Chapter 3

That night, the patrons only settled down at the third watch of the night. Those who had their favorite courtesans returned to their rooms for pleasure, while the rest left the De Yue Lou. The unique competition between Zhao Yougong and Gao Yannei would surely become a laughingstock in the city of Tokyo.

After the third watch, Bianliang was tranquil and serene, with occasional music that did not disturb the peace. The spring breeze was refreshing on the face. By the Bian River, a few painted boats were moored at the shore, and the red lanterns stood out sharply in the quiet night. The moonlight fell on the river, and the gentle breeze rippled the water, creating a shimmering effect on the surface.

"Amidst the dark night, the fishing lamp appears, a single point of light like a firefly. A gentle breeze stirs the waves, scattering stars across the river." This scene perfectly matched the poem. The stars twinkled, but were they in the sky or on the ground? In this vast world, who could clearly distinguish?

Zhao Yougong was only wearing a thin robe, with nothing but undergarments underneath. Yurou was a woman as gentle as water, just like her name. A light gauze wrapped her soft body, the pink fabric almost translucent. Under the thin gauze, her perfect figure was faintly visible, and the light yellow belly wrap barely concealed her. This only served to arouse a man's desire more. Seeing Zhao Yougong frowning at the window, she went over and massaged his shoulders, "Young Master, are you still thinking about tomorrow's wager?"

"Hehe, how can I not? Gao Fatty is a vengeful person. After embarrassing him today, he will surely think of ways to get back at me." Though he said this, his face showed no worry. Zhao Yougong hugged Yurou's slender waist and slowly caressed her fullness, "Rou'er, would you like me to buy your freedom?"

Zhao Yougong's words were sudden, and Yurou was taken aback. She smiled briefly but then looked sad.

Yurou knew her situation. At twenty-two, even if she followed the young prince, how long could she serve him? At twenty-two, she was already considered old. In the brothel, there was no affection, only the tears of the old as the new laughed. How long would the young prince like her? A year? Two years... When his affection waned, would she be passed on to others like other women?

During the Northern Song Dynasty, it was not uncommon for literati to exchange concubines, and such acts were even considered commendable. However, for women, it was always a tragedy. Since the Sui and Tang dynasties, humanistic thought had declined, and by the Northern Song, the idea of male superiority and female inferiority was even more severe. In short, tragic stories of women were common. Even the famous Su Shi, during his demotion, continuously gave away his concubines and even forced his most beautiful concubine, Chunniang, to death.

In the De Yue Lou, Yurou heard much and understood much. She had never thought a man would truly love her for ten years. She was a courtesan but had her own pride. She did not want to be like Chunniang or be treated as a commodity. Perhaps she could not resist the world, but she could still choose her own path.

"Thank you for your kindness, Young Master. If you truly like Yurou, come to see her every month. Please do not mention buying my freedom again!"

Yurou looked dejected, and her hands hung down. Zhao Yougong knew his bad reputation, and it was understandable that Yurou did not want to go with him. In the dim candlelight, since he could not force her, why not enjoy the moment? He closed the window, locking in the intimacy.

The gauze fell to the ground, and Zhao Yougong lifted Yurou into his arms. For some reason, Yurou seemed particularly excited that night, her long legs tightly wrapped around his waist, as if trying to consume him.

Under the pink canopy, a soft moan, and after the passion, the storm subsided. Playing with Yurou's hand, Zhao Yougong raised an eyebrow and smiled, "What's wrong? You seem to have taken some medicine today?"

Yurou's face was flushed, and she did not want to open her eyes. She nodded slightly and whispered, "I am happy today. At least in your eyes, I am better than Shishi..."

Every woman has her pride, and Yurou was no exception. She seemed unworldly, but she could not be a fairy. Li Shishi's brilliance was too great, and even if she could surpass Li Shishi for just one night, it was still a joy.

Zhao Yougong found it amusing, never expecting his foolish act to make Yurou so happy.

The candlelight flickered, and the room was dim. It was already the hour of the ox, but Shishi had not yet slept. The little maid, Xuan'er, was dozing off, her head drooping. In her dream, she had long forgotten her mistress, Li Shishi. She must have been dreaming of something, as her mouth twitched, and saliva dripped out.

Seeing Xuan'er's state, Shishi smiled helplessly. If everyone could be as carefree as Xuan'er, how wonderful it would be?

In Shishi's heart, Zhao Yougong was a rogue, a shameless rogue. That night, he said what other men dared not say. His words were cold and heartless, but they truly hurt her. What was the title of the top courtesan, what was the flying general, if not playthings for men? The emperor treated her well, but it was only out of novelty. If he truly loved her, why not bring her to the palace? In the end, it was because of her status, fearing a loss of face.

