Feudal Dregs - Chapter 32

A Parallel Side Story: Li Mingzheng x Lan Yu

1

They say spring is the best time to visit Yangzhou. Li Mingzheng had been to Yangzhou before, but this was his first time boarding a pleasure boat in the misty drizzle of spring rain.

His companions were all scions of southern merchant families. Given Li Mingzheng's age, the attendants were mostly young men as well. Yet, even among the crowd of silk-clad youths, Li Mingzheng stood out the most.

He was tall, his expression cool and detached, his demeanor exuding an unshakable calm, devoid of any youthful restlessness. At first, the other young men were somewhat intimidated—none of them had truly wanted to meet this eldest young master from Beijing. But the Li family, riding the wave of the Westernization Movement, had expanded their business to become a dominant force in the north. The pampered heirs, burdened with their elders' expectations, had no choice but to brace themselves and attend.

After all, a pleasure house was still a pleasure house. Three cups of wine later, the initial stiffness melted away, and the atmosphere grew lively.

Though Li Mingzheng spoke little, he was no prude. On the contrary, he knew how to liven things up, and with just a few words, he loosened up the young masters even further. Before long, each of them had a soft, fragrant beauty in their arms.

Li Mingzheng, too, held a girl in his lap—one of Yangzhou's most famous "slim horses," her waist slender enough to be encircled with one hand, her three-inch golden lotus feet hidden beneath a skirt embroidered with pink and white lotuses. There was still a hint of youthful innocence in her delicate features.

Li Mingzheng idly held that slender waist, his gaze sweeping the room until he noticed that one of the men wasn't holding a young girl but a mature woman. Li Mingzheng recalled his surname was Zhao.

Someone caught Li Mingzheng's gaze and chuckled, propping his chin lazily. "Brother Li, does this seem strange to you?"

Li Mingzheng neither confirmed nor denied it.

The man continued, "Brother Zhao prefers older women—says they're more exciting to play with."

Li Mingzheng arched a brow and clinked cups with the young man in silent understanding. The other lowered his voice and added with a laugh, "But the woman Brother Zhao is holding isn't just anyone. A few years back, she was the most stunning beauty in Yangzhou."

The girl in Li Mingzheng's arms whispered, "Sister Sang was once the most sought-after courtesan."

Alas, beauty fades with time.

On this pleasure boat, a woman past her prime was no longer valuable.

Over there, the still-alluring woman had already had half her robe loosened, revealing plump, snow-white breasts. The young master surnamed Zhao toyed with those voluptuous mounds, making her gasp and moan. Her slender, pale hands feebly clutched at her clothes as she coquettishly teased the young man.

Li Mingzheng glanced over indifferently, his mind registering only a pair of fox-like eyes—seductive and shimmering with emotion.

That night, Li Mingzheng and the other young men stayed on the pleasure boat.

That night, the rain had stopped, leaving the air damp with the chill of spring. Lanterns hung from the pleasure boat glowed softly, while the bright full moon cast a silvery sheen over the rippling water.

Li Mingzheng was irritated by the cloying scent of perfumed powder in the cabin. He draped an outer robe over his shoulders and stepped onto the deck. The night was deep, and this was a boat meant for guests to stay overnight, drifting near the center of the lake. Only faint strains of music from the distant shore could be heard.

The night breeze cleared his mind somewhat. As he turned, he caught sight of a small figure sitting by the edge of the boat. The boy cradled a pipa, his hair cropped short, revealing a snow-white nape. His legs dangled over the deck, and his fingers plucked the strings idly, producing soft, mournful notes—like the pitiful cries of a stray cat in a dark alley.

Li Mingzheng watched him silently. It took a while before the boy noticed someone behind him and turned to look.

His eyes were fox-like, bright and clear, his lips a vivid red. In the depths of the night, he exuded an ephemeral beauty, like a night-blooming cereus.

The two locked gazes for a moment before the boy scrambled up with his pipa, bowed hastily to Li Mingzheng, and made to leave.

"Stop," Li Mingzheng commanded.

He asked, "Are you from this pleasure boat?"

The boy nodded, then shook his head.

Li Mingzheng studied his face and said coolly, "What are you doing here?"

The boy hesitated before whispering, "Waiting for my mother."

Suddenly, the image of a woman with fox-like eyes flashed in Li Mingzheng's mind. He regarded the frail boy before him, his expression unreadable, his presence imposing.

