Chapter 6

One Month Ago—

Anmu City, the Prefectural Capital of Luo Prefecture.

Shao Xiaoling: “Don’t even think about it. Absolutely impossible!”

In this chaotic era, the world suffers. People everywhere have thus become adept at living for the moment—if you have life, enjoy it; if you have money, spend it—seeking joy amid hardship.

Teahouses thrived, daily hosting all sorts of chaotic folk tales and storytelling. Those with money would lavish support; those without, would cheer with their presence.

Among the most popular stories was the “Romantic Chronicles of the Moonlight City Lord.”

Legend had it that although the Moonlight City Lord, Mu Guanghan, was disfigured, it never hindered his amorous nature.

From the High Priest of the Imperial Shrine in Huadu to the Southern Yue King Gu Sufang, and down to the heirs of various marquises, every talented youth in the realm was rumored to have had an affair with him.

And now? In the latest chapter, he had a new liaison with Wei Liuyi of Wu Heng.

It was well known that when the Moonlight City Lord fell for someone, he would lavish them with gifts—after spending a year in Wu Heng, he had helped fill their granaries, improved their weaponry, and repelled three Western Liang invasions.

This made the neighboring Luo Prefecture’s people green with envy.

At last, it was their turn.

Recently, it was widely rumored in Anmu City that this formidable figure would be staying for a short time, causing great excitement throughout the city.

The people of Luo Prefecture were generally pragmatic; they did not mind the Moonlight City Lord’s ugliness or promiscuity.

They had endured too much sorrow and frustration lately—since the old lord’s downfall, Luo Prefecture had fallen into ruin, with everything in disarray and their great grievances unresolved. Natural disasters struck incessantly, clothing and food were scarce, and several cities were besieged and carved up by surrounding beasts and wolves. Those accustomed to prosperous days now lived in misery and lament.

Now, finally, the old lord’s grace, the heavens’ blessing!

Sending that mighty man who could repel the Western Liang king to Luo Prefecture.

In recent days, teahouses in Luo Prefecture had been filled with tales of Mu Guanghan’s exploits in the Emperor’s capital, by the Southern Yue King’s side, and in multiple places in Wu Heng where he had driven the Western Liang troops to rout, stirring everyone’s blood to boil.

At moments of excitement, some shouted, “We must find a way to keep this man in Luo Prefecture for a long time!”

“Yes, yes! Best if he stays forever!”

“What’s so hard about that? Jiangnan is not short of handsome and talented young men, each more charming than the last.”

“Honestly, if he were to assist the young lord earnestly, letting us live comfortably again, to build him a shrine and offer him beautiful youths every year would be no trouble at all.”

“Exactly!”

After a long, dark half-year, the people of Luo Prefecture finally had new hope.

Lately, they all celebrated, everyone was joyful.

Everyone except the young lord Shao Xiaoling.

…

At noon in the teahouse, the storyteller gesticulated wildly, speaking fluently.

“It is well known, there is no such thing as a free lunch—”

“The Moonlight City Lord desires neither wealth nor office, but only the most noble, handsome, and talented young men from every prefecture.”

“Whether they are imperial shrine priests or city lords, if they want to keep the Moonlight City Lord, they must offer themselves. Alas, but this city lord’s appearance is truly repulsive; most talented youths may endure it for a while, but not a lifetime.”

“Fortunately, the Moonlight City Lord is easygoing. If one is not willing, he simply moves on to the next.”

“Now that he’s coming to Luo Prefecture, he will surely have a night of passion with the most beautiful man of Luo Prefecture~”

Shao Xiaoling sat alone in a private room on the second floor, heart sinking.

Who was the most handsome man in all of Luo Prefecture?

Wasn’t it him—the Marquis of Luo Prefecture himself?

No wonder during the recent council meetings, a group of senior ministers stared at him with burning eyes, seemingly concerned for the nation but hiding their true intent!

They were all fixated on him, this fat lamb, hoping to sell him to the Moonlight City Lord as a bed companion.

This was simply… if only his father were still alive, these people would never dare behave so brazenly!

Shao Xiaoling was deeply troubled, gulping down his drink all night.

Afterward, he staggered drunkenly to his friend Luo Nanzhi’s residence, venting his frustration.

“We grew up together, and yet you would willingly offer me to the wolf! Even if it’s all for the sake of Luo Prefecture, how could you bear to let me—how could you let me—”

Luo Nanzhi’s personal maid Shu Jinjin massaged her forehead.

“Young lord, haven’t you carefully read the recent correspondence between the commander and the Moonlight City Lord?”

Shao Xiaoling had indeed not read them.

Though Luo Nanzhi always followed protocol and copied every letter for the young lord’s inspection, there were too many words. Shao Xiaoling was the Marquis of Luo Prefecture, burdened daily with many affairs, no less busy than Luo Nanzhi.

