The First Roar Of A Hidden Tiger (1)

Qi Jiafu, like a fallen leaf, quietly drifted into his own room, holding a small, crumpled bathrobe in his hand. Seeing no one around, he let out a sigh of relief. He knew he shouldn't have brought this long-sleeved garment back to this world, but he couldn't resist keeping a small memento. After all, no one in this house could find his hidden things.

Three shadows in the corner suddenly pounced on him, startling Qi Jiafu. He was about to fend them off when they shouted in unison, "Brother Fu, happy birthday!"

"What... what?" Qi Jiafu was still confused and casually tossed the robe under the bed.

The lights came on, revealing Jia Xi's smiling face at the forefront. "I told you guys this fellow's been preoccupied lately. See, he even forgot his own birthday!"

"I..." Jiafu didn't know what to say for a moment. "So, none of you are on duty tonight?"

Jia Shou and Jia Lu placed a small table down, the food and wine on it already cold, indicating they had waited for a long time. Jia Shou pressed Qi Jiafu's shoulder to make him sit down. "Don't worry, the three of us switched shifts. Today, we'll drink away our sorrows with you. The food's cold, Jia Lu, let's—"

"No need to heat it up, it's the thought that counts." Jiafu picked up a wine jar, sniffed it, and laughed. "You guys are bold, bringing Mulan Spring out here. We can't all get drunk together, Jia Xi, go get some other wine."

"No!" Jia Xi plopped down on the bench, grabbed the wine jar, and declared, "We agreed to get you drunk today. Brother Fu, the four of us grew up together. Though we're not blood brothers, we've always treated you as our elder brother. You've been acting strange lately. What's wrong? What can't you share with us?"

Qi Jiafu took a gulp of wine. "I don't think there's anything wrong with me."

"Stop playing that game!" Jia Xi started to get angry. "You used to come running to us as soon as you got home, so thick-skinned we couldn't get rid of you. Now? You... well, I'm not going to list it all. Brother Fu, just tell us, you, a leader of the Qi household, sneaking in and out like this, what's going on?"

Qi Jiafu lowered his head, staring at the wine bowl in his hand. "What, are you interrogating me?"

Jia Shou couldn't hold it in. "Brother Fu, we're worried about you! You're skilled and meticulous, and the Prime Minister holds you in high regard. We're happy for you. But... you take on too much by yourself. We don't know what's going on with you, and guessing doesn't help. If there's anything we can help with, just tell us. Don't treat us like outsiders."

Qi Jiafu felt a wave of guilt. Everyone in the Prime Minister's residence treated him well. As a slave, he had everything he could ask for. He should be more content, happier, but he couldn't. Under the lamplight, the three young, earnest faces were looking at him. Qi Jiafu smiled self-mockingly, lifted the wine jar, and poured a drink. "Come on, let's drink. It's nothing, just feeling a bit down. I went to the Lower City... um, West Gate." He looked slightly embarrassed but also very pleased.

Jia Xi was the first to jump up. "No way! Brother Fu, you... last time I sang 'Eighteen Touches', who was the one pretending to be a prude?"

"Come on, some things are meant to be done, not sung about."

The four of them burst into loud laughter, their voices mixing together, inquiring about prices, routes, and details. One jar of Mulan Spring soon emptied, but somehow, another jar appeared. Jiafu gave a satisfactory answer that made everyone excited. The Prime Minister was a strict man, making everyone in the household behave properly, especially the young men in their twenties. Whenever they mentioned places like West Gate, it was with a sense of righteous duty.

Now, finally, their leader had set a good example, and naturally, they wanted to share both the good and the bad together.

"Brother Fu, enjoy yourself now. Once you have a wife, you won't have the freedom to fool around."

"Who said anything about a wife?"

"Hey, don't believe me? Ask Uncle He. He said Madam is considering it, thinking of... uh, either Han Yu from her room or Jia'er from the Grand Master's household for you."

"Nonsense."

"It's true! These two girls are both pretty and capable. Many are waiting for the chance."

"I'd rather pick someone from the brothel than have these overly ambitious ones. Each of them thinking they're someone special. Who wants to marry a wife to be bossed around?"

"Boss!" Jia Lu grabbed Jiafu's wrist. "Give us a clear answer, who do you like?"

"Let go, the wine will spill."

"Not saying a name, no wine for you."

"Let go!" Qi Jiafu, suddenly angry, shook off Jia Lu with one arm and threw the wine bowl to the ground. With a crash, it cracked the brick floor. He sneered, "Fine, pick the one with the big butt."

Jia Lu was shocked, sobered up a bit, and gently nudged Jiafu's arm. "Brother Fu? Did I say something wrong?"

Qi Jiafu ruffled his hair. "Nothing, they're all good girls. Whoever Madam chooses will be my good fortune."

A laugh came from the doorway. "I told you to learn from Brother Fu, didn't I?"

Jia Xi looked up and then down. "Dad—" The three brothers stood up together. "Uncle He!"

In their infancy, Jiafu, Jia Lu, and Jia Shou were all raised by He De until he went to serve the Prime Minister's wife after the national war. In the Qi residence, few old slaves remained alive, so the Prime Minister also treated He De well. The young slaves all called him Uncle He. He was the most strict and proper, often patrolling and teaching the young ones the rules. Seeing him come in, they hurried to hide the wine jars, knowing they couldn't escape a scolding. But unexpectedly, Uncle He was in a good mood tonight, strolling in leisurely. "No need to hide. Didn't the Prime Minister say recently that it's okay for young people to have some fun occasionally? Isn't it Brother Fu's birthday today? Enjoy yourselves, the more lively, the better."

Qi Jiafu was very grateful. "Thank you, Uncle He, for remembering."

He De walked in, carefully examining Qi Jiafu's face, and praised, "Good, as long as you can enjoy yourself. Jiafu, you must remember, the Prime Minister and Madam treat you with great kindness. Even if Madam punishes you, it's for your own good. You must be grateful and not take it to heart."

Qi Jiafu's smile turned a bit forced.

Jia Shou, trying to smooth things over, quickly invited him. "Uncle He, let's not talk about that. Join us for some fun?"

"Oh? Alright, alright." Uncle He was in high spirits. "Brother Fu is... twenty this year? Time flies, the little ones have all grown up. Let's not talk about unhappy things. You four brothers, remember, being entrusted with such responsibilities at a young age, where could we find such luck in our days? The Prime Minister and Madam treat you with great kindness—"

Jia Shou quickly handed over a wine cup. "Uncle He, we know, we know. The Prime Minister treats us with great kindness. Come, have a drink."

"Yes, the Prime Minister and Madam."

"Yes, yes, the Prime Minister and Madam, and the young masters and mistresses, we remember, we remember."

"Mulan Spring? Have you arranged your duties for tomorrow?"

"Arranged." The four nodded together.

"Good, good... an occasional indulgence is fine. What were you talking about just now, so happy?"

"Uh..." They looked at each other, knowing that if the previous topic came up again, Uncle He would surely punish them.