Chapter 227: Why did you provoke him!!! [Thanks to everyone for your support!

The Da Niangzi of Marquis Hou Fu Chang changed from her previous amiable demeanor and scolded:

"If he wants to fight, let him fight. Hasn't he been beating people up for the past few years? What are you panicking about? What kind of decorum is this!"

The maid hurriedly lowered her head and acknowledged the order.

Rong Feiyan, standing to the side, also showed no signs of surprise and asked softly:

"Wasn't Brother going to attend a poetry gathering? Who did he fight with?"

"The servant said it was the Qiu family's."

The Da Niangzi of Marquis Hou Fu Chang looked somewhat puzzled.

Rong Feiyan said: "Mother, it should be the Qiu family, retainers of Prince Yan."

"Oh. That family."

The Da Niangzi of Marquis Hou Fu Chang said with an indifferent expression.

If it were a powerful noble or a high-ranking civil official, she might have been a bit nervous, as there had been lessons learned before. But a retainer of a princely house—if he was beaten, he was beaten.

"Prepare some old ginseng and tiger bone to send to the Qiu family. It's just children playing and roughhousing."

"Da Niangzi, it's... it's our young master who was beaten!"

"What!!! How badly was he beaten? Harness the carriage! Quick, let me go see! My son!"

Rong Feiyan's brows furrowed slightly. She looked at the maid beside her and said: "Forget it, let's go take a look too."

Half a quarter of an hour later,

The Rong family entourage exited the Nanjian Tang alley,

And the carriage sped quickly toward the place of the gathering.

One hour earlier,

Sai Sai Fanlou.

Rong Xian's hair was neatly combed up to the golden crown on the top of his head,

A flower was pinned behind his ear,

And a strand of fine hair drifted down on each side of his ears.

He wore a bright red arrow-sleeve robe embroidered with silver-edged golden bamboo leaves,

And wore small court boots on his feet.

Since the Rong family could produce beauties like Consort Rong and Rong Feiyan, Rong Xian's appearance was quite good. With this attire, it made him look quite dashing and very handsome.

After being led by a waiter into the spacious private room on the third floor where the Heir of Prince Yan was located,

Rong Xian looked at the familiar young nobles of Bianjing in the room, as well as the beautiful courtesans,

And nodded with satisfaction.

Amidst the elegant music played by the musicians, Rong Xian embraced a top courtesan and began chatting with several young masters from the Ruyang Marquis Bao family and the Great House of the Jinghai Marquis Huyan family, whom he knew well.

After everyone took their seats,

The Heir of Prince Yan had no courtesan attending to him.

Served by the Prince's estate servants, after saying a few words, everyone began to drink and toast. During the conversation, Qiu Keli's

"The Heir does not associate with women,"

"The Heir studies diligently,"

"Practices calligraphy and copying tirelessly,"

"Often helps those in danger and distress,"

Words were heard from time to time, causing many young masters to nod and praise him incessantly.

Finally, Qiu Keli said:

"Everyone, shall we begin the poetry gathering?"

"Good!"

As for the so-called poetry gathering, what kind of poems could playboys like Rong Xian write? Most were just assisted by the courtesans beside them.

A quarter of an hour later, the courtesan beside Qiu Keli proposed a topic. After thinking for a while, the Heir of Prince Yan recited a poem that was quite decent.

Rong Xian said in support:

"The Heir has great literary talent; we feel ashamed of our inferiority! I, Rong Xian, shall punish myself with three cups!"

"Brother Xian is generous!"

"Refreshing! What a great capacity for liquor!"

The people on the side cheered one after another.

The Heir of Prince Yan raised his cup and drank one as well.

Everyone praised the Heir of Prince Yan again.

Seeing this scene, Rong Xian nodded.

Qiu Keli, who was beside the Heir of Prince Yan, glanced at the young masters of the Huyan and Bao families, then raised his cup and said:

"Now that Northern Liao is in internal chaos and the Yelu family is being driven to distraction by the Jin Kingdom, the two Marquis estates are loyal to state affairs and have made great contributions! Come, let's have a toast."

Although the Bao and Huyan families said a few words about it being the Emperor's grace, their expressions were quite self-satisfied.

After all, the things the Jin Kingdom used for trade were all good items like Northern ginseng and Eastern pearls, and the two families had made no small profit.

Everyone raised their cups.

