Since the courtesan competition was organized by Changsun Yin, why not show some support? Qingyao's lips curled into a sinister smile, her eyes glinting with cold light.
"Rest for a while, then we'll go to the pleasure house tonight."
Upon Qingyao's command, Mochou and Moyou's eyes widened in disbelief, taking a long moment to react.
"Master, that is not a proper place."
Mochou grumbled. She had always disliked such establishments, having witnessed too many comings and goings in her youth. Women there were as lowly as cheap goods, selling their bodies for survival.
"Alright, we have important matters tonight. I'm tired and want to rest for a bit."
Qingyao offered no explanation of her plan. She stood and walked towards the large bed in the room. Mochou quickly followed her, while Moyou withdrew.
The three of them rested in their respective rooms for half a day. By the time dusk settled, they slowly awoke, ordered food and drinks from the innkeeper, and inquired about some matters.
"Which is the most famous pleasure house in Fengfen City?"
As Qingyao spoke, the innkeeper looked somewhat taken aback. This strikingly handsome young gentleman didn't seem like someone who frequented such places.
However, one shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Perhaps these outsiders were here to witness the courtesan competition. In that case, visiting a pleasure house wasn't a big deal.
"Reporting to Master, if you speak of the best pleasure house in Fengfen City, it would be the Xiā Huā Lóu. The women there are all exceptionally beautiful, to the point where even flowers would blush in shame. However, Xiā Huā Lóu has always been a place frequented by high officials and influential figures. It's unlikely you'll have your wish granted if you go there."
Qingyao remained unfazed, continuing to ask while eating, "Besides Xiā Huā Lóu, which other pleasure houses are good?"
"Others?" The innkeeper pondered for a moment, then smiled and replied, "The women at Chūnfēng Lóu and Bǎihuā Lóu are also quite attractive. Chūnfēng Lóu is not far from our inn, just a few steps to the left."
The innkeeper gestured, and Qingyao nodded in satisfaction. "You may go now."
"Yes, please enjoy your meal. If you need anything, just call for me."
The innkeeper said respectfully and withdrew.
Silence fell in the room. Qingyao put down her chopsticks, her gaze serious as she looked at her two subordinates. She knew they were confused.
"Our purpose in Qingluo Kingdom is to avenge Mei Xin, to kill Changsun Yin. But we have no idea where Changsun Yin is currently. If we rashly go to the Yin Prince's mansion and alert the guards or the people of Qingluo Kingdom, we might not be able to kill Changsun Yin. Therefore, I want to participate in the competition as a courtesan. As long as I become the top courtesan, Changsun Yin will proactively come to see me, and then what's stopping us from killing him?"
Qingyao's eyes were cold, a sinister smile appearing at the corner of her lips.
However, Mochou and Moyou did not approve of their master's plan, fearing for her safety.
"Miss, why don't I participate in the competition as a courtesan?"
Mochou suggested. Qingyao glanced up at her. Besides her skill with a sword, Mochou possessed no other special talents that would allow her to stand out in the courtesan competition.
"Are you confident?"
As Qingyao's voice fell, Mochou blushed and quickly lowered her head. If it was about killing or setting fires, she might have some confidence.
Asking her to participate in a courtesan competition was truly difficult. She was only considered plain-looking, and she had no artistic talents. Thinking about it, only their master was qualified. But Changsun Yin was not easy to deal with. What if Miss encountered danger?
"Miss, I am afraid you will be in danger."
"I will be fine. Aren't you accompanying me? If you're worried about me, then protect me well."
Qingyao said lightly. Mochou and Moyou immediately nodded, "Yes, Miss."
Since they had decided to participate in the courtesan competition, the three of them began to discuss where to establish themselves.
"I've decided to represent Chūnfēng Lóu."
Qingyao spoke calmly. Mochou was slightly surprised. If they wanted to meet Changsun Yin, why not start with the best pleasure house? That would be easier.
"Miss, why not enter Xiā Huā Lóu?"
"No," Qingyao's eyes flickered with fire as she coldly refused Mochou's suggestion.
"Xiā Huā Lóu is so grand and ostentatious, there must be a high-ranking official involved behind it. Moreover, it's highly likely to be Changsun Yin's stronghold. If you want me to go in, the news will probably spread quickly, and we'll fall into someone else's trap."
"Perhaps Chūnfēng Lóu also has an owner behind it."
Moyou spoke worriedly, a flicker of unease in his eyes. He felt their master's plan was too risky.
But without taking risks, they didn't know where to find Changsun Yin, let alone strike a decisive blow. If they rashly went to the Yin Prince's mansion, with its countless experts, they would likely alert the enemy, resulting in more loss than gain.
"All the pleasure houses in this capital city have owners behind them. But since Chūnfēng Lóu is only a second or third-rate establishment, it implies that its owner is at most wealthy, but certainly not a high-ranking official, a minister, or royalty. Then many things will be easier to handle. Besides, I have my own ways. As long as the madam doesn't speak, the owner behind it will never know about these matters."
Qingyao calmly analyzed the advantages and disadvantages. Mochou and Moyou listened, their mouths agape. Their master had considered every aspect.
Given this, there shouldn't be any major issues.
"Alright, then let's go to Chūnfēng Lóu."
Mochou and Moyou nodded simultaneously. The three of them stood up. Qingyao glanced at Moyou's face and said in a deep voice:
"Moyou, I'll give you a simple disguise. If there's someone we know, your face might give us away. Someone in Liúyè Lóu already knows our destination, so we cannot leave any traces elsewhere."
"Yes, Master."
Qingyao disguised Moyou. Although it was just a few simple strokes, his entire face became rougher, no longer refined and handsome, but rather sturdy and dull.
"Let's go. We'll go down from the window."
The three of them used their Qinggong to leap out of the window and land on the ground. The backyard was silent, and no one noticed them. The three quickly left Liúyè Lóu and blended into the street.
The night in Fengfen City was no less impressive than during the day; on the contrary, it was even livelier.
Fragrant makeup, alluring beauties, silk robes, all evoking imagination.
Qingyao led Mochou and Moyou, following the scent of perfume. Soon, they saw a luxurious and grand pleasure house. Red lanterns were hung in rows at the entrance, as bright as daylight, with carriages and horses coming and going, and a din of voices.
They hadn't expected business to be so prosperous. It seemed Qingluo Kingdom was indeed unusual, with a more open social custom than Xian Yue.
Men visiting pleasure houses seemed to have become a fashion.