Chapter 43

First Volume, Chapter 43: Ji Wang's Birthday

Watching Qin Feng's frantic antics, Liu Hongyan was both angry and amused.

As a daughter of the Qin Family, though not all-powerful, she still knew everything happening in Jingdu. Last night, she had already learned Qin Feng had bought the wine house; had it not been too late, she would have come straight over to punish him.

"Brat, you haven't been whipped in three days and you're tearing the roof off! What did you do yesterday? Answer me properly, or I'll break your legs today!" Liu Hongyan stood with hands on hips, a ferocious tigress ready to pounce.

Qin Feng had expected that buying the wine house couldn't be hidden from Liu Hongyan, but he hadn't expected her to find out so fast. And break his legs? That was way too violent!

Qin Feng hid deep inside the bed, pressed against the corner, refusing to move: "I went to Qingya Pavilion yesterday. Didn't Elder Sister tell you?"

Liu Hongyan naturally knew about Qingya Pavilion—the poem "Zui Hua Yin: Thin Mist, Dense Clouds, Endless Day" had been breathtaking, charming Princess Qiyang into delight and elevating Shen Qingci to heavenly heights.

Now, everyone in Jingdu says the titles of First Talentess and First Talent have been entirely claimed by the Qin Family.

They say…

Even the Emperor heard of it; today, during Early Court, the Emperor mentioned it in passing, and the other ministers were beyond envious.

Had it not been for Qingya Pavilion, Liu Hongyan's temper would have long since had her whipping Qin Feng's buttocks raw with a willow switch—she wouldn't be wasting time arguing with him now.

Liu Hongyan sniffed disdainfully: "Don't try that trick on me. You know I'm not asking about that."

Qin Feng pretended ignorance on purpose—he'd never admit to buying the wine house: "Then what are you asking about? I didn't do anything."

If Qin Feng had simply admitted his mistake and promised to change, the matter would have ended there.

After all, the silver was all taken from other wastrels; spending it was no big deal, and it didn't harm the Qin Family much.

But Qin Feng's stubborn denial ignited Liu Hongyan's fury. Without another word, she kicked off her shoes, leapt onto the bed, pinned Qin Feng against the wall, and seized his limbs with her slender fingers, pinching wherever she could, snapping:

"You're so young and already learning to lie? If I don't properly punish you today, I'm not your sister!"

In an instant, the entire back courtyard echoed with Qin Feng's heart-wrenching screams.

To protect himself, Qin Feng flipped her onto her back, gripped her claw-like hands, and begged through sobs and tears: "Sister, you're too cruel! How could you be so brutal?"

At that very moment, Xiao Xiangxiang's urgent voice came from outside the door: "Master, why are you screaming so loudly? What happened?"

Liu Hongyan, now furious and humiliated, instantly turned pale. The scolding on her lips was swallowed back down; she whispered in a low, strained voice: "Brat, let me go at once! If anyone sees us like this, I won't forgive you!"

Seeing Liu Hongyan's flushed face, Qin Feng suddenly felt parched. He didn't loosen his grip—he pressed harder, feigning terror, writhing wildly, wailing:

"Sister, I'm sorry! Don't scare me—I'm easily frightened, you know that!"

What was that famous saying again? Never pass up a chance—you're a fool!

Besides, a younger brother cuddling with his sister is perfectly normal—it's a sign of affection!

Thinking this, Qin Feng became even more exuberant. Even if he'd be beaten half-dead afterward, it was worth it!

Liu Hongyan's face burned crimson, yet she feared raising her voice and drawing others—especially that fool Qin Xiaofu—who would storm in without hesitation. What then…?

Liu Hongyan dared not imagine further, her voice nearly pleading: "Qin Feng, stop this! I… I won't pursue it anymore. Today is Ji Wang's birthday—Father is already waiting outside. If you're late, he'll never forgive you."

If Liu Hongyan hadn't reminded him, Qin Feng would have forgotten Ji Wang's birthday entirely. Had Qin Tianhu not been waiting at Fu Men, Qin Feng would have told Ji Wang to go wherever the wind blew him. What did a prince matter? What were connections worth compared to this morning's playful tussle with his sister?

Qin Feng reluctantly climbed off the bed, sniffing the lingering fragrance, sighing deeply as if he'd lost millions of taels of silver—his mood was utterly foul.

Liu Hongyan exhaled in relief, hurriedly rose from the bed, tidied her disheveled clothes, and fled like a hunted animal.

Only after leaving the back courtyard did she slump against the wall, clutching her pounding chest, feeling as if her body were on fire.

"That damned Qin Feng—he did that on purpose!" she muttered under her breath, yet her lips curled upward involuntarily.

Outside the Qin Residence, Qin Tianhu carefully inspected the gift box: inside were three hundred-year-old ginseng roots, among his most treasured possessions—perfect for Ji Wang's birthday.

But as the sun climbed high and Qin Feng still didn't appear, Qin Tianhu's expression darkened. He waited another full incense stick time before that brat finally showed up.

Seeing Qin Feng carrying a large sack on his back, Qin Tianhu frowned, a bad premonition stirring: "What is this? Don't tell me this is your gift for Ji Wang."

Qin Feng smiled mysteriously, refusing to explain, simply tossed the sack onto the carriage, and made a "clear the way" gesture—only to receive a hard kick to his rear.

Seeing Qin Tianhu's grim face, Qin Feng quickly stepped aside, rubbing his hands nervously: "Father, today is Ji Wang's birthday—a joyous occasion. Please don't lose your temper."

Seeing Qin Feng's lazy, carefree demeanor, Qin Tianhu grew angrier.

Ever since meeting the Emperor, this brat had grown bolder, openly swindling noble youths in Jingzhong—rumor even says he severely tricked Minister of Revenue's daughter Li Ninghui!

Thinking of this, Qin Tianhu grabbed Qin Feng and kicked his buttocks again:

"You good-for-nothing brat, always acting like a useless layabout!

"They say a tiger never has a dog for a son. What sin did I commit in my past life to give birth to a thing like you?

"You know today is Ji Wang's birthday, and this ragged sack is your gift? Are you trying to disgrace me completely?"

Qin Feng bounced up from the kick, forgetting his noble status, howling loudly in the street: "Father, you're wrong! I swear—when Ji Wang sees this gift, he'll be overjoyed!"