Chapter 158 - First Day in the New World
Translated by Eve
Edited by Serefina
Note: I have made the choice to try and keep as much as I could in English and limit the use of pinyin. However, with it being an ancient setting, sometimes pinyin just works a lot better to convey meaning. I tried my best to find a good balance.
1. First Day in the New World
【Ding, transfer to new world complete. Memory transfer in progress….】
It was an ancient world this time. Xie He’s name in this world was Yuan Jin. He was the most popular courtesan of the Xunhuan House.
Yuan Jin was originally named Cui Ning. He was the Di son of Cui Shao, who had been the subprefect of Jiangzhou. However, fate had played a cruel trick on him. Three years ago, the funds meant to give aid to Jiangzhou amidst a drought had been found to be misappropriated by the corrupt. In fury, the emperor had sent his imperial envoys to investigate the matter. The envoys discovered that Cui Shao was the main perpetrator of the huge corruption scandal. Cui Shao and his wife had committed suicide to avoid punishment. The only Di son, Cui Ning, had then been sold and had fallen to the lowest stratum of society. He was sold from bed to bed until he eventually ended up being purchased by the most famous brothel in the nation, the Xunhuan House. Here, he had become a courtesan.
Young master Cui had originally lived a luxurious life free of worries. Now, he had been reduced to part of the undercla.s.s. He was the son of a guilty official and had attempted suicide on multiple occasions. However, the Xunhuan House had their ways when it came to dealing with their courtesans. They made his life very difficult. In the end, he was trained into submission and obedience. He had eventually accepted his fate as a courtesan.
Three years later, the gorgeous and talented Yuan Jin had become famous throughout the Capital. He was the most expensive courtesan at Xunhuan House. Countless high-ranking officials and dignitaries would spend lucrative amounts of money on him.
When Xie He saw this, he went to look for a mirror excitedly. After standing up, he discovered that he had been sleeping on a soft, long, and narrow bed. He was clothed in a white changpao made of sheer fabric and his long, glossy, jet-black hair fell over the bed. He lifted a hand up to examine. His skin was smooth and exquisite, like white jade. His wrist was thin and his fingers were slender. Golden bells hung around his ankles. When he walked, they would tinkle.
He was in an ancient-styled room. The decorations were lavish. Xie He had only taken a few steps when he found himself before a copper mirror. The mirror reflected the image of a beautiful youth.
【Xie He：Although the clarity of copper is just barely satisfactory, I can still appreciate my immaculate beauty. Quickly, take a holographic video!】
【444：….(⊙v⊙) Mn.】
Immediately, a holographic projection appeared before Xie He. It was an androgenous, remarkably stunning person. The person’s skin was white as snow and had eyebrows as slender as the branches of a willow. Beneath that straight nose were naturally rosy lips. Those peach blossom eyes glistened, giving him a refined and elegant appearance. The sheer white fabric was wrapped around his body, forming a changpao, and he had a wide red ribbon tied around his midsection. It accentuated the slimness of his waist.
Xie He appreciated the image in all its 360 degree glory and felt very pleased! He loved beautiful young men like this!
Xie He had 444 turn off the hologram and then took a look around the room. He found quite a number of extraordinary goods. Each and every one of them were exquisitely crafted. Indeed, the most popular courtesan was treated differently from the rest.
When Xie He opened the gilded, cedar box, Yuan Jin’s servant girl Ruo Yun, hollered from the other side of the door. “Gongzi, Song daren has arrived.”
Xie He could only put down the toy in his hands. He said, “Invite him in.”
As soon as his voice sounded, an elegant-looking young man pushed the door open and entered. It was the newest top scorer of the palace examination, Song Heng. He gave Xie He a look full of meaning and called out, “Xiao Ning.”
Xie He glanced at him and saluted him in an obedient, kindly manner. “Daren.”
Speaking of which, Song Heng and Cui Ning had a bit of a past together. Song Heng came from a poor and humble family. Back then, he had been dest.i.tute. Meanwhile, Cui Ning had been kind since he was young. When he knew of the other’s predicament, he would frequently give Song Heng his own money to aid the other. If it weren’t for Cui Ning, Song Heng would never have had the chance to come to the Capital and take the palace examination.
Song Heng had always been very grateful to Cui Ning. He had never forgotten about this beautiful, kind-hearted little young master. It had just been unfortunate that misfortune would fall upon the Cui Family. By the time Song Heng had found out about this, the Cui Family had already been ruined. He hadn’t even known where Cui Ning had been. It wasn’t until he had been dragged by his schoolmate to the Xunhuan House for pleasure that he found out that Cui Ning had changed his name to Yuan Jin and had become a courtesan.
