Chapter 40 If it weren't for General He taking the place of the male prostitute...
The day was clear and sunny, a rare treat. Several days had passed since the incident where Jiang Shuifu was humiliated while listening to storytelling at the teahouse the day before.
Now everyone in Suyang knew that she had returned to the Jiang family mansion, and she was once again in the spotlight.
However, she didn't have time to deal with these gossipy people; she was going to the brothel to find that male prostitute from last time.
As for why she went today, there's a reason: the annual Flower Queen Festival of Fengyue Tower is here, and the tower will select two Flower Queens, one male and one female, today. It's such a lively event, so she definitely had to come and join in.
As expected, the building was packed with distinguished guests, with groups of unambitious sons of high-ranking officials sitting in rows, all waiting for the selection of the most beautiful courtesan and a chance to enjoy a night of romance.
As Jiang Shuifu was a new customer, she didn't spend much money, so she was seated on the outermost edge, in an inconspicuous spot.
It was her first time participating in such an event, and she found it very novel, her eyes wide open. This led her to discover something unusual.
Suyang is not a large city. Although it has auspicious feng shui and many local officials, those with proper duties dare not openly frequent such brothels.
It's one thing for their unreliable sons and nephews to come, but today, there are noticeably more officials on the first and second floors. Some are familiar, people who have dealings with her uncle, while others are strangers with different accents, presumably officials from next door.
What's going on? It's just a small courtesan banquet, how could it have alarmed so many officials?
The second floor offers a good view, but it's too far from the main stage. Therefore, the officials on the second floor are mostly of average or mid-ranking positions. On the first floor, apart from insignificant corner spots like Jiang Shuifu's, only the central area remains.
Time was approaching, and the central area was gradually being occupied by people who arrived late. To Jiang Shuifu's surprise, the prefect had also come!
Even more surprisingly, there is still one spot left in the very center of the central circle. This spot is the most prestigious and is the focal point of the entire building. All other spots are arranged around this center.
It seems that the courtesan has a lot of uses these days.
Jiang Shuifu glanced around again. Fortunately, as long as her uncle and aunt's husband didn't come, it would be fine. However, she figured they wouldn't dare to come, since her wife was very strict.
The courtesan banquet began quickly, and she paid no attention to anything else, focusing instead on appreciating the beauty of the women and the different kinds of beauty in the men.
After a round of talent shows, the first contestant to be chosen was the male courtesan. Each person had a vote, and the same male prostitute from last time was also present.
The brothel, Fengyuelou, truly lived up to its reputation, opening her eyes to a whole new world. It was only today that she realized there were so many different styles of men in the world.
Not only are there refined and cultured musicians playing the zither, but also dashing and unrestrained dancers, and even those with bulging muscles whose masculinity is undeniable.
Among this group of men with different styles, the young man from last time was in no way inferior. Although he did not have a tall and straight figure, he had a refined and gentle demeanor. He was inconspicuous but hard to ignore.
The young man saw her too. Just as he was about to start playing, he smiled slightly at her before he did so. Unlike his meticulous playing last time, this time it was more casual. The music flowed from his fingertips. Although his fingering was more restrained, it was still moving to the ear.
Or rather, what's moving isn't the music, but his face and eyes.
He would glance at her from time to time, his eyes slightly red and bloodshot, as if he were trying to entice her with something.
His appearance naturally aroused the curiosity of the audience.
Jiang Shuifu couldn't appreciate his playing and quickly looked away. "What is this? It's making me fall asleep. You dare to embarrass yourself with this level of skill? Get off the stage!"
Her words sparked a wave of criticism against the male prostitute, because competition among courtesans often required additional tactics.
She still preferred to look at muscular men, so she cast her vote for the muscular man. Such a lean and strong man with thin muscles and a thick back is indeed rare.
There were many men on the field who were fond of homosexuality, each with a lewd and wicked air, and each had someone they had their eye on.
The selection of the most beautiful courtesan was originally just a gimmick. For ordinary people, it was about selling their art, not their bodies. But when it came to high-ranking officials and nobles, it was a different story.
Especially the most beautiful courtesan, who usually ends up in the hands of those in power.
Soon, the man selected his most beautiful courtesan, a young male courtesan whose melodies on the zither captivated the heart.
He wasn't the most handsome, had the best figure, or the most alluring eyes, but he was the most aloof yet tender.
