Adoptive Father: C06-1

Chapter 6.1: Growing Pains

This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{That’s a bit strange, isn’t it?}
That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.

That’s a bit strange, isn’t it?

_{Han Xiling’s face exploded in a deep blush.}As for Han Xiling, he stood by the bedside in a daze. Wearing a face fully enveloped in a deep crimson, his unsteady breaths devolved into heavy panting.

Han Xiling’s face exploded in a deep blush.

_{For the past three years, young men of all types had been buzzing around Han Jiangxue, but even now, Han Xiling couldn’t decipher who amongst them that man’s lover could possibly be. Then there was Di Wangchen of the Dongfang Sect, who still visited every two months and still had yet to marry the young lady from his sect's main family.}“Sorry. I just really want to sleep,” Han Xiling sighed. Having barely gotten any sleep the night before and getting little rest even at such a late hour had left Han Xiling rather exhausted at present.

For the past three years, young men of all types had been buzzing around Han Jiangxue, but even now, Han Xiling couldn’t decipher who amongst them that man’s lover could possibly be. Then there was Di Wangchen of the Dongfang Sect, who still visited every two months and still had yet to marry the young lady from his sect's main family.

_{Han Xiling turned and walked towards the door without a hindered step.}“Oh… My apologies, then. Let me take a look, yeah…?”

Han Xiling turned and walked towards the door without a hindered step.

_{It was a feeling that stirred something within him. Looking at the man's still-shut eyes, he began wondering if he was truly unconscious.}That’s a bit strange, isn’t it?

It was a feeling that stirred something within him. Looking at the man's still-shut eyes, he began wondering if he was truly unconscious.

_☆☆☆
Everyone was seated, chatting, and laughing along merrily, even Han Jiangxue, who seemed happier than him. Sitting next to Diandian, Han Xiling couldn’t put his finger on the reason he felt so unhappy.

☆☆☆

_{“Good. That’s good, then…”}Seeing him fall asleep again, Han Xiling simply accepted his fate. Picking up the washcloth, he started cleaning him.

“Good. That’s good, then…”

_{“Yes. Some Nu’er Hong would be nice.”}
“Dad said that you can enter our sect directly a year from now. You can come to work with us—and we can be together every day!” Diandian beamed.

“Yes. Some Nu’er Hong would be nice.”

_{“You’re not going to trouble Uncle Xue, are you?” Diandian’s expression turned a bit grave.}☆☆☆

“You’re not going to trouble Uncle Xue, are you?” Diandian’s expression turned a bit grave.

_{“Well, don’t fall asleep so quickly today because I’m taking you to a fun place later,” Diandian leaned over to whisper in his ear.}
“But wouldn’t that be rather tiresome?” Han Xiling curved a corner of his lips. “Looking at the same face all throughout can become quite the chore.”

“Well, don’t fall asleep so quickly today because I’m taking you to a fun place later,” Diandian leaned over to whisper in his ear.

“What about Han Jiangxue?” The mere mention of that man’s name was all it took to drag Han Xiling from his stupor. Shooting to his feet, he grabbed Diandian by the collar. “What is he worried will happen?”

_{As for that man, his snores had quickly turned into pants, but those eyes of his still remained tіghtly shut.}Instead of being fearful of this reaction, Han Xiling was more curious about what would become of this man if he continued with his act. So that finger he held inside soon got company, which then began to scratch and twitch.

As for that man, his snores had quickly turned into pants, but those eyes of his still remained tіghtly shut.

_{Without thinking, Han Xiling’s hand entered the water, his fingers secretly taking hold of the protrusion on that man’s chеst.}As he hesitated, that man began slowly sinking into the water. With all the colour drained from his face, Han Xiling rushed forward. Scooping that man from the water, he slapped his face, hаrd.

Without thinking, Han Xiling’s hand entered the water, his fingers secretly taking hold of the protrusion on that man’s chеst.

_{“That’s because I’m a natural beauty,” he replied with little interest. The deadpan retort was enough to make the boy beside him burst out in laughter.}
“Hmph!” Diandian snorted. “You’re really no fun at all.”

“That’s because I’m a natural beauty,” he replied with little interest. The deadpan retort was enough to make the boy beside him burst out in laughter.

_{It was quite late, so both Aunty and Uncle Wu had turned in for the night.}Han Xiling’s face exploded in a deep blush.

It was quite late, so both Aunty and Uncle Wu had turned in for the night.

_{While with his father, Diandian said something Han Xiling wasn’t able to hear, but he did notice a devilish grin spreаd across that man’s face before he gave them permission with the wave of a hand.}[T/n: Nu’er Hong is an aged rice wine, but its name is literally Girl/Daughter Red, which can loosely be interpreted as "blushing girl". So she’s saying he asked for her. They are "flirting".]

While with his father, Diandian said something Han Xiling wasn’t able to hear, but he did notice a devilish grin spreаd across that man’s face before he gave them permission with the wave of a hand.

_{Han Xiling’s face exploded in a deep blush.}“I’ll call for another, then.”

Han Xiling’s face exploded in a deep blush.

_A/NNone of those men was good enough for Han Jiangxue as far as he was concerned—Di Wangchen included.

A/N

_{Even though the task was finally done, Han Xiling’s heart still thumped wildly. Not only did that thing feel as though it would leap all the way out, but his face burnt, and the perspiration rolling down his forehead were bean-sized blobs.}
“Sorry. I just really want to sleep,” Han Xiling sighed. Having barely gotten any sleep the night before and getting little rest even at such a late hour had left Han Xiling rather exhausted at present.

Even though the task was finally done, Han Xiling’s heart still thumped wildly. Not only did that thing feel as though it would leap all the way out, but his face burnt, and the perspiration rolling down his forehead were bean-sized blobs.

_{“I did. I had the time of my damn life!” Han Xiling felt his anger rising. “Those women were good—fantastic even!”}Did that guy throw the cups so many times just to make it hаrd for me?

“I did. I had the time of my damn life!” Han Xiling felt his anger rising. “Those women were good—fantastic even!”

_{Seeing no reaction from that man even now, Han Xiling gulped a breath and covered the entire region with his hand. It was soft to the touch. It felt good in his grasp. As a bit more time had passed under his gentle caresses, he felt that tiny protrusion slowly hаrden under his palm.}Across from him, Diandian said with a grin, “In celebration of your success, my reward to you tonight is to make you a real man, Xiling.”

Seeing no reaction from that man even now, Han Xiling gulped a breath and covered the entire region with his hand. It was soft to the touch. It felt good in his grasp. As a bit more time had passed under his gentle caresses, he felt that tiny protrusion slowly hаrden under his palm.

_{Han Xiling felt as though his fingers were being swallowed; constantly and eagerly, they were being sυcked in. Soon, that man’s body relaxed once more. Turning around, he simply continued to sleep.}Now that guy even had the crazy idea to send me to a brothel?

Han Xiling felt as though his fingers were being swallowed; constantly and eagerly, they were being sυcked in. Soon, that man’s body relaxed once more. Turning around, he simply continued to sleep.

_{Han Xiling unconsciously gulped upon hearing those words; for some reason, also, his chеst felt tіght.}His words etched shock onto Diandian’s refined face. Those already doe-like eyes of the young man had now enlarged even further. “You don’t like women!” Staring at Han Xiling, he asked in horror, earning a shrug from Han Xiling.

Han Xiling unconsciously gulped upon hearing those words; for some reason, also, his chеst felt tіght.

_{His words etched shock onto Diandian’s refined face. Those already doe-like eyes of the young man had now enlarged even further. “You don’t like women!” Staring at Han Xiling, he asked in horror, earning a shrug from Han Xiling.}
“Really? Are you a pig? Why are you always thinking about sleeping?” Diandian tossed an incredulous look at Han Xiling as he scolded. “If you’re not practising on the training grounds, then you’re at home sleeping. It really is a wonder you haven’t grown as fat as a pig to this day!”

His words etched shock onto Diandian’s refined face. Those already doe-like eyes of the young man had now enlarged even further. “You don’t like women!” Staring at Han Xiling, he asked in horror, earning a shrug from Han Xiling.

_{“No, just leave it be.” Before Diandian could request another, Han Xiling reached out to grab his hand. “I don’t want a girl.”}“Quit making a fuss! Why did you go out drinking again? Do you not see the state you’re in?”

“No, just leave it be.” Before Diandian could request another, Han Xiling reached out to grab his hand. “I don’t want a girl.”

_{At some point, that woman had left. Then sometime after that, Diandian re-entered.}
“That’s because I’m a natural beauty,” he replied with little interest. The deadpan retort was enough to make the boy beside him burst out in laughter.

At some point, that woman had left. Then sometime after that, Diandian re-entered.

_{“Hey! Can’t you see you’re drowning?”}Han Xiling also wished to bid Han Jiangxue farewell, but upon seeing him chatting with some young man, his heart sank so hаrd that he simply turned and left.

“Hey! Can’t you see you’re drowning?”

_{With that, Diandian stood up and went to bid his father farewell.}Han Xiling, rightly peeved, carried that man to the bathroom and threw him onto the ground. After seeing him hobble to the tub, he went to fetch the hot water.

With that, Diandian stood up and went to bid his father farewell.

_{After waiting and waiting, Han Jiangxue finally made an appearance after three in the morning.}At sixteen or seventeen years old, most people in their time are already married. By Han Xiling’s age, they would already have kids.

After waiting and waiting, Han Jiangxue finally made an appearance after three in the morning.

_“Home!”At sixteen or seventeen years old, most people in their time are already married. By Han Xiling’s age, they would already have kids.

“Home!”

_{As for that man, his snores had quickly turned into pants, but those eyes of his still remained tіghtly shut.}
“Well, don’t fall asleep so quickly today because I’m taking you to a fun place later,” Diandian leaned over to whisper in his ear.

As for that man, his snores had quickly turned into pants, but those eyes of his still remained tіghtly shut.

_{“But wouldn’t that be rather tiresome?” Han Xiling curved a corner of his lips. “Looking at the same face all throughout can become quite the chore.”}From panting to wrіthing until that form of his stiffened, that man dug his fingers deep into Han Xiling’s arm until deep red marks were ultimately etched into his skin.

“But wouldn’t that be rather tiresome?” Han Xiling curved a corner of his lips. “Looking at the same face all throughout can become quite the chore.”

_{“The Rose Garden” was the name of the brothel. Inside, the furnishings were opulent; it still maintained a modest, elegant charm. It was said to be the place often frequented by high-ranking officials and nobles alike.}There has to be a mistake, right? That guy… Even something like this that guy is trying to control? What the hell is he trying to do? Why is he…? Is it because of what happened last night?

“The Rose Garden” was the name of the brothel. Inside, the furnishings were opulent; it still maintained a modest, elegant charm. It was said to be the place often frequented by high-ranking officials and nobles alike.

Instead of being fearful of this reaction, Han Xiling was more curious about what would become of this man if he continued with his act. So that finger he held inside soon got company, which then began to scratch and twitch.

_{When it came to the most handsome men around, Han Jiangxue was far from the top of the list on account of his unusually slim physique. But for Han Xiling, it had a strange kind of allure.}At some point, that woman had left. Then sometime after that, Diandian re-entered.

When it came to the most handsome men around, Han Jiangxue was far from the top of the list on account of his unusually slim physique. But for Han Xiling, it had a strange kind of allure.

_{“I’ll call for another, then.”}
“Where?”

“I’ll call for another, then.”

_{Han Xiling unconsciously gulped upon hearing those words; for some reason, also, his chеst felt tіght.}Swordsmen were the exception to this norm, all due to the promotion of abstinence while honing their craft, allowing them to get married at a slightly later age. But this in no way meant that they always maintained their innocence throughout this time. By fifteen or so, most would seek out a woman to experience the pleasure of the union between woman and man.

Han Xiling unconsciously gulped upon hearing those words; for some reason, also, his chеst felt tіght.

_{At sixteen or seventeen years old, most people in their time are already married. By Han Xiling’s age, they would already have kids.}“Great! So please do me the favour of not poking your nose into my business from now on, alright? Do you have any idea how embarrassed I was today because of you?”

At sixteen or seventeen years old, most people in their time are already married. By Han Xiling’s age, they would already have kids.

_{When he was finally back with the hot water, he saw that the man had already shed his clothing and managed to climb into the still-cold tub of water.}
“You’ll see when we get there. Follow me.”

When he was finally back with the hot water, he saw that the man had already shed his clothing and managed to climb into the still-cold tub of water.

_☆☆☆His words etched shock onto Diandian’s refined face. Those already doe-like eyes of the young man had now enlarged even further. “You don’t like women!” Staring at Han Xiling, he asked in horror, earning a shrug from Han Xiling.

☆☆☆

_{No—it's more like nothing has been normal for a long time now because of Han Jiangxue.}
With that, Diandian stood up and went to bid his father farewell.

No—it's more like nothing has been normal for a long time now because of Han Jiangxue.

_A/NThe woman laughed. “Oh, so this is the young master’s true colours. So a Nu’er Hong is what you’re after, yes?”

A/N

_{Shaking his head in response, Diandian took it as his cue to leave. So now, in that room, there was only that woman and Han Xiling.}Seeing that man stumbling in, his entire body leeching the smell of liquor, Han Xiling stepped forward to help him. But the second he did, a wave erupted from that man’s stomach, landing directly on the helpful Han Xiling.

Shaking his head in response, Diandian took it as his cue to leave. So now, in that room, there was only that woman and Han Xiling.

_{Han Xiling turned and walked towards the door without a hindered step.}
While with his father, Diandian said something Han Xiling wasn’t able to hear, but he did notice a devilish grin spreаd across that man’s face before he gave them permission with the wave of a hand.

Han Xiling turned and walked towards the door without a hindered step.

Everyone was seated, chatting, and laughing along merrily, even Han Jiangxue, who seemed happier than him. Sitting next to Diandian, Han Xiling couldn’t put his finger on the reason he felt so unhappy.

_{Chapter 6.1: Growing Pains}
Han Xiling also wished to bid Han Jiangxue farewell, but upon seeing him chatting with some young man, his heart sank so hаrd that he simply turned and left.

Chapter 6.1: Growing Pains

_{“Xiling! Hey! Uncle Xue is doing this for your own good!”}This scene was far from a rarity for the past year. Han Jiangxue would often go out drinking like this at random, not coming back until he was stone drunk.

“Xiling! Hey! Uncle Xue is doing this for your own good!”

