Chapter 26 “Did You Enjoy It?”

Chapter 26 "Satisfied?"

A dozen brutal slaps later, Wu Shi's face turned ashen—it was no different from being slapped herself!

Her maternal family was a minor branch of the Wu clan, holding little status. She had schemed relentlessly to finally replace the late Madam Chen and become the matriarch of the Chen household, yet before Chen Yanqing, she still couldn't hold her head high!

Wu Shi glared fiercely at Nanny Lu, who was slapping herself, her eyes clouded with hatred.

"Stop," Chen Yanqing said coolly.

Nanny Lu’s hands trembled as she lowered them. Both cheeks were swollen, her lips split and bruised, strands of hair disheveled—all her usual arrogance had vanished.

"This ends here. Let it be a lesson for your future conduct." Chen Yanqing didn't even spare her a glance; his mere commanding presence was enough to instill fear.

Nanny Lu bowed low, her body still shaking. "This servant will remember Third Young Master’s teachings."

Chen Yanqing shifted his gaze to Wu Shi. "If there’s nothing else, I won’t disturb you further."

Wu Shi’s hands trembled with rage as she clenched her fingers, forcing out, "Very well."

Chen Yanqing walked to Yin Rou and paused slightly. "What are you waiting for?"

Ignoring Wu Shi’s seething fury, Yin Rou hastily gathered her skirts and stood, following Chen Yanqing as he left.

Behind them, Wu Shi hurled her prayer beads to the ground. Nanny Lu wailed like a mourner, "Madam, with the master just gone, he won't even feign respect now. What place will you have in his eyes in the future?"

"Enough!" Wu Shi snapped.

Nanny Lu immediately fell silent, not daring to speak further. Wu Shi’s eyes burned with fury just as Chen Yanlin strode into the courtyard. His gaze swept the room and he demanded sharply, "Where are they?"

He had heard that his mother intended to deal with his father’s former associates, and that Song Yinrou had also been brought in. He rushed over immediately—were they already gone?

Chen Yanlin pressed urgently, "Mother, what have you done with them?"

Already fuming, Wu Shi took one look at his frantic state and knew he had come for Song Yinrou. She slammed the table. "You scoundrel!"

Unwilling to openly defy his mother, Chen Yanlin suppressed his temper. "Mother, why stir up trouble now?"

"Why?" Wu Shi sneered. "Are you waiting for me to make a fool of myself?"

Chen Yanlin’s gaze sharpened. Had his mother discovered something?

Seeing the tension between mother and son, Nanny Lu stepped in hastily. "Madam, please calm down."

She then explained to Chen Yanlin, "Young Master, you weren’t here earlier. Third Young Master came pretending kindness, took everyone away, and even spoke disrespectfully to Madam."

"Chen Yanqing?" Chen Yanlin repeated, his eyes narrowing sharply.

His third brother, outwardly gentle but cold to the core, wouldn’t bother with such trivial matters. A long-buried suspicion intensified.

That day, he had chased Song Yinrou to Xuanhe Hall only to lose her trail. Outside the mourning hall, he’d nearly caught her when Shu Yan suddenly appeared and ruined everything. And Song Yinrou—after disappearing while drugged, she had reappeared completely unharmed. That time, Chen Yanqing had also been absent.

All clues pointed to Chen Yanqing!

This time, Chen Yanqing had beaten him to it again. His "rescue" was just a pretext—his real aim was her.

Had Chen Yanqing been the one to relieve Song Yinrou of the drug’s effects? Had they already... consorted?

A surge of intense jealousy and rage flared in his chest.

It must be! He had thought Chen Yanqing was indifferent to women, but it was all just a facade!

Chen Yanlin spun to leave, face thunderous, but Wu Shi barked, "Stop!"

Wu Shi had now regained her composure. That Song Yinrou wasn’t the most pressing matter—what mattered now was the master’s death; the Chen family’s power had fallen entirely into Chen Yanqing’s hands. If they didn’t act now, they’d be left with nothing.

She stepped forward and said to Chen Yanlin, "Come with me to see your grandmother."

......

Yin Rou kept her eyes lowered as she followed the tall figure ahead. Though Third Young Master wasn’t walking fast, her shorter steps left her struggling to match his pace.

Her uneven footsteps grated on his nerves. He didn’t know why he felt so irritated, so he whirled around.

