Old Fang keenly sensed the timing of Jun Moxie’s interruptions: it was almost invariably at those delicate junctures when people were focusing on the Jun family’s strength or subtly maneuvering to recruit him, forcing an answer—and precisely then, Jun Moxie would spring an unexpected trap, spewing such outrageous nonsense that it made everyone nauseous, allowing the topic to dissipate into thin air, one way or another.

“A mere dandy, perhaps, but certainly no ordinary fool. Interesting!” Fang Bowen shook his head internally, thinking that the Second Prince was destined to leave empty-handed today. However, whether Jun Moxie’s behavior was dictated by his family or his own decision remained a puzzle worth pondering.

But given the current state of affairs, it hardly mattered if the Jun family remained neutral; as long as they didn't align with the other two princes, there was no issue whatsoever.

“Uh, Your Highness the Second Prince, today, this… hehe, besides drinking, are there any other amusements? We’ve certainly had our fill of wine; isn’t it time for something else!” Jun Moxie’s face was plastered with a lewd grin that made one itch to stomp on it.

The most infuriating part was that since meeting, he had already switched his form of address for the Second Prince three times: ‘Second Prince,’ ‘Your Highness the Second,’ and now, ‘Your Highness the Second Prince!’ It was utterly repulsive.

There were indeed other programs planned, but upon seeing Jun Moxie’s antics, the Second Prince had already arranged for their cancellation; best to distance himself from this fellow as quickly as possible. In this short span of time, barely enough for a single meal, he felt nearly choked with suppressed fury, utterly speechless, and despised the man so much his own mind had stalled.

Seeing that everyone had finally given up on trying to persuade him, Jun Moxie secretly let out a breath of relief. Grinning widely, he stood up and staggered over to Miss Yue’er, who was playing the zither behind a curtain. She was, after all, the primary reason he had come; how could he possibly pass her by?

Hmph, daring to speak of extinguishing my Jun family, you little girl!

Recalling the bone-deep hatred Yue’er had shown towards him and the Jun family that night, Jun Moxie harbored a deep wariness toward her. This woman, despite navigating the murky waters of the pleasure quarter, was not only sharp-witted but also possessed formidable martial arts skills. Although she appeared outwardly subservient to the Second Prince, it was clear she hadn't fully pledged herself to him.

A courtesan who could maintain her virtue while being pursued by a prince? That notion seemed almost laughable, yet it indicated that her ambitions were anything but small!

Jun Moxie had no doubt the woman harbored ulterior motives; in fact, he strongly suspected she was backed by some other mysterious force! Therefore, today was the day for a calculated move—a tactic to startle the snake out of its hiding place.

Once she reveals her head, she becomes a target. Who has the patience to contend endlessly with an enemy who remains perfectly concealed? The Jun family’s strength was slowly developing; they needed targets, needed to shed some blood to truly grow faster.

If he allowed her to continue lurking, constantly waiting for an opening in the Jun family’s defenses, both he and his house would remain dangerously exposed. But to simply kill her now would sever that thread entirely, driving the enemy deeper into the shadows, leaving the situation far more precarious.

“Miss Yue’er is quite lovely, hehe.” Jun Moxie made no attempt to mask his lustful gaze, scanning Yue’er thoroughly before finally settling his eyes upon her high, proud bosom, running his gaze up and down.

Yue’er immediately felt an invasive sensation, as if unseen hands were sweeping over her skin, creating an unbearable discomfort. She shot him a cold glance. “Young Master Jun, I implore you to maintain some self-respect.”

“Self-respect? No need for that. My greatest virtue is being light on my feet; that fat lump Tang Yuan is the one who needs self-respect.” Jun Moxie laughed heartily and made to sweep the curtain aside and enter.

“Young Master Jun, though I live in a brothel, I sell my artistry, not my body. I ask for your consideration!” Yue’er said coldly.

“If I don’t pay after it’s all done, then it doesn't count as selling, does it? Thank you for the kind reminder, Miss; this Young Master appreciates it!” Young Master Jun shamelessly pressed closer!

At this point, anyone present could see that Jun Moxie, the notorious dandy, had set his sights on Miss Yue’er; it looked highly likely he was about to employ force, perhaps even stage a live performance. For the famously reckless Young Master Jun, this certainly wasn't unprecedented behavior!

But the major complication was this: who exactly was Miss Yue’er? She was the woman currently favored by the host of this banquet, His Highness the Second Prince! Unfortunately, Jun Moxie was unaware of this crucial fact, and the Second Prince, for obvious reasons, could not reveal it publicly.

This situation had instantly escalated into a monumental mess!

No one expected that during a simple dinner, sitting next to the usually inaccessible Third Young Master Jun—a man they rarely associated with—this kind of incident would erupt. Was this what nobility was about? What on earth was this spectacle?

If Yue’er rashly refused this rake, that scoundrel would surely seek immediate revenge! How could a mere Jingchang Pavilion withstand retaliation from the Jun family? But if she didn't refuse, was she expected to simply let the brute take advantage of her? The current Young Master Jun seemed utterly consumed by lust!

The crowd exchanged uneasy glances, unsure how to intervene.

