Chapter 54: The Emperor’s Reputation Damaged

Chapter 54: The Emperor's Reputation Takes a Hit

Ling Yehan peered through his veiled hat, his eyes widening slightly. The second floor seemed to have no partitions, merely separated by thin gauze curtains. Moans and whimpers, half-weeping, half-laughing, filled the air incessantly. Through the translucent red gauze, he could even make out entangled bodies, truly like amorous tussles under the quilts.

Even the scent in the building was sweet with a hint of wine, seductive and intoxicating. Ling Yehan felt his body tense, his jaw clenching, and unconsciously quickened his pace up the stairs. The madam leading the way ahead noted his reaction and smiled faintly.

"Young master, you clearly come from a noble family. The second floor is a bit crude, but the third floor is different. Scholars and refined gentlemen adore the elegance of the third floor. You've come at just the right time today—the 'Clear Spring Aquatic Show' is about to begin."

Ling Yehan didn’t understand what the "Clear Spring Aquatic Show" meant but was led into a private room on the third floor. Upon entering, he noticed that the sides of the room were not walls but rather separated by four-panel screens draped with gauze curtains, misty and ethereal. The side facing the door seemed to be a window, also obscured by gauze, making it impossible to see outside. In the center of the room was an enormous bathtub, large enough to comfortably fit two or three grown men. Petals floated on the water's surface, and beside the tub was a spacious soft couch, its purpose self-evident.

It was Ling Yehan’s first time in such a place, and he felt somewhat uneasy. The madam bowed slightly.

"The night is long. I hope you enjoy yourself to the fullest."

With that, she clapped her hands and withdrew. Just then, the curtain at the door was lifted. Ling Yehan looked up and froze instantly. The two figures stepping into the room had delicate, charming features, but what stood out most was their attire—they wore only thin, sheer gauze robes, with even their lower bodies exposed. Their slender, willowy figures were faintly visible through the gauze. Ling Yehan immediately averted his gaze.

"This servant is Qing Yue."

"This servant is Shu Xuan, here to serve you, young master."

The one named Shu Xuan glided forward, his hair half-tied with a few strands falling loosely by his neck. Dressed in a crimson gauze robe, he reached out to remove Ling Yehan’s veiled hat. But as his hand touched the hat, Ling Yehan grabbed his wrist. Unexpectedly, Shu Xuan took the opportunity to lean into his embrace as if to sit on his lap. Ling Yehan sprang to his feet, instantly on guard.

"Young master, you won’t even remove your veiled hat here. Do you find the two of us unworthy of your gaze?"

Ling Yehan had come today to learn how to serve someone properly. After all, Qinghui Pavilion was renowned as the finest establishment in the capital. But aside from everything else, just the delicate voice of the person before him was something he could never mimic, even if his life depended on it.

"I prefer to keep it on. Both of you, stand over there."

Qing Yue and Shu Xuan exchanged glances and smiled, thinking the young master was playing hard to get. He might refuse now, but who knew how impatient he’d become later? Qing Yue glided to the four-panel screen and pulled down the gauze curtain covering it. The images on the screen were instantly revealed to Ling Yehan.

The screen displayed four explicit scenes of lovemaking, exquisitely detailed and vividly lifelike in every aspect—from postures to expressions. Scenes of Peach Blossom Pond, Winding Paths, Entangled Passions, and Intimate Embrace—each image was enough to make one’s blood boil with a single glance.

Ling Yehan had never married, and his only experience had been while drugged. He was quite inexperienced in these matters and had felt utterly inadequate when trying to serve Xiao Chen. Now, faced with these novel images, he couldn’t help but stare. He hadn’t spent ten taels of silver for nothing. Seeing his captivated expression, Qing Yue and Shu Xuan exchanged knowing looks. Why pretend when you’re already here?

"Young master, whichever pleases your eye, we shall perform. If none suit your taste, this humble one can have them replaced. Perhaps you would like to undress and bathe first? You can take your time admiring and choosing."

As he spoke, Qing Yue moved closer to undo Ling Yehan’s robes but was once again blocked by Ling Yehan’s hand. This time, however, Ling Yehan placed two small silver ingots in his palm. Qing Yue’s face lit up with delight. Just as the madam had said, this guest was not short on money. While many patrons gave tips, few did so before even undressing.

Ling Yehan handed over the silver and stepped back.

"Today, I don’t need you to serve me. Instead, demonstrate every position shown in these images. If you perform well, you’ll be rewarded generously."

This statement left even Qing Yue and Shu Xuan, who had entertained countless guests, stunned. Who would spend a fortune to come here just to watch without participating? And still wearing a veiled hat? Could it be that he was… incapable?

But they had encountered many guests who were incapable. Even if that were the case, they had ways to ensure pleasure. Qing Yue slowly approached.

"Young master, your wish is our command. But since you’ve paid, we must ensure you find enjoyment."

Ling Yehan grew impatient. He just wanted to learn some techniques—why was it so difficult? If they kept dawdling, he’d miss his return to the palace. Since when did male courtesans prioritize conscience over money? Taking advantage of the fact that the two didn’t know his identity, he decided to make up an excuse.

