Feudal Dregs - Chapter 2

Old Master Li was paralyzed, but his health remained surprisingly robust. On this fine day, Lan Yu and the servants helped him into a wheelchair and pushed him out into the courtyard.

The Li family's mansion boasted some of the most exquisite scenery in Beijing. In the height of summer, the garden was adorned with jagged rockeries and lush foliage, while the vast lake shimmered with golden ripples, as if the water itself had been scattered with crushed sunlight.

Old Master Li remarked, "When I bought this estate, it was for the view. But now, though it's still beautiful, it feels a bit gaudy and artificial—nothing like the natural elegance of Jiangnan."

Standing behind him, Lan Yu smiled. "Jiangnan is delicate, Beijing is grand. Each has its own charm."

Old Master Li patted Lan Yu's hand where it rested on the wheelchair. "Let's sit in the pavilion for a while."

Lan Yu nodded. "Of course."

They crossed a small bridge and entered an octagonal pavilion, where fish darted playfully beneath the water, full of life.

In high spirits today, Old Master Li engaged Lan Yu in idle chatter. "Lan Yu, I know marrying me as the ninth concubine was unfair to you."

Lan Yu lowered his gaze to the aged hand gripping his own—wrinkled and dry as dead wood. He smiled faintly. "Don't say such things. If not for you, who knows what hardships I'd still be suffering?"

Old Master Li sighed. "You're the most considerate."

Lan Yu stood tall and straight, the breeze lifting the hem of his plain robe. With his refined features and youthful vitality, he resembled an orchid—graceful and pure. Old Master Li watched him, suddenly overcome with regret. "If only I were thirty years younger—no, even twenty..."

His emotions stirred, and he caressed Lan Yu's slender fingers. Lan Yu shot him a teasing glance, playfully scratching the rough palm as if flirting. "What, do you want to torment me for a few more decades?"

Old Master Li was utterly besotted. He seized Lan Yu's hand and murmured, "Decades wouldn't be enough—my Bodhisattva, you're my bodhisattva... I wish I could cherish you for a hundred years."

He spoke with intoxicated fervor, his words thick with emotion. Lan Yu looked at Old Master Li, then suddenly turned his face away and mocked, "A Bodhisattva? More like a clay idol that'll be smashed to pieces one day, its flesh and blood devoured by others."

Old Master Li frowned. "Who would dare lay a finger on you?"

He hastened to bare his heart, "Lan Yu, don't be afraid. As long as you're mine, no one would dare harm you. Even if I die, the Li family will have your share, ensuring you live happily for the rest of your life."

Lan Yu said unhappily, "Why talk about death when things are fine?"

Though his words were sincere, his gaze drifted to the distance, where a man sat atop the rockery across the lake.

Who else could it be but Li Yuqing?

Their eyes seemed to meet across the shimmering water. Though far apart, the man's gaze felt tangible.

Lan Yu slowly lowered her eyes, listening absentmindedly to Old Master Li's words.

Before long, a lazy voice called out, "Well, well, Father, what brings you out today?"

Old Master Li looked up, his brows knitting together. "What do you mean by that, Second Son?"

Li Yuqing grinned. "Nothing much, just paying my respects. Seeing you in such high spirits puts my mind at ease."

Old Master Li snorted. "What kind of getup is that? Dressed like a foreign devil."

Li Yuqing was wearing an imported Western suit, his slightly long hair giving him a dandyish air. He laughed. "This is all the rage in Beijing—very modern.”

Old Master Li slapped the armrest of his wheelchair. "Utterly disgraceful. Why can't you learn from your elder brother?"

Li Yuqing retorted bluntly, "If I copied that dead-faced brother of mine, the Li family might as well start mourning."

Old Master Li fumed. "You—!"

Unfazed, Li Yuqing grinned. "Father, who's this?"

Old Master Li glared at him. "Your Ninth Aunt."

Li Yuqing studied Lan Yu brazenly. The other night, he'd been too drunk and it was too dark to see clearly. Now, seeing her in daylight, he understood why everyone in the household called the new Ninth Aunt a fox spirit.

Suddenly, Li Yuqing clapped his hands with manic energy and chuckled. "Father, I always thought you were the biggest old fuddy-duddy in the family. Who knew at your age, you'd take up playing with men? Impressive."

Old Master Li choked on his anger, nearly throwing a teacup at him. "Get out!"

Li Yuqing said, "Right away, right away."

He suddenly leaned close to Old Master Li. "Father, you're already paralyzed—can you even perform? Want me to get you some... enhancements? Wouldn't want our new Ninth Aunt feeling neglected—“

Old Master Li's expression darkened. Unable to contain himself, he hurled the teacup. "You vile creature, get out!"

Li Yuqing dodged with practiced ease, smiling. "Enjoy yourself. I'm off." His peach-blossom eyes lingered on Lan Yu, who had been standing quietly nearby, his gaze sticky as syrup. "Ninth Aunt, till we meet again."

Lan Yu said unhurriedly, "Safe travels, Second Young Master."

After Li Yuqing's outburst, Old Master Li lost all desire for a stroll. His face was livid with rage. Lan Yu patted his back soothingly. "Don't let it upset you. The Second Young Master is still young—no need to take him seriously."

Old Master Li spat, "That good-for-nothing!"

Seated in his wheelchair, he clutched his chest, still seething with anger as he spat out bitterly, "That damned debtor!"

Lan Yu remained silent.

Old Master Li looked at Lan Yu and said, "Lan Yu, he's just a troublemaker, acting out for attention. Pay him no mind. If he causes any trouble, you come straight to me."

Lan Yu lowered his gaze to meet Old Master Li's eyes, offering a faint smile as he replied, "I understand."

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