Chapter 35: Want to Play Together?

"My lord, I am also interested in Miss Jinghong. Why don't you yield your claim?"

Just then, a rough male voice echoed through the room. The speaker wore a bamboo hat that obscured his features, but the sheer force behind his voice suggested a man of deep internal strength, clearly not someone to be trifled with.

"It’s Uncle Zhang!" Jiang Qin recognized him instantly. She didn't speak, but instead gave Zhao Ang’s hand a subtle, silent squeeze.

Zhao Ang understood her intent, yet he still put on a show of indignation. "Do you know who I am? I am the sole grandson of the Prince of Zhennan—the heir to the Prince of Zhennan’s estate! You dare compete with me for a woman? Have you grown tired of living?"

As his voice trailed off, the man showed no fear, merely repeating his demand. "I don't care who you are. I want this woman!"

The onlookers began to whisper and gossip, their eyes filled with mockery. "Now, this is going to be a good show!"

Jinghong puffed out her chest; with two men vying for her, her value was bound to rise. "I am the Prince’s companion for today, sir. Please, come back tomorrow." Though she relished the competition, she snuggled closer to Zhao Ang, signaling her allegiance. After all, this stranger clearly wasn't from a noble house; he lacked the prestige and status of Zhao Ang.

"Did you hear that? The lady wants to spend the night with me. You’d best try your luck in your next life!" With a flick of his folding fan, Zhao Ang wore the smug expression of a man who had won.

But moments later, a piercing, pig-like shriek erupted from him. "Hiss... that hurts!"

The man had stepped forward and twisted Zhao Ang’s arm behind his back. In truth, given Zhao Ang’s martial prowess, he could not have been restrained so easily. However, knowing the man was one of his grandfather's agents, he played his part to perfection.

"I said, I want this woman!"

"Who is this reckless brute? To actually dare lay a hand on Zhao Ang!"

"He must be truly sick of living!"

The onlookers were stunned. They might curse Zhao Ang behind his back, but none dared touch a single hair on his head.

"You... do you believe I’ll... Argh!" Zhao Ang tried to threaten him, but as the man increased the pressure, he quickly feigned agony. "Fine, fine! My apologies, warrior. I don't want this woman anymore. Jinghong, move aside. Don't stand by me."

Jinghong was taken aback by how quickly Zhao Ang had folded, though considering his usual character, she found it unsurprising. "My lord..." She didn't want to serve this man from the pugilistic world; who knew what his temper was like? For all she knew, she might not survive the night. She looked at Zhao Ang for help, but he only gave her a helpless shrug.

"Don't look at me, there’s nothing I can do," Zhao Ang said, turning his gaze back to the man. "I’ve given you the woman, can you let me go now? It really hurts."

"You’re a sensible one." The man released his grip, pulled Jinghong into his arms, and prepared to leave.

"Wait," Zhao Ang called out suddenly. "If you ask me, it’s fate that we took a liking to the same woman. Why don't you join me at the Jade Pavilion? Let’s enjoy ourselves properly."

When Zhao Ang said this, the onlookers’ jaws hit the floor. Everyone knew the young prince was a hedonist, but they had no idea he was *this* depraved! Was he... suggesting a foursome? How scandalous.

"Fine! I love to share the fun with others!" To everyone’s surprise, the man agreed instantly and burst into a hearty laugh.

"Ah, a kindred spirit! My apologies for the earlier misunderstanding. Please, forgive my rudeness." Zhao Ang’s eyes lit up, and he stepped forward to offer a theatrical bow.

The crowd was left speechless once more. Only when the two figures disappeared from sight did the onlookers snap out of their stupor.

"So that’s why he dared to challenge the Prince..."

"Turns out they’re both as degenerate as each other!"

The crowd drew their own silent conclusions, exchanged looks, and turned away in disgust. Everyone who frequented the White Jade Tower had money to burn, but the idea of two men sharing a woman like that? That was a line they couldn't bring themselves to cross.

Inside the Jade Pavilion, Jinghong felt a wave of anxiety. With both men competing for her, would she have to please them both at the same time? No, she was a renowned courtesan, but she had never done such a thing.

Just as she was wracking her brains for a way out, the man suddenly pointed at Jiang Qin while resting his arm on Zhao Ang’s shoulder. "Brother, the woman you brought along isn't bad either." Yes, in the span of a few moments, the two had already begun addressing each other as brothers.

Jinghong thought the pace of events was dizzying, but what followed was even more surreal.

"She’s one of my own household. Cleaner than any common prostitute," Zhao Ang said, raising an eyebrow at the man. "How about it, brother? Why don't you give her a try?"

Jinghong felt a sense of impending doom. She hurriedly sashayed forward, putting on her most alluring expression. "Young Master, she’s not as good as I am. I am the best at serving men."

"Pah! What’s so special about serving men?" Jiang Qin snapped her whip, her face full of disdain.

The man’s eyes lit up instantly. He shoved Jinghong aside. "I prefer this type."

"Then, how about..." Zhao Ang trailed off, and the man nodded emphatically.

"Alright, there’s nothing left for you here. Get out."

"Huh?" Jinghong was bewildered, but Zhao Ang acted with feigned impatience. "Are you deaf? My brother told you to leave." He grabbed a cup from the table and smashed it near Jinghong’s feet. "Get out!"

"Ah... Yes... Yes, my lord!" Terrified, Jinghong scrambled to her feet and fled the room.

"Close the door behind you." Zhao Ang’s voice followed her, and Jinghong hastily obeyed.

In the main hall, the madam looked at Jinghong in confusion. "Why are you out here? Where is the Prince? And that man?"

"They... they..." Jinghong, overwhelmed by a mixture of shame and fury, snapped, "They kicked me out! They wanted to play with the same woman!"

The room went silent. It seemed the Prince’s depravity had no floor—it only went deeper. To share a woman... it was unthinkable.

"That useless wastrel is beyond saving."

"I think the old Prince should hurry up and father another son before he turns a hundred."

The remark drew a roar of laughter from the crowd. Their previous envy of Zhao Ang had turned entirely into ridicule. Even the most dissolute among them wouldn't stoop to such tactics.

Inside the Jade Pavilion, however, the scene was entirely different.

"Zhang Mu pays his respects to Your Highness." The man set his bamboo hat aside and looked at Zhao Ang with genuine, deep respect.

"We are not at court. Why the formality?" Zhao Ang helped the man up. Beside them, Jiang Qin called out timidly, "Uncle Zhang."

"Ah," Zhang Mu smiled, gesturing to Jiang Qin’s height. "Five years, and you’ve grown so tall, lass. Don't take what I said earlier to heart."