Qiu Keli glanced at the Heir and said: "I heard that during the previous Jinming Pond competition, the Huyan family was interested in the Rong family's young lady?"

As he spoke, Qiu Keli looked at Rong Xian. Rong Xian was stunned and squeezed out a smile, but did not take the bait.

The Heir of Prince Yan looked at the young master of the Huyan family, smiled, and said: "I think the young master of the Huyan family is also a man of talent. Why doesn't Brother Xian do him a favor, considering my Prince Yan's estate..."

Rong Xian interrupted:

"Heir, I told the two brothers that day that regarding my sister's affairs, firstly, she must be satisfied herself, and secondly, my elder sister in the palace must agree. I, as her brother, have no say in the matter."

As he spoke, he laughed at himself.

The Heir of Prince Yan had a deep look in his eyes but smiled on the surface as he exchanged a glance with Qiu Keli and raised his cup:

"It was my presumption. I hope Brother Xian will not mind."

"I dare not."

Rong Xian also raised his cup and said.

The young masters of the Huyan and Bao families on the side turned their heads away, not looking at Rong Xian, nor did they raise their cups.

The two Marquis estates had shown goodwill time and again, but this Rong family was a bit unappreciative.

While Rong Xian tilted his head to finish his drink, the Heir of Prince Yan nodded slightly toward Qiu Keli.

After Rong Xian put down his wine cup,

Qiu Keli said:

"It's no wonder the two Marquis estates are interested in this Miss Feiyan. I have seen her a few times before; although she is young, she is truly a peerless beauty with natural charm."

Hearing this, the young masters of the Bao and Huyan families exchanged glances and laughed with satisfaction in their eyes.

"Sigh! Keli, your words are rude."

The Heir of Prince Yan scolded with a straight face.

Rong Xian stopped his wine cup, glanced at Qiu Keli, then gritted his teeth and glared at the laughing Bao and Huyan young masters, taking a deep breath.

"Your Highness, please forgive me; I was presumptuous."

Before the words fell, Qiu Keli added:

"It is just that this courtesan asked me earlier if Miss Feiyan is really more beautiful than her..."

The courtesan attending on the side looked horrified and wanted to wave her hand to deny it, but was pressed down by a look from Qiu Keli. The courtesan could only lower her head.

"To tell the truth, she is indeed more beautiful than all the ladies present."

"Crash!"

The wine pot in Rong Xian's hand was thrown out.

"Damn your mother!"

Rong Xian overturned the table in front of him, ran a few steps to accelerate, and then, like a madman, flew toward Qiu Keli.

The attending courtesans in the private room were startled and screamed as they dodged.

"Pull them... pull them apart!"

The Heir of Prince Yan shouted.

"Damn your mother!"

"Damn your mother!"

Rong Xian shouted, punching Qiu Keli one after another. He only landed three blows before being blocked by Qiu Keli.

The young masters of the Bao and Huyan families who were close by quickly pulled Rong Xian away.

"Stop fighting!"

"Brother Xian, calm down!"

"Keli, are you alright?"

Rong Xian struggled and shouted: "Let go of me, you bunch of thieves! Let go!"

Qiu Keli stood up, spat out a mouthful of blood, and pounced on Rong Xian with foul language.

"Mason!"

"Down-and-out!"

"You bird-brained thing!"

"You don't know what's good for you!"

Rong Xian was beaten.

Everyone looked like they were breaking up the fight, but only Rong Xian had his hands held, while Qiu Keli was just being pulled by his clothes.

Fortunately, the servants beside Rong Xian saw this situation and understood that their young master was at a disadvantage. They sent one who was fast on his feet to report the news, while the others also pounced.

This group of servants was used to fighting; their fists were aimed at the Huyan and Bao family young masters who were helping the other side.

The servants of the other families were not to be outdone, and all the servants and attendants joined the fray.

For a time, the sound of shouting and cursing in the private room was constant.

The courtesans attending also hurriedly ran outside to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

Following them out were several young nobles who were usually on good terms with Rong Xian. They had seen through it:

Inside, it seemed like a chaotic brawl, but in reality, it was just several families ganging up on the Rong family.

Xu Zaijing was being dragged into Sai Sai Fanlou by Gu Tingye and Zheng Xiao, who were pulling his two arms, looking somewhat bored.

Behind them followed the servants and maids of the three.

"I say, are you two out of money for food? I just returned from outside the city and hadn't even caught my breath before you dragged me here!"

