Feudal Dregs - Chapter 1

The old master of the Li residence in Beijing was paralyzed.

It wasn't unusual for an elderly man to suffer a stroke, but what made this case peculiar was that just last year, the master had taken in a new concubine. He kept this treasure hidden away in an outer courtyard, doting on hi fiercely. Then, after tumbling down the steps, he ended up paralyzed—hemiplegic, yet his lust only grew fiercer. He refused everyone else, demanding only that little concubine he had stashed outside.

The Li family had no choice but to discreetly carry this hidden jewel through the side gate in a sedan chair and bring her into the household.

Rumors spread that the master's new favorite had the eyes of a fox, a willowy figure that swayed with every step—more seductive than the most wanton courtesan, as if a demon had been reborn into this world solely to drain men of their vitality. Otherwise, how could Master Li, once hale and hearty, end up paralyzed after just half a year with her?

Regardless of the gossip, the master's new concubine did indeed enter the Li household in the flesh, becoming his Ninth Concubine.

The day Ninth Concubine entered the estate was in the heart of June. By afternoon, dark clouds loomed overhead, and soon a steady drizzle began to fall. Though called a "residence," the Li family's home was an old-style mansion bought from a fallen noble of the Qing dynasty. Banana trees in the courtyard swayed wildly in the wind and rain, while the cobblestone path, soaked through, pooled with water.

The master's other concubines clustered under the eaves, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the fox spirit their lord pined for. Some clutched handkerchiefs, others gritted their teeth—a riot of beauties in vibrant silks and satins.

Through the arched gate came a Jiangnan-style oil-paper umbrella, wading through the puddles. The women perked up, only to see not the hem of a swaying skirt beneath the umbrella, but the folds of a dark blue robe.

Slender, pale fingers gripped the bamboo handle. As the wind picked up, the umbrella tilted slightly, shaking off a spray of fine droplets.

Within a few steps, the figure beneath the umbrella came into full view—and everyone froze.

Contrary to the scandalous rumors, Ninth Concubine was not some enchanting young maiden, but a man.

He was young, perhaps twenty-four or twenty-five, dressed in plain blue robes, his skin pale, his posture straight and slender—elegant as a bamboo stalk, yet with the alluring eyes of a fox. His lips were thin and faintly red, and when his gaze swept over them, it carried a hint of tenderness.

How to describe him?

Three parts fox-spirit charm, yet with a touch of scholarly refinement.

The man stopped beneath the eaves, meeting their scrutinizing gazes before inclining slightly in greeting.

Madam Li, the master's original wife, was past fifty. From the moment she laid eyes on the man, her delicate brows had remained tightly furrowed. Having ruled the inner household for decades, she exuded authority without raising her voice. "You are—“

She couldn't bring herself to utter the words. To think her husband had sunk to such depravity, bringing a man into the household—those two syllables seemed too filthy to speak.

The man spoke, his voice soft and unhurried, gentle amid the rain's patter, devoid of any worldly edge. "Lan Yu pays his respects to Madam."

Old Madam Li came from an official's family and detested nothing more than a man acting coquettishly, let alone when that man was the concubine the old master kept outside. It was like a fishbone stuck in her throat. She gave a cold snort but before she could speak, the old master's voice came from inside, "Is that Lan Yu?"

Old Madam Li's face darkened.

The old master said, "Come in... cough... Lan Yu, come straight in."

Lan Yu raised his eyes to look at Old Madam Li.

The old madam stared at him expressionlessly, flicked her sleeve, and remained silent.

Lan Yu bowed to her before stepping up the stone stairs.

As soon as he entered, the concubines erupted in a flurry of whispers, their voices laced with disbelief and anger.

"...How could a man be allowed into the Li family? If word gets out, we'll be the laughingstock of society!"

"Exactly! Eldest Sister, say something!" Sixth Concubine twisted her handkerchief. "Now the old master only has eyes for this vixen..." Old Madam Li snapped, "Silence!"

She pressed a hand to her chest as a maid hurried to support her. After a long pause, she said, "As long as I'm alive, this household won't descend into chaos!"

Regaining her composure, she ordered, "Everyone, return to your quarters."

Though dissatisfied, none dared disobey, and soon they dispersed, leaving only the lingering scent of powder behind.

Madam Li touched the jade bracelet on her wrist and instructed, "When the eldest young master returns, have him come to my courtyard." The maid replied, "Yes, madam."

Upon returning to the Li residence, Li Mingzheng was immediately summoned by Old Madam Li's personal maid.

Entering the courtyard, he found the old madam reclining on a huanghuali wood daybed, with a maid kneeling beside her, massaging her temples.

"Mother," Li Mingzheng greeted.

Old Madam Li asked, "Why are you back so late?"

"Business engagements delayed me," he replied.

Their exchange was perfunctory until the old madam said, "Sit."

Dressed in a traditional long gown with its collar meticulously buttoned, Li Mingzheng sat composedly as his mother exclaimed, "Your father grows more senile by the day!"

