Yan Yunlang believed he would never marry a young lady in this lifetime. If he were to marry, it would have to be someone truly exceptional.
Regarding Chu Yu, he didn’t feel particularly deep emotions, but having never been rejected in his romantic pursuits before, he found this first refusal rather intriguing. So he persisted, earnestly courting Chu Yu.
He knew Wei Yun disapproved of this match, but that didn’t matter. As long as Chu Yu agreed, even if he couldn’t marry her, he wouldn’t consider it a regret.
Perhaps all those surnamed Yan were raked, especially given that his name contained the character for “wave”.
Despite Wei Yun’s strong opposition, Yan Yunlang’s methods were endless. One day he’d send messages by carrier pigeon, the next he’d express his feelings through sky lanterns. He even bribed children to sing love rhymes he’d composed for Chu Yu outside the Wei family gate. The children didn’t understand what they were singing, but Wei Yun found it extremely annoying.
One night, as Wei Yun and Chu Yu were sleeping soundly, Wei Yun heard someone reciting poetry outside. He couldn’t resist getting up to grab his sword, determined to kill this scoundrel. Fortunately, Chu Yu maintained some rationality. Knowing it would be scandalous for Wei Yun to be seen running out of their room in the middle of the night, she quickly had her secret guards chase the man away.
And so it continued. Yan Yunlang happily pursued Chu Yu, while Chu Yu observed Yan Yunlang’s antics. Wei Yun, however, suffered greatly – working during the day and guarding against intruders at night. Seeing that he was about to go on a military campaign, Wei Yun was truly worried. After careful consideration, he finally had Shen Wushuang prepare more than ten exquisite courtesans and invited Yan Yunlang to the Listening to Rain Pavilion.
The Listening to Rain Pavilion was the most elegant teahouse in Bailing. Wei Yun rented a top-floor private room and sent an invitation to Yan Yunlang.
Yan Yunlang found Wei Yun’s invitation somewhat strange but ultimately accepted it.
News of Wei Yun renting the Listening to Rain Pavilion quickly reached Liu Xueyang’s ears. She frowned for a moment before finally telling Gui Mama, “Go to the Listening to Rain Pavilion and rent another private room on the top floor for me. Don’t use my name.”
Gui Mama gave Liu Xueyang a puzzled look but went to carry out her instructions.
The next day, Liu Xueyang arrived at the Listening to Rain Pavilion early, well before Wei Yun and Yan Yunlang’s appointed time. When the time came, Liu Xueyang heard women’s voices outside. She had earlier had a small hole drilled in the wall between the rooms, allowing sound to travel clearly.
Liu Xueyang heard the door open next door and people entering successively, followed by the sound of tea being poured.
After a while, a man’s footsteps approached – Yan Yunlang had arrived.
Yan Yunlang brought only two attendants, whom he left outside. After entering, he saw Wei Yun sitting in the host’s seat, drinking tea. He approached with a smile and bowed, saying, “Your Highness.”
Wei Yun responded with a low grunt and gestured to a seat, saying, “Please sit, Governor Yan.”
Yan Yunlang smiled as he sat. The room was well-heated with burning charcoal, dispelling any hint of winter chill and even feeling somewhat stuffy. Yan Yunlang fanned himself as he listened to Wei Yun say, “I’m sure you’ve heard that I’ll be leaving on a military campaign soon.”
“I have indeed received the news,” Yan Yunlang said with a smile. “Your Highness need not worry, I will oversee the allocation of provisions in Baizhou…”
Before he could finish, Wei Yun waved his hand, “That’s not what I wanted to discuss with you.”
Yan Yunlang was taken aback. Wei Yun continued calmly, “We’ve already discussed official matters at the government office. There’s no need to repeat them. I invited Governor Yan here to make a request.”
“What request might Your Highness have?” Yan Yunlang’s eyes flickered as he lightly tapped his fan against his palm.
Wei Yun looked at him, his eyes carrying a message, “I’m well aware of Governor Yan’s reputation as a romantic and your love for beautiful women. However, while there are many beauties in this world, not all of them are yours for the taking.”
Hearing this, Yan Yunlang raised an eyebrow. Wei Yun clapped his hands, and suddenly a curtain that had been hanging to the side was opened, revealing more than ten top-tier beauties. Appreciation flickered in Yan Yunlang’s eyes as he watched the women enter gracefully. Suddenly, the sound of string and wind instruments filled the air. The room came alive with soft singing and elegant dancing, with the women taking turns to appear before Yan Yunlang as if presenting themselves for his selection.
These women were all extremely beautiful, each with their unique charm. Their every movement displayed excellent upbringing, clearly having been specially trained. Such courtesans were worth their weight in gold in the outside world. To have more than ten appear simultaneously would have dazzled any ordinary man.
However, Yan Yunlang was no ordinary man when it came to romantic affairs. Faced with this display, he merely smiled and turned his head, asking, “What is the meaning of this, Your Highness?”
“These courtesans are top-tier performers I had people search for far and wide. Today, I’m gifting them all to you, Young Master Yan. I only ask,” he raised his head to look at Yan Yunlang, his eyes carrying a warning, “that you stay away from my sister-in-law in the future!”
Yan Yunlang was briefly stunned, then broke into laughter.
No matter how generous the gesture, he was still a man. Being repeatedly obstructed in his pursuit of someone inevitably irritated him. His tone carried a hint of coolness as he said, “I’m not quite sure I understand Your Highness’s intentions. My pursuit of Madam Wei is a matter between her and me. Your Highness is merely her brother-in-law. Why are you interfering in such matters?”
Wei Yun remained silent.
This was the phrase he hated most in his life.
He was just Chu Yu’s brother-in-law, what right did he have to manage so many of her affairs?
But why couldn’t he?
He and she had long been husband and wife in all but name. If only the timing were right…
Wei Yun’s eyes darkened, and Yan Yunlang noticed. He frowned and said, “Why are you interfering so much Your Highness? You’re obstructing my relationship with Madam Wei. Shouldn’t you at least give me a reason?”
“A reason?” Wei Yun looked up at Yan Yunlang and smiled, “If I give you a reason, will you stop?”
Yan Yunlang fell silent for a moment, tapping his fan against his palm. He seemed to realize something but found it hard to believe.
Wei Yun straightened up and approached Yan Yunlang. He bent one knee, half-kneeling beside Yan Yunlang, and calmly said, “You want a reason? I’ll give you one.”
“I love her,” hearing this, Yan Yunlang suddenly looked up, only to see Wei Yun draw a dagger and forcefully stab it into the table. He stared at Yan Yunlang, his expression serious, “I see her as my wife and will not tolerate anyone coveting or touching her. Is this reason enough?”
Yan Yunlang stared at Wei Yun in shock, unable to speak.
In the other room, Liu Xueyang tightly covered her mouth, feeling that even breathing was excessive.
She had only one thought in her mind –
Outrageous.
This unfilial son was utterly outrageous!