Chapter 1 – The First Meeting

The setting sun melted gold into the rippling lake, and the boats densely scattered on the water basked in the orange twilight.

“Remember, if they’re anything like those from last time, I’ll send them away just the same, alright?”

Xu Chun wore a light apricot round-collar robe, lazily fanning himself. His features were striking, and the orange-red evening glow from one side of the pleasure boat illuminated his face, making his skin appear like translucent white jade.

Young Lord Xu had eyes akin to a cat’s—large, with yellow irises and long, dense lashes. Under the twilight, his eyes seemed like amber, captivating Liu Sheng’s heart. Inwardly, he couldn’t help but ponder that it was hard to say who would come out ahead. In the pleasure quarters, if some renowned courtesans encountered a virgin of exceptional beauty for the first time, they would actually give him a reward…

Xu Chun turned to see him lost in thought, frowned, and tapped his shoulder with his folded fan. “What are you up to? It wouldn’t be that same group of oily-faced ones from last time, right?”

Liu Sheng snapped back to reality and continued the conversation. “My little lord! Who could be pickier and harder to please than you? They were all the best from Nanfeng Hall, but you didn’t fancy them. Then I chose the top martial performers from the opera house for you, but you still weren’t satisfied. You tell me!”

“Half a year ago, I started looking for you. You said you wanted someone good-looking, so I picked the best Qingguan boys from Nanfeng Hall, skilled at poetry and painting. But you complained about their heavy makeup, their coquettishness, and how they were too young and petulant. Alright, let’s not have someone too young with a bad temper, so I found you a few of the best performers from the opera house, a bit older, in their twenties, understanding and considerate, good at taking care of people. But you criticized them for lacking spirit, being too lowly, saying this one was strong and oily-faced or that they served you poorly…”

“Some I thought were first-rate perfect, but you rejected them at a glance. You tell me, Young Lord, if this one today doesn’t suit you, then I’m truly at my wit’s end!”

Xu Chun replied, “It’s just not clicking.” He muttered, somewhat embarrassed yet determined to stay true to his heart. This was his first time, after all! It had to be perfect!

Liu Sheng said, “Don’t worry, I think this one will definitely work.”

Xu Chun was skeptical. “That one of the Four Gentlemen you mentioned? Not another one of those effeminate pretty boys, right? The previous dynasty loved to praise those who resembled Pan An or Xi Shi in beauty…”

Liu Sheng replied, “Have you heard of General Helan? A family of military officers, they offended the Empress Dowager’s clan, and the whole family was executed and exiled. This Young Master Helan was under twelve at the time, and it’s rumored that he was deliberately humiliated by his enemies, forced into the brothel system, given a low social status, and made to serve as a male courtesan. Later, when the Empress Dowager lost power and he grew older, he opened Nanfeng Hall and rarely entertained guests anymore. If it wasn’t for your insistence on finding someone older, gentle, considerate, and experienced, I wouldn’t have spent a fortune to get him to accompany Young Lord.”

Xu Chun asked, “How old?”

Liu Sheng answered, “Twenty-eight, but with an excellent physique and appearance. Besides, you do prefer older men, don’t you? I’ve seen him play cuju and ride horses—very impressive. He’s dignified and heroic, skilled in both martial arts and literature, with a refined demeanor and overflowing talent. He’s a true gentleman, a peerless scholar in this muddled world! Unfortunately, his fate has been full of twists and turns, unjustly humiliated.”

Xu Chun felt a twinge of sympathy but was also curious. “Now that the Empress Dowager is ill in the palace and the Ding family has fallen, why can’t he escape his low social status?”

Liu Sheng shook his head. “In this world, most people add flowers to brocade, piling on when times are good. When the Helan family was executed, even their old comrades and associates in the military were implicated. Now, who would help him? Although the Empress Dowager’s family has fallen, she is the current Emperor’s own mother. Why would anyone go out of their way to clear his name? Besides, he’s been in the pleasure industry for so many years—how could he ever wash clean?”

Xu Chun considered this. “Pitiful, isn’t it? How about I write to the Jingzhao Prefect to help him change his status? As for tonight, forget it. Such matters should be consensual. Since he wasn’t originally part of this lifestyle, there’s no need to force it.”

