The Child Emperor

CH 102: Games of the Nobility

The group of them first went to the Jiang Residence in the southern part of the city. This was a private residence, not a public entertainment venue. Even if ordinary people had the money, they couldn’t get in, but Chai Yun could move freely, and being here for him was like returning home.

As a “newcomer,” Han Ruzi felt a bit anxious, but the place turned out to be completely different from what he had imagined. It was exquisitely decorated, and the servants here were as careful and cautious as the eunuchs in the palace. Unless necessary, they hardly spoke and even walked without making a sound.

The owner of Jiang Residence was a man in his forties or fifties, tall in stature, with a striking beard. He was dressed like a mogul and personally welcomed Chai Yun, leading him to the inner room. They bantered along the way, and even when Chai Yun pulled his beard, he didn’t get angry and appeared very pleased. He was polite to Weary Marquis, showing no special interest.

“Little Marquis Chai, you need to compensate me for my loss,” the host said in a pretend tone of anger in the room.

“Hey, we just got here, and haven’t even had a drink yet, so how have you caused you any loss? Old man Jiang, are you going crazy about money?” Chai Yun wasn’t annoyed, knowing the other had more to say.

Old man Jiang said in a serious tone, ” Little Marquis Chai, you know that there are not many who can be called honored guests here, and you are one. There’s another one you know.”

Chai Yun’s expression darkened slightly, “Cui Teng.”

“Yes. And now, because of you, Master Cui probably won’t come to my place for a long time. Do you not think this loss is of your doing?”

Chai Yun burst into laughter and grabbed that beard, “You old slippery head, you’re calculating the accounts so thoroughly. Fine, if Cui Teng doesn’t come, I’ll come a couple more times. Won’t that do? Besides, didn’t I bring a newcomer?”

Jiang the Elder smiled and bowed to Weary Marquis, stopped mentioning the issue, and left the room to arrange the entertainers and attendants.

The room was designed in an accordance with ancient ritualistic traditions, with everyone sat on the floor with food trays in front of them. Chai Yun and Weary Marquis sat in the main seats, while Zhang Yanghao and four others sat on either side. Six young women served the wine. Two entertainers took turns singing. The tunes were very soothing, with a few that had a sense of melancholy.

No one spoke, the young nobles listened to the music. The attendants diligently poured wine without saying a word.

Han Ruzi had heard his teachers talk about the “Classic of Music,” supposedly filled with profound insights, but he had almost no appreciation for it. He just felt that the singers were mumbling and uninspiring, but Chai Yun seemed quite fascinated. Occasionally, he even hummed along, and in his enjoyment, he lay down on his side, using the attendant’s leg as a pillow.

The attendants skillfully poured small sips of wine into Chai Yun’s mouth and gently stroked his temple with their other hand, as if he were an obedient little dog.

At this point, the tune changed, and the two entertainers clearly understood Chai Yun’s thoughts. Sorrow turned into allure, with meaningful gazes and subtle teasing. Even Han Ruzi, who had no experience, could sense the seduction in the music.

Zhang Yanghao and the others had let loose, engaging in intimate conversations with their attendants. Han Ruzi didn’t enjoy such things, so he kept his head down and quietly drank. When the serving girls approached him a few times, he didn’t respond, and the girls were obedient. They glanced at Little Marquis Chai once and didn’t make any further moves, just dutifully pouring wine.

Chai Yun got up, and the attendants and entertainers, understanding his signal, withdrew. He smiled and asked, “Weary Marquis, do you not like it here?”

“The fragrance is too strong; it’s giving me a headache,” Han Ruzi came up with an excuse after some thought.

The other five burst into laughter, and Chai Yun said, “I understand, I was too hasty. I shouldn’t have brought Weary Marquis to a place like this. Let’s go. We can go somewhere else.”

“It’s actually not that bad here,” Han Ruzi was a bit worried that Chai Yun might lead him to an even less desirable place.

But Chai Yun was someone who followed his own whims, so he walked out. Zhang Yanghao and the others were in high spirits but had to reluctantly get up and follow him.

