General 10
A brothel is undoubtedly a place that piques the curiosity of all modern people!
How could the little cat not be curious?
As soon as Tang Xi finished speaking, he immediately regretted it. He cautiously raised his head to look at Nie Rong, only to find that he was indeed angry.
The women nearby, who had been holding lanterns and preparing to offer handkerchiefs as a token of affection, were all frightened away.
On a street bustling with people, the area where they stood was the only one left empty. The crowd instinctively avoided the tall man wearing a mask.
Nie Rong’s face was mostly concealed by a fierce-looking mask with a blue face and sharp fangs, yet it did nothing to hide his anger. “Where does His Majesty want to go?”
Tang Xi shrank back. Just as he was about to say that Nie Rong had misheard him, he saw the man’s expression suddenly calm down.
Nie Rong said, “If His Majesty wishes to go, then allow me to take you there.”
Tang Xi was shocked. [1551, has my poop-scooper gone crazy?!]
1551: …I know nothing.
It had detected that the place Nie Rong was taking the clueless little cat was not a brothel at all—but a male courtesan house.
Yet, it dared not say a word.
The aura around the little cat’s poop scooper always carried an inexplicable sense of dread.
Nie Rong was indeed still angry. Since His Majesty wanted to see, then he would let him see to his heart’s content.
And while he was at it, he might as well enlighten the young emperor.
Looking at the naive expression on the little emperor’s face, he was certain the boy didn’t even know what went on between men.
Completely unaware, Tang Xi was dragged into a secluded alley. In this era, flesh trade was officially prohibited, but as long as the business was discreet, the authorities turned a blind eye.
Deep in the alley stood a building called Fragrant Pavilion, which looked suspicious at first glance.
Two attendants stood at the entrance, and as soon as they saw the two approaching, they enthusiastically ushered them inside.
Judging by Nie Rong’s demeanor, it seemed like this was also his first time here. No matter how stern he tried to appear, there was still a stiffness to him—especially when an extravagantly dressed, heavily made-up madam emerged. At that moment, his discomfort became even more apparent.
Tang Xi finally sensed that something was off when he saw the thick layer of powder on the madam’s face, which flaked off every time she spoke.
Why were all the people here… men?!
Even though some were slender and spoke in high-pitched voices, it didn’t change the fact that this place was full of men.
Even the eunuchs in the palace didn’t act this exaggerated.
Feeling a little frightened, Tang Xi quickly hid behind Nie Rong, dodging a young courtesan who had reached out to grab his hand.
Although the madam was dressed in women’s clothing, he was still a man. After years of dealing with all kinds of customers, his sharp eyes immediately saw through their relationship.
The tall man was clearly very protective of the young master, to the point that the courtesan, Qi Qi, had almost been scared to tears just for trying to touch him.
Having seen all sorts of odd preferences, the madam remained unfazed and chuckled, “It seems the two gentlemen would like to book a private room.”
“Mm. No need for anyone to join us,” Nie Rong said, tossing him a gold ingot. He added, “A room with a view of the floor below.”
Well then, this was a rather peculiar taste.
The madam accepted the gold ingot, rubbed it between his fingers to confirm it was real gold—not silver—and immediately broke into a delighted grin, his eyes disappearing into the folds of his smile. Never had he encountered such a generous guest before.
Not even asking for a courtesan yet paying this much? Even a single silver ingot would have been more than enough!
The madam giggled and swayed with joy. “Of course, dear customer! I guarantee you’ll have a perfect view of everything downstairs, while no one below will see a thing. Enjoy yourselves to the fullest!”
A courtesan enthusiastically stepped forward to guide them to their room, throwing flirtatious glances at Nie Rong the entire way. But it was like winking at a blind man—Nie Rong paid him no attention at all.
The only one he cared about was the clueless little emperor in his arms, still curiously looking around.
The courtesan felt like grinding his teeth in frustration. With a man like this—so tall, commanding, and exuding such a powerful aura—he’d be willing to offer himself for free!
Unwilling to give up, he cast a glance at the young master Nie Rong was protecting so carefully.
Only to find that… the young master’s waist was slimmer than his, his exposed skin fairer than his, and even his lips redder than his.
The courtesan: I lost.
With all thoughts of seduction abandoned, the courtesan simply led them to the room, making sure to close the door behind them. He had originally intended to light a mildly aphrodisiac incense, but Nie Rong stopped him.