His face was rosy, his eyebrows and eyes were gentle, and his skin was delicate, which perfectly suited the current tastes of men, making one want to seduce him.
The male prostitute was undoubtedly happy to have won the championship, but the smile in his eyes didn't reach his heart. He stood there stiffly, and there were many mocking and lecherous glances from below the stage. He felt as if he had been stripped naked and was being looked at and violated at will.
Jiang Shuifu knew that he wanted the courtesan, as her status would benefit his survival, but she dared not accept it, because accepting it would mean serving the powerful and wealthy.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have deliberately restrained his words, and she wouldn't have said those things.
But since things had come to this point, she couldn't help him, so she immediately got up.
Now that the men have chosen their most beautiful courtesan, she can go and attend to her business.
The competition for the title of courtesan is still in full swing, and all the women are stunning beauties—some aloof, some alluring, and so on.
Jiang Shuifu left her seat with the peaches, but there were too many people, and they all stared at the beauty on the stage with shining eyes, refusing to look away, like starving ghosts.
With so many people around, accidents are more likely to happen. Despite her carefulness, she was still accidentally pushed.
These starving ghosts found her too much of an eyesore and pushed her very hard, causing her to stagger and almost fall to the ground.
Just as she was about to fall face-first to the ground, her face paling, a masculine hand easily grabbed her shoulder and steadied her.
Jiang Shuifu's alarm bells rang loudly. It was those same large hands again. Countless times before, she had been caught by those hands with bulging veins. She couldn't help but tremble slightly.
The moment she looked up, the large hand seemed to sense her tension and released her grip.
As soon as she let go, she tilted and was about to fall to the ground. Just when she thought she couldn't escape this calamity today, a sword called Crimson Flame Lotus, which was still sheathed, saved her by cutting her waist.
At the same time, a free-spirited voice rang out: "What a coincidence, Jiang Nuniang."
Jiang Shuifu was relieved. For a moment, she even thought that this person was Shen Jizhao, who was far away in the capital.
But upon closer reflection, how could that be? What would he be doing here? There are so many things going on in the capital, and there are beauties around. Only someone who's lost their mind would come here.
Having finally managed to squeeze out of the crowd, Pan Tao went to help Jiang Shuifu, but Jiang Shuifu was unsteady and became even more unsteady as Pan Tao pulled her.
He Beiqing didn't make any extra movements. She glanced at him, and he smiled back at her.
She understood that it was just a polite laugh on his part; men and women shouldn't touch each other, and he didn't want to risk his reputation to save her.
In this situation, putting his arm around her waist is the best option, but if he puts his arm around her waist, how can he explain it clearly?
She didn't want to be touched, so she gripped the sword at her waist tightly and tried to stand up straight by relying on the strength of the sword.
However, the sword was too rough, and the fire lotus pattern on it burned her palm. Her fingertips uncontrollably traced the blade, but the man in front of her twitched his brow slightly and pulled the sword back slightly.
Jiang Shuifu lunged forward instantly, and He Beiqing had no choice but to hand her the sword again, but this time, he only gave her the tip of the sword.
She grabbed the tip of the sword, and the peach behind her used its strength to grab her and straighten her body.
She patted her chest, and after calming down, she secretly glared at him. He certainly loved his sword, but could her delicate nails really cut his precious weapon?
Besides, her eyes held a hint of doubt; why was it him again?
He Beiqing didn't know why she always had that expression whenever she saw him, and he didn't want to delve into it. He simply sheathed his sword and stroked it affectionately.
“What Lady Jiang said last time was wrong. Today, we have met again. I suppose we will have many more opportunities to meet in the future. However, I never expected to meet you here.”
Jiang Shuifu understood what he meant, but she didn't understand why he had any business with her visiting a brothel.
She scrutinized him closely again. He was dressed like a butterfly, in a dark red robe. No wonder he was there for entertainment. With his red lips, he was truly attractive to women.
She said dismissively:
"If the general can find time to come despite his busy schedule, why can't I?"
This is her saying that he not only meddles in other people's business, but also sarcastically remarking that he neglects his duties because of women.
He Beiqing smiled, his previous aloofness—so much so that he was reluctant to even hand her the sword—completely vanished. His eyes sparkled, and his smile was as gentle as a spring breeze, his red lips even more vibrant.