_{It was a fact Han Xiling also understood, but for the past three years, he never had an inclination of the sort. Those women and their delicate figures hadn’t crossed his mind, so he never sought one out. In truth, the only one who seemed to kindle such dеsires turned out to be that adoptive father of his, himself.}“But wouldn’t that be rather tiresome?” Han Xiling curved a corner of his lips. “Looking at the same face all throughout can become quite the chore.”

It was a fact Han Xiling also understood, but for the past three years, he never had an inclination of the sort. Those women and their delicate figures hadn’t crossed his mind, so he never sought one out. In truth, the only one who seemed to kindle such dеsires turned out to be that adoptive father of his, himself.

_{That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.}Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.

That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.

☆☆☆

_{“Oh, hehehe… I almost forgot. Did you have fun tonight?” Han Jiangxue was still clearly drunk.}
Xuanyuan Diandian only brought along two personal guards on their journey, and they all travelled on horseback. Riding down the main road, they finally stopped right in front of a brothel.

“Oh, hehehe… I almost forgot. Did you have fun tonight?” Han Jiangxue was still clearly drunk.

_{Swordsmen were the exception to this norm, all due to the promotion of abstinence while honing their craft, allowing them to get married at a slightly later age. But this in no way meant that they always maintained their innocence throughout this time. By fifteen or so, most would seek out a woman to experience the pleasure of the union between woman and man.}“Has Uncle Xue’s worst fears truly come to pass?” The young man sighed.

Swordsmen were the exception to this norm, all due to the promotion of abstinence while honing their craft, allowing them to get married at a slightly later age. But this in no way meant that they always maintained their innocence throughout this time. By fifteen or so, most would seek out a woman to experience the pleasure of the union between woman and man.

_{For the past three years, young men of all types had been buzzing around Han Jiangxue, but even now, Han Xiling couldn’t decipher who amongst them that man’s lover could possibly be. Then there was Di Wangchen of the Dongfang Sect, who still visited every two months and still had yet to marry the young lady from his sect's main family.}Seeing no reaction from that man even now, Han Xiling gulped a breath and covered the entire region with his hand. It was soft to the touch. It felt good in his grasp. As a bit more time had passed under his gentle caresses, he felt that tiny protrusion slowly hаrden under his palm.

As that fair and slender body lay half-submerged, its lower parts were concealed by ripples, making it hаrd for Han Xiling to see. Lowering his lips to that man’s ear, Han Xiling called out softly, but he showed no response.

_{That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.}“Oh, hehehe… I almost forgot. Did you have fun tonight?” Han Jiangxue was still clearly drunk.

That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.

_{While with his father, Diandian said something Han Xiling wasn’t able to hear, but he did notice a devilish grin spreаd across that man’s face before he gave them permission with the wave of a hand.}
“The Rose Garden” was the name of the brothel. Inside, the furnishings were opulent; it still maintained a modest, elegant charm. It was said to be the place often frequented by high-ranking officials and nobles alike.

As his mouth was busy, fearing that man would awaken, Han Xiling kept an eye on his reaction every now and then. But after noticing there was nary a twitch, his fears lessened, and his courage gradually grew stronger. His hands now travelled downwards, slipping between the man’s thіghs. Perhaps on account of the bath, that place is especially slіck. It was so wet that even the sheet below felt moist. As his fingers explored, perhaps due to this unusual wetness, one of his fingers had easily slipped into that back hole.

_{The woman laughed. “Oh, so this is the young master’s true colours. So a Nu’er Hong is what you’re after, yes?”}When he was finally back with the hot water, he saw that the man had already shed his clothing and managed to climb into the still-cold tub of water.

The woman laughed. “Oh, so this is the young master’s true colours. So a Nu’er Hong is what you’re after, yes?”

_{Han Xiling unconsciously gulped upon hearing those words; for some reason, also, his chеst felt tіght.}That woman tried to approach him several times afterwards, but he refused every single advance. The liquor before him was his only dеsire.

Han Xiling unconsciously gulped upon hearing those words; for some reason, also, his chеst felt tіght.

_{It was a fact Han Xiling also understood, but for the past three years, he never had an inclination of the sort. Those women and their delicate figures hadn’t crossed his mind, so he never sought one out. In truth, the only one who seemed to kindle such dеsires turned out to be that adoptive father of his, himself.}
Amidst the revelry in wine, feast, and those beauties donned in fragrant attire, Han Xiling nervously sat in an elegant room requested by Diandian from the “madam.”

_{“Uh, oh. Okay…” As his voice trailed off, Han Jiangxue’s body again slid down into the tub. “{Hehehe}… Looks like the kid is all grown up now… So sleepy…”}Instead of being fearful of this reaction, Han Xiling was more curious about what would become of this man if he continued with his act. So that finger he held inside soon got company, which then began to scratch and twitch.

“Uh, oh. Okay…” As his voice trailed off, Han Jiangxue’s body again slid down into the tub. “Hehehe… Looks like the kid is all grown up now… So sleepy…”

_{“Quit making a fuss! Why did you go out drinking again? Do you not see the state you’re in?”}No—it's more like nothing has been normal for a long time now because of Han Jiangxue.

“Quit making a fuss! Why did you go out drinking again? Do you not see the state you’re in?”

_{“Sorry. I just really want to sleep,” Han Xiling sighed. Having barely gotten any sleep the night before and getting little rest even at such a late hour had left Han Xiling rather exhausted at present.}
Across from him, Diandian said with a grin, “In celebration of your success, my reward to you tonight is to make you a real man, Xiling.”

“Sorry. I just really want to sleep,” Han Xiling sighed. Having barely gotten any sleep the night before and getting little rest even at such a late hour had left Han Xiling rather exhausted at present.

_{{No—it's more like nothing has been normal for a long time now because of Han Jiangxue.}}“What about Han Jiangxue?” The mere mention of that man’s name was all it took to drag Han Xiling from his stupor. Shooting to his feet, he grabbed Diandian by the collar. “What is he worried will happen?”

No—it's more like nothing has been normal for a long time now because of Han Jiangxue.

_{From panting to wrіthing until that form of his stiffened, that man dug his fingers deep into Han Xiling’s arm until deep red marks were ultimately etched into his skin.}That man resembled a harmless toy in that instant, one that allowed him to squish it.

From panting to wrіthing until that form of his stiffened, that man dug his fingers deep into Han Xiling’s arm until deep red marks were ultimately etched into his skin.

_{“I don’t know, honestly. I just don’t feel anything in particular around them, nor do I have the dеsire to experience holding one like that.”}Diandian stumbled backwards, his eyes repeatedly scanning Han Xiling from head to toe; it was as if he were avoiding the god of plagues.

“I don’t know, honestly. I just don’t feel anything in particular around them, nor do I have the dеsire to experience holding one like that.”

_{While with his father, Diandian said something Han Xiling wasn’t able to hear, but he did notice a devilish grin spreаd across that man’s face before he gave them permission with the wave of a hand.}Xuanyuan Diandian only brought along two personal guards on their journey, and they all travelled on horseback. Riding down the main road, they finally stopped right in front of a brothel.

_{Seeing no reaction from that man even now, Han Xiling gulped a breath and covered the entire region with his hand. It was soft to the touch. It felt good in his grasp. As a bit more time had passed under his gentle caresses, he felt that tiny protrusion slowly hаrden under his palm.}
Han Xiling unconsciously gulped upon hearing those words; for some reason, also, his chеst felt tіght.

_{“What the hell are you doing, Xiling?” Diandian snatched the jug from Han Xiling’s grip and scolded.}“Xiling! Hey! Uncle Xue is doing this for your own good!”

“What the hell are you doing, Xiling?” Diandian snatched the jug from Han Xiling’s grip and scolded.

_{“Well, don’t fall asleep so quickly today because I’m taking you to a fun place later,” Diandian leaned over to whisper in his ear.}“You’ll see when we get there. Follow me.”

“Well, don’t fall asleep so quickly today because I’m taking you to a fun place later,” Diandian leaned over to whisper in his ear.

_{“Then, I’ll thank him well for his kindness when I return!” Han Xiling gritted.}“Hey, Xiling!” Diandian shouted from behind him. “Where the hell are you going?”

“Then, I’ll thank him well for his kindness when I return!” Han Xiling gritted.

_{“Quit making a fuss! Why did you go out drinking again? Do you not see the state you’re in?”}
At sixteen or seventeen years old, most people in their time are already married. By Han Xiling’s age, they would already have kids.

“Quit making a fuss! Why did you go out drinking again? Do you not see the state you’re in?”

_{When he was finally back with the hot water, he saw that the man had already shed his clothing and managed to climb into the still-cold tub of water.}Did that guy throw the cups so many times just to make it hаrd for me?

When he was finally back with the hot water, he saw that the man had already shed his clothing and managed to climb into the still-cold tub of water.

_{That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.}“Was that girl not to your liking?”

That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.

_{Seeing him fall asleep again, Han Xiling simply accepted his fate. Picking up the washcloth, he started cleaning him.}It was a fact Han Xiling also understood, but for the past three years, he never had an inclination of the sort. Those women and their delicate figures hadn’t crossed his mind, so he never sought one out. In truth, the only one who seemed to kindle such dеsires turned out to be that adoptive father of his, himself.

Seeing him fall asleep again, Han Xiling simply accepted his fate. Picking up the washcloth, he started cleaning him.

_{From panting to wrіthing until that form of his stiffened, that man dug his fingers deep into Han Xiling’s arm until deep red marks were ultimately etched into his skin.}“That’s because I’m a natural beauty,” he replied with little interest. The deadpan retort was enough to make the boy beside him burst out in laughter.

From panting to wrіthing until that form of his stiffened, that man dug his fingers deep into Han Xiling’s arm until deep red marks were ultimately etched into his skin.

_{For a long time, Han Xiling stood by the window. Now, he made up his mind.}
Swordsmen were the exception to this norm, all due to the promotion of abstinence while honing their craft, allowing them to get married at a slightly later age. But this in no way meant that they always maintained their innocence throughout this time. By fifteen or so, most would seek out a woman to experience the pleasure of the union between woman and man.

For a long time, Han Xiling stood by the window. Now, he made up his mind. Returning to the bedside, he saw that the man was still fast asleep, still snoring loudly. But as that man lay on his side, his slender legs crossed over the other, it made an especially alluring sight. Reaching over, Han Xiling attempted to turn him on his back, laying his arms and legs straight, but upon pulling off the blanket, two cherry-hued protrusions immediately caught his eye.

_“Where?”Han Xiling felt as though his fingers were being swallowed; constantly and eagerly, they were being sυcked in. Soon, that man’s body relaxed once more. Turning around, he simply continued to sleep.

“Where?”

_{At sixteen or seventeen years old, most people in their time are already married. By Han Xiling’s age, they would already have kids.}“Hey! Can’t you see you’re drowning?”

At sixteen or seventeen years old, most people in their time are already married. By Han Xiling’s age, they would already have kids.

_{The stink of the wine, filth, and whatever those sticky bits latched onto his clothes felt as disgusting as they smelt.}
It was a fact Han Xiling also understood, but for the past three years, he never had an inclination of the sort. Those women and their delicate figures hadn’t crossed his mind, so he never sought one out. In truth, the only one who seemed to kindle such dеsires turned out to be that adoptive father of his, himself.

The stink of the wine, filth, and whatever those sticky bits latched onto his clothes felt as disgusting as they smelt.

_{“Oh… My apologies, then. Let me take a look, yeah…?”}As for Han Xiling, he stood by the bedside in a daze. Wearing a face fully enveloped in a deep crimson, his unsteady breaths devolved into heavy panting.

“Oh… My apologies, then. Let me take a look, yeah…?”

_{[T/n: Nu’er Hong is an aged rice wine, but its name is literally Girl/Daughter Red, which can loosely be interpreted as "blushing girl". So she’s saying he asked for her. They are "flirting".]}“What about Han Jiangxue?” The mere mention of that man’s name was all it took to drag Han Xiling from his stupor. Shooting to his feet, he grabbed Diandian by the collar. “What is he worried will happen?”

[T/n: Nu’er Hong is an aged rice wine, but its name is literally Girl/Daughter Red, which can loosely be interpreted as "blushing girl". So she’s saying he asked for her. They are "flirting".]

_{Returning to his senses, Han Xiling hurriedly scrubbed the man clean, rinsed, dried and wrapped him in a blanket, then finally carried him to the bed of the main bedroom.}Han Xiling, rightly peeved, carried that man to the bathroom and threw him onto the ground. After seeing him hobble to the tub, he went to fetch the hot water.

Returning to his senses, Han Xiling hurriedly scrubbed the man clean, rinsed, dried and wrapped him in a blanket, then finally carried him to the bed of the main bedroom.

_{“Uh, oh. Okay…” As his voice trailed off, Han Jiangxue’s body again slid down into the tub. “Hehehe… Looks like the kid is all grown up now… So sleepy…”}
That’s a bit strange, isn’t it?

“Uh, oh. Okay…” As his voice trailed off, Han Jiangxue’s body again slid down into the tub. “Hehehe… Looks like the kid is all grown up now… So sleepy…”

_{For a long time, Han Xiling stood by the window. Now, he made up his mind.}“Just don’t meddle in my personal business from now on, alright?”

_{Opening the bedroom door of the western room with a kick, Han Xiling saw there was no one to be seen.}
Before that thought could simmer, a graceful beauty sauntered in. With a face and eyes that both exuded allure and elegance, her pink chiffon dress made her akin to a floating petal.

Opening the bedroom door of the western room with a kick, Han Xiling saw there was no one to be seen.

_{Xuanyuan Diandian only brought along two personal guards on their journey, and they all travelled on horseback. Riding down the main road, they finally stopped right in front of a brothel.}“That’s because I’m a natural beauty,” he replied with little interest. The deadpan retort was enough to make the boy beside him burst out in laughter.

Xuanyuan Diandian only brought along two personal guards on their journey, and they all travelled on horseback. Riding down the main road, they finally stopped right in front of a brothel.

When it came to the most handsome men around, Han Jiangxue was far from the top of the list on account of his unusually slim physique. But for Han Xiling, it had a strange kind of allure.

_{Memories of his first day at that mansion rekindled at the sight of that cup in his grasp.}That woman tried to approach him several times afterwards, but he refused every single advance. The liquor before him was his only dеsire.

Memories of his first day at that mansion rekindled at the sight of that cup in his grasp.

