Chapter Five: Fang Yiai Strikes Down the Gatekeeper of the West (Part One)

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The relationship between courtesans and prostitutes is as subtle as that between money and banknotes: money is not necessarily a banknote, but a banknote is definitely money. A prostitute is not necessarily a former courtesan, but a courtesan almost always ends up as a prostitute. Those tales of prostitutes who were favored by wealthy noblemen and suddenly redeemed, soaring to fame and fortune, are merely legends—rare exceptions rather than the rule.

Even in the Tang Dynasty, where courtesans enjoyed the highest status in history, no one would easily marry a courtesan into their household.

That is why the legendary beauties like Liang Hongyu and Liu Rushi became such enduring legends—because rarity makes them precious.

Guests usually treated courtesans no differently than prostitutes; at most, the distinctions were in rank and quality, and how much money was spent.

The madam dared to challenge Fang Jun only because she feared his words might spread and affect Miss Lixue’s value. This young lady was the prime attraction of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, destined to fetch a sky-high price at redemption, simply to buy her a pure, unblemished reputation.

But who would spend a fortune to pick a faded, withered flower?

Fang Jun smiled unconcernedly at the madam’s reaction and said, “If that’s the case, why enjoy alone when we can enjoy together? We’ll join the fun as well. Lead the way; if His Highness objects, we’ll take responsibility.”

The madam had no choice but to lead them to Tingxue Pavilion in the backyard, thinking to herself that these three were all of noble birth—surely even Prince Qi wouldn’t be too angry.

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Snowflakes drifted down, and the Drunken Immortal Pavilion’s backyard was like a fairyland amid the snow, the elegant two-story pavilion standing proudly.

Plum trees filled the courtyard, though the season had yet to arrive; still, one could imagine the beauty of blooms in full glory, petals scattered like a pink carpet.

As they reached the foot of the pavilion, gentle sounds of silk and bamboo instruments floated to their ears.

The madam refused to enter further, merely seeing them to this point before turning away.

She was not about to bring bad luck upon Prince Qi. That prince might not dare to do anything to these three, but if his displeasure was vented on her, she would suffer greatly...

A guard of Prince Qi spotted the group and immediately stepped forward to block their way, politely saying, “Gentlemen, my prince has reserved this pavilion to entertain close friends. You see...”

The guard was extremely courteous. The Drunken Immortal Pavilion’s usual attendants might not recognize these three, but this prince’s guard certainly did.

Du He hesitated slightly, whispering, “Fang Er, maybe we should forget it and find another place?”

He was truly intimidated by the capricious and violent Prince Qi.

Fang Jun, eager to provoke, would not turn away with such a ready “target” before him.

He smiled and said to the guard, “Do you mean to say we three are not friends of His Highness?”

The guard was momentarily stunned, then hurriedly replied, “I wouldn’t dare, it’s just that...”

Fang Jun cut him off with a smile: “You look down on me?”

The guard began to sweat, thinking to himself, no wonder they say Fang Er is a fool—how could he speak like that?

You’re not even a friend of His Highness, so of course I look down on you!

But he dared not say so...

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After all, he was the son of Fang Xuanling; if he caused the prince to offend the great chancellor of Tang, the guard could imagine the consequences of the prince’s fury.

Yet he did not retreat; he dared not!

His Highness had made it clear no one was to disturb him—how could he back down?

Neither blocking nor retreating seemed right; the guard was sweating profusely, unsure what to do.

Seeing the guard still blocking, Fang Jun nodded and said, “I won’t make things difficult for you. Go and inform His Highness. If he disapproves, we will leave.”

The guard felt relieved: “Please wait, Young Master Fang. I’ll be back shortly...”

With that, he turned and dashed inside.

Fang Jun adjusted his clothes, hands behind his back, and stepped inside.

Du He was startled. “Fang Er, shouldn’t we wait for the guard’s report?”

If Prince Qi rejected them, entering now would only bring humiliation. Considering the prince’s temperament, he might say all sorts of unpleasant things...

But Fang Jun’s steps did not falter. “His Highness mocked me in the hall just now; I won’t swallow that insult. If you’re afraid, you can leave—I won’t blame you.”