Most importantly—

He and Luo Nanzhi had been comrades since infancy. Now, he had given her full authority, trusting her unconditionally. Who would have thought that the friend he trusted since childhood would betray him?

Shu Jinjin urged, “Young lord, you should read the letters.”

Shao Xiaoling, irritated and drunk, lowered his head and pulled out the unread letters from his sleeve, opening one by candlelight.

Beautiful plum blossom calligraphy.

“To the Grand Commander of Luo Prefecture, Luo Nanzhi…”

“Commander Nanzhi…”

“My friend Nanzhi…”

Several exchanged letters made it clear that the Moonlight City Lord’s heart and words were filled entirely with Luo Nanzhi, discussing poetry, music, and world affairs, planning future drinking together, never once mentioning him.

Shao Xiaoling tilted his head, suddenly understanding.

Looking up again by the flickering candlelight, Luo Nanzhi was smiling at him, resting her chin on her hand.

So it wasn’t that he was to be sold to the Moonlight City Lord to seek glory; it was Luo Nanzhi herself who intended to sell herself!

Shao Xiaoling breathed a slight sigh of relief, but then felt even sadder.

His once carefree and smiling friend—

Had rarely smiled since witnessing the deaths of their father and brothers on the Tianchang battlefield.

Now, after half a year, she finally smiled again, but it was to sacrifice her lifelong happiness for the greater good of Luo Prefecture.

Shao Xiaoling could not help but feel a deep sorrow: “I forbid it! Nanzhi, you must not sell yourself!”

“If it really cannot be helped… then, rather than let that ugly man disgrace you, better let him disgrace me.”

Truly, he had been a reckless prodigal since youth, fond of wine and debauchery from thirteen or fourteen years old, while Luo Nanzhi was known for her purity and grace, living a life of virtue.

For so many years, he had drunkenly fallen into beauties’ arms every night, while Luo Nanzhi bathed in incense and read scriptures daily.

Neither indulged in male nor female desires, like ascetics guarding their virtue to this day—only to be taken by that hideous Moonlight City Lord?

“I had thought, since you are determined to spend your life with one person, I would decide and find you the second-best wife in the world.”

After all, he was the young lord; the very best wife was reserved for his lawful wife.

Only the second-best was left for Luo Nanzhi.

But he promised, the second-best was hardly worse than the first!

“Even if you must marry a man, I will find you the very best man in the world; how could I let some monster disgrace you?”

…

To this day.

The great ship sailed south with the current beneath a clear blue sky.

Along the way, Shao Xiaoling secretly observed Mu Guanghan.

People said the Moonlight City Lord gave gifts to various warlords but no one wanted him. Shao Xiaoling imagined Mu Guanghan must be hideously ugly.

But in reality—

He was tall and slender, with a clear, handsome profile on the undamaged half of his face.

At this moment, he stood at the ship’s bow, holding a map of Luo Prefecture, comparing it to the lakes and mountains ashore, lost in thought, murmuring and gesturing.

His silhouette, after some observation, was quite pleasing to the eye.

As Shao Xiaoling had previously judged—if not disfigured, he would be an extraordinary, bright, and elegant young man.

But the truth was, his face was ruined; no matter how lamentable, it was useless.

Shao Xiaoling considered the scars and venomous tattoos hidden beneath the mask—most people could not bear them, no wonder no one wanted him.

Moreover, his hands and ankles were wrapped in layers of bandages, even covering palms and calves; the skin beneath was said to be festering. Just imagining it was distressing—enough to make one frown and avoid him.

While thinking this, Mu Guanghan turned and looked at him.

Their eyes met, and Shao Xiaoling quickly looked away. Unexpectedly, Mu Guanghan walked straight toward him.

Sigh, disdainful, wanting to flee.

Mu Guanghan paid no mind to this second-generation heir’s affectations; business was important.

“Guanghan wishes to ask the young lord several questions.”

The map of Luo Prefecture was spread before them.

Mu Guanghan spoke rapidly, asking many questions without end.

Though Shao Xiaoling’s head ached, he knew these were serious matters and reluctantly cooperated.

Half a month ago, the murderer of his father, Marquis Yingzu of Yizhou, had launched an assault on the border city of Lin. Luo Nanzhi led troops to aid.

Though the siege was lifted, the army was ambushed by Western Liang forces during the retreat and trapped in the small border city of Tangsha, unable to break out.

Because of this, Shao Xiaoling had gone to receive Mu Guanghan.

Fortunately, Tangsha was wealthy and had ample provisions for over a year. As long as they held firm, neither Western Liang nor Yizhou could sustain their supplies and would eventually withdraw.

This was why Shao Xiaoling was not overly worried about his friend.

But Mu Guanghan believed that while Luo Nanzhi could hold out, it would be better to break the siege of Tangsha sooner, or even more ambitiously—to help Luo Prefecture reclaim the four cities recently lost and divided between Anmu and Tangsha.

