Lone Goose and Red Cliff

page views:1 Publication date:2023-03-24

The prologue:

"Xinglong Tavern" is a sprawling three-story building located near the market square in the provincial capital. It

's not only a renowned restaurant but also a local landmark, attracting many merchants and travelers to the city.

The tavern's business, as its name suggests, is booming. The portly manager

, panting, is currently bustling about in a third-floor room, diligently attending to a man of steady

appearance and refined demeanor, appearing to be around fifty years old.

"Sir, all the tavern's signature dishes are laid out for you, along with some fine wines from our cellar. Please try them," he

says with a forced smile, wiping his brow.

This gentleman is none other than Han Yan, the owner of "Xuehe Manor," and the tavern's powerful backer!

Facing this benefactor, the manager naturally tries his best to be attentive.

However, the big boss's mind is clearly not on the table.

Han Yan looked down from his third-floor window, gazing at the plaza where a large crowd had gathered, seemingly

engaged in a public auction of enslaved people. Men and women were being brought up one by one for buyers to judge

and bid on. This wasn't unusual; he could have easily ignored it if it weren't for the boy's striking appearance that had truly caught his

attention.

Xuehe Manor's businesses spanned the entire country, encompassing a wide variety of trades. With decades of experience in commerce, Han Yan's eye was incredibly

sharp—he could tell that the young man was no ordinary person!

Being dragged onto the stage like livestock to be appraised, bought, sold, and resold was a humiliating and undignified affair.

Therefore, all the men and women displayed for sale on the stage resignedly bowed their heads, trying to hide their shame.

He, however, stood tall and proud, utterly fearless. Even with his unkempt stubble and wild hair,

his filthy clothes and disheveled appearance couldn't conceal his arrogant and untamed spirit.

His bright, clear eyes were filled with a cynical resentment, showing he didn't belong to that inferior race.

His tall, slender frame was bound by shackles, a testament to the wildness of his nature;

the bloodstains on his tattered clothes revealed his numerous wounds, undoubtedly a result of his untamed nature, impervious to beatings and curses.

Han Yan knew him well, and the savvy customers at the counter certainly did too; who would be foolish enough to pay for an untamed

bull only to suffer later?

Seeing that he was clearly unwanted, the human traffickers, frustrated, lashed out at him with a whip.

The boy gritted his teeth, refusing to utter a sound of pain, and arrogantly roared back, "Go ahead and hit me! I'd

rather be a cash cow for you, you turtle slave! Bah!"

From childhood to adulthood, he had always been the one being servile to others, never the one bowing down to serve anyone!

If he hadn't been so clueless about human relationships, falling into the trap

of thieves, losing all the money he had planned to use to make his way in the world, and even becoming a slave laborer, why would he be making a fool of himself here!

A dragon is mocked by shrimp in shallow waters, a tiger is bullied by dogs when it falls into the plains. Now, he might as well accept it! Leaving his body exposed

in the wilderness is fine with him, he doesn't care, anyway, no one in the world cares about him.

The human traffickers were truly enraged, first punching him repeatedly, then whipping and kicking him. "Fine! I'll grant

your wish and send you to Edu City to be your master, so I don't have to lose my life savings feeding you if I can't sell you! Damn it—"

Under a barrage of lashes, drops of blood splattered from the boy's face, yet his proud head held high remained unchanged.

But his long-starved, emaciated body finally succumbed to the torment, collapsing to the ground covered in blood.

"Jian Feng, go buy that child." Han Yan smiled slightly, then instructed his loyal-looking servant,

his appreciative gaze fixed on the unconscious, proud boy.

He thought, "Though the child is wild and unruly, he has backbone and integrity!

He will be a rare talent, and should be used by my Xuehe Manor in the future."

Chapter One

The 51st year of Kangxi's reign, a fine spring day in March.

Early in the morning, a light mist shrouded the waking sun. Dew, collected overnight, clung

to the apricot and peach blossom buds along the roadside, glistening and adding to their delicate beauty. The fresh, delicate fragrance of the flowers intensified as the sun rose higher.

The largest restaurant in the county town—Hua Yan Lou—quietly opened its back door in a secluded corner of an alley. A

woman dressed simply stepped out, carrying a heavy load of goods. Her maid, equally laden with bags and bundles, followed behind, their figures almost

obscured by the road.

“Miss Binglan, you have so much to give to the poor. Why didn’t you just have the guards deliver it for you?

Why did you have to make this trip yourself? We're two girls, carrying all this so far…” The maid put down

the packed food, clothing, and medicine, rubbing her shoulders and arms in frustration, muttering to herself.

The woman called Binglan pulled a broken ingot from her belt, stuffed it into the maid's hand, and smiled faintly, "Jinxiang,

of all the people here, you're the most kind-hearted. Please help me this time!"

It was a lie. Everyone knew that Jinxiang was a money-grubbing "money-grubber"! Look at her now, the moment she

saw the silver, her face lit up with a smile, all her aches and pains completely forgotten!

"Oh dear... actually, I'm genuinely

happy . Come to think of it, I'm always busy, aren't I? Carrying these things and walking such a short distance

is nothing!" Jinxiang happily picked up the things one by one, flattering her relentlessly. "I say, Miss Binglan

truly lives up to her reputation as the most beautiful courtesan in our Huayan Pavilion. That smile of hers is so captivating, it's enough to bewitch even my soul

. What wouldn't I help with?"