Liu Sheng exclaimed, “My young master, what compassion are you showing? You just want to try someone experienced, not start a long-term relationship. I went through great lengths to find such a suitable match. Besides, if he didn’t want to, he wouldn’t have agreed…”

Liu Sheng suddenly remembered something and looked at his expression. “I mean, you’re not afraid, are you? Otherwise, every time I find someone for you, you always find something wrong. You’re almost like selecting a concubine!”

Xu Chun: “…”

Blushing, he retorted, “What nonsense are you spouting? Afraid? Me? Just wait!”

Liu Sheng saw through his bravado and chuckled. “Alright, if you don’t like this one, I won’t recommend anyone else. You can just wait for your destined encounter.”

He and Liu Sheng entered the parlor on the pleasure boat, where several fair-skinned, rosy-lipped young servants came to serve them tea. “Please wait a moment, gentlemen. Our master has an important guest to attend to. Due to the unexpected situation, please sit and wait—he’ll be here shortly after changing his clothes.”

Liu Sheng whispered to Xu Chun, “Those with some status often like to play hard to get. Don’t worry. This Young Master Helan is truly worth it.”

The windows of the pleasure boat’s open hall were wide open, offering a view of the vast river outside. It was September weather—crisp and clear—and the wind carrying the scent of the river gently blew in. The sky was darkening, and above the Huai River, faint sounds of music and laughter could be heard.

This was the most famous place for debauchery on Golden Powder River, known for its elegance and beauty, with a reputation that spread far and wide.

Xu Chun sullenly poured himself a cup of tea. Seeing his lack of enthusiasm, Liu Sheng asked, “What’s wrong today? Did your family forbid you from coming out?”

Xu Chun replied, “How could they? My father couldn’t care less about me. Don’t you know? He recently took another beautiful concubine and built a garden, spending his days feasting and playing there. The atmosphere at home is suffocating. Even Grandmother doesn’t bother with him. It’s just stressful to return home—better to be free outside.”

Liu Sheng commented, “The Duke really… Your illegitimate siblings are numerous, like raising pigs. Aren’t you worried?”

Xu Chun didn’t want to delve deeper. “Worried about what? Illegitimate sons can’t inherit the title, and the more he acts this way, the less likely noble daughters will enter the estate. They’re all concubines of low birth—half-slaves, half-servants.”

Liu Sheng shook his head. “Leaving aside other things, your illegitimate brother passed the imperial examination early and gained fame. Aren’t you afraid he might secure an official position in next year’s Spring Examination?”

Xu Chun replied, “His mother was Grandmother’s maid and passed away long ago. There was never hope for him to inherit the title, and passing the imperial examination is a viable path for him.”

Liu Sheng sighed. “Well, I know your mother is kind and lenient, but sometimes, virtue doesn’t equate to practicality. Oh well.”

For some reason, Xu Chun felt a bit stifled inside and got up. “I’m going outside to take a look.”

The pleasure boat floated on the water, the Ten Li Golden Powder River reflecting the music and countless lights—a world of opulence and indulgence.

Xu Chun saw the sunset gradually disappear, but a hint of orange-red light still remained. Looking up at the higher deck of the pleasure boat, he thought the scenery might be better there. Feeling somewhat frustrated, he walked up a few steps on the boat’s staircase.

Just a few steps in, he was suddenly stopped. “Guest, please stop.”

Xu Chun paused and lifted his head, locking eyes with a tall, slender youth wearing a crane-feather cloak on the highest deck of the pleasure boat. The youth had just turned around upon hearing the sound. Their eyes met, and Xu Chun was momentarily stunned.

Xu Chun had never seen eyes that had witnessed so much—calm as an icy lake, deep as a cold pond, silent as ashes… Under the sunset, the man appeared aloof, cold, and weary, yet his clear aura and nobility couldn’t be concealed.

Xu Chun recalled returning to his hometown as a child, the sandbanks on the river filled with snow, and tired white egrets standing alone in the desolate, vast landscape. The wind blew across the silent, cold sandbank—a breathtaking scene.

