There is no Redemption for A Scum Villain

Chapter 12

Shen Qingqiu took the carriage first thing in the morning. He wanted as few people as possible to witness his departure. He didn't even write a letter that stated his absence. If someone asked, they would have to find Ning Yingying and ask her.

Shen Qingqiu knew that the people would know where he went as soon as they heard that he left. He knew for the rumors. He had to laugh at the ideas the people were having. If they knew that he only went to the brothel so he could have one night of sound sleep... They would probably laugh and call, whoever told them, a liar or crazy.

Shen Qingqiu changed rides twice. He had always taken care that nobody knew who he was, even putting on simpler clothing and using another name. At least that way, apart from the people from his sect who had somehow found out, nobody else would know.

The moment he entered the Warm Red Pavilion, he immediately got greeted warmly. The men that had just been enjoying the music of the pipas and guqins stared at Shen Qingqiu in jealousy when suddenly he was swarmed by a group of women. He didn't look like anyone of higher standing although he had the demeanor of a scholar..

Even the madam went to his side. Everyone immediately assumed that he must be some rich man that was keeping a low profile. Shen Qingqiu meanwhile ignored the looks of the other men and let himself be led into a separate room.

"The esteemed master hasn't been here for quite a while," one of the women said. She was beautiful and had a very nice voice. "Has he been well or has something happened?"

"Let him settle down before you start asking questions, sister," the madam reprimanded the woman. She helped Shen Qingqiu lie down on the bed and laid his head into her lap.

"I have just been a little busy," Shen Qingqiu replied, closing his eyes. He thought that now things were finally about to become a little easier. He just needed a bit of sleep and now he would finally be able to get it.

"Well, now you're here. We will take good care of you," the madam said and began to sing to the sound of the instruments played by the other girls.

On Cang Qiong Mountain meanwhile it was rather quiet. The disciples were training and pracing calligraphy. Yue Qingyuan took the opportunity to check  how things were going around his peak. He was walking a few meters away from a group of disciples, when he heard them whisper amongst each other. They were trying to conceal their voices, but he was still able to hear them.

Yue Qingyuan quickly made out what they were speaking about and his mood grew gloomy again. He had already figured out that there had been rumors about him and Shen Qingqiu since the man had stayed on Qiong Ding Peak and even though everyone had realized that the two of them seemed to have had an argument again the rumors have not stopped. He wanted to leave before he had to hear more of the conversation. That was when he heard something that made him stop.

"I heard Shen-shishu left the mountain," one of the desciples whispered, "Appearently a shimei that is apprenticed under him said that he took some time off, but I heard the older shixiong say that he most certainly went to the brothel again."

"Really? But aren't Shizun and him... how could he do that to Shizun?" another one asked. "They looked so happy... Is it just because they argued?"

"Pha! I don't know what's going on in that man's head. I know he's an elder, but I'm starting to really lose respect for him. When I met him, he seemed nice, but I won't forgive it if he breaks Shizun's heart."

"I think he already has," another said, "Have you seen Shizun lately. He looks devastated. I heard he hasn't eaten in days, only picking on his food and he is always alone in his room. He even forbade everyone from entering the house. Not even to clean it."