Chapter Forty-One: Crimson Lotus Becomes an Apprentice

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Yongcheng
The ancient capital of Qin
Great Zheng Palace
The former palace of Qin
Li Yu gazed at the majestic palace before him, surprised to see history ingeniously return to its starting point. Only the characters had changed. Fortunately, he was not Lao Ai, and his interest in ruling lands was scant. Even if he did care, the world was vast—why fixate on just one place and engage in endless infighting?
He thought of North and South America, their geography and resources—enough to sustain billions without difficulty.
Li Yu squirmed in the palace maid’s attire, uncomfortable as it was: loose in front, tight in back, forcing him to take tiny steps.
For the sake of his mother, he braced himself and pressed on.
After two months, when he saw Zhao Ji again, her belly had begun to curve gently, lending her a certain allure.
She lay on the reclining chair Li Yu had invented, swaying gently under the sun.
Li Yu was in no rush to reveal himself.
Zhao Gao exchanged a few pleasantries with Zhao Ji, urging her to care for her health, presenting the concern and gifts brought by King Zheng of Qin.
Zhao Ji accepted everything without a glance.
“Your Majesty, this palace maid is obedient and clever. Perhaps she could stay to care for you,” Zhao Gao said, pointing to Li Yu.
Zhao Ji followed his gesture and recognized the familiar face, leaping from the chair to rain blows of fists and feet upon the supposed maid.
Seeing this, Zhao Gao ushered the other maids out and vanished from the courtyard himself.
“Mother, Yu’er missed you so much!” Li Yu wrapped his arms around Zhao Ji, who was kicking at him, speaking softly.
“You wretched little thief! How dare you take so long to visit me? I’ve never missed anyone so much—thief of my heart!” she said, her small fists battering Li Yu.
“Mother, I’m here to see you now. Be good, don’t cry,” he said, wiping her tears.
“You can never leave me again. I miss you so much I’m nearly mad,” Zhao Ji, now acting like a spoiled girl, pouted.
Her enchanting gaze was more than Li Yu could bear; he lifted her in his arms and hurried toward the house.
“Slow down, be careful of the child!” Zhao Ji scolded maternally, covering her belly.
“Yes, yes,” Li Yu obeyed, slowing his steps.
Zhao Ji gently stroked the face she had longed for, her eyes filled with motherly affection.
Between Zhao Ji and Li Yu, perhaps there was more than the bond between man and woman. Each knew it, though neither spoke aloud.
One lacked motherly love, the other the company of a son; together, they warmed each other’s lonely hearts.
Han Royal Palace
Li Yu gazed at Lady Mingzhu in his arms, his eyes full of tenderness.
She was pitiable—a woman lonely and lost, so much like the Li Yu of before.
For her, Li Yu was willing to risk anything.
Whenever time allowed, he would visit the Han palace to keep her company.
Lady Mingzhu, Chaoxi Yue, slowly opened her eyes, looking at Li Yu who was examining her.
Her arms, delicate as jade lotus threads, gently embraced Li Yu. “Yu Lang, tell me—will you marry me one day?”
Li Yu replied softly, “You are my destiny. If I don’t marry you, I’ll die with regret.”
Chaoxi Yue lightly slapped him. “You always talk nonsense—no dying or anything. I won’t let you die, so you mustn’t. Don’t even mention it.”
“Alright! I’ll listen to my wife,” Li Yu laughed.
“Who’s your wife?” Chaoxi Yue rolled her eyes at him.
The words stirred something in Li Yu—an illicit thrill. Han Wang An was still lying outside, making the feeling stronger.
Lady Mingzhu sensed the change in Li Yu, scoffing, “You’re quite the pervert, aren’t you!”
“Then I’ll show you how perverted I can be,” Li Yu turned over to look down at her.
The rhythm of their passion sounded once more—the symphony of life.
~~~
The moon hung above the branches.
Li Yu wandered the streets of Xinzheng. He had intended to return home to sleep, but instinctively found himself at Zilan Pavilion.
He missed Xiao Yemao a little.
Arriving at Nongyu’s room, he found it minimalist, clear, just like Nongyu herself: clean and simple.
