Chapter Eighty-Three: Lord Chunshen

The Spring Shen Mansion, a sprawling estate spanning a thousand acres, stood in stark contrast to the rugged grandeur of the Northwest. The architecture of the South was renowned for its intricate elegance. Within the grounds, artificial mountains loomed, willow trees swayed beside bamboo groves, and winding cobblestone paths led to tiny, exquisite wooden bridges arching over babbling brooks.

Underneath a towering peach tree, Li Yu met the Lord of Spring Shen. The man was thin, his hair and beard snowy white, yet his narrow eyes held a glint of wisdom amidst their cloudiness.

Li Yu stepped forward and bowed politely. "I am Zhao Yu, greetings, my Lord."

Huang Xie held the scroll Li Yu had presented, his head lowered as he admired it. "Did you paint this?"

"I did," Li Yu replied immediately.

"And the poem inscribed upon it? Is that yours as well?"

"Exactly so." Li Yu nodded, his expression unruffled; after all, there was no way to verify it.

"With such talent, why have I never heard your name before?" The Lord of Spring Shen asked the crucial question.

Li Yu bowed again. "I have been traveling the world with my master since childhood, only returning to the state recently."

"Oh? You are a Chu man? Where is your home?"

The Lord of Spring Shen looked up, his gaze faltering for a moment as he took in Li Yu. He had seen countless people in his life, yet he had never encountered such a perfect, graceful young man. A plan immediately began to form in his mind.

Observing the Lord's gaze, Li Yu bowed slightly once more. "From the Wu region!"

"The lands of Wu and Yue are indeed home to many talents! Very well. Stay in my manor for now; I will arrange a position for you when the opportunity arises," the Lord said.

"Understood." Li Yu bowed and withdrew.

Only then did the Lord of Spring Shen look toward Li Yu's retreating back. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke to the empty air: "Investigate this boy! He will be of great use to me."

"Understood!" A voice replied from the shadows.

***

The funeral of King Yan of Zhao was quite grand, held three years earlier than in the historical records. Li Yu wore white silk mourning clothes, feeling a sense of melancholy—life was truly unpredictable.

His gaze drifted toward the Queen of Prostitution beside the coffin. She ought to be the Queen Dowager now. Her body trembled, appearing frail and broken; to all observers, she seemed overcome with grief. As for Prince Qian, he had been installed as the new King of Zhao. His joy was written all over his face, a wide, irrepressible smile plastered across it. Beside him, Guo Kai nudged him, urging him to maintain a more solemn demeanor. But how could Zhao Qian be solemn? For the past few days, he hadn't even returned to his own residence, choosing instead to stay in his father’s harem.

This, however, made it convenient for Li Yu to seek out Mu Shuiyan, who was now the Queen.

The Queen of Prostitution stumbled and fell, appearing distraught, and was helped into an inner chamber. Li Yu quietly slipped away to a secluded area. "True!"

In an instant, his figure vanished from the spot.

Inside the inner chamber, the Queen, Lan Li'er, trembled, clutching herself as she murmured, "Yu-lang! Li'er cannot bear this! What should I do?"

Suddenly, Lan Li'er felt someone caressing her. She opened her eyes, only to find nothing there. She sat up in a fright, her voice trembling. "Who is it?"

"It is I! Your beloved Yu-lang!" A familiar voice drifted from the air.

"Why can I not see you?" As she spoke, her skirt began to shift upward, and a distinct, head-shaped bulge pressed against the fabric—a truly bizarre sight.

"Li'er... the fruit is still warm! How fragrant!"

"You wretch! You are torturing me to death!"

***

Spring was in the air, and the city was vibrant with wine and song. When Li Yu appeared at the Zui Meng Pavilion again, the madam recognized him at once. She took his hand with practiced familiarity, like an old friend. "This young master is so devoted to Lady Huaying; it is truly her good fortune. She has already dressed and is waiting just for you!"

"Good!" Li Yu unfurled his folding fan, playing the part of a libertine perfectly, and strode behind the madam toward the inner tower.

Once inside, Li Yu tossed a gold coin to the madam as a tip, and she closed the door with a satisfied grin.

The soft glow of red candles illuminated the room. The sight of a silhouette—graceful, elegant, and clad in red—instantly captivated Li Yu. She wore a cluster of red chrysanthemums in her hair, which only served to brighten her radiant charm.

Li Yu bowed. "I am Zhao Yu! Greetings, Lady Huaying."

"?" Huaying turned at the sound of his voice. She was taken aback to find a dashing young gentleman standing there. She immediately felt a sense of favor; the madam had told her that a customer had booked her for an entire year, and she had expected some decrepit old man. She couldn't help but feel a secret joy—this youth was truly handsome!