Zheng Xiao said: "Brother Jing, you usually go to Pan Tower. Once you taste their newly served roast duck and stewed chicken, you'll know we weren't lying!"

Gu Tingye: "This is roast duck made with their newly invented 'hanging roast method'."

Xu Zaijing: "What delicious food haven't I eaten? Let go, I'll walk myself."

Seeing this group, the manager of Sai Sai Fanlou hurriedly came up with a waiter to entertain them.

"Oh my, Young Master, you really kept your word and brought another guest."

Zheng Xiao nodded triumphantly, and Gu Tingye on the side said:

"What 'another'? This is one I brought."

"Yes, yes, yes, my mouth slipped. This young master was brought by both of you. Please, upstairs."

The group walked upstairs, and Zheng Xiao said:

"Brother Jing, I heard from the Zhang family brothers a few days ago that Sai Sai Fanlou has new dishes. The taste is excellent; I've eaten it twice and haven't gotten tired of it!"

As he spoke, Zheng Xiao swallowed his saliva: "I called Brother Ye here to eat it last night, and it felt even better eating it together."

Gu Tingye on the side nodded and said: "Eating with three people today, slurp."

They entered the private room.

The three of them naturally didn't call for courtesans, but were served by their own maids and servants.

After taking their seats, Gu Tingye shouted to his maid: "Qiuniang, unseal the fruit wine my mother let me bring."

Hearing this, Xu Zaijing looked at the maid in surprise. Qiuniang was Gu Tingye's personal maid in the original story; how could she still be here today?

Gu Tingye saw Xu Zaijing's gaze and said: "How is it? She was chosen by my mother, born in the household, her needlework is the best among the maids, and she's pretty too. This is the first time she's come out with me, I wanted to... sigh."

As he spoke, Gu Tingye shook his head and looked at the Yunxiang sisters who were making tea with Qingcao.

He had thought Qiuniang was outstanding before, but compared to the ones beside Xu Zaijing, sigh, he felt a blow, a double blow.

Zheng Xiao on the side also nodded in agreement and said: "Brother Jing, which agency did you buy these from? Introduce them to us."

Gu Tingye blinked.

Xu Zaijing shook his head and said:

"I didn't buy them. My mother said that the Marquis of Xiangyang previously moved a master from the Directorate of Astronomy, who calculated that we should distribute wealth and seek heirs in households with many legitimate sons and daughters, so they sent these to my house."

"The Uncle is muddled! My household also has many sons! Why didn't they come to my house!"

Gu Tingye sighed.

Zheng Xiao said: "Brother Jing's household indeed has many legitimate sons."

Three of them.

"Next time we'll bring Brother Heng over, four of us together."

As they spoke, the roast duck was brought in by the Sai Sai Fanlou waiter.

Xu Zaijing nodded at the glistening roast duck, then shook his head as he watched the waiter cut the duck into pieces with a knife.

It was a bit too rough.

Xu Zaijing then beckoned to the waiter and said: "Does the tower have flour sauce?"

"Replying to the young master, we have several varieties. I don't know which kind you want?"

"Bring a little of all of them, I'll taste them."

On the other side, Zheng Xiao and Gu Tingye had already started eating.

"Brother Jing? What are you doing?"

Xu Zaijing said: "I suggest you two eat slowly."

After finishing, Xu Zaijing continued: "Call your tower's pastry chef here, and remember to bring a small fire stove and a pot. I have something to instruct."

As a top-tier establishment in Bianjing, Sai Sai Fanlou provided comprehensive and fast service. Soon, the people and items were brought in. Xu Zaijing picked out the sweetest flour sauce and set it aside.

Xu Zaijing gave a few instructions for Qingcao to slice cucumbers and scallions.

Afterwards, he drew the small knife he carried with him, washed it with wine, and began to slice the roast duck on the table.

The pastry chef on the side also began to make small thin pancakes.

Zheng Xiao looked at the duck leg bone in his hand and exchanged a glance with Gu Tingye, who had duck meat in his mouth and was glistening with oil.

Then he looked at the duck meat Xu Zaijing was slicing piece by piece, and suddenly felt that he was a bit crude.

A moment later,

Xu Zaijing nodded at the small pancakes made by the Sai Sai Fanlou pastry chef,

And then wrapped the sliced roast duck, scallions dipped in sweet sauce, and cucumber strips in a small pancake and put it into his mouth.