Song Heng had really wanted to buy back Cui Ning’s freedom. He hadn’t been able to bear to see the child from back then fall to such straits. However, he had neither the background nor the funds to do so as Cui Ning was too expensive. Song Heng had been left helpless. But Song Heng never gave up. Now, he had taken a post at the Imperial Hanlin Academy. He was also the most recent top scorer of the palace examination. He had boundless prospects now. He just had to wait until he managed to save enough money to buy Cui Ning his freedom.
Although he couldn’t take Cui Ning away for now, Song Heng didn’t keep away. He would frequently come to visit. Gradually, he developed actual feelings for the other. It was just that Cui Ning always seemed to maintain a distance. That was because Cui Ning didn’t think that the present him was worthy of being with the Number One Scholar, Song Heng. He didn’t want to slow down Song Heng with his lowly status.
If people said that the Number One Scholar was wallowing his time away with a Xunhuan House courtesan, his reputation would become tarnished….
Cui Ning had tried to convince Song Heng not to come anymore but Song Heng hadn’t been willing to stop. His feelings for Cui Ning were deep…. Cui Ning couldn’t do anything about it. He could only ensure that people kept things hushed when Song Heng came. He would only meet with the other in secret.
Song Heng was the only person who still called him by his birth name. He always treated Cui Ning with respect and courtesy. He never overstepped any boundaries. Actually, Cui Ning did feel a little something for the other, but he knew that the two of them had no future together.
【Xie He：Baby, help me check the Number One Scholar’s Favourability Value. Smile.JPG】
【444：85！】
【Xie He：Sounds about right. ? 】
After Song Heng greeted him, he pulled two books from his sleeve and said to Xie He in a gentle voice, “You mentioned wanting to read Scholar Qi Linju’s short stories last time. This is for you.”
Xie He reached out to accept the books and said his thanks in a quiet, soft voice.
Whenever Song Heng looked at Xie He, he would be at a loss for words. He was originally not a good talker. Before the person he loved, he was even more wooden.
Xie He could smell the faint scent of ink from the books in his hands. He could tell that Song Heng had personally copied these down for him. For Song Heng to become the top scorer, he naturally had good calligraphy skills. However, with how proud and aloof this person was, as well as with how difficult it was to obtain ink, no one would have expected that this person would have the patience to help transcribe books for a courtesan.
Xie He looked moved. He sighed and walked over to gently grab hold of Song Heng’s hands. He peered at the other with his s.h.i.+mmering, prepossessing eyes. “Daren….” Although he had not finished speaking, you could hear the invitation in his voice.
Except for his body, he had nothing to pay Song Heng back with.
When Song Heng saw Xie He like this, an unnatural flush spread across his face. His heart raced as his hand was held by Xie He’s soft little hands. He was nervous and wanted to throw off the other’s hold, but he also felt reluctant to do so. His entire body grew rigid.
It wasn’t that he didn’t want Cui Ning. It was just that he didn’t want to demean the other like those other men did. That was why he had held himself back all this time.
Song Heng sucked in a deep breath and said, “Let me read to you.”
A flicker of pain flashed through Xie He’s face but he smiled and said, “OK.”
Actually, as long as Song Heng wanted him, he was willingk2026;. However, Song Heng was the only man who had never looked at him covetously. Xie He knew that this was because the other respected him. However, if Song Heng was like this, Xie He was left with no way to repay him.
Song Heng sat on the bed and read to Xie He. As he read, he explained parts of the text. His diction was humorous and charming. He had all sorts of stories at his disposal…. Xie He leaned against him obediently. Occasionally, he would glance up at the other, a hint of affection and wors.h.i.+p in his eyes.
Song Heng didn’t stay long. After some time, he prepared to leave. Xie He sent him to the door and quietly said, “Take care, daren.”
Song Heng looked at him and said, “I will definitely take you away from here. Wait for me.”
Xie He was silent for a while and then nodded.
He closed the door after seeing that Song Heng had left. A regretful expression now painted his face.
【Xie He：Ai, a helper gong like this has no future. Sigh.JPG】
【444：Why is that? ( ⊙o ⊙)!】
【Xie He：He’s so handsome. I really want to do it with him once. However, he didn’t grab hold of the chance when I gave it to him. That means that he’s destined to only ever be a helper gong. ? 】
【444：……】
【Xie He：Oh, right. Who’s the target this time? 】
【444：Prince Su, Xiao Yan.】Host dada has finally remembered to ask about this. _(:зゝ∠)_
【Xie He：I see. ? 】
Xie He combed through his memories. In Yuan Jin’s memories, Xiao Yan was a famous, important character who had nothing to do with him. Their statuses were as far apart as heaven was to earth. Yuan Jin didn’t know much about the other. He only knew that Prince Su was the Emperor’s third son. His mother was Imperial Consort Rong, who came from a large and influential family. Prince Su had a very honourable and respected background, but the rumours that circulated outside said he was coldhearted and cruel. Many people feared him terribly.