"Stop talking, let's go," Binglan urged softly, her smile forced and insincere.

Greed for money, profit-seeking, hypocrisy, competition, jealousy... the sordid atmosphere of the brothel

breeds mercenary human nature. She had numbed herself to the fact that she had lived in this rotten atmosphere for nearly four years, her heart long since

cold and hard. But the responsibility on her shoulders felt like a thousand pounds; she had to grit her teeth and keep going,

unable to escape or shake it off.

Stepping out of the alley, they entered the main street, where the atmosphere was already buzzing with people heading to the early market. The day's energy and

hustle were about to begin at dawn.

The two were dressed simply and unassumingly, hurrying through the crowd. Binglan lowered her head to check

if complete and sufficient. The faces of the old and young in the poor alleyways floated into her mind; her heart was filled with mixed feelings of worry and joy about this trip.

The crowd grew increasingly dense.

Suddenly , but the person followed suit! She stepped to the right, but the person again stepped forward, blocking her way.

It seemed intentional. She had no choice but to raise her head, "Excuse me, please make way..."

Upon seeing the person before her, she couldn't help but flinch! She quickly took several steps back, inwardly cursing.

"Oh—I was wondering where such a beautiful girl came from! It turns out to be the courtesan Binglan from the number one brothel in our county

!" The man shouting loudly was dressed in a gray robe and a mud-gold riding jacket, both of the finest quality

. Unfortunately, even the richest fabric couldn't save him from his lewd appearance and vulgar temperament.

His shouting drew the attention of passersby, who,

while marveling at the courtesan's extraordinary beauty, also harbored a sense of contempt for the prostitute.

Binglan forced a charming smile to hide the slight pallor on her face. "Young Master Hong, may I ask

why you have stopped Binglan here?"

The man before her was Hong Jun, the son of the county magistrate. This man, relying on his father's position as a local official, acted tyrannically and

oppressed the villagers; everyone who knew him hated him to the core.

Hong Jun grinned lewdly, his face full of ill intent. "Miss Binglan, what a coincidence! On this street,

you never seem to run into me, but I just happened to appear. It seems we're destined to be together!" A man who loved eating, drinking, gambling, and whoring

, he was naturally a regular at the brothel. Whenever he saw Binglan, his hands, heart, and whole body itched; he wished he

could tear her apart alive and devour her!

His several vicious servants, like rabid dogs, acted as his henchmen, barking fiercely at passersby to drive them away.

"What are you looking at? Get out of the way! If you look again, you'll go blind! Get out!"

Seeing that all the passersby had been driven away, Binglan felt anxious about her increasingly isolated situation. “Young Master Hong, Binglan has matters to attend

to and is afraid she cannot keep you company for long; perhaps you could come to the brothel later and let Binglan entertain you?”

Hong Jun’s face immediately darkened upon hearing this. “Don’t even mention it! Just thinking about Huayanlou makes me angry!

What kind of rules did your boss set? Even ‘combing’ depends on the girl’s wishes, leaving me only able to see her but

never able her!”

Huayanlou was a renowned brothel and restaurant, but its strict rules were also well-known. For example, the courtesans in the brothel

decided whether or not to sell themselves entirely by their own will; customers could not force them, otherwise they would be kicked out by the brothel’s guards

. Even powerful figures like the son of a county magistrate could not freely have their way with the courtesans.

“Miss Binglan, if you’re really so kind, why don’t you come back to the manor with me now? We can

discuss how you should entertain me, hehehe…” This was the perfect opportunity for him. He

didn’t care about anything else; he just wanted to get the beauty back to the manor for some fun. The brothel was too far away to help!

The wicked servant, having received his master’s message, approached Binglan step by step, his claws about to pounce on her.

Binglan threw the bag she was carrying at the pack of vicious dogs, frantically turning to tell her maid, “Jinxiang, let’s

run!” But as soon as she turned, she saw that the things she had entrusted to Jinxiang were scattered all over the ground, and the maid was already

about ten steps away.

“Miss Binglan, Jinxiang, hurry back and call the guards for you!” Jinxiang

shouted as she ran, her voice full of loyalty.

Just kidding! She had paid Miss Binglan to carry some things to the slums, but that didn't include sharing in her misfortune

! Leaving behind her final message, she vanished in a flash.

In a moment of stunned silence, her path was completely blocked by the thugs, and Binglan was trapped,

desperately crying out, "Help! Someone, someone help me... help!" She hoped that any passerby would be

chivalrous and lend her a hand!

But who was Hong Jun? The magistrate's son! Which of these common people could afford to offend him? And who

would be willing a tavern? So no matter how much she screamed, passersby only

glanced at her with helpless eyes, then hurried past under the thugs' threats and shouts.

Smugly ordering his wicked servants to restrain the beauty's slender arms, Hong Jun couldn't wait to return to his mansion to enjoy some tender

time with his beloved.

Just as the group of wicked masters and servants turned around, a mocking voice came from the roadside, "What? I just arrived, and the show

's already over?"