While chewing, the meat fragrance of the duck meat and skin, the flour fragrance, the sauce fragrance, plus the refreshing taste of the cucumber and the slight spiciness and sweetness of the scallions.

"Hmm, the taste is not bad. Want to try?"

As he spoke, Xu Zaijing waved the prepared small pancake toward Zheng Xiao and Gu Tingye.

After the two ate one each, they didn't leave Xu Zaijing's vicinity, and they didn't let Xu Zaijing continue slicing the somewhat cold roast duck, but instead had a freshly roasted, piping hot one brought up.

Both of them, like Xu Zaijing, practiced martial arts daily and never ate little.

"Brother Jing, you really are my good brother."

Gu Tingye shouted, thickening his skin.

"Brother Jing, I am your good brother, have another bite."

This was Zheng Xiao shouting.

So, except for the first bite Xu Zaijing ate, the rest were swallowed by these two fellows.

Just as they were eating to their heart's content,

The sound of running and shouting suddenly came from outside the tower.

Qingyun hurriedly opened the door to look out and saw the courtesans and servants rushing out of the rooms not far away.

Qingyun walked closer and heard the sound of bowls and dishes being smashed and shouting and cursing inside.

Peeking carefully at the doorway,

The Rong family servants he had seen outside the city today were being beaten on the ground, and some were already begging for mercy.

Qingyun grabbed a girl and asked a few questions, then hurriedly returned to the private room where Xu Zaijing was.

"Young Master, it's the Rong family young master fighting with others next door. It looks like he's suffered a great loss."

"Rong Xian?" Zheng Xiao asked.

"Yes."

"We returned to the city with him this morning. Shall we go take a look?"

Xu Zaijing said to Zheng Xiao and Gu Tingye.

"Let's go, let's go watch the fun."

Gu Tingye said, reaching out with his chopsticks to grab a slice of duck meat from the plate in front of Xu Zaijing.

As a result, he was pulled up by Zheng Xiao, who hugged his arm.

"Brother Ye, this is mine. You guys, heat it up on the grill, and we'll eat it when we get back."

Zheng Xiao said, pulling Gu Tingye out.

In the room, Qingyun, Zhique, and several other attendants also followed.

After the three of Xu Zaijing arrived at the door, they walked straight in.

Looking around, many were two people pinning one person down and beating them, and surprisingly, there were even screens in the room that hadn't fallen over.

At this time in the room,

Qiu Keli was using his arm to choke Rong Xian's neck from behind,

While the Bao and Huyan family members were holding Rong Xian's arms steady.

A Huyan family young master with a bruised eye was standing in front of Rong Xian.

"Hiss."

This Huyan family member touched his own eye, grabbed Rong Xian's chest clothes, and said:

"You bird-brained thing, do you really think everyone looks at your face?"

Rong Xian, with a face full of injuries, glared at this person and said: "If you have the guts, let me go! You bird-brained wretch."

"Screw your mother."

As he spoke, a slap landed on his face.

"Do you not understand the current prominence of my Huyan family?"

After the slap, the man continued to ask.

"Let me tell you, my family was personally appointed by the Emperor to trade with the Jin Kingdom. Do you know how powerful and important this is?"

"Northern Liao is in such a mess; who do you think deserves the credit?"

"Ptoo!"

Rong Xian spat a mouthful of blood.

"Let me tell you, don't talk about your sister; even the daughter of the Marquis of Yongyi, whom the Fifth House wants to marry, has to stand properly and follow the rules once she enters my family's door!"

Rong Xian's eye twitched with pain, but he still laughed and said: "Hahaha, you're just barking like a dog in front of me. If you have the guts, do that to Brother Jing; see if he doesn't beat the shit out of you."

"Him? I can't beat him, but once his sister enters my family's door, do I even need to do it myself?"

"My mother will naturally let the small house know what the rules are."

Rong Xian actually laughed and said: "I will pass that on to Brother Jing; let's see if their family will still marry her."

"What are you passing on?"

Qiu Keli, who was behind Rong Xian, asked.

"Yeah, what did I say?"

"I didn't say anything. Who would believe the words of a Bianjing playboy like you?"

The Huyan family young master said.

Beside the screen, Qingyun hugged Xu Zaijing and said: "Young Master, calm down, calm down. Brother Xiao, Brother Ye, hurry and help stop the Young Master."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 228 =====