"Do you not like Lie?"
Meng Huan thought to himself, "Today, I will let you know how unyielding a person can be."
He descended delicately and tenderly, causing a shiver down the spines of all the men present in the pavilion, whether they had been married or not.
Attracted by the voice, Shen Qingyu looked over and said, "My lord, when did you find such an extraordinary person? Didn't you just take in a headstrong and untamable concubine a few days ago? Now you're in such high spirits, taking in one every day. Can your body handle it?"
The group of friends of the Regent Prince knew well that Lin Bozhou was busy with state affairs and had no interest in romantic affairs. They were surprised to hear that he had snatched a concubine in broad daylight near the pleasure quarter a few days ago, and later they heard that the concubine had an extremely bad temper and would curse at anyone, which was beyond acceptable.
But now, another tender and cute concubine had appeared before their eyes.
Lin Bozhou raised an eyebrow. "You're talking about the same person."
"..."
Shen Qingyu choked on his tea.
Meng Huan hurriedly ran towards the pavilion with a standard comic-like run, arriving with a lovely smile. "Husband, did you not see me just now? You're not angry, are you?"
Coquettish and sweet.
"Tsk."
Those with weak self-control began to lose their hearing.
Lin Bozhou said, "No, I'm not."
"Thank you, husband," Meng Huan took the maid's fan, leaned forward, and said, "Husband, are you feeling hot? Let me fan you, alright?"
Lin Bozhou replied, "If you want to fan, then fan."
"..."
Meng Huan's charming smile gradually froze.
Regent Prince, shouldn't you be frowning coldly and looking at this obsequious face with indescribable disgust, feeling dirty with just a touch, and wishing him to stay as far away as possible?
In novels, when a cool and aloof male protagonist meets an enthusiastic male supporting character, they usually just tell them to go away. Why is your character different?
Meng Huan: TvT
[*Note: I just put chess in here for simplicity purposes but the game their playing prolly Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) or Wei Qi (Go)]
But the one who took the initiative to fan himself was Meng Huan, and for a while, he couldn't contradict himself. He stood beside them and waved the fan slowly. The sunlight was strong during the day, and Lin Bozhou's eyes were covered with a thin veil, tapping the chess pieces one by one.
The game lasted a long time, with Shen Qingyu spending a minute contemplating each move.
Meng Huan timely said, "My lord, he's playing so slowly, he's far worse than you."
Shen Qingyu: "..."
Lin Bozhou: "Hmm."
"My lord, his hand movements with the chess pieces are so strange, compared to your elegance and grace, he's really far behind."
"..."
"Hmm."
"My lord, did you win again? You're amazing!"
"..."
"Hmm."
Shen Qingyu also chimed in, "My lord!"
Thinking about his child who was already three years old, Lin Bozhou furrowed his brows. "Shut up."
"..."
Shen Qingyu smiled inwardly, thinking, a person shouldn't or at least shouldn't, play chess with me after I learned that you were shut in at home, so I hurried over to accompany you and pass the time, but you bring along your wife to entertain me.
Meanwhile, Meng Huan hoped that the phrase "shut up" was directed at himself.
He hoped that Lin Bozhou would be cold-hearted and tell him to "get lost," and then Meng Huan would roll, hastily rolling away, and go straight to the internal treasury to ask the accountant for his monthly salary of thirty thousand taels as if he had never been here.
Shen Qingyu regained his composure and observed Meng Huan, saying, "Is this Meng Xueming's son?"
"Yes."
Lin Bozhou focused on the chessboard, his brows furrowed, and his fingertips played with the chess pieces repeatedly.
Shen Qingyu sighed, "My lord, your habit of bullying honest people hasn't changed at all."
"I will request His Majesty to remove his position and send him into exile. Your father will also have contributed."
"..."
Shen Qingyu fell silent, alright, I can't argue with you.
Meanwhile, Meng Huan blinked his eyes and vaguely remembered something when he heard the name Meng Xueming.
