The guards of Baoyue House outside the door were already unconscious. Fan Xian stood alone at the doorway, expressionless, looking at his brother, who was only fourteen years old.

It was only then that the thugs and young men in the room came to their senses. Some, not recognizing Fan Xian, showed nervousness, while the young man with the injured right hand recognized him as Young Master Chen from last night. He shrieked and, with a few others, prepared to rush forward!

Fan Sizhe didn't have time to think. He swung his hand back and smashed the teapot down hard!

……

……

With a crisp crash, the fastest thug, the first to pass by Fan Sizhe, took a heavy blow to the head, grunted, and fell to the ground, blood gushing from his head.

The teapot in Fan Sizhe's hand shattered. The steaming tea splashed on his hand, the floor, and the man, constantly releasing white vapor. His eyes were filled with terror as he clutched the half-broken teapot in his right hand, trembling slightly. Even the tone of his voice changed.

"Brother, how... did you come?"

Fan Xian didn't answer him, but everyone in the room was shocked. How could the big boss smash his own man unconscious? They stared at Fan Sizhe in shock, except for the young Third Prince, who looked at Fan Xian with innocent puzzlement.

Some of the quicker-witted fellows finally remembered the address and realized Fan Xian's identity from it—Baoyue House dared to be so arrogant precisely because of this big boss's brother, the Supervising Censor Fan of the Censorate? Could this young man at the door be their great backer, Lord Fan?

Fan Xian wasn't aware of being a pimp's great backer. His eyelids lowered slightly as he asked, "Going back or not?"

Fan Sizhe didn't have time to consider the consequences he was about to face. He gritted his teeth, and the fat on his chubby cheeks trembled slightly. After a long while, he squeezed out a very quiet word: "Going back."

He lowered his head and walked to Fan Xian's side like a child who had done something wrong. Fan Xian tilted his head slightly to look at his younger brother, noticing that the little guy had grown a lot taller in the past two years, almost reaching his ear. He sighed inwardly and said softly, "First, you did something wrong. Second, you're not a child, so don't play the victim in front of me."

"Yes," Fan Sizhe groaned.

Fan Xian ignored him and only swept his cold gaze over the dozen or so people in the room. He noticed that a few were the powerful young men who had appeared last night but had escaped without having their bones broken by him. He narrowed his eyes, recognizing a few faces. His memory was good. Although they didn't have the same ability, since they already knew his identity, they had to step forward humbly to pay their respects.

……

……

"Greetings, Older Cousin."

"Please, Uncle, be well."

"Grandpa Xian."

The shareholders, big and small, of Baoyue House, looking miserable, walked to Fan Xian and greeted him pitifully. Listening to these people announce their family names, Fan Xian's anger and self-deprecation intertwined endlessly in his heart—what the hell was this? Investigating a case, he ended up investigating his own face!

No wonder Sang Wen said that the carriage often came from Shangshu Lane. These people in front of him were actually related to him, either from the Fan clan or the Liu Duke's Mansion. Fan Sizhe and the Third Prince were the leading figures in this lineage. Opening this brothel meant that none of them could escape the relationship. He shook his head, his chest full of anger, wishing he could throw all these evil relatives, wherever they came from, into the skinny lake behind the building!

After a moment, he suppressed the resentment in his heart. He lifted Fan Sizhe by the collar with one hand, like carrying a chick, and walked out of the secret room in Baoyue House. Just as the two brothers were about to leave the room in low spirits, the Third Prince seemed to have just come to his senses, revealing a sweet smile and saying with surprise, "Lord Fan... Oh, Older Cousin!"

Fan Xian turned his head and looked at this youngest prince, a very gentle smile appearing on his face: "Your Highness, never try to act like an adult in front of me... Also, I have no interest in talking to little brats like you."

Everyone present was shocked. Someone who dared to call a prince a little brat in public... Fan Xian was definitely the first since the founding of Qing Yu Nian!

Besides being shocked by Fan Xian's boldness, some were even more puzzled. Even if His Majesty doted on you, you were still a subject. How could you be so disrespectful to a prince? The Third Prince stared at Fan Xian, his little lips trembling with anger.

Fan Xian smiled even more sweetly: "Those little lips are trembling. You'd be good at acting in operas."