_{It was quite late, so both Aunty and Uncle Wu had turned in for the night.}
“Do you want me to stay?” Shooting him a cheeky look, Diandian asked Han Xiling.

It was quite late, so both Aunty and Uncle Wu had turned in for the night.

_{“Xiling! Hey! Uncle Xue is doing this for your own good!”}Returning to his senses, Han Xiling hurriedly scrubbed the man clean, rinsed, dried and wrapped him in a blanket, then finally carried him to the bed of the main bedroom.

“Xiling! Hey! Uncle Xue is doing this for your own good!”

_{Han Xiling unconsciously gulped upon hearing those words; for some reason, also, his chеst felt tіght.}His heart quickened by the act. He found himself breathless.

Han Xiling unconsciously gulped upon hearing those words; for some reason, also, his chеst felt tіght.

As he hesitated, that man began slowly sinking into the water. With all the colour drained from his face, Han Xiling rushed forward. Scooping that man from the water, he slapped his face, hаrd.

_{Across from him, Diandian said with a grin, “In celebration of your success, my reward to you tonight is to make you a real man, Xiling.”}
Shaking his head in response, Diandian took it as his cue to leave. So now, in that room, there was only that woman and Han Xiling.

Across from him, Diandian said with a grin, “In celebration of your success, my reward to you tonight is to make you a real man, Xiling.”

_{As for Han Xiling, he stood by the bedside in a daze. Wearing a face fully enveloped in a deep crimson, his unsteady breaths devolved into heavy panting.}“Dad said that you can enter our sect directly a year from now. You can come to work with us—and we can be together every day!” Diandian beamed.

As for Han Xiling, he stood by the bedside in a daze. Wearing a face fully enveloped in a deep crimson, his unsteady breaths devolved into heavy panting.

_{At sixteen or seventeen years old, most people in their time are already married. By Han Xiling’s age, they would already have kids.}That woman tried to approach him several times afterwards, but he refused every single advance. The liquor before him was his only dеsire.

At sixteen or seventeen years old, most people in their time are already married. By Han Xiling’s age, they would already have kids.

_{At some point, that woman had left. Then sometime after that, Diandian re-entered.}There has to be a mistake, right? That guy… Even something like this that guy is trying to control? What the hell is he trying to do? Why is he…? Is it because of what happened last night?

At some point, that woman had left. Then sometime after that, Diandian re-entered.

_{“The Rose Garden” was the name of the brothel. Inside, the furnishings were opulent; it still maintained a modest, elegant charm. It was said to be the place often frequented by high-ranking officials and nobles alike.}
“Young master, would you like a drink?” the woman asked, her hand extending towards Han Xiling.

_{“Good. That’s good, then…”}Instead of being fearful of this reaction, Han Xiling was more curious about what would become of this man if he continued with his act. So that finger he held inside soon got company, which then began to scratch and twitch.

“Good. That’s good, then…”

_{It was a feeling that stirred something within him. Looking at the man's still-shut eyes, he began wondering if he was truly unconscious.}The woman laughed. “Oh, so this is the young master’s true colours. So a Nu’er Hong is what you’re after, yes?”

It was a feeling that stirred something within him. Looking at the man's still-shut eyes, he began wondering if he was truly unconscious.

_{“Was that girl not to your liking?”}His heart quickened by the act. He found himself breathless.

“Was that girl not to your liking?”

_{“Oh… My apologies, then. Let me take a look, yeah…?”}Diandian stumbled backwards, his eyes repeatedly scanning Han Xiling from head to toe; it was as if he were avoiding the god of plagues.

“Oh… My apologies, then. Let me take a look, yeah…?”

_{{Nothing tonight is normal.}}Memories of his first day at that mansion rekindled at the sight of that cup in his grasp.

Nothing tonight is normal.

_{Everyone was seated, chatting, and laughing along merrily, even Han Jiangxue, who seemed happier than him. Sitting next to Diandian, Han Xiling couldn’t put his finger on the reason he felt so unhappy.}
The woman laughed. “Oh, so this is the young master’s true colours. So a Nu’er Hong is what you’re after, yes?”

_A/NAt sixteen or seventeen years old, most people in their time are already married. By Han Xiling’s age, they would already have kids.

A/N

After waiting and waiting, Han Jiangxue finally made an appearance after three in the morning.

There has to be a mistake, right? That guy… Even something like this that guy is trying to control? What the hell is he trying to do? Why is he…? Is it because of what happened last night?

_{Now that guy even had the crazy idea to send me to a brothel?}
Han Xiling’s face exploded in a deep blush.

Now that guy even had the crazy idea to send me to a brothel?

_A/N“What the hell are you doing, Xiling?” Diandian snatched the jug from Han Xiling’s grip and scolded.

A/N

_{Nothing tonight is normal.}
[T/n: Nu’er Hong is an aged rice wine, but its name is literally Girl/Daughter Red, which can loosely be interpreted as "blushing girl". So she’s saying he asked for her. They are "flirting".]

Nothing tonight is normal.

_{“You’re not going to trouble Uncle Xue, are you?” Diandian’s expression turned a bit grave.}Han Xiling shook his head to nod.

“You’re not going to trouble Uncle Xue, are you?” Diandian’s expression turned a bit grave.

_{“What the hell are you doing, Xiling?” Diandian snatched the jug from Han Xiling’s grip and scolded.}“Was that girl not to your liking?”

“What the hell are you doing, Xiling?” Diandian snatched the jug from Han Xiling’s grip and scolded.

_{It was quite late, so both Aunty and Uncle Wu had turned in for the night.}As his mouth was busy, fearing that man would awaken, Han Xiling kept an eye on his reaction every now and then. But after noticing there was nary a twitch, his fears lessened, and his courage gradually grew stronger. His hands now travelled downwards, slipping between the man’s thіghs. Perhaps on account of the bath, that place is especially slіck. It was so wet that even the sheet below felt moist. As his fingers explored, perhaps due to this unusual wetness, one of his fingers had easily slipped into that back hole.

It was quite late, so both Aunty and Uncle Wu had turned in for the night.

_{That man resembled a harmless toy in that instant, one that allowed him to squish it.}“What a considerate adopted father he is!” Han Xiling couldn’t help but sneer.

That man resembled a harmless toy in that instant, one that allowed him to squish it.

_{Getting back to the task, Han Xiling raised that man up until all of his upper half sat above the water. Seeing that slender figure rise out of the tub left the young man unable to help himself from staring at him, at a loss for words. This was the body which only had a single flaw: it was far too delicate for a man’s.}
Moving to sit on his lap, the woman wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, “I heard from that young master that this will be your first time, young master. Is this really true?”

Getting back to the task, Han Xiling raised that man up until all of his upper half sat above the water. Seeing that slender figure rise out of the tub left the young man unable to help himself from staring at him, at a loss for words. This was the body which only had a single flaw: it was far too delicate for a man’s.

_{That heart of his kept thumping—pounding and pounding with all its might. It was as if it was urging him—begging him—to do something bad.}“Oh, hehehe… I almost forgot. Did you have fun tonight?” Han Jiangxue was still clearly drunk.

That heart of his kept thumping—pounding and pounding with all its might. It was as if it was urging him—begging him—to do something bad.

_{Even though the task was finally done, Han Xiling’s heart still thumped wildly. Not only did that thing feel as though it would leap all the way out, but his face burnt, and the perspiration rolling down his forehead were bean-sized blobs.}“Do you want me to stay?” Shooting him a cheeky look, Diandian asked Han Xiling.

_{Before that thought could simmer, a graceful beauty sauntered in. With a face and eyes that both exuded allure and elegance, her pink chiffon dress made her akin to a floating petal.}Making his way back to the central hall, Han Xiling poured himself some tea. In his hand, that liquid filled the delicately smooth and white porcelain cup that was so beloved by Han Jiangxue.

Before that thought could simmer, a graceful beauty sauntered in. With a face and eyes that both exuded allure and elegance, her pink chiffon dress made her akin to a floating petal.

_{That woman tried to approach him several times afterwards, but he refused every single advance. The liquor before him was his only dеsire.}
“Does it matter either way?” Han Xiling felt annoyed. The forced flirtatious act before him made a wave of discomfort surge all throughout. In an instant, he found himself pushing that woman from his lap and reaching to pour his own wine.

That woman tried to approach him several times afterwards, but he refused every single advance. The liquor before him was his only dеsire.

_“Where?”“Good. That’s good, then…”

“Where?”

_{Across from him, Diandian said with a grin, “In celebration of your success, my reward to you tonight is to make you a real man, Xiling.”}The blood within Han Xiling surged, his fists exerting more strength as they tіghtened.

Across from him, Diandian said with a grin, “In celebration of your success, my reward to you tonight is to make you a real man, Xiling.”

_{When he was finally back with the hot water, he saw that the man had already shed his clothing and managed to climb into the still-cold tub of water.}For a long time, Han Xiling stood by the window. Now, he made up his mind. Returning to the bedside, he saw that the man was still fast asleep, still snoring loudly. But as that man lay on his side, his slender legs crossed over the other, it made an especially alluring sight. Reaching over, Han Xiling attempted to turn him on his back, laying his arms and legs straight, but upon pulling off the blanket, two cherry-hued protrusions immediately caught his eye.

When he was finally back with the hot water, he saw that the man had already shed his clothing and managed to climb into the still-cold tub of water.

_{“Young master, would you like a drink?” the woman asked, her hand extending towards Han Xiling.}Han Xiling, rightly peeved, carried that man to the bathroom and threw him onto the ground. After seeing him hobble to the tub, he went to fetch the hot water.

“Young master, would you like a drink?” the woman asked, her hand extending towards Han Xiling.

_{For the past three years, young men of all types had been buzzing around Han Jiangxue, but even now, Han Xiling couldn’t decipher who amongst them that man’s lover could possibly be. Then there was Di Wangchen of the Dongfang Sect, who still visited every two months and still had yet to marry the young lady from his sect's main family.}
That woman tried to approach him several times afterwards, but he refused every single advance. The liquor before him was his only dеsire.

_{“Young master, would you like a drink?” the woman asked, her hand extending towards Han Xiling.}“I did. I had the time of my damn life!” Han Xiling felt his anger rising. “Those women were good—fantastic even!”

“Young master, would you like a drink?” the woman asked, her hand extending towards Han Xiling.

_{Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.}“Hey, Xiling!” Diandian shouted from behind him. “Where the hell are you going?”

Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.

_{Moving to sit on his lap, the woman wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, “I heard from that young master that this will be your first time, young master. Is this really true?”}“Well, don’t fall asleep so quickly today because I’m taking you to a fun place later,” Diandian leaned over to whisper in his ear.

Moving to sit on his lap, the woman wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, “I heard from that young master that this will be your first time, young master. Is this really true?”

_{“Good. That’s good, then…”}
At some point, that woman had left. Then sometime after that, Diandian re-entered.

“Good. That’s good, then…”

_{“I’m just going home, alright?” Han Xiling responded. “I just want to sleep.”}Han Xiling shook his head to nod.

“I’m just going home, alright?” Han Xiling responded. “I just want to sleep.”

_{When he was finally back with the hot water, he saw that the man had already shed his clothing and managed to climb into the still-cold tub of water.}“I want to drink.”

When he was finally back with the hot water, he saw that the man had already shed his clothing and managed to climb into the still-cold tub of water.

_{Shaking his head in response, Diandian took it as his cue to leave. So now, in that room, there was only that woman and Han Xiling.}At some point, that woman had left. Then sometime after that, Diandian re-entered.

Shaking his head in response, Diandian took it as his cue to leave. So now, in that room, there was only that woman and Han Xiling.

_{“But wouldn’t that be rather tiresome?” Han Xiling curved a corner of his lips. “Looking at the same face all throughout can become quite the chore.”}
“What the hell are you doing, Xiling?” Diandian snatched the jug from Han Xiling’s grip and scolded.

“But wouldn’t that be rather tiresome?” Han Xiling curved a corner of his lips. “Looking at the same face all throughout can become quite the chore.”

_{Seeing him fall asleep again, Han Xiling simply accepted his fate. Picking up the washcloth, he started cleaning him.}Swordsmen were the exception to this norm, all due to the promotion of abstinence while honing their craft, allowing them to get married at a slightly later age. But this in no way meant that they always maintained their innocence throughout this time. By fifteen or so, most would seek out a woman to experience the pleasure of the union between woman and man.

Seeing him fall asleep again, Han Xiling simply accepted his fate. Picking up the washcloth, he started cleaning him.

_{That man resembled a harmless toy in that instant, one that allowed him to squish it.}
“I want to drink.”

That man resembled a harmless toy in that instant, one that allowed him to squish it.

_{“I don’t know, honestly. I just don’t feel anything in particular around them, nor do I have the dеsire to experience holding one like that.”}
“Was that girl not to your liking?”

“I don’t know, honestly. I just don’t feel anything in particular around them, nor do I have the dеsire to experience holding one like that.”

_{Han Xiling, rightly peeved, carried that man to the bathroom and threw him onto the ground. After seeing him hobble to the tub, he went to fetch the hot water.}“What the hell are you doing, Xiling?” Diandian snatched the jug from Han Xiling’s grip and scolded.

Han Xiling, rightly peeved, carried that man to the bathroom and threw him onto the ground. After seeing him hobble to the tub, he went to fetch the hot water.

_{This scene was far from a rarity for the past year. Han Jiangxue would often go out drinking like this at random, not coming back until he was stone drunk.}No—it's more like nothing has been normal for a long time now because of Han Jiangxue.

This scene was far from a rarity for the past year. Han Jiangxue would often go out drinking like this at random, not coming back until he was stone drunk.

_{It was quite late, so both Aunty and Uncle Wu had turned in for the night.}Han Xiling unconsciously gulped upon hearing those words; for some reason, also, his chеst felt tіght.

It was quite late, so both Aunty and Uncle Wu had turned in for the night.

_{Diandian stumbled backwards, his eyes repeatedly scanning Han Xiling from head to toe; it was as if he were avoiding the god of plagues.}“You’re not going to trouble Uncle Xue, are you?” Diandian’s expression turned a bit grave.

Diandian stumbled backwards, his eyes repeatedly scanning Han Xiling from head to toe; it was as if he were avoiding the god of plagues.

_{Before he knew it, Han Xiling’s lips had descended, capturing that fruit; his teeth lightly grazed it until it hаrdened in his mouth.}“Xiling, you—” Han Jiangxue’s drowsy eyes opened slightly wider to stare at the one above him. “Why are you in here?”

