In early March, the Zheng family in the city was hosting a grand celebration. Being a well-respected figure in Ganzhou City, Master Zheng had naturally invited many distinguished guests. From early morning, the Zheng estate bustled with arriving carriages and horses, as streams of visitors came to offer their congratulations. Officials and wealthy families who were acquainted with the Zhengs arrived with their wives and daughters, bringing gifts and well wishes. The sound of firecrackers echoed through the streets, filling the atmosphere with festivity.
A luxurious carriage approached slowly, followed by seven or eight well-dressed attendants on horseback.
The carriage stopped outside the grand gates of the Zheng estate. As the curtain was lifted, a young gentleman stepped out. His robes were exquisitely tailored, his figure tall and striking, his movements graceful and confident—drawing the attention of many of the female guests. Upon hearing his name, however, the older women shook their heads and chuckled, while the unmarried young ladies blushed, covering their faces shyly, yet unable to resist stealing glances at him.
To some extent, the name Duan Fei was synonymous with youthful talent and promise. At the same time, however, it was also a name widely associated with indulgence and frivolous romance.
Wherever Duan Fei went, there were always beauties by his side. And each time, they were never the same. Naturally, curiosity was piqued—what kind of beauty would accompany him this time?
As expected, after Duan Fei came to a stop, he turned back to help a woman in red step down from the carriage. Her crimson robes were of the finest fabric, tailored with exquisite craftsmanship in the most fashionable style. Though her figure was a little slender, the cut of her garments accentuated her graceful curves. Her smile was light, yet it carried an undeniable warmth and radiance.
The men in the crowd immediately began whispering their assessments, most of them with expressions of appreciation. In contrast, the women merely scoffed.
Though Duan Fei was known for being easygoing, anyone who wished to establish themselves in Ganzhou knew better than to offend him. Master Zheng personally came forward to greet him. The gift list and congratulatory offerings had already been delivered in advance. Duan Fei clasped his hands in greeting, offered a few auspicious words, and Master Zheng, laughing heartily, pulled him along into the residence.
The Zheng household, while not as opulent as the Duan estate, was run with far stricter discipline, exuding the dignity of a true noble family. As soon as Duan Fei entered, a group of women assigned to host female guests stepped forward and politely led Hong Ning to the back garden, where the wives and young ladies gathered to drink tea, admire the flowers, and engage in idle conversation.
Out of courtesy—primarily due to Duan Fei’s presence—everyone greeted her with polite words, addressing her as “Miss.” After all, Duan Fei was widely recognized as a libertine, and everyone knew he had no intention of marrying. Since he had never acknowledged her as a concubine, this was the only appropriate way to address her.
Hong Ning didn’t mind in the slightest and responded with ease. She let her young maid wander off to play while she sat quietly, sipping tea. Duan Fei had not given her any particular instructions for this banquet, and the conversations of the noblewomen and young ladies held no interest for her. After a short while, she excused herself under the pretense of admiring the flowers and left the gathering.
She had barely walked a few steps when she heard hushed voices behind her, followed by subtle, disdainful glances cast her way.
A woman who accompanied a notorious libertine—what kind of respectable status could she possibly have? These ladies had treated her with politeness on the surface, but inwardly, they looked down on her. Hong Ning understood the reason but remained unfazed, pretending not to hear as she wandered the garden leisurely. Her thoughts, however, drifted elsewhere.
Over the past month, Duan Fei had indeed treated her well. He anticipated her needs, fulfilling even the things she hadn’t thought to ask for. He followed her every whim, never forcing anything upon her.
Was this how libertines ensnared women—constantly shifting their tactics to capture a woman’s heart? Who could tell if his affections were genuine or merely another act?
Hong Ning lowered her gaze and smiled faintly. A vague unease stirred within her, though she couldn’t quite pinpoint what was wrong.
Just as she was lost in thought, a voice called out behind her.
“Miss, why don’t you join us? It’s livelier over there.”
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