Chapter 76: Xiao Jie, Why Are You Out Here Again?

It must be said, at this moment, Situfeng’s demeanor was indeed quite dashing. In the Tianhuo Empire, he had always been known as the First Young Master—a reputation worlds apart from Humuo’s own title as the foremost wastrel, as different as heaven and earth.

Humuo truly couldn’t understand why this illustrious scion of the Situ family pursued him so relentlessly. If Humuo’s preferences weren’t perfectly ordinary, he might already have been moved to the point of risking everything to marry him.

“Ha, Young Master Situ, you’re much too courteous,” Humuo said as he accepted the glass of wine, preparing to drink.

“Humuo, aren’t you afraid I’ve poisoned it?” Situfeng suddenly joked, causing Humuo’s hand, holding the wine, to pause just before his lips.

The people nearby instinctively edged away from the two; everyone knew the feud between the Hu and Situ families, and none wished to foolishly embroil themselves.

Humuo slowly lowered the glass, smiled faintly, and replied, “If you were your idiotic younger brother, Situ Jie, I truly wouldn’t drink it—not out of fear, but disdain. However, since the illustrious Young Master Situ poured and offered the wine himself, if I were still suspicious, that would be cowardice on my part. Come, cheers!”

Raising the glass, Humuo drained it in one gulp, then tossed it onto the table with studied nonchalance, where it landed perfectly.

“I’ve had a drink with you, Young Master, but I have matters to attend to. I’ll take my leave.” Humuo bowed elegantly, and, with Huang Sheng, headed toward the innermost part of the hall.

Situfeng watched Humuo’s retreating figure, savoring the words he’d just spoken. He smiled, shaking his head gently.

“Humuo, what is he probing for, time and again?” Huang Sheng murmured, his voice low and his brows furrowed.

“What is he after? Ha, I suppose only he knows. But I imagine he’s just as puzzled, wondering what I’m after,” Humuo replied, a mischievous smile curling his lips as he strode on without looking back.

The deepest chamber was Zhu Xinluo’s private domain, and few dared venture there. Yet Humuo was drawn to it, believing that only there could he truly uncover the princess’s secrets.

Before he reached the room, Humuo saw two rigorously-armed squads of soldiers posted at the entrance. Their faces were cold and hard, like beasts ready to spring, and Humuo could sense a faint scent of blood emanating from them—the unmistakable aura of the battlefield.

This surprised him greatly. Zhu Xinluo had even stationed imperial guards here as doormen; such measures spoke of remarkable cunning.

“Humuo, we shouldn’t go any closer. With Princess Xinluo’s temperament, if she’s not coming out and has locked herself in, it’s probably her feeding time. It’s best not to disturb her now,” Huang Sheng muttered, as though fearing something.

“Feeding time? What do you mean? Surely she’s not just eating… No, eating wouldn’t require such a display,” Humuo frowned, muttering to himself.

Suddenly, a thought struck him. He closed his eyes and extended his spiritual senses toward the chamber.

As soon as his spiritual power touched the room, a powerful force rebounded from the door, hurling his energy back. The backlash left Humuo dizzy, and he couldn’t help but curse, “Setting up a soundproof barrier in broad daylight—unless she’s… uh, Huang Sheng, you don’t mean that kind of feeding, do you?”

Humuo stared blankly at Huang Sheng, whose only response was a subtle nod. Humuo’s mind was thrown into chaos.

“That’s why I warned you, Humuo. Princess Xinluo never spends a night without a man in her bed. Disturbing her now would be ill-advised,” Huang Sheng said, forcing a bitter smile. Some of the princess’s habits could only be described as astonishing.

Humuo was genuinely impressed. A crowd waited outside for the princess to preside over the gathering, yet she remained inside, openly indulging herself. He began to wonder whether he’d come to uncover her secrets, or if she was ‘uncovering’ him—it was a worrisome thought.

“We’d best leave this place; I’m afraid it’ll ruin my appetite,” Humuo said with difficulty, forcing a smile as he turned to go.

Just then, the tightly shut door swung open, and a familiar figure emerged before Humuo. Pale-faced and drained, Humuo would never have recognized him without careful scrutiny: the second young master of the Situ family, Situ Jie, had just finished his tryst with the princess of the Tianhuo Empire. From the depths of his soul, Humuo broke out in a cold sweat.

