The Jiaofangsi (a type of brothel) was different from ordinary brothels. According to government laws, the women there were not allowed to entertain guests.
However, it was rumored that the madam, Chen Qin, had a powerful backer. Those women who were sold into prostitution by the government were already lonely and helpless. If they didn't have the support of their fathers' friends, they would often be forced by Chen Qin to work as prostitutes.
Women with outstanding looks and elegant demeanor, especially Qin Wen, are often kept overnight to accompany guests after attending banquets.
The money paid by the guests all ended up in Chen Qin's pocket. Only when she was in a good mood would she squeeze out a little bit of silver to give to the girls who accompanied the guests.
The next morning, when Qin Wen woke up, the man in the bed had already left sometime earlier. She rubbed her sore neck, glanced at the sky outside the window, and, enduring the aches and pains all over her body, walked to the bedside, forcefully ripped off the sheet, threw it hard on the ground, and stomped on it a few times before her anger subsided slightly.
She barely slept a wink last night. Sitting in front of the bronze mirror, she applied a thick layer of foundation to barely cover the bruises under her eyes.
A short while later, Chen Qin sent someone to knock on her door, informing her that she needed to attend a banquet at the Minister's residence that evening. The messenger also specifically reminded her, "Miss Qin Wen, don't forget to bring your pipa."
Qin Wen lazily hummed in agreement, then immediately stood up and hid the dagger inside the pipa.
Qin Wen straightened her clothes, picked up her pipa, and slowly walked out of the room. She knew in her heart that today's banquet might be a turning point in her fate. She had to perform well at the banquet, and at the same time, she had to keep an eye on the person in the portrait.
Upon arriving at the Minister's residence, they found it bustling with guests. Qin Wen, along with the other girls from the music and dance troupe, waited backstage to go on stage, her eyes subtly searching among the crowd for the person in the portrait.
Finally, in a corner, she saw the man in the portrait. He was chatting and laughing with several officials, seemingly unaware of Qin Wen's gaze. Finally, it was Qin Wen's turn to appear. She took a deep breath, trying to remain calm, and walked to the center of the stage.
"My lords, I am Qin Wen, and I have come here to perform." Qin Wen smiled slightly and bowed to the crowd.
Hearing the familiar voice, the man turned around, saw Qin Wen, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
"Oh, so it's Miss Qin. I've long admired your name. I've heard that you are a master of the pipa. It's an honor to meet you today."
Qin Wen smiled slightly, but inwardly she was mocking him. "I've long admired your name? It's an honor to meet you?" Sure enough, this man has been in office for so long that even his lies sound like the truth!
She suppressed the sneer on her lips and began to play the pipa. Her fingers danced lightly across the strings, and the melodious music echoed through the banquet. However, in her heart, she was calculating how to complete her task without causing any disturbance.
Halfway through the performance, Qin Wen noticed that the man seemed somewhat drunk and began to converse more casually with the officials beside him. A thought struck Qin Wen; perhaps this was an opportunity.
She skillfully lowered the pitch of the pipa, making the music softer. Gradually, the person seemed to be drawn in by the music and began to close their eyes to listen. When the piece ended, the person waved to Qin Wen.
Qin Wen put away her pipa, hugged it tightly to her chest, and walked gracefully toward him.
"My lord, did I play well? I think you've fallen asleep listening to me!" Qin Wen stopped half a foot away from the man, looking at him tenderly, her eyes sparkling with affection.
She parted her lips slightly, her voice melodious like a nightingale's song, carrying a hint of coquettishness and teasing.
Upon hearing this, the man slowly opened his eyes, a hazy light flickering within them. He gazed at Qin Wen, a slightly upturned smile playing on his lips.
"Lord Liu, would you like Miss Qin to play another piece for you alone?" An official standing nearby noticed the surging desire in Liu Shang's eyes and suggested at the opportune moment.
Liu Shang, his eyes glazed with drunkenness, stared intently at Qin Wen, toying with his cup in his hand. He asked with a smile, "I wonder if Miss Qin would do me the honor?" His voice was deep and magnetic, as if it possessed an irresistible magic.
A wave of disgust washed over Qin Wen, but she maintained a gentle smile. She bit her lip lightly, a hint of shyness in her eyes, and said, "To have gained your favor, sir, is my good fortune. How could I refuse? Wouldn't that be ungrateful and arrogant?"
Liu Shang burst into laughter, stood up, and staggered toward Qin Wen. He reached out and gently stroked Qin Wen's cheek, then pulled her into his arms.
Qin Wen suppressed her nausea and maintained a smile. She knew she couldn't offend the man in front of her and could only comply with his wishes.
Liu Shang held Qin Wen tightly, feeling her soft body, and his breathing became rapid. He leaned down and kissed Qin Wen's earlobe, whispering, "Come on, come with me to the room."
Qin Wen froze, her heart filled with fear and helplessness. But she still obediently nodded, letting Liu Shang lead her by the hand towards the guest room.
Seeing this, the servant who was waiting nearby understood and hurriedly led the two to the guest room that had been prepared in advance in the mansion.
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