“Are you composing music?” Li Yu asked, curious about what Nongyu was writing so intently.
“Husband, why are you here?” Nongyu quickly stood when she saw him.
“Don’t get up, stay seated. What are you working on?” Li Yu asked.
“The composition method you taught last time is very useful. I’m practicing,” Nongyu handed him her papers.
“Impressive! You remembered ‘Three Variations on Plum Blossom’ after hearing it just once. Rare talent,” Li Yu praised his young wife.
“Husband, let me play it for you,” Nongyu said, preparing to play the zither.
Li Yu did not refuse. He knew Nongyu’s natural love for music; with a good piece, she’d surely want to share it with her beloved.
As the music rose, Li Yu seemed to see a scene of tragic love and vengeance.
They say tragedy is the essence of art, but Li Yu disliked such art.
Life was already hard enough; why add sorrow needlessly?
He resolved to compose more uplifting music in the future—like the symphony of life.
As before, Nongyu started shy and passive but gradually took the lead in the second half, becoming wild.
Even an old hand like Li Yu struggled to keep up, feeling thoroughly drained.
He knew the girls would tease Nongyu again tomorrow—her voice seemed to pierce the heavens.
Perhaps it was the influence of Chaoxi Yue and Hu Shuangxue.
Li Yu himself was changed, entering extra innings, only relenting when the little wild horse pleaded for mercy.
Nongyu, as always, hid under the quilt after, shy as a spring flower.
“Wife, let’s discuss something fun,” Li Yu said, chatting with Nongyu under the covers.
“What does husband want to say?” Nongyu poked her head out to ask.
“Zi’er must be lonely now. Why don’t we go keep her company?” Li Yu proposed.
“Now? That’s not proper—besides, Sister Zinu must be asleep,” Nongyu gently refused, sensing Li Yu’s mischievous intent.
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Seeing that Nongyu would not be coaxed, Li Yu did not insist. After all, there was time ahead.
He held his darling, dreaming of a future with his arms full.
With the opening of Li Yu’s bank, people were not just interested in the interest rates, but also became fascinated by the dazzling glassware on display.
Among the nobility, anyone without proper glass ornaments felt embarrassed to invite guests. Many powerful families treated depositing money at the bank as buying glassware, and with monthly payouts, it was a win-win.
Li Yu also launched an affordable line of glass—just marbles, really.
In modern times, they were toys, but in this era, a rare novelty, quickly attracting the attention of the middle class.
Han Wang An lately slept well, his headaches gone, and was livelier than ever at night.
Han Fei
He felt something was off, though he couldn’t say what.
Now, finances were abundant and military pay was no longer a struggle, but unease lingered in his heart.
He went to Zilan Pavilion, as usual, climbed to the loft.
He sat and ordered a pot of orchid wine, gazing at Li Yu surrounded by beauties, full of envy.
“Brother Fang, how do you manage to have beauties on both sides?” Han Fei wanted to learn the secret.
“Four words: treat people sincerely. I’m genuine with them, so they give everything to me,” Li Yu answered, narcissistically.
“Ouch—Zi’er, why pinch me? I’m telling the truth!” Li Yu looked aggrieved at Zinu beside him.
“You never stop talking; it’s that mouth of yours that fooled us,” she said, stuffing a nut into his mouth.
Nongyu covered her mouth, laughing quietly nearby.
Han Fei felt less envious after that.
Freedom was more comfortable—one Honglian was enough trouble.
The rest—he shook his head unconsciously.
“Brother Fang, your talent amazes me. I watched the Legend of the White Snake—so imaginative! How did you come up with Bai Suzhen repaying a debt of kindness?” Han Fei recalled being dragged to Zilan Pavilion by Honglian to watch opera lately, somewhat helpless.
But once you watched the opening, you couldn’t stop. And it cost money!
His wine budget was already tight, now Honglian was squeezing it further.
“Brother, you’re drinking again!” a clear, sweet voice called.
Li Yu looked over to see a pink-clad cutie pouting, hands on hips, looking at Han Fei.
Han Fei turned, depressed, forcing a smile. “Sister, why are you here?”
“If I didn’t come, I wouldn’t know you were sneaking drinks,” Honglian said, her pink dress fluttering lightly like walking on clouds, so graceful.