"Who?!" Hong Jun turned and demanded.

"Someone who stopped to watch the show."

Struggling, Bing Lan, her face already pale, looked over and saw a simply dressed man leaning against a stone wall

by the roadside , arms crossed over his chest. He was tall, imposing, and robust, with a short mustache, appearing to be a

rugged warrior.

The man blinked his bright eyes, a harmless smile playing on his lips. He, too, was looking at Bing Lan. His gaze was somewhat

surprised , somewhat infatuated, lingering on her for a long time.

Bing Lan quickly lowered her head, her heart pounding with unease. She hoped someone would lend her a hand and rescue her from this predicament,

and certainly didn't want to attract another troublesome fly coveting her beauty!

"Hmph! So what if you saw?" A wicked servant, relying on his numbers, stepped forward and poked

the man's hard, iron-like chest with his finger. "Our young master is the magistrate's son. What he does on his own turf is none

of your business."

The man's smile remained unchanged. With lightning speed, he twisted the servant's arm behind his back and casually

tossed it aside. The servant's arm immediately dislocated with a 'crack.' The servant's arrogant tone instantly

turned into a heart-wrenching wail.

Throwing aside the wicked servant, the man flashed another smug grin. "You put on such a spectacular show on the road,

wasn't it all to give everyone a good look? I love watching good shows, what's with all the bastard chatter?"

The wicked servant, supporting his "dislocated" arm, staggered back into the pack of jackals, crying out indignantly, "Ouch...

Young Master , you must stand up for me! Waaah, it hurts so much..."

Faced with this unprecedentedly embarrassing situation, Hong Jun was truly furious! He roared, "You

damned bastard! Men, all of you, attack him! Give him a good beating, I'll take the blame if you kill him!"

This time, the wicked servant dared not underestimate his opponent. Five or six of them pounced on him together, confident that even a tiger couldn't withstand a pack of

monkeys !

"Fight? I'd rather not fight you, it'd dirty my hands!" This peculiar stranger sneered, skillfully moving with light, agile steps amidst

the pack of ferocious jackals. His palms and elbows moved with seemingly effortless ease, but

the series of crisp 'crack' sounds and the servants' repeated screams revealed that his unfathomable martial arts skills were not to be underestimated

.

Glancing at the wretched servants lying on the ground, groaning in pain, he chuckled easily. "The bone-setting doctor in the county town is going to be

busy today." Looking up at Hong Jun, he feigned surprise. "What, you're still here? Want to join them too?"

"You...you..." Hong Jun, having committed many evil deeds over the years, had never encountered such a powerful figure intervening.

He was so timid he could barely speak. "If you have the guts, state your name!"

the man said with a faint smile. "Han Ling. Did you hear me?"

"Hmph! You, Han Ling! You actually offended me to save a whore from Hua Yan Lou? Remember this

, I'll settle this score with you sooner or later!" Hong Jun said defiantly, then turned and fled with his tail between his legs

. The group of wretched servants, clutching their swaying, weak arms, scrambled to follow their master.

The common people present cheered loudly. Finally, someone had helped them vent their anger!

Han Ling approached Bing Lan and asked gently, "Miss, are you alright?"

The nightmare that had almost spiraled out of control was over, like a farce, but Bing Lan was still caught in a daze.

The pain from the thug's rough grip on her arm

lingered she was being forcibly restrained, were now even weaker with the sudden release. Just as the tall, imposing figure approached, she

suddenly knelt down.

"Hey, Miss!" Han Ling quickly supported her

soft , teasingly saying, "Miss, it was just a small favor; you don't need to make such a grand gesture." Now, looking

closely at her slightly pale, delicate face, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion in his heart!

Those thick, delicate eyebrows, exquisite nose, peach-pink lips, and delicate oval face... her beautifully sculpted features combined to create a pure and ethereal

beauty ; especially those bright, sparkling eyes hidden beneath her lashes

, which resembled the woman he had longed for all these years!

Though not a complete replica, those captivating phoenix eyes alone captured seven-tenths of her essence!

From afar, he had already been moved; now, seeing her up close, his heart pounded like a drum—

Heavens! Was this a reward from heaven for his good deed?

He didn't care about her status; to him, a courtesan in a tavern was far better than a married woman

!

Still trembling, Binglan raised her head, meeting her benefactor's bright eyes and finally seeing her

face clearly.

He was actually very young, with two straight, sword-like eyebrows, accompanied by a pair of exceptionally clear eyes. His nose was high

and straight , with a full tip, and his face was perfectly square-shaped with slightly thin, rosy lips. A short mustache covered

his cheeks, concealing a hint of roguishness, but not his inherent handsomeness; the mustache made him look mature, but it didn't diminish the

bright .

There was another tremor in his eyes, as if it were a kind of nostalgia, a joy of something lost and then regained… For her?

Catching the ambiguous glances cast at her from the corner of her eye, she realized that the two of them had been in such an intimate

posture on the street for quite a while! She quickly pushed away Wen Zui's warm, broad chest, her previously pale face instantly turning

as red as a sunset.

"Binglan thanks the hero for his righteous help."

