Yuniang acted quickly. As soon as Su Rong and Zhou Gu entered the Nuansheng Pavilion and finished a cup of tea, Yuniang presented them with twelve golden flowers.
The twelve golden flowers were the signature attraction of the Zuihua Building, all about fifteen or sixteen years old. Each one unique in their own ways, they were all beauties.
Upon seeing Su Rong, they seemed pleased, presumably because Yuniang had briefed them in advance. Therefore, unlike Yuniang, they didn’t show any surprise upon seeing Zhou Gu.
The twelve women simultaneously bowed and then began to sing and dance, the air filled with the beautiful sounds of string and wind instruments.
Zhou Gu was not particularly fascinated by the singing and dancing, as such performances were common during royal banquets in the palace.
Su Rong poured him a cup of wine and toasted him, "Zhou Gu, cheers."
Zhou Gu glanced at her, remaining silent. He slowly took a sip of his wine and after savoring it, asked, "What wine is this?"
Unlike the Zuihua drink, this wine had a sweet, lingering taste.
"This is the signature Baihua Brew served exclusively in the Zuihua Building. After trying it once, many people crave more and can only satisfy their cravings by coming here and spending money," she explained.
Zhou Gu nodded and commented, "It’s as good as the Zuihua drink."
"Naturally." She considered this her money-making strategy. After all, the creation of such a unique wine was her idea. She wouldn’t sell all her good wines directly in the wine shop. The Zuihua drink sold for a hundred taels a jar, but this Baihua Brew cost two hundred taels to drink here. Accompanied by the girls, anyone who didn’t spend a handsome amount of money in one night would be considered a waste.
She gave Zhou Gu a playful grin, "Having tasted this wine, do you still feel like your visit here is pointless?"
Zhou Gu shot her a glance, "What’s your relationship with the owner here?"
He wasn’t completely ignorant. Although he had never visited a brothel before, he knew that not just anyone could bring together all the courtesans at the brothel to perform for them.
"If I said that we’ve had a row before, would you believe me?" Su Rong asked.
Zhou Gu paused for a moment, "Yes."
Su Rong blinked playfully.
Zhou Gu reminded her, "For example, with Chen Zhou, who fought with you."
Su Rong was speechless. It was true that she had fought with Chen Zhou, but the guy actually confessed he liked her. It was such a misfortune to be liked by him.
After the first performance, the twelve golden flowers began to demonstrate their individual talents. These girls, having received training from a young age, were skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Some performances were exceptionally beautiful.
One of the girls even performed a sword dance, demonstrating her skill and mastery.
At first, Zhou Gu was not particularly fascinated by this show. However, as the performances continued, he was gradually drawn into the wonderful display, finding it far more interesting and lively compared to the musicians and dancers in the palace.
Half an hour later, both Su Rong and Zhou Gu had each drunk half a jar of wine. Seeing that Zhou Gu was no longer as guarded as before and was beginning to appreciate the performances, Su Rong jokingly asked him: "What do you think? Not a waste of time, huh?"
Zhou Gu nodded. These performances were much more tasteful and interesting than he had imagined.
"Let’s go, I’ll take you to Yan Zhi Building," Su Rong stood up.
Zhou Gu was surprised, "Are we still going?"
"Yes, let’s go!" Su Rong urged him confidently, "I told you I’d take you to all three floors!"
Zhou Gu had no choice but to follow Su Rong’s pace.
As they left the room, Yuniang, who was waiting outside the door, was taken aback, "Why are you leaving so soon?"
Su Rong replied, "We’re going over to Yan Zhi Building now."
Yuniang was left speechless, then quickly pulled Su Rong aside, lowered her voice, and asked, "What about Feng Yue Building?"
"We’re going there too." Su Rong figured she should make good use of tonight to show Zhou Gu all three floors as, if her older brother found out about them sneaking out tonight, he would undoubtedly guard the residence strictly tomorrow.
"You’re quite something!" Yuniang marvelled, obviously impressed.
Su Rong brought Zhou Gu to Yan Zhi Building. Just like when they entered Zuihua Building, a woman named Wanniang, slightly older than Yuniang and brimming with charm, greeted them. When she saw Su Rong guiding Zhou Gu into her building late at night, she was struck with astonishment. But when Su Rong revealed that they had just come from Zuihua Building, Wanniang’s shocked expression faded, replaced with a determination to compete with Yuniang as she began making arrangements.
Soon, Su Rong and Zhou Gu found themselves seated in Tingyin Pavilion, awaiting the arrival of Yan Zhi Building’s twelve celestial beauties. All older than the twelve golden flowers of Zuihua Building, these women oozed with seductive charm and their allure varied wildly amongst them. These women were akin to ripe peaches compared to the young and green fruits of Zuihua Building, each with their own distinct flavor profile.
Also, Yan Zhi Building served its own unique wine unavailable outside, known as Yan Zhi’s Laugh.
After spending more than half an hour in Zuihua Building, Zhou Gu felt much more at ease upon arriving at Yan Zhi Building.
Another half-hour later, both of them had drunk yet another half jar of wine and watched the performances of the twelve celestial beauties. Su Rong then stated, "Let’s head to Feng Yue Building."
Zhou Gu grabbed her arm, "Isn’t it late enough? The night has already deepened."
"There is a kind of alcohol at Feng Yue Building called Feng Yue Drunk. Don’t you want to try it? I fear that if we miss today, my older brother will be watching us closely tomorrow, and then I won’t have the chance to take you." Su Rong had intentionally reserved some capacity for alcohol earlier so that each of them could enjoy a jar of Feng Yue Drunk once they arrived at Feng Yue Building, in her opinion, this was more to her liking.
Zhou Gu, drawn by the alcohol, nodded, "Alright then!"
So, Su Rong led Zhou Gu to Feng Yue Building.
Unlike the previous two places run by women, Feng Yue Building was managed by a young man. He was much more composed than either Yuniang or Wanniang. Upon seeing Su Rong and Zhou Gu, he surveyed Zhou Gu from top to bottom with a mirthful smile, "Young Master Zhou, you aren’t quite what the rumors make you out to be."
Zhou Gu settled his gaze on the young man, then turned to look at Su Rong.
Su Rong introduced, "This is Fang Yue."
Zhou Gu nodded in acknowledgement.
Fang Yue asked Su Rong with a smile, "What are your plans for tonight, Miss Su?"
"Arrange as you see fit! All we care about is that there’s enough Feng Yue Drunk. We came here to drink." Su Rong waved her hand casually.
Fang Yue looked at Su Rong with a meaningful gaze, agreed with a simple "Sure", and then told Su Rong to head to the Feng Yue Pavilion with Zhou Gu. He then left to make the arrangements.
And so, Su Rong led Zhou Gu towards the Feng Yue Pavilion.
As they entered the Feng Yue Pavilion, they took note of its exquisite and luxurious furnishings. As was their habit, Su Rong and Zhou Gu chose a spot by the window to sit.
This time, they had to wait for quite a while before a group of young men in thin clothing made their entrance. Zhou Gu was taken aback and turned to stare at Su Rong.
Su Rong’s eyes also widened in surprise. After a moment, she awkwardly brushed her nose, coughed, and said, "Um..."
Zhou Gu grabbed her arm in anger, "Let’s go!"
Su Rong hastily held him back, "Hey hey hey, hold on! Yes, their outfits may be a bit skimpy, but they’re not exactly naked..."
Zhou Gu looked at her with indignation and complained angrily, "Su Rong!"
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