In another room, Du Chuanyun and a few servants were engaged in a lively conversation with a group of serving girls. Du Chuanyun was not very old, but he knew quite a bit and was cheerfully telling jokes, making the girls giggle and pouring wine non-stop.

Chai Yun glanced inside and turned to Weary Marquis, saying, “This kid is quite interesting. Weary Marquis, are you willing to hand him over to me? I’m willing to pay any price.”

“He’s not a servant; he’s my trainer…” Han Ruzi wouldn’t let Du Chuanyun go to anyone.

Chai Yun was just joking and pulled Han Ruzi away, saying, “Let them have fun here; we’ll go somewhere else.”

Han Ruzi wanted to call Du Chuanyun, but the other young nobles crowded around and, without a word, pushed him away.

It was already dark, and the six of them mounted their horses, leaving their servants at the Jiang Residence. They galloped through the streets, and Chai Yun was starting to feel a bit drunk, so he shouted loudly, causing pedestrians to scatter in alarm.

After returning to the northern part of the city, Chai Yun calmed down a bit, and his mood shifted. Surprisingly, he began to express concern for the country and the people, riding side by side with Weary Marquis. He said, “Weary Marquis, you probably think I’m just a hedonistic person, but I do have lofty ambitions. But what’s the use? The Chu empire is already in this state. Instead of wasting effort for no good, why not go with the flow? What do you think, Weary Marquis?”

“I’m following you now, ‘going with the flow,’ and I don’t even know where we’re going.”

“Haha, Weary Marquis, it would be great if you were the Emperor. I would be willing to give up wine and women from and serve you as a loyal subject.”

As soon as the word “Emperor” was mentioned, Zhang Yanghao and the others instinctively slowed down and kept their distance, as speaking without restraint was not only a sign of courage but also a privilege. Chai Yun had it; they did not.

Han Ruzi shook his head, “The happiest moments in the palace were when the weather was a bit better. Back then, there was no chance for a nighttime ride in the capital.”

“Well said!” Chai Yun urged his horse forward, increasing his speed, with Han Ruzi and the others following closely behind.

Chai Yun didn’t slow down when they encountered a group of patrolling soldiers on the road. Instead, he turned into a nearby alley, with the soldiers shouting and chasing for a while before giving up.

“You can’t reason with soldiers!” Chai Yun exclaimed loudly, his excitement rising again. “The more you try to reason with them, the more suspicious they become. If you can run, just run. They’re lazy and won’t chase for too long, and once they can’t catch you, they won’t report it to avoid taking responsibility.”

While this was easy to say, only someone like Chai Yun dared to put it into practice. If he were caught, he had a way to escape punishment, but others wouldn’t dare to try. Zhang Yanghao and the others closely followed Chai Yun, looking panicked. They only relaxed and laughed heartily once they were sure there were no pursuers behind them.

The six of them rode their horses through the streets and alleys, and Han Ruzi vaguely felt the path was somewhat familiar. He had said he wanted to “go with the flow,” but he wasn’t mentally prepared and couldn’t help asking, “Where are we going?”

Chai Yun didn’t answer, and after a while, he pulled on the reins and said, “We’re here.”

They had evidently arrived in the back alley of a certain mansion. Han Ruzi was trying to identify it, and Zhang Yanghao exclaimed in surprise, “Isn’t this the Cui manor?”

Han Ruzi recalled that it was indeed the Cui manor. He had been here before, but he had entered through the main gate so he didn’t recognize it right away.

“That’s right, it’s the Cui manor. We’re here to play a little prank on Cui Teng.” Chai Yun was in high spirits. He walked a bit further and pointed to a door, saying, “Cui Teng was scared and didn’t dare to return to the main residence. He must be staying here.”

Zhang Yanghao started to feel fearful and approached Chai Yun, whispering, “Little Marquis Chai, you’ve already won…”

Chai Yun’s expression changed suddenly. He looked at Zhang Yanghao coldly and said, “Are you scared?”

“N-no…” Zhang Yanghao was more afraid of the person in front of him.

“You used to play with Cui Teng before. You don’t want to offend him?”

Zhang Yanghao chuckled awkwardly, “Cui Teng was so scared yesterday; who would want to play with someone like him?”

