Volume Two: The Noble and the Knave Chapter Five: Fated Foes Cross Paths (Part Two)

Huang Ming and his companions turned toward the sound and saw several young men dressed as scholars standing not far away.

At their head was a handsome and refined young master, who gazed at them with a gentle smile. Yet, his eyes fell entirely on the two young ladies, Zi Yun and Hong Ying, as though the others did not exist.

“You’ve made it rather difficult for me to find you,” he said warmly. “Madam Chu insisted you wouldn’t be here today.” His words were honeyed, but they left Madam Chu beside him anxious and uneasy.

“Young Master Yang…”

Zi Yun, nestled in Huang Ming’s arms, trembled slightly, as if wishing to respond. But then, as though recalling something, she appeared troubled and at a loss.

As expected, the young man continued, “Now that you see me, why don’t you come over? Join us for wine and poetry—it’s far better than mingling with such uncouth wastrels!”

“Who are you calling uncouth and dissolute?” Xu Qingzhi snapped, instantly furious. He cursed, “You brat, you clearly need a lesson!” As he spoke, he rolled up his sleeves, making to stride forward aggressively.

Zhang Han, equally displeased, moved to join his friend. They’d already lost face earlier when Zhang Pan made a scene; now, with another upstart provoking them, how could these hot-blooded youths swallow their anger?

Huang Ming could only fight the urge to cover his face in exasperation. This wretched place was truly unbearable. After just a few cups of wine, they’d already encountered two groups looking for trouble. Was this, then, the mandatory amusement of the pleasure quarters—petty squabbles over beauty and jealousy?

What joy could there be in such endless bickering? The frustration alone was enough to fill one’s belly.

As he considered intervening and possibly leaving, he saw the two friends ready to make their move. Suddenly, a figure from behind the group of young scholars darted forward, blocking the way and, with a swift motion, swept his arm at Xu and Zhang. “Out of my way!”

The attack was so abrupt that the two young rakes had no time to react. Struck, their bodies reeled uncontrollably backward. Fortunately, at that instant, a pair of hands appeared behind them, pressing firmly on their shoulders and giving a gentle tug. Their fall was halted, and they were completely unharmed.

It was Qi Changfeng, quick to act, who had shielded them.

At the same time, his gaze locked onto their assailant. Eyes narrowing, he stepped decisively forward, blocking Huang Ming and the others as the two sides squared off.

This confrontation was even more unsettling than the previous ones. Though no words were exchanged, the tension in the air was palpable, setting many hearts pounding and causing the onlookers to quickly move aside.

Both men were seasoned fighters, instantly recognizing a worthy adversary in the other. Neither dared relax for a moment. Though their bodies remained still, four sharp gazes clashed in the air like blades.

“Gentlemen, please, let’s not let tempers flare…” Thankfully, Madam Chu reacted swiftly, rushing forward before the two sides could come to blows. She used her own delicate yet substantial frame to shield both parties.

Her face had lost all color, sweat beading on her brow, and she looked ready to kneel in desperation. “It’s the New Year, for heaven’s sake—don’t let a small matter ruin the harmony! If anyone gets hurt, everyone will be in trouble.”

She forced a smile as she approached Young Master Yang, coaxing him while signaling her daughters with her eyes.

Zi Yun, worthy of being the star courtesan of Yuèqíng Pavilion, responded quickly. She drew close and whispered into Huang Ming’s ear, “Please, young masters, don’t truly cause harm. That is Young Master Yang, son of Grand Secretary Yang…”

At this, Huang Ming’s brows shot up. He silently cursed his luck—why hadn’t he checked the almanac before leaving home? Was every foe destined to cross his path today?

Not long ago, he’d made a name for himself at the imperial lectures by stepping on Yang Shen. Now he was at odds with his younger brother.

Indeed, this refined and imposing youth was none other than Yang Dun, the second son of Yang Tinghe and younger brother to Yang Shen—styled Yang Yongcheng.

Though he had promised his father on New Year’s Eve to devote himself to study in the coming year, he was still young and had his own circle of friends. It was a festival, after all—what harm in enjoying a little leisure with companions?

What was unusual, however, was running into Huang Ming and his party, and that he was, incidentally, Zi Yun’s favored suitor…

With his family background, talent, and looks, Yang Dun was certain he could win over a courtesan like Zi Yun with a mere word. Yet, reality had caught him off guard; not only had she not come to him, she’d become embroiled with a group of ruffians he disdained. Naturally, this infuriated him.

“What young masters from ducal houses?” he sneered. “I’ve met the sons of both the Duke of Ding and the Duke of Ying—they’re nothing but distant relations, unworthy of mention.”

He pointed at Huang Ming and his friends. “If you know what’s good for you, hand the girls over and I’ll let this go. Otherwise…”

On learning his identity, Xu and Zhang wavered inwardly.

Young Master Yang was not like that Zhang fellow. Zhang Pan, like them, wasn’t a direct heir of Marquis Jianchang—he was one of their own, and a scuffle among the nobility was nothing. But the son of the Grand Secretary was another matter entirely. His family wielded real power at the heart of the Ming government. Should things go awry, their own clans would not spare them.

But at that moment, Huang Ming spoke up. “Otherwise what? You’ll run home and cry to Grand Secretary Yang, beg him to avenge you? Or perhaps, tomorrow all of the capital will know how the sons of Grand Secretary Yang and we supposed rakes made a public spectacle of ourselves over a few beauties?”

Well then, with those words, there was no hope of settling things peacefully.

Madam Chu and Xu and Zhang, who had hoped to smooth things over, were struck dumb. Why did you have to provoke him again?

Even Yang Dun was momentarily stunned at this unexpected retort.

Luckily, one of his companions spoke up in support. “And who are you to speak so brazenly?”

“My name is Huang Ming.”

“Huang Ming?” Yang Dun’s expression changed at the name. “The son of Huang Jin?”

“That’s right. What, do you think invoking Grand Secretary Yang will scare me?” Huang Ming asked with a faint, mocking smile.

Indeed, it would not—for Huang Ming’s family was not under Yang’s sway, and even his influence scarcely touched them.

But that didn’t mean Yang Dun wouldn’t strike back. “A eunuch’s son, coming to a brothel to seek pleasure? That’s laughable! And you two—scions of ducal houses—you should know better than to associate with such low company, disgracing your ancestors’ good names!”

If he couldn’t win by intimidation, he would attack their origins instead.

After all, they had dared to oppose him, and Huang Ming had gravely offended his elder brother.