Meng Huan's father had been imprisoned and demoted due to accusing the Regent Prince of being a treacherous minister, and Meng Huan himself had been sent to the pleasure quarter to amuse people.
The pleasure quarter was an officially managed brothel.
Meng Xueming's accusations against the Regent Prince had become well-known throughout the capital, and someone in the pleasure quarter secretly took care of him, preventing him from engaging in filthy activities. However, on this day, someone came to cause trouble, kicking open the doors of the pleasure quarter and shouting, "Bring out that traitor's son for servicing!"
It was a blatant humiliation. The person held Meng Huan's chin and sneered, "You look so delicate and lovely. The young master's residence just happens to lack a servant girl. Why don't you come?"
They dragged Meng Huan through the streets, and no one expected that the Regent Prince's carriage would pass by at that very moment.
The curtain was lifted, revealing half of Lin Bhouzo's handsome and indifferent profile. He asked, "Who is causing the disturbance?"
Someone replied, "They are fighting over a concubine, Meng Xueming's son."
Lin Bhouzo glanced at Meng Huan.
Without saying another word, he declared, "I have taken a liking to this person. Bring him back to the mansion."
With just a simple sentence, Meng Huan's fate was determined. Those who desired him fell silent. Who would dare to compete with Lin Bhouzo? They might lose their heads before they could even make a move.
Staying in the brothel, either becoming a concubine for that young master or following Lin Bhouzo, neither option was undesirable for Meng Huan.
However, since Meng Xueming's life was safe for now, Meng Huan didn't have any strong objections. He continued to fan himself.
Father, let your son survive for now.
Lin Bhouzo glanced at the tea and seemed thirsty.
Meng Huan quickly brewed some tea, leaned forward, and offered it with a smile, saying, "My lord, please enjoy the tea."
His smile was refreshing, his eyes bright and appreciative, and his voice sweet and gentle, resembling Daji, who seduced King Zhou.
The people in the pavilion felt uneasy and uncomfortable.
The weather... it's really hot.
I... miss my wife a bit.
The regent's dark and narrow eyes lowered, his gaze falling on the golden tea, and the corners of his lips curved up. "I don't drink the first brew of tea."
"Huh?" What a fuss about such a thing?
Shanxing smiled and took the teapot, saying, "The first brew is strong and bitter. My lord doesn't like it. Let me add some hot water, my lord. Lady, please forgive this servant's mistake."
Indeed, they were truly worthy of their noble status. However, Meng Huan didn't let go, obediently pouring out the first brew of tea and adding hot water again. He looked at Lin Bhouzo sincerely and said, "I'll remember it, and I won't make the same mistake again. Please forgive me, my lord."
"Hahaha..." Shen Qingyu burst into laughter. "My lord, with such a concubine, what more could you desire? Hahaha!"
"..."
Lin Bhouzo's gaze returned to Meng Huan's cheek.
Meng Huan's scalp tingled under his gaze, his smile stiffened on his face. He tried to please, saying, "Apart from tea, my lord, would you like some snacks? I can have someone prepare them."
Lin Bhouzo's chess piece finally fell. "No need."
"Alright, then I'll fan you, my lord."
Meng Huan picked up the fan and gracefully fanned the wind.
At noon, when the chess pieces were put back in the basket, Lin Bhouzo stood up. "Let's have the meal."
The servants behind him hurriedly left the pavilion and rushed to the kitchen, instructing the chef to prepare the dishes.
Shen Qingyu scratched his chin and observed the chessboard. "This shouldn't be. I actually lost to my lord by nine pieces? Before, our chess skills were only half a piece apart. The gap between us seems to be growing. I don't understand, I really don't."
"When were you ever only half a piece behind me?" Lin Bhouzo said, "Haven't I always been beating you?"
"..." Shen Qingyu replied, "My lord, you shouldn't speak carelessly."
