“Huh? Where did Young Master just say you were going?”
Right at that moment, Qing Yan suddenly twitched her dainty little ears and inquired curiously.
Chen Ning and Murong Yu merely exchanged a glance.
The next instant, Murong Yu took the initiative to step forward and said with a smile:
“Rest assured, Miss Qing Yan. I am merely taking Young Master Chen to participate in Water Cloud Academy's assessment. With a Noble Scholar like me by his side, how could he dare go to any improper place?”
This was a tacit understanding unique to men.
It was just like when you hadn't discussed anything with your friend beforehand, but the moment your wife called, your friend would say into the phone without hesitation:
“Ah, yes, yes, yes, he slept over at my place last night and didn't go anywhere.”
“That's true.”
Qing Yan smiled faintly, finally setting her mind at ease.
Although he knew Qing Yan was Chen Ning's maidservant, for some reason, Murong Yu felt that her aura was ethereal and elegant, remarkably refined. Her comportment was not in the least inferior to that of well-educated young ladies from noble families.
...
Leaving the inn, the two finally began chatting freely.
Chen Ning asked in confusion:
“Still, why would the academy's Grand Confucians have us go to a place like a brothel?”
“They probably want to test whether we can resist temptation. The assessments in previous years were always exceedingly difficult; who would have thought the Grand Confucians' thoughts would be so easy to guess this year?”
Murong Yu unfurled his folding fan and could not help but elaborate:
“However, those Grand Confucians really know how to pick a place, actually choosing Yixiang Pavilion. Yixiang Pavilion is a brothel that only opened a month ago, but despite its short existence, its reputation is by no means small. It is said that the girls inside are not only breathtakingly beautiful, but also proficient in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, prompting many Confucian scholars to visit voluntarily to ‘impart knowledge’. Moreover, it seems anyone who visits Yixiang Pavilion is so enchanted they linger on, some not even returning home for days.”
Chen Ning: “Why does it feel like... you're really looking forward to it?”
Murong Yu gave an embarrassed cough:
“How could that be? I am merely curious whether this Yixiang Pavilion truly lives up to its reputation. Besides, the Master said: ‘At seventy, I could follow what my heart desired, without transgressing what was right.’ Meaning that at seventy, what he did followed the desires of his heart without violating moral principles. Desires include romantic love between man and woman, proving that even the Sages did not outright reject women. ‘A gentle and graceful lady is a good match for a noble gentleman.’ We Confucian scholars are not Buddhist monks; as long as we do not violate our conscience, what fault is there in mutual affection?”
“Hiss, that actually makes some sense.”
Chen Ning could not help but nod along.
If it was just looking, at most it could only be considered admiring fine scenery.
Besides, he was going to the brothel because of Water Cloud Academy's assessment, so there was no need to feel any mental burden.
“True. It's just a pity Qin Heng isn't here. Otherwise, we could have brought him along as well, drinking tea, listening to music, and enjoying a rare moment of relaxation.”
“There will always be opportunities. We'll bring him along next time.”
“Brother Murong speaks rightly.”
...
Before long, the two arrived at Yixiang Pavilion.
Beside the elegant small building grew two peach blossom trees, colorful butterflies fluttering on their branches, while bees darted among clusters of flowers with a soft buzz.
The side door of the building was open, and on either side stood a rather pretty maidservant.
Seeing the two, the maidservants immediately stepped forward to welcome them, ushering Chen Ning and Murong Yu upstairs.
In brothels everywhere, Confucian scholars were exceptionally popular.
Being handsome and skilled at sweet-talking was only part of the reason; the bigger reason was that Confucian scholars were relatively wealthy, and generous with their spending...
Inside Yixiang Pavilion.
Guided by a maidservant, the two chose an elegant window seat on the second floor.
Looking across the room, quite a crowd had already gathered in Yixiang Pavilion.
Among them were not only Confucian scholars, but also no shortage of high-ranking officials and prominent nobles.
Murong Yu explained:
“From what I know, the girls of Yixiang Pavilion will first perform songs and dances on the first floor. After watching the performance, guests can choose their preferred companion to take with them. However, I hear that many of the famous girls cannot be taken away simply because one wants to; some might even require spending a fortune before one even gets a chance.”
“Spending a fortune?”
“Young Master Chen will understand in a moment.”
Just as their conversation ended, a maidservant walked up:
“May I ask what the two young masters would like to order?”
When the bamboo slip inscribed with prices was placed on the table, Chen Ning could not help raising an eyebrow.
“A plate of fruit: ten taels.”
“A pot of wine: twenty taels.”
“A bunch of fresh flowers: fifty taels.”
Hiss, this was practically daylight robbery!
Was there really any fool who would spend money in a place like this, or even spend a fortune just for a brothel girl?
“Here's fifty taels, give me a bunch of fresh flowers. I hear that Yixiang Pavilion's most famous top courtesan, Miss Xiangqin, will appear today. I wonder if I'll have the chance to win her favor.”
Right at that moment, an extremely familiar voice suddenly came from ahead to their left.
“This voice is...”
Chen Ning followed the sound with his gaze.
On the other side, when the speaker saw Chen Ning, his face instantly filled with embarrassment:
“Y-Young Master Chen?”
“What a coincidence, you're here too.”
The corner of Chen Ning's mouth twitched.
The fool who planned on spending a fortune was none other than Qin Heng.
Originally, he had felt a bit guilty for not inviting Qin Heng, but never in his wildest dreams did he expect this fellow would be enjoying himself here all on his own!
Qin Heng hurriedly explained:
“It's a misunderstanding, Young Master Chen! I've been so exhausted recently from investigating Qian Wuhao's case that this is my first time visiting a brothel.”
“Your first time at a brothel and you're already this familiar with everything?”
“Uh, I meant it's my first time visiting this brothel...”
So you've frequented other brothels plenty, huh...
“Wait, that's not right!”
Qin Heng came to his senses at that moment.
“By the way, Young Master Chen, why are you here too? I originally thought you were devoted and innocent toward Miss Qing Yan.”
Chen Ning immediately spoke with righteous indignation, radiating righteous aura:
“I am nothing like you. I came here for Water Cloud Academy's Noble Scholar assessment.”
Hearing this, Qin Heng fell silent for a long time.
“Young Master Chen, although I'm not the smartest man alive, I'm not an idiot either. Your excuse sounds way too fake...”
Chen Ning: “???”
Just as he was about to correct Qin Heng's thoroughly misguided mindset, a sudden commotion arose within Yixiang Pavilion.
“It's Miss Xiangqin.”
“Miss Xiangqin is here!”
Xiangqin was none other than Yixiang Pavilion's most famous top courtesan. In the mere month since this brothel had opened, she had already captivated countless admirers.
Even if the chances were slim, the vast majority of people present hoped for an opportunity to win her favor.
Strings resonated, and song and dance commenced.
Finally, under the watchful gaze of thousands, that graceful figure slowly appeared!
Rate on N.U.
