World's First Traitor System (397)

Chapter 397 - Fan Chun’s Marriage

Yao Guang departed, her ambitions were thwarted. She had arrived hoping to win the hearts and minds of the Chu people with a minimal display of power, but Fan Li had outmaneuvered her.

In the eyes of Great Chu’s citizens, the once revered Empress now appeared opportunistic and manipulative. Yao Guang, who had previously despised Fan Li, now harbored an even greater resentment towards the people of Chu.

Only through conquest will they submit,” she seethed inwardly.

Peng City, meanwhile, was a scene of jubilant celebration. The gloom of the Xiongzhou defeat had dissipated, replaced by the euphoria of a triumphant defense. The garrison troops, their strength and preparedness evident, had instilled a renewed sense of security. Moreover, whispers about Fan Li’s role in the victory spread through the streets.

“I heard the Emperor was… terrified. He almost soiled himself.”

“He would have lost his throne if not for Duke Jin.”

“But isn’t the Duke a traitor?”

“A traitor who defends his kingdom? A traitor who protects his people? A traitor who stands on the front lines while the Emperor cowers?”

“But…”

“But nothing! I say Great Chu needs a new Emperor. Someone like Duke Jin.”

“Shhh! Walls have ears.”

Such talk never reached Fan Li’s ears. Within the Rivers and Mountains Pavilion, he was immersed in affairs of state when Fan Chun sought him out.

“What is it?” Fan Li asked, his curiosity piqued. It was rare for his usually confident brother, the commander of two hundred thousand garrison troops, to appear so hesitant.

“Um… Brother… well… you see…”

Fan Li’s patience wore thin. He kicked Fan Chun’s backside. “Spit it out!”

Fan Chun, rubbing his bruised posterior, forced a smile. “Brother, you know… people call you a traitor, right?”

“Yes, and?”

“Well… since you’re a traitor… I’m… the traitor’s brother. So… I’ve been… behaving accordingly.”

Fan Li frowned. His brother’s rambling clearly concealed something. He decided to play along. “Behaving accordingly? Enlighten me. What exactly have you been doing?”

“Well…” Fan Chun hesitated, his face flushing slightly. “When I’m not… commanding troops… I… frequent… pleasure houses.”

Fan Li stared at him. If he recalled correctly, Fan Chun’s rapid cultivation was partly due to his abstinence. He was still a virgin.

“Brother!” Fan Chun quickly clarified, seeing Fan Li’s expression, “I only drink wine and listen to music! Nothing more!”

Seeing his earnest expression, Fan Li sighed. “You’re wasting money.”

Wine and music? What a pointless pursuit. He had a strong suspicion where this was going, but he allowed Fan Chun to continue. “And while you’re… enjoying the music… I assume you… request the company of certain… ladies? Which ones, precisely?”

“Well… Brother… you know… our status…” Fan Chun hesitated again, glancing at Fan Li expectantly.

“Yes?”

“Being your brother… I… naturally… request the most… expensive companions. The courtesans.”

“Courtesans?” Fan Li repeated, feigning ignorance. “Peng City has many pleasure houses. Each with its own courtesan. Which ones do you frequent?”

“Only three, Brother. The Bright Moon Pavilion, the Golden Phoenix Pavilion, and the Embroidered Cloud Pavilion. You may have heard of them.”

“Oh?” Fan Li nodded slowly. “Those names… sound familiar…”

This rascal! He was deliberately dragging this out. Fan Li glared at him, refusing to take the bait. He reclined on his couch, waiting for Fan Chun to confess.

Fan Chun shifted uncomfortably, his face growing redder. Finally, he blurted out, “Brother! Su Qingfang of the Bright Moon Pavilion, Chen Shishi of the Golden Phoenix Pavilion, and Qin Hongyu of the Embroidered Cloud Pavilion! They are the only ones I… frequent!”

So, it was them. Of the three Fan brothers, the youngest, the seemingly most innocent, was the most experienced in the ways of pleasure houses? Appearances were indeed deceiving.

“The three courtesans? Truly impressive. My deepest respect.” Fan Li’s tone was laced with sarcasm. “So, you’ve come to boast of your conquests? You’ve outdone me. I’ve only visited a pleasure house once. To conduct business.”

“Brother!” Fan Chun was exasperated. Had his carefully crafted narrative been for nothing? “You… you promised them to me! You arranged our marriage!”

Fan Li, struggling to contain his laughter, shrugged. “That was merely a ruse, Brother. A strategy to thwart Empress Yao Guang. Surely, you didn’t take it seriously?”

“Seriously?!” Fan Chun leaped to his feet. “Brother! These women, though courtesans, are virtuous. Your word, as Duke of Jin, carries weight. If I do not marry them, their reputations will be ruined! It will be my fault!”

“Oh?” Fan Li paused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “You make a compelling argument. Very well. I will arrange a formal proposal.”

Fan Chun’s face flushed, his anxiety replaced by a bashful hesitation. “But…”

“But?” Fan Li’s voice hardened. “Do you despise them? Do you find their profession distasteful? Do not forget, Fan Chun, these women risked their lives to strengthen our army.”

Fan Chun’s hesitation vanished. “I would never! Their courage… I will never forget it.”

Fan Li smiled. So, it was genuine. A good man, worthy of virtuous women. “Then what is your concern?”

“Well…” Fan Chun stammered, “I… may have… exaggerated… my… affections. They believe… I am… devoted… to each of them… exclusively.”

Devoted? Perhaps. Exclusively? Fan Li chuckled inwardly.