"You do not look like a regular patron of this place," Huaying remarked, voicing her curiosity.

Li Yu smiled. "A love for beauty is universal. From the moment I caught a glimpse of you on the street that day, I have been unable to eat or sleep! I have spent my wealth, all for the chance to win your heart!"

"You flatter me, young master!" Huaying was genuinely touched. Most men who came here were impatient and crass, unlike Zhao Yu, who was refined, polite, and treated her with such respect.

"May I share a drink with you?" Huaying bowed gracefully, speaking with gentle warmth.

Li Yu walked slowly toward the inner room. Her face was a delicate oval, her dark hair pinned up with a stray lock of willow-like fringe. Her phoenix eyes were charming, and her eyebrows were curved like willow leaves. With skin as smooth as congealed fat and a face like a peach blossom, she was as beautiful as the moon.

Li Yu paused, coming to his senses. "Your beauty is unparalleled!" He bowed to her.

"You jest! I am but a fallen flower, unworthy of such praise," Huaying said, her eyes filled with a trace of melancholy.

"From what I have learned, you only committed yourself to this life of wind and flowers for the sake of your younger brother. Such integrity—Zhao Yu admires it!"

Li Yu’s words moved Huaying to tears; the grievances of many years poured out like a waterfall. Li Yu stepped forward like a true gentleman, wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes.

"It is alright! I am here for you now."

"Young master!" She hugged his waist tightly, the feeling of leaning on him calming her heart. She looked at his lapel, which was already damp with her tears. "I am sorry!" she whispered, blushing.

Li Yu smiled. "I have heard that your dance is exquisite. If you wish to apologize, would you dance for me?"

He walked to the zither and plucked a tentative note. As the music began, Huaying swept her sleeves, her lithe body dancing to the rhythm. Because they were in a brothel, the dance was provocative and bold. Li Yu was so mesmerized he forgot the tune, staring blankly as Huaying raised a shapely leg, revealing a tantalizing glimpse.

Li Yu quickly covered his nose, cursing himself for being weak.

Seeing his reaction, Huaying touched her red lips and smiled demurely. "You are truly innocent, young master!"

Li Yu’s face soured. *Me? Innocent?*

He rose and bowed. "Seeing you today has been enough for me. I shall take my leave!"

"You are leaving?" Huaying asked, sounding anxious.

"Naturally! I shall return tomorrow! That is all for today." He walked toward the door, still covering his nose.

"Will you not stay the night?" she asked, reluctant to let him go.

"If the two hearts are meant to last, why worry about the morning or the evening? It is your heart I wish to win! Farewell!" With that, Li Yu stepped out of the tower.

Huaying watched him from the window, her eyes turning dreamy. "Young master... you have already stolen my heart!"

***

In the depths of the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace, the sheets were a tangled mess, soaked through. Golden, curly hair obscured most of her face, revealing only a charming oval chin and a hint of mysterious liquid at the corner of her mouth, painting a picture of decadence. She lay on the bed, limp and powerless.

Her long eyelashes fluttered, and her alluring blue eyes slowly opened. A seductive voice emerged from her red lips: "I will find you, no matter what!"

Thinking of the night of passion, the woman's body felt weak again. She truly did not want to get up.

Meanwhile, the protagonist, Li Yu, was currently holding Princess Xue Ke, watching the sun gradually rise in the east.

"Princess, where in the palace is your residence?" Li Yu whispered against her ear, his voice soft.

"Why do you ask?" Xue Ke asked, blushing.

"To steal beauty!" Li Yu teased.

"Southeast! Yu... stop touching my hips, it’s so strange!" Xue Ke’s eyes began to glaze over.

"You know I like it!" Li Yu said, his voice tender yet filled with a cloying sweetness.

"Hmm!" The princess leaned shyly into his arms, her body trembling slightly as she leaned her entire weight against him.

***

In the Star Luo Empire, the Zhu family was the second most powerful clan. Their estate was vast—by Li Yu’s estimation, at least fifteen times the size of the Li Mansion. It was a true legacy family.

Since it was Li Yu’s first visit, the head of the house, Zhu You, treated him with the highest honors to show his respect. He personally arranged Li Yu’s quarters, prepared a banquet, and gathered key family members to meet him.

Zhu Zhuqing was still bewildered at the banquet, but she could sense that her family members were much more enthusiastic because of Li Yu’s arrival. Even her father, Zhu You, had shed his usual coldness, treating her with a pleasant demeanor. She remained silent, unsure of what to say, occasionally catching Li Yu’s gaze and quickly looking down, her heart pounding and her breath growing shallow.

