Chapter Fifty-three: Youth Without Romance Is Wasted (Part Two)

Yang Yaozong couldn’t help feeling a bit embarrassed and shy when Madam Wu boldly pointed out that he was still a virgin. He stammered, “Thank you, Madam Wu, for coming to my rescue just now.”

Madam Wu flashed a charming smile, her eyes twinkling as she teased in a low voice, “Young Master Yang belongs to my lady—how could I not look after her interests?”

In front of this forthright woman, Yang Yaozong hardly dared say more, only managing a bashful smile in response.

At that moment, Qin Haizhou returned, his brow furrowed, and apologized, “Brother Yang, I’m terribly sorry. My younger brother is truly ill-mannered. Please don’t take offense.”

Yang Yaozong smiled. “It’s nothing. I know your brother—we just aren’t close, that’s all.”

Seeing that Yang Yaozong truly didn’t mind, Qin Haizhou smiled and joked with Madam Wu, “Madam Wu, aren’t you going to arrange a private room for us? My friend here attracts too much attention—if your flock of beauties descends on him once more, how will we manage?”

Madam Wu gave Qin Haizhou’s sturdy chest a light, playful punch, casting him a flirtatious glance. “It’s all arranged. Gentlemen, please follow me.”

Led by Madam Wu, Yang Yaozong and Qin Haizhou had just reached the second floor when the Eldest Prince emerged from a room in the center, accompanied by Yin Ruxin. Seeing Yang Yaozong, he smiled, “Gentlemen, I’m hosting some friends here today. Would you care to join us?”

Yang Yaozong stepped forward, saluted the prince, and replied calmly, “Thank you for your invitation, Your Highness. Today, I brought Brother Qin here specifically to visit Miss Yin. I fear she won’t be free. We’ll just sit quietly for a while and won’t intrude on your gathering.”

The Eldest Prince had not truly intended to invite Yang Yaozong, merely making a show before others. He hadn’t expected Yang Yaozong to openly state his purpose in front of everyone—especially since it was common knowledge that Yin Ruxin was the woman the prince favored. Still, forced to save face, he replied with feigned generosity, “In that case, Ruxin, go keep Lord Yang company. After all, he’s here especially for you.”

Yang Yaozong had anticipated precisely this reaction. He scoffed inwardly but outwardly smiled with composure, “Thank you, Your Highness. With Miss Yin’s company today, I shall have no regrets.”

Madam Wu looked at Yang Yaozong with approval, bowed to the prince, and opened a door with a smile. “Gentlemen, please wait in the room next to the prince’s. I’ll arrange for wine and food. Ruxin, join them in a moment.”

Yin Ruxin bowed politely to Madam Wu and replied demurely, “I’ll be there shortly.”

The three men saluted one another, then each entered his own room.

The room assigned to Yang Yaozong was much smaller than the prince’s next door, but exquisitely decorated, resembling the private boudoir of a noble lady. A screen painted with delicate plum blossoms divided the space—inside the screen stood a pink-canopied bed, half concealed by gauzy drapes; outside, a cozy sitting area. Yang Yaozong and Qin Haizhou sat facing each other at a round table.

Qin Haizhou chuckled, “With the prince ceding Miss Yin to you, Brother Yang, your reputation for romance will surely grow. But for a man of talent, a bit of notoriety only adds to your legend.”

Yang Yaozong could only shake his head and smile wryly.

A knock sounded. “Come in,” Yang Yaozong called.

Yin Ruxin entered, a servant behind her carrying wine and dishes. The servant set the food down and withdrew.

Yin Ruxin bowed, then filled their cups with wine and took a seat beside Yang Yaozong. He gazed at her with gentle affection, and beneath the table, he grasped her delicate, boneless hand, holding it firmly on his lap.

Yin Ruxin allowed him this boldness, her heart racing. With Qin Haizhou seated opposite, she could only suppress her agitation, though her cheeks flushed pink.

Qin Haizhou watched them, unable to shake the sense of an unspoken intimacy between the two. Raising his cup, he joked, “Just watching you two sit together, I can feel the affection in the air. I’m honored to meet Miss Yin today. Allow me to toast you.”

Yin Ruxin’s hand was still held captive. Seeing Qin Haizhou tilt back his cup, she tried to free her hand to return the toast, but Yang Yaozong only gripped her tighter, smiling mischievously.

Amused by her embarrassed and pleading gaze, he finally let her go.

Yin Ruxin, freed, resolved to tease him in return. As she withdrew her hand, she pinched his thigh with playful vengeance, then flashed him a wide-eyed, innocent smile as he grimaced in pain.

Rising, she drained her cup in answer to Qin Haizhou’s toast, refilled his glass and her own, and lifted her cup with both hands. “To be able to accompany the Grand Tutor and to make the acquaintance of General Qin is a great honor for me. I offer you both this toast.”

The three shared several rounds, conversing and laughing. Growing more relaxed, Qin Haizhou said, “Miss Yin, I have a curious matter I hope you can clarify for me.”

