Although the group fought side by side in the secret realm, they hadn't spent much time together, so their relationship was inevitably a bit distant. However, once they started talking about the courtesan, they naturally became familiar with each other.

Soon the group set off for Hongxiuzhao. Gao Ying and Pei You had prepared a sedan chair to show their respect, but Zu An, who was used to cars and subways in his previous life, was not used to the cramped and constantly bumpy sedan chair.

So he suggested riding horses, and Gao Ying and Pei You, being cultivators, naturally had no objections.

Normally, there are many rules about riding horses in the inner city, but these people are all scions of major families, and Zu An is a rising star in the capital, so generally no one would make things difficult for them.

As the group rode their horses at full gallop, Pei You said with a smile, "I wonder who will have the chance to ride Nanxun's Rouge Horse today. The feeling of riding it will definitely be much better than what we're experiencing now."

Hearing him utter such vulgarities, Zu An raised an eyebrow. This guy looked like a withdrawn and gloomy teenager, but when it came to these things, he suddenly became a social butterfly. Hmm, beautiful women really are the most primal driving force to change men.

Zuan laughed and said, "Hongxiuzhao will definitely be packed with people today. Will there be no seats left later?"

Gao Ying said, "This time, the courtesan Nanxun is choosing her patrons, so men in the capital are naturally flocking to her. Even some people from the surrounding counties have come to see her. However, most people can only join in the fun. In order to avoid chaos, Hongxiuzhao has specially issued 100 invitation cards. Only those who receive an invitation card can enter Hongxiuzhao tonight."

"Only 100?" Zu An was taken aback. The number seemed like a lot, but how many wealthy and powerful people were there in the capital? Moreover, a single family often had hundreds or even thousands of members, not to mention those from neighboring prefectures and counties. There simply weren't enough to go around.

"Then tonight, the Red Sleeve Pavilion will be full of high-ranking officials from the imperial court?" Zu An recalled some similar events from his previous life. Usually, most of these 100 name cards would have already been distributed internally, and only a very small number would enter the market.

“No, that won’t happen,” Gao Ying smiled. “After all, it’s a place of pleasure. Even high-ranking officials are afraid of being impeached by the Censorate. Everyone cherishes their reputation, so generally the big shots won’t come. Only the younger generation like us will go to join in the fun. Maybe in a few days, even my elder brother won’t be able to go.”

Just a few months ago, Zaun wasn't even a commoner; he was just a death row inmate. But he rose through the ranks like a rocket and is now a viscount, a favorite of the Crown Prince. The key is that his existence has made him impossible for any faction to ignore.

In a few days, he might get promoted a few more ranks, and then it really won't be appropriate for him to come to this kind of place.

Zu An thought to himself, "So that's how it is. Those high-ranking officials can't even play with courtesans, which is really lamentable." But then he thought, "They've already reached those positions, so they can raise whatever women they want themselves. They don't need to come to places like this at all."

"It's all thanks to Brother Gao's extensive connections that I managed to get a name card. I wanted to come before, but I couldn't find one even after searching for ages." Pei You pointed out Gao Ying's contribution at the right moment, which pleased him greatly.

"I only managed to find someone to transfer it by chance. After all, this courtesan became famous around the time we entered the secret realm, and we didn't have a chance to find such a name card at that time." Gao Ying also returned the favor, explaining that it wasn't that Pei You didn't have enough power, but that when the name card was being sent out, they were all fighting to the death in the secret realm and simply didn't have time to obtain it.

Zu An thought to himself, "No wonder I've never heard of this courtesan before. It turns out she only appeared after we entered the secret realm."

He thought of something and suddenly laughed: "Usually it's you all choosing the courtesan of the brothel, but today it's like the courtesan is patronizing us."

It's like in a past life at a brothel, where if you didn't like someone, you'd call for a replacement. Now, everyone's roles have been reversed with that courtesan named Nanxun; she's the one choosing these guests.

Gao Ying and Pei You couldn't help but laugh: "Now that you mention it, it really does sound like it. But you'll understand when you meet the courtesan. She's worth it."

At this moment, Pei You continued, "Brother Zu, we've been through thick and thin together, so I'll be frank. Originally, to repay your life-saving grace, we should have delivered the courtesan to you. But today's courtesan is a bit special; even with our family background, we can't handle her. We'll have to rely on our own abilities. If we can't win Miss Nanxun's favor, we'll find you another courtesan. There are 24 courtesans in Hongxiuzhao who are both beautiful and talented, jokingly called 'Twenty-Four Bridges Under the Moon.' We guarantee you'll be satisfied."

Zu An thought to himself, Ning Caichen and Nie Xiaoqian are true friends who would die for each other. Who are you friends with?

He waved his hand and said, "You two don't need to worry. I don't have many advantages, but I'm easy for girls to like. I think the courtesan will definitely choose me."

Pei You: "..."

He sized the other person up and down. If it weren't for the fact that the other person had saved his life, he would have probably just said something like, "He's so ordinary, yet so confident."

It's important to understand that this young lady, Nanxun, is different from the previous courtesans. News is shared throughout the capital's social circles, and no one is confident of winning her favor.

Gao Ying, being more shrewd, laughed and smoothed things over, saying, "Even a fairy like Miss Chu chose my ancestor, which shows his charm. Perhaps Miss Nanxun will really choose you today."

The group chatted and laughed, and before they knew it, they had arrived at Hongxiuzhao.

Despite having prepared himself mentally, Zu'an was still stunned when he saw the vast expanse of brightly lit pavilions and towers before him. The scene reminded him of the architectural complex in "Spirited Away," and it was as if he were seeing the night view of Hongyadong in Chongqing.

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