Yin Rou, absorbed in walking, nearly crashed into him before managing to halt just half a step away. Her head was level with his chest, and she could easily catch his crisp, masculine scent.

It clung to her before she could retreat.

Memories of that day flooded back—how she had pleaded with him, how he had placed her in the chair, lifting her foot onto the armrest.

Heat flared through her, burning her whole body. She clenched her eyes shut, trying to dispel the thoughts, but the memories were already deeply rooted. The harder she tried not to think, the clearer they became.

Shame licked at her like a slow flame, the flush spreading from her cheeks to her earlobes, staining them crimson.

Chen Yanqing looked down, taking in every detail. An invisible fire seemed to sear into his core from across the space.

He steadied his breathing, suppressing the rising heat.

The long exhale brushed Yin Rou’s ear, dousing her feverish thoughts. Was Third Young Master angry?

She fidgeted with her fingers. He must be—she had caused him trouble again today.

As for that bashful shyness, it belonged to couples who shared mutual affection. For her, it was nothing but excess. A trace of bitterness flashed in Yin Rou’s eyes as she carefully tucked away her emotions, stepping back to curtsy. "Thank you, Third Young Master, for saving me."

The warmth in Chen Yanqing’s eyes faded with the increased distance. He should be satisfied that she knew propriety, yet instead of relief, he felt only...

His dark gaze swept over Yin Rou’s timidly clasped hands, the urge to seize her and pull her back flaring abruptly.

His eyes darkened momentarily before clearing again.

Chen Yanqing knew how absurd this impulse was, so he had to restrain himself.

Without looking at Song Yinrou again, he signaled to Shu Yan. "Take her to Shifang Pavilion."

"And afterward, if..." Shu Yan hesitated, worried that Wu Shi might not let the matter rest and try to take her again.

Chen Yanqing only said, "Don't concern yourself."

Shu Yan was taken aback. Yin Rou instinctively glanced at him. "Don't concern yourself"—did that mean no one’s interference mattered?

Her heart clenched unexpectedly. Yin Rou didn’t dare dwell on it, suppressing all thoughts as she followed Shu Yan away.

*

With the funeral concluded, there was a mountain of affairs to handle in both the residence and the merchant guild. Chen Yanqing was buried in work at Xuanhe Hall when Madam Chen’s servant arrived. "Third Young Master, the old madam requests your presence."

Nanny Sang was Madam Chen’s longtime attendant, so Chen Yanqing treated her courteously. He nodded. "Please inform Grandmother I will be there shortly."

"Understood." Nanny Sang withdrew with a bow.

After finishing the accounts in hand, Chen Yanqing rose and headed toward Ruifu Garden where Madam Chen resided.

Madam Chen still appeared weary, reclining on a luohan couch with her forehead resting in her hand, eyes closed in rest. Upon hearing the servant announce Chen Yanqing’s arrival, she slowly opened her eyes. "Third Young Master has arrived."

A maid brought a chair and placed it beside Madam Chen. "Please have a seat, Third Young Master."

Chen Yanqing adjusted his robes and sat down. "How is Grandmother’s health?"

Madam Chen nodded. "Quite well."

Since his grandmother had summoned him, it was likely that Wu Shi had already visited. Chen Yanqing was in no hurry, waiting for Madam Chen to speak first.

After a long silence, Madam Chen sighed. "Now that your father is gone, and he left only you and Fifth Young Master as his sons, I know you two were never close, but united we stand. What do you think?"

Chen Yanqing pondered briefly before nodding. His mother had passed away young, and he had been raised almost entirely by his grandmother. He could not disregard her words.

"I know you hold grievances against Wu Shi, and I don’t like her either." Madam Chen, the daughter of a high-ranking military officer from Xiyu Pass, came from an esteemed family. How could she respect someone like Wu Shi, who had manipulated her way into becoming the master's wife? But now that Wu Shi was Mrs. Chen, the Chen family's current wife, she had to be given proper respect.

Madam Chen sighed inwardly and looked at Chen Yanqing. "The earlier decision to send Fifth Young Master to Liangjiang—let’s put that aside for now. The mourning period continues. If he leaves at this time, what will people say?"

Chen Yanqing agreed. "Very well."

His father’s death had been sudden, and even if his grandmother hadn’t mentioned it, the matter would likely have been postponed.

Madam Chen’s tightly knitted brows relaxed. She took his hand and patted it gently. "From now on, the Chen family will rely on you to uphold its legacy."

