The Heroine Disguises Herself As A Man To Enter The Academy, And The Hero Loses His Memory And Forgets his First Love. - Chapter 4

Zhu Bafu felt utterly wronged. He never imagined that the nameless young lord’s way of flaunting wealth would be so brutal and inhumane.

At the time of the incident, Zhu Bafu had been plastered against the door, eavesdropping on a scandal. Though it had absolutely nothing to do with him, human beings are instinctively drawn to juicy gossip—especially about affairs and forbidden love. He was thoroughly absorbed, enraptured in a haze, his tender and emotional heart pricked by the melodramatic lines echoing from the boudoir.

Suddenly, the person involved—namely, the nameless young lord—was squatting right beside the doorway, glancing sideways at him with an indifferent look.

“What’s going on inside?”

“Aiya, it’s hard to explain with just a few words! If you really want to know, put your ear to the door and listen! Go on, listen!”

“Oh, no need. My character doesn’t permit me to do something so filthy and low.”

“…Then why the hell did you ask? Isn’t asking just as filthy and low? Talking about ‘character’? Pah! What’s that worth? If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be squatting here losing mine!” Fuming, Zhu Bafu gave him an up-and-down glare, then continued listening intently with full focus.

“How do you think I can show off my flair and presence?”

The scene inside had just gotten thrilling—full of jealousy and seduction—so Zhu Bafu absentmindedly replied, “Whatever! If a man’s rich, he’s got all the presence he needs. Just kick the door down, wrap her up for three months—every night is yours! Now that’s a show of presence. But of course, that takes silver to back it up.”

“Kick the door down?”

“Yeah!” Zhu’s eyes sparkled, and he raised his brows excitedly. “Side turn, lift leg, side kick, sweep kick, flying kick! Oh! That masculine energy—it’s unbeatable!”

Just as he finished speaking—swift as wind and lightning—whoosh! a powerful gust of leg wind swept past, followed by a loud BANG!

Zhu Bafu, caught in the glorious blast of that leg wind, was sent flying through the door along with the poor innocent door itself—both of them kicked inside in full force.

The nameless young lord remained outside in a dramatic pose, long leg still raised, ankle playfully twisting in Zhu Bafu’s direction. Rage flared in Zhu’s chest as he got up, ready to explode—only for the top of his head to clang against a man’s chin.

“Owwww!” Dizzy and in pain, Zhu clutched his aching head and stumbled forward. Just as he was about to faceplant onto the floor, eyes squeezed shut in terror—

A hand wrapped around his waist. A gentle lift, and he found himself suspended sideways, floating lightly in midair.

“Is maintaining balance in front of me really that difficult?”

That luxurious male voice sounded familiar, prompting Zhu Bafu to look back. To his shock, the man he had once written a love letter to now stood right before him. With a single arm, Li Chenjing had caught his tumbling body, easily pulling him in so that Zhu’s back pressed against his chest.

Li Chenjing… Why was he in Liu Rongrong’s boudoir?

So—he was one of her private guests too?

He had rushed off after tossing Zhu into the lake, only to come straight to the brothel to enjoy the courtesan?

Hmph! Must be another useless good-for-nothing young master—relying on his Prime Minister father to throw his weight around, indulge in vice, and swim in wine and women!

No… that’s not right.

From what Zhu had just overheard outside, the situation seemed reversed. That man inside had been the one used by the woman—as a shield, a tool, a pleasure object…

Uhh… that holier-than-thou aura of his really didn’t fit the role of a pleasure object.

Look at him now—brows furrowed, lips tight, eyes deep and cold again…

“Get down.”

“Eh? Uh?”

“A grown man clinging to me like this—how long do you plan to stay?”

“Wha—huh?” Zhu looked down and only then realized that, scared out of his wits, he’d latched onto Li Chenjing out of instinct and still hadn’t let go—clinging like a koala.

Two grown men tangled up together—what a disgrace!

He hurriedly released his grip and, treating Li Chenjing like a pole, slid smoothly down to the floor. After landing, he clapped the dust from his hands and even raised an eyebrow in triumph. Not falling flat on his face really lifted the mood.

Huh? That woman over there, lifting her skirt and scrambling onto the bed—was that the famed courtesan Liu Rongrong? Under such dim candlelight, he hadn’t seen clearly before. He had thought he could sneak a free look at the beauty people usually paid a fortune to glimpse—so there really is no such thing as a free lunch. Since he didn’t pay, the lady was dodging him like the plague.

Eh? That exposed white neck? Those smooth shoulders? She… wasn’t fully dressed?

They weren’t just having a secret rendezvous—this was full-on passion?

How was the nameless young lord supposed to accept this?

“Y-you two… how could you… be so naughty?” So unruly!

Zhu Bafu eyed Li Chenjing from head to toe with a knowing gaze, shaking his head in disappointment at his behavior. So this was the son of the Prime Minister—praised by all as the top scholar of the Eastern Academy, one step away from serving at the Emperor’s side—yet his private life was this sordid?

But that wasn’t even the key point.

The real concern was…

Zhu turned a worried glance toward the nameless young lord still standing at the threshold.

Poor, lovesick young master. His heart must be torn apart right now. What a blow this must be.