Before he knew it, Han Xiling’s lips had descended, capturing that fruit; his teeth lightly grazed it until it hаrdened in his mouth.

_{None of those men was good enough for Han Jiangxue as far as he was concerned—Di Wangchen included.}Everyone was seated, chatting, and laughing along merrily, even Han Jiangxue, who seemed happier than him. Sitting next to Diandian, Han Xiling couldn’t put his finger on the reason he felt so unhappy.

None of those men was good enough for Han Jiangxue as far as he was concerned—Di Wangchen included.

_{At sixteen or seventeen years old, most people in their time are already married. By Han Xiling’s age, they would already have kids.}Making his way back to the central hall, Han Xiling poured himself some tea. In his hand, that liquid filled the delicately smooth and white porcelain cup that was so beloved by Han Jiangxue.

At sixteen or seventeen years old, most people in their time are already married. By Han Xiling’s age, they would already have kids.

_{That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.}
“I’ll call for another, then.”

That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.

_{It was a fact Han Xiling also understood, but for the past three years, he never had an inclination of the sort. Those women and their delicate figures hadn’t crossed his mind, so he never sought one out. In truth, the only one who seemed to kindle such dеsires turned out to be that adoptive father of his, himself.}Memories of his first day at that mansion rekindled at the sight of that cup in his grasp.

_{As for that man, his snores had quickly turned into pants, but those eyes of his still remained tіghtly shut.}“Xiling, you—” Han Jiangxue’s drowsy eyes opened slightly wider to stare at the one above him. “Why are you in here?”

As for that man, his snores had quickly turned into pants, but those eyes of his still remained tіghtly shut.

_{Before that thought could simmer, a graceful beauty sauntered in. With a face and eyes that both exuded allure and elegance, her pink chiffon dress made her akin to a floating petal.}
“No, just leave it be.” Before Diandian could request another, Han Xiling reached out to grab his hand. “I don’t want a girl.”

Before that thought could simmer, a graceful beauty sauntered in. With a face and eyes that both exuded allure and elegance, her pink chiffon dress made her akin to a floating petal.

_{Han Xiling turned and walked towards the door without a hindered step.}Han Xiling shook his head to nod.

Han Xiling turned and walked towards the door without a hindered step.

_{“Because of you! You vomited all over me!”}
His words etched shock onto Diandian’s refined face. Those already doe-like eyes of the young man had now enlarged even further. “You don’t like women!” Staring at Han Xiling, he asked in horror, earning a shrug from Han Xiling.

“Because of you! You vomited all over me!”

_{Before he knew it, Han Xiling’s lips had descended, capturing that fruit; his teeth lightly grazed it until it hаrdened in his mouth.}“Young master, would you like a drink?” the woman asked, her hand extending towards Han Xiling.

Before he knew it, Han Xiling’s lips had descended, capturing that fruit; his teeth lightly grazed it until it hаrdened in his mouth.

_{Making his way back to the central hall, Han Xiling poured himself some tea. In his hand, that liquid filled the delicately smooth and white porcelain cup that was so beloved by Han Jiangxue.}As his mouth was busy, fearing that man would awaken, Han Xiling kept an eye on his reaction every now and then. But after noticing there was nary a twitch, his fears lessened, and his courage gradually grew stronger. His hands now travelled downwards, slipping between the man’s thіghs. Perhaps on account of the bath, that place is especially slіck. It was so wet that even the sheet below felt moist. As his fingers explored, perhaps due to this unusual wetness, one of his fingers had easily slipped into that back hole.

Making his way back to the central hall, Han Xiling poured himself some tea. In his hand, that liquid filled the delicately smooth and white porcelain cup that was so beloved by Han Jiangxue.

_{As he hesitated, that man began slowly sinking into the water. With all the colour drained from his face, Han Xiling rushed forward. Scooping that man from the water, he slapped his face, hаrd.}
“I don’t know, honestly. I just don’t feel anything in particular around them, nor do I have the dеsire to experience holding one like that.”

As he hesitated, that man began slowly sinking into the water. With all the colour drained from his face, Han Xiling rushed forward. Scooping that man from the water, he slapped his face, hаrd.

_{At sixteen or seventeen years old, most people in their time are already married. By Han Xiling’s age, they would already have kids.}Returning to his senses, Han Xiling hurriedly scrubbed the man clean, rinsed, dried and wrapped him in a blanket, then finally carried him to the bed of the main bedroom.

At sixteen or seventeen years old, most people in their time are already married. By Han Xiling’s age, they would already have kids.

_{Returning to his senses, Han Xiling hurriedly scrubbed the man clean, rinsed, dried and wrapped him in a blanket, then finally carried him to the bed of the main bedroom.}Shaking his head in response, Diandian took it as his cue to leave. So now, in that room, there was only that woman and Han Xiling.

Returning to his senses, Han Xiling hurriedly scrubbed the man clean, rinsed, dried and wrapped him in a blanket, then finally carried him to the bed of the main bedroom.

_{From panting to wrіthing until that form of his stiffened, that man dug his fingers deep into Han Xiling’s arm until deep red marks were ultimately etched into his skin.}
Diandian stumbled backwards, his eyes repeatedly scanning Han Xiling from head to toe; it was as if he were avoiding the god of plagues.

From panting to wrіthing until that form of his stiffened, that man dug his fingers deep into Han Xiling’s arm until deep red marks were ultimately etched into his skin.

_{That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.}“I did. I had the time of my damn life!” Han Xiling felt his anger rising. “Those women were good—fantastic even!”

That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.

_{“Xiling, you—” Han Jiangxue’s drowsy eyes opened slightly wider to stare at the one above him. “Why are you in here?”}“No, just leave it be.” Before Diandian could request another, Han Xiling reached out to grab his hand. “I don’t want a girl.”

“Xiling, you—” Han Jiangxue’s drowsy eyes opened slightly wider to stare at the one above him. “Why are you in here?”

_{“Just don’t meddle in my personal business from now on, alright?”}“Was that girl not to your liking?”

“Just don’t meddle in my personal business from now on, alright?”

_{“What a considerate adopted father he is!” Han Xiling couldn’t help but sneer.}
“Has Uncle Xue’s worst fears truly come to pass?” The young man sighed.

“What a considerate adopted father he is!” Han Xiling couldn’t help but sneer.

_{Before he knew it, Han Xiling’s lips had descended, capturing that fruit; his teeth lightly grazed it until it hаrdened in his mouth.}The woman laughed. “Oh, so this is the young master’s true colours. So a Nu’er Hong is what you’re after, yes?”

Before he knew it, Han Xiling’s lips had descended, capturing that fruit; his teeth lightly grazed it until it hаrdened in his mouth.

_{Diandian stumbled backwards, his eyes repeatedly scanning Han Xiling from head to toe; it was as if he were avoiding the god of plagues.}“Oh, hehehe… I almost forgot. Did you have fun tonight?” Han Jiangxue was still clearly drunk.

Diandian stumbled backwards, his eyes repeatedly scanning Han Xiling from head to toe; it was as if he were avoiding the god of plagues.

_{Note: the brothel (Rose Garden) is called Fangcao Bieyuan, lit. [Fragrant Grass Annex]. The word Fangcao is used for plants but is also an allegory for women.}
“What about Han Jiangxue?” The mere mention of that man’s name was all it took to drag Han Xiling from his stupor. Shooting to his feet, he grabbed Diandian by the collar. “What is he worried will happen?”

Note: the brothel (Rose Garden) is called Fangcao Bieyuan, lit. [Fragrant Grass Annex]. The word Fangcao is used for plants but is also an allegory for women.

_{Without thinking, Han Xiling’s hand entered the water, his fingers secretly taking hold of the protrusion on that man’s chеst.}Han Xiling unconsciously gulped upon hearing those words; for some reason, also, his chеst felt tіght.

Without thinking, Han Xiling’s hand entered the water, his fingers secretly taking hold of the protrusion on that man’s chеst.

_{“I’ll call for another, then.”}“You’re not going to trouble Uncle Xue, are you?” Diandian’s expression turned a bit grave.

“I’ll call for another, then.”

_{Warm and tіght. The presence of those walls around his digit gave this sensation all throughout, prompting him to carefully explore that place even further. Soon, the feeling of the small folds within met his touch. It’d feel so good being inside him. Han Xiling couldn’t help the thought.}
“It was all his idea to bring you to this brothel. He said it was time for you to grow up.”

Warm and tіght. The presence of those walls around his digit gave this sensation all throughout, prompting him to carefully explore that place even further. Soon, the feeling of the small folds within met his touch. It’d feel so good being inside him. Han Xiling couldn’t help the thought.

_{“You’re not going to trouble Uncle Xue, are you?” Diandian’s expression turned a bit grave.}“What?! W-why?”

“You’re not going to trouble Uncle Xue, are you?” Diandian’s expression turned a bit grave.

_{“Good. That’s good, then…”}For the past three years, young men of all types had been buzzing around Han Jiangxue, but even now, Han Xiling couldn’t decipher who amongst them that man’s lover could possibly be. Then there was Di Wangchen of the Dongfang Sect, who still visited every two months and still had yet to marry the young lady from his sect's main family.

“Good. That’s good, then…”

_{Moving to sit on his lap, the woman wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, “I heard from that young master that this will be your first time, young master. Is this really true?”}
The blood within Han Xiling surged, his fists exerting more strength as they tіghtened.

Moving to sit on his lap, the woman wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, “I heard from that young master that this will be your first time, young master. Is this really true?”

_{“Do you want me to stay?” Shooting him a cheeky look, Diandian asked Han Xiling.}Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.

“Do you want me to stay?” Shooting him a cheeky look, Diandian asked Han Xiling.

_{{No—it's more like nothing has been normal for a long time now because of Han Jiangxue.}}Seeing no reaction from that man even now, Han Xiling gulped a breath and covered the entire region with his hand. It was soft to the touch. It felt good in his grasp. As a bit more time had passed under his gentle caresses, he felt that tiny protrusion slowly hаrden under his palm.

No—it's more like nothing has been normal for a long time now because of Han Jiangxue.

_{Diandian stumbled backwards, his eyes repeatedly scanning Han Xiling from head to toe; it was as if he were avoiding the god of plagues.}“What the hell are you doing, Xiling?” Diandian snatched the jug from Han Xiling’s grip and scolded.

Diandian stumbled backwards, his eyes repeatedly scanning Han Xiling from head to toe; it was as if he were avoiding the god of plagues.

_{“But wouldn’t that be rather tiresome?” Han Xiling curved a corner of his lips. “Looking at the same face all throughout can become quite the chore.”}That woman tried to approach him several times afterwards, but he refused every single advance. The liquor before him was his only dеsire.

“But wouldn’t that be rather tiresome?” Han Xiling curved a corner of his lips. “Looking at the same face all throughout can become quite the chore.”

_{None of those men was good enough for Han Jiangxue as far as he was concerned—Di Wangchen included.}
There has to be a mistake, right? That guy… Even something like this that guy is trying to control? What the hell is he trying to do? Why is he…? Is it because of what happened last night?

None of those men was good enough for Han Jiangxue as far as he was concerned—Di Wangchen included.

_{“What?! W-why?”}Note: the brothel (Rose Garden) is called Fangcao Bieyuan, lit. [Fragrant Grass Annex]. The word Fangcao is used for plants but is also an allegory for women.

“What?! W-why?”

_{“Just don’t meddle in my personal business from now on, alright?”}Everyone was seated, chatting, and laughing along merrily, even Han Jiangxue, who seemed happier than him. Sitting next to Diandian, Han Xiling couldn’t put his finger on the reason he felt so unhappy.

“Just don’t meddle in my personal business from now on, alright?”

_{“Does it matter either way?” Han Xiling felt annoyed. The forced flirtatious act before him made a wave of discomfort surge all throughout. In an instant, he found himself pushing that woman from his lap and reaching to pour his own wine.}“That’s because I’m a natural beauty,” he replied with little interest. The deadpan retort was enough to make the boy beside him burst out in laughter.

“Does it matter either way?” Han Xiling felt annoyed. The forced flirtatious act before him made a wave of discomfort surge all throughout. In an instant, he found himself pushing that woman from his lap and reaching to pour his own wine.

_{“Dad said that you can enter our sect directly a year from now. You can come to work with us—and we can be together every day!” Diandian beamed.}“Was that girl not to your liking?”

“Dad said that you can enter our sect directly a year from now. You can come to work with us—and we can be together every day!” Diandian beamed.

_{“Great! So please do me the favour of not poking your nose into my business from now on, alright? Do you have any idea how embarrassed I was today because of you?”}That woman tried to approach him several times afterwards, but he refused every single advance. The liquor before him was his only dеsire.

“Great! So please do me the favour of not poking your nose into my business from now on, alright? Do you have any idea how embarrassed I was today because of you?”

_{“Good. That’s good, then…”}Returning to his senses, Han Xiling hurriedly scrubbed the man clean, rinsed, dried and wrapped him in a blanket, then finally carried him to the bed of the main bedroom.

“Good. That’s good, then…”

_{“Does it matter either way?” Han Xiling felt annoyed. The forced flirtatious act before him made a wave of discomfort surge all throughout. In an instant, he found himself pushing that woman from his lap and reaching to pour his own wine.}
“Hey, Xiling!” Diandian shouted from behind him. “Where the hell are you going?”

_{Instead of being fearful of this reaction, Han Xiling was more curious about what would become of this man if he continued with his act. So that finger he held inside soon got company, which then began to scratch and twitch.}“No, just leave it be.” Before Diandian could request another, Han Xiling reached out to grab his hand. “I don’t want a girl.”

_{“Young master, would you like a drink?” the woman asked, her hand extending towards Han Xiling.}With that, Diandian stood up and went to bid his father farewell.

“Young master, would you like a drink?” the woman asked, her hand extending towards Han Xiling.

_{“Xiling, you—” Han Jiangxue’s drowsy eyes opened slightly wider to stare at the one above him. “Why are you in here?”}
“Home!”

“Xiling, you—” Han Jiangxue’s drowsy eyes opened slightly wider to stare at the one above him. “Why are you in here?”

When it came to the most handsome men around, Han Jiangxue was far from the top of the list on account of his unusually slim physique. But for Han Xiling, it had a strange kind of allure.

_{While with his father, Diandian said something Han Xiling wasn’t able to hear, but he did notice a devilish grin spreаd across that man’s face before he gave them permission with the wave of a hand.}“What about Han Jiangxue?” The mere mention of that man’s name was all it took to drag Han Xiling from his stupor. Shooting to his feet, he grabbed Diandian by the collar. “What is he worried will happen?”

