"In this contest, we concede defeat wholeheartedly!"
Ding Chunqiu declared, his eyes no longer holding contempt. Ye Fan's prowess had truly broadened their horizons today.
The banquet concluded with Ye Fan departing, a bank draft for thirty million securely in his possession.
Prince Beigong Qingtian's Residence
"Aiyo, Third Brother! Wasn't the plan to humiliate that scoundrel tonight and strip him of his qualification as my teacher? How did he end up winning thirty million and swaggering off? It's infuriating!"
Beigong Xue pouted, her voice laced with petulance.
Beigong Qingtian sighed helplessly. "That Ye Fan does possess some capability. Even I couldn't intervene—Shangguan Feidu was defeated by him."
"Nonsense! He just got lucky! Shangguan Feidu must have underestimated him!"
Beigong Xue huffed, her cheeks flushing with anger.
"Enough. This matter is closed for now. If you're still displeased, make his life difficult when he starts teaching you. He'll retreat soon enough. Now, I have… matters to attend to. Rest here tonight."
Beigong Qingtian's eyes gleamed with sudden intensity. The banquet had been for Beigong Xue's sake—his night was just beginning.
"What 'matters' could you possibly have this late?"
"Important ones. I'm going to cultivate."
"Cultivate what?"
"The Method of Yin-Yang Equilibrium. What would a child know of such things?"
"Ha! You mean visiting brothels! Who doesn't know that? I don't care—I'm coming too!"
Beigong Xue stamped her foot defiantly.
"Absolutely not! How could you go to such a place? Don't be absurd! If you disobey, I'll inform Father tomorrow!"
Beigong Qingtian scolded sharply. He gestured to a servant to escort Beigong Xue back to her quarters and strode purposefully toward the main gate.
Beigong Xue puffed out her cheeks, frustration evident. She stomped back to her room, her large, clever eyes darting around mischievously. A moment later, she crept silently back out.
Soon, an exceptionally handsome young scholar emerged from the Third Prince's residence. A neatly trimmed mustache adorned his upper lip, and he carried an ornate folding fan. Dressed in pristine white Confucian robes, he cut a strikingly conspicuous figure.
Back at the Mo Prince Manor
Ye Gui and Ye Can were still practicing martial forms when Ye Fan returned. He immediately signaled them to stop.
"Care to accompany me to the night market?"
Ye Fan smiled, his handsome features softening into an unexpectedly refined expression.
Ye Can sat down abruptly, surprised. "Big Brother, you never go out at night. This sudden whim is… unexpected."
"Big Brother, aside from brothels and gambling dens, everything's closed by now. What's there to see at the night market?"
Ye Gui's voice was flat as he clasped his longsword to his chest.
Seeing their reactions, Ye Fan shook his head ruefully. "Third Brother, life isn't just about martial arts. There are… other pleasures. Tonight, I'll take you to a courtesan house. Broaden your horizons."
"Don't tease him, Big Brother. Look at him—he'd rather kill someone than visit a brothel."
Ye Can chuckled.
"I suspect Big Brother has another purpose. Come on, Third Brother, let's change."
Ye Can stood, pulling a reluctant Ye Gui toward their courtyard.
Watching his brothers leave, Ye Fan poured himself a cup of clear tea. He took a slow sip, a gentle smile touching his lips.
"The tea tastes sweeter in this life."
Half an Hour Later
Outside the Mo Prince Manor, Ye Fan stood transformed. He wore luxurious brocade robes. An exquisite jade pendant hung at his waist. In his hand, he held an open folding fan displaying a landscape painting. Emblazoned boldly across the mountains and rivers were four characters:
I AM THE PRINCE!!
The ensemble was undeniably flamboyant—a stark contrast to the reserved, taciturn Ye Fan of his past life.
Having lived through so much, the fusion of his two lifetimes was reshaping his personality. Perhaps driven by a deep-seated aversion to his former self, he now consciously embodied its opposite.
Arrogant. Ruthless. Passionate. Refined. He was like an actor, playing different roles, keeping everyone guessing. The real him—the one forged by his mother's death, the humiliations, Tang Ling's betrayal—remained locked deep within.
Honest and Kind? No trace of it remained visible to the world. Yet, towards his true family and sworn brothers, his sincerity and selflessness were absolute.
Taciturn? Silence had only ever invited abuse. He spat on it!
The Ye Fan of this life had shed the shadow of the past. He would live anew. He wasn't three hundred years old; he was seventeen. He would savor this life. He would mend old regrets.
For instance… visiting a brothel…
This was his justification…
The Capital's Premier Courtesan House: Scent Recognizes the Man
Scent Recognizes the Man was owned by Li Xiangyu. Ostensibly a high-class pleasure house, its mistress had connections stretching through both the legitimate world and the underworld. Its true backing was the infamous Cosmic Commerce Guild.
The Cosmic Commerce Guild straddled the line between righteousness and villainy. For the right price, they undertook any task—assassination, bodyguarding, weapon forging, rare herb trading.
They commanded tens of thousands of mercenaries, their influence spanning the entire Eastern Spirit Realm. Even the Six Great Dynasties treated them with wary respect. In his past life, Ye Fan hadn't encountered them until he'd reached the Nascent Soul stage.
Ye Gui and Ye Can, however, wore their battle attire. Ye Can, missing an arm, felt utterly awkward in finery. Ye Gui, true to his nature, preferred stark black battle robes, his face perpetually stern, radiating an aura that screamed "stay away."
The moment Ye Fan entered Scent Recognizes the Man flanked by these two, he felt a pang of regret. The beautiful courtesans took one look at Ye Gui's thunderous expression and shrank back.
"Ahem, Third Brother… relax in a place like this. Look at these flowers-and-jade beauties. Not even a flicker of interest?"
Ye Fan sighed inwardly.
Ye Gui's reply was icy. "I see only the living and the dead. Not men and women."
Ye Fan and Ye Can simultaneously facepalmed. Right. We're not actually here for that.
Beigong Qingtian was in high spirits. Tonight featured the premiere performance of Luo Xin, the current star attraction, hosting a "Dance Seeks Friends" event.
Winning the favor—and perhaps the intimate company—of such a peerless beauty would make his trip worthwhile.
Though a prince, Beigong Qingtian never forced himself on women or abused his status. His conquests were won through charm and legitimate means.
Luo Xin was a famed beauty of the capital. Though dwelling in the world of wind, flowers, snow, and moon, she maintained her virtue. Countless young elites of the capital were enthralled by her.
To secure the best view of Luo Xin's captivating dance, Beigong Qingtian positioned himself closest to the central stage. Several guards flanked him. Delicacies and fine wine adorned his table. Enjoying such pleasures amidst the ambiance was indeed delightful.
Unbeknownst to him, a pair of mischievous eyes glared daggers at him from a shadowed corner nearby.