latelenovela Chapter 64 Master and Disciple
Chapter 64 Master and Disciple
??
The master, seeing his eyes fixed on Xi'er, couldn't help but snort loudly, lightly stepping on his chest, and said disdainfully, "Men are all like this, drooling when they see a pretty woman."
In later generations, Liu Ye possessed both good looks and a successful career. He was handsome, dashing, and wealthy at a young age, making him irresistible to women of the opposite sex. He charmed everyone from mature women to innocent young girls. Flirting with women was not just a skill he actively developed, but an instinct ingrained in his bones. Even if he traveled back to ancient times, this instinct would still be there.
When he came to his senses, his flirting instincts kicked in automatically. Ignoring the foot stepping on him, and momentarily forgetting that he was being held hostage, he smiled sweetly at Xian'er and said, "This fairy-like girl, if there were a pill for regret, I would never have let my brother hurt you! It's such a sin to be so abrupt with such a beauty!"
The young woman chuckled and said coquettishly, "You've already hurt me so badly, and you're still saying these useless things. You men are all about being glib and smooth-talking, how annoying!"
That sweet, adorable cry of annoyance made Liu Ye's bones soften slightly. There really were such natural beauties in this world, alluring yet not wanton, far superior to those affected, coy, manipulative women of later generations. He chuckled a few times, about to reply, when his master interrupted him: "Xi'er, you really can't change your nature. You're always like this. Have you forgotten your origins?"
The woman called Xi'er suddenly lost her smile, looking aggrieved. She wanted to speak but didn't dare, and her eyes slowly reddened, with a large tear welling up in her eyes.
Seeing her like this made Liu Ye feel even worse than if he himself were being trampled underfoot. He couldn't help but say, "What kind of master are you? There's a saying that you shouldn't hit someone in the face or expose their weaknesses when you're insulting them. Even if you want to discipline your apprentice, don't reopen old wounds!"
The master asked in surprise, "Do you perhaps know her background? How can you be sure I'm reopening old wounds?"
"You still need to ask? This Miss Xi'er was perfectly fine, but you almost made her cry with just one sentence. It's normal to be scolded by elders, but to make someone cry with just one sentence is probably because you brought up something they least want to talk about."
Master sneered, "I knew it was true that all men are the same. You're pretending to be a good person now, but once you know the truth, you'll definitely show a different face. Judging from your clothes and your subordinates, and how generous you are, you must be from a wealthy family. I'll just ask you one question: If there were a woman like Xi'er, and someone arranged for her to be betrothed to you, what would you do?"
As a normal man, I don't even need to think about this question. Whether it's sincere or not, there's only one answer.
Liu Ye replied with the most sincere expression, "That must be because I was a good person in my past life, and the life before that, to have earned this blessing. I will definitely marry her in a grand and dignified manner!"
Xi'er's tears were still welling up in her eyes, but upon hearing his words, she couldn't help but smile through her tears. No matter what, being affirmed so confidently by a stranger would satisfy anyone's vanity. Moreover, although the man's appearance lying on the ground was unsightly, upon closer inspection, he was tall, handsome, and quite good-looking.
The master snorted coldly and added unhurriedly, "What if she came from a brothel?"
The plot twist was so sudden that Liu Ye was momentarily stunned. No wonder this Miss Xi'er had a naturally charming temperament; every smile and frown was extremely alluring. If she were a respectable woman, she would usually stay at home, never show her teeth when she smiled, and would blush when she saw a strange man. She would never be like this.
Seeing him like this, Xi'er's tears finally rolled down her cheeks, her face turning ashen.
The master asked, word by word, "Didn't you think of that? Whether you are from an official family or a noble family, you might play around with a courtesan, but to marry her properly is something you probably never even considered. You may be able to afford to lose face, but your family can't afford to lose face like that."
The social atmosphere in the Ming Dynasty was relatively open, and it was not uncommon for officials or wealthy merchants to take courtesans as concubines. For example, the famous Qian Qianyi took Liu Rushi, one of the Eight Beauties of Qinhuai, as his concubine. However, it was rare for them to take her as their principal wife, and he never had a second wife.
Looking at his master's teasing gaze, Liu Ye thought carefully for a moment, then calmly replied, "No woman in this world enters a brothel willingly. They must have experienced some great misfortune to be forced into it, and it's not their fault. If I and a girl are mutually in love and want to grow old together, I will let her into my home in grand style! As for whether she comes from a prestigious family or was unfortunately forced into prostitution, that doesn't matter. Like drinking water, only the drinker knows whether it's hot or cold. Only you know your own happiness, so why care about what others think?"
In later times, this would have been nothing more than a sentimental confession, but in this era, it was earth-shattering. Upon hearing these words, Master was stunned and speechless for a long time, while Xi'er covered her face and wept, clearly having touched a soft spot in her heart.
Liu Ye himself couldn't say whether it was out of pity for the young lady, or because he came from a later era with a strong sense of gender equality and had very sound values, that he made those remarks. But these were all heartfelt words, without any falsehood. Although he prides himself on being a womanizer, he has great respect for women.
After a long silence, the master murmured, "Whether you mean it sincerely or are just being hypocritical, the fact that you can say these words is enough to make me think more highly of you. There are many talented men in the world, and I have seen quite a few, but someone like you is the first I have ever seen."
With tears streaming down her face, Xi'er said, "Just because of what you said, I won't make things difficult for you."
She turned to her master and pleaded, "Master, let's release him. Our important matters are at stake. He's just a burden to us."
Her master glanced at her sideways: "You're just going to let this go after you've suffered such serious injuries?"
Xi'er looked down at the wound on her shoulder, shook her head and said, "We attacked first, they were just trying to protect themselves, so we can't blame them."
The master sneered, "When did my good disciple become a pious believer? Knowing your nature, you'll get your revenge tenfold."
"Master, but..."
The master reached out to stop her: "Don't say anymore. Since you've pleaded for him, I'll give you face and won't make things difficult for him."
Xi'er's expression relaxed, and she secretly glanced at Liu Ye. Liu Ye perked up, looking at the two of them expectantly. Having been inexplicably captured, were they really going to be released just as inexplicably? Was the protagonist's halo really that strong?
Liu Ye was still somewhat skeptical, but he kept hoping it was true.