The room in front of me was probably that of an courtesan. There was little smoke coming out of the Boshan stove, and the aroma was so sweet that it made people feel hot.
The simple and exquisite wooden bed, the almost transparent gauze bed curtain, the fragrant breeze blows, the bed curtain sways gently, revealing the many props placed in a mess. The spring water ripples downstairs of Fengyue Tower, the birds sing and the swallows dance, the red sleeves wave and the fragrance smiles upstairs of Fengyue Tower, the drunken life and dream death are just like this.
As soon as Rong Tang opened the door, he met a pair of cold eyes. It took him a long time to recover from the shock.
One end of the thin gold chain was tied to the foot of the bed, and the other end ran along the floor and was hidden under the table.
Sitting at the round table was a boy of about sixteen or seventeen, with phoenix eyes, red lips, a straight nose bridge, and a superior face. Against the bright candlelight, even the top courtesan in the brothel would not be as pretty as him. The boy's clothes were simple and did not look rich, but there was a fascinating sense of coolness.
It's a pity that this coolness was suddenly broken by the torn strips of cloth, making it seem like the Moon Goddess had been possessed by a demon.
The clothes were not worn properly, but were torn violently, into connected rags. The tea-green, low-quality fabric was pulled, revealing many furry threads, but they did not fall off and remained firmly on the body, as if trying to cover up a thin, moon-white undershirt underneath. However, it had the opposite effect, and only aroused waves of desire to ravage her.
Trying to crush holiness and turn coldness into tenderness.
Rong Tang stopped where he was, unable to react for a moment.
In his previous life, he had seen Su Huaijing in a state of embarrassment when his plans failed, but never had he been so embarrassed as this.
In Rong Tang's memory, even when Emperor Renshou suspected his identity and sent secret guards to investigate, Su Huaijing would always stand on the top of the Gilded Tower with a smile, holding up the wine glass and looking down from afar, and said softly in the reflection of the moonlight and lights: "Your Majesty is not in good health, and you really shouldn't go to a place like Fengyue Tower. Why don't you come up and have a drink with me? It will be worthy of this beautiful scenery and such a beautiful woman."
Rong Tang came back to his senses from his memories, feeling a little dazed, and asked the system in a hoarse voice: "Is this... true?"
[Really.]The system said.
Regret and anger surged in his heart, and Rong Tang forced himself to calm down: "Why?"
The system didn't say anything, and it didn't know how to respond. The novel was born because of the protagonist, and the consciousness of heaven was born because of the protagonist.
As long as the protagonist has a good ending, it's fine. As for the villain -
In order to make him more broken, it is understandable that the author arranges a very outrageous life for him.
After all, the villain is just a stepping stone for the protagonist to step on. The more miserable he is, the more contradictory he is, and the more contradictory he is, the more charming he is. The more charming he is, the more charming he is. When he loses to the protagonist, the protagonist's personality can be further sublimated.
After seven years of getting along, Rong Tang understood the system's thinking. It curled its lips and smiled coldly, "So I say, this world is wrong."
Rong Tang walked towards the table, each step very heavy.
Su Huaijing just glanced at him and then looked away, closing his eyes without any sadness or joy, looking as if he was ready to be picked by you.
Rong Tang forced himself not to look at his face, and searched up and down to find the end of the chain.
It was actually tied to Su Huaijing's leg!
It was very short and there wasn't enough space, just enough from the bed to the table. He couldn't even go out.
Rong Tang was furious for no reason. He squatted down and tugged at the chain, trying to break it, but it made a ringing sound. The person who was tied up raised his eyes with a look of contempt, but his voice was pleasant: "You are too impatient, my lord."
Rong Tang knew he wasn't calling her, but she couldn't help but blush, and raised her head in panic to look at him. Su Huaijing lowered his eyes, raised his hand very slowly, and took off his tattered shirt without changing his expression: "Where do you want to play, my lord? But this chain is too short, I'm afraid you can't play more tricks, please forgive me, my lord."
"!" Rong Tang's eyes widened. The moment the clothes fell to the ground, a strip of cloth even ran across Rong Tang's fingers, causing him to retract his hand.
Rong Tang had never heard such a self-deprecating tone from Su Huaijing. Anger rose in his heart, and waves of uncontrollable coughing broke out from his throat, one after another, as if he would cough to death at any time.