_{Han Xiling’s face exploded in a deep blush.}
“Xiling! Hey! Uncle Xue is doing this for your own good!”

Han Xiling’s face exploded in a deep blush.

_{His heart quickened by the act. He found himself breathless.}Note: the brothel (Rose Garden) is called Fangcao Bieyuan, lit. [Fragrant Grass Annex]. The word Fangcao is used for plants but is also an allegory for women.

His heart quickened by the act. He found himself breathless.

_{“It was all his idea to bring you to this brothel. He said it was time for you to grow up.”}For as long as he knew him, that man had been more of a temperаmental child than he.

“It was all his idea to bring you to this brothel. He said it was time for you to grow up.”

_{“Oh… My apologies, then. Let me take a look, yeah…?”}
“Then, I’ll thank him well for his kindness when I return!” Han Xiling gritted.

“Oh… My apologies, then. Let me take a look, yeah…?”

_{“I don’t know, honestly. I just don’t feel anything in particular around them, nor do I have the dеsire to experience holding one like that.”}His heart quickened by the act. He found himself breathless.

“I don’t know, honestly. I just don’t feel anything in particular around them, nor do I have the dеsire to experience holding one like that.”

_{“That’s because I’m a natural beauty,” he replied with little interest. The deadpan retort was enough to make the boy beside him burst out in laughter.}“Good. That’s good, then…”

“That’s because I’m a natural beauty,” he replied with little interest. The deadpan retort was enough to make the boy beside him burst out in laughter.

_{“Really? Are you a pig? Why are you always thinking about sleeping?” Diandian tossed an incredulous look at Han Xiling as he scolded. “If you’re not practising on the training grounds, then you’re at home sleeping. It really is a wonder you haven’t grown as fat as a pig to this day!”}
“You’re not going to trouble Uncle Xue, are you?” Diandian’s expression turned a bit grave.

“Really? Are you a pig? Why are you always thinking about sleeping?” Diandian tossed an incredulous look at Han Xiling as he scolded. “If you’re not practising on the training grounds, then you’re at home sleeping. It really is a wonder you haven’t grown as fat as a pig to this day!”

_{“Xiling! Hey! Uncle Xue is doing this for your own good!”}“What about Han Jiangxue?” The mere mention of that man’s name was all it took to drag Han Xiling from his stupor. Shooting to his feet, he grabbed Diandian by the collar. “What is he worried will happen?”

“Xiling! Hey! Uncle Xue is doing this for your own good!”

_☆☆☆“Quit making a fuss! Why did you go out drinking again? Do you not see the state you’re in?”

☆☆☆

_{{Did that guy throw the cups so many times just to make it hаrd for me?}}“That’s because I’m a natural beauty,” he replied with little interest. The deadpan retort was enough to make the boy beside him burst out in laughter.

Did that guy throw the cups so many times just to make it hаrd for me?

_{That heart of his kept thumping—pounding and pounding with all its might. It was as if it was urging him—begging him—to do something bad.}
“I’m just going home, alright?” Han Xiling responded. “I just want to sleep.”

That heart of his kept thumping—pounding and pounding with all its might. It was as if it was urging him—begging him—to do something bad.

_{Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.}That’s a bit strange, isn’t it?

Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.

☆☆☆

_{Han Xiling, rightly peeved, carried that man to the bathroom and threw him onto the ground. After seeing him hobble to the tub, he went to fetch the hot water.}
Opening the bedroom door of the western room with a kick, Han Xiling saw there was no one to be seen.

Han Xiling, rightly peeved, carried that man to the bathroom and threw him onto the ground. After seeing him hobble to the tub, he went to fetch the hot water.

_{Chapter 6.1: Growing Pains}Did that guy throw the cups so many times just to make it hаrd for me?

Chapter 6.1: Growing Pains

_{“It was all his idea to bring you to this brothel. He said it was time for you to grow up.”}
It was quite late, so both Aunty and Uncle Wu had turned in for the night.

“It was all his idea to bring you to this brothel. He said it was time for you to grow up.”

_{“Do you want me to stay?” Shooting him a cheeky look, Diandian asked Han Xiling.}“I’m just going home, alright?” Han Xiling responded. “I just want to sleep.”

“Do you want me to stay?” Shooting him a cheeky look, Diandian asked Han Xiling.

_☆☆☆Now that guy even had the crazy idea to send me to a brothel?

☆☆☆

_{As for that man, his snores had quickly turned into pants, but those eyes of his still remained tіghtly shut.}Chapter 6.1: Growing Pains

As for that man, his snores had quickly turned into pants, but those eyes of his still remained tіghtly shut.

_{Before he knew it, Han Xiling’s lips had descended, capturing that fruit; his teeth lightly grazed it until it hаrdened in his mouth.}
Making his way back to the central hall, Han Xiling poured himself some tea. In his hand, that liquid filled the delicately smooth and white porcelain cup that was so beloved by Han Jiangxue.

Before he knew it, Han Xiling’s lips had descended, capturing that fruit; his teeth lightly grazed it until it hаrdened in his mouth.

_{From panting to wrіthing until that form of his stiffened, that man dug his fingers deep into Han Xiling’s arm until deep red marks were ultimately etched into his skin.}Warm and tіght. The presence of those walls around his digit gave this sensation all throughout, prompting him to carefully explore that place even further. Soon, the feeling of the small folds within met his touch. It’d feel so good being inside him. Han Xiling couldn’t help the thought.

From panting to wrіthing until that form of his stiffened, that man dug his fingers deep into Han Xiling’s arm until deep red marks were ultimately etched into his skin.

_{“Do you want me to stay?” Shooting him a cheeky look, Diandian asked Han Xiling.}Chapter 6.1: Growing Pains

“Do you want me to stay?” Shooting him a cheeky look, Diandian asked Han Xiling.

_{With that, Diandian stood up and went to bid his father farewell.}Nothing tonight is normal.

With that, Diandian stood up and went to bid his father farewell.

_{Opening the bedroom door of the western room with a kick, Han Xiling saw there was no one to be seen.}Across from him, Diandian said with a grin, “In celebration of your success, my reward to you tonight is to make you a real man, Xiling.”

Opening the bedroom door of the western room with a kick, Han Xiling saw there was no one to be seen.

_{As for Han Xiling, he stood by the bedside in a daze. Wearing a face fully enveloped in a deep crimson, his unsteady breaths devolved into heavy panting.}
Memories of his first day at that mansion rekindled at the sight of that cup in his grasp.

As for Han Xiling, he stood by the bedside in a daze. Wearing a face fully enveloped in a deep crimson, his unsteady breaths devolved into heavy panting.

_{When he was finally back with the hot water, he saw that the man had already shed his clothing and managed to climb into the still-cold tub of water.}“I want to drink.”

When he was finally back with the hot water, he saw that the man had already shed his clothing and managed to climb into the still-cold tub of water.

_{Shaking his head in response, Diandian took it as his cue to leave. So now, in that room, there was only that woman and Han Xiling.}
Did that guy throw the cups so many times just to make it hаrd for me?

Shaking his head in response, Diandian took it as his cue to leave. So now, in that room, there was only that woman and Han Xiling.

_{Without thinking, Han Xiling’s hand entered the water, his fingers secretly taking hold of the protrusion on that man’s chеst.}“Good. That’s good, then…”

Without thinking, Han Xiling’s hand entered the water, his fingers secretly taking hold of the protrusion on that man’s chеst.

_{“What the hell are you doing, Xiling?” Diandian snatched the jug from Han Xiling’s grip and scolded.}At sixteen or seventeen years old, most people in their time are already married. By Han Xiling’s age, they would already have kids.

“What the hell are you doing, Xiling?” Diandian snatched the jug from Han Xiling’s grip and scolded.

_{Seeing him fall asleep again, Han Xiling simply accepted his fate. Picking up the washcloth, he started cleaning him.}That’s a bit strange, isn’t it?

Seeing him fall asleep again, Han Xiling simply accepted his fate. Picking up the washcloth, he started cleaning him.

_{Diandian stumbled backwards, his eyes repeatedly scanning Han Xiling from head to toe; it was as if he were avoiding the god of plagues.}
For as long as he knew him, that man had been more of a temperаmental child than he.

Diandian stumbled backwards, his eyes repeatedly scanning Han Xiling from head to toe; it was as if he were avoiding the god of plagues.

Xuanyuan Diandian only brought along two personal guards on their journey, and they all travelled on horseback. Riding down the main road, they finally stopped right in front of a brothel.

_{{No—it's more like nothing has been normal for a long time now because of Han Jiangxue.}}“That’s because I’m a natural beauty,” he replied with little interest. The deadpan retort was enough to make the boy beside him burst out in laughter.

No—it's more like nothing has been normal for a long time now because of Han Jiangxue.

_{That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.}“Dad said that you can enter our sect directly a year from now. You can come to work with us—and we can be together every day!” Diandian beamed.

That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.

_{{There has to be a mistake, right? That guy… Even something like this that guy is trying to control? What the hell is he trying to do? Why is he…? Is it because of what happened last night?}}“Hey, Xiling!” Diandian shouted from behind him. “Where the hell are you going?”

There has to be a mistake, right? That guy… Even something like this that guy is trying to control? What the hell is he trying to do? Why is he…? Is it because of what happened last night?

_{Swordsmen were the exception to this norm, all due to the promotion of abstinence while honing their craft, allowing them to get married at a slightly later age. But this in no way meant that they always maintained their innocence throughout this time. By fifteen or so, most would seek out a woman to experience the pleasure of the union between woman and man.}
Now that guy even had the crazy idea to send me to a brothel?

_{“Yes. Some Nu’er Hong would be nice.”}No—it's more like nothing has been normal for a long time now because of Han Jiangxue.

“Yes. Some Nu’er Hong would be nice.”

_{Seeing no reaction from that man even now, Han Xiling gulped a breath and covered the entire region with his hand. It was soft to the touch. It felt good in his grasp. As a bit more time had passed under his gentle caresses, he felt that tiny protrusion slowly hаrden under his palm.}“I did. I had the time of my damn life!” Han Xiling felt his anger rising. “Those women were good—fantastic even!”

_“Home!”
“What a considerate adopted father he is!” Han Xiling couldn’t help but sneer.

“Home!”

_{That heart of his kept thumping—pounding and pounding with all its might. It was as if it was urging him—begging him—to do something bad.}Chapter 6.1: Growing Pains

That heart of his kept thumping—pounding and pounding with all its might. It was as if it was urging him—begging him—to do something bad.

_☆☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆

_{Han Xiling also wished to bid Han Jiangxue farewell, but upon seeing him chatting with some young man, his heart sank so hаrd that he simply turned and left.}☆☆☆

Han Xiling also wished to bid Han Jiangxue farewell, but upon seeing him chatting with some young man, his heart sank so hаrd that he simply turned and left.

_{Han Xiling’s face exploded in a deep blush.}“No, just leave it be.” Before Diandian could request another, Han Xiling reached out to grab his hand. “I don’t want a girl.”

Han Xiling’s face exploded in a deep blush.

_{“Great! So please do me the favour of not poking your nose into my business from now on, alright? Do you have any idea how embarrassed I was today because of you?”}
For the past three years, young men of all types had been buzzing around Han Jiangxue, but even now, Han Xiling couldn’t decipher who amongst them that man’s lover could possibly be. Then there was Di Wangchen of the Dongfang Sect, who still visited every two months and still had yet to marry the young lady from his sect's main family.

“Great! So please do me the favour of not poking your nose into my business from now on, alright? Do you have any idea how embarrassed I was today because of you?”

_{“Was that girl not to your liking?”}[T/n: Nu’er Hong is an aged rice wine, but its name is literally Girl/Daughter Red, which can loosely be interpreted as "blushing girl". So she’s saying he asked for her. They are "flirting".]

“Was that girl not to your liking?”

Making his way back to the central hall, Han Xiling poured himself some tea. In his hand, that liquid filled the delicately smooth and white porcelain cup that was so beloved by Han Jiangxue.

_{“Do you want me to stay?” Shooting him a cheeky look, Diandian asked Han Xiling.}
None of those men was good enough for Han Jiangxue as far as he was concerned—Di Wangchen included.

“Do you want me to stay?” Shooting him a cheeky look, Diandian asked Han Xiling.

_{“What?! W-why?”}Before he knew it, Han Xiling’s lips had descended, capturing that fruit; his teeth lightly grazed it until it hаrdened in his mouth.

“What?! W-why?”

_{It was quite late, so both Aunty and Uncle Wu had turned in for the night.}For the past three years, young men of all types had been buzzing around Han Jiangxue, but even now, Han Xiling couldn’t decipher who amongst them that man’s lover could possibly be. Then there was Di Wangchen of the Dongfang Sect, who still visited every two months and still had yet to marry the young lady from his sect's main family.

It was quite late, so both Aunty and Uncle Wu had turned in for the night.

_{This scene was far from a rarity for the past year. Han Jiangxue would often go out drinking like this at random, not coming back until he was stone drunk.}His heart quickened by the act. He found himself breathless.

This scene was far from a rarity for the past year. Han Jiangxue would often go out drinking like this at random, not coming back until he was stone drunk.

_{“Dad said that you can enter our sect directly a year from now. You can come to work with us—and we can be together every day!” Diandian beamed.}Han Xiling unconsciously gulped upon hearing those words; for some reason, also, his chеst felt tіght.

“Dad said that you can enter our sect directly a year from now. You can come to work with us—and we can be together every day!” Diandian beamed.

_{Xuanyuan Diandian only brought along two personal guards on their journey, and they all travelled on horseback. Riding down the main road, they finally stopped right in front of a brothel.}
After waiting and waiting, Han Jiangxue finally made an appearance after three in the morning.

Xuanyuan Diandian only brought along two personal guards on their journey, and they all travelled on horseback. Riding down the main road, they finally stopped right in front of a brothel.

_{For as long as he knew him, that man had been more of a temperаmental child than he.}Diandian stumbled backwards, his eyes repeatedly scanning Han Xiling from head to toe; it was as if he were avoiding the god of plagues.

For as long as he knew him, that man had been more of a temperаmental child than he.

_{“Xiling! Hey! Uncle Xue is doing this for your own good!”}“What?! W-why?”

“Xiling! Hey! Uncle Xue is doing this for your own good!”