"Uh…" Han Ling was stunned when the beauty suddenly left his embrace. "No, it's nothing. It's the things you

bought that are ruined." He looked around at the scattered bags, a jumble of items: clothes, food,

medicine... some trampled, some torn and dirty.

Binglan hurriedly picked up the remaining intact bags one by one, carefully brushing off the dust and wiping them clean with her sleeve! She

looked at the damaged ones with heartache and reluctance—these were all things she had spent a lot of money on! Despite

the loss of items, she still had to go to the alley. But another problem arose: Jinxiang had run away,

how ? Should she go and call Jinxiang back? No, if she went back to Huayan Tower,

who would look after these supplies...?

While she hesitated in this predicament, a tall, slender figure bent down and easily picked up most of them.

"Where are you going? I'll take you."

"No, no need, how could I trouble you again?" Binglan felt a pang of panic. Having lived in a

treacherous environment for years, she had lost faith in the inherent goodness of humanity. Although this man had saved her for a day, he was still

a complete stranger, and she didn't want to have anything more to do with him.

"There's nothing to be embarrassed about, it's not much trouble at all." Han Ling smiled. "Besides, who knows, maybe

that guy will go back and gather a bunch of lackeys to cause you trouble? Where will you find another benefactor

to save you then? Let's go!"

Her heart tightened; Binglan had to admit he was right. She was genuinely afraid that Hong Jun would block her way again,

leaving her with no one to turn to. Looking at this man, handsome and with bright, sincere eyes, he should

n't take advantage of her, a vulnerable woman, right? She

had no choice but to take the gamble!

"Then... I'll trouble you."

*********************

The alley was located in an inconspicuous corner on the edge of the county town. The alley was dark, damp, and narrow. Two low, dilapidated

thatched houses leaned weakly against each other. If it weren't for the figures coming and going, it would have looked like a

ruin. In the cold loneliness abandoned by the hustle and bustle, lived a vulnerable group forgotten by the world. The beautiful woman turned corner after corner, finally stepping into a cramped and shabby room. She called out lightly to the hunched old woman

sitting inside , "Grandma Qin!" 　　The hunched, white-haired old woman smiled happily at her. "Is this the young lady?" 　　"Yes, it's me." Bing Lan stepped forward, took Grandma Qin's withered hand, and sat down without hesitation on a small, dusty stool. 　　"Oh! Miss, you've arrived!" A woman who happened to be passing by the broken wooden door came in cheerfully to greet her, noticing Han Ling placing her bag on the wooden table. "Eh, and who's this over there?" 　　"He...he is..." Binglan hesitated for a moment. She didn't want the people in the alley to know that she had encountered trouble on her way here, because she didn't want them to worry about her or feel guilty. 　　Han Ling seemed to understand her. 　　"I'm a bodyguard from Huayan Tower, specially escorting Miss Binglan here." Before she could speak, Han Ling smiled and first established his identity. 　　"Oh..." Granny Qin and Aunt Tian immediately believed him without any doubt.

Binglan glanced at the man, just in time to receive a similarly warm smile from him, and she understood perfectly

.

He used his identity as a bodyguard to conceal the fact that he had once saved her from danger, not wanting her to praise his deeds,

but instead showing consideration for her difficulties.

She gave him a sweet, grateful flower.

“I brought some things today. I’ll put them here for you and Grandma to distribute to everyone later.”

Binglan got up and picked out a few items from the bags on the table, smiling as she handed them to the woman. “Sister Tian, here are some

clothes, needles and thread, some dry food, and some loose silver. Aqin and Amian are growing, and their clothes will soon be too small

. They need to eat more so they can grow stronger.”

“Thank you for your trouble, Miss.” Sister Tian took the bags apologetically, then sighed, “Alas, we

’ve been a burden to Miss for almost four years. Every month, Miss has to spend her time and effort to arrange things for us. The money Miss has worked so hard to save just ends up in our hands. I don’t know when Miss will be able to redeem herself

