TPATTHU Chapter 31
by VolareTwo days later, Shen Zhejiang had just finished class at the academy. On the road, he encountered two burly men walking towards him, chattering excitedly.
“Hey! Brother, did you hear? A little beauty has arrived at the Chunyi Brothel! Her dancing is truly rare in this world. Shall we go take a look together?”
“Really? How come I didn’t know? Let’s go, let’s go! Maybe we can even buy a night of pleasure!”
The Chunyi Brothel was a place for seeking pleasure in Luo City, with music and dance going on day and night without stopping.
Shen Zhejiang, raised on the teachings of sages and saints from a young age, had a temperament that was inherently rigid. He naturally didn’t frequent such places like those playboy nobles. He originally disdained such things.
But he remembered what he had mentioned to Xiao Zhinian a few days ago, and he couldn’t help but stop.
Speaking of which, Xiao Zhinian hadn’t come looking for him for two days, and he hadn’t seen even a shadow of him. He wondered what he was up to.
Could it be that the girl at the Chunyi Brothel was arranged by Xiao Zhinian?
Thinking of this, Shen Zhejiang changed direction and headed towards the location of the Chunyi Brothel. However, before he even entered the building, he was accosted by the procuress at the door, who was trying to attract customers.
“Oh my, this young master is so handsome! Come, come, Xiaocui, come and serve the young master well! Oh dear! Young master, don’t keep such a stern face. Isn’t the reason everyone comes to this place to have a good time?”
The procuress, dressed in flamboyant attire, looked like a cluster of bright red flowers exuding the scent of rouge and powder as she mingled in the crowd. While dealing with the surrounding women, she swayed a fan and approached Shen Zhejiang.
Shen Zhejiang was almost suffocated by the strong scent on the procuress. The chaotic sounds of drums and music inside made his temples throb. He said in a deep voice, “No need, arrange a private room for me.”
The procuress grinned, revealing her red lips, and said, “Young master, you’re late! Tonight, our Chunyi Brothel has a newly arrived beauty performing a dance. The elegant viewing rooms are already fully booked!”
“Then…”
“He’s with me, lead the way.”
A lazy voice cut through the clamor and entered Shen Zhejiang’s ears from behind, drifting like flowing clouds, enveloping him.
Before Shen Zhejiang could see who it was, he was drawn into a firm and reliable embrace by a solid force, separating him from the noisy crowd and forming a space of tranquility.
Looking up, he saw the youth’s smooth and resolute jawline.
…Xiao Zhinian?
“Why did Teacher come alone?”
Caught red-handed, and in a place of pleasure no less, Shen Zhejiang looked slightly embarrassed. He pretended to be calm and said, “I got lost.”
As he said that, he was about to leave this place of trouble.
Xiao Zhinian put his arm around his shoulder, knowing that his words didn’t match his heart, and a smile spread across his face. “Since you’re free, Teacher, why don’t you stay and watch the fun with me, how about it?”
The warm breath fell on the side of Shen Zhejiang’s ear, making it tingle. He wasn’t used to such intimacy in front of outsiders, so he pushed Xiao Zhinian away slightly.
“…What fun is there to watch in this kind of place? I must be going.”
“Why isn’t there any?” Xiao Zhinian suddenly raised his voice and asked the procuress, who was glancing back and forth between them, “I heard that the Chunyi Brothel has a collection of beauties. Seeing it today, it’s true. Later tonight, there will be a courtesan dancing and casting shadows. I wonder if it’s better than in the capital.”
“Young master, please rest assured, our Xiaogui has the blood of the Hu people. She’s very different from the gentle and virtuous women of Jiangnan. She will definitely make your eyes light up. I’m just afraid you’ll linger and forget to return, lost in the gentle embrace.”
The procuress had been in the world of romance and wine for so many years. How could she not see the awkwardness between the two handsome young masters in front of her?
She thought that Xiao Zhinian was really fickle. He already had the refined young master in his arms, but he still came to the Chunyi Brothel to seek pleasure.
Although she found it strange, she didn’t dare to say much.
Xiao Zhinian laughed twice, acting just like the noble young masters who spent their days eating, drinking, and having fun. He said in a casual tone, “Very good, very good. Then why aren’t you leading the way?”
He generously tossed over a few silver notes.
The procuress raised her eyebrows and quickly tucked them into her sleeve, smiling from ear to ear. “Please come this way, young master! Our Huazi-numbered private rooms are reserved for distinguished guests like you! Ziyun, bring our Chunyi Brothel’s most famous wine for the young masters!”
The procuress led them all the way to the third floor, through the corridor, and into a private room.
A strong scent of bright pink assailed his nostrils, and Shen Zhejiang couldn’t help but sneeze repeatedly.
Xiao Zhinian said, “Have someone clear out the smell inside. My teacher can’t stand it.”
The procuress finally understood.
So, the refined young master was actually the esteemed young master’s tutor. Tsk tsk, how playful.
Since they were guests, she didn’t dare to delay for even a moment. The procuress immediately ordered someone to clean the room. Before long, the smell inside had faded a lot.
Shen Zhejiang finally recovered.
Xiao Zhinian dismissed the others and pulled Shen Zhejiang inside, asking, “Is Teacher feeling better?”
“I’m fine.” The air still had a faint fragrance. Shen Zhejiang wiped his nose with a handkerchief and then put it away. He asked directly, “Was the girl at the Chunyi Brothel arranged by His Majesty?”
Xiao Zhinian didn’t say yes, nor did he say no. Instead, he asked, “Is that why Teacher came?”
Shen Zhejiang hadn’t forgotten the lie he had told earlier. Without changing his expression, he said, “I just got lost.”
“Okay, okay, I understand. Teacher is really not easy to fool. I was still thinking of coaxing a sincere word out of Teacher.” Xiao Zhinian smiled brightly, with the words “Praise me” almost written on his face. “What do you think, Teacher? Was this trick of waiting for the rabbit to come to us effective?”
Shen Zhejiang considered and said, “This place is crowded and there are many people. What if the thief recognizes us? Wouldn’t it be a waste, or even stir up the hornet’s nest?”
Xiao Zhinian couldn’t get a reward, but he wasn’t discouraged. He quickly pulled Shen Zhejiang to sit down at the table, smiling brightly. “My actions were taught by Teacher. Is Teacher not confident in yourself or not confident in me? Besides, even if that person really becomes wary and runs away in advance, doesn’t Teacher trust me to be able to catch him back?”
“It’s not that I don’t trust Your Majesty, it’s just…”
Before Shen Zhejiang could finish speaking, the door to the private room was pushed open from the outside.
A graceful man holding a wine cup swayed his waist, slowly walking in, a charming smile blooming on his face. “Have the two young masters been waiting long? My name is Ziyun. I was instructed by Mama to come and serve you.”
With a gauze shawl draped over his shoulders and light steps, the smoky purple gauze of his clothing fluttered as he walked. The candlelight illuminated his skin with a layer of fragrant, jade-like luster, truly living up to his name.
Shen Zhejiang glanced at him, and couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. The procuress of the Chunyi Brothel really knew how to cater to her customers. She must have seen that Xiao Zhinian liked men, so she sent someone like this to serve tea and water.
A sour, jealous feeling welled up, which even he himself didn’t notice.