The Lanterns of Temptation

The snow had settled into a crystalline blanket over the Tianhua capital by morning, softening the city's edges but not its pulse.

The Chancellor's estate hummed with the quiet efficiency of servants—brooms swept courtyards, braziers were stoked, and the scent of steamed buns wafted from the kitchens. Han Jin emerged from his chambers, his black-and-gold robes pristine despite the late night, his hair tousled just enough to hint at defiance.

Lian Xue trailed him, her crimson robe a flicker of warmth in the cold hall, her hands busy adjusting his collar.

"Third Young Master, you're up early," she said, her voice soft but tinged with curiosity. "After last night, I thought you'd sleep 'til noon."

Han Jin flashed a roguish grin, tapping her nose.

"Sleep's for the dull, Xue'er. The city's buzzing with my name—Wei Kang's shame, the prince's game. I'd rather stir the pot than let it simmer."

[Affection from Lian Xue detected. +5 Points. Total: 105.]

The Dominance System chimed, its icy whisper a familiar thrill: "Their hearts are your forge."

He savored the tick—he'd hit 100 points last night, and the options still dangled: strength, insight, or charm. Soon, he'd pick one.

Lian Xue's smile faltered, her eyes darting to the hall's shadows.

"The servants say the Emperor's edict about Mu Qing has the court in a tizzy. They're calling it a leash for a tiger—your leash. Are you… worried?"

"Worried?"

Han Jin laughed, a bright sound that bounced off the wooden beams.

"She's a warlord, not a dragon. I'll tame her—or dodge her claws. Either way, it's a game worth playing." He stretched, cracking his knuckles. "But today's for me. I'm off to the Vermilion Lantern District—wine, women, and a chance to make Wei Kang's kin squirm more."

Her face tightened, a flicker of dismay crossing her delicate features.

"The brothels? After Father's warning? If word gets back—"

"Let it," Han Jin cut in, smirking.

"Father grumbles, but he loves the chaos I sow—it keeps the court off balance. Besides, I've Guan Tao to watch my back."

[Concern from Lian Xue detected. +5 Points. Total: 110.]

The system purred, and he winked at her pout. "Don't fret, Xue'er. I'll be home before the moon's high."

She sighed but said no more, stepping aside as he strode out. Guan Tao awaited in the courtyard, his broad frame clad in dark leather, the notched axe slung across his back. His scarred face creased with a rare grin as Han Jin approached.

"The Vermilion Lanterns, eh? Bold move after last night's ruckus."

"Bold's my blood, Uncle Guan," Han Jin replied, clapping the man's shoulders .

"Wei Kang's licking his wounds, and the prince is plotting—I'll give 'em something new to chew on."

[Awe from Guan Tao detected. +10 Points. Total: 120.]

The system's chime was a sweet note, and Han Jin's stride grew cockier.

"Let's go."

The Vermilion Lantern District sprawled along the capital's eastern fringe, a maze of narrow streets aglow with red lanterns swaying in the snowy breeze.

Pavilions of painted silk and carved wood lined the paths, their windows spilling golden light and the trill of lutes. The air thrummed with laughter, the clink of cups, and the perfume of jasmine and wine—a siren's call to any man with coin and nerve. Han Jin sauntered in, Guan Tao a hulking shadow at his side, his presence parting the crowd like a blade through silk.

He chose the Plum Blossom Pavilion, its reputation as the district's crown jewel drawing him like a moth to flame.

Inside, the hall was a riot of color—courtesans in flowing silks danced between tables, their hair pinned with jade, their smiles practiced and sharp.

A madam in violet greeted him, her eyes gleaming with recognition.

"Young Master Han! A rare honor. The best room's yours—wine, girls, all on the house if you'll grace us with your tales."

Han Jin smirked, tossing her a silver tael.

"Keep the wine flowing, and I'll spin a story or two. Wei Kang's grovel last night's a good start—heard he nearly cried?"

[Amusement from Madam detected. +5 Points. Total: 125.]

The system ticked up, and he followed her up a winding stair to a private chamber overlooking the district's chaos.

The room was a cocoon of luxury—silk cushions piled on a low couch, a brazier warming a pot of spiced wine, and a balcony framing the snow-dusted streets below.