Nie Rong did indeed desire the little emperor. Even just a glance from him could stir up quite a reaction.
But he would never take him in a place like this. He wanted to give the young emperor the best.
Holding Tang Xi in his arms, Nie Rong sat down, their view perfectly overlooking the bustling hall below.
Tang Xi was quickly absorbed in the strange and novel sights. When he finally snapped back to reality, he realized he was sitting on General Nie’s lap.
“How audacious! Nie Rong, do you want to be flogged?!” He immediately struggled, furious.
He was so angry he wanted to turn around and bite him.
Nie Rong let out a low grunt. “Your Majesty, don’t move.”
Hearing the hoarseness in Nie Rong’s voice, Tang Xi instantly quieted down.
Though he still threatened fiercely, “I will have your head chopped off!”
Nie Rong endured the tension in his body and muttered through gritted teeth, “Chop, chop, chop.” His tone was as if he were coaxing a child.
Tang Xi became even more enraged. “I want to go back to the palace!”
Nie Rong, however, held him tightly, refusing to let him go. He even bounced him slightly in his lap, his tone teasing, “Wasn’t it Your Majesty who wanted to see? Go on, take a good look before we leave.”
The poop scooper was definitely mad.
Sensing a hint of danger, Tang Xi quietly shifted his gaze downward.
The room indeed had a perfect vantage point, allowing him to see everything below with absolute clarity.
Fortunately, the ancient people were still somewhat reserved—no one was openly engaging in anything indecent in the main hall. They only went upstairs to find a room after making eye contact and reaching an understanding.
Tang Xi personally witnessed a slender man being taken away by three burly, broad-waisted men.
He was terrified.
He gave in. “General Nie, I’ve seen enough. Let’s go back.”
Nie Rong wasn’t one to respond to force, but he had no resistance to softness. The moment he heard the little emperor’s voice turn pitiful, his heart ached.
This child had been raised delicately in the palace, protected from all filth.
The emperor was still young and ignorant—it was only natural. How could he have been so foolish as to bring him here?
Nie Rong felt a twinge of regret. Though his heart ached, he forced himself to appear indifferent. “Does His Majesty wish to visit again in the future?”
He expected the little emperor to obediently say that he would never step foot in such a sordid place again.
But unexpectedly, Tang Xi’s eyes suddenly lit up with excitement as he pointed downstairs.
“Isn’t that the Prime Minister?”
Shen Xing was actually in a place like this? As Ye Baishang’s fated partner, wasn’t he supposed to be upholding his integrity?
Tang Xi, who had just been cowering, instantly perked up like a weasel catching the scent of juicy gossip.
However, in Nie Rong’s eyes, this enthusiasm took on a different meaning.
Nie Rong’s voice was calm. “His Majesty seems to care a lot about the Prime Minister.”
That old fox, Shen Xing, had surely spoken ill of him in front of the emperor more than once.
Nie Rong had always ignored it before, but now, he couldn’t.
Just thinking about how Shen Xing had turned the little emperor against him filled him with the urge to kill.
Tang Xi, oblivious to the fact that the villain was already jealous, responded absentmindedly, “I’m just curious about why he’s here.”
Nie Rong chuckled softly. “What else could he be doing? Coming to a place like this is obviously for…”
He didn’t finish his sentence, but it was enough for Tang Xi to piece things together.
Watching as the little emperor’s ears gradually turned red from embarrassment, Nie Rong felt like he had found a delightful new toy. He leaned in and licked his ear.
Tang Xi immediately turned his head away. “You—You’re touching me again! I’m going back to the palace!”
After a moment, he added, “Or else I’ll have you beheaded!”
This time, Nie Rong actually let him go.
Looking at the little emperor—who was deliberately putting on a fierce expression—he let out a low chuckle, a hint of roguishness in his tone. “Alright, then allow me to escort His Majesty back to the palace.”
And while we’re at it, let’s expose that old fox’s true colors.
Downstairs, Shen Xing inevitably noticed them.
When he looked up, his eyes immediately locked onto Tang Xi, who was partially obscured by a mask.
The half of his face that was visible, along with his slender figure… it looked so much like that person.
But that was impossible. That person should be safely inside the palace. There was no way he could be here.
Shen Xing had come to the courtesan house tonight with a purpose.
