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The boy looked no more than fifteen or sixteen, with a slightly round face and rather pretty features. His almond-shaped eyes, when slightly curved, drew screams from both men and women in the audience. Of course, most of the cheering was due to his status.
People nearby started chatting without even asking, saying, "The young master of the Wu family is really handsome; he gets more and more charming every year."
"That's right. Nowadays, more than half of the matchmakers in Quzhou Prefecture are looking for marriage partners for him. It's just a matter of which young lady will be lucky enough to be one."
"Only now are you looking? These families have been planning since they were young. It's all about interests. How can we let those old women like Hongye say whatever they want?"
"That's not entirely true. People strive for better things. His family's circumstances back then are vastly different from what they are now. Naturally, the in-laws should consider this carefully."
Some people were puzzled and asked, "Is this young man famous? Which family does he belong to?"
Another person eagerly answered for him: "This handsome young man is named Wu You, the youngest son of the wealthy Wu family in this area. Guess who Wu is? Ah, Wu is..."
"He is the one who currently sits at the head of the government office in Quzhou, the brother-in-law of Prefect Qiao!"
The puzzled man took a while to realize what was happening and said, "Then doesn't that mean... this young master has to call the prefect his uncle??"
“That’s right! Isn’t he incredibly sought-after? And now it’s widely rumored that Prefect Qiao will be transferred back to the capital in two years, and he’ll be this one then,” the man held up four fingers, “a proper fourth-rank official in the capital, you tell me, you tell me… tsk, and so young too, his future is limitless!”
Xie Sui'an snorted, and Qin Sang immediately turned to look at him, keenly catching the fleeting disdain in the boy's eyes.
Qin Sang thought to herself, "Very good. This is probably a powerful backer, even more powerful than the prefect. No wonder he dared to take me to Quzhou Prefecture to file a complaint."
She smiled ingratiatingly and said, "That person isn't as good-looking as you."
Xie Sui'an was taken aback, his face flushing again, but his mouth moved faster than his brain, and he said, "Of course I know he's not as good-looking as me, but I haven't seen you look at him less or less. What, do you like that kind of pretty boy?"
Qin Sang said disdainfully, "What are you talking about? Although that young man has a handsome face, look at his thin arms and legs. He must be unable to carry anything, weak and feeble, and has no manly spirit whatsoever. What use is he?"
What use is it?!
Xie Sui'an's face grew hotter and hotter. He couldn't help but glance at his wrist. His body, which had been practicing riding and archery for many years, was probably qualified... Oh no, he must have been thinking the wrong thing. Qin Sangnian was only sixteen years old. How could she have thought of that?
He coughed lightly and said, "Indeed, all show and no substance."
Then the crowd surged again, because the young master of the Wu family suddenly started throwing money from upstairs!
The coins rained down like raindrops. Although those who could afford tickets and enter the venue weren't exactly poor, who could resist the temptation of money? Everyone joined in the fun, picking up coins and scrambling for them. Everyone was happy and beaming, and the venue became truly lively.
At this time, the candidates for the title of courtesan began to ascend the high platform one after another.
It must be said that each and every one of them was a beauty among beauties, a group of fresh-faced girls. Even Qin Sang, who had seen Qiong Yao's imperial banquet, couldn't help but clap her hands and cheer, turning her head to Xie Sui'an to comment enthusiastically: "The sixth one to appear has lively eyes and outstanding charm, she deserves to be the queen of flowers!"
Xie Sui'an remained unmoved and casually said, "They're just average, nothing special, just a bunch of ordinary women."
Qin Sang then asked, "Which one do you like?"
Xie Sui'an turned her head and glanced at her through the gauze curtain, saying arrogantly, "I don't like any of them."
Qin Sang assumed he was just shy and continued to remind him, "Don't pretend to be aloof. Everyone has a love for beauty. Look at the second to last one. This one is quite unique, with a rare heroic air about it."
Xie Sui'an waved his fan loudly and muttered, "It's alright, but his face is too long, like a horse's face."