With her slender waist and impressive figure, she perfectly combined cuteness and allure.
If not for future events, she might have remained forever innocent.
Perhaps not—royal fates are unpredictable.
Her charm was something Li Yu vowed to protect.
Her brother—unreliable.
“Ooh—what fairy is this? Brother-in-law, aren’t you going to introduce us?” Li Yu teased Han Fei.
“What brother-in-law? That’s my brother, nothing to do with you,” Honglian interrupted.
“Not now, but maybe someday. Right, Brother Han Fei?” Li Yu looked at Han Fei, not at Honglian.
“You’re awful! Why won’t you look at me when I speak?” Honglian was angry—how dare he disrespect her? Her chest ached.
“Brother, what kind of friends do you have—no manners at all!” she complained to Han Fei.
“Princess Honglian, you came uninvited and didn’t greet the host. Who’s lacking manners now?” Zinu retorted, seeing Honglian scold Li Yu.
“Brother, who is she? Looks like a demon—like Bai Suzhen the snake spirit!” Honglian’s words were sharp as ever.
“Don’t be silly; she’s the owner of Zilan Pavilion. All the plays you watch are hers,” Han Fei explained, pulling Honglian aside.
Li Yu, catching a glimpse of those plump lips, longed for a taste.
A sudden pain in his waist—he quickly smiled at Zinu, who pretended nothing had happened.
Women’s intuition was terrifying.
“Brother, aren’t these your friend’s works? Is your friend this snake spirit?” Han Fei covered Honglian’s mouth, apologizing to Zinu.
“She’s my friend’s wife. Be careful what you say, or you’ll be barred from seeing plays,” Han Fei warned.
“I’m a princess, this is Xinzheng—who would dare stop me?” Honglian retorted, spoiled by Han Wang An’s indulgence.
“But does the princess know Zilan Pavilion is mine? If I’m displeased, I could close shop in Han. Right, my princess?” Zinu bantered back, hurt by Li Yu’s wandering gaze.
Honglian wanted to speak, but Han Fei stopped her, apologizing to Li Yu. “Honglian was spoiled from childhood. Please forgive her.”
He then asked Honglian, “Why are you here today? There’s no performance.”
Honglian remembered her purpose. “I want to learn an instrument—especially the piano, it sounds wonderful! And I want to learn martial arts, so that snake spirit can’t bully me!”
Li Yu: “……”
Han Fei truly doted on Honglian.
After hearing her, he turned to Li Yu, “Brother Fang, is it convenient?”
“My sister has always been playful. Now she’s interested in something, as her brother I want to support her,” Han Fei looked at Li Yu with a hopeful gaze, making refusal difficult.
Li Yu’s eyes twinkled and he smiled, “Princess Honglian, we have the perfect teacher right here.”
He looked at Zinu.
“Her? I’ve seen her play piano—she’s good, but martial arts? Are you sure she’s any good?” Honglian doubted, looking at Zinu’s slender limbs.
Zinu smiled at Honglian, envying her carefree life, loved by father and brother.
Unlike herself, whose only companion was a heartless man.
Li Yu, seeing Zinu’s plaintive eyes, thought she was unwilling.
He then turned to Honglian’s lovely face and said, “If you want to become a disciple, it’s not so easy. The teacher must agree first.”
“I want to test her martial arts—her skinny arms and legs, I doubt she’s stronger than me,” Honglian was eager to try.
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Han Fei shook his head helplessly.
Zinu was unfazed, leading everyone to the garden, breaking off a willow branch and handing it to Honglian, then taking one herself.
Honglian struck a heroine’s pose, seeing Zinu stand casually, fiddling with her willow, clearly not taking her seriously.
“Ready! Here I come—ah, ouch!” Honglian clutched her backside, glaring at Zinu, unsure how she’d been struck.
She blamed her carelessness, tried a new pose, and charged again.
“Aah—ouch! I give up! Why do you keep hitting me there?” Honglian, tearful, asked, nursing her wounded pride.
“Would you rather I strike your lovely face? Someone would be heartbroken,” Zinu said, glancing at Li Yu.
