Inside the private room of Zui Bai Lou, Hong Zhou, dressed in a greyish-white brocade robe, sat on the private seat next to the Fifth Prince's son, waiting for him. Opposite him sat two women wearing pipa-style jackets, pleated skirts, and hair adorned with treasured hairpins.
One of them played the pipa, her slender fingers dancing across the strings, while the other played the erhu, the flute's melody faint and delicate, like a gossamer thread. They were renowned courtesans of the capital, one named Qingluo, the other Yuning. Not only were they talented, but they were also exceptionally beautiful. The wealthy young men of the capital considered it an honor to have them entertain them.
Hongzhou waved his hand, signaling them to stop. He then gave a wink to the servant beside him, Xiaotian, who was Hongzhou's personal attendant. Xiaotian understood, stood up from his stool, and coughed twice.
"You two ladies truly live up to your reputation as renowned courtesans of the capital; your music is indeed excellent. Our master is in high spirits today, so these silver notes are a reward for you!" Xiao Tian tossed a stack of silver notes onto the table. The two courtesans bowed slightly in thanks to Hong Zhou, their expressions remaining quite indifferent. Many high-ranking officials and nobles frequented this place, and this small amount of silver was insignificant to them.
"Our master will be treating these two guests to dinner later. If you entertain them well, you'll be richly rewarded," Xiao Tian said, naturally excited to finally meet two famous courtesans.
The two women remained calm. Every guest who invited them was expected to be well-treated; if they had to cater to everyone perfectly, wouldn't they be exhausted? They simply replied, "Yes!"
Xiao Tian, of course, noticed their nonchalance, and pulled out a wad of silver notes from his pocket, tossing them onto the table. "If you serve them well, all this silver is yours!"
The two sisters glanced at the table; there were at least a hundred silver notes. They were immediately tempted and looked towards Hongzhou. They wondered where this young master came from; he was handsome and incredibly generous.
Qingluo put down her pipa, stood up and offered a toast, "Qingluo guarantees that our guests will be so happy they won't want to leave. We sisters are top-notch at persuading guests to drink!"
Hongzhou raised his wine glass and smiled calmly, "Then I'll have to trouble you two ladies!"
Yu Ning, standing to the side, remained silent, but smiled with pursed lips, a smile that was alluring to the bone.
Just as Qingluo was about to finish her drink, Hongzhou paused and said, "However... if the two young ladies are not served well, their names will probably never be heard in the capital again."
Qingluo's wine cup trembled; she was unsure whether to drink it or not! Having lived in the capital for so many years, the two knew there were many high-ranking officials and nobles, and many who spoke arrogantly. However, this young man before them possessed a different air about him, and upon hearing his words, their expressions immediately changed.
"Miss Qingluo? This wine..." Hongzhou moved his wine cup closer, touching the rim of the cup in Qingluo's hand. Qingluo snapped out of her daze and drank the wine in her cup in one gulp.
Knowing that the man before them was not to be trifled with, the two women suppressed their greedy expressions and said meekly, "We sisters will certainly serve your friend well!"
Hongzhou smiled with satisfaction, waved his hand, and the two returned to their seats to play the pipa and erhu. Hongzhou turned his head towards the window, immersed in the beautiful music.
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