After Transmigrating, My Younger Brother Always Tries to Seduce Me - Chapter 26

Zhu Zhenzhen, with her remarkably familiar manner, settled down beside him. The table before them was laden with delicacies, and she glanced at the menu to compare.

This man had deliberately ordered the most expensive items. Zhu Zhenzhen glanced at the neighboring table, where the same Eight Treasures Crispy Duck was served, yet on his table, it seemed even more extravagant.

The portions were substantial, and the presentation was meticulously refined. How could they manage this? By using larger plates for each dish, stacking them densely across the table without collapsing.

Brother, Zhu Zhenzhen asked, do you know where the manager went? I’ve been watching from outside for quite some time, but I haven’t seen anyone.

Hearing her voice, he cast an inscrutable gaze over her before withdrawing his gaze and resuming his fiddling with the food on his plate. His thin lips parted slightly. Just wait. They won’t be back so soon.

The man picked up his chopsticks, poking at the dishes as if unsure where to begin.

Zhu Zhenzhen immediately sensed an opportunity, as if she knew something. Isn’t Min Yue Pavilion usually packed? Why are there so few people here today? Judging by the state of the hall, it should have been crowded earlier.

Bowls and chopsticks stained with rice grains still lay on the table, along with a half-drunk bowl of wine casually left with wine stains clinging to its rim.

The man set down his chopsticks, his slender eyes narrowing slightly.

What? So hungry you can’t wait? Looking for a bite to eat? A mocking smile curled at the corner of his lips. You’re welcome to take some leftovers from other tables. Consider it a gift from me.

Why is this guy so rude? What’s with the attitude?

He suddenly tossed something onto the table. Zhu Zhenzhen’s eyes involuntarily darted downward, and the sharp retort she was about to deliver died on her tongue. Silver coins clattered across the table, rolling against her fingertips.

Take it and get lost. Don’t be an eyesore in front of me. Use the money to buy some decent clothes. You’re an insult to my eyes.

So generous? The young masters in the Capital really are different. Even when telling someone to scram, they do it with such courtesy.

Zhu Zhenzhen carefully gathered the loose silver coins, one by one, and meticulously tucked them into her money pouch.

The man watched her eyes light up with nothing but excitement for the money, and the corner of his mouth twitched. He averted his gaze, staring at the table laden with delicacies, yet found himself unable to take a single bite.

The food at Min Yue Pavilion was nothing special.

Could I buy this plate from you? I’ll pay the original price, she asked, pointing to a plate of chestnut cakes.

The price the man had paid could have bought three or four more plates of chestnut cakes. He hadn’t touched a single piece, leaving the plate untouched as mere decoration. Since the owner had likely been invited away by this lord and wouldn’t be back anytime soon, she figured she might as well buy a plate from him.

Yun Guanhua froze momentarily at the sound of her voice.

He had come to dine here today, originally intending to take a private room upstairs. However, the bustling atmosphere in the main hall had caught his attention, so he asked the owner to set up a table for him there.

As soon as he sat down, the hall’s boisterous chatter gradually subsided into hushed whispers. Covert glances darted from all directions, as if everyone were afraid. This realization infuriated Yun Guanhua, but he wasn’t one to keep his displeasure bottled up.

With a wave of his hand, so oily it seemed to drip through his fingers, Yun Guanhua tossed a few silver ingots to the owner and had the entire crowd driven out, leaving the hall in its current state of eerie quiet.

Her wide-eyed expression clashed with her slightly bewitching face.

Chestnut cakes—these delicacies were soft and fluffy, infused with the aroma of chestnuts, and boasted a rich, layered texture. It was no wonder young women loved them.

Yun Guanhua’s interest was piqued. Agreed, but you must return the silver you just accepted.

Zhu Zhenzhen didn’t hesitate. Done.

Either way, she wouldn’t lose.

She picked out the silver and placed it back on the table. He immediately confirmed the amount was correct.

Why is he suddenly indifferent to money? she wondered. Chestnut cakes aren’t unique to Min Yue Pavilion you can find them anywhere in the city.

After resting at home for two days, Zhu Zhenzhen received news. As Yan Guiyun had mentioned in her letter, the Martial Arts Tournament had already begun.

Prince Jin organized the tournament every four years to expand his influence. Held discreetly, it rarely caused a stir. The infrequent intervals made it difficult for anyone to gather evidence against him. Like a slippery eel, Prince Jin always managed to evade justice, defusing the emperor’s suspicions whenever officials dared to impeach him.

To this day, the emperor remained unaware of Prince Jin’s treasonous ambitions.

Rumor had it that Prince Jin had once been the frontrunner to seize the throne. Yet for reasons unknown, he voluntarily relinquished his claim as Crown Prince, allowing the current emperor to ascend to the throne.

Thus, the Holy Emperor indulged Prince Jin in every way, even allowing him to remain in the capital instead of taking up his fiefdom. Yet, somewhere along the line, Prince Jin transformed from a respectful younger brother into the sinister figure he is today, his actions hinting at rebellion.

The ministers pleaded repeatedly, but they could not awaken the Son of Heaven from his deep delusion.

The sun was particularly harsh today, causing Song Heng to squint.

About twenty or thirty people were gathered in Prince Jin’s courtyard. Every brick, tile, blade of grass, and tree in the estate exuded extreme extravagance, from the vermilion-tiled roofs and jade-green eaves to the intricately carved beams and painted rafters, all in the style of the imperial palace.