Li Mingzheng remained silent.

With a wave of her hand, the maid tactfully withdrew, leaving mother and son alone. Sitting up, the old madam said grimly, "Do you know what kind of person that Ninth Concubine he keeps outside is?"

"He's a man!" she fumed. "A bewitching man, clearly from some filthy brothel!"

"Mother, calm yourself," Li Mingzheng said.

"How can I? If this gets out, what will people in Beijing think of our family?"

Li Mingzheng replied coolly, "He's just a plaything Father took a fancy to. What chaos could he possibly cause in the Li household?"

Seeing her son's calm demeanor, the old madam relaxed slightly. "You're right," she said with a cold laugh. "This is the inner courtyard."

Li Mingzheng poured tea from the side table and handed it to her. After drinking, she looked at him and said, "With your father bedridden, you must take more responsibility for household affairs."

"What do you think of the Miss Zhang I mentioned the other day?"

Li Mingzheng replied offhandedly, "Mother, with Father ill and the household unsettled, I've no mind for marriage now."

Madam Li disapprovingly said, "Starting a family and establishing a career—aren't these both major life events?"

Li Mingzheng remained noncommittal.

Lan Yu's entry into the Li household was like a massive boulder crashing into stagnant waters, stirring up endless gossip among the family members. Although Old Master Li was known for his romantic escapades—taking concubine after concubine—he had never shown any interest in male companions. Yet now, at the twilight of his life, he had done this unthinkable thing.

The entire Li family regarded Lan Yu as a bewitching fox spirit who had ensnared their patriarch.

Yet this supposed fox spirit Lan Yu kept quietly to himself. He resided in Old Master Li's courtyard, rarely venturing out. Only the occasional crisp and melodious strains of the pipa, interspersed with the old man's laughter, drifted through the walls—a sign of the master's remarkably improved spirits.

One night, deep into the hour when a waning moon hung from the treetops, Lan Yu had just stepped out of the courtyard when a dark figure suddenly collided with him—a tall, staggering man reeking of alcohol.

Knocked back several steps, Lan Yu frowned but before he could speak, the drunkard slurred, "Are you blind? Daring to bump into your Second Master!"

Pausing, Lan Yu studied the man whose features were obscured by backlighting. With a slight bow, he said, "Second Young Master."

The man squinted, his alcohol-addled mind slow to process. After several breaths, he recognized his father's courtyard. His gaze settled on Lan Yu as he drawled, "Don't recognize you." Then with sudden laughter, he leaned in close, "You must be Father's new—Ninth Concubine?" He lingered on the title "Ninth Concubine," his voice dripping with undisguised malice.

Lan Yu retreated a step. "Second Young Master is drunk. Let me have someone escort you back."

Li Yuqing grabbed his shoulder, reeking of liquor and cheap perfume. "What's there to hide from?" he sneered, "Think your Second Master would eat you alive?"

Towering a full head taller, he pressed closer until Lan Yu could finally see his face clearly. Without doubt, this notorious playboy of the Li family had the dashing looks to match his reputation.

"They say Father caught himself a fox spirit," Li Yuqing mused, gripping Lan Yu's chin, "and a male one at that. Let your Second Master see what kind of creature could make my old man forget his dignity."

Lan Yu's frown deepened, yet he steadied himself. Meeting Li Yuqing's gaze calmly, he said, "Regardless of circumstances, Second Young Master, I am now the Ninth Concubine of your Li family—your father's woman. Don't you think this behavior would appear highly inappropriate if witnessed by others?"

Li Yuqing hadn't expected Lan Yu to be such a tough nut to crack. Watching his lips part and close, Li chuckled, his tone laced with mischief as he whispered in Lan Yu's ear, "Ninth Concubine, then go ahead and scream."

Lan Yu stared steadily at Li Yuqing before suddenly raising his voice, "Help! There's a thief!"

The moment his voice rang out, Li Yuqing clamped a hand over his mouth—but the words had already escaped. The two locked eyes, Li Yuqing gazing intently at Lan Yu's fox-like eyes, which shimmered under the moonlight, truly embodying the cunning allure of a fox.

Footsteps hurried toward them from the garden path behind them. Li Yuqing released Lan Yu and straightened up. The servant, startled by the sight of the two standing there, stammered, "Second Young Master, Ninth Concubine..."

Lan Yu calmly smoothed his sleeves and said, "It's nothing. I just saw a shadowy figure, but fortunately, the Second Young Master was here. The thief ran off that way." He gestured casually before adding, "The Second Young Master has had a bit to drink. Would you kindly escort him back?"

His eyes met Li Yuqing's as he slowly asked, "Don't you agree, Second Young Master?"

Li Yuqing rubbed his forehead and laughed. "Fine. Very fine indeed."

His palm still seemed to tingle with the warmth of Lan Yu's breath and the softness of his cheek. With a meaningful look, he said, "Ninth Concubine, I'll take my leave now."

Lan Yu replied politely, "I won't see you out."

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