"Grandmother need not worry. I will not allow the Chen family’s centuries-old foundation to decline."

Hearing his assurance, Madam Chen’s eyes softened with relief. She nodded repeatedly. "With your word, I am at ease."

Chen Yanqing stayed with Madam Chen a while longer, conversing with her. Then Madam Chen recalled something and asked, "I heard Wu Shi intended to deal with the women in your father’s inner quarters."

Chen Yanqing’s expression remained unchanged. "It was hardly a dignified affair. If word got out, it would only become a subject of idle talk. I happened upon it and intervened."

Madam Chen nodded. "Wu Shi is too jealous and intolerant."

Chen Yanqing neither confirmed nor denied it.

Madam Chen then added, "But that girl Song Yinrou—I don’t think she’s as guileless as she appears."

Chen Yanqing replied evenly, "Grandmother’s judgment may be biased. You know what Fifth Brother is like."

Remembering Chen Yanlin’s reckless nature, inherited from his father, Madam Chen sighed again. But people naturally favored their own, especially when it came to their grandchildren.

"Grandmother has always been merciful. There’s no need to trouble yourself over such matters," Chen Yanqing interjected at the right moment.

Madam Chen looked at him, her gaze questioning.

"Though Fifth Brother won’t be going to Liangjiang, he should still take on some responsibilities. The steward at the rural estate is getting on in years. Let him manage the estate instead. As for Song Yinrou..." Chen Yanqing paused. "If she were released, there’s no guarantee Fifth Brother wouldn’t cause trouble. It would only invite more complications. She previously copied scriptures in Shifang Hall for a time. I suggest she remain there, continuing to transcribe scriptures daily. It may help her understand Buddhist teachings and reflect upon herself."

Madam Chen had no suspicion of the personal considerations behind his words. After some thought, she nodded. "Let it be as you say."

Leaving Ruifu Garden, Chen Yanqing proceeded to the front courtyard when Chen Yanlin suddenly stepped out from the side path, blocking his way. A smirk tugged at his lips, his eyes glinting with malice.

Chen Yanqing lifted his gaze unhurriedly. "Is there something you need?"

The mere thought that Chen Yanqing might have already touched Song Yinrou filled Chen Yanlin with barely contained rage. He sneered, "Third Brother looks flushed with pleasure—has something delightful happened?"

"With Father’s passing, the whole household mourns. How could there be anything delightful?" Chen Yanqing met his gaze, the imposing presence in his eyes instantly overwhelming Chen Yanlin. "Mind your words carefully."

Chen Yanlin gritted his teeth in rage. "Don’t think I don’t know about you and Song Yinrou. You’ve touched her, haven’t you?"

Chen Yanqing had never regarded Chen Yanlin as a threat, but hearing Song Yinrou’s name from his lips ignited a swift, nameless fury. "Didn’t I warn you to mind your tongue? Or do you find managing the estate too lenient? Then you'll be going to Liangjiang after all."

Chen Yanlin’s knuckles cracked audibly, but he currently had no means to oppose Chen Yanqing.

"Aren’t you afraid this will get out? The dignified Third Young Master Chen, consorting with his father’s concubine right after his death."

Chen Yanqing ignored his crude accusations and brushed past him without acknowledgment.

Furious, Chen Yanlin’s brows twitched grotesquely. Yes, even if he spread the word, no one would believe him.

Staring at Chen Yanqing’s austere profile, he asked with venom, "Was it good?"

*

August turned to September, and the weather was no longer so oppressive. By evening, when the sun set, a hint of coolness could be felt.

Yin Rou straightened up, carefully stacking the pile of scriptures she had copied before washing the brush and hanging it on the stand. Rubbing her sore wrist, she rose and walked to the window for a brief respite.

The rose mallow in the courtyard had been in bud just yesterday, but today they were in full bloom, their pink-and-white petals swaying gently, their fragrance delicate yet pervasive.

The sight lifted Yin Rou’s spirits, her dark eyes brightening, a faint smile unconsciously curving her lips.

Yu He, having finished her tasks, came to see her and was pleasantly surprised to find her smiling. "What has made you so happy, miss?"

Yin Rou emerged from her thoughts, touching her slightly curved lips. Thinking back, she realized that since coming to the Chen household, she had lived in perpetual unease—never once had she smiled so genuinely from the heart.

