The curves of the courtesan remained, even in a pink gauze dress cradling a pipa, which skillfully obscured her vast, magnificent, monumental peaks. Yet, her exquisitely enchanting face and shapely figure still radiated an irresistible allure, tempting any observer to seek a relationship that transcended mere friendship…
However, at this moment, Ye Jingyu clearly had no such thoughts. His gaze swept over Yao Rao briefly before settling on the man seated opposite her…
Clad in a white brocade robe, his raven-black hair cascaded down his back. His complexion was slightly tanned, lending him a healthy handsomeness. His nose was sharply defined, sculpting the contours of his face, and a pair of willow-leaf eyebrows were slightly furrowed above eyes that brimmed with confidence, bordering on arrogance…
But upon seeing Ye Jingyu, that confidence in his eyes was swiftly replaced by anger and astonishment…
"Ah, Young Marquis, you didn't need to go to such lengths just to invite me to dinner. You even managed to invite Miss Yao Rao. Heavens, you truly are too kind, far too generous…" The moment he recognized Xiao Geng seated there, Ye Jingyu broke into his most cheerful smile and strode directly to the table, plopping down without ceremony…
He snatched up a spare pair of chopsticks from the side, picked up a cube of chicken, and immediately popped it into his mouth…
Both Yao Rao and Xiao Geng were momentarily stunned by Ye Jingyu’s brusque entry and immediate feasting, but then a smile touched Yao Rao's lips; this Loyal Duke was certainly interesting…
Xiao Geng, however, grew intensely furious. He had encountered shamelessness before, but never to this degree. When had he ever invited this man?
Yet, watching Ye Jingyu already attacking the dishes, there was little he could say, only a surge of exasperation building within him…
This afternoon, having seen Ye Jingyu and Luo Ling'er in close proximity atop the city walls, Xiao Geng had been deeply unsettled. He had intended to return to his manor and urge his father to request an audience with His Majesty to propose marriage directly. Instead, his father had berated him, accusing him of neglecting his duties for romantic dalliances, and flatly refused to support the proposal, leaving Xiao Geng deeply frustrated…
He understood his father’s good intentions; he was still young, at the prime age for military service and achieving glory. If he married the Princess, all his military authority would be relinquished…
Both the Shu Yun Kingdom and the Tian Yuan Empire had explicit laws preventing any imperial son-in-law from holding office, let alone commanding an army, precisely to guard against the consort gaining excessive power…
This situation made Xiao Geng miserable. In a fit of pique, he had come to the Flower Full Tower, seeking oblivion in drink. Given his status as a Great General of the Shu Yun Kingdom, it was only natural that he invited the most sought-after courtesan—Yao Rao was undeniably the most popular woman here…
Inviting her company was the most normal course of action. Originally, the sound of Yao Rao’s pipa had begun to soothe his agitated spirit, but this insufferable fellow had simply barged in…
Not only did he barge in, but he then sat down with such casual ease, as if the entire setup was arranged specifically for him. The anger rising in Xiao Geng’s chest was monumental…
"Hooray, hooray! Why aren't you eating? These dishes are quite delicious! Marquis, Miss Yao Rao, please don’t be polite; there’s so much food, I certainly can’t finish it all…" Noticing Xiao Geng’s rapidly shifting expression, Ye Jingyu suddenly spoke up, all while scooping more dishes from the table into his mouth…
Hearing Ye Jingyu’s words, Xiao Geng felt perilously close to spitting blood. He had been an uninvited guest moments ago, and now he had completely taken over the host’s role…
The maddening thing was that facing Ye Jingyu’s smiling countenance, he couldn't even find a valid reason to explode in anger…
Yao Rao, however, showed an amused smile upon hearing Ye Jingyu’s declaration. Her extremely charming voice flowed from her lips: "General Ye and General Xiao possess such noble statuses; how could this humble girl presume to share a table with two such distinguished gentlemen? Allow me instead to play a piece for you both…"
"Heh heh, beautiful woman, beautiful music, delicious food—splendid! Brother Xiao, allow me to offer you a toast…" Ye Jingyu laughed heartily, then proceeded to pick up the wine ewer, pour a fresh cup for himself from a spare beaker, raised the cup toward Xiao Geng—regardless of whether Xiao Geng wished to drink—and downed it in one gulp…
Xiao Geng watched Ye Jingyu’s roguish behavior, and another wave of fire surged in his heart. If you want a drink, just say so directly; don't pretend to toast me when there isn't a shred of respect in your eyes…
"Wow, what excellent wine! This must be top-tier Huang Liang wine, aged at least fifty years. But this flask is far too small, Old Mother, you arrive just in time. Bring two or three more jars of this Huang Liang wine, charge it to the Marquis’s account…" Upon hearing this, Xiao Geng’s face twitched violently…
This was indeed Huang Liang wine, fifty years old or more. Just this tiny flask cost a hundred silver taels in the Flower Full Tower, something only someone of his standing could casually order. But this man was demanding two or three jars—that meant more than a hundred flasks of this size, totaling ten thousand taels! Even with his noble status, ten thousand taels was not an insignificant sum…
And most importantly, on what grounds was he expected to treat this man to such expensive wine?
"Hey, hey, Old Mother, why haven't you left yet? Do you think the Young Marquis can't afford the price of two or three jars of wine?" Ye Jingyu completely ignored Xiao Geng's internal turmoil and spoke again to the hesitant Old Mother standing at the doorway…
The Old Mother turned her gaze to Xiao Geng again. Xiao Geng was about to refuse outright, but Ye Jingyu's jab—Do you think the Young Marquis can't afford it?—ignited his temper further. He was, after all, a Marquis of Valor personally enfeoffed by the Sovereign. If it became known that he couldn't cover the cost of a few jars of wine, the court officials would mock him relentlessly…
Despite his intense anger, he could only nod stiffly…
Seeing Xiao Geng nod, the Old Mother, unaware of the relationship between the two men, could only turn and head outside…
"Oh, Old Mother, wait, prepare two extra jars for my two subordinates waiting outside to take away as takeout…" Just as the Old Mother turned to leave, Ye Jingyu spoke once more…
"Pfft…" Xiao Geng, who had just brought a cup of wine to his lips, sputtered it out entirely upon hearing this last demand…
He glared at Ye Jingyu, his face contorted with fury…
Are you deliberately trying to torment me? If you could genuinely drink two or three jars, I, this Marquis, will see this through to the end, even if it bankrupts me! But before the wine is even served, you’re already asking for takeout—what kind of behavior is that?