The Third Prince almost fainted from anger, but he remembered what his mother had said: when this older cousin smiled gently, it meant he was extremely unhappy, so never provoke him! He bit his little teeth and didn't respond.

……

……

It was afternoon, and there weren't many customers in Baoyue House. The news of what had happened upstairs had already spread, and many people had crowded to the first floor, fortunate enough to witness the scene of an older brother scolding his younger brother. By this time, everyone who knew the inside story knew that Young Master Chen, who had caused a scene in Baoyue House last night, was the popular Lord Fan. Naturally, no one dared to cause trouble, just watching with apprehension.

The thugs and girls who didn't know the situation couldn't help but whisper to each other, with a hint of excitement in their eyes, spreading the little gossip they had just received. Could the little fat man being dragged around like a chick be their house's most mysterious big boss? He didn't look like the ruthless character from the legends!

And who was the handsome young man dragging the big boss?

Fan Xian strode forward, carrying the "big boss" of Baoyue House, his face expressionless. He caught sight of the girl named Yan'er in the corner, her eyes seeming to show some worry.

He raised an eyebrow, feeling touched. He knew that this matter had become a big deal and couldn't be hidden from the people of the capital for long, but he hadn't intended to hide it anyway. He had other plans in mind.

--------------------------------------------------

Outside the gate of Baoyue House, there was a carriage on each side of the quiet street. Fan Xian's carriage was on the west side. The carriage on the east side had no markings, but the curtain was slightly lifted, and Heir Apparent Hongcheng showed his face, full of apology, no longer with the sunshine of the past, greeting him.

The sun was moving towards the west, its dim glow making people uncomfortable. It shone through the bare branches of the autumn trees, reflecting on Fan Xian's face. He seemed to be stung by the sunlight and squinted his eyes in annoyance.

Teng Zijing emerged from nowhere, lowering his body and whispering, "The master knows that the young master still has things to discuss, so he asked me to take the Second Young Master back first."

Fan Xian didn't turn around, just nodded slightly, and then said, "Later, some of the clan members will be coming to the manor. Tell the guards at home to be vigilant and not let any of them slip away." Then he glanced at Fan Sizhe, whose face was pale, and said, "If anyone dares to sneak out again, break their legs."

Although the words were light, they sent a chill down the spines of those who heard them. Teng Zijing clearly felt the fire in the young master's heart at this time and dared not be careless, responding respectfully, "The master said that you should handle this matter yourself, young master. The manor will be closed today, waiting for you to return."

Fan Xian nodded and walked towards the carriage where Heir Apparent Hongcheng was. Fan Sizhe cried out "Brother" behind him, but received no response and had to obediently get into the carriage.

……

……

The two parties beside the carriage didn't seem to be engaged in some kind of negotiation or peace talk but were more like chatting about daily life. Fan Xian chuckled and said, "So eager to take Miss Yuan back to Liujing River?"

Hongcheng smiled wryly, "I didn't expect that the matter of Yuan Meng couldn't be hidden from you either."

Fan Xian replied, "You know what I do. It was always going to be difficult to hide something like this from me."

Li Hongcheng moved slightly to the side, inviting him into the carriage. Fan Xian shook his head, but then he saw that besides the plump Miss Yuan, who was lowering her head slightly, there was another figure sitting in the spacious carriage.

That noble figure was half-squatting on the seat, looking at Fan Xian with a gentle and sincere gaze.

Fan Xian's pupils shrank slightly, but he quickly recovered and smiled, clasping his fists in greeting, "Greetings, Second Prince."

"In the spring, there wasn't such formality between you and me." The Second Prince's thin lips moved slightly, and a hint of regret flowed in his clear eyes as he slowly said, "How did it suddenly become like this?"

Fan Xian laughed, "Perhaps Fan is a little unappreciative."

The Second Prince was silent. After a moment, he said, "It's not convenient to talk here. Can Lord Fan move to another place to discuss in detail?"

Fan Xian's smile faded, and he shook his head, "I'm in a hurry to go home and discipline that good-for-nothing child. I don't have time."

"I'm just passing by." The Second Prince looked at Fan Xian with a smile, saying something that no one would believe.

