Dad, don't be greedy! My brother climbed into the emperor's bed, and I became famous overn

On the other side, in a side room on the first floor of the Xianggelila Inn.

Miss Pei Yanran of the Pei family was sitting in front of a bronze mirror, taking apart her hair.

She changed her dress and removed the velvet flowers. Her wet hair was draped over her shoulders, and her face in the mirror looked long.

The maid brought in hot water and handed her a towel, but Pei Yanran just tossed the towel away.

"I'm so angry!"

Her brother, Pei Yu, leaned against the window, holding a teacup, his expression also unpleasant.

Today's plans have fallen through.

Let's not talk about that farce on the river.

I played the flute this morning, but no one listened.

They chased the boat for half the river, but were squeezed out to the outer circle by dozens of other boats that were just there for the fun.

We finally reached the shore, but before we could even take two steps, the person ran away again.

Pei Yanran turned around in front of the mirror, placed her hands on her knees, and recounted everything she had seen during the day.

"Brother, don't you feel something's wrong?"

Pei Yu put down her teacup. "What's wrong?"

Pei Yanran continued clenching her back teeth.

"That one in the crescent-white brocade robe, with a dragon-patterned jade pendant hanging at his waist, is undoubtedly the Emperor!"

Pei Yu nodded.

"The design on that jade pendant is indeed the one that His Majesty usually likes to wear, as Father described it."

"But who exactly is that man in the light blue brocade robe?"

Pei Yanran recalled the scene on the river where the two people were blaming each other and leaning on each other's shoulders, saying "you're on the left, I'm on the right," and her expression turned even uglier.

"The Emperor himself, actually sharing a cramped little boat with that vixen!"

"He even rowed the boat himself! The two sat side by side on the boat, chatting and laughing, and even...flirting!"

Pei Yanran clenched the handkerchief in her hand.

"I see now. That guy in the light blue clothes, with that foxy face, is clearly a male concubine!"

She drew a shocking conclusion: "The Emperor is actually homosexual!"

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Pei Yu's teacup wobbled, and a few drops of tea splashed onto the back of her hand.

"Male...male homosexuality?"

He gasped.

Since the founding of the Dayong Dynasty, the emperors of each dynasty have had three thousand concubines in their harems, but none of them have ever been known to have a particular fondness for such women.

"Absolutely no mistake!"

Pei Yanran was resolute.

Pei Yu's mind was racing.

If the emperor was homosexual, then the sister's move was a complete disaster.

Rescuing someone who has fallen into the water? They wouldn't even glance at him.

No wonder those two ignored my sister today; now I understand why.

However, the Pei family had been plotting for months in order to "accidentally" meet the emperor.

As the emperor began to crack down on the powerful families, they were among those who had chosen the wrong side in the struggle for the throne.

If they don't hurry up and get on the emperor's good side, the Pei family will be in danger.

Pei Yu suddenly slapped his thigh and stood up.

"Since His Majesty enjoys this taste..."

He gritted his teeth and turned to look at himself in the bronze mirror.

He has a handsome and refined appearance.

She's not much different from the one in blue.

"Then I'll go, brother!"

Pei Yu's tone was resolute, with a tragic air of a hero cutting off his own arm.

Pei Yanran was stunned, staring at her brother with her mouth agape.

"Brother...you...you're going to sacrifice yourself?"

"What are a few sacrifices compared to the wealth and glory of the Pei family?"

Pei Yu straightened his clothes.

"I've already inquired, and there will be Dragon Boat Festival fireworks celebrations in Peach Blossom Spring tonight. The riverbank will definitely be packed with people."

He walked to the window and looked at the sky outside, which was gradually darkening.

"Let the guards create some chaos when the fireworks are at their peak. When the guards are scattered, I'll seize the opportunity to protect the Emperor and put on a show of true friendship in adversity!"

Pei Yu felt the plan was brilliant the more he talked about it.

"Stepping forward in a life-or-death situation is far better than playing tunes by the river. Even if I'm just a male concubine, I'll fight for my rightful place!"

Pei Yanran looked at her brother's tall figure and was moved to tears.