Zhu Zhuyun was also silent, equally afraid to meet Li Yu’s eyes. Her thoughts were complex; she felt guilty and feared Li Yu would bring up their bet. She hadn't expected to lose, and thus had made a wager of "whatever you want." *What will he want from me? Money? Resources? Will he demand my body...? My engagement to Dai Mubai cannot be easily dissolved; I am already seen as the future Empress of Star Luo, but as a mistress after marriage...*

Zhu Zhuyun glanced at Li Yu across the table, her face flushing red.

The banquet was long, and Zhu You spoke at length, though he did not mention marriage. Li Yu was in no rush. He knew Zhu Zhuqing was cold on the outside but fiery within.

*All I need to do is win her heart. Once that is done, everything else will fall into place.*

As he pondered, he felt a foot touch his under the table. He didn't pay much attention at first, but the foot didn't retreat; instead, it pressed firmly against his instep. *Whose foot?* It was wearing a high heel. Based on the distance, it was either Zhuqing or Zhuyun.

Zhu Zhuqing glared at him and rolled her eyes, as if to say, "Boring."

*So it’s my bride! Is she angry at me? Or does she find this banquet dull?*

Li Yu quickly dismissed the former. The high-heeled foot began to slide slowly up his leg. It was ticklish, then arrogant as it rested on his knee. *Look at that, you Zhu third miss, you really are hot-blooded.*

The high heel pressed further, and Li Yu’s face twitched. He hadn't expected such a bold, transgressive move. *How daring, how shameful, and yet... how exciting.*

Zhu You continued to talk, oblivious to the shameful act happening beneath the table. Li Yu forced a smile, responding absent-mindedly. Possessing the Spirit of the Nether Civet, the sisters were nimble and silent.

"Fang Yu, what do you think of our Zhu family estate?" Zhu You asked with a friendly smile.

"It is very impressive, beautiful, especially this main residence—it does not lose to the imperial palace." Li Yu responded while enduring the "torture" from the daring girl beneath the table.

Zhu Zhuqing was tall, with the golden proportions of a supermodel. Her tight leather suit outlined her full chest and perfect hips. And yet, he was being played by her long, shapely legs.

*Holy crap!*

Zhu You didn't know about the secret exchange. Hearing the praise, he laughed proudly. "A millennium-old family, heritage is more important! Our Zhu family has always worked hand-in-hand with the Dai family."

Li Yu smiled. "In the Douluo Continent, strength is king. The winner takes all. Marriage cannot sustain a family forever. If a family suddenly rises, producing a Titled Douluo or a divine inheritance, wouldn't that be more secure?"

A maid brought over a bottle of wine. Zhu You raised his glass. "Becoming a Titled Douluo is so difficult! Not to mention those ethereal gods! Fang Yu, it is good to have confidence, but don't aim too high!"

Li Yu smiled. "Gods! They are not my goal!" The circles of the Douluo Continent were too narrow; they were all just fake gods.

Zhu You raised his glass. "Let's not talk of this. Taste this wine!"

Li Yu shook his head. "I am allergic to alcohol."

Across from him, Zhu Zhuyun scoffed, resting her chin on her hand, and looked at Li Yu with a smirk. "This bottle of wine costs a Gold Soul Coin! You really won't drink it?" Her enchanting eyes held a trace of seduction.

Zhu You told the maid, "Get some fruit juice!"

Suddenly, the foot beneath the table increased its pressure, and a second foot joined in—this one wearing silk stockings, no high heels. It was incredibly skillful, scratching at his heart. The unique, stimulating pleasure almost made him cry out. Li Yu gritted his teeth, burying his face in his juice to hide his expression.

"Pfft." Seeing the usually eloquent Li Yu looking so embarrassed by Zhu Zhuyun, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but cover her mouth and giggle.

Li Yu shot Zhu Zhuqing a meaningful look. *You little devil! Wait until tonight to see how I handle you.*

When the banquet ended, Zhu You specifically instructed Zhuqing to escort Li Yu to his room. Li Yu was secretly delighted. *Thank you, future father-in-law, for creating this opportunity for "revenge."*

The courtyard was elegant, with a bamboo forest—very quiet and suitable for rest. Crucially, it was separated from Zhuqing's courtyard by only a wall. Seeing no one around, Li Yu could no longer hold back. The fire of desire burned in his eyes as he looked at Zhuqing’s full figure like a hungry wolf.

"You sleep here first. Tomorrow I will take you to see my mother."

Li Yu was stunned. "Your mother?"

"Yes! She passed away from illness two years ago. I want you to go!" Zhuqing said softly.

"Fine!" Li Yu grabbed her. "My little kitten, you teased me all night, and you think you can leave?"

He wrapped his arms around her slender waist and squeezed her hips.

