Chapter 102: What Am I to Do? (Second Installment)

(Thanks to aitpoi for the support, and to Brother Viper for his unwavering encouragement!
PS: After reading, could you tell me how this chapter is? Yes, I need your honest feedback.)

Guo Feng walked naturally toward the woman in red, his steps unhurried, his smile warm and gentle. He was indeed a powerful lord, and certainly a chivalrous hero, but above all, he was a cultured man of stature. Thus, he knew well the meaning of polished manners. He also understood that before a beauty, it was essential to remain courteous and refined.

The woman in red was a performer from the music hall.

This was what Xiao Xuanwu had just told Guo Feng.

What he hadn't told Guo Feng was that the young man behind the woman, who resembled a toad, was a cavalry captain from the Shanggu garrison—a man who claimed her as his own.

In fact, even Xiao Xuanwu didn’t know he was her man.

Had he known, Xiao Xuanwu was certain his earlier encouragement would have been far bolder.

After all, a mere border county captain was no match for Guo Feng, a direct scion of the Guo family. In terms of influence, ten captains wouldn't equal one Guo Feng.

That was Xiao Xuanwu’s belief.

He found men like Guo Feng—these chivalrous heroes—both endearing and laughable. They fancied themselves noble, championing the weak and punishing the strong, spilling blood at the slightest provocation, embodying the true spirit of chivalry. But to Xiao Xuanwu, only interests mattered in this world. Offending a wealthy, powerful man for the sake of a poor soul struggling to survive? That was sheer folly.

Foolish, yet charmingly so.

However, Xiao Xuanwu never revealed these thoughts aloud, for the Guo family’s influence was vast. Rumor had it that the Empress Dowager was intricately connected to the Guo clan, shielding them at every turn before the emperor himself. Otherwise, how could the Guo family wield such power among the many strongmen?

Xiao Xuanwu considered his own family wealthy, with businesses sprawling across half the realm, yet compared to the Guos, it was insignificant. Moreover, the emperor had recently issued several edicts restricting commerce, seemingly swayed by Dong Zhongshu’s influence.

Therefore, Xiao Xuanwu was determined to climb onto the Guo family’s sturdy branch, believing that even if the emperor disfavored merchants, society could not do without them. Aligning with the Guos would provide his family with immense opportunities for growth.

If fortune smiled and they even managed to forge ties with the Empress Dowager, the possibilities were unimaginable.

Now, watching Guo Feng approach the woman in red, Xiao Xuanwu felt a pang of regret that such an exquisite beauty would be sullied by a rough man like Guo Feng. Yet, the thought of drawing closer to Guo Feng made it all worthwhile. Besides, this woman was never within his reach.

Just because he couldn’t have her didn’t mean the Guo family couldn’t.

Bai Xinxin was busy choosing a box of rouge with Qin Yue, while Qin Cheng was joking and chatting with Nangong Shang. Guo Feng approached Bai Xinxin quietly. He paused before the rouge stall, casting a glance at the colors displayed, then addressed both the stall owner and Bai Xinxin: “The finest rouge in the city, yet before this lady, it becomes dull and lifeless. Since the lady has graced this place, she has elevated this humble stall to brilliance. Master, why do you hesitate to present these many hues so generously?”

Without waiting for Bai Xinxin or the stunned stall owner—who was truly at a loss—Guo Feng drew out ample silver and handed it over. “I shall buy this entire stall’s rouge on behalf of this lady.”

The owner’s shocked gaze met Guo Feng’s smile as he bowed slightly to Bai Xinxin. “Forgive my boldness, madam. From afar, your presence made all the city’s bustle dull in comparison. Thus, I dared to intrude, unsure how to win your smile, resorting to this crude gesture. Please pardon my impertinence.”

Guo Feng then straightened up and smiled warmly at Bai Xinxin.

Xiao Xuanwu, who had followed close behind, was impressed by Guo Feng’s performance. He thought, “Who would have guessed that Guo Feng, this rough fellow, has some real skill? Quite a clever move.”

Xiao Linglong averted her gaze elsewhere, pretending not to have seen anything.

Guo Feng watched Bai Xinxin silently, awaiting her response. In his heart, this tried-and-true trick had won over many women before. He believed that though this lady appeared ethereal, she was still a performer from the music hall—a mortal like any other. Being mortal meant she could be moved.

Confident, Guo Feng patiently awaited Bai Xinxin’s reply.

He expected her to first show shyness, then feign modest refusal, perhaps even blush and walk away. But none of that mattered; these were all within his expectations. He knew that as long as she reacted, he could gradually win her over.

This was his usual method—simple, yet effective.

In fact, Guo Feng was already smiling inwardly. He could even imagine that once she learned his identity, she might willingly throw herself into his embrace.

Women from the music hall were usually well aware of worldly powers and longed to escape that place. Guo Feng had indeed “helped” several such women to break free from their unwelcoming confines.

The smile on Guo Feng’s lips deepened, for today he faced a beauty surpassing all he had seen before.

Yet Bai Xinxin’s next move left Guo Feng utterly dumbfounded, stunned beyond words.

She smiled sweetly, her charm dazzling, and just as Guo Feng was growing somewhat smug, she turned to Qin Cheng a few steps away and said, “My lord, someone wishes to give me this rouge that even a household maid would not use. What should I do?”

