Volume Two: The Great and the Small Chapter Four: Fated Foes Are Bound to Meet (Part One)

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The beauties of centuries past, compared to those of later generations, were not so different in appearance and figure. In fact, when it came to dress and revealing their bodies, the girls of the pleasure houses were even less daring than the social media stars of the future. Yet once you truly encountered them, the gulf between the two became strikingly clear.

These young women, carefully cultivated by the House of Delight, possessed a grace in every smile and gesture, every phrase spoken so elegantly seductive. Their talents exceeded those of the hollow beauties of the future—who are, in truth, nothing more than products of technology—by a wide margin.

Thus, amid the gentle laughter and graceful music and dance of these women, the atmosphere within the private room became ever more enchanting and exquisite. Even Huang Ming, with a beauty like Zi Yun leaning against him, feeding him delicacies and wine, felt himself utterly intoxicated, forgetting all else.

The other two playboy youths were even more absorbed, reveling in the playful banter with the beauties in their arms, occasionally sharing drinks mouth-to-mouth—truly carefree and unrestrained. Only Qi Changfeng, even in such circumstances, remained sober, his body stiff, feeling entirely out of place.

Suddenly, as he sat bewildered, his ears caught the sound of hurried footsteps racing toward the private room. Just as he straightened up, the partition door was flung open, and the bustling scene outside crashed into the room, startling all present, who cried out in surprise.

“Madam Chu, are these the honored guests you spoke of?” came a familiar voice, the speaker glaring at the three men in the room, eyes full of venom.

Behind him, Madam Chu, the old procuress, looked flustered. “Young Master Zhang, please, you’ve caused quite a scene… Young Master Xu and his friends are indeed esteemed guests of our House of Delight.”

“They count as honored guests?”

Before the words were fully spoken, Xu Qingzhi responded with a laugh, “I wondered who could be so unreasonable—so it’s you, Zhang Pan.”

The one who had barged in, causing trouble, was none other than Zhang Pan, the young master of the Marquis of Jianchang’s household, long unseen.

Ever since his attempt at bullying had backfired and Huang Ming had disciplined him, followed by his lackeys being beaten by the Imperial Guards, this notorious bully of the Imperial Academy had not dared show his face, nor did he have any dealings with Huang Ming and his friends.

Yet, unexpectedly, here on New Year’s night, their paths crossed again in this pleasure house.

It truly seemed as if fate would not let old adversaries avoid one another.

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As the arrogant young master of the Zhang family, Zhang Pan naturally demanded the finest girls to accompany him when visiting such a place. So, upon learning that the four most popular girls of the House of Delight had all been reserved by honored guests, he refused to let it go—especially as he had brought several friends to seek pleasure that night.

A quick probe confirmed the girls were here, so he burst in, intent on taking them by force.

But since that incident, Xu Qingzhi and Zhang Han no longer feared Zhang Pan. They immediately stood up to confront him.

“Zhang Pan, everything follows the order of arrival. To come late and make trouble is truly disgraceful,” Zhang Han said. “Leave now, and we won’t hold it against you.”

“Leave?” Zhang Pan’s companions had already gathered behind him, making retreat impossible. He sneered, “Then I’ll take a few of the girls with me. Madam Chu, you decide: how much silver do I need to pay to have them accompany us to the courtyard for drinks?”

Madam Chu broke out in sweat, but forced a smile, bowing repeatedly to Zhang Pan. “Perhaps I can find some other girls more to your liking, Young Master Zhang, who will certainly satisfy you and your friends?”

“No, I want these girls to serve us,” Zhang Pan refused outright, unwilling to back down.

“Then come early tomorrow!” Zhang Han replied at once. “Tonight, these girls are simply unavailable.”

Zhang Pan ignored him, fixing his gaze on Madam Chu, “Tonight, or else…”

“Aiya…” Madam Chu was torn, finally looking pleadingly at Huang Ming, who had said nothing. “Young Master Huang, you are generous and understanding—why not let Hong Ying and Nuan Qing accompany Young Master Zhang? I’ll send other girls, just as beautiful, to serve you and your friends.”

She knew the backgrounds of these young masters—none could be offended. Thus, she tried to smooth things over, turning to the one who seemed least imposing and most easygoing. At least, since trouble had begun, Young Master Huang had sat quietly, drinking, showing no intention of quarreling. Perhaps he wished to resolve matters peacefully.

Besides, he had paid earlier; if he spoke, the matter would surely be settled.

Truth be told, Huang Ming had no interest whatsoever in these petty squabbles among youths, nor did he believe Xu and Zhang would back down. That was why he remained silent.

But to his surprise, Madam Chu called his name, and his expression darkened as he fixed her with a look.

Just one glance made Madam Chu’s heart tighten, her body tremble, nearly collapsing. “Young Master Huang…”

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At that moment, Huang Ming finally stood up leisurely, one arm around the slightly pale Zi Yun, the other holding his wine cup, walking to the door, gazing at Zhang Pan with a half-smile.

He said nothing, but Zhang Pan, faced with such close scrutiny, grew uneasy, involuntarily taking a step back.

Then, recalling something, he quickly steadied himself, raising his voice: “What… what do you want?”

Huang Ming continued to squint, carefully studying his face, then said slowly, “Not bad—you’ve recovered well. No sign you were ever beaten.”

“Don’t… don’t do anything rash…” Now Zhang Pan was truly panicked, his face pale, retreating another two steps to widen the distance between them.

The memory of being slapped by Huang Ming in front of everyone resurfaced, making the normally unruly Zhang Pan feel fear for the first time.

Sensing his terror, Huang Ming stepped forward. “If you don’t want another lesson and more humiliation, behave yourself. My temper isn’t great, and if you push me, you’ll regret it.”

“You… you dare…” Zhang Pan tried to hold his ground, but under Huang Ming’s sharp gaze, his courage faltered. He retreated several more steps, growling, “Don’t get cocky. We’ll see about this!”

With that, he left in a huff before anyone could respond.

His companions, all shocked, examined Huang Ming, unable to fathom what prowess this youth possessed to frighten the notorious Young Master Zhang so thoroughly.

“You’re truly impressive, Young Master Huang!”

“He’s like a mouse confronted by a cat—so satisfying!” Xu Qingzhi and Zhang Han laughed, pulling Huang Ming along. “Come, let’s continue drinking with the beauties…”

Just as things settled and Madam Chu breathed a sigh of relief, a voice called from behind, “Wait—so Zi Yun and Hong Ying are here after all!”