A rare hint of doubt flashed across Su Huaijing's expressionless eyes.
Shuangfu heard the voice and knocked on the door and was about to come in: "Master? Master, what's wrong with you?"
"Don't come in!" Rong Tang stopped him immediately.
He didn't want others to see the villain like this.
Rong Tang slowed down where he was, took a deep breath, stood up and walked to the door. The wooden door opened a little, and Rong Tang went out. Outside, he could still hear the sounds of the filial sons of Huoshan having fun.
Rong Tang felt sick after hearing this and said, "Find that turtle man for me."
For some reason he didn't dare to go in and face Su Huaijing. He stood in front of the door for a while, took the chain key from Gui Gong, and then went back in.
Su Huaijing was still sitting at the table. He looked up at the voice and raised his lips slightly, as if in a mocking smile: "It seems that the prince wants to play more intensely?"
Rong Tang felt like he was going to be pissed off to death, so he said in a stern voice, "Shut up."
But this bit of anger disappeared instantly when he untied the chain on Su Huaijing's ankle and saw the circle of broken skin and bleeding scars.
Rong Tang clenched his hands tightly, stood up, and looked into Su Huaijing's eyes: "Do you want to come with me?"
The boy was a little surprised and did not answer immediately.
Rong Tang softened his voice unconsciously, as if threatening a child: "There are a lot of bad people out there. If you don't come with me, something bad might happen tonight."
"I'll ask you again, do you want to come with me?"
The system has been in a very low mood for the past two months and hasn't quarreled with the host for a long time. But now it can't bear it any longer: [Since you want to save him, why do you have to threaten him? ]
"Not to scare him."
[Who are you then? ]
“He’s smart and knows how to weigh the pros and cons.”
Sure enough, within two seconds after these words were spoken, Rong Tang saw Su Huaijing raise his hand in front of him, but it only rose a little and then fell straight down again.
Rong Tang was shocked, and instantly thousands of tortures of having one's hands torn flashed through his mind.
Perhaps the shock on his face was too obvious, this time Su Huaijing sighed slightly: "It's the muscle softening powder."
Rong Tang was stunned for a moment, then relaxed.
Fortunately, it’s not some unspeakable medicine that you have to take.
He took off his cloak and wrapped it around Su Huaijing: "I'll take you to see a doctor."
Before leaving the house, Rong Tang put on his hood and helped him out.
Shuangfu was waiting outside the door, and was about to ask something when Rongtang said, "Take him to the clinic first."
When we were leaving Fengyue Tower, a group of young men in gorgeous clothes came out of Liujin Tower, laughing all the way towards us.
Rong Tang's eyes dimmed, and he pulled Su Huaijing's clothes to prevent others from seeing his face.
There was charcoal burning in the carriage. After Rong Tang got in, he felt that the bone-chilling coldness had dissipated a little. He bent over the fire and waited until his hands were warm before he pulled Su Huaijing's hat off.
Under the brim of the hat was a slightly flushed face with a fair complexion. The red spot was as bright as a blooming peony, presenting a captivating picture.
Rong Tang was slightly surprised, suspecting that the muscle softening powder also contained herbs that would make people feel uncomfortable or even gradually lose their minds. Su Huaijing must have felt very uncomfortable, and occasionally he would let out an unbearable groan, but most of the time he would endure it, gritting his teeth and not making a sound.
Rong Tang was worried that he might bite his tongue, so he quickly took out a new handkerchief, folded it in half a few times, coaxed him to open his mouth, and stuffed the handkerchief in: "Just bear with it for a while, it will be here soon."
Su Huaijing suddenly looked up, and there was a moment of murderous intent in his eyes, but it quickly disappeared, and he lowered his eyes secretly.
Rong Tang's back suddenly felt wet, and he felt like he had just died again.
Even the system couldn't help but advise: [Host, I think your choice this time is very unwise. ]
Rong Tang bent down to warm his hands, and quietly moved his neck away from Su Huaijing's sight: "At least he never tried to kill me."
The system fell silent.
After his death in the first life, the system used its authority to check and confirmed that the villain was not aware of Rong Tang’s death; after being killed by the male protagonist in the second life, Su Huaijing even ordered people to bury him.