Shishi stroked her face, extending a jade finger to brush her hair. The long night was accompanied only by the spring breeze. Who would have thought that the famous Shishi would feel lonely? She took a deep breath and smiled, but the smile was cold and filled with sorrow. They say courtesans are fickle, but are men not also fickle?

The first light of dawn seeped through the window. Zhao Yougong stood up and, with Yurou's help, put on his clothes. He pushed open the window, and the morning breeze was refreshing. A few birds flew past the window and landed on a nearby willow tree.

The birds chirped, and the river flowed gently. The scenery was like a painting, and a single smile was enough to make one drunk.

Today, he still had to compete with Gao Yannei. Zhao Yougong kissed Yurou's pink lips and left. As he stepped down to the first floor, he heard a pleasant voice behind him, "Young Master Zhao, are you leaving already?"

Without turning around, he knew it was Li Shishi. He looked up and shrugged indifferently. For some reason, Li Shishi looked haggard, her black hair disheveled, her eyes dazed, as if she had not slept all night.

"Hehe, Shishi, you're up early. Are you going to miss me? To be honest, I like your bed!"

His words were not kind, but Shishi was used to it. "I have nothing to do, just wanted to ask if you have chosen someone for the courtesan competition at the end of the month?"

"Of course, Shishi, do you believe me? This year's top courtesan will not be you!" Leaving a boastful remark, Zhao Yougong left the De Yue Lou, hands behind his back.

Li Shishi's eyebrows furrowed, her eyes filled with complexity. How interesting, if she does not win, could it be Cui Nian'nu?

Yurou stood on the third floor, watching Zhao Yougong leave. She did not expect to see this scene early in the morning. Shishi's brows were tightly furrowed, but she covered her mouth and laughed, "Shishi, the young prince is just a rogue, don't be angry with him..."

"Of course, Yurou, you seem to be in a good mood!" Shishi smiled faintly, as if she had already forgotten the incident.

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By the Bian River, just past the hour of the dragon, many people had already gathered around the Moon Arch Bridge. Today, Young Master Zhao and Gao Yannei would compete again, and naturally, there were many spectators. The notorious Yongning Prince and the vengeful Gao Yannei would surely provide entertainment.

Not only the citizens of Bianliang were interested, but even the sons of nobles came to watch. Among the many young masters, two stood out, chatting by a pillar in a teahouse. One was Wang Tenghui, the third-ranking young master in the capital, and the other was Cai Jie, the fifth son of the prime minister. The former was the son of the censor-in-chief Wang Fu, and the latter was the son of the current prime minister Cai Jing. Together, they could truly dominate the city of Tokyo.

Zhao Yougong arrived early at the Moon Arch Bridge. Since he had not eaten breakfast, he held a few steaming buns, and a servant carried a bowl of hot porridge. Seeing Wang Tenghui and Cai Jie, he raised his buns and smirked, "Gentlemen, would you like to try? Fresh out of the pot, very fragrant!"

Cai Jie, lacking manners, waved his hand indifferently, "No, Lingge, you eat yourself..."

Zhao Ling was Zhao Yougong's nickname, so Cai Jie calling him "Lingge" was appropriate. Wang Tenghui, being very showy, twisted his neck and suddenly produced a comb, tidied his hair, and said very self-consciously, "Lingge, be careful. I heard Gao Shibao is very angry!"

Seeing Wang Tenghui's pretentiousness, Zhao Yougong inwardly spat. These two were here to watch the show, and they probably hoped Gao Yannei would win.

There were so many young masters in the capital, but none of them were on his side. But it was not their fault; who would want to get too close to a royal waste who could be sent to hell at any moment?

Zhao Yougong did not bother to argue with Cai Jie and the others. He leaned against the pillar and ate his buns. The servant, fearing he would choke, hurriedly offered the porridge, "Young Master, have some porridge to moisten your throat, don't choke..."

"What are you saying? Do you think I'm a pig? A few buns, and I'll choke?"

Zhao Yougong's tone was not good. The servants around him were all after his money, and in a real crisis, they would run faster than anyone. Taking the bowl, he had not taken two sips when he froze.

"Oink... oink..."

The sound was familiar. The crowd parted, and two black, fat pigs appeared, snorting at the ground. Behind the pigs stood a few people. Gao Yannei, looking arrogant, fanned himself, his beady eyes gazing into the distance.

Everyone was stunned, and then a chaotic murmur arose. The two fat pigs, however, were relaxed, snorting and grunting...