Chen Yanlin had already left for the rural estate, and Wu Shi had not sought her out again. All she had to do now was copy scriptures daily in Shifang Hall, which had become a place of refuge for her.

Looking at Yu He’s beaming face, Yin Rou’s smile deepened. "The flowers in the courtyard have bloomed. They bring me joy."

Yu He turned to look and nodded. "They are indeed beautiful."

Then she quickly pulled out two oranges she had hidden in her sleeves. "Look, miss!"

The oranges were round and golden, irresistibly tempting.

"I brought them especially for you," she said, stuffing them into Yin Rou’s hands.

Holding the oranges, Yin Rou felt an inexplicable tightness in her throat. She had no family left in this world—only Yu He still cared for her so thoughtfully.

"Miss, what’s wrong?" Yu He asked worriedly, noticing the tears glistening in her eyes.

Yin Rou shook her head lightly.

"Are you still afraid that Mrs. Chen might cause trouble for you?" Yu He guessed, trying to comfort her. "Don’t worry, miss. Isn’t Third Young Master here? He’ll protect you."

At the mention of Third Young Master, Yin Rou’s gaze wavered, her thoughts clouding with confusion. Truthfully, she hadn't seen him since that day. Only Shu Yan came by occasionally. She didn't even dare to think of Third Young Master—because the moment she did, acute embarrassment flooded her.

"I think... Third Young Master shows concern for you," Yu He said in a lowered voice, her usually forthright manner subdued.

After all, she knew this was not something to be spoken of openly.

"That’s not true."

Yin Rou’s voice was barely audible, her confusion replaced by certainty. Third Young Master had only intervened out of necessity. Had he known it would lead to this, he would have stayed far away from her from the start.

An inexplicable melancholy wrapped around her heart. Yin Rou shook her head inwardly to shake it off. This was the path she had chosen. Even if Third Young Master disapproved of her now, it was only to be expected.

"I really think he does," Yu He maintained obstinately. Based on her observations and Third Young Master’s consistent attitude toward Yin Rou, indifference seems unlikely.

"I've been in the household for some time now, and I've never seen Third Young Master show such concern for anyone," Yu He said knowingly, her eyes darting around before she leaned closer to Yin Rou and whispered, "If you were with Third Young Master... no one would dare mess with you again."

"Don't—don't talk nonsense!" Yin Rou's heart raced wildly, her voice unsteady as she cut her off.

If she had once held onto hope because of that vision, now reality differed completely. In short, nothing was as she had imagined.

Yu He, scolded, dared not continue her wild talk. After all, the distance between their statuses was insurmountable.

Yet everyone could see Third Young Master treated her specially. After a moment's thought, Yu He said, "Perhaps you could ask Third Young Master to free you from your slave status."

If her slave status were removed, she could be free, leave the Chen household, and have a chance to clear her father's reputation. Yin Rou clenched her trembling hands, shaking with excitement.

Yes, she couldn't just hide away safely. She still had things to do.

Not far from the Shifang Hall, on the second floor of a small building, Chen Yanqing stood behind the window frame, his posture straight as a pine. His gaze lowered, fixed in the distance, where the girl's silhouette, already blurred by the evening glow, appeared even more indistinct.

"Young Master." Shu Yan knocked and spoke.

Chen Yanqing casually let go of the bamboo pole propping the window, blocking the outside view. "Enter," he said.

Shu Yan pushed the door open. "The guild sent for you again. Since you refused the last two times, I think they're truly anxious now. Should we keep them waiting a little longer?"

In his opinion, those money-grubbing old foxes needed to learn their lesson.

Chen Yanqing said calmly, "Have the carriage ready."

*

As dusk fell quietly, the restaurants and teahouses along the long street bustled with activity, a lively scene of people coming and going.

Qing Feng reined in the horses outside Jisheng Tower, and Shu Yan followed Chen Yanqing inside. The staff recognized the Chen family's carriage and hurried out to greet them, bowing with a smile. "Third Young Master, please come in."

Jisheng Tower was the largest restaurant in Xiyu Pass, with several connected buildings. The innermost Yipinxiang was the most elegantly decorated, for important guests only. The main floor was already packed with diners, while the upper floors had been cleared to make space for the guild's owners in the private room.

And now, everyone was waiting for Chen Yanqing.

The door opened, and as Chen Yanqing entered the private room, all the guild owners—whether older or more experienced—greeted him with smiles.

