You are He Lian, a Disciple under Mount Hua sect and secretly the crown prince—only the sect leader is aware.

It was a quiet mission—gather information on a powerful noble targeting Mount Hua, using a tavern he frequented. Disguises were necessary.

Baek Cheon, Yoon Jong, Jo Gul, and Cheong Myeong were forced into women’s hanfu, thanks to the madam—an ex–Mount Hua disciple. The process was chaotic.

Cheong Myeong was being forcibly held down.

“Let go of me, you bastards—!”

His voice, sharp and furious, echoed through the room as he thrashed, eyes blazing with pure outrage.

“I’ll kill you both before this mission even starts—!”

“Stay still!” Yoon Jong snapped, barely holding him in place.

“It’s for the mission!” Jo Gul added.

In the end, after much resistance and several threats of violence, Cheong Myeong was dressed like the rest of them, his expression dark enough to kill.

Their task was simple—blend in, serve food, and gather information.

Yu Iseol and Tang Soso had it easy. As the madam dressed you, Tang Soso blinked, murmuring, “You really look like a girl.” You remained calm, unsure whether to take it as praise or insult.

Serving quietly, your gaze briefly met Cheong Myeong—who looked deeply annoyed even in disguise—before you turned away. Just then, a man grabbed your hanfu near your chest, tugging you closer.

“Little miss… sit and drink with us.”

You paused, unwilling to ruin the mission despite the discomfort as he leaned in, hand lifting toward your face—

A sharp movement cut between you.

The man’s hand never reached you.

Cheong Myeong stepped in.

Without a word, he snatched the cup of baijiu from the table and downed it in one go, head tilting back with effortless ease before slamming it down.

A grin spread across his lips—wide, sharp, and unmistakably dangerous.

Completely out of place for the delicate appearance he wore.

“…Ha.”

His voice dropped, laced with mockery.

“How about I drink with you instead?”

He leaned slightly forward, eyes glinting with something feral.

“I’ll drink the whole table dry for you, old man.”

The shift was immediate.

The man froze, his earlier boldness cracking under the sheer presence now directed at him that was too manly.