_{As his mouth was busy, fearing that man would awaken, Han Xiling kept an eye on his reaction every now and then. But after noticing there was nary a twitch, his fears lessened, and his courage gradually grew stronger.}
Seeing that man stumbling in, his entire body leeching the smell of liquor, Han Xiling stepped forward to help him. But the second he did, a wave erupted from that man’s stomach, landing directly on the helpful Han Xiling.

_{“Oh, {hehehe…} I almost forgot. Did you have fun tonight?” Han Jiangxue was still clearly drunk.}“Do you want me to stay?” Shooting him a cheeky look, Diandian asked Han Xiling.

“Oh, hehehe… I almost forgot. Did you have fun tonight?” Han Jiangxue was still clearly drunk.

_{The blood within Han Xiling surged, his fists exerting more strength as they tіghtened.}
The stink of the wine, filth, and whatever those sticky bits latched onto his clothes felt as disgusting as they smelt.

The blood within Han Xiling surged, his fists exerting more strength as they tіghtened.

_{“Do you want me to stay?” Shooting him a cheeky look, Diandian asked Han Xiling.}Diandian stumbled backwards, his eyes repeatedly scanning Han Xiling from head to toe; it was as if he were avoiding the god of plagues.

“Do you want me to stay?” Shooting him a cheeky look, Diandian asked Han Xiling.

_{“I’m just going home, alright?” Han Xiling responded. “I just want to sleep.”}Before that thought could simmer, a graceful beauty sauntered in. With a face and eyes that both exuded allure and elegance, her pink chiffon dress made her akin to a floating petal.

“I’m just going home, alright?” Han Xiling responded. “I just want to sleep.”

_☆☆☆Opening the bedroom door of the western room with a kick, Han Xiling saw there was no one to be seen.

☆☆☆

_{That man resembled a harmless toy in that instant, one that allowed him to squish it.}“You’re not going to trouble Uncle Xue, are you?” Diandian’s expression turned a bit grave.

That man resembled a harmless toy in that instant, one that allowed him to squish it.

_{“I’m just going home, alright?” Han Xiling responded. “I just want to sleep.”}
Han Xiling, rightly peeved, carried that man to the bathroom and threw him onto the ground. After seeing him hobble to the tub, he went to fetch the hot water.

“I’m just going home, alright?” Han Xiling responded. “I just want to sleep.”

_{“But wouldn’t that be rather tiresome?” Han Xiling curved a corner of his lips. “Looking at the same face all throughout can become quite the chore.”}“I did. I had the time of my damn life!” Han Xiling felt his anger rising. “Those women were good—fantastic even!”

“But wouldn’t that be rather tiresome?” Han Xiling curved a corner of his lips. “Looking at the same face all throughout can become quite the chore.”

_{That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.}“I’ll call for another, then.”

That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.

_{“Dad said that you can enter our sect directly a year from now. You can come to work with us—and we can be together every day!” Diandian beamed.}Opening the bedroom door of the western room with a kick, Han Xiling saw there was no one to be seen.

“Dad said that you can enter our sect directly a year from now. You can come to work with us—and we can be together every day!” Diandian beamed.

_{“I did. I had the time of my damn life!” Han Xiling felt his anger rising. “Those women were good—fantastic even!”}That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.

“I did. I had the time of my damn life!” Han Xiling felt his anger rising. “Those women were good—fantastic even!”

_{With that, Diandian stood up and went to bid his father farewell.}
This scene was far from a rarity for the past year. Han Jiangxue would often go out drinking like this at random, not coming back until he was stone drunk.

With that, Diandian stood up and went to bid his father farewell.

_{At some point, that woman had left. Then sometime after that, Diandian re-entered.}His heart quickened by the act. He found himself breathless.

At some point, that woman had left. Then sometime after that, Diandian re-entered.

_{Han Xiling, rightly peeved, carried that man to the bathroom and threw him onto the ground. After seeing him hobble to the tub, he went to fetch the hot water.}“Sorry. I just really want to sleep,” Han Xiling sighed. Having barely gotten any sleep the night before and getting little rest even at such a late hour had left Han Xiling rather exhausted at present.

Han Xiling, rightly peeved, carried that man to the bathroom and threw him onto the ground. After seeing him hobble to the tub, he went to fetch the hot water.

_{It was a fact Han Xiling also understood, but for the past three years, he never had an inclination of the sort. Those women and their delicate figures hadn’t crossed his mind, so he never sought one out. In truth, the only one who seemed to kindle such dеsires turned out to be that adoptive father of his, himself.}For as long as he knew him, that man had been more of a temperаmental child than he.

_{“You’re not going to trouble Uncle Xue, are you?” Diandian’s expression turned a bit grave.}
When he was finally back with the hot water, he saw that the man had already shed his clothing and managed to climb into the still-cold tub of water.

“You’re not going to trouble Uncle Xue, are you?” Diandian’s expression turned a bit grave.

_{Opening the bedroom door of the western room with a kick, Han Xiling saw there was no one to be seen.}“What about Han Jiangxue?” The mere mention of that man’s name was all it took to drag Han Xiling from his stupor. Shooting to his feet, he grabbed Diandian by the collar. “What is he worried will happen?”

Opening the bedroom door of the western room with a kick, Han Xiling saw there was no one to be seen.

_{Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.}“Where?”

Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.

_{“Has Uncle Xue’s worst fears truly come to pass?” The young man sighed.}Returning to his senses, Han Xiling hurriedly scrubbed the man clean, rinsed, dried and wrapped him in a blanket, then finally carried him to the bed of the main bedroom.

“Has Uncle Xue’s worst fears truly come to pass?” The young man sighed.

_{“I did. I had the time of my damn life!” Han Xiling felt his anger rising. “Those women were good—fantastic even!”}
Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.

“I did. I had the time of my damn life!” Han Xiling felt his anger rising. “Those women were good—fantastic even!”

_{“Good. That’s good, then…”}“I did. I had the time of my damn life!” Han Xiling felt his anger rising. “Those women were good—fantastic even!”

“Good. That’s good, then…”

_{“Xiling! Hey! Uncle Xue is doing this for your own good!”}☆☆☆

“Xiling! Hey! Uncle Xue is doing this for your own good!”

As he hesitated, that man began slowly sinking into the water. With all the colour drained from his face, Han Xiling rushed forward. Scooping that man from the water, he slapped his face, hаrd.

_{“Has Uncle Xue’s worst fears truly come to pass?” The young man sighed.}
As he hesitated, that man began slowly sinking into the water. With all the colour drained from his face, Han Xiling rushed forward. Scooping that man from the water, he slapped his face, hаrd.

“Has Uncle Xue’s worst fears truly come to pass?” The young man sighed.

_{Moving to sit on his lap, the woman wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, “I heard from that young master that this will be your first time, young master. Is this really true?”}For as long as he knew him, that man had been more of a temperаmental child than he.

Moving to sit on his lap, the woman wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, “I heard from that young master that this will be your first time, young master. Is this really true?”

_{“Young master, would you like a drink?” the woman asked, her hand extending towards Han Xiling.}The woman laughed. “Oh, so this is the young master’s true colours. So a Nu’er Hong is what you’re after, yes?”

“Young master, would you like a drink?” the woman asked, her hand extending towards Han Xiling.

_{“Oh… My apologies, then. Let me take a look, yeah…?”}Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.

“Oh… My apologies, then. Let me take a look, yeah…?”

_{“Hey, Xiling!” Diandian shouted from behind him. “Where the hell are you going?”}
“Hey! Can’t you see you’re drowning?”

“Hey, Xiling!” Diandian shouted from behind him. “Where the hell are you going?”

_{Without thinking, Han Xiling’s hand entered the water, his fingers secretly taking hold of the protrusion on that man’s chеst.}“I don’t know, honestly. I just don’t feel anything in particular around them, nor do I have the dеsire to experience holding one like that.”

Without thinking, Han Xiling’s hand entered the water, his fingers secretly taking hold of the protrusion on that man’s chеst.

_{Returning to his senses, Han Xiling hurriedly scrubbed the man clean, rinsed, dried and wrapped him in a blanket, then finally carried him to the bed of the main bedroom.}
“Xiling, you—” Han Jiangxue’s drowsy eyes opened slightly wider to stare at the one above him. “Why are you in here?”

Returning to his senses, Han Xiling hurriedly scrubbed the man clean, rinsed, dried and wrapped him in a blanket, then finally carried him to the bed of the main bedroom.

_{“Oh, {hehehe…} I almost forgot. Did you have fun tonight?” Han Jiangxue was still clearly drunk.}That’s a bit strange, isn’t it?

“Oh, hehehe… I almost forgot. Did you have fun tonight?” Han Jiangxue was still clearly drunk.

_{Everyone was seated, chatting, and laughing along merrily, even Han Jiangxue, who seemed happier than him. Sitting next to Diandian, Han Xiling couldn’t put his finger on the reason he felt so unhappy.}His words etched shock onto Diandian’s refined face. Those already doe-like eyes of the young man had now enlarged even further. “You don’t like women!” Staring at Han Xiling, he asked in horror, earning a shrug from Han Xiling.

_{Han Xiling unconsciously gulped upon hearing those words; for some reason, also, his chеst felt tіght.}
“Because of you! You vomited all over me!”

Han Xiling unconsciously gulped upon hearing those words; for some reason, also, his chеst felt tіght.

_{The woman laughed. “Oh, so this is the young master’s true colours. So a Nu’er Hong is what you’re after, yes?”}Han Xiling also wished to bid Han Jiangxue farewell, but upon seeing him chatting with some young man, his heart sank so hаrd that he simply turned and left.

The woman laughed. “Oh, so this is the young master’s true colours. So a Nu’er Hong is what you’re after, yes?”

_{“Good. That’s good, then…”}“I don’t know, honestly. I just don’t feel anything in particular around them, nor do I have the dеsire to experience holding one like that.”

“Good. That’s good, then…”

_{“What about Han Jiangxue?” The mere mention of that man’s name was all it took to drag Han Xiling from his stupor. Shooting to his feet, he grabbed Diandian by the collar. “What is he worried will happen?”}Seeing that man stumbling in, his entire body leeching the smell of liquor, Han Xiling stepped forward to help him. But the second he did, a wave erupted from that man’s stomach, landing directly on the helpful Han Xiling.

_{“Hey! Can’t you see you’re drowning?”}As for Han Xiling, he stood by the bedside in a daze. Wearing a face fully enveloped in a deep crimson, his unsteady breaths devolved into heavy panting.

“Hey! Can’t you see you’re drowning?”

_{When it came to the most handsome men around, Han Jiangxue was far from the top of the list on account of his unusually slim physique. But for Han Xiling, it had a strange kind of allure.}
“Oh… My apologies, then. Let me take a look, yeah…?”

When it came to the most handsome men around, Han Jiangxue was far from the top of the list on account of his unusually slim physique. But for Han Xiling, it had a strange kind of allure.

_{That woman tried to approach him several times afterwards, but he refused every single advance. The liquor before him was his only dеsire.}“But wouldn’t that be rather tiresome?” Han Xiling curved a corner of his lips. “Looking at the same face all throughout can become quite the chore.”

That woman tried to approach him several times afterwards, but he refused every single advance. The liquor before him was his only dеsire.

_{His heart quickened by the act. He found himself breathless.}
“Quit making a fuss! Why did you go out drinking again? Do you not see the state you’re in?”

His heart quickened by the act. He found himself breathless.

_{“But wouldn’t that be rather tiresome?” Han Xiling curved a corner of his lips. “Looking at the same face all throughout can become quite the chore.”}“Hey! Can’t you see you’re drowning?”

“But wouldn’t that be rather tiresome?” Han Xiling curved a corner of his lips. “Looking at the same face all throughout can become quite the chore.”

_{As for Han Xiling, he stood by the bedside in a daze. Wearing a face fully enveloped in a deep crimson, his unsteady breaths devolved into heavy panting.}Nothing tonight is normal.

As for Han Xiling, he stood by the bedside in a daze. Wearing a face fully enveloped in a deep crimson, his unsteady breaths devolved into heavy panting.

_{At sixteen or seventeen years old, most people in their time are already married. By Han Xiling’s age, they would already have kids.}
“Oh, hehehe… I almost forgot. Did you have fun tonight?” Han Jiangxue was still clearly drunk.

At sixteen or seventeen years old, most people in their time are already married. By Han Xiling’s age, they would already have kids.

_☆☆☆Before that thought could simmer, a graceful beauty sauntered in. With a face and eyes that both exuded allure and elegance, her pink chiffon dress made her akin to a floating petal.

☆☆☆

_{Seeing him fall asleep again, Han Xiling simply accepted his fate. Picking up the washcloth, he started cleaning him.}Getting back to the task, Han Xiling raised that man up until all of his upper half sat above the water. Seeing that slender figure rise out of the tub left the young man unable to help himself from staring at him, at a loss for words. This was the body which only had a single flaw: it was far too delicate for a man’s.

Seeing him fall asleep again, Han Xiling simply accepted his fate. Picking up the washcloth, he started cleaning him.

_“Where?”
“I did. I had the time of my damn life!” Han Xiling felt his anger rising. “Those women were good—fantastic even!”

“Where?”

_{Han Xiling, rightly peeved, carried that man to the bathroom and threw him onto the ground. After seeing him hobble to the tub, he went to fetch the hot water.}Swordsmen were the exception to this norm, all due to the promotion of abstinence while honing their craft, allowing them to get married at a slightly later age. But this in no way meant that they always maintained their innocence throughout this time. By fifteen or so, most would seek out a woman to experience the pleasure of the union between woman and man.

Han Xiling, rightly peeved, carried that man to the bathroom and threw him onto the ground. After seeing him hobble to the tub, he went to fetch the hot water.

_{“Sorry. I just really want to sleep,” Han Xiling sighed. Having barely gotten any sleep the night before and getting little rest even at such a late hour had left Han Xiling rather exhausted at present.}“Does it matter either way?” Han Xiling felt annoyed. The forced flirtatious act before him made a wave of discomfort surge all throughout. In an instant, he found himself pushing that woman from his lap and reaching to pour his own wine.

_{Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.}
“Good. That’s good, then…”

Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.

_{Han Xiling, rightly peeved, carried that man to the bathroom and threw him onto the ground. After seeing him hobble to the tub, he went to fetch the hot water.}“Yes. Some Nu’er Hong would be nice.”

Han Xiling, rightly peeved, carried that man to the bathroom and threw him onto the ground. After seeing him hobble to the tub, he went to fetch the hot water.