"Third Young Master, you've finally arrived. We've prepared wine and dishes, waiting just for you."

Chen Yanqing strode to the empty seat at the head of the table and sat down, smiling at the group. "Family matters have kept me busy lately and I couldn't spare the time. I apologize for the delay."

"Not at all, not at all," the tea merchant owner waved his hands repeatedly. "For you to spare us your time is already an honor for us."

Old Master Chen's sudden death and Fifth Young Master being sent to the countryside estate made it clear that Third Young Master was now the head of the Chen family. Anyone wanting Chen family connections had to rely on Third Young Master.

Their past actions had left them nervous for days. Just Chen Yanqing's presence was a grace to them.

"I'll have the dishes served now," said a young man sitting at the end of the table as he stood up.

The silk merchant owner smiled and introduced him to Chen Yanqing. "This is my distant nephew, Liang Song. I hope Third Young Master will show him favor in the future."

"Greetings, Third Young Master." Liang Song bowed awkwardly from a distance.

Chen Yanqing raised a hand to stop him. "No need for formalities. Since he's Manager Liang's nephew, I'm sure everyone here will support him."

Liang Song nodded repeatedly. Though they were close in age, he lacked the innate composure of someone in power that Chen Yanqing possessed, appearing instead like a greenhorn.

The dishes were soon served, accompanied by several dancers clad in sheer gauze. The scant fabric clung to their alluring figures, every sway exuding a tantalizing charm.

Liang Song signaled a few dancers to approach and serve, with the prettiest making her way to Chen Yanqing.

The other owners' expressions shifted at the sight, and Manager Liang yanked Liang Song aside, demanding in a hushed voice, "Who told you to arrange this?"

"What's wrong?" Liang Song looked bewildered.

Manager Liang was furious, though he blamed himself for not mentioning it earlier. He whispered sharply, "Third Young Master doesn't go for women!"

In past banquets, they had often had women accompany them. While Third Young Master didn't mind what they did, he never touched any himself—an unspoken rule.

Sure enough, Chen Yanqing's icy voice rang out.

"Step back."

The dancer froze mid-seduction in the middle of the room, and Liang Song hastily signaled for her to retreat.

The dancer returned to the center to resume her performance, while Liang Song offered an embarrassed apology. "Third Young Master."

"It's fine," Chen Yanqing cut him off. "Don't let me ruin your fun."

Liang Song, seeing no anger on his face, finally relaxed and returned to his seat.

The others chuckled and changed the subject, toasting and discussing guild affairs. By the time official matters were settled, several rounds of wine had passed. The now-drunk owners each held a dancer close, whispering in their ears. The room glowed with hazy light, the atmosphere growing increasingly decadent.

Only Chen Yanqing remained composed, engaging in conversation as usual, indifferent to the seductive display before him. Occasionally sipping wine, his movements were effortlessly graceful, as if he existed in a different world from the others.

To him, these entwined men and women were merely bodies controlled by base desires. He despised them but showed no outward reaction.

The dancer from earlier swayed gracefully, her gaze drifting toward Chen Yanqing from time to time. She'd met plenty of so-called gentlemen at first, only to become the most absurd later. She didn't believe any man could remain unmoved in the face of beauty.

When the owners toasted Chen Yanqing, he drank sparingly but politely raised his cup each time. His slender fingers held the jade porcelain cup, his handsome features like a cool breeze. The dancer's heart fluttered—she would do anything to serve such a man.

Her sleeves fluttering, she danced closer to him, intentionally or not.

Chen Yanqing was already repulsed by the scent of her powder. He lifted his eyelids slightly, his gaze passing over the rim of his cup to glare at her.

The impatience in his eyes was a stark contrast to his gentle exterior. That cold, warning look made the dancer shrink back, not daring to push further.

Chen Yanqing calmly averted his gaze, but a thought flashed through his mind—what if it were Song Yinrou approaching him instead?

The sudden image flashed before he could stop it. In his mind, he saw Song Yinrou clinging to his neck, whimpering.

His fingers tightened around the wine cup.

Amid the laughter around him, he seemed to hear Song Yinrou's soft sighs against his neck and her cries under his touch.

Darkness flickered in Chen Yanqing's eyes. The ring on his finger grew inexplicably hot, burning into his skin. He slowly shifted his gaze, staring intently at the ring. Beneath the pristine jade, a faint streak of red reminded him of the damp warmth that had enveloped him that night.