Chai Yun finally laughed, cleared his throat, and glanced at his companions. Then he suddenly shouted at the top of his lungs, “Cui Teng, come out, we’re going tree climbing!”

Chai Yun shouted a few more times, then stopped and looked at his companions. Zhang Yanghao and the others were both scared and excited, and they joined in shouting for Cui Teng to go tree climbing. Only Han Ruzi didn’t speak. He listened with a smile, but he felt a sense of regret. Noble families were supposed to be the foundation of the Chu empire, but they had declined to this state. The people in the palace probably couldn’t see or imagine it. He had once imagined that Zhang Yanghao would become a future great general and loyal minister, but it turned out to be wishful thinking.

Suddenly, the back door was pushed open, and a large group of people rushed out, brandishing knives, spears, and sticks.

Chai Yun was prepared for this and quickly spurred his horse, laughing heartily. Zhang Yanghao and the others ran even faster, with one person even running ahead of Chai Yun. Only Han Ruzi, lacking experience, was a step behind and narrowly avoided a stick thrown from behind, which startled him.

As the shouts and curses from behind gradually faded, Chai Yun slowed down and smiled at Weary Marquis, saying, “This is just an ordinary night.”

Han Ruzi smiled and shook his head. These people’s antics were truly beyond his imagination. He was also puzzled. The Bureau of Imperial Clan Affairs and the Ministry of Rites and Decorum were usually so serious, with even the simplest actions strictly regulated. Did they not know about the unruly behavior of the noble children? Or did they know but choose to turn a blind eye, just like those patrolling soldiers who, if they couldn’t catch you, simply pretended the incident didn’t exist?

As the night grew darker, Chai Yun’s enthusiasm increased. They continued to roam the main streets and turn into smaller alleys. Along the way, they encountered another group of soldiers. Unable to accelerate and escape in time, Chai Yun stopped and greeted the officer in charge. The officer obviously recognized Little Marquis Chai and didn’t reprimand him. Instead, he warmly saw them off for a short distance.

In a particularly quiet street, Chai Yun stopped again and pointed at a mansion ahead. “Weary Marquis, do you know whose residence this is?”

Han Ruzi was already disoriented, having no impression of this place. In the darkness, he couldn’t even distinguish the cardinal directions, so he shook his head, “I don’t know.”

“This is the manor of Marquis Guiyi. Let’s pay a visit to the most exceptional beauty in the Capital.”

Han Ruzi was taken aback. “Isn’t that inappropriate?”

Chai Yun laughed and said, “Weary Marquis, you’re truly an honest person. This time, it’s not a sudden attack or a secret tryst in the night. We’re invited guests.”

“Invited? Invited by whom?”

“By the beautiful lady Hu You, of course.” Chai Yun urged his horse forward. “We have you to thank, Weary Marquis. It was your idea that caught the attention of the beautiful lady. I received an invitation this morning, inviting me to meet her at midnight.”

Han Ruzi had suggested that Chai Yun to act with proper justification, but he hadn’t expected this result. “Since it’s an invitation for you, isn’t it inappropriate for us to tag along?”

“What’s inappropriate about it? Hu You has a famous reputation, and who wouldn’t want to catch a glimpse of her true beauty? You’re all my most trusted friends; How could I enjoy such an opportunity by myself?”

While Han Ruzi was still considering how to decline, Zhang Yanghao and the others were already excited and thanking Chai Yun profusely.

“Sometimes, fame doesn’t quite match the reality. I’ve seen so much of this. In case Hu You disappoints us, you’ll have to serve as my witnesses. If anyone mentions Hu You in the future, we can all refute their claims together.”

“But what if Hu You truly is the most beautiful woman in the world?” one of them asked with a smile.

“I am sure that someone as splendid as myself would be worthy of her beauty. In which case, please help me spread my fame,” Chai Yun said with great self-satisfaction.

The main gate of Marquis Guiyi’s manor was closed. The group of them slowly rode their horses along the wall, and soon, Zhang Yanghao pointed ahead and said, “There it is.”

A wooden ladder was leaning against the wall, waiting for esteemed guests.

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