Yin Ruxin’s curiosity was piqued. “I’m not sure I can help, but please tell me.”

Yang Yaozong glanced at Qin Haizhou with interest.

Qin Haizhou cleared his throat and adopted a serious tone, “I have a younger sister. The first time she met my friend Yang here, she was distant and cold. Lately, though, whenever I return home, I find her waiting for me, subtly probing for news about Yang. What do you make of this?”

Yin Ruxin recalled that Qin Haizhou’s sister, Qin Xueyao, was a lovely girl. She smiled knowingly at Yang Yaozong, then replied, “I’d say your sister is quite taken with Lord Yang. He’s young, accomplished, and the most talented man in the land. I wouldn’t be surprised if many unmarried ladies dream of him as their future husband.”

Though her words were light, her heart felt a pang of jealousy. Beneath the table, she reached out to pinch Yang Yaozong’s thigh, only for him to seize her hand again, this time holding it even tighter.

Yang Yaozong managed an awkward laugh. “Brother Qin, please don’t tease me.”

Before more could be said, a voice carried from the room next door: “Who would have thought the Grand Tutor would dare come to such a place of pleasure? The Lady Chancellor isn’t home—but if she finds out, what do you suppose will happen?”

Though the rooms were adjacent, one normally wouldn’t overhear unless someone spoke deliberately loudly. Clearly, the speaker wanted them to hear.

Yin Ruxin’s face darkened. She glanced at Yang Yaozong, who merely smiled and shook his head, squeezing her hand in reassurance—not to be upset by such petty provocations.

Qin Haizhou, however, leapt to his feet, ready to storm out.

Yang Yaozong quickly called, “Brother Qin!”

Catching Yang’s calm, untroubled expression, Qin Haizhou realized his own reaction was hasty. This was a pleasure house, the prince himself entertaining guests nearby. If a commotion broke out on Yang Yaozong’s account, it would only add to his reputation for romance. But if the Lady Chancellor heard, it could be troublesome.

Seeing his companions’ spirits flag, Yang Yaozong glanced at the dishes and said, “Let’s see… Cucumber, winter melon, pumpkin, watermelon—they’re all edible. But what kind of ‘melon’ can’t be eaten?”

Qin Haizhou and Yin Ruxin looked at him, puzzled.

Yang Yaozong’s lips curled as he took a slice of cucumber, chewed, and said, “Why, a fool, of course!”

The two blinked, then burst out laughing, their gloom dispelled.

With Yang Yaozong’s lead, their spirits revived, and they chatted cheerfully on. As dusk approached, Qin Haizhou exchanged a glance with Yang Yaozong, then excused himself, saying duty called at camp.

Seeing him off, Yang Yaozong returned to find only himself and Yin Ruxin left in the room.

He drew her into his arms, caressing her cheek.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, sitting sideways on his lap, gazing into his tender eyes. Their faces drew closer, lips meeting in tentative kisses that soon deepened into passionate embraces. Without words, they kissed until breathless, finally separating, gasping for air.

Yin Ruxin, flushed and weak, felt the firm presence beneath her. She remembered Madam Wu’s candid advice and Wang Youwei’s mention that although Yang Yaozong and Nangong Qingyi were newlyweds, they had not consummated their marriage. Now, she was certain Yang Yaozong had not lain with Nangong. Knowing his desire, she could not bear to have him restrain himself. Swallowing her shyness, she whispered, “Let’s go to the third floor—my embroidery room is there.”

Yang Yaozong looked at her tenderly, kissing her forehead. As her breathing steadied and he bent to claim her lips again, a knock sounded.

“Miss,” came the voice of Ruyi.

Yin Ruxin, still nestled in his arms, answered with a kiss, “What is it?”

“The prince’s banquet is over. Will you see him off?”

She pecked Yang Yaozong’s lips a few more times, then reluctantly slipped from his embrace. “I’ll go see the prince out and be right back. Wait here for me.”

Yang Yaozong nodded with a gentle smile.

Yin Ruxin tidied herself, glanced back at him with affection, and left.

Pouring himself a cup of wine, Yang Yaozong moved to the window. Across the street, he noticed a light still burning in the room above the general store. Through the slatted blinds, a woman’s silhouette could be seen sitting on a couch. He raised his brows, a sly smile playing about his lips.

Soon, Yin Ruxin returned. Seeing him at the window, she quietly joined him, leaning against his side. “What are you looking at?”

Yang Yaozong turned to her, “That inn across the way—I hear it does good business.”

Yin Ruxin nodded, gazing across the street. “The owner is very clever. They have storytellers, and the tales they tell are all new to me—quite captivating. I’ve been there once. The food was good, too.”

Yang Yaozong arched a brow, smiling. “Oh? If you praise it, I must try it myself one day.” As he turned back, he noticed the light in the general store had gone out, the woman’s shadow vanished.