"To be frank, I have someone I adore, but my efforts have been in vain. I had no choice but to come here to learn a thing or two. If it proves useful, you’ll have no shortage of silver."

Upon hearing this, the two were momentarily speechless. In all their years of service, this was the first time they had encountered someone who came to "study." They scrutinized the man before them. Though his clothing appeared ordinary, the fabric was of high quality. The brocade belt at his waist was something they had only seen on officials of the second rank—reportedly bestowed by the emperor. This man seemed too young to hold such a high rank, so he must either be a young master from a noble family or a favored companion of some high official. Either way, he was not someone they could afford to offend.

In the Zichen Palace, Xiao Chen was unsettled by the secret guard's report. He had been feeling unwell all afternoon, especially with a dull ache in his lower back. Whether it was due to the growing child or Ling Yehan’s infuriating behavior, he couldn’t tell. He was short of breath, his chest tight and uncomfortable. Now, he reclined on the couch, eyes closed, resting while the imperial physician applied acupuncture. It was only after some time that the needles were removed.

Xiao Chen sat up, still weary and listless, his heart heavy with discontent. In his previous life, he had died filled with resentment, while Ling Yehan lived half a life in regret. Yet, that scheming steward had gotten his way. Now, reborn into a new life, that blockhead still hadn't clued in.

The sun gradually set in the west. Usually, by this time, Ling Yehan would have returned long ago. But today, there was no sign of him. Under normal circumstances, Xiao Chen wouldn’t bother checking the time, but today his temper was already frayed, and that infuriating man still hadn’t returned.

As dinner time approached and Ling Yehan remained absent, Zhang Fu had no choice but to cautiously ask if the meal should be served. Xiao Chen’s face darkened, and he waved his hand dismissively. Shortly after, a secret guard appeared. Xiao Chen massaged his temples and spoke.

"Has something happened with the Marquis of Jingbian?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. This evening, the Marquis returned to his residence through the back courtyard, changed clothes, switched horses, and wore a veiled hat before heading to Qinghui Pavilion."

Xiao Chen looked up.

"Qinghui Pavilion? What kind of place is that?"

"It’s the largest brothel in the capital—an establishment for male courtesans."

Xiao Chen frowned, wondering if he had misheard. Ling Yehan, instead of returning to the palace, had gone to a male brothel at this hour?

"Who did he go with?"

"The Marquis went alone. He was spending lavishly and was directly escorted to the third floor. This subordinate could not follow further but climbed onto the roof. I saw two people enter the Marquis’s room, both clad in sheer gauze, their bodies clearly visible through the fabric."

Xiao Chen felt a surge of anger, his chest tightening with suffocating frustration. The secret guard seemed to recall something and spoke again.

"A few days ago, the Marquis mentioned Qinghui Pavilion while dining with an official. At the time, this subordinate thought it was merely casual conversation and did not report it to Your Majesty. I beg for your forgiveness."

A cold glint flashed in Xiao Chen’s eyes. Excellent. Just yesterday, Ling Yehan had claimed he had been thinking of him since leaving the palace in the morning—thinking of him all day. And now? He had taken his thoughts straight to a brothel.

Seeing his displeasure, Zhang Fu offered a teacup.

"Your Majesty, perhaps the Marquis had legitimate business there."

Xiao Chen’s chest heaved noticeably. He had never heard of Ling Yehan frequenting such places before. Suddenly, Ling Yehan’s words from yesterday echoed in his ears:

"I finally finished my duties and returned to the palace to be with you, yet you won’t let me hold you or touch you."

He also recalled how Ling Yehan had been constantly touching and being affectionate with him these past few days. At his vigorous age, what "legitimate business" could he have alone, disguised, in such a place? Though he still found it hard to believe Ling Yehan would fool around there at such a time, his heart remained unsettled.

"Prepare the carriage. We’re going out of the palace. Keep it discreet."

Meanwhile, in Qinghui Pavilion, Ling Yehan faced a thick stack of illustrated booklets, each containing a wealth of explicit material.

Qing Yue and Shu Xuan stood on either side of him, explaining each image in detail. But Ling Yehan kept shaking his head at the overtly physically demanding positions. Xiao Chen was pregnant—none of these were suitable. He simply wanted to help him relax, not exhaust him.

"Is there nothing that would make him comfortable without requiring effort?"

"Might this humble one ask if the person you adore is older than you?"

Ling Yehan, without suspicion, nodded. Qing Yue and Shu Xuan exchanged another glance. So it was true. The person this young master wanted to serve was older. That made sense—how could someone who had risen to the first or second rank be young? Probably, that person was already struggling in this area, perhaps even finding it difficult to become aroused, let alone engage in vigorous activity. No wonder this young master dismissed these physically demanding positions.

Shu Xuan promptly brought out another manual. As soon as Ling Yehan opened it, his face flushed slightly. Though Qing Yue couldn’t see his expression, he noticed Ling Yehan wasn’t turning the page and knew he was intrigued. He sat down beside him, his voice soft and suggestive.

"Young master, if you wish to bring pleasure to that distinguished person without exertion, intimacy need not involve strenuous activity. Taking the jade stalk into one's mouth, serving with lips and tongue—such methods will surely make that distinguished person feel as if floating on clouds, thoroughly pleasured, without expending any effort."