The guards instantly became attentive upon seeing Situ Jie—serving tea, handing towels, as solicitous as trainers during a boxer’s break, leaving Humuo utterly dumbfounded.

Huang Sheng leaned in and whispered, “Rumor has it Situ Jie is the princess’s favorite pet. The Situ family knows and not only doesn’t object, but actively supports it. He’s their link to the princess.”

With this, Humuo understood. No wonder Situ Jie was so arrogant—he’d climbed to power via his ‘assets’. For a man to be so proud of such circumstances, Humuo marveled at the perversity of the world.

“So that’s how it is. We’ll have to reassess the princess. Judging by her taste in men, it leaves much to be desired,” Humuo raised his voice slightly, ensuring Situ Jie could hear.

Situ Jie, sipping tea, spat it out upon hearing those words. Ignoring the soldiers’ odd looks, he shouted, “Who’s the blind fool slandering me? Get out here now!”

His face flushed crimson, his body weakened after a night of endless demands. The anger actually brought some color back to his cheeks.

“Oh dear, oh dear, why has little Jie come out again? He just can’t be tied down,” Humuo said helplessly, adopting an exaggerated expression as he stepped forward.

“Oh, I must have misheard. Second Young Master Situ, your voice is so like my little Jie’s—easy to confuse at first,” Humuo apologized, shaking his head as if sincerely mistaken.

Situ Jie saw it was Humuo, and his fury soared. He felt as if his heart might explode.

“Humuo! How dare you! You’re not welcome here. Guards, throw him out!” Situ Jie shouted like a mad dog. Luckily, they were far from the main hall, or his yell would have drawn a crowd.

The soldiers responded instantly, faces fierce and eager. As the princess’s favored pet, Situ Jie’s words were law.

“Whoa, Second Young Master, what’s all this? I merely misheard—no need for such seriousness. Surely you haven’t forgotten, today’s the day of the society ladies’ gathering. As the eldest of the Hu family, I’m here as a guest. I have the princess’s invitation. Are you saying you’d dare throw out Her Highness’s guest?” Humuo finished by waving the crimson invitation, watching Situ Jie’s face turn redder than the card. He and Huang Sheng could barely contain their delight.

The soldiers halted. Though Situ Jie held authority, Humuo’s invitation was genuine. If they acted against him and the princess took offense, they’d be in trouble.

Provoked, Situ Jie felt a sweetness in his throat, nearly vomiting blood. He struggled to swallow it, glared venomously at Humuo, unable to utter a word.

“Ah, Second Young Master, I’m truly concerned for you. Weak constitution and anger—such things can be fatal. You should rest and recuperate. Those tonics for strength should be avoided; don’t ruin your life for fleeting pleasure,” Humuo shook his head, dispensing advice like a wise physician. Situ Jie’s face darkened further, and the blood he’d just swallowed welled up again, trickling from his lips.

“It’s terrible, terrible! Second Young Master is dying! Didn’t you see? Hurry, carry him to a physician. If he dies, the princess will rage, and none of you will survive!” Humuo shouted. The stimulus made Situ Jie cough up blood, and he collapsed, caught by a soldier.

The soldiers’ faces turned pale as ghosts. In a panic, they carried Situ Jie through a side door.

Humuo shook his head helplessly and said to Huang Sheng, “Huang Sheng, this has nothing to do with me. He ruined his health with reckless tonics and spat blood—truly sad to see. Let’s go meet the society ladies and ease my wounded heart.”

With his infuriating grin, Humuo led the way, and Huang Sheng followed, heading back the way they’d come.

“Ha, Humuo, your tongue is as sharp as a lotus blossoming. But since you came specially to greet me, how can you just leave without a word? I am most aggrieved,” came a voice dripping with seductive charm from within the room. It was as if someone breathed gently by his ear, making Humuo’s legs weak. He knew the true player had finally grown impatient.

Fourth chapter complete. To be honest, the author is about to cough blood—nearly twelve hours straight of writing, even bathroom breaks are a sprint. Nothing more to say—rest is needed, and I wish I could just eat and sleep. Midnight brings a new day, and there’ll be two guaranteed chapters. Brothers, cheer me on! Your encouragement is my greatest motivation to keep going.