Chapter 23

Zhu Gaozhi even lent him his own mount, so he wouldn’t have to participate in the hunt, right? And he said a bunch of grand words in public. When the brothers were not around, he could go and catch up with his sister, play a bit of moonlit romance, and who would say anything more? Who would dare to speculate?

"This guy is really good at flirting!"

Xu Hao, a conspiracy theorist, smacked his lips in admiration. However, he then recalled Zhu Gaozhi’s obese body and his problematic legs, and felt relieved. Besides, what’s wrong with wanting to meet an old friend? It’s only human nature!

Returning to the temporary “headquarters,” Xu Hao proudly reported his achievements to Comrade Hongye, the Red Powder General. Comrade Xiaoye praised him a few times, then waved her hand and assigned him a new set of tasks.

Feeling depressed, Xu Hao left with his head down, not having the time to ponder the gossip between his sister and the fat prince. He found Lai Bao and a few family members, and they rode off to their estate.

It wasn’t until evening that the exhausted Xu Hao finally returned. He hurriedly reported his tasks and looked at the girls in the room who were sewing new clothes, sighing that this was a sweatshop of the Ming Dynasty. Then he leisurely returned to his quarters.

Qingwen was the only one left in the room, as Qiuxiang and Musue had gone to help. Seeing her young master’s tired face, she blushed and came forward to take off his coat.

Xu Hao closed his eyes, stretched out his hands, and let the blushing Qingwen bend down, awkwardly unfastening his belt and removing his white silk shirt, revealing his fairly muscular upper body.

Xu Hao, bare-chested, sat down on the chair with a swagger, pointed to his head, and Qingwen quickly removed his jade hairpin, freeing his “beautiful hair.”

“Ran all day, really tired.” Xu Hao picked up the teacup and drank some water. “I’ll take a bath first, then have dinner.”

Qingwen’s face turned even redder. She lowered her head, gathered the clothes in her arms, and ran out like she was escaping. She quickly brought in a few servants, who carried a large bathtub into the room, then added cold and hot water to adjust the temperature.

Xu Hao stood up, ready to take off his pants, and looked at Qingwen standing by the bathtub, asking, “Do you want to stay and bathe with me?”

“Mm-hmm.” Qingwen mustered the courage to close her eyes and nodded lightly.

“Up to you.” Xu Hao, who had experienced many grand occasions, was not afraid of a beauty. He quickly stripped naked and walked over, knowing that this girl would surely sneak a peek.

You peeked, Xu Hao lewdly thrust his hips, causing the little bird to swing back and forth, making Qingwen gasp and quickly turn away.

“Ha ha!”

With a splash, Xu Hao stepped onto a small wooden stool and jumped into the bathtub, water splashing everywhere. He comfortably soaked in the bath, while the embarrassed and angry Qingwen had no choice but to endure it, since she had peeked.

With no other option, she could only grit her teeth and bear it. Qingwen angrily picked up the small bath brush and scrubbed Xu Hao’s back vigorously.

Xu Hao enjoyed it, then suddenly said, “If you don’t leave, Qiuxiang will definitely come in.”

Qingwen whispered, “I’m not afraid. As a maid, it’s my duty to serve the young master.”

Xu Hao smiled, stretched out his hands, and lazily said, “The problem is that this courtyard isn’t just Qiuxiang. If this happens, everyone will know.”

“Oh!” Qingwen finally realized the severity of the situation, quickly threw away the brush, and walked to the door. Through the crack, she saw Qiuxiang frowning and rushing over.

“Young master, if there’s nothing, I’ll go out first.”

In a crisis, Qingwen calmly and loudly said, then slowly opened the door, walked out, turned, and closed the door, all in one smooth motion.

“Hmph!” Qiuxiang glared at her and walked away.

Xu Hao sighed in the room, “Flirting in a wealthy household is really a skill.”

After the bath, Qingwen came in as if nothing had happened, then called in a servant to bring in a copper brazier with burning charcoal, which burned brightly, instantly dispelling the chill from Xu Hao’s body.

Despite the high-quality charcoal being smokeless and odorless, there was still a slight smoky smell. Qingwen lifted the bronze incense burner on the table, added some sandalwood, and a greenish mist rose, quickly diluting the smoky smell.

Xu Hao watched her skilled movements, turned around, and threw away the towel, putting on a clean white robe. He didn’t notice Qiuxiang secretly turning her head again, taking in his white, tender buttocks.

Feeling she had avenged the earlier slight, Qingwen happily went out and soon returned with a bowl of Sanhuang Powder to prevent a cold stomach, which Xu Hao drank with a frown.

“Too bitter, bring a pot of sweet wine.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Dinner was two dishes and a soup. Qingwen warmed a pot of very hot wine, and the cook brought in four small dishes. Qingwen went to the chest, took out a silver-inlaid lacquer劝cup and a pair of pure silver chopsticks, washed them, and placed them on the table.

“You’re tired too, let’s eat together.” Xu Hao sat down and raised his wine glass. “Get another cup, drinking alone is no fun.”

Qingwen shook her head. “You eat first. If I drink with you, Qiuxiang will scold me.”

“Up to you.” Xu Hao didn’t insist and started drinking alone.

Qingwen didn’t idle either. She walked to the bed, bent down, and swept away the dust with a duster. Xu Hao used her slender back as a drinking companion, looking at her enticing, firm buttocks and taking a sip of wine.

Unaware, Qingwen laid out the bedding, carefully tidied the bed, patted her hands in satisfaction, and then left.

Xu Hao, feeling full and tired, didn’t bother with her and went to bed, quickly falling into a sweet sleep. The curtain was lifted, and Qingwen quietly entered, looking at the half-eaten dishes and smiling.

Woken by the rooster’s crow, Xu Hao woke up from his dream. Last night, he dreamed that Zhu Gaozhi was about to assault his sister, but he arrived just in time. Zhu Gaozhi knelt on the ground, begging and promising to make him a noble lord, a prince, a grand chancellor, and a grand marshal once he became emperor.

Xu Hao was lost in thought, savoring the dream. Just as he was basking in his glory, Zhu Gaohu led an army and stormed into the house, and that was it.

“Daydreams come true at night.” Xu Hao carefully recalled Zhu Gaohu’s character. He heard that this guy was born strong, grew up robust, and loved riding and fighting.

If I had such a strong, brave, and capable son, I would be very happy. The other son, though polite and talented, was as fat as a pig and had a leg disability.

Obviously, any parent would love the younger son more. However, from the emperor’s perspective, the elder son inheriting the throne is not only right but also a capable ruler.

Xu Hao stood up. For Zhu Di, both sons had their strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, as a great ruler, Zhu Di would prioritize the empire.

Xu Hao made his decision. Since he couldn’t predict the outcome, he would bet on both sides, using the natural advantage of being related to both brothers, and not offend either.

If the two brothers end up in a bitter conflict, I won’t join in. Who doesn’t know how to pretend to be sick?