Clash with the Iron Madam
A tough woman? Just have a talk with her.
When Nangong Ji indulged in wine and women, he was always alone. Sure, there were plenty of sycophants who would fawn over him if he kept them around, but he never did. His pride as the young master of the Nangong family was still alive and well. Mingling with lowlifes would only tarnish his own status. He couldn't tolerate that.
That's why drinking with another man while a woman was by his side felt awkward to Nangong Ji. Embarrassing, even. And yet, strangely, it didn't feel bad. He had a hunch why.
Poise. He could sense that the man before him, Bang So-un, possessed more than enough of it. Of course, he didn't know the man's background. But it came through clearly as an instinct.
And one more thing. He had a feeling he could really talk to this guy. It might be an illusion. They hadn't even had a proper conversation yet.
But...
'He said we're the same type.'
Nangong Ji recalled Bang So-un's words. That probably meant the man felt something similar about him.
Gulp.
Nangong Ji discreetly downed his cup. For some reason, it felt awkward to get handsy with the courtesan like he usually would—almost like he was being watched.
That was when it happened.
"You shy around strangers?"
Bang So-un muttered, unclear if it was to himself or a question. He continued.
"If you know how to enjoy the pleasures, there's no need to worry about trifles."
Bang So-un suddenly yanked the courtesan attending him at the side.
"Oh my."
Her eyes widened in surprise at the abrupt move, but Bang So-un's hand was already upon her body again.
Squeeze.
He roughly kneaded her plump breasts without mercy. No holding back. His grip twisted them like he was trying to milk them dry.
"S-Sir...!"
The courtesan panicked. She'd never pegged him for a troublemaker. Most rowdy customers were down-and-out losers. And places dealing with those types weren't high-class spots like Cheon-sang Ru. They were the cheap, low-end brothels handling that daily grind.
For a top-tier courtesan of Cheon-sang Ru, this was definitely cause for alarm.
She wasn't the only one shocked. Nangong Ji forgot to finish his remaining drink and just stared blankly at the brazen display.
He's just going for it like that...?
Something Nangong Ji could never imagine. Especially not in a casual drinking session with someone else present—not even a nighttime dalliance.
A matter of basic decorum. He'd never do it.
'...No shame or face to lose?'
He couldn't understand it. But even so, something stirred in him at that shamelessness. Perhaps his masculine instincts were fired up by a man who tossed aside decorum and dignity to revel rawly in lust.
Whether or not, Bang So-un toyed brutally with her breasts. One hand squeezed, the other pinched her nipple between his fingers and twisted.
"Ah, it hurts, sir."
The courtesan whimpered, tears welling up.
"Punishment."
"P-Punishment?"
"For failing to serve your guest properly."
Bang So-un spat coldly.
"W-What?"
The teary-eyed courtesan furrowed her brows. Rage boiled up. This had nothing to do with her, and here was some nobody pulling this sadistic crap under the guise of "punishment."
Money or no, she couldn't stomach this infuriating behavior.
"Let go! Let me go!"
She shoved his hand away with all her might. Surprisingly, Bang So-un released her without resistance.
"I won't let this slide! I'll tell Madam everything!"
She glared daggers and stormed out in a huff. The courtesan beside Nangong Ji, who'd been watching nervously, hurriedly followed.
In an instant, only the two men remained in the room. Nangong Ji's face stiffened awkwardly. The situation had gone to hell in a handbasket—and it wasn't entirely unrelated to him.
"L-Look here, Brother Bang. You didn't have to go that far..."
"No, I can't let that slide. As a man of the world, there are things I tolerate and things I don't. This falls into the latter. It must be set right."
Bang So-un was resolute.
Nangong Ji scratched his brow, looking troubled. He was starting to understand why being stuck in the middle like this was such a pain. Especially since he was broke and in debt here.
"Well... I get what you're saying, but hasn't it already been dealt with? That's why the service is..."
"Apology."
"Apology?"
"Nothing is set right without an apology."
"..."
Only then did Nangong Ji grasp Bang So-un's intent. He meant to wring an apology out of them. It was hard to fathom going that hard over it, but beyond that, getting an apology from Cheon-sang Ru wasn't easy. It was a different beast from Baekse Ru.
