Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)
Chapter 105: "Princess Xiu went to a brothel."

Chapter 105: "Princess Xiu went to a brothel."

Xiang Yu was aware of the stares but he remained unbothered. He was used to having numerous eyes on him. The twins, skipping ahead, were equally indifferent to the attention. However, Yi Nuo felt a twinge of discomfort under the scrutiny, her usual composure slightly shaken. She followed behind, her head lowered, trying to reduce her sense of presence.

As they passed the back entrance of a free clinic, the gate stood ajar. Inside, Han Xin was sitting in the courtyard, sharing tea with his uncle and Han Zhan. Sensing a familiar presence, he raised his head and his sharp eyes caught sight of Peng Xiu’s distinctive figure.

His brows creased as an inexplicable irritation grabbed hold of him. Yi Nuo had long reported to him that Peng Xiu was indeed in Fengmi town and that she was staying at the finest inn. After that report, he stopped concerning himself with her. He didn’t care what she did as long as she didn’t run away. Yet, seeing her now, he felt like questioning her on why she felt like she could leave without telling him. What if Xiang Yu’s people tried to kidnap her again? This was Yige territory but one might never know how far Xiang Yu was willing to go to get his hands on her.

Han Xin’s grip tightened around his teacup, his knuckles whitening. It took all his self-control not to get up and confront her. Instead, he forced himself to look away, suppressing the annoyance stirring up within him.

The four continued their path towards the brothel, the twins’ laughter echoing ahead while Xiang Yu and Yi Nuo followed chatting about trivial things. Xiang Yu didn’t even know that Han Xin was there. All he was focused on was their mouthwatering conversation about food. Yi Nuo was especially well-versed when it came to delicacies around Yige.

Meanwhile, Han Zhan noticed the subtle shift in Han Xin’s demeanour, the way his eyes flickered with a hint of distraction. He glanced at the open gate where Han Xin had been looking at a couple of minutes ago but saw nothing. "What’s wrong?" he asked, his voice low enough not to disturb the game of Go Han Xin was playing with his uncle.

"It’s nothing," he replied curtly, his focus seemingly on the board. But Han Zhan could tell his heart wasn’t in it. His cousin seemed to lack the excitement that lit up in his eyes when he played against Peng Xiu last night. He noticed it but he was pretty sure his cousin hadn’t. He was about to ask if he should invite the princess to play a game with them when Jun De suddenly approached, his steps hesitant.

"General," he called out, his voice tinged with urgency. He had been asked to keep an eye out on Peng Xiu’s movements. He was meant to watch her from a distance lest Yi Nuo miss something. He was supposed to report back if she met someone or went somewhere dodgy.

It’s not that Han Xin was stalking her, but he wanted to know if she had anything to do with that dead mercenary. He suspected that Peng Xiu had people under her control who did her bidding, but ever since they rescued her, she hadn’t sent out a message or met anyone suspicious.

Han Xin moved a piece without looking up. "What is it?" he asked his tone even.

Jun De leaned in, whispering into his ear. "Princess Xiu went to a brothel." He initially didn’t think this was important, but when he recalled that plenty of shady dealings happen in brothels, he hurried over to report.

Han Xin’s brows furrowed deeply, and he dismissed Jun De with a wave of his hand. He tried to quell the rising annoyance in his chest, telling himself it wasn’t his business. But the storm within him grew more violent with each passing second.

He had never met such a shameless woman in his entire life. She accused him of going to a brothel, yet today, she was the one going there. For what exactly? Was she going to have a meeting with someone there?

His uncle, noticing the tension, chuckled. "You look constipated, Ah-Xin."

Han Zhan, curious about what Jun De had reported, watched the exchange closely. His cousin suddenly stood up; his movements sharp. His uncle called after him, "Hey, where are you going? We are not done playing."

"I’m done playing," he replied coldly, walking away with a suffocating aura around him.

Han Zhan quickly gulped down the rest of his tea and excused himself, hurrying to catch up with his cousin. The atmosphere around Han Xin was charged like he was about to face off with an enemy. He was curious but he knew not to ask what happened right now. He could only wait and see when they got where Han Xin was going.

Meanwhile, Xiang Yu reached the brothel, its entrance adorned with intricate carvings and glowing lanterns. Before the doorman could voice any complaints about Lian and Mei entering inside, he discreetly slipped a few silver coins into his hand. The doorman’s attitude shifted instantly, becoming more enthusiastic as he welcomed them inside.

The interior was a feast for the eyes, with lanterns casting a warm glow over the beautifully decorated space. A few clients were scattered around, enjoying the company of young women who served them with practised grace. A young woman, her face heavily powdered to the point that it flaked when she spoke, approached them.

"Hello, young misses. Welcome to our humble establishment. Who would you like to serve you?" she asked, her voice sweet but mechanical. They had women with special interests come to the brothel before but this was the first time they had such a beautiful guest. If only she was a courtesan here, she would bring in big business with her face alone.

Xiang Yu was not too picky, "I would like to see the hosts," he replied. He preferred someone not too enthusiastic. They were only here to eat and nothing more.

At her signal, a group of hosts hurried over, their enthusiasm palpable. They crowded around Peng Xiu, calling her "my lord" and vying for her attention. Their hands were everywhere, trying to outdo each other in their eagerness to serve her wine. Yi Nuo, standing slightly apart, felt a wave of nervousness wash over her. She was beginning to regret coming along. Why would the princess come to such a place?

Xiang Yu could tolerate them but when one of the ladies tried to touch Mei, his hand shot out, grabbing her wrist through his sleeve. He shot her a warning glare, and the lady quickly apologised, acting pitiful.

He let go of her, his eyes scanning the group, and settled on a young man standing awkwardly to the side, unable to insert himself into the fray. He seemed new; his nervousness evident. Xiang Yu had seen this many times before and could easily identify the signs of inexperience.

"I will take him," he said, pointing to the young man. The other hosts exchanged jealous glances but said nothing, their smiles never faltering. The young man, surprised, stepped forward, ready to serve. He seemed genuinely scared.

As they settled into a private room, the atmosphere shifted. The young man, though nervous, began to relax under the young women’s calm demeanours. They didn’t make him feel awkward.

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