Finally, it was time for the regent to eat. Meng Huan rubbed his sore wrists and thought, at least I can finally go and collect the money.
As Lin Bhouzo took a step forward, he thought of something and said, "You come too."
Meng Huan immediately became alert. "No need, my lord. I cannot dine in such an elegant place. I will return to my own courtyard to eat."
"Oh?"
Being refused, a faint glimmer flickered in Lin Bhouzo's deep and mysterious eyes, like a predatory beast sensing the movement of its prey.
"..."
Meng Huan realized he had once again defied the lord. It meant that his character had become strong-willed again.
It also meant... he was fulfilling his lord's preferences once again.
Suppressing the urge to curse, Meng Huan smiled brightly and slowly stood up. "Alright, I'll come."
The dining place was a small lotus pavilion by the lake. The air here was fresh, and the surroundings were pleasant. When the gentle breeze blew, the green lotus leaves on the lake swayed, giving a feeling of "endless green lotus leaves and vibrant red lotus flowers in the sun."
Shen Qingyu stood outside the pavilion. "My lord..."
"There are no outsiders here, so there's no need for such formalities. Sit down and eat, Shanxing as well."
Following the south-facing direction, Meng Huan, as a concubine, sat by Lin Bhouzo's side to serve him. As soon as he sat down, he heard the sound of the servants bringing the dishes.
One dish after another was reported.
"Mouth-watering mushroom with fatty chicken, three fresh duck dishes, shredded chicken, stewed meat, stewed pork belly with persimmons, pork slices stewed with cabbage, braised lamb, lamb stewed with spinach and tofu, cherry pork with yam."*
Meng Huan: Wow!
*[Note: The translation may not capture the full essence of the dish names and might not correspond to specific dishes in English cuisine.]
"Donkey meat stewed with cabbage, sliced lamb with small radish, duck strips stir-fried with sea cucumber, duck cubes stir-fried with Ge Xian rice, braised mushrooms, stewed meat slices with yulan slices, stewed lamb shreds, fried spring rolls, stir-fried pork with yellow chives, smoked elbow flower and small tripe, braised tofu, smoked dried silk with steamed dishes, stir-fried cabbage strips with Sichuan peppercorn oil, five-spice dried meat, sacrificial meat slice soup, boiled Sai Le, boiled white meat, fresh carp minced meat."
Meng Huan: Wow wow wow!
Meng Huan's eyes were fixed, and Lin Bhouzo wiped his hands without even glancing at the table, replaying the chess game with Shen Qingyu.
"I lost by a full nine stones. It must be because I was too distracted earlier," Shen Qingyu insisted, blaming Meng Huan for the loss.
Lin Bhouzo sneered, turned his head, and saw Meng Huan staring at the table. His fingers quietly touched the chopsticks, although his expression was calm, it was evident that he would start eating as soon as he gave the order.
Lin Bhouzo raised an eyebrow with a hint of malicious pleasure.
Shan Xing immediately understood his expression and said, "Lady Meng, please serve the prince for lunch."
Meng Huan: ?
What? This is unexpected!
So the noble prince needs someone to serve him his meal? How can you serve a meal? Isn't it just chewing and swallowing?
Do I have to chew it for you and feed it to your mouth?
Although her heart screamed, Meng Huan licked her lips and swallowed her saliva forcibly. She picked up the chopsticks and started serving the dishes on the table. She picked up a piece of juicy and oily white meat and put it in Lin Bhouzo's bowl, suppressing her resentment, "Please enjoy, Your Highness."
Lin Bhouzo slowly put it in his mouth.
Then he picked up a piece of fragrant and tender fish, carefully removing the bones, and put it in Lin Bhouzo's bowl, saying, "Please try this, Your Highness."
Lin Bhouzo took another bite.
"Is it delicious?" eagerly.
Lin Bhouzo's lips curved slightly and he replied, "Hmm."
