Film and Television: The Villain's Life Begins with Joy of Life

Spring nights are worth thousands of dollars.

Zhou Cheng wouldn't waste such a fine day on anything else.

Bringing Teng Zijing's family back to the mansion was simply a way to annoy Fan Xian, quell some of his negative emotions, and also to slightly alter the plot.

After instructing Chen Bao to take good care of Sang Wen and to arrange some work for him at the mansion, and not to make things difficult for the Teng family, Zhou Cheng took Sang Wen directly back to his bedroom.

The candlelight flickered gently in the hall, casting his shadow long and slanted. Sang Wen, holding a pipa, followed half a step behind, barely breathing.

Seeing her nervous expression, Zhou Cheng found it amusing.

Throughout the journey, Sang Wen remained quiet, and the negative emotions he experienced were only a few points each time, but the frequency was unusually high.

It is evident that his true feelings do not match his outward appearance; his inner thoughts must be quite active.

Thinking of this, he asked directly, "Can you serve me during my bath?"

Sang Wen's eyelashes trembled slightly, and she lowered her eyes, unable to look directly at him.

"This servant... should know a little."

"Should?" Zhou Cheng said, then nodded, "That's good then."

After saying this, he called out to have water prepared.

He had been busy all day and hadn't had a chance to clean himself properly; he was still covered in Li Yunrui's scent.

Soon, the servants came in one after another and carried in the bathtub to return the hot water.

Steam rose and billowed, spreading a hazy glow in the candlelight.

"Come!"

Zhou Cheng opened his arms, letting Sang Wen put down the pipa and help him undress.

Having lived in this world for many years, he was not like Fan Xian, who valued human rights and equality and insisted on doing everything himself. Instead, he had long been accustomed to being served.

Sang Wen carefully placed the pipa on the table as instructed, and when she turned around, the tips of her ears were already tinged with a blush.

She pursed her lips and stepped forward, reaching out to undress him.

When the last layer of her outer robe was removed, she picked up the clothes, stood with her head bowed, and dared not look up.

Zhou Cheng squinted as he stepped into the bath. The hot water washed over his shoulders and neck, and the warmth instantly enveloped his entire body. He let out a long, comfortable sigh.

"Come on, scrub my back."

He then gave further instructions.

Sang Wen responded, looked around, blushed, hung his clothes on the clothes rack, took a bath towel, and nervously moved to the tub.

She timidly reached out, wet the bath towel, and began to gently rub his firm back muscles.

The rising steam made her cheeks burn, and all she could see were the man's long hair and smooth spine, appearing and disappearing in the steam...

He moved mechanically like that, and after an unknown amount of time, when his mind was almost blank, Zhou Cheng suddenly turned around in the water.

"Splash!"

The water splashed on her face, almost making her cry out in surprise.

"You really have absolutely no experience serving people," Zhou Cheng shook his head and chuckled. "Who scrubs just one spot while giving a bath?"

"I'm sorry, Your Highness... I've never been this close to a man before, I'm... a little nervous..."

Sang Wen was at a loss, her face full of grievance.

too fast!

It's so fast!

The two had only met less than an hour ago, and it was foreseeable that more would follow... This made her feel uneasy from the bottom of her heart.

Zhou Cheng understood Sang Wen's feelings, but he had no intention of showing sympathy.

He shook his head:

"Alright, since you have no experience, then this time I'll serve you. Watch carefully, learn well, and experience it all. From now on... it will be you serving me."

Before he finished speaking, he stood up, reached out and pulled her into the bucket.

Water splashed everywhere, and Sang Wen exclaimed in surprise.

Before she could react, her lips were bitten.

Sang Wen opened his eyes wide.

Although she had been exposed to the pleasures of the world at Zuixianju, she was still a virgin with no experience whatsoever. At this moment, her mind was blank, and she could only respond awkwardly based on instinct.

Dresses, corsets... one by one, floated on the water's surface, like scattered flower petals.

After a brief soak, Zhou Cheng picked the person up and carried them away from the bath.

In just a few steps, the flow of true energy evaporated the water stains on the two of them instantly.

Sang Wen was still in a daze and unable to react to the changes in her body when Zhou Cheng lifted the gauze curtain and placed her on the bed.