It was as if a flying goose had stepped on the snow, leaving a fleeting mark. Xu Chun felt as though his heart was pressed by a bird’s claw—fleeting yet unforgettable. He heard his heart pounding rapidly, remembered Liu Sheng’s introduction earlier, and couldn’t resist asking, “Young Master Helan?”

A guard stepped forward to stop him. The guard was quite tall, but Xu Chun couldn’t help but look at the young master. Perhaps his longing was too evident, so the noble master waved his hand, and the guard bowed and retreated. Xu Chun approached.

The evening wind on the top deck of the pleasure boat swirled, and as he got closer, the man’s features became clearer. His sharp gaze swept down at him indifferently, and Xu Chun felt as though he were seen through, from his hair to his innermost being.

His mouth was dry, and he could only hear the thumping of his heart. “Sorry… I’m intruding… You’re really handsome…” It was beyond his expectations. He finally understood what it meant to fall in love at first sight, to instantly become enamored with someone.

The young master asked him from above, “What’s your name?”

His expression wasn’t arrogant, and his tone was calm, but Xu Chun somehow sensed his pride. He genuinely believed that someone with such looks and bearing had the right to be proud. While savoring the sound of his voice, he softly replied, “Xu Chun, the ‘Xu’ in ‘speech’ and ‘noon,’ and the ‘Chun’ in ‘water shield fern.’ I’m from the Duke of Jing’s estate…”

The young master seemed to recall something, and a mocking smile appeared on his face. “Duke of Jing’s estate, huh? A descendant of a guardian noble and distinguished minister—you should be a pillar of the state. Why are you lingering in this den of debauchery, engaging in frivolous acts?”

Xu Chun felt a sense of self-contempt, stammering, “I’m not usually like this, but… but I just want to confirm.”

The young master seemed intrigued. “Confirm what?”

Xu Chun’s face felt as if it were burning. “Confirm… whether I really like men. I’m just trying it out.” His voice was barely audible.

The young master didn’t expect to hear such a straightforward and somewhat cliché truth. He slowly said, “Try it out?”

Feeling an overwhelming pressure and intimidation, Xu Chun stammered weakly in defense, “But seeing you, I feel there’s no need to try.”

The young master’s eyebrows raised slightly. “Oh?”

Xu Chun hoped to salvage his image. “Maybe I don’t necessarily like men, but I definitely like you.” He couldn’t find the right words to describe the man’s bearing before him. All he knew was that he had confirmed his feelings at first sight, liking every aspect of him. Liu Sheng, who was usually unreliable, had proven reliable for once, and he suddenly felt a glimmer of confidence. Since he was invited, it must mean he was willing, right?

His heart was filled with anticipation and eagerness as he looked at the extraordinary young master.

The young master laughed softly and said slowly, “I’ve never needed anyone to like me.” All he needed was for others to fear him.

Although his expression was still indifferent and his voice lacked mockery, Xu Chun could sense the condescending disdain.

Xu Chun blushed, unable to speak, yet still clung to a sliver of hope. Didn’t Liu Sheng say that they all liked to put on airs? Facing someone with a face like the moon and a demeanor like frost and snow, he was willing to coax him into a smile.

Gathering his courage, he tried his best to appeal. “Can I invite you for a cup of tea?”

“No,” thin lips uttered a cold response, “filthy.”

Xu Chun felt as if he had been struck by a hammer, taking two steps back. Shame almost burst through his heart. He had never felt so insignificant and defiled, as if he had sunk into the dust. Almost wishing he could burrow into the ground, his eyes involuntarily lowered, staring at the mottled wooden deck of the boat. His mind was in a haze, not knowing what to say.

The man watched as Young Master Xu’s face, which had been flushed red, suddenly drained to a ghastly pale. His cat-like eyes, previously bright, no longer dared to meet his gaze, and his lips trembled slightly. He was somewhat surprised. Accustomed to the cutthroat politics among high-ranking officials, where calm faces hid swords and arrows, he felt that the youth before him had a thin skin and said slowly, “Retire. Do not come again.” At least he knew shame—still redeemable.

Without a word, Xu Chun hastily made a bow and turned around in embarrassment, fleeing down the pleasure boat as if escaping, not even bothering to check on Liu Sheng still on board. He directly crossed the gangplank in a few steps, jumped ashore, and left without looking back.