Chapter 18: The Du Brothers

 

The thick, fragrant wind overpowered the scent of rouge on the courtesans’ bodies, and the plump, mature madam, known as Flower Lady, swayed her willowy waist as she welcomed them with a three-step curtsy.

 

Flower Lady, thirty-three years old, was still in her prime, with a captivating charm that could bewitch men’s hearts. If a naive young scholar were to encounter her, he would likely be smitten and lose all sense of reason.

 

Flower Lady raised her slender arm, and the silk fabric in her hand danced in the wind. Suddenly, she stumbled and fell into Cheng Hai’s embrace like an autumn leaf.

 

“Ah!”

 

A long sword was unsheathed, and the hard, cold hilt pushed Flower Lady back, making her stumble.

 

Flower Lady covered her abdomen, her face filled with shock and anger. She looked up at Cheng Hai’s fierce, corpse-like face, her small mouth pouting in discontent.

 

This was just a foolish, dim-witted guard, and the real masters were the two people standing beside him.

 

Flower Lady had already noticed Ye Liyan, a young girl who was dressed modestly but couldn’t conceal her noble aura, likely a young lady from a prominent family.

 

The key was the person standing beside her, with an unparalleled aura, exuding an air of superiority from his brows, and a golden sash around his waist that caught everyone’s attention.

 

Imperial relatives, noble scions!

 

These four characters were like an electric shock that stimulated Flower Lady’s nerves.

 

“This Young Master, I have overstepped my bounds.”

 

Flower Lady’s smile was like a blooming flower, and she couldn’t help but display eighteen different expressions of apology.

 

“May I ask, Young Master, are you here by invitation?”

 

“Uh-huh.” Shen Yian responded lightly, gesturing to Cheng Hai to hand over the invitation.

 

Flower Lady took the invitation without even glancing at it and hastily welcomed them, “Girls, make way for the esteemed guests~”

 

“Please follow me, all three of you~”

 

This Manhua Pavilion was a behemoth among the other flower boats, and it was unlikely to find another like it on the entire Luo River.

 

It had four stages: the first stage was a hall with a theater, low tables, and over a dozen private rooms. The second stage was a private area, with increased privacy and expenses. The third stage was a dedicated reception area, usually reserved for esteemed guests who chartered the entire boat. The fourth stage was a bedroom, where one could rest and continue their indulgences.

 

As they ascended to the third stage, the sound of music and laughter filled the air, making it a lively and festive atmosphere.

 

Flower Lady stood at the door and knocked three times.

 

The room fell silent, and then Du Dunming’s deep voice echoed out, “Who is it? What’s the matter?”

 

“Young Master DU, it’s me. You have guests.”

 

The sound of footsteps and the creaking of wooden boards echoed out, followed by the door bursting open, and a broad, dark shadow loomed over everyone.

 

Shen Yian instinctively looked up and met the gaze of the large man standing before him.

 

“Brother An… no, it’s you, Brother An! I’ve missed you so much!”

 

Du Dunming hesitated for two seconds before giving up and embracing Shen Yian in a bear hug, lifting him off the ground.

 

“You’re… Dunming?”

 

Shen Yian’s eyes were wide with shock.

 

He remembered that when he left Tianwu City, the little fatty was still shorter than him by half a head. How did he grow so tall and strong in just five and a half years?

 

Mendu and Du Dunming were both normal people, and even taking steroids wouldn’t make them grow this fast!

 

“It’s me, Brother! I’ve missed you so much!”

 

Du Dunming held Shen Yian like a doll, his left arm around him, his right hand wiping away tears and snot.

 

“Put me down…”

 

“Oh, sorry, Brother.”

 

Du Dunming quickly released Shen Yian, his face filled with apologetic smiles.

 

Flower Lady stood aside, feeling a sense of dread every time she saw Du Dunming. Fortunately, this young master didn’t like to cause trouble, or else the girls on her boat would be in big trouble.