_{When he was finally back with the hot water, he saw that the man had already shed his clothing and managed to climb into the still-cold tub of water.}Han Xiling unconsciously gulped upon hearing those words; for some reason, also, his chеst felt tіght.

When he was finally back with the hot water, he saw that the man had already shed his clothing and managed to climb into the still-cold tub of water.

_{“Xiling! Hey! Uncle Xue is doing this for your own good!”}Amidst the revelry in wine, feast, and those beauties donned in fragrant attire, Han Xiling nervously sat in an elegant room requested by Diandian from the “madam.”

“Xiling! Hey! Uncle Xue is doing this for your own good!”

_{“Then, I’ll thank him well for his kindness when I return!” Han Xiling gritted.}
“Great! So please do me the favour of not poking your nose into my business from now on, alright? Do you have any idea how embarrassed I was today because of you?”

“Then, I’ll thank him well for his kindness when I return!” Han Xiling gritted.

_{While with his father, Diandian said something Han Xiling wasn’t able to hear, but he did notice a devilish grin spreаd across that man’s face before he gave them permission with the wave of a hand.}Shaking his head in response, Diandian took it as his cue to leave. So now, in that room, there was only that woman and Han Xiling.

_{“Then, I’ll thank him well for his kindness when I return!” Han Xiling gritted.}Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.

“Then, I’ll thank him well for his kindness when I return!” Han Xiling gritted.

_{That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.}“You’ll see when we get there. Follow me.”

That night, in celebration of the occasion, a party was held at the Xuanyuan estate, where the man of the hour was, naturally, Han Xiling.

_{{That’s a bit strange, isn’t it?}}☆☆☆

That’s a bit strange, isn’t it?

_{The woman laughed. “Oh, so this is the young master’s true colours. So a Nu’er Hong is what you’re after, yes?”}
“What?! W-why?”

The woman laughed. “Oh, so this is the young master’s true colours. So a Nu’er Hong is what you’re after, yes?”

_{Returning to his senses, Han Xiling hurriedly scrubbed the man clean, rinsed, dried and wrapped him in a blanket, then finally carried him to the bed of the main bedroom.}Seeing no reaction from that man even now, Han Xiling gulped a breath and covered the entire region with his hand. It was soft to the touch. It felt good in his grasp. As a bit more time had passed under his gentle caresses, he felt that tiny protrusion slowly hаrden under his palm.

Returning to his senses, Han Xiling hurriedly scrubbed the man clean, rinsed, dried and wrapped him in a blanket, then finally carried him to the bed of the main bedroom.

_{{That’s a bit strange, isn’t it?}}Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.

That’s a bit strange, isn’t it?

_{“Xiling! Hey! Uncle Xue is doing this for your own good!”}
“Just don’t meddle in my personal business from now on, alright?”

“Xiling! Hey! Uncle Xue is doing this for your own good!”

_{“Oh, {hehehe…} I almost forgot. Did you have fun tonight?” Han Jiangxue was still clearly drunk.}☆☆☆

“Oh, hehehe… I almost forgot. Did you have fun tonight?” Han Jiangxue was still clearly drunk.

_{Han Xiling felt as though his fingers were being swallowed; constantly and eagerly, they were being sυcked in. Soon, that man’s body relaxed once more. Turning around, he simply continued to sleep.}Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.

_{“Do you want me to stay?” Shooting him a cheeky look, Diandian asked Han Xiling.}Across from him, Diandian said with a grin, “In celebration of your success, my reward to you tonight is to make you a real man, Xiling.”

“Do you want me to stay?” Shooting him a cheeky look, Diandian asked Han Xiling.

_{Amidst the revelry in wine, feast, and those beauties donned in fragrant attire, Han Xiling nervously sat in an elegant room requested by Diandian from the “madam.”}
“Uh, oh. Okay…” As his voice trailed off, Han Jiangxue’s body again slid down into the tub. “Hehehe… Looks like the kid is all grown up now… So sleepy…”

Amidst the revelry in wine, feast, and those beauties donned in fragrant attire, Han Xiling nervously sat in an elegant room requested by Diandian from the “madam.”

_{It was quite late, so both Aunty and Uncle Wu had turned in for the night.}No—it's more like nothing has been normal for a long time now because of Han Jiangxue.

It was quite late, so both Aunty and Uncle Wu had turned in for the night.

_A/N“Oh, hehehe… I almost forgot. Did you have fun tonight?” Han Jiangxue was still clearly drunk.

A/N

_{[T/n: Nu’er Hong is an aged rice wine, but its name is literally Girl/Daughter Red, which can loosely be interpreted as "blushing girl". So she’s saying he asked for her. They are "flirting".]}That woman tried to approach him several times afterwards, but he refused every single advance. The liquor before him was his only dеsire.

[T/n: Nu’er Hong is an aged rice wine, but its name is literally Girl/Daughter Red, which can loosely be interpreted as "blushing girl". So she’s saying he asked for her. They are "flirting".]

_{Seeing that man stumbling in, his entire body leeching the smell of liquor, Han Xiling stepped forward to help him. But the second he did, a wave erupted from that man’s stomach, landing directly on the helpful Han Xiling.}“What the hell are you doing, Xiling?” Diandian snatched the jug from Han Xiling’s grip and scolded.

Seeing that man stumbling in, his entire body leeching the smell of liquor, Han Xiling stepped forward to help him. But the second he did, a wave erupted from that man’s stomach, landing directly on the helpful Han Xiling.

_{Did that guy throw the cups so many times just to make it hаrd for me?}
Seeing him fall asleep again, Han Xiling simply accepted his fate. Picking up the washcloth, he started cleaning him.

Did that guy throw the cups so many times just to make it hаrd for me?

_{“Uh, oh. Okay…” As his voice trailed off, Han Jiangxue’s body again slid down into the tub. “{Hehehe}… Looks like the kid is all grown up now… So sleepy…”}That woman tried to approach him several times afterwards, but he refused every single advance. The liquor before him was his only dеsire.

“Uh, oh. Okay…” As his voice trailed off, Han Jiangxue’s body again slid down into the tub. “Hehehe… Looks like the kid is all grown up now… So sleepy…”

_{As for that man, his snores had quickly turned into pants, but those eyes of his still remained tіghtly shut.}As he hesitated, that man began slowly sinking into the water. With all the colour drained from his face, Han Xiling rushed forward. Scooping that man from the water, he slapped his face, hаrd.

As for that man, his snores had quickly turned into pants, but those eyes of his still remained tіghtly shut.

_{This scene was far from a rarity for the past year. Han Jiangxue would often go out drinking like this at random, not coming back until he was stone drunk.}
When it came to the most handsome men around, Han Jiangxue was far from the top of the list on account of his unusually slim physique. But for Han Xiling, it had a strange kind of allure.

This scene was far from a rarity for the past year. Han Jiangxue would often go out drinking like this at random, not coming back until he was stone drunk.

_{Instead of being fearful of this reaction, Han Xiling was more curious about what would become of this man if he continued with his act. So that finger he held inside soon got company, which then began to scratch and twitch.}[T/n: Nu’er Hong is an aged rice wine, but its name is literally Girl/Daughter Red, which can loosely be interpreted as "blushing girl". So she’s saying he asked for her. They are "flirting".]

_{“Hey! Can’t you see you’re drowning?”}
As that fair and slender body lay half-submerged, its lower parts were concealed by ripples, making it hаrd for Han Xiling to see. Lowering his lips to that man’s ear, Han Xiling called out softly, but he showed no response.

“Hey! Can’t you see you’re drowning?”

_{“What a considerate adopted father he is!” Han Xiling couldn’t help but sneer.}Seeing that man stumbling in, his entire body leeching the smell of liquor, Han Xiling stepped forward to help him. But the second he did, a wave erupted from that man’s stomach, landing directly on the helpful Han Xiling.

“What a considerate adopted father he is!” Han Xiling couldn’t help but sneer.

_{“Dad said that you can enter our sect directly a year from now. You can come to work with us—and we can be together every day!” Diandian beamed.}As for Han Xiling, he stood by the bedside in a daze. Wearing a face fully enveloped in a deep crimson, his unsteady breaths devolved into heavy panting.

“Dad said that you can enter our sect directly a year from now. You can come to work with us—and we can be together every day!” Diandian beamed.

_{For a long time, Han Xiling stood by the window. Now, he made up his mind.}“It was all his idea to bring you to this brothel. He said it was time for you to grow up.”

_{“Hmph!” Diandian snorted. “You’re really no fun at all.”}
Without thinking, Han Xiling’s hand entered the water, his fingers secretly taking hold of the protrusion on that man’s chеst.

“Hmph!” Diandian snorted. “You’re really no fun at all.”

_{“That’s because I’m a natural beauty,” he replied with little interest. The deadpan retort was enough to make the boy beside him burst out in laughter.}Moving to sit on his lap, the woman wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, “I heard from that young master that this will be your first time, young master. Is this really true?”

“That’s because I’m a natural beauty,” he replied with little interest. The deadpan retort was enough to make the boy beside him burst out in laughter.

[T/n: Nu’er Hong is an aged rice wine, but its name is literally Girl/Daughter Red, which can loosely be interpreted as "blushing girl". So she’s saying he asked for her. They are "flirting".]

_{“Well, don’t fall asleep so quickly today because I’m taking you to a fun place later,” Diandian leaned over to whisper in his ear.}Across from him, Diandian said with a grin, “In celebration of your success, my reward to you tonight is to make you a real man, Xiling.”

“Well, don’t fall asleep so quickly today because I’m taking you to a fun place later,” Diandian leaned over to whisper in his ear.

_☆☆☆
That man resembled a harmless toy in that instant, one that allowed him to squish it.

☆☆☆

_{As that fair and slender body lay half-submerged, its lower parts were concealed by ripples, making it hаrd for Han Xiling to see. Lowering his lips to that man’s ear, Han Xiling called out softly, but he showed no response.}Han Xiling also wished to bid Han Jiangxue farewell, but upon seeing him chatting with some young man, his heart sank so hаrd that he simply turned and left.

_{Han Xiling unconsciously gulped upon hearing those words; for some reason, also, his chеst felt tіght.}The blood within Han Xiling surged, his fists exerting more strength as they tіghtened.

Han Xiling unconsciously gulped upon hearing those words; for some reason, also, his chеst felt tіght.

_{“Really? Are you a pig? Why are you always thinking about sleeping?” Diandian tossed an incredulous look at Han Xiling as he scolded. “If you’re not practising on the training grounds, then you’re at home sleeping. It really is a wonder you haven’t grown as fat as a pig to this day!”}“Hey, Xiling!” Diandian shouted from behind him. “Where the hell are you going?”

_{Seeing him fall asleep again, Han Xiling simply accepted his fate. Picking up the washcloth, he started cleaning him.}[T/n: Nu’er Hong is an aged rice wine, but its name is literally Girl/Daughter Red, which can loosely be interpreted as "blushing girl". So she’s saying he asked for her. They are "flirting".]

Seeing him fall asleep again, Han Xiling simply accepted his fate. Picking up the washcloth, he started cleaning him.

_{For as long as he knew him, that man had been more of a temperаmental child than he.}
Seeing no reaction from that man even now, Han Xiling gulped a breath and covered the entire region with his hand. It was soft to the touch. It felt good in his grasp. As a bit more time had passed under his gentle caresses, he felt that tiny protrusion slowly hаrden under his palm.

For as long as he knew him, that man had been more of a temperаmental child than he.

_{Making his way back to the central hall, Han Xiling poured himself some tea. In his hand, that liquid filled the delicately smooth and white porcelain cup that was so beloved by Han Jiangxue.}While with his father, Diandian said something Han Xiling wasn’t able to hear, but he did notice a devilish grin spreаd across that man’s face before he gave them permission with the wave of a hand.

Making his way back to the central hall, Han Xiling poured himself some tea. In his hand, that liquid filled the delicately smooth and white porcelain cup that was so beloved by Han Jiangxue.

_{When he was finally back with the hot water, he saw that the man had already shed his clothing and managed to climb into the still-cold tub of water.}“Just don’t meddle in my personal business from now on, alright?”

When he was finally back with the hot water, he saw that the man had already shed his clothing and managed to climb into the still-cold tub of water.

_{“Young master, would you like a drink?” the woman asked, her hand extending towards Han Xiling.}
It was a feeling that stirred something within him. Looking at the man's still-shut eyes, he began wondering if he was truly unconscious.

“Young master, would you like a drink?” the woman asked, her hand extending towards Han Xiling.

_{“Does it matter either way?” Han Xiling felt annoyed. The forced flirtatious act before him made a wave of discomfort surge all throughout. In an instant, he found himself pushing that woman from his lap and reaching to pour his own wine.}No—it's more like nothing has been normal for a long time now because of Han Jiangxue.

_{Without thinking, Han Xiling’s hand entered the water, his fingers secretly taking hold of the protrusion on that man’s chеst.}
Getting back to the task, Han Xiling raised that man up until all of his upper half sat above the water. Seeing that slender figure rise out of the tub left the young man unable to help himself from staring at him, at a loss for words. This was the body which only had a single flaw: it was far too delicate for a man’s.

Without thinking, Han Xiling’s hand entered the water, his fingers secretly taking hold of the protrusion on that man’s chеst.

_{As that fair and slender body lay half-submerged, its lower parts were concealed by ripples, making it hаrd for Han Xiling to see. Lowering his lips to that man’s ear, Han Xiling called out softly, but he showed no response.}“Hey, Xiling!” Diandian shouted from behind him. “Where the hell are you going?”

_{“Because of you! You vomited all over me!”}From panting to wrіthing until that form of his stiffened, that man dug his fingers deep into Han Xiling’s arm until deep red marks were ultimately etched into his skin.

“Because of you! You vomited all over me!”

_{“You’re not going to trouble Uncle Xue, are you?” Diandian’s expression turned a bit grave.}☆☆☆

“You’re not going to trouble Uncle Xue, are you?” Diandian’s expression turned a bit grave.

_A/N
Returning to his senses, Han Xiling hurriedly scrubbed the man clean, rinsed, dried and wrapped him in a blanket, then finally carried him to the bed of the main bedroom.

A/N

_{It was quite late, so both Aunty and Uncle Wu had turned in for the night.}His words etched shock onto Diandian’s refined face. Those already doe-like eyes of the young man had now enlarged even further. “You don’t like women!” Staring at Han Xiling, he asked in horror, earning a shrug from Han Xiling.

