Su Ran nodded, turned around, and found a seat at the next table. As soon as he sat down, several people at the table began greeting him enthusiastically, as if they had known him for years, even though they had just met. Soon, they started asking him personal questions—whether he was married, if he was interested in getting married, and so on. It was clear that they were all captivated by his striking appearance.
Meanwhile, Ji Chun was about to walk over to the table when Yun Zizhuo stood up to greet him. "Ji Chun, now that you're here, let me introduce you to my eldest brother," Yun Zizhuo said, leading him toward the man seated at the head of the table. "Dage, this is Ji Chun Dashi from Shaolin," Yun Zizhuo introduced.
Ji Chun clasped his hands together and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Master Yun."
"Dashi, there's no need for such formality," Yun Ziang replied, standing up to return the greeting. "I've heard much about you. My father often mentioned you before he passed away. Thank you for coming to my brother's wedding banquet. Unfortunately, I must leave tomorrow, but please stay at the fortress for a few days. Let Zizhuo show you around. After all, it's been over a decade since you two last saw each other."
Yun Zizhuo glanced at Ji Chun expectantly. After a moment's thought, Ji Chun nodded. "Thank you for your hospitality. I'll stay for a few days, though I apologize for the inconvenience."
"That's wonderful," Yun Ziang said with a smile. "Zizhuo, make sure to take good care of Ji Chun Dashi while I'm away."
"Of course, Dage. Don't worry," Yun Zizhuo replied, then turned to Ji Chun. "Please, take a seat. The food is ready." He personally escorted Ji Chun to the next table before returning to his own seat.
By now, it was fully dark, and the courtyard was illuminated by festive red lanterns. The atmosphere was lively, with people toasting, chatting, and enjoying themselves. Ji Chun, however, felt out of place in such a bustling environment. After only a few bites, he lost his appetite. In contrast, Su Ran seemed to be enjoying himself, drinking freely. Concerned for Su Ran's health, Ji Chun reached over and gently took the wine glass from his hand, whispering, "Sect Leader Su, don't drink too much. Be mindful of your health."
Su Ran shot him an annoyed glare, snatched the glass back, and said in a slightly slurred voice, "Ji Chun Dashi, don't you think you're overstepping? I can handle a little wine."
"But what if it harms you?" Ji Chun's voice grew firmer, his frown deepening. He placed a hand over Su Ran's, preventing him from lifting the glass again.
Su Ran pulled his hand back, stared at the wine glass for a moment, then glanced up at Ji Chun's determined expression. With a huff, he turned his face away, picked up his chopsticks, and began poking at the food on his plate without actually eating. Ji Chun remained outwardly calm, though he was inwardly surprised that Su Ran hadn't lashed out at him.
Just as Ji Chun was pondering this, Su Ran stood up abruptly. "I'm going to the bathroom," he announced, then turned and walked away. Ji Chun considered following him but decided against it. After all, Su Ran was just stepping out briefly. Instead, he thought about returning to the courtyard to rest. As he stood up, however, Yun Zizhuo approached with a smile.
"Ji Chun, where are you going? I came over specifically to talk to you," Yun Zizhuo said.
Ji Chun sat back down. "Benefactor Yun, is there something you'd like to discuss?"
Yun Zizhuo took Su Ran's vacated seat and said, "How have you been all these years? Why didn't you ever send me a message?"
"I've been well, thank you for asking," Ji Chun replied politely, though his tone carried a hint of distance.
"I told you to call me by my name," Yun Zizhuo said, his expression tinged with disappointment. "I've always considered you my closest childhood friend, but it seems you've forgotten that. It's a little disheartening."
Ji Chun hesitated, realizing that his aloofness might have hurt Yun Zizhuo's feelings. "I apologize, Zizhuo. Please don't be upset," he said, softening his tone.
Seeing Ji Chun's sincerity, Yun Zizhuo decided not to dwell on it. After all, it seemed silly for two grown men to fixate on their childhood bond. He changed the subject, saying, "Today, my third brother is getting married. He only met this woman less than a month ago, but he's completely smitten. I never expected him to marry before my eldest brother or me. But after he kept insisting and the elders approved, here we are."
Ji Chun nodded, unsure how to respond. As a monk, he felt it wasn't his place to comment on family matters. Yun Zizhuo didn't expect a reply; he simply wanted to keep the conversation going. "My eldest brother is leaving tomorrow. I'll see him off in the morning, and then I'll take you around Tongcheng in the afternoon," he continued.
The two chatted casually, with Yun Zizhuo doing most of the talking and Ji Chun listening attentively. Time passed quickly.
Meanwhile, Su Ran had left the noisy banquet behind, grateful for the quiet. He wandered into another courtyard and noticed a house with its door open. Red lanterns hung at the entrance, and the doors and windows were adorned with wedding decorations. It was clear the room had been meticulously prepared for the occasion.