"Your Highness..." Sang Wen's voice trembled.

Then, the curtains fell, blocking out the candlelight in the room.

Morning light filtered through the carved window lattices, gently illuminating the hall.

When Zhou Cheng woke up, Sang Wen was still fast asleep, her youthful face revealing a unique charm.

He watched quietly for a moment before sitting up cross-legged and circulating his internal energy to refine his true qi.

For him, cultivating true qi was his real interest.

As his internal energy gradually increased and strengthened, every bit of progress in his control over it brought him a sense of fulfillment.

About half an hour later, Sang Wen slowly woke up.

When she opened her eyes and saw Zhou Cheng meditating beside her with his eyes closed, and then glanced at the bright daylight outside the window, she immediately panicked.

She was in a hurry to get up when Zhou Cheng opened his eyes.

"No rush. If you're still sleepy, take a nap."

"Your Highness, please forgive me, Sang Wen was late..."

"Don't worry." Zhou Cheng patted her hand. "I've said it before, if you come with me, you can relax in the manor."

Sleeping a little longer is no big deal. Just make sure you take good care of me tonight, and the rest of the time is up to you. I won't ask for anything in return.

Perhaps because of the intimacy of the previous night, or perhaps because she truly trusted him, Sang Wen gradually relaxed.

She quietly moved closer, wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, and pressed her soft body against his back.

"Your Highness is so kind to me."

Zhou Cheng took a deep breath. The young man's blood was surging, and her actions stirred his heart again.

"I'm starting to regret it!"

"what?"

Before Sang Wen could react, he had already rolled over and pinned him down again.

"I want you to serve me not only at night, but also during the day, right now!"

"I gave you a lesson last night, and now I'll test your comprehension!"

Sang Wen's face flushed instantly, memories of the previous night flooding her mind. Then, she obediently tilted her head back and used her small, fragrant tongue...

......

The absurd days always fly by, and a month has passed in the blink of an eye.

The small garden inside Prince Cheng's Mansion is quiet and secluded, with several late-blooming cherry trees in full bloom, their pink and white petals fluttering down when the wind blows.

Zhou Cheng lay half-reclined in the rocking chair, half of his body basking in the warm sun.

Sang Wen put the pipa aside, picked up a grape from the glass plate, and naturally put it into his mouth.

Looking at the man's languid eyes, her heart softened completely.

Since entering the manor, this has probably been the most relaxed and happiest time of her life in recent years.

Since falling into prostitution, I've lived in constant fear, if not daily anxiety.

In the past, she would get up before dawn to dress up and do her makeup. Every day, she not only had to practice the pipa, but also learn about music, chess, calligraphy and painting. She also had to learn how to treat people and please them. Her mind and body were always on edge, and she rarely had time to relax.

Here, Zhou Cheng often let her sleep a little longer.

Although it often develops into a different state, the warmth that permeates her body and mind still allows her to taste the long-lost sense of security.

She loves the relaxed and carefree life here, and she loves even more the person who brought her this kind of life.

Just as he was lost in thought, footsteps suddenly sounded outside the garden gate, and Sang Wen immediately straightened his posture.

She knew Zhou Cheng never cared about these things, but she always reminded herself not to take advantage of his favor, and at least in front of outsiders, she had to know her limits.

Chen Bao bowed and reported, "Your Highness, the caravan you asked us to keep an eye on is about to enter the city."

Zhou Cheng opened his eyes.

"Keep an eye on it. If anyone in the palace tries to stop the carriage, disperse them beforehand and say it's my order."

"Yes."

After Chen Bao left, Zhou Cheng slowly got up as well.

What he had Chen Bao keep an eye on was naturally Fan Xian's convoy.

Today, Fan Xian arrives in the capital, and the main storyline of the Joy of Life world will begin.

"I need to go to the palace. If you find the mansion too stuffy, you can take your people out for a stroll. You don't have to stay here all the time," Zhou Cheng said, turning to Sang Wen.

"I don't want to go anywhere; I just want to wait for Your Highness to return in the manor."

Sang Wen tugged at his sleeve, her voice soft and sweet, her demeanor and tone revealing a coquettishness she herself was unaware of.