Instinctively, the boy took a step back.

Li Mingzheng asked, "What's your name?"

The boy's eyes widened. He stared at Li Mingzheng for a moment before turning and darting into the shadows of the boat like a startled deer vanishing into the woods—gone in an instant.

2

Li Mingzheng watched the boy flee in silence. After a long pause, he gripped the damp railing and finally turned back toward the cabin.

The woman on the bed had woken. Clad in nothing but a lotus-patterned bellyband, she sat at the edge, cheeks flushed, and asked, "Where did you go, my lord?"

Li Mingzheng, disinterested, said, "Get down."

The woman froze, then lowered her head and obediently climbed off the bed.

He paid no attention to when she left. Resting his head on his arm, he slowly closed his eyes.

Li Mingzheng stayed in Yangzhou for half a month. On the eve of his departure, a young master surnamed Zhao hosted him once more on the pleasure boat. Li Mingzheng didn't refuse. After several rounds of drinks, he spotted the boy again.

Dressed in coarse hemp clothes, he was doing odd jobs on the boat. Li Mingzheng had a servant by his side and asked, "Who is that?"

Following his gaze, the servant smiled and replied, "That's Lan Yu, my lord. He usually helps with chores." Cautiously eyeing Li Mingzheng's expression, he added, "His mother is one of the courtesans here. He grew up on the boat, but—he's just a lowly errand boy, doing rough work.

Li Mingzheng gave the servant a cold glance, and the man immediately fell silent, not daring to speak further.

The boy named Lan Yu was slender and small but moved deftly, weaving through the drunken revelry of the pleasure den like a fish through water. Li Mingzheng watched for a while until Lan Yu happened to walk toward him.

Li Mingzheng stood still. Lan Yu didn't seem to recognize him, keeping his head down as he tried to pass by. Without hesitation, Li Mingzheng reached out and grabbed his arm.

The slender, delicate hands somehow mustered enough strength to clutch that pipa tightly while running at such speed.

Lan Yu froze for a moment, looking at Li Mingzheng, and asked, "Young Master, do you have any orders?"

Li Mingzheng himself didn't know what he wanted to do. His mind hadn't caught up yet, but his hand had already reached out. Here, he didn't need to think too hard about his intentions.

Li Mingzheng remained silent. Lan Yu frowned, trying to pull his hand back, but Li Mingzheng only tightened his grip.

Growing anxious, Lan Yu lowered his voice and said, "Let go of me!"

The two were locked in a standoff when a young dandy suddenly appeared, saying, "Brother Li, everyone's waiting for you. What are you doing here?"

His gaze fell on Li Mingzheng's hand, then flicked to Lan Yu, and he chuckled. "No wonder—you've been gone so long you've found someone to your liking here."

"He looks somewhat familiar—“

Lan Yu immediately lowered his head and said softly, "Please let go, Young Master. I'm just a lowly servant. I wouldn't want to ruin your mood."

Li Mingzheng pinched the slender wrist before slowly releasing it. Lan Yu bowed and turned to leave, but the dandy blocked his path, grinning. "Where are you going? Can't you see our Young Master Li has taken a fancy to you? Have a couple of drinks with him, and you'll be well rewarded."

Lan Yu lifted his eyes to glance at Li Mingzheng. His fox-like eyes hadn't fully matured yet, carrying only a hint of otherworldly charm, like a young fox yet to become a full-fledged spirit.

Li Mingzheng watched coldly, not needing to speak—others were more than willing to act on his behalf.

Suddenly, a woman swayed gracefully toward them, holding a round fan, and said with a smile, "Young Master Song, what kind of fun can a half-grown child offer you?"

It was Lan Yu's mother, Madam Sang.

She tapped Lan Yu's shoulder with her fan. "No sense at all. Get lost." Then she leaned toward the dandy surnamed Song, smiling. "Our pleasure boat has no shortage of beautiful girls. What's the fun in keeping a little servant around? Let me find you a couple of clever ones instead..."

Li Mingzheng cut her off. "I want him."

Madam Sang's face paled slightly.

3

At the banquet, musicians plucked their pipas, singing in the soft, lilting Wu dialect, the melody winding and sweet.

Lan Yu sat stiffly beside Li Mingzheng, who paid him no mind, drinking leisurely as the room filled with the mingled scents of wine and rouge. The feast was held in Li Mingzheng's honor before his departure, so the young dandies naturally indulged in gossip and flirtatious banter, toasting and laughing boisterously.

