As if sensing the amused glances flickering his way, Lord Liu let out another long, agonized sigh, adjusting his awkward sitting position. He glared at the floor as if contemplating the meaning of life itself.
But before anyone could comment on his tragic state, the large double doors of the pavilion slowly opened.
The light of the setting sun spilled into the room as a tall, gracefully stunning beauty entered.
She walked with a natural elegance, her every movement smooth and confident as if she was born to captivate those around her. Her curvaceous figure was accentuated by her flowing silk dress, which clung to her in all the right places.
Her proud, ample chest rose and fell with each step, her slender waistline swaying ever so slightly, and when she smiled.
It was gentle, yet mischievous. Innocent, yet dangerously alluring.
"Er Ye, the Third Young Master Jun has arrived."
Her voice was like honeyed wine—sweet, intoxicating, yet carrying a playful edge.
She turned gracefully, her dazzling eyes gazing toward the open balcony, where beyond the lake's shimmering waters, a small palanquin was leisurely swinging its way toward the pavilion.
The wind picked up slightly, rustling the edges of her dress as she stood there, her presence commanding attention.
As the others turned to look at the approaching palanquin, a new energy filled the room.
Lady Yue'er's gaze flickered towards the approaching palanquin, a mischievous smile playing at the edges of her lips. Her fingers delicately pointed towards the men surrounding it.
"Er Ye, see those men?" She leaned in slightly, her voice teasing yet confident. "They are old faithfuls of Jun Zhan Tian. There's no doubt—the one inside must be Jun Mo Xie."
The Second Prince let out a scoff, folding his arms as he took in the sight of the palanquin.
And what a hideous sight it was.
A crooked, shabby thing swaying from side to side, the red paint peeling off in large flakes, the once luxurious fabric now dirtied and torn. The poles carrying it creaked mournfully, as if they might snap at any given moment.
The Second Prince raised an eyebrow, then shook his head with a chuckle.
"That's one ugly-looking palanquin…" He mused, unable to help himself. "The Young Master Jun truly has a… unique taste. Very unique indeed."
Lady Yue'er let out a melodious laugh, placing a delicate hand over her lips.
"Well, what else can you expect?" She said, eyes glimmering playfully. "He's a debauchee and a spendthrift! The taste of such a man is beyond the understanding of normal people like us."
She paused, licking her lips seductively as she cast a quick glance at the prince. The gesture was so subtle, so quick, that no one else noticed—but for the Second Prince, it was a deliberate temptation.
Then, just as swiftly, she resumed her smiling expression.
"Er Ye, would you like me to personally go down and receive Jun Mo Xie?"
The Second Prince frowned, hesitating for a moment. Lady Yue'er was a rare beauty, a woman with a charm that could bring even the coldest men to their knees.
But Jun Mo Xie?
That filthy scoundrel?
However, as he met Lady Yue'er's unwavering gaze, he let out a sigh.
"Fine." He waved his hand. "But make sure he does not feel unwelcomed."
Lady Yue'er giggled, her laughter like the chime of silver bells.
"Hihi… Er Ye, Yue'er might be cheap, but when it comes to making men feel welcomed and important… very few can match me." Her voice was silky smooth, carrying a confidence that was both playful and dangerous.
She tilted her head, gazing towards the approaching palanquin.
"There's a reason my services cost so much."
The Second Prince tried to smile. He really did.
But something about that statement made his stomach twist.
------
Below, the infamous Jun Mo Xie finally made his grand arrival.
The palanquin wobbled violently as he threw aside the curtain and leaped out.
He landed—poorly. His footing wobbled, his body staggered, and for a moment, he looked as though he might topple over entirely.
He sniffed loudly and tilted his head, and then a loud, dramatic sneeze erupted from his mouth, echoing through the courtyard.
"Achoo!"
He wiped his nose with exaggerated care, spat on the ground, then rolled his neck with a crack.
Then came the ritual.
He hammered his back once. He shook his arms and then tilted his head to the left, then to the right.
And finally, he began to walk.
No.
Not walk.
Shuffle.
His steps were uneven, his movements almost crab-like, swaying side to side with a ridiculous sort of rhythm.
The guards exchanged glances, trying their best to maintain their composure.
But inside his head, Jun Mo Xie was grinning like a devil.
This Second Prince is going to have a very bad day…
Jun Mo Xie strolled into the grand pavilion with all the confidence of a man who owned the place.
The attendants visibly tensed as he entered, their eyes darting to one another.
'This man… This is the one the Second Prince invited??'
He plopped off his ridiculous hat, using it as a fan, before sauntering toward the reception hall.
His gaze swept lazily across the room before he spotted an attendant.
"Oi, beautiful lady. Where's the Second Prince?"
The attendant stiffened but quickly composed himself. "The Second Prince is waiting for Your Grace on the third floor, inside the Feather Hall."
Jun Mo Xie's eyes lit up.
"The Feather Hall?" He let out a mock gasp, bringing a hand to his chest. And then, suddenly, his booming laughter filled the hall as he clutched his stomach.
Pfft-!
"HAHAHAHAHA!"
"Oh, the Second Prince surely knows how to pick a place! A place full of naked beauties, soft beds, and the sweet scent of wine?! HAHAHA! He's won me over already!"
The attendants winced, internally groaning.
'This man…'
This absolute pig-headed fool!
The Second Prince actually called him here?
Personally?!
The attendants could barely contain their horror.
What was the prince thinking?!
----
On the third floor, inside the lavishly decorated Feather Hall, the Second Prince stood up graciously. A bright smile stretched across his face as he opened his arms wide.
"Ha Ha! Mo Xie, my dear younger brother, it has been far too long! You look so… refined! So cultured! It is truly amazing!"
Jun Mo Xie blinked.
'Refined?... Cultured?... Was the Second Prince… mocking him?!'
He resisted the urge to smirk.
Instead, he plastered on an innocent expression, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly.
"Uh, um… It's surely been a while, Second Prince…" He gave a humble, almost nervous chuckle. "How could Mo Xie dare to refuse if the Second Prince calls for a banquet?"
The Second Prince smiled even wider, stepping forward with an extended hand.
"Oh, there's no need to be so polite!"
But Jun Mo Xie did not move. He simply stood there, hands behind his back, staring at the prince's outstretched hand.
The Second Prince's smile froze.
An awkward silence stretched between them.
'He's not… shaking my hand?'
The Second Prince's eye twitched.
'I was the one who offered respect first! And he won't even return a simple handshake?!'
But Jun Mo Xie remained unfazed.
Why should he shake hands?
Even the Emperor wasn't worthy of his worship.
In fact, even if the Heavens themselves split open and God descended to the world, Jun Mo Xie would not give a face to a single soul.
After all…
'Why should a True God bow to fake ones?'
---- ✦ ✦ ✦ ----
Spoilers for the next three chapters!
Chapter 76: Clash of Words and Wits
Chapter 77: Game of Hidden Desires
Chapter 78: No. 1 Debauchee
--- ✦ ✦ ✦ ---
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