from Huayan Brothel …” 　　"Don't say anymore, Sister Tian. At least Huayanlou doesn't force courtesans to 'comb themselves,' so I'm doing alright there. Do worry about me." Binglan subconsciously and hastily distanced herself from the situation, not wanting to lower her status too much and make her benefactors feel that saving her was a worthless and unnecessary act. She secretly glanced at Han Ling and was relieved to find that the smile on his face hadn't changed much. 　　Several girls who had just returned from washing clothes by the stream walked past the door. She glanced at them unintentionally and called out happily, 　　"Qingping, Zhuzhu, Yu'er, Xiaoting, Xiaoqiao!" They were all her former playmates. "It's been so long since I've seen you. How have you been?" 　　The girls were surprised to see Binglan, then looked at each other, unable to utter . After a while, one of the girls turned away awkwardly and quickly, followed by the others with apologetic expressions. 　　She remained speechless. 　　"Oh! What's wrong with Yu'er, Qingping, and those other girls? They can't even speak properly when they see Miss!" The straightforward Aunt Tian immediately groaned indignantly. "They've received so much kindness from Miss, yet they turn and run away as soon as they see her. This is truly..." 　　"It's alright, don't blame them." Binglan smiled sadly, lowering her head in sorrow. "They did nothing wrong. A pure and innocent girl shouldn't associate with courtesans, lest she attract gossip." Her own descent into prostitution was an unchangeable fact, and her physical purity couldn't compensate for her severely tarnished reputation. She always entrusted the things she gave to everyone to Granny Qin, and then had Aunt Tian and Granny Qin distribute them, precisely because she knew that some people considered anything they received from her to be 'dirty.' 　　Granny Qin sighed, "They still respect you, Miss, but gossip is a powerful thing, and they're embarrassed to get close to you..." 　　"I know." She blinked her autumn eyes, forcing a smile, tightly locking the bitterness in her eyes, not letting it overflow. 　　“I can’t stay too long. Grandma, Aunt Tian, I’ll be going now.” 　　Aunt Tian saw her out of the small house. “Young Miss, be careful on your way.” 　　“You and Grandma, please take care too.” 　　After a brief farewell, Binglan and Hanling were about to turn and leave when they suddenly saw two little boys approaching. The younger one looked dejected, while the older one had bruised cheeks and was covered in mud, their clothes torn in places . 　　“Aqin, Amian, what happened to you two!” Aunt Tian asked hurriedly when she saw her sons’ appearance. 　　The younger one stammered, “Brother got into a fight with a group of people from the next alley, led by Dahuzi.” 　　“A fight? What did they fight about? Explain yourself!” 　　The older one finally shouted angrily, “Dahuzi said our young lady is a shameless prostitute! I’m so angry—” Before he could finish, his mother covered his mouth with her hand. 　　“Shut up!” Looking at Binglan’s pale face, Aunt Tian regretted and felt annoyed. She should have known better than to ask! 　　“Young Miss…this is just the child talking nonsense out of ignorance, please don’t…” 　　Binglan couldn’t hold back any longer and turned to run away. 　　She turned down one dark, narrow alley after another, and after leaving the alley, she ran for an unknown amount of time. The cold spring wind that rushed towards her woke her up, and she finally stopped in front of a half-collapsed low earthen wall in the suburbs. She slumped against the wall and collapsed onto the muddy ground. 　　Endless fatigue and grievances swept over her, tearing a gaping wound in her heart. Her beating heart was bleeding and aching. She clutched and twisted her plain dress, forcibly suppressing the overwhelming waves of bitterness. Even though her chest ached terribly , she stubbornly refused to vent her emotions by crying. 　　She was not a weak, crybaby; tears would not help. So, she didn't cry… 　　“Relax and have a good cry, it'll make you feel better.” A deep male voice came from behind her, calmly advising, “There's no need to bury all your bitterness and sorrow in your heart, it's bad for your health.” 　　“It's none of your business!” Binglan turned around slightly angrily, displeased that this man she had only just met could speak so clearly about her thoughts. 　　His imposing shadow fell upon her, shielding her from the glaring sunlight, allowing her to peer into his bright eyes . And in his unwavering gaze, a sincere compassion shone through, as if telling her: he understood everything. 　　Just one tender glance, and her not-yet-completely-sealed sorrow shattered, then burst forth, a torrent of tears flowing from her beautiful, watery phoenix eyes. 　　Why? She shouldn't be like this! 　　She covered her face and sobbed, not wanting to embarrass herself in front of others with her sadness. 　　Han Ling helped her up, encircling her with his strong arms, drawing her tear-streaked, radiant face against his chest, offering her a solid support. "This way, no one will see it's you, so you don't have to worry about losing face. Cry out , don't hold back." 　　As if granting his permission, Binglan truly wept uncontrollably. 　　Tears, which she had always considered useless, poured into the dried-up spring of her heart, giving her a surge of emotion, making her truly feel alive, not a withered, lifeless corpse. 　　Her mournful cries echoed across the empty fields; the newly sprouted grass and leaves, the budding flowers, seemed to sense her deep sorrow, swaying and bowing their heads in the chilly spring breeze, responding to her lament. 　　Chapter Two 　　Beside the bustling main street of the county town, a teahouse offered quiet, elegant seating, a tranquil oasis amidst the hustle and bustle, providing guests with a thoughtful and comfortable experience. The aroma of tea wafts through the air, and the sound of water boiling on the stove is particularly soothing to a restless mind.

Binglan gazed back at the past through the rising steam.

"My original surname was Yu, and I was from Yulong Village in Funing County. My father, Yu Xiong, was the village chief, so

everyone called me 'Young Miss.' Thanks to my father and uncles' business ventures, our village was very prosperous. Everyone

was law-abiding and lived in peace and contentment.

"More than three years ago, the government inexplicably framed my father and uncles, accusing them of murder and robbery, even

falsely claiming that my father had killed a high-ranking official years ago! The government sent men to arrest many of the village's elderly and able-bodied men, so

the village rallied to resist the corrupt government. Unexpectedly, Heaven is unjust! Not only did the court not heed our grievances,

but months later, it sent elite cavalry to besiege the village!"

"In the chaos of war, the village was destroyed, my father and uncles were killed, most of the men were injured or killed, and even my eight-year-old

brother was lost. We fled the village, intending to seek refuge with relatives, but... those

relatives regarded us as remnants of criminals, fearing that the authorities would come after us one day, and dared not or were unwilling to take us in. I

led a group of old, weak, women and children on a long and arduous journey, finally arriving at this county town, where we could go no further, so we temporarily made that ruin our

home. At that time, some were injured, some were sick, we had no relatives or friends, and saw no one with a kind heart, we almost couldn't survive

..."