"Brother, you've worked hard!"

The two looked at each other, their eyes filled with determination to revitalize their families.

……

Outside Jiangzhou City.

The City God Temple, ten miles away, was dilapidated, with half of its gate collapsed. The courtyard was overgrown with waist-high weeds.

Inside the main hall of the temple, an iron pot rests in front of a dilapidated offering table.

At the bottom of the pot, there was a pool of rice porridge so thin you could see your reflection in it, with a few wild vegetables floating in it, the source of which was unknown.

Qian Dajiang, the leader of the Qinglong Hall, squatted in front of the iron pot, stirring it with a wooden stick in his hand.

The more he stirred, the tighter his brow furrowed.

"Is that all?" Qian Dajiang pointed to the pitiful amount of food stored in the pot.

Deputy Hall Master Niu Jiaojin stood to the side, rubbing his hands together, his face full of worry.

"Master, we're really out of food. This whole month, our branch hasn't earned a single penny. The brothers can't even afford cornbread."

Qian Dajiang threw the wooden stick down.

"Back in the day, how powerful our Azure Dragon Hall was on the Su-Huai River! We'd pluck feathers from passing geese and leave gold in the flowing water! Which merchant ship that passed through our docks didn't pay a toll?"

Niu Jiaojin sighed.

"It's because the King of Qi is investigating so thoroughly. I heard he's leading troops to patrol the Grand Canal, arresting anyone he sees who's involved in the canal transport."

"To avoid trouble, we forced all our brothers to retreat from the river. If this continues, we'll starve to death before we're even arrested by the government troops."

Qian Dajiang was so angry he was grinding his teeth.

"We can't just wait like this anymore! Has that Pujitang Wharf been repaired yet?"

Niu nodded repeatedly, showing great determination.

"It's finished! Right at the confluence of the Su-Huai River. It's incredibly grand, with a stone foundation and a full thirty berths. They've already collected deposits from over a hundred businesses. I heard they have the Prince of Qi backing them up!"

"Bullshit!" Qian Dajiang spat on the ground. "If the Prince of Qi really had backing him, would he let a few greenhorns manage things?"

"Those unscrupulous merchants love to wave their coattails and act like they're above everyone else. If King Qi really tries to control them, I'll eat that iron pot!"

Qian Dajiang stood up and touched the chipped broadsword at his waist.

"This dock is a prime target! Isn't that owner of Pujitang named Gu Mingyue?"

"It's a woman, known as Boss Gu. She's accompanied by a man who seems to be in charge as well," Niu Jiaojin added.

"Who cares if she's male or female?" Qian Dajiang's eyes were sinister.

"If we want to eat, we have to skin them alive."

"I heard that Master Gu is in Peach Blossom Spring today."

Niu Jiaojin hesitated for a moment.

"Master, it's the Dragon Boat Festival today in Peach Blossom Spring. There will be many people and distractions. I'm afraid it won't be a good time to make a move?"

"It's easier to get things done in groups!"

Qian Dajiang slapped Niu Jiaojin on the back of the head.

"There's a fireworks display tonight. Once it gets dark and the fireworks go off, the streets will be full of people just joining in the fun."

"Let's pick a dozen or so quick-handed brothers and, while the chaos is still unfolding, tie up that girl surnamed Gu!"

Qian Dajiang had a very clever plan.

"They kidnapped her and forced her to sign the dock transfer agreement!"

"With that dock, why would we worry about our brothers going hungry?"

"Then our Green Dragon Hall can go legit and start a legitimate water transport business!"

Niu Jiaojin's eyes lit up as he listened.

"Master is brilliant! Once we secure the docks, we'll be major merchants in the area. We'll be wearing silk robes and eating and drinking like royalty!"

"Alright, stop talking nonsense."

Qian Dajiang kicked the broken stool next to him.

"Gather all the brothers. After we finish this pot of porridge, each of us will take a wood-chopping knife and go scout out Peach Blossom Spring."

"If this deal goes through tonight, I'll treat you all to a nice meal at the best restaurant in Jiangzhou City tomorrow. If it fails, we'll all jump into the Su Huai River and feed the fish!"

……