“My brother wouldn’t care if I were hurt; he never helps me!” Honglian thought Zinu was looking at Han Fei, her brother.
“I’ll take you as my teacher—teach me martial arts and piano!” Honglian demanded.
“I never agreed to take you as a disciple,” Zinu put away her branch, coldly.
“What do you want? Name your terms,” Honglian pressed.
“Money isn’t lacking since Zilan Pavilion’s changes: one day’s income matches a month’s before. But what else can you offer?” Zinu seemed to help Honglian analyze carefully.
Honglian: “……I’ll have father make you an official.”
Zinu smiled, “Have you ever seen a woman hold office in these times?”
Honglian: “So what should I do?”
Zinu’s eyes twinkled, smiling ambiguously, “Just promise never to commit acts against morality and I’ll accept you as a disciple.”
Honglian stared in disbelief, “Is that true?”
Zinu nodded, “It’s true.”
Honglian: “That simple?”
Zinu: “Indeed.”
Honglian clasped her hands and bowed to Zinu, “Disciple Honglian greets her master.”
Zinu looked at Honglian gravely, “Remember what you said.”
Compared to the smiling Han Fei, Li Yu felt his forehead tingling.
“Don’t worry, Master—I’d never do anything immoral,” Honglian promised.
“Go, pay respects to your grandmaster,” Zinu pointed at the dumbfounded Li Yu.
Honglian hopped over and bowed, “Greetings, Grandmaster! You’re so young—just my age!”
Li Yu, tearful, looked at the wide-eyed Honglian, “Exactly. We’re the same age, so no need for grandmaster—call me Yu.”
Honglian: “Yu? Grandmaster, you’re so funny!”
Li Yu watched Honglian beam before him, feeling he’d dug his own grave by suggesting Zinu take a disciple.
…………
Leaving Zilan Pavilion, Li Yu saw an old man across the street signal him.
Li Yu entered as a regular customer, unhurried.
“Master, there’s a big order,” the old man led Li Yu inside.
“Oh? How big?” Li Yu asked evenly.
“Five hundred thousand gold—the one you told us to watch. He’s made his move,” the old man continued.
“Heh! So it begins. Interesting,” Li Yu mused, stroking his chin.
“Let him wait. Such a sum, only we can handle it. No rush,” Li Yu said, then left.
He returned to his estate, first to Jing Ni’s room.
With her belly growing, Jing Ni moved with less agility, more allure.
Li Yu adored her all the more.
He kissed her inviting lips.
“Have someone contact Mo Ya, I need him,” Li Yu said, gazing at her ripening beauty, scooping her into his arms and heading to the bedroom.
…………
Marshal Liu Yi’s estate
A figure quietly scaled the wall, sneaking toward the pink pavilion.
Li Yu was now addicted to the thrill of sneaking into forbidden places.
He gently opened the door, looking around—no one?
Just as he was about to close it, a pink figure appeared, dragging him inside.
Before the door shut, a rush of scent enveloped him, a humid, heated gentleness pressed against his lips, tearing at his clothes.
Li Yu quickly kicked the door closed, then embraced his beauty, heading for the bed.
They indulged in the wildest, most primal sea of desire.
~~~
Knock knock knock
Crisp knocking broke the fevered atmosphere inside.
“Sister, you said you weren’t feeling well, so I brought some soup for you,” a gentle voice called from outside.
Inside, the two stared at each other, then a blanket covered Li Yu, while his lover lay on the bed, trying to appear calm.
“Come in, Sister—I can’t get up,”
The door opened, revealing a classic beauty. “Sister, why are you so sweaty? Remove the blanket.”
She reached to uncover it.
“Just a chill, that’s why I’m covered up. Don’t remove it,”
Feeling her lover under the blanket tormenting her again, her fox-like face flushed red. “Sister, please leave quickly. I don’t want you to catch it.”
“We’re sisters, the only true family. How could I ignore your health? I’ll have hot water prepared for you—it’ll do you good,” she said, heading out.
As her sister’s footsteps faded, Fox-girl quickly uncovered Li Yu.
“You wretch, are you trying to torment me to death?”
“Do you like it, Beautiful Hu?” Li Yu lifted his head, grinning wickedly, his lips still slick with traces of their passion.

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