Qin Sang: "..."
When Xie Suian was in the capital, he rarely went to such brothels. Firstly, his family was very strict and his grandfather did not allow it. Secondly, whenever he went to such places, the women were overly enthusiastic and seemed to want to devour him alive. Therefore, he always regarded these women as wolves and tigers and avoided them.
Many of his friends loved to go to brothels to discuss poetry and pretend to be cultured, but they never expected that Qin Sang, a woman, would be so enthusiastic. It was really strange.
The courtesan election is not just about looks. The reason why the tickets are worth a thousand coins is that these candidates must each perform their talents, such as playing musical instruments, singing and dancing. These performances are often carefully rehearsed and prepared by the young ladies, so they are very exciting.
Qin Sang craned her neck, watching with great interest, clapping enthusiastically and cheering, and engaging in lively discussions with the spectators next to her about the merits and demerits of each program.
Just as Xie Suian's expression grew increasingly grim as he tried to pull Qin Sang back, he heard the keywords "Cha Yun Xuan," "Master Wu," and "tribute tea," and immediately understood.
So he picked up a plate of watermelon seeds and started discussing them with his friends who were watching.
Halfway through the program, an unusual commotion arose at the entrance of the brothel. Qin Sang, with her excellent hearing, listened carefully and heard what sounded like screams coming through the lively music.
Her compassionate heart stirred, so she excused herself to go to the restroom and went to the door to check on the situation.
Sure enough, a group of pimps were seen surrounding the man on the ground, punching and kicking him. The man, dressed in rags, was curled up in a ball, arms wrapped around his head, screaming madly.
The leader of the group snarled, "Shut up! Shut up! Shut up, do you hear me?! If you keep yelling and disturb the important people inside, I'll beat you to death!"
Seeing that there was already blood on the ground, Qin Sang said calmly, "What are you doing? This person is almost dead! Stop it!"
The assailants finally stopped, still seemingly unsatisfied, but they still surrounded the person in the middle. The leader couldn't tell Qin Sang's identity, and precisely because he couldn't, he dared not be negligent. He stepped forward with a forced smile and explained, "Miss, it's just a petty thief. We caught him and are teaching him a lesson. You don't need to mind him. Go inside and continue watching the show. Be careful that this vile person doesn't offend your eyes."
Qin Sang slightly turned her head, peering through the gaps between the many legs, and briefly met the bright gaze of the person on the ground.
Before she could speak again, the man suddenly sprang to attention, shoving everyone aside and running away. The group wanted to give chase, but the leader stopped them, saying, "That's enough. We've got everything back. He's just a little madman. Don't chase him." Then, he smiled and apologized to Qin Sang, "Sorry for disturbing the guests' peace. Please go inside and continue watching the performance."
Qin Sang glanced at the back of the ragged, blood-soaked little madman who had run away, her eyes flickered slightly, and she returned to the bustling hall and circled around. Seeing that the pimps who had been calling people at the door had dispersed, she removed her veil and walked out of the door in a generous manner.
Coming to this brothel to watch a play and join in the fun is one thing, but the real important thing is to take the opportunity to glean information from the mixed crowd. People who frequent such places usually have some wealth and knowledge, so it's the easiest way to find out about the owner of Tea Rhyme Pavilion.
In just a few casual words, Qin Sang learned that the owner of Chayunxuan, which was insisting on buying her tea fields, was none other than Wu Da Yuanwai, the brother-in-law of Prefect Qiao. Prefect Qiao Zhiyong was a former official from the capital who had been sent down to the capital for training. He would be transferred back to the capital in just two years, and his rise to prominence was imminent. No wonder Qin Baoyun said he was an old acquaintance and told her not to cause any trouble. He was indeed a powerful backer.
However, by sheer coincidence, someone outside the door kept shouting, "Master Wu has killed someone!" Qin Sang naturally felt that this clue couldn't be missed. The more dirt on bad guys you have in your hands, the better. She definitely couldn't let it slip by.
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