If the one stealing his woman had been some greasy, stupid old official, he could’ve charged in heroically to rescue the damsel. But no—the one caught in the act was a refined, graceful young man, with striking features, endless potential, and scholarly talent. The top scholar of the Eastern Academy. And most importantly—

His father was the sitting Prime Minister. Second only to the Emperor.

With a background like that, even the richest suitor would be forced to slink away and draw sad circles in a corner.

Losing a woman to someone inferior could be endured—but to lose to a man who had everything? That was the most humiliating kind of defeat for a man.

A heavy, explosive tension swirled around the entrance to Liu Rongrong’s room.

Inside, Li Chenjing flicked his wide sleeves, his eyes turning glacial.

Outside, the nameless young lord lifted his chin, eyes calm and unreadable as they met Li Chenjing’s gaze. Like two scheming masterminds recognizing each other, they stared each other down without flinching.

One was cold and arrogant. The other wild and unruly. Sparks flew between them like New Year’s fireworks exploding over the city walls.

Their standoff had nothing to do with Zhu Bafu, just a background extra caught in the crossfire. He should’ve just ducked and covered and stayed out of the way.

But… the nameless young lord had been generous, treating him to the brothel even though they’d just met. Zhu couldn’t stand by and watch him walk into ruin.

He was probably new to the capital and didn’t know who he was challenging—this cold, elegant man was the Prime Minister’s son! Not someone you could afford to offend!

Zhu had a duty to warn him!

He quickly raised his hands in a giant “X,” pointed behind him at Li Chenjing, and was about to signal the young lord to back down, apologize, and run for it—

When a soft rustle came from behind him.

Zhu turned his head—only to witness something that made his heart skip a beat.

Li Chenjing had raised both sleeves over his head, the flowing fabric veiling his face. One leg bent, he gracefully knelt to the floor with bowed head.

He—he was kneeling?! The dignified son of the Prime Minister? The top scholar of the Eastern Academy—Li Chenjing—was kneeling to that guy?

Zhu hadn’t even begun to process the absurdity of the scene before the nameless young lord replied, completely at ease, as if nothing were amiss.

“Xiao Jingzi, no need to be so formal outside. Besides…”

He paused, glancing meaningfully at the inner chamber.

“Besides, I’ve been busy lately and haven’t visited in a while. You’ve taken good care of Rongrong for me—it’s I who should thank you. But tell me, does your father know how often you’ve been looking after her?”

What… a cunning little devil this nameless lord was!

Zhu had thought he’d suffer defeat at the hands of the Prime Minister’s son. But now it seemed all his worries were for nothing!

He had mastered the art of flipping the tables—subtly seizing the upper hand with venomous precision.

“Xiao Jingzi”? Pfft! Who knew the son of the Prime Minister had such a cute nickname? Sounds like a little eunuch!

Still kneeling, Li Chenjing didn’t rise. His sleeves lowered just slightly, revealing eyes like frozen blades. “To answer you, my father has never asked. But I wonder—does he know you came here today?”

“Prime Minister Li?” The nameless young lord smiled warmly, stepped into the room, and casually helped Zhu Bafu up, brushing dust off his shoulders as he spoke to Li Chenjing.

“If he knew both of us were here, he’d surely be furious, wouldn’t he? Hehe… But I’m not planning to go back just yet. You’ve enjoyed your fun for quite some time—shouldn’t it be my turn now? Xiao Jingzi, you’ll cover for me, won’t you?”

“Your Majesty…” Li Chenjing furrowed his brow and raised his hands to protest, but his words were cut off.

“Ugh, don’t argue. The Prime Minister is probably at home having dinner right now, isn’t he? You bookish types always say: ‘As a child, rise in the morning and report at night, never leave without permission.’ Xiao Jingzi, you should return to the manor.”

With the air of a true host, the young lord lifted his robes and sat down at the desk. He glanced at the ink brushwork on the table, then at the rumpled bedding, then finally at Liu Rongrong, who still trembled behind the curtain, saying nothing. He curled his lips into a smirk and nudged Zhu Bafu with the tip of his foot.

“Hey, Piggy Boy. That’s the Chunfen Brothel courtesan you were so eager to meet. Satisfied?”

“Huh? I…” Zhu Bafu wasn’t some lust-driven pervert. He hadn’t even come here for a woman, and had no designs on someone else’s. What was there to be satisfied or not? He gave a couple of dry chuckles. “She’s alright! Quite the beauty! Hehe…”

“I promised to introduce her to you, but unfortunately, I’m not in the mood today. You should head back.” With a casual wave, the young lord dismissed him. Then, with exaggerated melancholy, he turned to adjust the lamp wick. Still, he didn’t forget to create trouble—

“Xiao Jingzi, take this gentleman home.”

“Huh? Escort me? Home?” Zhu glanced at the stormy-faced Li Chenjing. Was this frozen block supposed to walk him home? “Heh… haha… There’s really no need. I’m fully capable of finding my own front gate.”

“Piggy Boy, look at you—so delicate and fragile. I just can’t rest easy. That’s why I’m sending the person I trust and rely on the most to escort you. Don’t be so modest.”

“…”

Most trusted and relied on?! What a shameless excuse! He clearly just wanted to send the two of them away so he could cozy up with the courtesan! So obvious!