Zhou Cheng smiled and pinched her cheek.

"Okay, then when I get back, I'll take you out for a trip another day."

He was indeed extremely satisfied with Sang Wen.

She is obedient, hardworking, knows how to please others, and has a good sense of propriety.

The only regret is that after breaking the ice, she never showed any negative emotions again...

Shaking off his distracting thoughts, he let Sang Wen straighten his robes for him.

Sang Wen escorted the carriage all the way to the stone steps outside the mansion, watching its silhouette disappear around the corner of the long street before reluctantly turning back.

Back in her room, she picked up her pipa, which she always carried with her, plucked it a couple of times, and then put it down listlessly.

She stared blankly at the pipa, but there was no trace of the pipa in her eyes.

The partners I once relied on are now hard to trust.

......

Guangxin Palace.

After being announced by the female official, Zhou Cheng entered the palace and saw Li Yunrui smiling as she trimmed a pot of orchids.

Hearing Zhou Cheng's footsteps, she waved her hand to dismiss those around her without turning her head.

He then turned around, his tone tinged with a hint of satisfaction:

"Chengcheng has arrived at just the right time. Fan Xian has already reached the city gate, and I've made some arrangements to ruin his reputation. You and I will soon witness a good show!"

"He's already made a fool of himself upon arriving in Kyoto, a laughingstock indeed! I wonder how this lad will ever have the face to ask Wan'er for her hand in marriage!"

Zhou Cheng glanced at the potted orchid and asked casually, "Did Aunt send any palace maids to stop the carriage?"

Li Yunrui paused, surprised, and asked, "How did you know?"

"I also sent people to keep an eye on Fan Xian," Zhou Cheng said calmly. "The palace servants you sent should have been sent back by my guards. Aunt should be able to see them soon."

"What?!" Li Yunrui's expression changed drastically, and she slammed the flower shears on the table with a 'bang'. "Why did you do this? I finally came up with a solution, and not only did you not help, you ruined my plan!"

She was trembling with anger.

Seeing that Zhou Cheng did not explain immediately, he grabbed the potted orchid and smashed it on the ground along with the bottle.

[Negative emotions from Li Yunrui +233!]

Zhou Cheng was satisfied, but his face remained impassive as he said, "I'm doing this for my aunt's good."

"For my own good?" Li Yunrui was so angry that he burst out laughing.

At the same time, Zhou Cheng heard the notification "+666" again.

She gritted her teeth.

"For my own good? You're sabotaging my plans? You know perfectly well what the Internal Treasury means to me!"

If that bastard's son takes my treasury, I don't want to live anymore. Don't blame me for taking you down with me then!

As if to demonstrate her determination, she crushed the withered flowers on the ground again, burying the petals deep into the mud.

Before Zhou Cheng could explain, just then, an eunuch announced from outside the hall:

"His Majesty has decreed that the Eldest Princess must appear before him immediately!"

Li Yunrui frowned, and could only glare fiercely at Zhou Cheng: "If you don't give me a reasonable explanation when I get back, I'm not done with you!"

Zhou Cheng just chuckled, completely disregarding the threat.

Li Yunrui left in a hurry, while Zhou Cheng naturally remained in the hall.

She summoned Li Yunrui's personal maid to pour her tea.

Zhou Cheng sipped his tea leisurely. It has to be said that this woman, who was in charge of the inner treasury, ensured that everything used in Guangxin Palace was of the highest quality.

Speaking of the tea leaves alone, the tea soup is clear and refreshing, and the aroma is rich and deep, far surpassing that of the Prince Cheng's tea.

Li Yunrui returned before he had finished his tea.

They went there full of bravado, but returned dejected.

She looked at Zhou Cheng, a hint of grievance in her eyes, which made Zhou Cheng blink, almost thinking he was hallucinating.

"Cheng'er...it was your aunt's fault. Luckily you stopped those palace maids, otherwise..."

Recalling Emperor Qing pointing at her and rebuking her mercilessly, she felt resentful and distressed, with nowhere to vent her anger.

"What did Father say on that trip? Aunt, have you come to your senses? Do I still need to explain?"

"I've only grasped part of it; I don't fully understand it yet."