"Look, Brother Bang. I understand your feelings, but it's not that simple. It won't go smoothly."
"What do you mean?"
"You seem like an outsider, right?"
"That's right."
"I figured. So you don't know much about Cheon-sang Ru."
"What don't I know?"
"Didn't that courtesan say she'd tell the madam everything?"
"She did."
"That madam is no pushover. A real iron lady."
"So what if she's just a madam?"
That would be true for most. But...
"Not just any madam. She's the wife of Cheon-sang Ru's owner and the real power behind it."
Madam Mo Ryeo-won. A legendary self-made woman who'd risen from the bottom. A major player and local powerhouse in Anhui. In short, no one to trifle with. No one in Anhui dared look down on her.
Of course, she couldn't compare to Nangong Ji, young master of the Nangong family, overlords of Anhui. But that didn't mean he'd get an apology from her. Without just cause, she wasn't one to bow. And with his piled-up tab, she had more than enough pretext to snub him.
She wouldn't yield. If anything, she'd use the rude behavior as an excuse to kick them out.
Nangong Ji clicked his tongue and took a swig. Might as well finish the drinks before getting booted.
"Ho, is that so."
Bang So-un's expression changed. Nangong Ji thought he'd finally realized the trouble he was in. But no.
Not at all.
"Perfect. If she's the real boss, I can settle it properly."
Pfft.
Nangong Ji spat out his drink. What kind of man was this? Built entirely of guts.
"Hm, then we'll just wait for her to come."
Bang So-un leisurely sipped his drink, settling in. But then, bold footsteps approached.
"I heard there's a troublesome guest."
A middle-aged beauty. Time had left its marks since she wasn't a martial artist, but she still exuded a mature allure. In her youth, she must have enchanted countless men. Indeed, she was once a famed beauty in Anhui. Even now, she kept a figure defying her age, trim and elegant.
This was Cheon-sang Ru's madam, Mo Ryeo-won.
"I heard there's a troublesome owner."
Bang So-un shot back without flinching. This was practically picking a fight. The air turned icy.
Nangong Ji, caught in the middle, was the only one sweating.
"Now, now, let's calm down, Brother Bang."
He didn't know Bang So-un's backing, but with that much money, it had to be impressive. Still, Mo Ryeo-won wasn't someone you could bully with connections. As a true local magnate, her network was packed with heavy hitters.
Going hard against her wouldn't end well. That's why Nangong Ji tried to soothe him.
But...
"You stay out of it, brother. I plan to hash this out with the owner."
Bang So-un outright rejected Nangong Ji's interference.
Nangong Ji shut his mouth, speechless.
"Who says you get to hash anything out? We don't need your money or anything—get out now. Troublemakers who cross the line aren't guests."
Mo Ryeo-won was every bit the iron lady. She unleashed her words without batting an eye, even with the bearish guard there.
"You sure talk big."
But Bang So-un wasn't one to back down either. He sipped his drink leisurely and continued.
"Does that mean the owner lives up to her name?"
"What?"
Mo Ryeo-won scowled.
"Ha, unbelievable."
She glared coldly and muttered.
"Enough nonsense. Get out, or we'll drag you."
Places like Cheon-sang Ru had plenty of skilled guards. No telling how strong the bearish guard was, but it was no match—he'd get tossed.
Of course, they wouldn't dare boot Nangong Ji, young master of the Nangong family. But hanging around broke in a brothel alone? Utterly pathetic.
Nangong Ji spoke up again.
"Brother Bang, let's step out and talk."
Better to leave voluntarily than be forced out. Sincere advice.
Bang So-un stood.
Finally seeing reason? Nangong Ji thought. But no.
"You stay here, brother."
"What?"
"I'll move somewhere and settle it, then come back."
"No, that's..."
Nangong Ji flustered. But Bang So-un strode boldly toward Mo Ryeo-won.
"Let's see who's right."
"Says who? I clearly said no."
"Really? If you try forcing me out, it'll cost you too. My guard's genuinely bear-strong—not just because he looks it."
"..."
"Be ready to break at least ten bones."
"Fine. Let's hear your bullshit. Follow me."
And so Mo Ryeo-won and Bang So-un left the room.
Nangong Ji shook his head.
"...No way that'll work."
He was certain. Bang So-un would return with a defeated look soon enough.