"So, you chose to go and work at the Huayan Brothel to support that group of people with your own strength?" Han Ling poured the

freshly tea into the ceramic cup in front of her, filling it to seven-tenths full.

"It's just helping them through a difficult time, not really supporting them," Binglan said with a bitter smile, sounding powerless and

helpless . "I'm just a courtesan who sells smiles but not her body. Although the Flower Pavilion doesn't force courtesans to sleep with men,

the money I can earn is relatively limited. As you can see, I haven't really been able to improve everyone's lives."

"You're suffering yourself, but you can't help many people. Why do you do this?"

"I... am their young lady. I can't abandon them. I'll help as much as I can." That title

was like a curse, binding her tightly, making everything about her clan her responsibility.

Han Ling shook his head, sighing deeply, "Some titles sound very touching, but in reality, they are incredibly heavy, just like you,

young lady."

Binglan picked up the ceramic cup, sipping the fine tea with its simple aroma. Under the cover of the white steam,

she secretly gazed at the person in front of her.

The more she looked at this peculiar man, the more handsome he seemed. She had assumed he was a rough, uncouth man,

but his tea-making gestures and refined manners defied his outward appearance. Even more remarkably, his seemingly casual

sigh dispelled a cloud of gloom in her heart, as if he understood her suffering and

made her feel less alone.

"Can we talk about you? We've talked quite a bit since you saved me, but I still

don't know your background..."

"Me?" Han Ling smiled, revealing his white teeth. "I'm just a merchant passing through, nothing special."

"You're a merchant from out of town?" This meant the chances of seeing him again were slim

. Binglan felt a pang of disappointment; she had finally found someone she could confide in...

"Yes! I won't stay long in Jiangsu; I'll be heading to Zhejiang soon." But he was determined not to

leave empty-handed. Because he was about to pluck a beautiful orchid from the Flower Pavilion.

As dusk fell and the moon rose in the east, the once quiet place gradually became bustling, including the Flower Pavilion.

As the most sought-after courtesan, Binglan had to rush back to the tavern to freshen up, as always greeting guests with her beautiful smile and

feigned politeness . Thinking of this, her mood plummeted with each step.

"We're here, this is it." At the back door of the sparsely populated alley, she reluctantly turned to say goodbye.

"Hero Han saved me today, Binglan doesn't know how to repay this kindness… Or, if you don't mind,

when you come to the county town again, let Binglan entertain you?"

"You want to repay a debt of gratitude and entertain me?" The handsome man smiled, gazing at her thoughtfully for a moment. "Then,

you can entertain me like this." He suddenly stepped forward, his long arm encircling her shoulder, pulling her into his embrace,

cradling the back of her head, and pressing her cherry-like lips against him.

He covered her soft, sweet lips with his own, kissing and sucking wantonly, his wet, soft tongue even licking her lips.

"Mmm!" Binglan's phoenix eyes widened, instantly stunned.

What was he doing?! She tried to struggle and push him away, but couldn't budge his broad chest an inch.

This man's body was as hard as a copper wall, but his lips... were so soft. How could a man's lips

be so ? They were like a warm cloud, enveloping her, making her feel light and airy, her consciousness as if shrouded in a thick fog, she

knew nothing...

Kissing her lips, Han Ling felt as if he had received a treasure he had longed for for many years, carefully licking and savoring them, meticulously

experiencing the tender redness he had imagined all day, surprised that she was a thousand times sweeter and more delicious than he had guessed.

He couldn't help but wonder, what was the fragrance in her mouth like, the delicate scent of lilacs? What about the skin beneath her clothes? What about

her breasts, her slender waist, her shapely buttocks? What would the dark valley that could contain his burning passion be like? Would it be exactly as he

imagined , or even more beautiful than he had described?

His desire surged rapidly in his turbulent imagination. The man didn't go any further, but he was

certain he wouldn't be spending the night alone.

After a long while, he released the slightly dizzy woman from his arms and softly asked, "I still don't know your..."

Binglan's cheeks flushed red, she stared blankly at his moving lips, unsure what to say, her mind suddenly snapping

back to reality.

"You...you bastard!" She raised her hand, giving him a fiery slap, then rushed into the back door

without looking back .

Bastard?! Han Ling was stunned, rubbing his cheek, frowning and asking himself, "What? Was my kiss bad?"

From the darkness deeper in the alley, a charming female voice suddenly came, teasing and playful.

"Hehehe... You've frightened the young lady, Master."

Han Ling glanced sideways at a certain spot. "Peeping is very impolite, Huan. Especially since you're peeping at your own master.

Do you want to be punished?"

The pretty girl called 'Huan' appeared gracefully, dressed in a long robe and mandarin jacket, carrying a set of luxurious clothes

.

"Oh, oh, I was following along, just to fulfill my duty! Master, you should have noticed I was following you,

right? I saw you were having so much fun that I didn't want to disturb you; what happened just now was also your own choice."

"You're putting on an act for my eyes, how can you blame me?"

