Reborn: The First Rank "Madam"

C198 – I Won’t Laugh at You

Hot water poured into the teapot, releasing the fragrant essence of tea, swiftly permeating the entire teahouse.

This capital teahouse, known for its serene ambiance, attracted many scholars who would spend hours savoring a pot of fresh spring water and a plate of delectable red bean cakes while engrossed in their reading.

Seated in a secluded booth, separated by beaded curtains, two young men faced each other.

“It’s unexpected for us to enjoy tea together like this!” The rising steam seemed to draw attention to the man before them.

“Considering our familial ties, why would you perceive any estrangement?”

“Is that so?” A hint of mockery tinged the response, causing Zuo Shaoyan to furrow his brows.

Taking a sip of the steaming tea, he set down his cup and regarded the young man before him. It had been six months since he last encountered Cao Zongguan.

“Where have you been lately? You didn’t even participate in the Hall Competition?” Zuo Shaoyan’s encounter with Cao Zongguan at the Crown Prince’s Office prompted the realization that Cao Zongguan’s name was absent from the original participant list.

Cao Zongguan offered a faint smile, polite yet distant. “Brother Zuo, you didn’t partake either, did you?”

At that time, he had been imprisoned, teetering on the brink of oblivion. How could he have had the opportunity to compete in the Hall Competition?

Little did he anticipate Zuo Shaoyan’s failure as well, further delayed for unknown reasons. It seemed luck wasn’t on his side either.

Zuo Shaoyan’s expression darkened momentarily upon this sore point, but swiftly returned to normal. “Nonetheless, we remain classmates.”

Cao Zongguan remained silent, sipping his tea. He couldn’t articulate the emotions stirred upon seeing Zuo Shaoyan again. Was it resentment? It seemed to have faded into insignificance, overshadowed by an unexpected calmness. It was as though the once consuming hatred had dissipated like mist.

Self-mockingly, he mused, “Self-inflicted wounds are futile. Why did I become so consumed, sacrificing my future for the betrayal of a woman…” He found himself in a situation beyond his control.

“I’ve heard Miss Zuo married Minister Jiang as a concubine, yet I haven’t extended my congratulations to you, Brother Zuo. I shall rectify that with a belated wedding gift.” This news, the second significant revelation since his release from prison, didn’t startle him.

It merely underscored his youthful folly.

Zuo Shaoyan’s grip tightened on the teacup, his knuckles paling. With a rigid tone, he replied, “Thank you.”

It wasn’t a boast-worthy affair. Even if Zuo Shuhui’s wife was linked to the Minister’s family, longstanding though it may be, her status as a concubine couldn’t alter reality.

Losing the chance to partake in the Hall Competition due to the marriage, Zuo Shaoyan still harbored unforgiving sentiments towards Zuo Shuhui.

Cao Zongguan evidently understood Zuo Shaoyan’s concerns, adopting a teasing tone, “With a brother-in-law like Minister Jiang, why remain tethered to the Crown Prince’s service? Surely Minister Jiang would facilitate a prestigious post for his brother-in-law?”

With a forceful thud, Zuo Shaoyan set his teacup down, “Do you truly believe I would manipulate this connection for political gain?” Cao Zongguan implied that the marriage between Zuo Shuhui and Jiang Che was a strategic move for Zuo Shaoyan’s future.

“Is that so?” Cao Zongguan offered an apologetic smile, “Then it seems I’ve misjudged, but it’s inconsequential. Who in court concerns themselves with such matters? Strength is what matters.”

Despite seething with anger, Zuo Shaoyan recognized he was no longer the same old friend. Even if provoked, he had to suppress his fury.

While Cao Zongguan emitted no hostility, he felt an unfamiliarity with the once-familiar youth. In just half a year, it felt like a lifetime had passed.

If Cao Zongguan knew his thoughts, he’d likely scoff. Zuo Shaoyan had indeed changed drastically, to the point where he barely recognized himself. He embraced vengeance and traded his integrity for future prospects.

A single misstep could derail everything. He had no choice but to forge ahead courageously.

Luckily, Zhan Yuanfeng hadn’t dispatched him to the palace recently. Yet, Zhan Yuanfeng probably wouldn’t seek him out anymore, having acquired a new companion rumored to be a foreign beauty brought back by an official.

Despite attempting to deny it, traces of that person lingered in his mind and body. He couldn’t pretend nothing had happened; he had to accept the consequences of his actions.

“Speaking of courage, Shao Qing surpasses us all. I’m ashamed,” Cao Zongguan confessed sincerely.

“Indeed, who would’ve thought Third Brother would find himself in such a predicament?”

Mentioning Zuo Shaoqing, Zuo Shaoyan suppressed the irritation within. It seemed that meeting Master Lu had drastically altered their lives.

Zuo Shaoqing seemed blessed by fate. From top scholar to top scholar, he navigated rumors of being a forbidden descendant with ease, even compelling Duke Zhen to seek an imperial decree for his marriage.

Initially thinking himself unscathed, he found himself adorned with riches. Many envied his wealth. Expected to be a mere wife, he ended up a Ministry of Works teacher upon receiving the imperial edict.

In contrast, misfortune plagued Zuo Shaoyan, leaving him stagnant as a mere High Scholar.

Exiting the teahouse, Cao Zongguan wandered aimlessly. His gaze wandered toward the grand palace in the distance, his expression inscrutable.

Zhan Yuanfeng lounged on the Dragon Throne, observing a beautiful dancer’s lithe movements. Her ankles adorned with golden bells added to her allure.