It was quite late, so both Aunty and Uncle Wu had turned in for the night.

_{“What the hell are you doing, Xiling?” Diandian snatched the jug from Han Xiling’s grip and scolded.}
Even though the task was finally done, Han Xiling’s heart still thumped wildly. Not only did that thing feel as though it would leap all the way out, but his face burnt, and the perspiration rolling down his forehead were bean-sized blobs.

“What the hell are you doing, Xiling?” Diandian snatched the jug from Han Xiling’s grip and scolded.

_{At some point, that woman had left. Then sometime after that, Diandian re-entered.}Amidst the revelry in wine, feast, and those beauties donned in fragrant attire, Han Xiling nervously sat in an elegant room requested by Diandian from the “madam.”

At some point, that woman had left. Then sometime after that, Diandian re-entered.

_{As for that man, his snores had quickly turned into pants, but those eyes of his still remained tіghtly shut.}“Hey, Xiling!” Diandian shouted from behind him. “Where the hell are you going?”

As for that man, his snores had quickly turned into pants, but those eyes of his still remained tіghtly shut.

_{“Hey! Can’t you see you’re drowning?”}“What a considerate adopted father he is!” Han Xiling couldn’t help but sneer.

“Hey! Can’t you see you’re drowning?”

_{After waiting and waiting, Han Jiangxue finally made an appearance after three in the morning.}
Nothing tonight is normal.

After waiting and waiting, Han Jiangxue finally made an appearance after three in the morning.

_{{Did that guy throw the cups so many times just to make it hаrd for me?}}Swordsmen were the exception to this norm, all due to the promotion of abstinence while honing their craft, allowing them to get married at a slightly later age. But this in no way meant that they always maintained their innocence throughout this time. By fifteen or so, most would seek out a woman to experience the pleasure of the union between woman and man.

Did that guy throw the cups so many times just to make it hаrd for me?

_{Xuanyuan Diandian only brought along two personal guards on their journey, and they all travelled on horseback. Riding down the main road, they finally stopped right in front of a brothel.}Han Xiling turned and walked towards the door without a hindered step.

Xuanyuan Diandian only brought along two personal guards on their journey, and they all travelled on horseback. Riding down the main road, they finally stopped right in front of a brothel.

_“Where?”☆☆☆

“Where?”

_{Swordsmen were the exception to this norm, all due to the promotion of abstinence while honing their craft, allowing them to get married at a slightly later age. But this in no way meant that they always maintained their innocence throughout this time. By fifteen or so, most would seek out a woman to experience the pleasure of the union between woman and man.}Amidst the revelry in wine, feast, and those beauties donned in fragrant attire, Han Xiling nervously sat in an elegant room requested by Diandian from the “madam.”

_{Han Xiling shook his head to nod.}
No—it's more like nothing has been normal for a long time now because of Han Jiangxue.

Han Xiling shook his head to nod.

_☆☆☆“Xiling, you—” Han Jiangxue’s drowsy eyes opened slightly wider to stare at the one above him. “Why are you in here?”

☆☆☆

_{That man resembled a harmless toy in that instant, one that allowed him to squish it.}His words etched shock onto Diandian’s refined face. Those already doe-like eyes of the young man had now enlarged even further. “You don’t like women!” Staring at Han Xiling, he asked in horror, earning a shrug from Han Xiling.

That man resembled a harmless toy in that instant, one that allowed him to squish it.

_{Han Xiling also wished to bid Han Jiangxue farewell, but upon seeing him chatting with some young man, his heart sank so hаrd that he simply turned and left.}
That heart of his kept thumping—pounding and pounding with all its might. It was as if it was urging him—begging him—to do something bad.

Han Xiling also wished to bid Han Jiangxue farewell, but upon seeing him chatting with some young man, his heart sank so hаrd that he simply turned and left.

_{Han Xiling also wished to bid Han Jiangxue farewell, but upon seeing him chatting with some young man, his heart sank so hаrd that he simply turned and left.}That heart of his kept thumping—pounding and pounding with all its might. It was as if it was urging him—begging him—to do something bad.

Han Xiling also wished to bid Han Jiangxue farewell, but upon seeing him chatting with some young man, his heart sank so hаrd that he simply turned and left.

_{Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.}For a long time, Han Xiling stood by the window. Now, he made up his mind. Returning to the bedside, he saw that the man was still fast asleep, still snoring loudly. But as that man lay on his side, his slender legs crossed over the other, it made an especially alluring sight. Reaching over, Han Xiling attempted to turn him on his back, laying his arms and legs straight, but upon pulling off the blanket, two cherry-hued protrusions immediately caught his eye.

Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.

_{Han Xiling shook his head to nod.}“What a considerate adopted father he is!” Han Xiling couldn’t help but sneer.

Han Xiling shook his head to nod.

_{“You’ll see when we get there. Follow me.”}
For a long time, Han Xiling stood by the window. Now, he made up his mind. Returning to the bedside, he saw that the man was still fast asleep, still snoring loudly. But as that man lay on his side, his slender legs crossed over the other, it made an especially alluring sight. Reaching over, Han Xiling attempted to turn him on his back, laying his arms and legs straight, but upon pulling off the blanket, two cherry-hued protrusions immediately caught his eye.

“You’ll see when we get there. Follow me.”

_{Instead of being fearful of this reaction, Han Xiling was more curious about what would become of this man if he continued with his act. So that finger he held inside soon got company, which then began to scratch and twitch.}As that fair and slender body lay half-submerged, its lower parts were concealed by ripples, making it hаrd for Han Xiling to see. Lowering his lips to that man’s ear, Han Xiling called out softly, but he showed no response.

From panting to wrіthing until that form of his stiffened, that man dug his fingers deep into Han Xiling’s arm until deep red marks were ultimately etched into his skin.

_{“Dad said that you can enter our sect directly a year from now. You can come to work with us—and we can be together every day!” Diandian beamed.}A/N

“Dad said that you can enter our sect directly a year from now. You can come to work with us—and we can be together every day!” Diandian beamed.

_{“Young master, would you like a drink?” the woman asked, her hand extending towards Han Xiling.}Han Xiling turned and walked towards the door without a hindered step.

“Young master, would you like a drink?” the woman asked, her hand extending towards Han Xiling.

_{“Dad said that you can enter our sect directly a year from now. You can come to work with us—and we can be together every day!” Diandian beamed.}
Before he knew it, Han Xiling’s lips had descended, capturing that fruit; his teeth lightly grazed it until it hаrdened in his mouth.

“Dad said that you can enter our sect directly a year from now. You can come to work with us—and we can be together every day!” Diandian beamed.

_{Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.}“What a considerate adopted father he is!” Han Xiling couldn’t help but sneer.

Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.

Making his way back to the central hall, Han Xiling poured himself some tea. In his hand, that liquid filled the delicately smooth and white porcelain cup that was so beloved by Han Jiangxue.

_{“I want to drink.”}
As his mouth was busy, fearing that man would awaken, Han Xiling kept an eye on his reaction every now and then. But after noticing there was nary a twitch, his fears lessened, and his courage gradually grew stronger. His hands now travelled downwards, slipping between the man’s thіghs. Perhaps on account of the bath, that place is especially slіck. It was so wet that even the sheet below felt moist. As his fingers explored, perhaps due to this unusual wetness, one of his fingers had easily slipped into that back hole.

“I want to drink.”

_{“Yes. Some Nu’er Hong would be nice.”}“I’ll call for another, then.”

“Yes. Some Nu’er Hong would be nice.”

_{Seeing that man stumbling in, his entire body leeching the smell of liquor, Han Xiling stepped forward to help him. But the second he did, a wave erupted from that man’s stomach, landing directly on the helpful Han Xiling.}
Warm and tіght. The presence of those walls around his digit gave this sensation all throughout, prompting him to carefully explore that place even further. Soon, the feeling of the small folds within met his touch. It’d feel so good being inside him. Han Xiling couldn’t help the thought.

_{Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.}When it came to the most handsome men around, Han Jiangxue was far from the top of the list on account of his unusually slim physique. But for Han Xiling, it had a strange kind of allure.

Han Xiling stood frozen at the door for a moment, unsure of whether he should advance or retreat.

_{“I want to drink.”}“The Rose Garden” was the name of the brothel. Inside, the furnishings were opulent; it still maintained a modest, elegant charm. It was said to be the place often frequented by high-ranking officials and nobles alike.

“I want to drink.”

_{After waiting and waiting, Han Jiangxue finally made an appearance after three in the morning.}None of those men was good enough for Han Jiangxue as far as he was concerned—Di Wangchen included.

After waiting and waiting, Han Jiangxue finally made an appearance after three in the morning.

_{It was a feeling that stirred something within him. Looking at the man's still-shut eyes, he began wondering if he was truly unconscious.}
As for that man, his snores had quickly turned into pants, but those eyes of his still remained tіghtly shut.

It was a feeling that stirred something within him. Looking at the man's still-shut eyes, he began wondering if he was truly unconscious.

_{That heart of his kept thumping—pounding and pounding with all its might. It was as if it was urging him—begging him—to do something bad.}When it came to the most handsome men around, Han Jiangxue was far from the top of the list on account of his unusually slim physique. But for Han Xiling, it had a strange kind of allure.

That heart of his kept thumping—pounding and pounding with all its might. It was as if it was urging him—begging him—to do something bad.

_{{There has to be a mistake, right? That guy… Even something like this that guy is trying to control? What the hell is he trying to do? Why is he…? Is it because of what happened last night?}}Xuanyuan Diandian only brought along two personal guards on their journey, and they all travelled on horseback. Riding down the main road, they finally stopped right in front of a brothel.

There has to be a mistake, right? That guy… Even something like this that guy is trying to control? What the hell is he trying to do? Why is he…? Is it because of what happened last night?

_{There has to be a mistake, right? That guy… Even something like this that guy is trying to control? What the hell is he trying to do? Why is he…? Is it because of what happened last night?}
Instead of being fearful of this reaction, Han Xiling was more curious about what would become of this man if he continued with his act. So that finger he held inside soon got company, which then began to scratch and twitch.

There has to be a mistake, right? That guy… Even something like this that guy is trying to control? What the hell is he trying to do? Why is he…? Is it because of what happened last night?

_{“Was that girl not to your liking?”}“Great! So please do me the favour of not poking your nose into my business from now on, alright? Do you have any idea how embarrassed I was today because of you?”

“Was that girl not to your liking?”

_{“Has Uncle Xue’s worst fears truly come to pass?” The young man sighed.}That’s a bit strange, isn’t it?

“Has Uncle Xue’s worst fears truly come to pass?” The young man sighed.

_{Memories of his first day at that mansion rekindled at the sight of that cup in his grasp.}
From panting to wrіthing until that form of his stiffened, that man dug his fingers deep into Han Xiling’s arm until deep red marks were ultimately etched into his skin.

Memories of his first day at that mansion rekindled at the sight of that cup in his grasp.

_{“I want to drink.”}“What?! W-why?”

“I want to drink.”

_{“I did. I had the time of my damn life!” Han Xiling felt his anger rising. “Those women were good—fantastic even!”}Opening the bedroom door of the western room with a kick, Han Xiling saw there was no one to be seen.

“I did. I had the time of my damn life!” Han Xiling felt his anger rising. “Those women were good—fantastic even!”

_{As that fair and slender body lay half-submerged, its lower parts were concealed by ripples, making it hаrd for Han Xiling to see. Lowering his lips to that man’s ear, Han Xiling called out softly, but he showed no response.}
Han Xiling felt as though his fingers were being swallowed; constantly and eagerly, they were being sυcked in. Soon, that man’s body relaxed once more. Turning around, he simply continued to sleep.

_{“What the hell are you doing, Xiling?” Diandian snatched the jug from Han Xiling’s grip and scolded.}It was a feeling that stirred something within him. Looking at the man's still-shut eyes, he began wondering if he was truly unconscious.

“What the hell are you doing, Xiling?” Diandian snatched the jug from Han Xiling’s grip and scolded.

_{“Has Uncle Xue’s worst fears truly come to pass?” The young man sighed.}“I don’t know, honestly. I just don’t feel anything in particular around them, nor do I have the dеsire to experience holding one like that.”

“Has Uncle Xue’s worst fears truly come to pass?” The young man sighed.

_{Han Xiling shook his head to nod.}While with his father, Diandian said something Han Xiling wasn’t able to hear, but he did notice a devilish grin spreаd across that man’s face before he gave them permission with the wave of a hand.

Han Xiling shook his head to nod.

_{The stink of the wine, filth, and whatever those sticky bits latched onto his clothes felt as disgusting as they smelt.}As he hesitated, that man began slowly sinking into the water. With all the colour drained from his face, Han Xiling rushed forward. Scooping that man from the water, he slapped his face, hаrd.

The stink of the wine, filth, and whatever those sticky bits latched onto his clothes felt as disgusting as they smelt.

_{“What?! W-why?”}
As for Han Xiling, he stood by the bedside in a daze. Wearing a face fully enveloped in a deep crimson, his unsteady breaths devolved into heavy panting.

“What?! W-why?”

_{Even though the task was finally done, Han Xiling’s heart still thumped wildly. Not only did that thing feel as though it would leap all the way out, but his face burnt, and the perspiration rolling down his forehead were bean-sized blobs.}Instead of being fearful of this reaction, Han Xiling was more curious about what would become of this man if he continued with his act. So that finger he held inside soon got company, which then began to scratch and twitch.

_{For a long time, Han Xiling stood by the window. Now, he made up his mind.}Getting back to the task, Han Xiling raised that man up until all of his upper half sat above the water. Seeing that slender figure rise out of the tub left the young man unable to help himself from staring at him, at a loss for words. This was the body which only had a single flaw: it was far too delicate for a man’s.

_{“What?! W-why?”}Before he knew it, Han Xiling’s lips had descended, capturing that fruit; his teeth lightly grazed it until it hаrdened in his mouth.

“What?! W-why?”

_{“Has Uncle Xue’s worst fears truly come to pass?” The young man sighed.}Han Xiling turned and walked towards the door without a hindered step.

“Has Uncle Xue’s worst fears truly come to pass?” The young man sighed.

Author's Note:

A/N

Notes:

Note: the brothel (Rose Garden) is called Fangcao Bieyuan, lit. [Fragrant Grass Annex]. The word Fangcao is used for plants but is also an allegory for women.

Updated on a Saturday. Raws: Kobo

Adoptive Father: C06-1

Chapter 6.1: Growing Pains

Author's Note:

Notes:

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