Xie He rubbed his chin. If Prince Su didn’t like to frequent brothels, approaching him would be an issue. But this didn’t matter. He would first gain an understanding of this world and think about that later.
Nonetheless, although Xie He wasn’t worried, 444 was very concerned.
【444：Host dada, what are we going to do? It won’t be easy to approach Prince Su with your ident.i.ty. Also…you have to “entertain” guests…. QAQ】
【Xie He：Baby, are you discriminating against my work? Or is it that you have some misconceptions about it? 】
【444：……】
【Xie He：Don’t look at others with such dirty thoughts in your mind. I’ve always been a really popular, ‘special services’ provider, ah. I ‘work hard’ to make people happy, and promote ‘harmony’. I have such a selfless, dedicated drive. 】
【444：……】
【Xie He：Moreover, as the top courtesan, only the highest ranking of officials and n.o.bility can afford me. To be chased after everyday by many and be given the choice to choose one I like every now and then to have a little fun…I really like this occupation. I will definitely do well. ? 】
【444：O(∩_∩)O~】It feels like Host dada really does seem to like this kind of work…he must be imagining things, right?! _(:зゝ∠)_
…………………………………………………………
Xie He lay back down and took a nap, pleased. With this kind of work, his day and nights were flipped. He only worked at night.
When night came, Ruo Yun came in to help him change. It was once again attire made of layers upon layers of sheer fabric. Most of Yuan Jin’s clothing were styled in this airy fas.h.i.+on. He sat before the copper mirror and picked up some rouge, gently applying a little to the corner of his eyes, causing his already bright and alluring peach blossom eyes to become even more seductive. Even Xie He was aroused looking at himself….
Xie He was about to set out in satisfaction when he saw Xunhuan House’s Mama-san respectfully lead a man over.
Mama-san said to Xie He, “Jin er, you don’t have to work out there today. Just accompany this gentleman. Understand?”
Xie He immediately obediently replied, “Mama, don’t worry. Jin er understands.” He cast his gaze down, looking thoughtful, before he saw Mama-san out deferentially.
He was currently the top courtesan here. Although he didn’t have his freedom, he had a certain degree of choice. Mama-san would very rarely bring people over to him without forewarning. This meant that this was someone she could not offend.
This person looked gentle and reserved and had a beard. He was clad in a dark blue satin gown. He was obviously sizing Xie He up with a cold gaze. The other took a step forward and pinched Xie He’s chin.
Xie He could tell that the other was a eunuch at first glance. He just didn’t know why an eunuch would come looking for him. Xie He pretended that he didn’t know of the other’s status and returned the other’s gaze with watery eyes. He asked with a soft voice, “Gentleman, may I please ask what kind of tea you would like to drink?”
The man didn’t speak. He just stood there and appraised Xie He. His sharp gaze seemed to see through him. A long time later, the other spoke with a rather thin voice. “A rare beauty indeed.”
Xie He regarded the other respectfully. He instinctively flashed a flattering smile. He didn’t know why the other had come, but as a member of the undercla.s.s, he could only carefully serve someone of such high status, even if he was afraid or loathed him. Otherwise, he would end up in an even more miserable situation.
The man inspected the sensible beauty that was currently currying for his favour. If it had been an ordinary, gaudy person smiling like this, one would only feel loathing towards this obvious attempt at flattery. But on Xie He’s face, this careful, flattering smile would induce one’s favour. It would raise tender feelings and make one want to spoil him.
“Very good, very good.” The man looked satisfied. He stood before Xie He, hands folded behind his back and said, “From now on, you only need to serve one man. If you do well, my Master will not treat you poorly.”
Xie He seemed not to understand. “Gentleman, what do you….”
The man smiled. “I have come to buy you your freedom.”
Xie He looked at him with shock in his eyes. He knew that Mama-san had set a price for his freedom—a thousand taels of gold—but no ordinary person could afford that. Even if they could, who would spend so much money to buy a lowly courtesan? Most people just wanted to play with him a bit.
“There is no need for suspicion or further thoughts. You are simply fortunate.” The man laughed. “Do well. Don’t waste your good looks.”