Although Shao Xiaoling appeared like a frivolous heir, he was quite knowledgeable about the province’s military defenses and supply routes.

After all, he was the young lord—not utterly incompetent.

Mu Guanghan questioned him for over an hour, gradually forming a plan.

The current situation was not entirely hopeless.

He believed he could devise a strategy to both reclaim lost lands and rescue Luo Nanzhi swiftly.

Shao Xiaoling: “…”

What was this man up to?

Suddenly, Mu Guanghan smiled and took the map, walking away.

Though disfigured, this Moonlight City Lord seemed in good spirits.

Shao Xiaoling didn’t understand.

Then he thought—when that man pointed to the cities on the map, hadn’t he gotten a bit too close? Had those long fingers beneath the bandages brushed against him? Had he secretly inhaled the fragrance on him?

An awkward sensation rose, and he wiped his sleeve disdainfully.

…

Anmu, Luo Prefecture.

The bustling dock was crowded with people.

Villagers had spontaneously donned colorful clothes to welcome the Moonlight City Lord. Both the riverbank and teahouses were packed—it was an unprecedented spectacle with streets empty of people.

Shao Xiaoling had spent a long time preparing.

He was handsome, the undisputed most beautiful man of Luo Prefecture, serving as its natural public face. He dressed in splendid robes and a magnificent crown, looking dashing and imposing.

Stepping out of the ship’s cabin, he happened to meet Mu Guanghan.

Heh—

At least someone knew they were ugly and had prepared accordingly.

Today, Mu Guanghan was dressed not as before with only a mask, but in white robes, a straw hat, and veils covering him from head to toe.

Thus, no one, not even the gods, could discern his true appearance.

It suited him well.

It made him appear noble and inscrutable, without revealing his frightening visage.

If not necessary, Shao Xiaoling would not touch him casually.

Yet, as they disembarked amidst the gazes of officials and citizens, he had to show respect to his honored guest.

Midsummer in Jiangnan, willows lush and green.

The Marquis of Luo Prefecture extended a hand to the guest, smiling handsomely and warmly.

Unexpectedly, another hand also reached out.

It belonged to a man dressed as an ordinary guard in black. Though simple and reserved in demeanor, his face was stunningly handsome.

Shao Xiaoling: “??”

Who was this?

Early that morning, Mu Guanghan had woken to check on Chu Danxi’s injuries.

But the man was not in his room; after searching, he found him in the kitchen, still heavily wounded yet instructing the cook on how to make his favorite sweet jade shrimp.

Mu Guanghan: “You must go lie down and rest immediately.”

Chu Danxi lowered his eyes, shaking his head.

“Master Xun sent me to care for the lord, not the other way around.”

Then he told the cook, “Add more sugar here, it’s fine if it’s candied—Master loves very sweet food.”

“…”

An hour later, the great ship docked.

The unprecedented, warmly enthusiastic welcome surprised Mu Guanghan. He could only sweat in secret, realizing that the wildly fabricated “Romantic Chronicles of the Moonlight City Lord” must be a hit in Luo Prefecture.

Sigh…

Midsummer willows, lush and green.

Before setting foot on Luo Prefecture’s soil, Mu Guanghan stole a glance toward Wu Heng.

His last glance.

“Master…”

Two hands were extended to him simultaneously; Mu Guanghan chose Shao Xiaoling.

Though the Luo Prefecture citizens disliked each other, they still respected their host.

The guard looked lost and dejected, like a stray dog abandoned on the street.

Shao Xiaoling had won, feeling triumphant, suddenly recalling Wei Liuyi’s despondent face.

It was quite similar to this man’s expression—restrained yet unwilling, like a wild dog gritting its teeth, ready to snap at him.

“Moonlight City Lord, don’t regret this.”

Wu Heng and Luo Prefecture were neighboring regions.

Shao Xiaoling and Wei Liuyi were the youngest sons of their respective marquises, often meeting during their fathers’ visits and constantly compared.

Shao Xiaoling had been rebellious since childhood, despising Wei Liuyi’s well-mannered and sanctimonious airs—what was he pretending?

Yet, despite years of provocation, Shao Xiaoling never managed to make Wei Liuyi drop his facade.

But this disfigured Moonlight City Lord had somehow made Wei Liuyi, who always looked down on him, reveal ugly jealousy and unwillingness.

Shao Xiaoling inwardly delighted but was puzzled.

Leading the Moonlight City Lord onto the grand carriage, he glanced again.

Tall and upright, with a good figure.

Surely talented, having memorized the map of Luo Prefecture after one look.

He wouldn’t mind being friends with this man.

But the looks exchanged between Wei Liuyi and the guard were unmistakably complicated—possessive, covetous, and mad with desire to claim him.

Shao Xiaoling shuddered.

He simply couldn’t understand what was so special about this ugly man.

When their fingers brushed, he was even more baffled. Looking at the bandages—did Wei Liuyi and the guard not mind his disfigurement?