Chapter 35: I Took You for an Honest Man, But Who Knew…  

In the Great Qin Dynasty, Su Chen was unaware of the events unfolding at the Pavilion of Forgetting Emotions.  

Thanks to his fame from the previous duel, he was now met with admiration and reverence wherever he went in the palace. His status as the Imperial Husband was the talk of the town, envied by all.  

Though being admired felt good, something about it seemed off.  

The “kept man” vibe was just too strong!  

With this in mind, Su Chen decided to keep a low profile, staying in to cultivate and waiting for the hype to die down.  

No matter the event, people’s fervor would fade with time—always had, no exceptions.  

Time passed swiftly.  

Suddenly, Su Chen received a visitor—the same good-natured man who had previously tried to introduce his sister to him.  

Upon meeting, Ji Hanqing got straight to the point.  

“Brother Su, forgive my unannounced visit.”  

“I couldn’t think of anyone else suitable, so I had to trouble you.”  

“Speak freely.”  

Hearing this, Su Chen looked puzzled, gesturing for Ji Hanqing to get to the main issue.  

“Well…”  

“Tonight, at the Misty Rain Tower in the imperial city, there’s a lantern festival. If you can take first place, you’ll get a chance to meet the tower’s top courtesan.”  

“And?”  

“Ahem!”  

Seeing Su Chen’s indifferent expression, Ji Hanqing awkwardly explained,  

“To be honest, I’m hoping you can win first place to help me meet my beloved.”  

“Sigh, seeing her is no easy feat, and my father opposes our marriage, threatening to disown me multiple times.”  

“This is a rare opportunity. I wouldn’t resort to this if I had any other choice, so I’m asking for your help.”  

As Ji Hanqing spoke, he moved to bow deeply to show his sincerity.  

Su Chen quickly stopped him.  

“No need for that—I can’t accept such a gesture.”  

“It’s just a small favor, no big deal.”  

Though they hadn’t known each other long, Ji Hanqing had been supportive from their first meeting, so Su Chen naturally wanted to help with this request.  

Moreover—  

Su Chen could already picture the tragic love story of a poor scholar girl and a highborn, wealthy noble.  

Helping others was the source of true joy.  

Of course, he’d make it happen!  

Seeing Su Chen agree, Ji Hanqing’s face lit up with joy.  

Su Chen’s literary talent was well-known, having outshone the former top scholar. With him taking action, tonight’s victory was practically guaranteed.  

However—  

When evening came and they arrived at the Misty Rain Tower, Su Chen’s expression faltered.  

“Uh… Brother Ji, don’t tell me this is the Misty Rain Tower?”  

“That’s right!”  

“Right, my foot!”  

Su Chen nearly cursed out loud upon arriving.  

Before him was a scene filled with charming, flamboyantly dressed women.  

It was only then that he realized—  

The Misty Rain Tower wasn’t some ordinary restaurant; it was a place of pleasure, a house of romance—in plain terms, a brothel.  

And the so-called “top courtesan” to meet after winning was, naturally, the most dazzling beauty among them.  

Su Chen’s head buzzed.  

This son of the Duke of State, the top-tier noble of the capital, was truly a man of passion.  

You tricked me into coming to a brothel to play matchmaker for you?!  

This is a total setup!  

“Brother Su… you didn’t know?”  

“What do you think!”  

Ji Hanqing was also taken aback, not having hidden anything—he’d clearly said they were going to the Misty Rain Tower.  

But he hadn’t expected Su Chen to be unaware of what the Misty Rain Tower was.  

After all, the Misty Rain Tower was famous for its Misty Rain Corridor, where a sword immortal once descended on a crane, leaving a poem and a sword mark.  

Over countless years, no scholar’s poetry or swordsman’s aura had surpassed that poem or mark.  

Not just in the Great Qin imperial city, but even in other parts of Great Qin and neighboring kingdoms, everyone should know of the Misty Rain Tower.  

There was even a saying: If you haven’t known the Hawkins Rain, you’re no hero.  

Hearing the backstory, Su Chen couldn’t help but scoff.  

You guys sure know how to put a fancy spin on things.  

But seeing as they were already at the entrance and noting Ji Hanqing’s hopeful expression, Su Chen sighed faintly.  

“Since we’re here, let’s go in.”  

Adhering to the principle of when in Rome, do as the Romans do, Su Chen decided to approach the Misty Rain Tower with a learning mindset.  

Senior Sister won’t blame me for this, right?  

They arrived relatively early, but the moment they stepped inside, the place was already packed.  

Aside from some regular patrons, most were there for the lantern festival.  

Numerous young scholars and nobles fanned themselves lightly, clearly ready to showcase their talents later.  

At the same time—  

Ji Hanqing’s arrival quickly drew attention.  

As the son of the Duke of State, a martial prodigy, and a future iron-blooded general, he was a prominent figure.  

But this was a lantern festival, a test of literary talent.  

What did a brute like Ji Hanqing know about that?!  

Yet—  

When the crowd spotted Su Chen, their expressions froze, filled with disbelief and suspicion.  

Could it be him?  

“Host, upon your first visit to the Misty Rain Tower, given your bold behavior despite living off others, a hidden mission has been activated—”  

“Outshine the Crowd, A Glimpse Worth a Thousand Gold.”  

“Please use your overwhelming literary talent to claim first place at the lantern festival and behold the beauty of Jinghong. Mission reward: TBD.”  

Hearing the system’s ill-timed prompt, Su Chen was too exasperated to retort.  

Too many things to roast—I don’t even know where to start!  

Sure, as someone well-versed in Tang and Song poetry, he was under no pressure, but did it have to be so blunt?  

I’ve been earning my keep with my own skills!  

At that moment—  

“Su Chen! That’s the Imperial Husband who dominates the younger generation!”  

A cry of recognition finally revealed his identity.  

Not only the Empress’s beloved but also the capital’s top scholar and an unparalleled prodigy.  

Why was he here?  

With him around, what chance did they have?  

“Hmph, it’s probably just exaggerated rumors.”  

“The lantern festival tests wit and reflexes. We’re all well-read scholars—don’t tell me we don’t even dare compete!?”  

At that moment—  

Some scholars remained confident, eager to challenge Su Chen.  

But before one could take a step forward, someone nearby quickly pulled him back.  

“What are you doing? If you’re scared, fine, but why—”  

The scholar was about to complain when he heard,  

“He’s Her Majesty’s man!”  

“I know, so what?”  

“Idiot!”  

“If Her Majesty finds out her Imperial Husband is visiting a brothel and competing with us in literary contests, we’ll all be dragged into it!”  

“You want to die?!”  

Hearing this, the once-zealous scholar broke into a cold sweat, finally grasping the gravity of the situation.  

Winning or losing wasn’t the point—the point was they couldn’t even step up.  

Who knew if the Empress would take it out on everyone?  

That would be a death sentence for nothing!  

In an instant—  

***

Author’s Note:

In terms of individual realm strength, Wangqing Ge is undoubtedly far superior, but Senior Sister commands an entire dynasty—Lastly, more comments and follows, please don’t just lurk!)