"Eye-pleasing?" Han Ling glanced at her. Was this the kind of talk a young lady would use?

Jian looked around and decisively took the lead for her master, "This alley is dark and there aren't many people, why don't you

just change your outer clothes here! Anyway, your dinner with Young Master Duan Wenyu tonight is arranged at Huayan Tower,

you just need to change your clothes and go around to the main entrance."

"Alright, let's do that." He really didn't want to spend too much time going back to the inn to change, afraid that if he went back and forth

, the beauty would disappear like smoke.

The desire to have her was so strong that he couldn't afford to delay.

After quickly changing into a pure silk robe, an embroidered gold-threaded vest, and then a satin long gown, the man's

temperament suddenly changed, transforming him into a capable and wealthy merchant

. "Hmm! At least you look like a gentleman now." "Jian Huan helped her master straighten his clothes with satisfaction. 'Alright! Young

Master Duan should be waiting for you in the main hall of Huayan Tower by now.'

The two of them calmly stepped out of the dark alley and blended into the flowing crowd. The man in the gorgeous clothes was tall and handsome, with an

extraordinary and noble demeanor, standing out from the crowd like a crane among chickens, making every passerby unable to help but take a second look.

*******************

Binglan ran all the way through the garden and the corridors, panting, before finally stopping in front of her room.

Her heart was pounding wildly and her blood was surging, but it did not stop, making her feel unusually hot in the cool March evening.

Her slender fingers brushed her tender lips, which had been kissed for the first time, and her face was burning hot! She felt a little annoyed

because of his abrupt and impolite actions; and a little sweetness that she did not understand and had no idea about.

Even she herself couldn't understand it. It was clearly a frivolous act, yet she felt no disgust at all;

the slap she had accidentally given was because she was frightened.

The heat of their lips still lingered on her cherry petals, the sensation so vivid. His lips were unexpectedly

soft, instantly giving her the urge to taste them again…

No! How could she have such inappropriate fantasies about a man? Was it because she had been in this

brothel filled with ambiguous

eroticism for too long, that she had been tainted by its wanton atmosphere and become promiscuous? "Binglan!" A sharp shout from afar jolted Binglan out of her reverie. Turning her head, she saw

the middle-aged madam swaying her hips as she approached. "Binglan! You're finally back! You've

been gone all day, where have you been?"

"I just went to the alley..."

"Alright, alright. Today is a big day. Our boss is coming to Huayan Tower for an inspection soon.

Everyone needs to be dressed up and go to the front hall to greet him. Look, everyone's busy! What are you doing here, slacking off?

Hurry up and go inside to wash up!"

"Yes, I'm going right now." Binglan glanced around.

Tonight, Huayan Tower had specially lit all the lanterns and candles, making it brightly lit inside and out,

much more lively than usual. The girls were also vying to dress up in their most alluring attire, making the restaurant a veritable "floral feast," showing how

different today was.

But what difference did it make to her? No matter how different the guests were, for her, it was just another bittersweet memory in her thousands of

days .

She returned to her room and closed the door. The bathtub was already filled with water, and she reached out to test the temperature; it had cooled down a bit. No

problem, this temperature was perfect for warding off the inexplicable heat rising from her body. Besides, she was about to be busy

entertaining the big boss, and she figured she wouldn't have much time to soak. She

quickly removed her clothes, revealing her delicate body encased in flawless skin. Her graceful curves were undoubtedly the perfect body that would make

any man's nose bleed and drive him to a frenzy of pursuit. Grabbing a towel to dry herself, she stepped into the bathtub and

gently washed her flawless, snow-white skin.

Unaware of her presence, a pair of lecherous eyes lurked in the darkness, feasting their eyes on this beauty emerging from the bath,

not even daring to blink, their pupils bloodshot. A moment later, restless desire finally caused this lecherous man to leap out,

rush into the tub, and forcefully grab the beauty, groping her all over!

"Hehehe... Binglan, my darling, let me pamper you properly, you're so smooth, so tender, so fragrant..."

"Ah—" Binglan was shocked! In her panic, she grabbed a water ladle and smacked the intruder's head

several !

Seeing the intruder retreat with his head in his hands, she quickly climbed out of the bathtub and casually put on a thin gauze dress to cover her exposed skin.

"Who are you?! What are you doing in my room?"

"Who am I? Hehe..." The man slowly lowered his hand, his face full of lewd grins, "Aren't you the

good brother who wants to pamper you the most, Hong Jun?" The playboy who had failed to harass her in the morning sneaked into the beauty's bedroom in the evening

, intending to try again.

"You!" Binglan almost fainted, resenting in her heart why this man's arm hadn't been pulled off by Han Ling in the morning.

Hong Jun moved forward a few steps, forcing the beauty into the inner room. He approached step by step, his face drooling as he rubbed his hands together, ready

to feel the smooth, lustrous skin he had just seen, to pinch her high, full breasts, to knead her firm, round buttocks, and then…

then…

He swallowed hard, his mind already conjuring up images of lust, and Hong Jun could no longer resist. He lunged forward,

pulling the beauty into his arms, kissing and smacking her indiscriminately, eliciting screams from Bing Lan.