"Ah!" Zhuqing was caught off guard and instinctively pushed him away. She had always kept herself clean; she hadn't even held hands with Dai Mubai. Even though the engagement was cancelled and she had a crush on Li Yu, it was all too sudden.

Li Yu let go, allowing her force to push him back, and he flew gracefully into the bamboo forest. Zhuqing, thinking she had used too much force, followed him.

Suddenly, a dark shadow emerged from the forest and caught the flying Li Yu. It was Zhu Zhuyun. She sat down, letting Li Yu’s head rest against her chest.

"Zhu Zhuqing, he is your man, you are quite ruthless!" Zhuyun scolded, while Zhuqing rushed over to check on him, her face flushing red.

Li Yu felt his head sink into an indescribable softness. *He, he is bleeding from his nose...* Zhuqing cried out.

"It means his injury is serious." Zhuyun was also panicked.

*What to do...* Li Yu felt like a small boat in a stormy sea. The scent of Zhuyun’s night rose perfume mixed with the lavender scent of Zhuqing, creating a dizzying, intoxicating blend. *Lying like this is just too comfortable!*

"Wake him up. You, give him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation." Zhuyun suggested.

"Mouth-to-mouth? I..." Zhuqing hesitated.

"You are his fiancée; a first kiss is inevitable. Why be shy?"

Zhuqing leaned down, looked at his handsome face, pinched his nose, and pressed her soft, red lips to his. Both felt a shock like an electric current. Li Yu felt like he was going to explode. *This is my first kiss?*

"Oh no! His nosebleed is getting worse." Zhuqing was on the verge of tears.

"How... how can this be?" Zhuyun was panicked too.

Suddenly, someone called from outside the courtyard. "Brother Li Yu, are you there?"

"Dai Wei!" Hearing the voice of her fiancé, Zhuyun immediately sobered up and pushed Li Yu toward Zhuqing. She realized how intimate their contact was and felt a rush of shame.

Li Yu opened his eyes.

"You’re awake, you’re awake, I'm sorry..." Zhuqing’s eyes were filled with tears, which fell onto her beautiful face.

"I'm fine, don't cry." Li Yu reached out, gently wiping her tears. "I should be the one saying sorry."

"You lost so much blood, and you say you're fine?"

"Uh... maybe I've been eating too much spicy food."

Li Yu stood up and turned to Zhuyun, nodding. "Big sister is here too."

"You knew I was here, didn't you?" Zhuyun gave him a suspicious look but didn't press it. "I'm leaving. Don't tell anyone I was here." She vanished in a blink.

Li Yu comforted Zhuqing and went out to meet Dai Wei.

"Sorry to disturb you, brother," Dai Wei said, offering a meaningful wink.

"Greetings, Your Highness," Li Yu replied, pretending not to understand the wink.

"Call me Big Brother Dai. We are all family now," Dai Wei said, acting the part of a humble prince.

Dai Wei handed him a tray. "Here is ten thousand Gold Soul Coins and a Prince’s Golden Token. With this, you can enter the palace freely. Remember to come see me."

Zhu Zhuyun, hiding in the shadows, felt proud. *You are a genius, Li Yu, but Dai Wei is a prince. He is so wealthy.*

If Li Yu knew what she was thinking, he would scoff. *Money in a fantasy world? How naive.*

Li Yu took the token. "Thank you, Big Brother Dai. I will accept the token, but I don't need the money."

"It’s just pocket money, take it."

"Really, I don't need it. I have enough, and the Zhu family provides everything, right, Qing'er?"

Zhuqing nodded awkwardly. "Oh... yes, they do."

"Very well. If you ever need anything, don't be a stranger."

"I won't."

After Dai Wei left, Zhuqing turned cold. "I’ve figured it out. You were faking the injury."

Li Yu chuckled. She had finally realized it.

"Hmph, bad guy. You made me worry for nothing and shed tears. I’ve cried more today than in the past few years combined! It’s all your fault!" Her pouty expression was more captivating than the moonlight.

"That means you’ve fallen for me at first sight, otherwise you wouldn't have cried. Your tears taste like love. Don't worry, I will make it up to you and cherish you."

Zhuqing blinked, her face flushing. *Is this what love tastes like?*

"My sister was right, you only know how to use sweet words. I'm going back." She turned and walked to her courtyard.

"Goodnight, baby."

Just as he thought she wouldn't respond, a magnetic, pleasant voice drifted over the wall.

"You were right to refuse Dai Wei’s money. A poor man must keep his pride. Goodnight, fool."

Before closing her door, Zhuqing’s lips curved into a beautiful smile that dimmed the moonlight. If Li Yu had seen it, he might have jumped the wall. But he didn't; he just scratched his head and muttered, "Am... am I poor?"