"Honey, it's too cold, and that job is really hard. I still don't want you to go."
"Ah Cai, can you talk to Aunt Cen for me tomorrow? If you don't, I'll go and talk to her myself."
Ah Cai's objections were thus thrown into the foot bath water by his wife, and then splashed outside along with it.
"We need a private room, and we'd like to see Miss Chunying."
Madam Zhang had visited the brothel with her husband before, but she couldn't quite remember the girl's name. She only remembered that the most popular courtesan at the brothel was named Chunying.
Ah Cai only realized what was happening at this moment and quickly replied...
"Madam, please wait a moment. I'll go and inform Miss Chunying if she's available."
These two ladies were Zhang Da Guan Ren's mother and wife. They prioritized eating and didn't care which girl accompanied them.
"Miss Chunying, two ladies have lit your lamp to keep you company in the Moon-Viewing Room on the second floor. What do you think?"
As the top courtesan, Chunying has the right to choose her guests.
"The two ladies?" Chunying asked.
"Yes, those are the two ladies; they are dressed very elegantly."
Chunying nodded, indicating to Ah Cai that she would come over.
This was the first time Chunying had accompanied two female guests. The older one was probably in her fifties, and the younger one should be around the same age as Cen's mother.
"May both ladies be well."
Spring Cherry Blossom bowed
"Please rise, young lady, make yourself at home."
Mrs. Zhang was very easygoing; she ordered a whole set of dishes right away and then waited for the meal to begin.
The old lady was also happy to see the young and pretty girl, so she pulled Chunying aside and started chatting about everyday things.
What can Chunying do?
Is it good to be in a brothel?
How do you usually eat, wear, and use your daily necessities?
Since becoming the top courtesan, Chunying has never had such a talkative customer. They either want her to dance to entertain them or try to take advantage of her.
Old Mrs. Zhang can be considered to have set a precedent by chatting about everyday life in a brothel private room.
"Your golden thread pancakes, hot pot, and grilled squid are all served! Here's the sauce! Please enjoy your meal," the waiter said, introducing the dishes to the two women.
Since these two were female guests, they left without going into details.
The task of introducing her fell to Chunying.
"Ladies, please try these; they are all signature dishes of our Fengyue Pavilion."
Mrs. Zhang nodded. Ever since she had eaten the golden thread cake that day, she had been craving it. Finally, she got to eat it today.
"Mmm! So fresh, this flavor is really great!"
The courtesan rolled up her sleeves to serve food to the two ladies.
"Try this one too, it's made from the same ingredient as the golden thread cake."
The grilled squid was chewy and delicious, with the aroma of charcoal enveloping its freshness. Paired with the kick of chili sauce, Mrs. Zhang felt she could eat it every day without getting tired of it.
"Daughter-in-law, try this. This sauce is delicious too."
The old lady was getting on in years, and although she loved to eat, it was best to avoid spicy or stimulating foods. Chunying served her a squid but didn't touch anything else. The old lady was also eager for a treat, so they turned their attention to hot pot.
"Mom, this sesame paste is much better than the ones in restaurants!"
The old lady nodded without saying a word, stuffing her mouth full with a chopstick of meat.
"No wonder those men are willing to come here. Eating delicious food and looking at beautiful women, isn't this a life of paradise?" Madam Zhang said.
Chunying covered her mouth and laughed at these words.
"Mother, look, Chunying's skin is so good, it's several shades whiter than other girls her age, and it looks so smooth and radiant."
The old lady echoed.
"Absolutely, this girl has grown up so much, just looking at her every day makes me a lot happier."
The private room was filled with laughter and cheerful conversation; Chunying was just as happy today.
"How about I perform a sword dance for you two ladies? I am not very talented, but this is the only skill I can offer."
Madam Zhang poured Chunying a glass of wine and said...
"My mother-in-law and I are extremely honored to have the young lady perform for us."
The Zhang family mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had no taboos about brothels; in this border town, they lived one day at a time.
If the Xiongnu invade, all our wealth and honor, all our noble lineage, will be for naught.
Being a woman is difficult. The border town must be the place where women in the entire Great Yan Dynasty live the most freely, without so much talk of honor and social status, nor so many rules and prohibitions for women.
A beautiful woman in pink, holding a sword in both hands and with a white ribbon tied around her waist, gracefully descended from the second floor.
Like a fairy descended to earth, untouched by worldly affairs and vulgarity.
"The cherry blossom maiden presents a sword dance—"
The waiter's voice drew everyone's attention in the building; even the girls entertaining guests looked downstairs.
Spring Cherry Blossom Girl is performing a dance!
"Look quickly! She's been the top courtesan for two years, but she's only performed twice!"
"Indeed, people say that there are beautiful women in the capital and spring blossoms in the border town. We've certainly had a feast for the eyes today."
"Sister Chunying is dancing! Look, look!"
"Watching, watching!"
The woman danced gracefully in her pink robe, the emerald patterns beneath the wide sleeves particularly dazzling. Her captivating eyes, like crimson amidst peonies, were radiant and dazzling. A touch of crimson cinnabar between her brows accentuated her noble and flamboyant appearance.
As ethereal music filled the air, she drew her sword sharply amidst a shower of petals, leaping into dance. Her graceful movements were like clouds unfurling and rolling. Everyone gazed at her dance, feeling as if the yellow dust in front of the building had transformed into a magnificent pavilion, and the pink hues had metamorphosed into seven layers of brocade.
After the dance ended, the entire audience fell silent.
Suddenly, a woman's voice came from the private room on the second floor.
"Excellent! Miss Chunying truly lives up to her reputation. This dance should only exist in heaven; it is an honor to have her descend to the mortal realm today."
Madam Zhang was very happy. She knew that Chunying rarely danced; the first time she accompanied her husband to this place, Master Zhang had told her that.
The courtesan of Fengyue Tower dances only when she is in a good mood. If she is willing to dance for you, it is a great honor in the entire border town.
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