Li Yunrui said weakly.

Zhou Cheng nodded, said nothing, pointed to himself, and simply said, "Come on."

Li Yunrui pursed her lips, instantly understanding, but since she was feeling frustrated, she didn't resist.

Half an hour later, Li Yunrui, her breath sweet as orchids, asked:

"Now can you be frank? What exactly happened? Why is His Majesty reacting so strongly?"

Zhou Cheng played with her loose, long hair and said slowly:

"Fan Xian's journey to the capital was ordered by his father, the Emperor. As soon as he arrived at the city gate, countless eyes were watching him."

Sending palace maids to stop the carriage is a crude and unseemly method that disgraces the royal family.

I bet Father will reprimand you, saying that although the Li family is the imperial family, we are no different from ordinary people, and only power serves as our halo.

If the halo fades and people lose their awe, then disaster is not far off.

Li Yunrui's eyes widened:

"You actually guessed that!"

Zhou Cheng just chuckled.

The plot has barely deviated from its original direction; it would be strange if he couldn't guess it.

Li Yunrui was unaware of any of this; she suppressed her shock:

"Your Majesty does indeed say so, and I find it reasonable. However, I am indignant that you have stopped all the men I arranged. Since it has not damaged the royal family's reputation, why summon me to the palace to reprimand me?"

This is the most painful thing for Li Yunrui.

She, a dignified princess, at such an advanced age, was scolded by Emperor Qing in the palace for some trivial matter that hadn't even happened. Didn't she have any shame?

Zhou Cheng patted her waist lightly:

"The reason why Aunt is suspicious is that she doesn't know the whole story. As for Father's words, just listen to them and let them go."

He continued:

"Fan Xian was led to the temple as soon as he entered the city. And this morning, His Majesty specially brought Wan'er to worship there."

Aunt, tell me... by ruining someone's reputation halfway through, are you trying to upset Fan Xian or Father Emperor?

Li Yunrui was shocked upon hearing this: "Your Majesty took Wan'er to the temple?"

All my doubts suddenly became clear!

No wonder Emperor Qing reacted so strongly!

Upon arriving in the capital, Fan Xian was set up for a "matchmaking session" by Emperor Qing, and her arrangements almost ruined Emperor Qing's plans.

Moreover, as soon as Fan Xian arrived in the capital, Emperor Qing arranged for him to meet Lin Wan'er.

This made Li Yunrui deeply realize the unwavering determination of Emperor Qing in arranging the marriage.

She felt immense pressure.

She could use any means necessary against Fan Xian without restraint, but she truly dared not openly defy Emperor Qing's will.

"Then... what should we do now?"

Li Yunrui gripped Zhou Cheng's arm tightly, her nails almost digging into his flesh.

Of course, at most it can only be "almost".

"What's the rush, Aunt?" Zhou Cheng asked calmly, letting her hold him.

"It's not just Auntie who doesn't want the Imperial Treasury to fall into Fan Xian's hands. We can just wait for others to make their move and then fan the flames from the sidelines."

If she loses her temper, others will be the ones stirring up trouble, and she herself will be the one being used as a pawn.

Zhou Cheng left it at that.

Li Yunrui's grip loosened, and she absentmindedly tidied her hair, her expression thoughtful.

.......

When Zhou Cheng quietly left Guangxin Palace, it was already completely dark.

At the same time, Fan Xian, who had fallen in love with the "chicken leg girl" at first sight in the temple, had already returned to the Si Nan Marquis's mansion.

He paid his respects to his second wife, Lady Liu, met his nominal younger brother, Fan Sizhe, and was overjoyed to reunite with Fan Ruoruo, whom he had not seen for many years.

Just as Fan Xian was exchanging pleasantries with Fan Ruoruo and her brother, a servant came to report that his adoptive father, Lord Fan Jian, had returned to the mansion and asked Fan Xian to go to the study to see him.

Fan Xian packed the "token of love" in a wooden box and asked Ruoruo to keep it for him before heading to his study alone.

His mind was in turmoil throughout the journey.

After all, according to what the masked man said, his biological mother, Ye Qingmei, whom he had never met, was very likely murdered by his biological father, whom he was about to meet in the study...