Xie He stared at the other, befuddled. He felt complicated inside. He was free…and only had to serve one man from now on. He didn’t have to sell his body with a smile any more. This was obviously a good thing for him. This person was obviously prepared to buy him and take him away on the spot. It was just that…when he pictured the scene of Song Heng walking away today, his eyes dimmed slightly. It seems that he wouldn’t be able to wait for him…. Well, that’s fine…. At least this way, Song Heng won’t hold any inappropriate thoughts for him anymore….
Xie He cast his eyes down and quietly said, “Nu understands.”
That person was very efficient. He took him away right then.
………………………………………………………………………
Xie He sat in a carriage covered by black cloth. He looked like he had a heavy load on his mind.
【Xie He：The story’s developing too quickly. As a professional quick-transmigration actor, I should experience all sorts of lives and occupations. But I didn’t think that I’d have to move on to the next step this quickly.】
【444：……】Is that regret he hears? What the heck?
【Xie He：Baby, did you properly monitor the situation for me? Smile.JPG】
【444：Yes, yes, yes!】
【Xie He：Let me see it. ? 】
The eunuch had brought Xie He to a residence and handed the carriage over to another man. With his sharp voice, he said, “His Highness the Crown Prince has prepared ten thousand taels of gold and a stunning beauty. Take this over to Prince Su. If Prince Su accepts…that means that there’s a chance of turning things around. If he doesn’t…immediately return to report back to His Highness, do you understand?”
The man respectfully said, “Chen understands. Please tell His Highness not to worry. I will go seek an audience with Prince Su.”
The eunuch nodded. “Go.”
【Xie He：……】
【444：Host dada, what’s wrong? Σ( °△°|||)︴】
【Xie He：Isn’t this too easy? There’s no thrill of a challenge at all. ? 】
【444：……】
Very quickly, someone came over to lift the carriage curtain up and had Xie He get into a large mahogany chest. They then placed the chest Xie He was in along with some other chests within another carriage. They then set off.
After approximately one s.h.i.+chen, Xie He felt someone move the chest he was into onto the ground. It seems like they had reached their destination.
Xiao Yan stood in the hall. He looked at the row of chests and spoke in a chilly tone, “What does Huang daren mean by doing this?” Huang Lin was the crown prince’s trusted aid. No one else knew that, but Xiao Yan did. When he thought of what had occurred in the past, Xiao Yan could deduce what the other’s motive was.
Huang Lin said to Xiao Yan in a respectful tone, “This is a little gift from His Highness the Crown Prince. Please accept it, Prince.” As he spoke, he ordered his people to open the chests. Immediately, dazzling gold shone through the entire hall. When the last chest was opened, however, it wasn’t filled with gold but a beauty clad in a sheer red gown.
The beauty tumbled out of the chest. Layers of red sheer fabric spread out on top of the ground. He looked like a blooming peony. His long black hair fell over the side of his body and the golden bells on his ankles emitted a crisp, clear sound. The beauty looked up, revealing a gorgeous, cool, androgenous face.
Xie He also caught sight of Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan was a very tall, stern-looking man. He had a tall nose and sword-like eyebrows that slanted upwards at the tips. His features were sharp and callous. His black eyes were piercing, like a hawk’s. He didn’t look pompous like other princes or aristocracy that lived pampered lives. Instead, there was a faint aura of someone who had a very powerful hidden army. He was a great, handsome son of royalty.
Xie He was startled for a moment. A smile then bloomed on his face. Charm immediately began to emit from him without restraint. With a soft voice, he said, “Nu greets Master.”
【Xie He：Not a bad story. I like it.】
【444：Weren’t you hating on it for being too quick just now? Didn’t you say that you should experience all kinds of lives and occupations? 】
【Xie He：That was before I laid eyes on our XiaoXiao. After seeing him, I’d find those profligate rich boys dull. They’ve become gaudy and common in my eyes now. Truly, it’s all good when there’s nothing to compare to. Anyway, this can also be considered a different job and life, ah. Smile.JPG】
【444：……】
【Xie He：I’ve decided to play with him in this world. ? 】
【444：………………】
【Xie He：Oh, right, what’s his Favourability Value?】
【444：0….】
【Xie He：Got it. ? 】
Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes slightly. His sharp gaze fell on Xie He’s face. After some time, a faint smile appeared on his face. A smile on his cold face made one feel as if they were seeing the first thaw of ice in Spring.
He seemed very pleased with Xie He. He muttered to himself for a while and then said to Huang Lin, “Since it’s like that, Benw.a.n.g shall accept.”
When Huang Lin heard this, he finally relaxed. His back had actually already been drenched in sweat. He deferentially said to Xiao Yan, “Many thanks to Your Highness.”
