A second-rate brothel, to be so crowded, showed how much those men enjoyed womanizing.
A group of three ascended the stone steps, and immediately a plump madam, her face heavily made up, led several girls to greet them. The girls were dressed in bright, fluttering clothes, their attire loose, swaying their hips with alluring postures.
"Oh, what handsome young masters!"
Upon seeing such striking beauty, the madam’s mouth couldn't stop smiling. Her shifty eyes darted between Qingyao and the other two.
By rights, individuals as attractive as these shouldn't need to frequent a brothel. With just a word, many virtuous young ladies would flock to them. Yet, these three had come to a brothel; what was the reason?
Years of running a brothel had made the madam more astute than most. Her beady eyes darted back and forth as she pondered their origins.
Their silk shirts were of superior quality; they were either wealthy or noble, and clearly not locals. If they were from the area, she would have seen such handsome young masters before.
"Are you gentlemen visiting Fengfen City for the first time?"
Qingyao, sensing the madam's suspicion, smiled subtly. At this smile, the courtesans let out gasps of admiration, each tugging at the madam's arm and murmuring, "Mama, Mama?"
Such handsome young masters made any woman’s heart flutter. Seeing the madam's suspicious gaze, they feared she might frighten away the attractive young gentlemen, which would be a loss.
Qingyao calmly cupped her fist and spoke.
"I am from the Huang Yuan Kingdom. In a few days, the Qing Luo Kingdom will hold its courtesan competition, and we wish to join in the festivities. Tonight, feeling bored, we thought we'd listen to the ladies play a tune. We originally intended to visit the Xiā Huā Lou, but we heard it is frequented by high officials and nobles. With my current status, it's unlikely anyone would deign to acknowledge me, so I didn't want to embarrass myself. Thus, we came to Chun Feng Lou for a gathering."
Qingyao's words were logical and displayed the demeanor of a refined scholar. The madam’s doubts vanished, and she immediately plastered a smile on her face. "Come, girls, usher these young masters into the building for hospitality."
"Yes, Mama." Hearing their madam's command, the elaborately dressed women beamed and rushed forward, each grabbing one person and pulling Qingyao and the others into the building.
Mochou and Moyou felt uncomfortable, their expressions turning cold. Just as they were about to react, Qingyao shot them a warning glance. The two dared not move rashly, allowing the girls to drag them inside. The madam followed behind them, swaying her hips, and entered Chun Feng Lou.
In the first-floor hall, a stage two meters high had been erected in the center, covered with a large red carpet. Various musical instruments and the Four Treasures of the Study were arranged on the elevated platform. A woman was playing the zither, her flowing melody filling the entire hall.
Tables and chairs were arranged around the hall. Next to each man seeking pleasure sat a charming woman. They occasionally fed each other small cups of wine, leisurely listening to the melodious music. The scene was truly extraordinary.
Qingyao, Mochou, and the third person were led by the madam into a private room by the side. A maid quickly served tea. The women stood by the wall, their eyes flashing with greediness. Covering their mouths with silk, they giggled intermittently, their faces flushed, awaiting the gentlemen's summons.
"Young masters, do you have anyone you fancy?"
Qingyao scanned her surroundings, her pupils darkening. These women were ordinary. Moreover, she was not here for pleasure, but to discuss important matters. Thus, she spoke in a low voice.
"I want a private room."
"Very well," the madam exclaimed, slapping her thigh. It was clear these were people who weren't afraid to spend money. Here, as long as one was willing to spend, anything could be arranged.
"Come, young masters, follow Mama." The madam, seeing these three patrons of wealth, unusually led the way herself, guiding Qingyao and the others to a private room on the second floor.
As they ascended the second-floor corridor, they encountered Ying Feng from the Crown Prince's manor. She was dressed in men's attire and wore a troubled expression. Seeing that she was blocking their path, she quickly moved aside.
Qingyao frowned, subtly lowering her head. Although they had disguised themselves, Ying Feng had spent some time with them and might recognize them with her keen eyes.
Fortunately, Ying Feng didn't pay them much attention. She seemed troubled by something.
As Qingyao and her companions walked past, a fleeting glint of coldness flashed in her eyes.
Wherever Ying Feng appeared, Crown Prince Changsun Zhu was sure to be nearby.
She found it surprising that a dignified Crown Prince would frequent such a place of indulgence. Could the women in his harem not satisfy him?
Thinking this, her dislike for Changsun Zhu grew. This man never did anything with pure intentions.
Not only had he used her before, but now he had degenerated to such a state.
Judging by the madam's demeanor, she seemed unaware that the Crown Prince was in Chun Feng Lou. Otherwise, who knew how frightened she would have been?
The three followed the madam up to a private room on the east side of the second floor.
Inside the room, pearl curtains hung elegantly, exuding an ancient charm. Incense burned in a small bronze cauldron, its tendrils rising. Two delicate maids stood in the room and bowed respectfully upon seeing the madam.
"Mama."
"Yes, go call the sisters who don't have guests."
At the madam's command, the two maids hurried to obey. Qingyao's expression darkened, and a chill emanated from her. She spoke slowly, "Wait a moment. I wish to discuss something with Mama."
The madam was startled. Upon seeing the chilling aura surrounding the three, she instinctively took a step back, unwilling to approach. At this moment, these three appeared formidable.
Qingyao glanced at Mochou. Mochou took out a silver note and placed it on the table. "We wish to make a deal with Mama."
The madam, always greedy for money, became amenable as soon as she saw the silver note. She immediately waved her hand, signaling the maids to withdraw.
This was her territory. She refused to believe they could cause any trouble. Once the maids left, the madam rushed forward, snatched the silver note from the table, glanced at it, and then swallowed hard, seemingly in disbelief. She rubbed her eyes and looked again.
"Five thousand taels?"
This was an astronomical sum. What did these people intend to do?
"What transaction does the young master wish to make with me?"
The madam grew wary. Usually, the larger the sum of money, the greater the risk involved. She needed to ascertain if it would endanger her life. If it was too dangerous, she wouldn't do it, even for money.
"I wish to participate in the courtesan competition, representing Chun Feng Lou's official courtesans."
"What?" The madam was shocked. The person before her was a man. However, after hearing her speak, she looked closely and saw that her features were beautiful, her eyes bright and intelligent, and every movement she made carried a hint of feminine charm.
So, the person before her was actually a woman. She had been wasting her years, misjudging them.