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Last night, there was an amusing incident at Chunmanlou.
Zhang Huiji, a man known for his amorous ways, was elated after striking a deal with the Empress. He had been staying at the inn, and the Empress had warned him not to give anyone any leverage against him.
Later, two libertine young gentlemen arrived at the inn, boasting about the prosperity of the brothel industry in the capital. They claimed that visiting the Chunmanlou was a must when in the capital, and anyone who didn’t was surely a good-for-nothing. They also mentioned that there would be a performance at Chunmanlou that night, speaking in a vivid and colorful manner, creating a rather risqué atmosphere.
It’s unclear who spread the word.
Zhang Huiji couldn’t resist and disguised himself to revel at Chunmanlou, enjoying the company of the ladies and getting quite inebriated. It wasn’t until dawn that his subordinates managed to bring him back. Early this morning, the inn where Zhang Huiji was staying was surrounded by a group of courtesans, waiting for him to take them back to his residence as his concubines.
The entire brothel district was bustling with activity, and with the addition of onlookers, there were thousands of people crowding the area.
Naturally, Zhang Huiji couldn’t admit to being drunk and blurting out words like “each of you can be a concubine.” With the impending marriage between the two countries, it would be a slap in the face for the Great Chu Empire.
He couldn’t comprehend how anyone could take his words seriously and even bring along contracts to sell themselves to him.
The louder one speaks, the more convincing it sounds. The courtesans outside were loudly berating him as a heartless man and even accosted passing officials, threatening to report them.
The Minister of Justice was about to attend court and, after some inquiry, expressed his inability to handle the situation. He then took the representatives of the courtesans and Zhang Huiji to the palace to face the Emperor.
There was a slight delay on the way, and the Minister of Justice arrived at the Xuanzheng Hall just a second after the Emperor.
Zhang Huiji vehemently denied, “I was at the inn all night and did not leave.”
The leading courtesan tearfully produced a token from her sleeve, “I have evidence.”
Chu Zhaoyou lamented, “I heard that Prince Zhang already has fifty concubines at Yuexu. Are you planning to bring back fifty concubines from Great Chu as well? If so, why did you come to seek the hand of a noblewoman to be your crown princess?”
Zhang Huiji interjected, “I and the crown princess was married by the Empress Dowager of your esteemed court—”
Chu Zhaoyou interrupted, “In Great Chu, the more noble one is, the more they emphasize unity and virtue. General Xie Chaoyun, the Marquis of Zhenxi, has yet to marry and is focused on his military career. He has no wives nor concubines. This is the prevailing custom in Great Chu, especially in the Xie family. If Prince Zhang cannot adhere to this, why did he deceive the Empress Dowager into marrying a woman from the Xie family?”
“Everyone has their own preferences. There are only few men like General Xie in Great Chu. Your Majesty cannot generalize based on one example,” Zhang Huiji retorted.
An attendant tugged at Zhang Huiji’s sleeve, signaling him to change his approach.
Zhang Huiji met Xiao Heng’s icy gaze and realized that the Lord of the Underworld, the regent had no women by his side.
Defiantly, he shifted his gaze to the Emperor, then realized that this young puppet was also unmarried!
Qian Shicheng interjected disdainfully, looking at Zhang Huiji, “I only have one wife.”
Zhang Huiji looked around and deliberately pointed at an older man, “What about him?”
This elicited a round of laughter from the onlookers.
Lu Huai casually remarked, “I have never married in my lifetime.”
The most powerful and influential figures in Great Chu were all eccentric. Zhang Huiji glared at them, seething with anger.
He thought to himself, “These people are simply unbearable! It would be best if they remained this way for the rest of their lives, and Great Chu would perish along with its lineage, to be replaced by Yuexu.”
Chu Zhaoyou used the “deception of marriage by Zhang Huiji” as a reason to annul the marriage between the two countries, and Zhang Huiji could only reluctantly agree. Ultimately, with the Regent present and the reasons provided by Great Chu being legitimate, Zhang Huiji dared not refuse. Otherwise, he feared he might not be able to leave Great Chu standing. He regretted not being able to control himself the previous night.
Chu Zhaoyou’s lips curved into a small smile. Finally, one matter was resolved. As for the reputation of the Xie family’s young lady, the Regent’s men were quite clever. They protected the Xie family from being taken away while spreading false information.
Each minister returned home and told their wives different stories. Mr. Zhang said the marriage was granted to Miss Liu, Mr. Liu said it was Miss Yan, and Mr. Yan said it was the Empress Dowager’s niece… The Empress Dowager’s niece was the most popular choice.
The Empress Dowager was furious at these people for spreading false rumors, but she had no way to stop them. Ordinary people couldn’t see the imperial edict, leaving them in a state of confusion.
Zhang Huiji’s eyes glared at Chu Zhaoyou, and as he continued to stare, he suddenly realized that this puppet Emperor was even more handsome than the leading courtesan at Chunmanlou.
Today, Chu Zhaoyou was not behind the pearl curtain, and his handsome features were fully on display. The Emperor was adorned in dragon robes, exuding unparalleled nobility, while the leading courtesan was adorned in makeup, beautiful yet vulgar.
An insidious thought arose in Zhang Huiji’s mind. Since the Empress Dowager had always looked down on this young Emperor, why not send him to Yuexu for a marriage alliance? He would then lend his troops to the Empress Dowager to deal with the Regent.
Chu Zhaoyou found it nauseating to be scrutinized by someone who was immersed in the world of women. His eyes were clouded and lifeless.