should calm down, be careful he doesn't rush out and kill all of you!

"Sixth, Your Highness is also here." He leaned against the door, his smile wide and obedient, trying to pacify the clearly agitated person.

Zhu Yan's hand remained on his waist, not moving away, his eyes dangerously dark: "Is this how you protect my pipa bone? Hm?"

Not only were his eyes dangerous, but his hands were too, slowly moving upward, toward Wen Ruan's pipa bone: "My pipa bone, beautiful and precious, pure and holy, cannot be defiled by anyone. Do you understand?"

His hands were feeling bones, but his eyes were fixed intently on the person.