You have to know that Su Huaijing is a cruel and ruthless person. It is normal for him to skin and dismember anyone who falls into his hands, and even if they die, their corpses will be dragged out and whipped.
They soon arrived at the clinic. The doctor was unhappy to be woken up so late at night. He frowned after taking Su Huaijing's pulse, gave him medicine, gave him an injection, and told him to take care of himself before leaving with a glare. Rong Tang was then sure that there must have been something added to the medicine to enhance sexual pleasure.
Rong Tang sat in the room where the doctor usually saw patients, waiting for Su Huai. Shuangfu was very capable and could make hot tea for his eldest master no matter what the circumstances.
So Rong Tang warmed his hands with hot tea while sorting out what happened today.
This should have happened in previous lives. According to Rong Tang’s previous timeline, he is now helping the male protagonist find a way to get out of the cold palace, and is not paying too much attention to the movements of other princes.
It is just said that since the Second Prince came to court to take charge of government affairs, he has frequently made stupid suggestions, which angered Emperor Renshou, who almost sent him back to the Imperial College to listen to lectures again.
But suddenly one day, the second prince seemed to have come to his senses. Not only was he able to criticize current problems in many aspects, he also made several small political achievements, which made the emperor very happy.
Rong Tang didn't think too much about it at the time. He only became concerned when he heard Rong Zheng mention that the second prince had been frequently visiting the Wukang Earl's Mansion recently.
The original text states that the first time Su Huaijing appeared in front of readers was during the case of rebellion in the Wukang Earl's Mansion.
Rong Tang somehow felt that there must be some connection between the two. All 128 people in Wukang Earl's mansion died, except for the Wukang Earl's son who was missing.
But in his previous life, Rong Tang once accompanied the protagonist to Nanfeng Pavilion to gather information, and saw a skinny young man in a secret brothel, who looked very much like Qin Pengxuan, the son of the Earl of Wukang.
He wasn't sure at the time, but now thinking back, it should be the case.
Li Changfu is a man with evil intentions. He would do anything dirty for the sake of high office and generous salary. If he really wanted to gain a foothold in the capital and sent Su Huaijing to Qin Pengxuan's bed, it would not be difficult to predict.
only…
[Host, what are you thinking about? ] The system asked him.
Rong Tang frowned: "If I bring him out of Fengyue Tower tonight, Li Changfu will offend Qin Pengxuan. If I let him go back like this, wouldn't it be like a sheep walking into a tiger's mouth?"
[You want to hide him? ]
"No." Rong Tang said.
Su Huaijing had a deep blood feud, so it was naturally impossible for him to hide it, and Rong Tang had never thought of persuading him to let go of the hatred.
Marquis Wukang holds a high position of power. If he offends his eldest son, it would be difficult for anyone in the entire capital to give Su Huaijing shelter.
and…
Rong Tang raised his eyes and looked towards the empty porch of the clinic.
He wanted to protect his.
He wanted his life not to be so rough and miserable.
Compared to the male protagonist, he has actually always liked Su Huaijing more.
If it weren't for the binding system, Rong Tang felt that he would treat Su Huaijing as a cub, rather than the so-called protagonist with a ruthless heart.
If the ending cannot be changed, at least let yourself do what you want for once
He wanted to give him a cane, a cane with which he would not be held accountable even if he offended the powerful, and with which he could walk around the harem with impunity.
A voice came from behind the hall. Rong Tang turned around. His face was still as pale as usual when he was sick, and there was a hint of sadness lingering between his brows.
Su Huaijing stopped in front of him and stared at him. Rong Tang thought for a moment and asked, "Maybe, do you want to marry me?"
After a pause, he added seriously: "Three matchmakers, six betrothals, and eight sedan chair bearers, you will become the legitimate consort of the Prince of Ningxuan Palace."
-
The people of Dayu were open-minded. A hundred years ago, there was a male empress who was deeply in love with her. People at that time envied her. Since then, it was common for high-ranking officials and nobles to have several male concubines in their harem.
However, male concubines are still considered servants in the mansion and cannot give birth. Once they lose the favor of their master, they will have no future in life.
But it is different for male wives. Both parties follow orthodox rules in all matters from wedding ceremonies to ancestor worship. Male wives who are included in the family tree do not need to be confined to the back house. They can still go to school and take exams, and even stand in the court to discuss state affairs, just like ordinary men.
But this rarely happens.