Whether the Baoyue House case was investigated or not had nothing to do with him. If Fan Xian wanted to investigate, it would ultimately be the Fan family who lost face and benefits. If he didn't investigate, that would naturally be the best outcome. Everyone had a hand in the same bowl, and the Fan family would have to be more "tolerant" of him in the officialdom in the future.

Although the Second Prince was very concerned about the money brought in by this brothel today, when the Inner Treasury was in danger, compared to winning over Fan Xian, money... was just a small matter.

Fan Xian sighed and said, "Investigating a case and finding it on my own head is really laughable for the Second Prince."

The Second Prince also shook his head and sighed, "I can't laugh. The matter of Baoyue House is too complicated. Although I haven't intervened, I know that at least 70% of the shares are in Fan Sizhe's hands, besides the Third Prince. You are, after all, brothers. Let go of things that can be let go."

The two spoke with hidden meanings, understanding each other.

"Where does he get so much money to be a big boss?" Fan Xian shook his head and smiled bitterly.

"The two grandsons of Duke Hongyi... also contributed a lot of money." The Second Prince seemed to be reminding him kindly.

Duke Hongyi was from the Liu family. Fan Xian pretended to be stunned and then said in dismay, "It seems that this case really can't be investigated."

The Second Prince knew that not investigating the case meant that Fan Xian was willing to maintain a peaceful attitude for the time being. He was slightly happy in his heart, and the smile on his face seemed particularly sincere, "Although everyone's status is different, we are actually all poor people trying to make a living in the capital. You are now an important figure in the manor. You should always make decisions for these nephews and nieces."

Fan Xian said, "To be honest, Your Highness, I am not a purely iron-willed official who is loyal to the law." He stared straight into the Second Prince's eyes, "Moreover, Your Highness has calculated all the details so clearly. How can I not compromise?"

The Second Prince tensed slightly. He knew that Fan Xian was never one to show weakness! Sure enough, Fan Xian clapped his hands expressionlessly. Immediately, a burst of noise rang out from Baoyue House behind the carriage, the sound of people and horses overturning, tables and chairs falling to the ground, and the terrified screams of the girls in the building.

Li Hongcheng's expression changed slightly. He didn't know how many men from the First Bureau of the Censorate Fan Xian had placed in Baoyue House. He said with concern, "Anzhi, to be honest, even if you make this case an ironclad one, you won't be able to hurt us. Why bother?"

Hongcheng was indeed a straightforward person. Fan Xian thought to himself, the self-deprecating meaning in his eyes flashing past.

Seeing that he was still keeping people at arm's length, the Second Prince's heart gradually cooled down, no matter how cultivated he was. He stared into Fan Xian's eyes and said, "It's just some children's matters. Sizhe and the Third Prince were bored and set up this building to play around. Don't take it too seriously."

Fan Xian knew that the business of Baoyue House was far from enough to strike a dignified prince, let alone the handsome Second Prince in front of him, who had no connection with this brothel on the surface. If he started from Yuan Meng, he could only involve Hongcheng at most. If he really investigated, he would only hurt his own hand!

"Sizhe is my brother. I will naturally consider how to discipline him." He looked back at the Second Prince, "But you should also manage your own brother."

Hongcheng finally couldn't help but shake his head and say, "Anzhi, don't misunderstand this matter. The business of Baoyue House is indeed being run by those two boys. I knew that Yuan Meng came to help, but the Second Prince and I didn't intervene."

Fan Xian shook his head, "Sometimes, not intervening, just watching this happen, is a very wonderful move." He looked at Hongcheng with a smile that was not a smile, and said, "Moreover, I don't believe that Fan Sizhe has the ability to find out about the relationship between Yuan Meng and you."

The search of the building was still continuing. Baoyue House was still in chaos. The Second Prince frowned slightly, wondering if Fan Xian was really so heartless? In order to maintain his reputation and strike at himself, he didn't care about the lives of his own brother and the clan members?