Prince Jin himself would not make an appearance. This was merely a competition—ostensibly to expand his influence, but everyone knew it was actually a selection process for loyal, unwavering assassins.

Imagine being on the brink of ruin when a noble offers you an olive branch, promising wealth and glory, forgiveness for past transgressions, and a chance to start anew. Would you hesitate to seize such an opportunity?

The crowd wore expressions of avarice, their faces radiating a palpable malice as they silently watched the brutal combat unfolding in the arena.

Those who truly sought victory wore no smiles.

The fighter dominating the arena struck with ruthless precision, each blow aimed at his opponent’s vital points. He showed no mercy as his opponent’s eyes rolled back, continuing to tighten his grip on the man’s throat.

Zhu Zhenzhen frowned deeply at the sight.

The two men had been laughing and joking, their arms slung around each other’s shoulders, calling each other brother with such warmth before stepping onto the stage. Now, they were trying to kill each other.

The rules of the Martial Arts Tournament were equally bizarre. It consisted of two rounds. In the first round, participants freely chose their desired opponents and fought. Winners advanced, losers were eliminated, and anyone who didn’t fight at all was also eliminated.

So, you had to find your own opponent. If no one wanted to fight you, you had to put on a smile and beg someone to agree. But even if you found an opponent, what then? You still had to brawl on the stage, bl00d splattering your face, with victory or defeat determined by brute force.

Prince Jin’s men stood guard at the entrance, blocking the exit—a redundant measure, really. After all, who would want to leave once they were inside?

After half an incense stick’s time, the battle on the stage finally concluded. One man lay foaming at the mouth on the ground, while the other knelt, shirtless, his fists stained crimson.

The victor was escorted to a side room to rest and await the next round.

Zhu Zhenzhen watched with her chin propped in her hand, hoping to observe two more rounds before entering the fray. She and Song Heng absolutely couldn’t fight each other both needed to secure top-three positions and avoid elimination in the first round at all costs.

Swords and blades were forbidden on the arena only pure physical prowess was allowed. Most of the competitors were hulking figures with bulging muscles.

Zhu Zhenzhen slowly formulated a strategy in her mind.

But luck rarely favored her. Just as she was about to approach Song Heng to discuss her plan, a hand clamped down on her shoulder from behind, its owner’s lecherous fingers slowly sliding down to her waist.

Zhu Zhenzhen’s hackles rose, a flicker of anger igniting in her eyes. She spun around, ready to kick.

But Song Heng reacted even faster.

Before she could fully turn, the man’s owner was already sprawled on the ground. Zhu Zhenzhen couldn’t help but glance at Song Heng, silently giving him a thumbs-up in her mind.

That reaction was lightning-fast.

Speak your mind if you have something to say. What’s with the groping?

Zhu Zhenzhen’s anger flared. She stomped twice more, adding insult to injury. You think you can pull this on me, huh?

This was akin to a fellow candidate groping you during a civil service exam.

The man slowly crawled to his feet, his jaw clenched tight. He had assumed the woman would remain silent out of fear, and the young man accompanying her looked harmless. He never expected such explosive force, instantly realizing the youth’s martial arts skills far surpassed his own.

The commotion was considerable anyone with eyes and ears could immediately grasp what had transpired. Those nearby already regarded him with undisguised contempt.

This utterly humiliated him. Yet, unwilling to confront Song Heng directly, he redirected his fury toward Zhu Zhenzhen.

Despite the searing pain in his abdomen, he forced himself to lower the hand clutching his stomach and spat at her

How did a mere woman like you even obtain a Black Nether Post? Can you even hold onto it? You probably acquired it through illicit means, didn’t you? You ungrateful wretch! If you’d just pleased me, I might have let you win!

If I can’t beat the man, surely I can outwit the woman, Zhao Ta thought, convinced of his own brilliance. This remark would surely incite public outrage against her, leading to a collective assault.

His words did indeed provoke displeasure, but not toward Zhu Zhenzhen. Instead, they ignited fury against Zhao Ta himself.

What illicit means? To these men, acquiring a Black Nether Token through arson, murder, and plunder was simply a display of skill. His words felt like a slap in the face, forcing them to confront their own sordid deeds.

Whispers rippled through the crowd as everyone’s attention turned to the scene. Some crossed their arms, relishing the spectacle, while others glared at Zhao Ta with undisguised animosity.

Song Heng’s gaze grew colder, his eyes fixed on the man as if he were already a corpse.

Whether I can hold my own or not, you’ll see when I fight in the arena, Zhu Zhenzhen sneered. Besides, this isn’t an excuse for you to let your hands wander and spew such nonsense.

If you’re going to be lewd, just admit it. Why try to dress it up with some high-sounding justification?

Zhao Ta continued his incessant babbling, completely disregarding Zhu Zhenzhen’s presence.

Song Heng’s patience had reached its limit. Roaring, he lunged out of his cage, stepping forward with cold eyes fixed on Zhao Ta. I was just looking for an opponent. How about…

Before he could finish, Zhao Ta interrupted him, fully aware he couldn’t win. Rolling his eyes with a misplaced sense of confidence, he declared, I won’t fight you. I’ll fight her.

He pointed directly at Zhu Zhenzhen.

As his finger landed, all eyes turned to Zhu Zhenzhen, eager to see how she would respond.

Would she prove Zhao Ta right—a mere ornamental pillow, a dodder vine clinging to the man beside her for survival?