After all, among the wealthy and powerful families, few are willing to let their descendants marry a man and bring him home.
Su Huaijing paused where he was, holding the outer robe he had just changed into in the carriage, and lowered his eyes to look at the person sitting in the chair.
In the past two hours, he had experienced the most ridiculous thing since the incident nine years ago.
He should have known that there was no one in this world that could be trusted and that he should not let his guard down against anyone. However, there was a piece of lotus cake on the plate of snacks that Li Panyan brought over.
He had met the son of the Marquis of Wukang before. He had been crude, shallow and vulgar since childhood. Strictly speaking, he had to call him cousin.
When the man appeared in front of him, he thought that the cousin he knew when he was a child had been drained of his body by the dissolute life over the years and was infected with many diseases. That was why he coughed with every step and every word he spoke seemed to be squeezed out of his lungs.
But it turns out not to be
Ningxuan Palace
His most distinguished aunt's fool cousin
"Why?" Su Huaijing curled his fingers lightly and asked.
The prince's neck was so thin that it might break if it was tightened, so he gave him a chance to explain.
Rong Tang was startled by his hoarse voice, and subconsciously poured a cup of tea and pushed it in front of him: "You should be able to see that I am not in good health. Mother has always wanted me to get married, but anyone I fall in love with in this state would harm the girl—"
Before he could finish his words, Rong Tang started coughing violently. With trembling hands, he brought the teacup in front of him to his lips. He frowned because of the coldness as soon as the tea touched his lips. He moistened his throat a little to suppress the itchiness in his throat, and when he spoke again, his voice was even hoarser than Su Huaijing's.
"I have just recovered from a serious illness and am still not fully recovered. My family wants to arrange a marriage for me to bring good luck, but they are afraid that I will not survive this year and die. I really have no choice but to ask you."
Rong Tang raised his head, the mist from his cough filled his eyes. A red candle on the table was swaying, reflecting his pale face like the ghost of the dead in this clinic. The ghost blinked and begged softly: "Please help me, I just saved you once, didn't I?"
Su Huaijing frowned and said nothing, Rong Tang thought again: "Don't worry, I can't do anything inappropriate to you with this body. Your illness is hard to cure, and you can only live for three or four years at most. I still have some land deeds and houses, and some shops. After I'm gone, you can take the property and marry someone else."
This sounds like a piece of cake, and almost anyone would be persuaded by him.
Su Huaijing, however, remained motionless, staring into his eyes, the ice in his eyes still lingering with a hint of silent murderous intent: "What do you want me to do?"
Rong Tang sighed inwardly when he heard this.
After a long while, he silently bent his waist and obediently pushed the teacup towards Su Huaijing again, saying in a flattering tone, "I fell in love with you at first sight, and I want to see more of you before I die."
Su Huaijing ran away.
"Wait wait wait - ahem -"
Rong Tang was so anxious that he pushed his chair and stood up. His face was a little red, and he seemed a little annoyed: "Okay! To be honest, I have two half brothers and several cousins. They have been bullying me since they were young. They have always been eyeing the assets in my hands. They wish I would die sooner and leave the things to them. I am so angry that I want to find someone to help me teach them a lesson."
"Where are your parents?" Su Huaijing looked back at him.
Rong Tang lowered his head and stared at his toes, and said something in a low voice, as if mumbling.
"What?" Su Huaijing didn't hear clearly.
Rong Tang was extremely annoyed: "I'm almost dying!"
Su Huaijing was speechless for a moment.
Rong Tang seemed very depressed after he finished speaking. He sat down again, picked up the cup of tea that he had intended to give to Su Huaijing to warm his hands, took a sip, and said in a very light voice: "I am going to die. I am the only son of my mother, but my father has many sons. When I am gone, no one will be able to support my mother. I dare not let her offend my brothers because of me."
"So I came to you. First, I want you to help me teach my brothers a lesson. Second, I hope that after I leave, you can help me fulfill my filial duty. You don't have to be like a daughter-in-law. You can just be half a son to my mother. Third,..."
He paused, raised his eyes to look at Su Huaijing, and said in a mosquito-like voice, but clearly audible: "I think if this happened once tonight, it can happen a second time. You must have been drugged and carried out. Since you are going to be sold anyway, why not sell it to me? At least I am a good person."
(End of this chapter)