One of them, noticing Lan Yu's bowed head, slurred drunkenly, "Hey, you... what are you waiting for? Pour wine for our Young Master Li!"

Lan Yu was suddenly called upon, his back stiffening as he hurriedly poured wine for Li Mingzheng without raising his head. Li Mingzheng remained silent, while the other man continued with a strange laugh, lazily propping his chin as he said provocatively, "I heard you're Sang Niang's son—"

"Sang Niang was the belle of Yangzhou in her youth. Since Li Xiong is so taken with you, lift your head and let me see."

Li Mingzheng watched as Lan Yu tensed, his fingers curling nervously in distress. Suddenly, Li Mingzheng reached out, grasping those cold fingers and slowly unfurling them. With a tug, Lan Yu stumbled and fell into his lap.

Li Mingzheng gripped the back of Lan Yu's neck and said, "What could a boy possibly look like?"

Lan Yu's eyes widened as he stared at Li Mingzheng, whose expression remained indifferent. Forcing Lan Yu's face to turn toward the young man, Li Mingzheng's long fingers and broad palm nearly covered half of Lan Yu's distorted, pinched face.

Lan Yu winced in pain, his brows furrowing in a way that was far from attractive. Li Mingzheng idly kneaded his cheek and remarked, "Just a passing whim. After seeing so many delicate and charming Jiangnan women these days, I wondered if Yangzhou boys could compare to the young actors in our capital's opera houses."

The young man burst into laughter. "This is just a lowly servant—how could he compare? If Li Xiong wants to try a man, I can find you one far more skilled and entertaining."

Li Mingzheng's gaze lingered on Lan Yu's flushed eyes. "No need. Carving something with my own hands—has its own appeal."

At this, Lan Yu froze, staring blankly at Li Mingzheng.

Meeting his gaze, Li Mingzheng traced the marks left on Lan Yu's cheek and asked, "Have you ever served anyone before?"

Lan Yu's lashes trembled as he whispered, "Lan Yu is just a coarse man... I beg the young master to show mercy—“

Li Mingzheng repeated, "Have you ever served anyone before?"

Lan Yu's eyes reddened further, his thin shoulders shaking. The young man beside them joked, "Li Xiong, a virgin can't handle this kind of teasing."

Lan Yu shook his head.

In the next moment, Li Mingzheng swept him up in his arms and tossed out, "Gentlemen, enjoy yourselves."

As Li Mingzheng stepped through the door, he saw Madam Sang rushing toward him, her hair ornaments askew in disarray. She dropped to her knees before him, clutching his robe as she sobbed, "Young Master Li, Lan Yu is still a child—just a boy, and so ignorant... Please, spare him."

The moment Lan Yu saw his mother, he struggled to break free from Li Mingzheng's hold. "Mother—!"

Li Mingzheng tightened his grip on Lan Yu's leg and said coolly, "Don't move."

Madam Sang's face was deathly pale, her tears smearing her rouge. "My lord, I beg you—if you want amusement, I'll entertain you however you wish...”

Her hands shook as she tried to smooth her disheveled hair, forcing a smile. Li Mingzheng looked down at her face with detached scrutiny—until a sharp pain shot through his arm. Lan Yu had bitten him hard, seizing the chance to wriggle free.

Pulling Madam Sang into his arms, Lan Yu trembled violently. "Mother... don't do this. It's alright."

"At worst, I'll just have to sleep with him—“ Before he could finish, Madam Sang slapped him across the face, tears brimming as she scolded, "Fool! What do you know?!"

Sang Shi pulled Lan Yu down to kneel, pressing his head to the ground with her bony fingers. She smiled coquettishly at Li Mingzheng, her voice trembling, "Master, this is just an ignorant child who doesn't know how to serve anyone properly."

Meanwhile, people from the pleasure boat had hurried over, likely to stop Sang Shi. Li Mingzheng didn't spare her a glance, his cold, composed gaze fixed solely on Lan Yu as he spoke, "Will you come with me, or watch her be punished?"

Lan Yu followed Li Mingzheng without hesitation. Sang Shi remained kneeling, staring after them in despair. Lan Yu only glanced back once before turning away, his eyes stinging. He focused on Li Mingzheng's retreating figure, acutely aware of the resentful, feral glare boring into his back—like a cornered beast ready to tear into him.

The bite on his left arm throbbed faintly again.