 

“Please enjoy yourselves, gentlemen. If you need anything, please call me anytime. I will not disturb your elegance here~”

 

Flower Lady flung her silk fabric as she left, lightly brushing against Cheng Hai’s corpse-like face, leaving behind a trail of fragrance.

 

“Brother, who is…”

 

Du Dunming curiously looked at Ye Liyan.

 

“She is my little follower.” Shen Yian held the silly girl’s hand and said with a smile.

 

“Oh, Brother, come in, it’s too sunny outside.” Du Dunming didn’t think much and hastily invited the two into the room.

 

Cheng Hai closed the door and stood outside, his large hand gripping the hilt of his sword, scanning the surroundings with a vigilant gaze.

 

Inside the room, Shen Yian led the silly girl in, and the Young Masters and ladies quickly stood up to pay their respects.

 

“Greetings, King of Chu!”

 

“No need for formalities.”

 

Every time Shen Yian was in this kind of situation, he felt like he was attending a company meeting, and he was the boss.

 

“Brother!” A pale-faced scholar called out softly.

 

Shen Yian was taken aback, surprised to say, “You’re Chengzheng?!”

 

Duke of Anguo’s second son, Du Chengzheng.

 

Du Chengzheng smiled warmly, “It’s me, Brother!”

 

“You two brothers have changed so much!” Shen Yian exclaimed from the heart.

 

Originally, the two brothers were one chubby meatball and one skinny monkey, but now they were like two completely different people.

 

Duke of Anguo was a martial general, and Shen Yian thought that Du Chengzheng’s physique would be similar to Du Dunming’s.

 

Two tigers in one family, and Du’s old man would likely laugh in his sleep.

 

After the greetings, everyone’s attention turned to Ye Liyan, who was being held by Shen Yian’s hand.

 

Who could be so close to the King of Chu?

 

“Brother, sit down.” Du Dunming led Shen Yian to the main seat.

 

After sitting down, Shen Yian patted Du Dunming’s shoulder, curious about the changes in him. “What’s going on with you and Chengzheng? You’ve changed so much in just a few years?”

 

“Hehehe, I was sent by my father to train with Uncle Ye for a few years, and my second brother has been studying with Mr. Zhou at the academy.”

 

Uncle Ye? Which Ye family in Tianwu City was he talking about?

 

Ye Liyan’s hand tightened around Shen Yian’s hand when she heard “Uncle Ye”.

 

“Have you been to war?”

 

“I’ve been to war many times! I’ve even killed many barbarians!” Du Dunming’s face lit up with pride whenever he talked about this.

 

How many people in this room had been to war and killed enemies?

 

“Amazing! I’ll toast you a cup.”

 

“Thank you, Brother!” The two raised their cups and took a drink.

 

Shen Yian wiped the wine stain from his mouth and continued to ask, “How’s Uncle Ye’s health?”

 

“He’s doing great! If he wasn’t, how could he still have the energy to scold me?” Du Dunming’s tone was full of complaints, all because of his old man, who didn’t know how to discipline him properly.

 

“Hahahahaha!” The room erupted in laughter, even the silly girl couldn’t help but cover her mouth to stifle her giggles.

 

“By the way, Brother, I heard you’re going to marry Sister Ye?”

 

Du Dunming’s face leaned in, his eyebrows wiggling.

 

The Du family and the Ye family were on good terms, but the two brothers had never seen Ye Liyan’s face before.

 

Their deepest impression was just a pair of blue eyes.

 

“Yes, what about it?” Shen Yian put down his cup, his mouth curving up slightly.

 

Du Chengzheng, sitting beside him, patted Du Dunming’s shoulder, hinting for him to look at the person beside Shen Yian.

 

Du Dunming’s eyes widened as he stared at the face hidden behind the white veil.

 

“Second brother, Brother’s little follower looks quite good.”

 

Du Chengzheng sighed, slapping his foolish big brother’s back.

 

“Call her sister-in-law!”