Lately, his dreams had been invaded by someone who should not have appeared.
He had long accepted that he was a cut sleeve1, but he refused to accept that he would ever be interested in that fool.
Just a pretty face. A decorative vase. There were plenty of substitutes for someone like that.
Yet, after arriving here, he found himself completely uninterested in the courtesans, all of whom carried a cheap, overpowering fragrance.
He was already planning to leave when he suddenly saw someone who bore a striking resemblance to him.
Before he even realized what he was doing, Shen Xing had already walked forward. He didn’t recognize Nie Rong but gave him a polite nod. “Brother, might I request a person from you?”
Nie Rong deliberately altered his voice. “Oh? Could it be that brother has taken a liking to the one behind me?”
Shen Xing didn’t deny it. He lowered his gaze and chuckled. “Would you be willing to part with him?”
Tang Xi was stunned for a solid ten seconds before he finally processed what had happened.
He was being mistaken for a courtesan.
His temper flared instantly. He didn’t even need the influence of the original character’s personality—he was already furious on his own.
To be fair, he couldn’t entirely blame Shen Xing. After all, who would expect someone to come to a courtesan house just to look around without engaging in anything?
Tang Xi had obediently followed behind Nie Rong the whole time, making it seem as though he had been purchased by him.
Unlike the other courtesans, he carried an innate air of nobility, making him even more alluring in this setting.
Who would’ve thought a place like this could produce someone like him?
Shen Xing’s desire burned hotter—he had to have him.
“Yes, name your price. I can pay anything.”
Nie Rong let out a low, unreadable chuckle. “The Prime Minister is truly generous when it comes to beauties.”
Shen Xing stiffened slightly, his gaze sharpening as he examined Nie Rong more closely.
However, he didn’t feel particularly alarmed. Given his status, it wasn’t unusual for someone in official circles to recognize him.
“Or perhaps, Brother desires something else? If so, speak freely—I may be able to assist you.”
In his mind, if this masked man wasn’t after money, he must have other demands. That would explain why he had deliberately pointed out his identity.
But Nie Rong neither nodded nor shook his head. Instead, he asked a different question:
“And what, exactly, do you intend to do with him?”
As he spoke, he pulled the fuming little emperor from behind him, wrapping one arm around his waist.
“This delicate skin wouldn’t survive much rough handling, would it? So forget it.”
Nie Rong tightened his grip slightly, his words laced with hidden meaning—implying that Shen Xing was ruthless and cruel, subtly planting fear in the little emperor’s mind.
After all, wasn’t it true?
Just a little teasing, and Tang Xi would nearly tear up. A small, proud creature with a temper to match—more like a kitten than a tyrant. If you teased him too much, he’d scratch you once and run away.
Nie Rong’s words were crude and blunt. Paired with the sight of Tang Xi’s ears turning red—almost as if they were dripping blood—the air between them grew strange.
Shen Xing’s mouth went dry, his gaze darkening as he stared at Tang Xi.
Nie Rong saw the look in his eyes and immediately felt a fire of rage ignite within him.
He knew then that his goal had been achieved. Without another word, he took the little emperor and left.
He’d like to see how Tang Xi would ever give Shen Xing a kind look again after that.
Given the little emperor’s personality, he would never allow anyone to know he had been here.
He and Shen Xing have truly become estranged this time.
Meanwhile, 1551, having witnessed everything, couldn’t help but give Nie Rong a big thumbs-up.
As expected of a villain skilled in tactics—his abilities are truly impressive.
That foolish cat keeps getting lured away by him, and it’s not entirely undeserved.
Shen Xing watched them walk away, his gaze dark and turbulent. With a slight gesture, a shadow guard appeared.
“What are your orders, my lord?”
“Follow them.”
The thing he wanted—he had to get it, no matter what.
- 断袖 (Duàn xiù) literally means “cut sleeve,” and it originates from a historical Chinese story about Emperor Ai of Han (汉哀帝) and his male lover, Dong Xian (董贤).
According to the tale, one afternoon, Emperor Ai was resting with Dong Xian, who had fallen asleep on the emperor’s sleeve. Rather than wake him, the emperor chose to cut off his sleeve when he needed to get up. This act became a symbol of deep affection and same-gender love in ancient China.
So, “断袖” is often used as a literary or poetic way to refer to male homosexuality in Chinese culture. ↩︎