Meng Huan: QAQ
She bit her lip and imagined herself eating all the food. She scooped up a spoonful of golden chicken soup, blew on it gently, and tremblingly brought it to Lin Bhouzo's lips, "Your Highness, what does this chicken soup taste like..."
Is it fresh, fragrant, with the taste of chicken mixed with mushrooms?
Meng Huan stared fixedly at the spoonful of chicken soup, almost feeling the gust of wind bringing it into her stomach.
Lin Bhouzo lightly bit his teeth. He didn't feel like eating anymore under such scrutiny, and surprisingly, he felt a hint of guilt. With one hand on the pear blossom wooden armrest, he raised his eyebrows and said, "You can eat it yourself, no need to serve me."
"This..."
If she still had a little self-control, Meng Huan would say, "No, Your Highness, please let me serve you properly!"
But at this moment, with the table full of dishes and the fragrant aroma filling the air, Meng Huan didn't have the energy to worry about this and that. She heard those words as if she had received a pardon and nodded vigorously, "Then I won't be polite."
She picked up the chopsticks and picked up the fresh carp minced meat that Lin Bhouzo had tasted earlier.
As she tasted it, it was indeed tender, fragrant, and incredibly delicious.
She tasted the sliced lamb stewed with cabbage, braised lamb shreds, fried spring rolls, stir-fried pork with yellow chives...
She kept tasting and tasting...
"Your Highness, after finishing the meal, shall we play another game? I think I know where I made mistakes in the previous game," Shen Qingshan said, and Lin Bhouzo responded lightly.
His attention was on Meng Huan.
The young man, while eating, probably knew that he didn't look elegant, so he didn't put much in his bowl and only picked the food in front of him. But he ate quickly.
Moreover, it was incredibly rare that he ate with pure, immersed, and happy delight.
As if he had never eaten these things before in his life.
Did the salary of a court official in the Department of Rites give low monthly pay? Yes, although they had good prospects for promotion as officials in the civil service examination, they were usually selected from the Hanlin Academy's scholars and couldn't benefit much financially. They lived in modesty and struggled with a mediocre lifestyle.
To eat so openly made it quite interesting.
Lin Bhouzo withdrew his gaze, and Shen Qingyu kept looking at him.
"?"
The expression on Shen Qingyu's face was filled with the meaning of "Your Highness, you should have married and had a wife earlier. Now you know how good it is to have a wife, right?"
What's the problem?
"Gurgle..."
Meng Huan finished every grain of rice in her bowl and let out a satisfied burp.
She was full and a bit dizzy from eating, but she remembered her role as a concubine and turned to Lin Bhouzo, "Has Your Highness finished?"
She picked up the chopsticks, ready to continue serving him, "Let me serve you, my lord?"
Shan Xing, who was indulging in the poetic mood, faced the full lotus pond and composed poems. Shen Qingyu occasionally made a few comments while holding his wine cup.
Lin Bhouzo's bowl was empty, and he only said, "Pour the wine."
Meng Huan poured him a cup of wine, her voice sweet, soft, and extremely adorable.
"..."
That sentence directly disrupted Shan Xing's poetic mood. The last two paragraphs changed the tone to lament his wandering life, his age in his twenties, and his loneliness like the solitary lotus in the pond.
Shen Qingyu's smile gradually faded, and seeing that the food had cooled, he slowly stood up.
"Your Highness."
He didn't come to the Regent's Mansion just to accompany Lin Bhouzo playing chess, watching them show affection, and listening to Shan Xing's complaining poetry.
Lin Bhouzo raised an eyebrow slightly, gesturing to Meng Huan, "You go rest."
They must have something to discuss and wanted to avoid her presence. Meng Huan wasn't too surprised or concerned. She stood up promptly, accustomed to following instructions, and left the lotus pavilion without hesitation.
She headed back along the same path she came—
The inner treasury, you better not be closed.
I'm here to collect my salary!
Note: Some parts of the translation may be adjusted based on the context and intended meaning.