“Hmm?” Qin Cheng feigned deep contemplation, his expression inscrutable. Then, to the astonishment of Xiao Xuanwu and others, he approached, glanced at Guo Feng once, then surveyed Xiao Xuanwu and Xiao Linglong without the slightest pause, as if he did not recognize them at all. Turning back to Bai Xinxin, he smiled gently, “My lady, since someone shows such kindness, to refuse would chill their heart. These rouges may not be fine, but we can give them to the servants’ children as toys—they might enjoy them. After all, the colors are correct, don’t you think?”

“Very well, as you wish, my lord,” Bai Xinxin replied coquettishly. She then bowed lightly to a flushed Guo Feng and thanked him. Turning to Rong’er, she said softly, “Rong’er, take them.”

Then she added, “If you find it too much, just take one box as a token. After all, they’ll just be playthings for the little ones.”

Rong’er nodded, lingered a while at the stall, and finally chose the fanciest box. As she left, she muttered, “The little ones have never played with such a cheap toy before...”

With that, she followed Qin Cheng and Bai Xinxin away, walking away with confidence.

Just like that, she left.

The beauty had gone.

And after reluctantly accepting a single box of rouge to save face, she departed as if it were nothing at all.

Guo Feng stood frozen, utterly motionless. His face burned scarlet with embarrassment. His fists clenched tightly, veins bulging, yet he dared not lose his temper—trapped in silent frustration. The stall owner’s gaze pierced him sharply, as if peeling away his clothes layer by layer, leaving him naked and exposed on the street.

Such humiliation was bitter indeed.

His earlier hopeful vision shattered, he now faced the cruel reality: beauty was not always enchanting, Guo Feng’s heart sank like a fish drinking cold water, painfully aware of his own shame.

Xiao Xuanwu, burning with shame and anger, wanted to step forward to confront Qin Cheng, even to the point of having his men fight him. Though he knew his men stood no chance against Qin Cheng—a fact proven over four months ago—that was irrelevant. What mattered was that Guo Feng would surely intervene, and with his skill, Qin Cheng would be defeated, allowing Xiao Xuanwu some measure of revenge.

But just as Xiao Xuanwu prepared to act, Ley Yi ran up, passing by Guo Feng to speak directly to Xiao Xuanwu: “My general says, if you, Lord Xiao, feel wronged, come forward and speak. My general is just ahead, waiting. If you don’t come, then watch your dog!”

With that, Ley Yi saluted crisply and swaggered away.

Xiao Xuanwu’s thoughts were laid bare, his frustration and fury mounting with no outlet. He knew Qin Cheng was now a captain; he had no means to chase a captain on the streets during the New Year. If this escalated, his own standing would be ruined.

Yet to be so publicly humiliated—how could he continue as before?

Guo Feng glanced coldly at Xiao Xuanwu, his eyes sharp and menacing, the message clear without words. Xiao Xuanwu knew he was in the wrong; today’s grievance was a stain that even a plunge into the Yellow River could not wash away. He had only intended to cozy up to Guo Feng, but instead had made a fool of himself, his ambitions dashed. Worse still, if Guo Feng took offense, he might doom the family’s business to ruin. Overwhelmed, Xiao Xuanwu felt the urge to cry out loud.

Yet fate was kind. Just as Guo Feng’s fury was about to find a target, two women, exuding the air of warrior maidens, approached. They glanced curiously at Xiao Xuanwu before moving toward Guo Feng. One said, “Brother, it’s New Year’s—why do you look so disheveled? Did you try to flirt with a good woman and end up getting slapped?”

The two women were about eighteen, with stunning figures and faces rare to find. Strikingly, they looked almost identical, as if twins, differing only in aura—one youthful and lively, the other mature and aloof.

The lively one, Guo Xixi, spoke playfully, wrapping an arm around Guo Feng’s shoulder in a mock-masculine gesture. “Brother, tell me, whose lady is she? I’ll make sure you win her over... It’s been a long time since you tasted defeat. Today could be a good omen! Heh heh... ha ha...”

Guo Xixi laughed mischievously, leaving Guo Feng no room for dignity, nor concern for his mood.

Guo Feng, caught in this absurd embrace, had no temper to spare. Hearing Guo Xixi’s teasing, he could only offer a wry smile. He glanced at Guo Dongdong beside him, who gave him a half-smile, eyes sparkling with mischief.

Guo Feng sighed inwardly; his anger dissipated somewhat.

“Brother, I just heard someone say that during the recent battle against the Xiongnu, a general led a few thousand cavalry deep into their lair, turning their home upside down and winning the war! Don’t you think we should go meet such a hero?”

Guo Xixi clung to Guo Feng’s arm, animatedly recounting what she had heard.

Xiao Xuanwu followed behind the three siblings, his face tight as he pondered how to clear up the day’s misunderstanding.

“Brother, do you recognize the woman in red?” Xiao Linglong hesitated before speaking, knowing Xiao Xuanwu’s mood was sour but unable to resist.

No one could understand the strange discomfort she felt seeing Qin Cheng and Bai Xinxin’s intimate behavior—a feeling she couldn’t quite explain. She herself wondered why, at this point, such a sight still unsettled her.

Xiao Xuanwu snorted coldly. “Her? Just a singer from the music hall.”

“A singer?” Xiao Linglong was stunned, then a disdainful smile flickered across her face as she glanced toward Qin Cheng’s departing figure. She murmured, “I thought you were really capable, but it turns out you only got yourself a singer. Hmph...”

After speaking, Xiao Linglong felt a weight lift from her chest. The suffocating pressure Bai Xinxin had imposed vanished. She replaced it with a smile, lifted her chin proudly, and strode forward as she had before.

Yet perhaps Xiao Linglong would never understand what she truly cared about.

What exactly was she proud of?