Xin He changed into her male clothing, tidied up a bit, then took a folding fan and left.
A servant was already waiting outside. As soon as he saw Xin He, he hurriedly went over to greet her, "Young Master."
Xin He gave him a glance. This man was employed by the Flower House and worked under Madam Chen.
Ever since one of the servants under Madam Chen was sold off last time, the remaining servants at the Flower House had been well-behaved. This servant was also extremely diligent towards Xin He, for fear of displeasing her with a slightest mistake.
"Where is she now?"
The servant hurriedly replied, "I’ve been keeping an eye on her. The young lady is currently at the Fanghua Pavilion, selecting jewelry."
Xin He nodded, "Let’s go."
Fanghua Pavilion was a well-reputed jewelry store in Lian’an Town. Whether it be ladies of noble families or courtesans from the Flower House, who enjoyed equivalent treatment to young ladies from rich families, they could all purchase items.’
Upon entering the store, the shopkeeper recognized from Xin He’s high-quality attire that she was from a wealthy family, particularly noting the flawless jade pendant on her waist, a symbol of affluence.
"Young Master, what kind of jewelry do you wish to buy?" the shopkeeper asked with a solicitous smile.
Xin He smirked and tossed a bag of silver to him, lowering her voice, "As a man, I have no one to help me select jewelry. I heard that Miss Jinghua is here, why not ask the shopkeeper to let me know which private room she is in so I can ask her to help me choose?"
The shopkeeper was taken aback for a moment but quickly understood. After all, young maidens from noble families would never choose jewelry in the main hall, but in private rooms upstairs.
This young master clearly wants to meet Jinghua.
Hefting the bag of silver in his hand, the shopkeeper hesitated only for a moment before smiling, "Certainly. Miss Jinghua is in the second private room on the left on the second floor."
Xin He gave a slight smile. The shopkeeper was indeed tactful. She closed her fan and strode upstairs.
The shopkeeper, weighing the silver in his hand, mused to himself: with this young master’s handsome looks and wealth, I expect Miss Jinghua will be grateful for this opportunity he has created for her.
Xin He suddenly pushed the door open, and Jinghua, who was selecting jewelry, was taken aback. Her face immediately changed, "Who are you?"
The little maid at Jinghua’s side quickly stepped in front of her.
But Xin He, holding an air of respect, simply smiled and spoke, "Miss may not recognize me, but she may be interested in the words I am about to say."
Jinghua paused, seemingly for the first time noticing how handsome this man was, and inexplicably let down her guard. His demeanor was not at all conceited and was rather gentle and polite, an indication that he was a scion of a wealthy family.
Jinghua signaled her maid to step aside.
"If you were looking for me, you could have come straight to Yihong Courtyard. Why did you have to come here specifically?" Jinghua asked.
Xin He gave a soft shake of her head, "I respect your talents and wouldn’t want to discuss important matters in a place like that. Wouldn’t it be disrespectful to you?"
Jinghua chuckled, his words seemed calculated, but indeed they sounded pleasant, especially coming from such an attractive man.
"I have long admired your name, and you are the top courtesan in Yihong Courtyard now. You are widely admired, and I am indeed happy for you. However...." Xin He paused, seemingly troubled, "I heard in the streets today that Yihong Courtyard is preparing to promote newcomers."
As she said this, she glanced subconsciously at Jinghua’s face.
Just as she expected, a fleeting shadow passed across Jinghua’s eyes.
Xin He raised the corner of her lip, sighing, "Miss Jinghua, it’s been less than a month since your reputation started to rise, hasn’t it? How could Yihong Courtyard be so heartless, immediately promoting new girls? I heard the newcomers are quite promising, all ten of them! When these ten debut, even the top performers in normal brothels are no more than seven. Miss Jinghua, where will you stand then?"
Jinghua’s face noticeably hardened, she said, "This is none of my concern."
How Yihong Courtyard plans and arranges is up to the masters, it’s not her place to object.
Xin He laughed, "I merely empathize with your talents. It’s a shame that your abilities are being suppressed by Yihong Courtyard. And it’s especially worrying that these ten new girls are rumoured to form a group. They will invariably band together against Miss Jinghua, and you, in your vulnerable position, could be bullied in the future."
What Xin He said was precisely what Jinghua was worried about. Why else would they promote ten girls at once?
Even the famous Wanhua Tower in the capital, when Madam Wanhua wanted someone to replace Ah Lian, only heavily advertised one person, Hanxiang, to avoid overshadowing other courtesans.
"Think about it, Miss, you aren’t necessarily confined to Yihong Courtyard. They don’t value your talents and are promoting others, promoting ten at once. It’s clear that you will face difficulties ahead. Instead of waiting to be marginalized and overshadowed, why not... look for another path?" Xin He suggested vaguely.
Jinghua bit her lip, asking, "What other path?"
"In Lian’an Town, who can compete with Yihong Courtyard besides Flower House?"
A glint of interest sparked in Jinghua’s eyes. But then, she looked at Xin He with suspicion, "Who are you?"
Xin He smiled, "Who I am isn’t important, I’m merely an admirer hoping you’ll have a smooth path ahead. Miss, you can see the situation for yourself. You are highly sought after now, but once the ten newcomers arrive, I fear you will be pushed aside with no place to stand. On the other hand, do you remember how glorious it was when Yi Ling was in the Flower House?"
Jinghua’s fine eyebrows quivered, a flicker of longing in her eyes.
She had modeled herself after Yi Ling. Back in the day, Yi Ling had been more successful than her current situation.
Because the Flower House had more customers, so naturally, the people chasing them were also more.
Xin He continued, "Everyone agrees that Miss Jinghua’s talents are unique. You don’t fall short compared to Miss Yi Ling. Yi Ling could be unparalleled in Flower House back then, so naturally, Miss Jinghua wouldn’t be worse off there today! Besides, Yi Ling is no longer in the Flower House. If Miss Jinghua were to go, wouldn’t it be..." She trailed off without finishing, seemingly wanting to leave a point unsaid.
Jinghua understood what she meant but still asked, "Who are you really?"
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