Li Mingzheng's expression remained indifferent as they entered the room. Lan Yu hesitated briefly before closing the door behind them.

"Don't let them punish my mother," Lan Yu pleaded.

Li Mingzheng responded with an absent hum, settling onto the chaise lounge by the window. Beyond it lay the picturesque Jiangnan scenery—small bridges, flowing water, and swaying willow branches.

"Come here," Li Mingzheng ordered.

Lan Yu dragged his feet but eventually stood before him. Li Mingzheng studied the boy's youthful face, fingers itching to touch. He pinched Lan Yu's chin and asked, "How old are you?"

"Fifteen," Lan Yu murmured, eyes downcast.

"Willing to sleep with me?"

Lan Yu bit his lip. "If you don't hurt my mother... I'll do it."

"Why would I bother with her?" Li Mingzheng said languidly, his gaze lingering disapprovingly on the coarse hemp robes. "Take off your clothes."

Lan Yu froze, face paling. Li Mingzheng watched him impassively. After a long pause, the boy's trembling fingers began undoing his belt.

Beneath the outer layer was a thin white undershirt clinging to his slender frame. Li Mingzheng observed dispassionately as Lan Yu peeled off the garments—no seduction in his movements, just raw vulnerability. When it came to the trousers, Lan Yu's ears flushed crimson. He clutched the waistband tightly, body trembling.

The ill-fitting pants had left red marks where the belt dug into his flesh. Despite his humble origins, the boy's skin was unnaturally fair—like milk and roses, almost translucent where veins and ribs showed through.

Li Mingzheng extended a hand. Lan Yu stared at those well-defined fingers before meeting his gaze with red-rimmed eyes. He took the offered hand while still gripping his waistband. "Don't... don't take these off," he whispered.

Pulling him closer, Li Mingzheng traced the chafed marks with his thumb. "Does your mother keep her clothes on when bedding men?"

Lan Yu fell silent.

Soon, warm teardrops splashed onto their joined hands. Li Mingzheng caught one, feeling its heat against his skin. "Why the tears?"

"I'm scared," Lan Yu choked out.

Li Mingzheng smirked. "You didn't seem afraid when choosing to follow me."

Lan Yu's tears were still falling when Li Mingzheng raised his eyes, taking in the sight of the young man's panicked face streaked with tears—his nose red, lips tightly pressed together—utterly beautiful. Li Mingzheng watched him cry, drinking in the sight until he'd had his fill, then said, "Didn't your mother teach you? Crying in front of a man only makes them want to mess with you more."

Lan Yu turned his face away, wiping his cheeks roughly, and murmured, "My mother didn't teach me such things." Li Mingzheng asked, "What did she teach you then?"

"Reading," Lan Yu mumbled, "and writing."

That day, Li Mingzheng didn't make Lan Yu undress further, simply holding him as they slept. Several years older than Lan Yu, Li Mingzheng already had the build of a grown man—his arms long enough to encircle the younger completely.

Trapped in his embrace, Lan Yu could barely breathe. Tilting his head up, he saw Li Mingzheng's sharply defined jawline. Too afraid to sleep, he worried the man might strip him if he dozed off.

Li Mingzheng knew full well Lan Yu couldn't sleep but said nothing, letting him remain tense and vigilant all night.

And so they passed the night together.

Li Mingzheng woke early to find Lan Yu, unable to stay awake any longer, had fallen asleep with his head tilted slightly, still bearing traces of youthful innocence. After watching him for a moment, Li Mingzheng suddenly pinched Lan Yu's cheek. The boy's face twitched as he mumbled "Mother..." in his sleep, one leg slipping out from under the quilt.

Bare-chested with his pants loosely hanging on his hips, Lan Yu's slender waist was exposed.

Li Mingzheng gazed at him for a few moments before abruptly reaching out to touch—then delivered a sharp slap.

Lan Yu jolted awake, eyes wide, taking several seconds to register Li Mingzheng sitting on the bed.

Their eyes met.

Lan Yu scrambled backward, rubbing his stinging waist, too frightened to speak.

Li Mingzheng studied him before saying abruptly, "I'm returning to Beijing. Do you want to come with me?"

Lan Yu froze, staring at Li Mingzheng before shaking his head vigorously. "...No."

"Fine," Li Mingzheng said.

Without another word or any attempt to persuade, he left the bed, showing no attachment to the warmth they'd shared.

***

Parallel Side Story (Unrelated to Main Worldline)

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