He glanced at Cheng Chubi: “Third Old Cheng, you don’t need to...”

Before he finished, Cheng Chubi had already followed without hesitation, his dark face breaking into a grin: “We came together, so we leave together. I saw Prince Qi was displeased earlier; I’ll stand with you!”

Fang Jun was surprised, looked at Cheng Chubi deeply, and nodded.

Du He’s expression flickered. He had always gotten along well with Fang Jun, and now was the time for loyalty—standing or falling together. But the opponent was Prince Qi! He hesitated, and Cheng Chubi’s words cornered him. He sighed helplessly and grudgingly followed Fang Jun.

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Second floor of Tingxue Pavilion.

The grand space was adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, lavishly decorated. The center was shaped into a dance floor, surrounded by a slightly elevated tier with tables arranged in a circle. A group of young men sat gathered around, like stars orbiting a moon, surrounding a beautiful lady in blue seated in the south.

A singing girl danced in the center, her movements enticing.

Prince Qi, Li You, listened attentively to his guard’s report, but his gaze never left the picturesque face of the lady in blue. Suddenly, a shout rang out from the hall:

“What are you doing coming up here?”

Prince Qi looked in surprise. It was Fang Jun, accompanied by Du He and Cheng Chubi, standing at the stair entrance, one in front and two behind.

The guard had not yet finished reporting to his master when he saw the three ascend, dumbfounded: “You... how did you get up here?”

Disaster!

This “doorman” had made a serious mistake, and judging by the prince’s temperament...

Sure enough, before the thought could finish, a burning slap landed on his face, and the prince’s furious roar echoed: “You can’t even guard the door properly! What use are you? Take him out and beat him severely...”

The guard, terrified, collapsed to his knees, pounding the floor with his head, begging for mercy nonstop.

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“Your Highness, please calm down, have mercy this once...”

He knew all too well the punishments in Prince Qi’s mansion—beatings so brutal they would leave one dead or crippled, and the prince insisted on heavy blows.

Fang Jun swaggered a few steps forward, watching the guard groveling at the prince’s command, clicking his tongue: “Your Highness is indeed mighty and fierce! Truly the son of dragons and phoenixes, flashing your arms with overwhelming power! In my opinion, His Majesty shouldn’t have assigned you to that godforsaken place of Qizhou, but rather to Liangzhou, where your tiger-like presence could tame all the Tu and Gu tribes, sparing the old Marshal Guardian Duke the long journey...”

“Shh...”

The music in the hall had stopped, but a sudden intake of breath arose.

Is this really Fang Er?

That slow, dull, timid, muscle-bound but brainless second son of the Fang family?

His sharp tongue was quicker than the remonstrators in court, and he had just made the prince blush with his sarcasm!

Could this youth have suddenly grown courage?

Prince Qi was no easy man to provoke.

Everyone present was wide-eyed and alert, watching to see how Fang Er would bring about his own demise...

Du He felt like crying.

Had Fang Er taken the wrong medicine today? To confront Prince Qi and drag them all into trouble...

Seeing Prince Qi’s darkened face fixed on Fang Jun, Du He quickly forced a smile more awkward than tears: “Your Highness, this is not my doing...”

He said this while subtly stepping away to keep some distance from Fang Jun.

Cheng Chubi snorted and stepped forward to shadow Fang Jun. His reasoning was simple: “I’m good friends with Second Brother Fang. If he gets hit, I get hit; wherever he goes, I go—no matter if you’re Prince Qi or some other prince...”

Prince Qi squinted at Fang Jun, surprised by this stark change from his usual demeanor. Normally, when insulted, Fang Jun would just smile awkwardly and endure it, wasting his talents.

Could it be because of the teasing words in the hall just now?

That shouldn’t be...

Li You couldn’t fathom Fang Jun’s intent but was determined to teach this idiot a lesson.

If Fang Jun dared to flap his wings in front of him, how could he continue to rule Chang’an?

However, Fang Jun’s father was Fang Xuanling, and he had just been betrothed by the emperor. If he dealt too harshly, it would be embarrassing and might displease the emperor.

But if he was too lenient, Fang Jun wouldn’t fear him at all!

Li You’s thoughts raced, and someone nearby was growing restless.