Fan Xian guessed what he was thinking, with a hint of self-deprecation, looking at the Second Prince and said, "Your Highness is so wise, I dare not investigate Baoyue House. After all, I can't personally send Sizhe to the Kyoto Prefecture." As long as the two sides could maintain the current peace, then the people involved in Baoyue House in the Fan and Liu families would not have to face the pressure from the Kyoto Prefecture. Even Fan Xian himself felt that the Second Prince had played this hand beautifully, and the price he asked for wasn't too high.

……

……

After a long time, Fan Xian looked at the secret hand gestures made by Mu Feng'er on the distant upper floor, knowing that the account books of Baoyue House had not been found. He had no such extravagant hopes—the little bastard Fan Sizhe's weaknesses were all held by the Second Prince in front of him. That kid only knew how to be a profiteer, but he didn't know that the profiteer's ass was always being watched by those officials' eyes.

The Second Prince finally understood what he wanted to do, smiled slightly, and thought to himself that Baoyue House was opened by Fan Sizhe. How could you wash this matter clean! The Fan, Liu, and Er families were all trapped in this matter. If you didn't want to make things big, you could only live in peace with yourself.

"Baoyue House will continue to operate." Fan Xian continued calmly, "Your Highness should understand what I mean."

The Second Prince nodded slightly, indicating his agreement, but deep down, he felt an extremely strong unease. Because he knew that someone as uncontrollable as Fan Xian would not be tied down by such a brothel, but he didn't know what kind of means the other party would use next...

Fan Xian changed the subject and said seriously, "Speaking of which, Hongcheng did this wrong. I don't have the heart to tell Ruoruo that you're sleeping around outside, and I hope you can restrain yourself after marriage... But how can you know that Sizhe is doing these shady businesses but not tell us? Even if I was away from the capital on a mission, couldn't you tell Ruoruo? You'll be Sizhe's brother-in-law in a few days."

He looked at the Heir Apparent sadly and said, "Hongcheng... I'm really disappointed in you."

The Second Prince was silent. No matter how shrewd he was, he couldn't smell the hidden cold wind in Fan Xian's words. Even Li Hongcheng himself felt guilty and didn't know what the Fan clan member was planning to use this matter to do or achieve any ulterior motives.

The search of Baoyue House was still continuing. The Second Prince thought to himself that since you had agreed to reconcile, why were you still searching the building? He was a little worried that those black dogs from the Censorate would really find out about Hongcheng's relationship with this building. He frowned and said, "Lord Fan, can you ask your men to stop? After all, this is within the scope of the Kyoto Prefecture's official duties. The Censorate interfering in government affairs is something that His Majesty has strictly forbidden."

Fan Xian smiled and said, "Your Highness, I am just following the clan's orders to retrieve a few useless relatives who are lingering in brothels... Of course, using the men from the First Bureau can be considered using public resources for private gain, but officials in the court often ask their subordinates to help them move. My subordinates only know how to fight. Asking them to help me catch a few relatives from home shouldn't be a big deal."

The Second Prince was choked with anger. Fan Xian emphasized the word "relatives," and he really couldn't say anything.

In Baoyue House behind the carriage, the noise gradually subsided. The officials from the First Bureau of the Censorate, disguised, dragged out seven or eight people from inside. Those people were all relatives of the Fan and Liu families and were deeply involved in the affairs of Baoyue House. At this time, their faces were full of despair. At the end, a powerful young man with a fierce look on his face was knocked down the steps, covered in wounds. He was the leading young man who had tried to kill Fan Xian last night.

Fan Xian narrowed his eyes and looked at those relatives with panicked faces, saying with a cold breath between his teeth, "Send them all back to the manor properly."

He turned to the Second Prince and said softly, "Your Highness, don't worry. I will naturally do what I promised you. It's just that I must have these people... It's not convenient to use the Qing laws to investigate them, so I have to use family law to deal with them."

The Second Prince thought to himself that no matter how much family law you use, you can't cover up the fact that the Fan family holds shares in Baoyue House, so you won't tear your face with me. Let yourself vent your anger. However, the noble prince looked at the members of the Fan and Liu clans who were being sent to the carriage, and his heart trembled slightly. He didn't know what kind of family law Fan Xian would use to deal with them.

Fan Xian looked into his eyes and suddenly said, "The people who ambushed me last night, please give them a message, Your Highness, don't let me see them on the streets of Kyoto again in the future, well, that's all."