Xiao Yan nodded calmly and said, “If there is nothing else, Benw.a.n.g shall go take my rest.”
Huang Lin knew that this was Xiao Yan sending him away. It seems that he had taken a liking to Yuan Jin. They all said that Prince Su was the most coldhearted around, and that it was difficult to flatter him. It seems like this wasn’t the case. Who wouldn’t like a beauty sent to one’s door?
Huang Lin immediately bid a respectful farewell and happily prepared to go back and report to his master.
Xiao Yan watched Huang Lin leave, a difficult-to-read, mocking smile on his lips. He then looked at Xie He, ice in his eyes. It was like he was looking at a lowly, despicable maggot. There was none of the smile he had on just now. He said in an indifferent tone, “Settle him in Tingfeng Court.”
After saying this, he left without giving Xie He another glance.
A sliver of disappointment emerged in Xie He’s eyes. His new master seemed disinterested in him. He was even lower in rank than the servants of the w.a.n.gfu. His life and death depended on his master’s mood. If he could not make his master like him, he would not fare well from now on.
However, Xie He did not dare do anything rash. He didn’t dare pander towards his master either. He was really afraid of Prince Su.
He obediently followed the w.a.n.gfu servant to Tingfeng Court. This was a very remote little courtyard within the w.a.n.gfu. It was bare all around. The house that had been vacant for a long time was covered in dust. When the chilly night wind blew, one could hear the house creak. This further solidified his belief of Prince Su’s dislike.
The servant settled Xie He down with impatience. They didn’t even help Xie He start a fire and just left.
The night was rather cold. Xie He opened his own chest wanting to change clothes. However, there were no clothes to be found. There was only a pile of his “special” goods. All of them had been brought!
【Xie He：That eunuch is worthy of being in the service of the crown prince. What a meticulous man. He knows to send “props” alongside a beauty. He’s skilled. Smile.JPG. 】
【444：……】
【Xie He：Since that’s the case, I can only play along and pretend to be pitiful. In any case, since XiaoXiao has taken me in, at the very least, he won’t let me die.】
【444：Why’s that? @[email protected]】
【Xie He：Because he still has to trick the crown prince, ah. If it weren’t for that, I don’t think he’d have accepted me. ? 】
………………………………
Xie He lay on the bed and fell into a carefree slumber.
Xiao Yan had accepted him in order to mislead the Crown prince. However, he had no interest in Xie He. Xie He thought that he would be snubbed for a while, but who would have expected that he would receive an unexpected guest the very next day.
Several servant girls escorted a pretty girl over. The girl was dressed in extravagant clothes and wore a golden hair piece on her head. Her makeup was exquisite. It was obvious that she was a high-ranking person here. The servants that had treated Xie He with disdain all treated this woman with great reverence. They called her ‘Young Miss’.
This was Xiao Yan’s sworn sister, Bai Qiuchi. Although she wasn’t Xiao Yan’s biological sister, Xiao Yan acquiesced to all her requests. He granted her every wish and gave her face…. It was important to note that Xiao Yan had always been coldhearted by nature. He had never even doted on his blood siblings like this.
How could a servant working in the w.a.n.gfu not have tact? Bai Qiuchi’s influence was on par with what the Princess-consort of the w.a.n.gfu would hold.
Actually, she really wanted to become the princess-consort. It was just that Xiao Yan had never agreed to marry her.
Bai Qiuchi had been the sole tyrant of the w.a.n.gfu for a long time. Xiao Yan rarely bothered with it and he didn’t have any concubines. Who would have expected that he would suddenly accept a stunning little courtesan. This made Bai Qiuchi feel threatened. Therefore, she came to see Xie He at once.
Bai Qiuchi looked at Xie He with an icy gaze. Loathing and contempt flashed through her eyes.
Xie He looked at her questioningly, as if completely ignorant of everything.
【Xie He：This world is a gift, isn’t it? It’s so easy that there’s absolutely no challenge to it.】
【444：Host dada, she’s obviously come to make trouble for you! 】
【Xie He：I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve transmigrated to ten worlds and have finally encountered the legendary vicious supporting female lead of dogblood stories. She’s going to be more useful than a helper gong. Actually, it’s hard to hide my excitement right now. Smile.JPG】
【444：……】He should just stay silent._(:зゝ∠)_
The author has something to say:
I-If you guys tease me about using common names again, I-I’ll…I’ll cry! QAQ. Covers teary face and runs away.
Eve: Already curious about how he’s gonna die in this one.
sere: this arc is too full of stereotypes… what does “he looks like he has a hidden army” even MEAN???? You can see his hidden army from his face????