Two courtesans joined him, one with eyes like midnight, the other with a laugh like bells, their hands deft as they poured and flirted. Han Jin leaned back, cup in hand, regaling them with exaggerated tales of the Jade Phoenix Tower—Wei Kang's trembling flask, Tian Li's silky threats—each word stoking their gasps and giggles.

[Admiration from Courtesans detected. +10 Points. Total: 135.]The system feasted, and he reveled in it.

Hours blurred into a haze of wine and song, the snow outside thickening as night deepened.

Guan Tao stood by the door, a silent sentinel, his gruff warnings of time ignored. Then came a commotion—shouts from below, the clatter of boots.

Han Jin peered over the balcony, wine sloshing, and saw a knot of men in Wei clan colors—green tunics, furious faces—barging through the crowd. Leading them was Wei Kang himself, his bruised visage twisted with rage, a sword at his hip.

"Well, damn," Han Jin muttered, grinning.

"The mutt's grown teeth." He downed his cup and stood, brushing off the courtesans. "Uncle Guan, looks like playtime's over."

Guan Tao's hand tightened on his axe.

"Told you, lad. Stir a nest, and the hornets swarm."

Before Han Jin could retort, Wei Kang's voice roared up.

"Han Jin! You coward—hiding in whores' skirts after shaming me? Face me, you bastard!"

[Anger from Wei Kang detected. +15 Points. Total: 150.]

The system sang, and Han Jin laughed, leaning over the rail.

"Face you?" he called, voice dripping mockery. "I'd rather face your sister—she's prettier and less likely to cry!"

[Fury from Wei Kang detected. +20 Points. Total: 170.]

The tally soared, and the crowd below erupted—some cheering, some jeering—as Wei Kang drew his sword, trembling with rage.

Guan Tao hauled Han Jin back.

"Enough, Third Young Master. He's brought muscle—ten men, armed. We're leaving."

His tone brooked no argument, and Han Jin relented, still chuckling as they slipped down a back stair, the madam's protests fading behind them.

The carriage ride home was a blur, Han Jin's laughter mingling with Guan Tao's grunts of disapproval. But the city's whispers followed—by dawn, the tale of Han Jin taunting Wei Kang from a brothel balcony had spread like wildfire, painting him as a rogue too bold for his own good.

[Notoriety from Capital detected. +10 Points. Total: 180.] The system chimed, and he smirked—fame was a currency too.

Back at the estate, Han Zheng awaited in the main hall, his indigo robes stark against the flickering braziers, his face a thundercloud.

"You idiot," he growled as Han Jin entered, snow still clinging to his boots. "Wei Kang's clan lodged a complaint with the court—public insult, they cry. And the Emperor's spies saw it all. What possessed you?"

Han Jin clasped his hands, grin unrepentant.

"Just a lark, Father. Wei Kang's too easy to rile—thought I'd give the gossips a treat. No blood spilled, see?"

[Disapproval from Han Zheng detected. +10 Points. Total: 190.]

The system purred, but Han Zheng's glare silenced his mirth.

"No blood yet," Han Zheng snapped.

"The Emperor's patience thins—your antics make this marriage harder to sell. Mu Qing arrives in three days, with her father's retinue. She's no fool to trifle with, and you're acting the wastrel."

Han Jin's gut twisted, the wine souring.

"Three days? She's already coming?"

Mu Qing's shadow loomed sharper now—380,000 dead, a blade in a woman's hand, and soon his wife. A thrill mixed with dread sparked in him.

Han Zheng stepped closer, voice low.

"Yes. The Emperor wants her bound fast—her fame's a wildfire, and you're the chain. Clean up your act, Han Jin, or she'll carve through you like the Xiongnu."

[Tension from Han Zheng detected. +10 Points. Total: 200.]

A screen flared: [Milestone Reached: 200 Points. Options Upgraded: 1. Enhance Strength (Moderate). 2. Unlock Insight (Basic). 3. Charm Aura (Moderate).]

Han Jin forced a smirk, masking the churn.

"I'll handle her, Father. A warlord's just a woman with sharper toys." But as Han Zheng turned away, the weight settled—three days to face a legend, with the system as his edge.

The game was heating up.