“Let go! Guards, come quick! There’s a thief here! Guards…”

Hong Jun quickly covered his mouth, “Don’t let the guards in and ruin things! My darling Bing Lan, have some

fun , and I’ll never mistreat you. Come on, let me kiss you…” He pouted,

smearing his lips on the beauty’s cheeks.

Disgusting! Ugh! Binglan struggled desperately, with no one to turn to for help. Driven by the will to survive, she raised her knee and thrust it in with all her

might—

"Ugh..." With a muffled groan, Hong Jun released his hand to cover his groin, his face instantly turning from red to purple to black. The

man's most lethal pain left him without even the strength to scream.

Binglan pushed him away, tightened her clothes, and staggered out of the room in a panic.

"Help! Help!" The night was cool and the evening breeze was gentle. Her thin clothes, which offered little protection, made her

shiver.

She instinctively ran towards a crowd, shouting for help.

Just as she stepped onto the brightly lit corridor, she crashed headfirst into a high wall that was both hard and soft! The recoil

caused her to fall backward again. Just as her tailbone was about to hit the ground, the wall that had caused the accident automatically extended and

caught her safely.

"Help, help..." In the warm embrace, she gasped for breath, still explaining her

reason for her 'night escape'.

"Oh, it's you?" A deep, resonant voice, tinged with joy, struck Binglan's chest like a morning bell, its echo

reverberating in her heart.

Binglan was startled and quickly looked up. "You..." Upon seeing him, she smiled brightly.

The man's smile was still as radiant as the evening sun, but his attire had changed noticeably. He was accompanied by

a refined young nobleman on his left and a slender, extraordinary attendant on his right, giving him a completely different aura.

"Han Ling, you're incredibly lucky with women, managing to make the Ice Orchid Queen smile the moment she sees you." The nobleman

playfully patted Han Ling's shoulder. "If this is the benefit of growing a beard, then I'll start growing one tomorrow!"

Having lived in a brothel for several years, Binglan had seen a bit of the world and recognized the young nobleman as Duan Wenyu, from

a prominent local family. Anyone who could associate with him must come from a noble and respectable background. So, Han Ling…

The insults from his friend didn't attract Han Ling's attention at all. Right now, his gaze was irresistibly fixed

on the trembling beauty in his arms.

Her beautiful face was slightly terrified, pitiful; her chest pressed slightly against his body, the thin blouse slightly open on both sides, revealing half

of her breasts ; he also noticed that her overly revealing gauze was already soaked, the thin fabric clinging completely to her exquisite

curves, the rounded nipples vaguely visible, and he instantly felt his blood surge uncontrollably.

Heavens, why did she wear that? This barely concealed gauze was the biggest temptation to commit a sin!

"I said, which reckless brat dared to bump into the big boss? Did she have a death wish?"

the madam yelled from behind.

The big boss? Binglan was startled, blinking. She was certain the person she'd bumped into was Han Ling!

Upon seeing Binglan, the madam immediately pinched her arm hard several times, cursing, "You

wretched girl, why didn't you dress up? What's wrong with you, looking for trouble? You wretched girl..."

Binglan hurriedly explained, "Madam, please... I have a reason." The physical pain was nothing; she

just didn't want Han Ling to see her in such an embarrassing state.

"Stop!" Han Ling protected the tearful woman, ordering angrily.

The madam immediately stopped, trembling with fear, her face filled with a fear Binglan had never seen before.

"Tonight's banquet will be attended by the courtesan Binglan." The man exuded an undeniable air of authority, a

side Binglan didn't recognize.

The madam forced a smile and stammered, "Uh... Boss, Binglan isn't really a courtesan, just a virgin who

doesn't know how to serve. Just look at her, you can tell she hasn't learned the proper etiquette. How about letting Xuejuan serve you tonight

? Xuejuan knows the rules and is polite; she'll definitely make you feel comfortable."

Xuejuan was a courtesan she had trained for many years, her seductive skills and bedroom prowess were top-notch. If the boss

took a liking to her , she, the madam, would surely benefit greatly! In comparison, Binglan was far inferior; even though her looks

far surpassed Xuejuan's, she had been sold into prostitution for years, still clinging to her virginity and refusing to "comb herself up."

What could she possibly know about serving men!

"Shut up! I want Binglan." Han Ling knew the madam's expectations, but he still ruthlessly

crushed them.

"Yes." The madam glared at Binglan unwillingly.

Lowering his head, Han Ling gave the beauty a harmless smile, showing no trace of his previous sternness.

Han Ling? The big boss? Binglan was still caught in a whirlwind of questions, her bright, watery eyes staring at

him blankly.

On the other side, Hong Jun, whose groin pain had finally eased, reluctantly turned and left the room, searching everywhere. He finally

caught sight of the ungrateful young woman's figure on the corridor leading to the front hall, and rushed over, cursing loudly.

"Binglan, you filthy bitch! You're shameless enough, but you dare to hurt my treasure..."

Before he could take another step forward, four guards had already lined up in front of him to block his way.

Faced with the tall and imposing guards, Hong Jun hesitated for a moment, but still roared to bolster his courage, "What, what? Your Huayanlou

girl offended a guest, and I can't even teach her a lesson? If you block my way again, I'll have my father make sure you

can't stay in this county town and have to close down!"

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