Inside the shop, Jing Yijun herself did not understand her own feelings. After Yang Yaozong left, she lingered. Looking through the blinds, she sensed his gaze upon her, heart pounding. She knew he could not truly see her, but even so, her cheeks flushed crimson.

But when she saw Yin Ruxin join him, leaning together with laughter and intimate looks, jealousy and frustration flared in her chest. In a fit of pique, she snuffed the lamp and left.

In the Prince of Qin’s residence, the Eldest Prince hurled a lavishly dressed woman onto the bed and pounced. The woman, shy at first, quickly became fearful under his menacing gaze, trying to push him away but too terrified to resist further.

With a cruel laugh, the prince tore off her clothes, flinging them aside, and began to ravage her flesh without the slightest tenderness. Though she winced in pain, she dared not cry out, biting her lip and clutching the bedding in anguish.

When he rose, the woman lay naked beneath him, her body marked by his bites and bruises, flushed and trembling with ragged breaths. His eyes bloodshot, he thrust himself inside her, heedless of her cry of pain, moving with vicious force and snarling again and again, “Dare to steal my woman? You dare to steal my woman!”

Meanwhile, within the pink-draped canopy of Yin Ruxin’s room on the third floor of Drunken Red Dust, two figures entwined.

Though their clothes still clung to them, they were half-undressed in their passionate grappling. Yang Yaozong’s robe hung open, baring his well-toned chest as he leaned over Yin Ruxin. Her hair had long since come undone, spilling across the pillow; her dress had fallen away to reveal smooth, white shoulders and a pink silk undershirt. From the low neckline, the curves of her bosom peeked out, the twin peaks beneath the silk rising and falling with her breath, brushing against Yang Yaozong’s chest, sending tingling shivers through her.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, gazing into his eyes with deep affection. “Ruxin wants to give you everything—don’t hold back. Let me be your wife, Yaozong. I ask for nothing more than to be your woman. I won’t enter the Nangong household—just let me marry you.”

Looking down at her, Yang Yaozong lowered his head, breathing heavily by her ear.

Her breath was fragrant and sincere. One hand encircled his neck, the other tugged off her silk undergarment, baring her flawless breasts. Pressed together, their bodies seemed inseparable. Fighting her shyness, she closed her eyes, clamped her thighs around his, and slowly pulled down his trousers, reaching down to grasp his burning, throbbing arousal.

Yang Yaozong groaned with pleasure at her touch, propping himself up to gaze deeply at the beautiful woman beneath him.

Yin Ruxin’s face was flushed, her eyes glazed with desire. Her voice was husky as she urged him on, “Yaozong, take me—don’t make me wait until you come to my hometown to ask for my hand. In my heart, you are all that matters. If you become my husband, I will belong to you completely. I’ll listen only to you—whatever you say, I’ll do; whatever you forbid, I’ll never do.”

Her words, sweet as wine, almost undid Yang Yaozong, but he suddenly found clarity.

Looking into her eyes, he pressed her restless hand still and pulled her up to sit astride him.

Surprised, she let out a soft cry, now seated atop him, feeling his heat even through her underclothes.

She moved against him, seeking relief for the aching need within her, her breathing growing heavier, soft moans escaping her lips.

Yet Yang Yaozong maintained a thread of composure. Hoarsely, he said, “My dearest Ruxin, I promise you—I will marry you. I want you as my wife. Only…”

Before he could finish, Yin Ruxin pressed her lips to his in a fervent kiss, grinding herself desperately against him, her wetness only heightening her urgency.

Their breaths grew ragged. Suddenly, she bit her lip, threw back her head, and shuddered with a cry, collapsing into his arms.

Yang Yaozong chuckled, embracing her tenderly.

Sensing his amusement, Yin Ruxin was mortified, almost in tears. She hit his shoulder with a feeble fist, scolding, “Don’t laugh! It’s all your fault—you bewitched me!”

He couldn’t help but laugh aloud, his chest shaking with mirth.

Flustered, Yin Ruxin bit his shoulder in retaliation.

He cried out in pain but only laughed harder.

She loosened her grip, refusing to meet his eyes, burying her face in his chest.

“Are you all right now?” he asked, patting her gently.

She dared not look at him, but felt his arousal still pressing against her. Summoning her courage, she lifted her eyes to his, full of tenderness. Reaching down to remove her undergarments, she was stopped by his hand.

“Even if I don’t go to your hometown to propose, I must prepare a proper betrothal gift. I can’t just pluck my treasure without so much as a ceremony,” he said softly.

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Biting her lip, she asked, “So you’re just going to suffer like this?”

He smiled wickedly, guiding her hand and caressing her moist lips. “You could use this… or this,” he teased.

She pouted, “You’re terrible!” But under his encouraging gaze, she slowly lowered herself, her head bobbing in his lap.

Night fell… Even the moon hid in embarrassment, leaving only the stars peeking down, winking as they secretly watched the couple in their forbidden joy.