The foreign dancer differed from Great Yang, with deeper features, a more graceful figure, bolder attire, and a naturally seductive smile.

Rumored to be Emperor Tianfeng’s new favorite, the dancer’s speech impediment prevented any communication with Zhan Yuanfeng.

The rumors served to explain his absence from the harem. In truth, he was uncertain how long they’d persist.

The dancer knelt before Zhan Yuanfeng, offering him a jug of wine, her gaze affectionate.

As Zhan Yuanfeng’s gaze roamed across her ample bosom and slender waist, Zhan Yuanfeng lifted her chin. Once, such a woman would have captivated him, but when had his tastes shifted?

“Little Shun…”

“Your humble servant is present.”

“Do you find her beautiful?”

“Well… She should be beautiful!”

Zhan Yuanfeng’s finger glided slowly across the dancer’s visage. Her complexion lacked the porcelain fairness of a Great Yang girl; instead, it boasted a healthy, sun-kissed hue, a rarity within the imperial harem.

“Yet, why does my heart remain unmoved?”

“Indeed… His Majesty has encountered countless women, so it’s natural for the allure of the harem beauties to wane.”

“True, I suppose. Perhaps I’ve been exposed to too much beauty, causing me to become indifferent.”

“His Majesty is the epitome of beauty; how could a mere dancer capture your attention?”

“Indeed. Every beauty in this world and every citizen therein belongs to me. So why not find a man to serve our pleasures?” Zhan Yuanfeng muttered under his breath. Paying no heed to Little Chun Zi’s conflicted expression, he commanded, “Summon Young Master Cao to the palace tonight. I’ve restrained myself for too long.”

Could it be that his master was no longer capable of dealing with women? Little Shun Zi was inwardly astonished and inquired, “But didn’t you decide to rectify your ways?”

“Did I claim that?” Zhan Yuanfeng pushed the dancer away, wiped his hands, and stated, “Our arrangement has always had a timeframe. We agreed upon three years, and it’s not too late to return to the right path after that.”

Aren’t you merely making excuses for your own folly? Three years later, Shunzi mused, I fear I’ll only stray further from the righteous path.

Upon receiving the summons that night, Cao Zongguan expressed surprise, “Your Majesty… isn’t this untimely?” The allure of his new favorite was too weak.

Immediately upon entering the palace, he was seized by the waist as he exited the secret passage. The dimly lit chamber bore the familiar scent of incense, and his body was forcefully thrown onto the bed. Subsequently, a warm body pressed against him, wordlessly tearing at his garments.

That night, Emperor Tianfeng was merciless and unrelenting as never before. Even after dawn broke the following day, Cao Zongguan remained incapacitated in bed, requiring assistance to leave the palace.

Zuo Shaoqing, unaware of the palace affairs, was preoccupied with a pile of wood fragments. This marked the third boat he had blown up, yet the optimal use of gunpowder eluded him.

It’s akin to standing before a treasure trove without a key, merely staring at the door.

“Master San, Master Lu has been at sea for three days now. Do you think he’ll be safe?” Luo Xiaoliu asked anxiously.

Zuo Shaoqing rolled his eyes, “If you’re concerned, just voice it. I won’t jest with you.”

“Where…?” Where could he be? “Last night’s heavy rainfall has me worried. According to the fishermen, storms at sea pose great dangers. Ships could be wrecked or lives lost. Regardless of one’s skill, the vast ocean renders it futile.”

Zuo Shaoqing’s heart skipped a beat, “Don’t speak ill luck. They’re merely testing along the coast, not venturing far into the sea.”

Three days prior, the largest warship had undergone modifications, and Lu Zheng couldn’t wait to set sail with his crew. Zuo Shaoqing wished to join but couldn’t leave his son, Zuo Xiaolang, who suffered from seasickness.

“Daddy, look!” Zuo Xiaolang ran over and handed Zuo Shaoqing a conch shell.

Zuo Shaoqing tucked away his newfound treasures, intending to return them to Zuo Xiaolang as toys. Ruffling Zuo Xiaolang’s hair, he inquired, “Have you finished today’s training?”

Though wearing a bitter expression, Zuo Xiaolang obediently nodded, “Yes, we stood on the boat for two hours!”

To alleviate his son’s fear of water, Zuo Shaoqing had a boat tethered by the shore and regularly brought Zuo Xiaolang aboard. He aimed to acclimate his son to life on the sea as swiftly as possible.

For now, he didn’t expect Zuo Xiaolang to learn swimming. He noticed that many of the issues with the little one persisted despite correction, such as his habit of scratching disliked individuals.

Most of the individuals he disliked were indeed nefarious characters, including Luo Xiaoliu.

Zuo Shaoqing teased him about it, “See, even a wild beast considers you unworthy. Your character is evidently lacking.”

“He must be retaliating because I didn’t take him out to relieve himself last night. I regret letting him sleep with us.”

Bedwetting was common for a two or three-year-old, but after Lu Zheng discovered it, he forbade Zuo Xiaolang from their bed.

“Let’s head back.” Zuo Shaoqing lifted Zuo Xiaolang and noticed his growing weight. “You’ve worked hard today. I’ll treat you to roasted chicken tonight.”

Despite his young age and small stature, Zuo Xiaolang had a hearty appetite. He could easily polish off an extra bowl of rice with the roasted chicken.

“Yummy!” Zuo Xiaolang vividly recalled the taste of roasted chicken he had before. Licking his lips, he displayed a greedy expression.

Zuo Shaoqing pinched his cheek and jokingly scolded, “Looks like you were raised not by wolves, but by weasels, eh?”