Since the courtyard was so vast, the red lanterns hanging there could not fully illuminate the space. Unable to find the toilet, Su Ran decided to ask someone inside for directions. As he approached the door of a room, a maid stepped out. Upon seeing him, she was so startled that she nearly screamed.
Without hesitation, he seized her throat to prevent her from making a sound and asked in a low voice, "I'm just passing by. Where is the toilet?"
When he sensed that she had calmed down, he released his grip and repeated his question, his gaze fixed on her. The maid, now able to see his face clearly, flushed and hesitated before pointing toward the northwest corner of the courtyard. She whispered, "Sir, the toilet is that way. Do you need me to fetch a lantern?"
Before Su Ran could respond, a woman's voice called from inside the room, "Xiao Huan, who are you talking to out there?" The tone suggested she was the mistress of the house. Su Ran found the voice oddly familiar, but he was too tired to dwell on it—perhaps he had drunk too much. Right now, all he wanted was to relieve himself and go back to sleep.
"Madam, it's a young man who lost his way," the maid, Xiao Huan, quickly answered.
At that moment, an older maid stepped out, her expression firm as she addressed Su Ran. "Young Master, this is the bridal chamber of the Third Young Master. His wife is inside. To avoid any misunderstanding, please leave."
Su Ran frowned at the two women, irritation flickering across his face. "Fine. Bye." His voice was cold, his patience wearing thin. He turned on his heel and walked away, his expression dark. If not for the trouble it would cause, he would have silenced them both with a blade. How dare they be so brazen in front of him?
Just then, a sharp crash echoed from inside the room—a cup shattering against the floor. This was followed by hurried footsteps. Suddenly, a woman burst out, dressed in an opulent wedding gown, her veil slipping from her head as she ran after him.
"Wait!" she called out.
Su Ran's steps faltered. That voice… why did it sound so familiar? He turned around, his expression cold, and the moment his gaze landed on her, recognition struck him.
Wenshi.
A month ago, she had been a courtesan at Huanxi Garden, a woman who had briefly followed them before vanishing without a trace.
"Su Gongzi!" Wenshi's eyes widened in shock. But beyond that, there was something unsettling in her gaze—a mix of madness and exhilaration. "Why are you here?"
"I should be the one asking you that," Su Ran replied icily. "Why are you here?"
Wenshi's expression shifted as she straightened her posture, adopting an air of authority. "You two, leave. I need to speak with this young master alone." Her voice was sharp as she dismissed the maid and the older woman.
The maid hesitated, her eyes lingering on Su Ran, but when Wenshi shot her a glare, the old maid quickly pulled her away.
Su Ran remained expressionless, watching Wenshi in silence. He had no idea what she wanted, but he was willing to wait and see.
"Please, come inside and sit," she said, her tone suddenly soft and delicate, a stark contrast to the commanding presence she had just displayed.
Su Ran had no interest in playing along, but since she had invited him, he stepped inside. Without sparing her a glance, he walked straight to the table, sat down, and leaned back, eyes narrowing coldly. "Get to the point."
"Su Gongzi, have you been well?" Wenshi's voice was gentle, her gaze fixated on him with unsettling intensity.
Su Ran exhaled impatiently. "What do you want?"
"Su Gongzi, if not for your generosity in saving me, I would have been left to suffer a cruel fate," Wenshi said, her voice trembling with emotion. She dabbed at her eyes with a silk handkerchief, feigning distress. "Allow me to toast you!"
Without waiting for a response, she poured two glasses of wine, downed hers in one swift motion, and then pushed the second glass toward him.
Su Ran studied her for a moment, wondering what she was up to. But seeing her drink first, he deemed it unlikely that she would try anything foolish. He picked up the glass, drained it, and immediately stood to leave.
"Su Gongzi!" Wenshi called out, urgency in her voice. "Tonight is my wedding night. Do you truly feel nothing for me?"
Su Ran's expression darkened. The mere thought that a prostitute dared to expect affection from him was laughable. He remained silent, his face unreadable.
"The Third Young Master will be here soon. After tonight, we will have no fate left in this life. Su Gongzi, can you hold me just once more?" Wenshi's voice trembled with desperation as she stepped toward him, tears brimming in her eyes.
Disgusted, Su Ran took a step back, his patience wearing thin. This woman was shameless. Even on her wedding night, she dared to invite another man into her chambers. The Third Young Master was truly a pitiful man.
Wanting nothing more than to avoid unnecessary trouble, Su Ran turned to leave. But the moment he took a step, something felt off. A sudden dizziness clouded his mind, his limbs heavy as heat spread through his body. His vision blurred, and he found himself struggling to move. Even his internal energy refused to respond.
His voice was a furious growl. "You wench! What did you drug me with?!"
"No… no…" Wenshi whispered, her voice trembling. But there was triumph in her eyes. She remained where she was, hesitating, unsure of how well the drug had taken effect.
Su Ran's vision swayed. His body was betraying him. The realization sent a surge of rage through his veins. He had been careless. And now, he was trapped.