The Second Prince’s face darkened like water. “Third Young Master, Miss Yue’er is the esteemed Yin Qing, known for her elegance and purity. As this is our first meeting, we are here for refined pleasures. I trust you won't cause this lady any distress?” His form of address had already shifted, moving from ‘worthy brother’ to the more formal ‘Third Young Master.’

“Cause distress? How could I possibly cause distress? What is pure and elegant about doing business in a place like this? Hahaha! If I don't give her a little trouble, how will she eat or drink? I’m merely helping her business! This beauty clearly indicated she wasn’t selling her body just now, yet she clearly flirted with this young master, showing she fancies me. How can I refuse such a gracious invitation?!”

Jun Moxie clearly appeared drunk; he grasped nothing of the underlying tension, watching Yue’er behind the screen with rapt attention, looking utterly besotted.

Miss Yue’er glared fiercely, her chest rising and falling with suppressed rage. “Young Master Jun, it would be better if you maintained some gentlemanly decorum toward women like myself.”

“Gentlemanly decorum? Hahaha! This is a brothel, a place of pleasure! Do you even know what a brothel means? It’s a den of iniquity! Understand? You want to find a gentleman in a place like this? How ridiculous! A brothel is inherently a place for scoundrels, and I have never pretended to be a gentleman—I am a scoundrel, so what of it?” Jun Moxie shouted proudly, seeming quite pleased with his rogue status.

Yue’er’s teeth clenched in fury; she could barely restrain the urge to strike this spoiled brat dead on the spot. He was detestable! With his character, even if every man in the world died, she wouldn't spare him a second glance! But through the beaded curtain, she glimpsed the Second Prince’s ashen face and a desperate idea struck her.

“Your Highness, please save me.” Miss Yue’er rushed out from behind the curtain in feigned panic, darting toward the Second Prince. Though her steps were unsteady, her speed was remarkable—perhaps even a peak Ninth Rank expert couldn't intercept her.

But she hadn't accounted for Jun Moxie’s sudden burst of speed. He flashed forward, arms wide, enveloping her delicate frame in an embrace with a booming laugh. His hands shaped like cat’s claws ‘swished’ toward the lovely peaks of Yue’er’s chest, squeezing hard a few times. He sneered, “Beauties are always contradictory; they cry no, but still throw themselves into your arms. Tsk, tsk, quite firm. A stunning masterpiece! We are all friends here; no need to be so modest…”

Miss Yue’er was stunned that Jun Moxie, rumored to have had his Xuan Qi crippled, could actually catch her. Her initial dash, though seemingly casual, employed an exceptionally refined movement technique, yet Jun Moxie seemed divinely inspired, positioning himself precisely where she was about to land. They collided, and to an outside observer, it looked exactly as if she had thrown herself into his arms.

Was it coincidence? But surely, this was too much coincidence?

Feeling Jun Moxie’s hands roam over her body, Yue’er was overcome with shame and indignation, her blood rushing, nearly causing her to faint.

Everyone present changed countenance. To publicly assault a woman in front of such a crowd, and in the presence of a Prince? What manner of shameful behavior was this?! Even in a brothel, Young Master Jun had gone too far!

“Jun Moxie! Let go of Miss Yue’er!” Cheng Decao roared and charged forward.

Yue’er seized the opportunity, straining violently to break free from Jun Moxie’s grasp. Tears of mingled shame and rage welled in her beautiful eyes, and without a second thought, she lashed out a palm strike toward Jun Moxie’s face.

In Yue’er’s mind, with her martial prowess, a strike against Jun Moxie, devoid of any Xuan Qi, was guaranteed to connect—she had to vent this humiliation!

Slap! A crisp sound echoed, and everyone instantly froze.

Miss Yue’er’s sure-fire slap missed Jun Moxie entirely; instead, she connected solidly with her own cheek! Instantly, five distinct red fingerprints swelled on her pale, delicate face, visible to the naked eye, and her hair was flung sideways. For a moment, she seemed paralyzed, collapsing onto the ground, utterly bewildered.

“Stinking slut, you only know how to say no! You won’t let me kiss, won’t let me touch, and you call yourself a working woman? You have no professional ethics! And you dare hit me? You’ve truly gone too far!”

Jun Moxie hopped up and cursed furiously, charging toward her, raising his foot for another kick, only to be blocked by Cheng Decao stepping forward. It was Cheng Decao. “Third Young Master Jun, why sully yourself by angering a mere courtesan?” Cheng Decao’s face was already contorted; he found Jun Moxie increasingly repugnant, and though his words were a plea for restraint, his heart seethed with the desire to strangle the man right then.

“Get lost! I’ll beat this little bitch to death today! How dare she put on airs in front of me? She’s blind!” Jun Moxie roared, his fury sky-high.

“Jun Moxie, you need to understand the situation! Today is the Second Prince’s banquet, and His Highness is seated right here. Are you intentionally disrespecting the Second Prince?” Cheng Decao glared back.

“How strange. Do I need His Highness’s permission to choose a woman I desire? Cheng Decao, what exactly are you implying? Are you suggesting this little bitch is pretending to be virtuous at my command because the Second Prince instructed her to?” Jun Moxie retorted, rolling his eyes in accusation.