277 Chapter Seventy Seven - Everyone knows of our relationship (1/2)

Tong Fang were a type of servant, girls who had been chosen to 'educate' young Masters in the matters of the bedroom and later warm their beds and service their needs. They were not concubines, who would still generally marry into the house by some means or other, but they could be elevated to a concubine's status should the young Master and his parents agree to it. So they were lower than a concubine and they still had to go about other servant duties. They could also more easily be reassigned to other parts of the house, effectively being 'demoted' from their position.

So despite Tong Fang being told it was an honour to serve their Male masters in that manner, if they displeased their Masters or if their Masters no longer wanted them, they had less hope of a future than an actual concubine, who might at least be able to rely on their children. Servant girls still had hope of elevation beyond their status, however, so would seldom deny the position if offered, despite its dubious nature. Tong Fang were acknowledged by all, but quietly, behind shut doors. They should not be seen or mentioned in public and certainly, young unmarried misses should not openly discuss those matters at all.

The General frowned with disapproval, Leon paled and Maimai became angry, while Sun flushed pink and green, his complexion as myriad as his thoughts. His friends relationship was much deeper and real than a master and tongfang, but husband and wife would share intimacy... how did two men share a bed?

Merylin looked horrified and her hand itched to slap Carmen, but she could not do so in front of the girl's elder so could only curl fingers into a fist at her side. ”You... you... this girl never thought of insulting seniors nor fellow students with such low accusations! I merely wished to remind others that the Institute does not recognise Master-servant relationships! I feared Jin Li's reputation would be damaged should others believe he treated Leon as a mere servant within the Institute! Such could have him suspended or expelled!” She turned to the elder, General Ramas and bowed slightly. ”Please believe me, sir General, I intended no ill will to your grandson!”

”No need to apologise,” the General said, still unhappy with his granddaughter's behaviour. He would have to speak to his wife about getting her a Teacher of etiquette and oversee teachings regarding the cultivation world himself. She was far too spoilt and wild!

”Leon is neither servant nor tong fang,” he seemed to spit the latter word with heavy disdain, clearly his own stance on such a servant woman. His eyes then softened slightly and his lips curled upward a little as he declared; ”He is my Dao Companion.”

Several loud breaths were drawn in sharply. Jin Li moved much more quickly and decisively than anyone of his friends had imagined! They were torn between congratulating him and calling him an idiot! Dao Companionship was a lifetime matter! And who were Jin Li and Leon but two teenaged youths?!

The General also looked a little worriedly at the young men, happy in one sense that Jin Li was not the sort to mess around his future adopted grandson and unhappy that Leon's fate had been tied to the other at such a young age. They were not like mortals, the years ahead of them were fathomless. And even if Leon became unable to Cultivate beyond core formation, he would no longer be able to retreat and experience a simpler life.

But the rice had been cooked, if he wanted to acknowledge Leon as an adopted grandson, he would have to support this, he could only complain otherwise in his heart.

Only Jin Li's two circling admirers and one Maimai did not hold such torn expressions. Maimai grasped Leon's hands and congratulated him with no other thoughts conflicting her joy. On the other hand, her sister was frozen pale by shock, her hopes shattered into a million pieces and her heart pained. What was this?! She felt humiliated! All this time, all her efforts trying to get him to look her way and she'd not succeeded because of a man!?

”Senior!” She blurted out, unable to maintain her usual posture and demure appearance. ”How could you!?” She clasped her hands over her rose lips, realising she'd damaged her image with her outburst, feeling a million eyes staring at her in disappointment. Actually, this last part was in her mind. What had many of her seniors not witnessed in their family's backyards or since being in the Institute and coming face to face with those girls they'd once placed on unreachable pedestals? Plus, other teams were looking over just a bit curious without any idea of what was currently occurring.

Carmen on the other hand was frowning, but not at Jin Li. ”What is the big deal?” She said, dismissively. ”Men are allowed three wives and four concubines, so Jin Li gongzi has given his servant a status, but marriage is a matter decided by one's parents and grandparents! Have Jin Li's parents approved of this arrangement? And what of Jin Li's grandfather?” She paused, not liking the odd looks that Sun's fellow students were giving her... that her own grandfather was giving her.

”Approved what?” Speak of the devil and he shall appear; Jian Juren had come to see what all of the fuss was about.

”Carmen!” The General warned, but she refused to heed it.