Phoenix in the Moonlight

"You had all of these things in your own city, but you just couldn't contain your greed, could you?" he said to no one in particular. He didn't wait for answers, raising his sword, he sliced down, ending their lives.

Two thuds followed as they fell to the ground.

He looked down on them with satisfaction. Indeed, another job well done.

"Let us head back to the house." With that he turned around, leaving the little servant to take care of the bodies. He would have to face the music himself.

He reached before the others. Li Jie must have felt bad for the little boy and stayed back to supervise. Well, he was an adult. He could do whatever he wanted.

A week later, Wang Yifeng was still buried in work and monitored by the royal guards. He remained working and acting like the ideal prince, helping to eradicate the hardships of the people.

Sometimes he thought back to the little bird from the pleasure house. He had paid handsomely when he left, leaving her a tip. Who knows how much she needed it.

He thought back to his own Imperial Father with his harem of innumerous women and children. He was just one of them. Men of their times could have as many women as they wanted, and none were devoted to their wives. It was impossible when one didn't marry for love.

'Love,' he scoffed. That was all a farce. It was all about money and power.

All the princes had multiple concubines. And his friend, Li Jie, slept with one of the numerous women in the pleasure house. His wife remained blinded by his appearance and seeming dedication.

The eunuch had announced Li Jie's arrival while Wang Yifeng read some documents. He looked up to see his friend standing at the door. Li Jie took a seat across from him and informed him of everything that had transpired in the last week. Wang Yifeng listened silently and commented on their further plans.

Once tea was brought in, the two settled into talking about private affairs.

"You have a courtesan that I like," Wang Yifeng said suddenly. "What was her name again? Xin?" he pretended not to remember.

Li Jie chuckled. "Ah yes, Xin."

"How about you give her to me?" he sipped on his tea.

"Apologies, my friend, you are only here for a short period of time, and I can't just give away my precious treasure to you," he taunted. Wang Yifeng glared at him.

"What will it take?" he asked calmly. There was value for everything in the world, and Xin was no exception to the rule.

"How about a cut from the new shipment that we are going to receive? I hear it is a huge deal." Wang Yifeng sighed.

"Fine. I promise."

"Then you can have her."

He found himself smiling. "Then I will go back to that place and bring her with me."

The guards remained stoic as he walked out with Li Jie at his side. In the past week, the Qinwang had strengthened his forces and brought his own servants onboard. They didn't have much opportunity to follow him around any longer. They could only quietly watch as the prince came and went.

As they entered the Youth Hall no one greeted him. It was a pleasant change as Wang Yifeng didn't enjoy being mobbed. "Let's take a seat in front of the stage," he said, hoping that he would see Xin. This would be her last night working there and she was yet to find out. Wang Yifeng wanted to personally break it to her and he was in no run.

Halfway through his drink, she finally appeared on stage, accompanied by four other courtesans. How had he forgotten how irresistible she was?

The men around him ogled her shamelessly and he wondered, with a surge of anger unfamiliar to him, how many people she had entertained since he last visited.

Ten? Twenty?

He winced. His only consolation was that she would not have to offer her body to the highest bidder.

He could see the smile in her eyes when she spotted him. It was undeniably seductive and he chuckled. He beckoned her to him, making her dance her way to him. He handed her a couple of silver tails which she kept without hesitation.

"It has been a long time, Young Master." Her voice tickled his ear. The complaints ringing out around him only made him feel more satisfied.

"How have you been, little bird?" he asked as he caressed her cheek. She closed her eyes for a fleeting second before meeting his gaze head-on.

"I have been well," she said, moving away from him slightly. He frowned, holding onto her wrist and pulling her close. The grumbles around them rose. "Young Master must have forgotten about me because he has a beautiful wife." There was a fire in her eyes and no accusation. She simply didn't care, but seeing his possessiveness, she couldn't help but point it out.

He laughed through his nose, "I am far away from home and on business. Aren't you happy to see me?" She nodded. "Good." He pulled her through the room and into a private room he had reserved for himself.

"I have something I must ask you, my little bird." Inside the room, she was uninhibited, letting him caress her as he pleased. He sucked in a deep breath as she saw the need in his eyes and swore in the name of the gods.

"Do not move," he ordered. "I cannot think when you squirm in my arms, woman," he grunted.

She hid her face in the crook of his neck and laughed, making him smile. Within the next second, she sat up straight and moved away.

"I'm listening, Young Master," she said amused. That was the second time he noticed how beautiful her eyes were. Dark and rich, unfathomable. "What do you wish to ask?"

He shook his head, clearing his mind. "How much do you make here?"