“Miss Jiang is very clever. I have learned a lot from her teachings and will definitely correct my ways in the future. However, Miss Jiang should leave as soon as possible. This place is not suitable for you. If you stay any longer, I fear there will be disaster.”
Jiang Shuifu was unconvinced. She looked him up and down, then, mimicking the sarcastic remarks of those lewd men, said, "Disaster? Well, it's impossible for such a place of pleasure to be without sparks. But General He, aren't you afraid of getting burned?"
A great general like him, brazenly seeking pleasure, is he really not afraid that word will get out and damage his reputation?
She looked around again and realized that the lively competition for the title of courtesan had stopped at some point, and everyone's attention had shifted to them, or more precisely, to He Beiqing.
She suddenly understood; so he was the main character today!
He Beiqing ignored Jiang Shuifu's sarcasm and didn't feel embarrassed. He simply hung his sword at his waist silently.
Jiang Shuifu continued to mock:
"I suppose that central seat is yours? General, you have quite the refined taste. So these courtesans were prepared for you? I dare not delay you, lest you tie me up and throw me in jail."
He Beiqing declined, saying, "What is your status, young lady? Besides, our two families used to have a relationship in the capital. I would never dare to tie you up. If you insist on having any contact with you, young lady, then I am here to help you. I have always believed this."
Jiang Shuifu clicked her tongue. If there was any relationship between the two families in the past, it was only the relationship of exchanging impeachments and petitions.
She didn't want to stay any longer, so she took the peaches and left, quickly stepping out of the Fengyue Tower.
He Beiqing spoke up again to remind her as she took the last step:
“Miss Jiang is intelligent, and I never lie. However, I have noticed that you have a poor sense of direction and may get lost. I hope you will get home safely.”
Jiang Shuifu scoffed inwardly. She was just a hypocrite, why should she care about her?
He Beiqing walked in the opposite direction from her. The two walked further and further apart, one in the south and one in the north, until they could no longer see each other.
The competition for the title of courtesan continued, and with the arrival of the main courtesan, the place became even more lively, with every official wearing a fawning smile.
He Beiqing sat in the main hall, rather bored. Beautiful women approached him one after another, throwing themselves at him, offering him wine, and he laughed lewdly, then calmly pushed them away.
"The lady is beautiful, but let's skip the wine."
The prefect also found out that He Beiqing did not drink alcohol. He immediately gave the woman a look, and she retreated in fear.
The top courtesan has been chosen, and He Beiqing is no longer wasting time. He slowly gets up and prepares to go upstairs: "Time's up!"
Upon hearing this, the prefect's eyes narrowed to slits, and his mouth stretched into a wide grin. He asked mysteriously, "May I ask which faction Lord He belongs to? There's more than one courtesan!"
He Beiqing sighed meaningfully, "He's got a wild nature, doesn't listen to advice, and is covered in sharp thorns. We'll just have to put in some effort to deal with him."
The prefect nodded repeatedly, having already made up his mind.
On the other side, Jiang Shuifu, who should have returned to her residence, was lying on the chaise lounge on the second floor of the Fengyue Tower, enjoying seasonal fruits while smiling radiantly.
Because of He Beiqing's appearance, she had become the focus of everyone's attention. In order to avoid the limelight, she had to leave first. But she would not easily change her mind. She came here today to enjoy herself.
Originally, she wanted to find the male prostitute from last time, but he had already become the top courtesan, and she was not qualified to ask for him. However, after what just happened, she still took a fancy to a few others.
She summoned dozens of strong, muscular men with broad shoulders and narrow waists to perform martial arts for her and the peaches, and to serve them wine.
The men were all dressed in identical red robes, with nothing underneath; a single large movement would reveal the erotic scene beneath.
"Good! Good! I love your kind of muscles!"
Jiang Shuifu harbored a vengeful streak. Shen Jizhao had a great figure, but she could only touch it when they were on the bed. He was also prone to mischief, punishing her after touching her a few times, so she would never have the chance to take advantage of him again.
Now that she has the opportunity to see it, she is naturally watching with great interest.
Just as the excitement reached its peak, the door was suddenly smashed open, and a row of armed guards rushed in, swiftly forcing all the men to their knees.
Jiang Shuifu was startled by this unexpected scene. Before she could figure out what was going on, the people who had barged in automatically made way for her.
The path cleared in the middle was extremely wide, and a series of solid yet slow footsteps filled the entire room.
Then the newcomer revealed a dark red robe, and He Beiqing said regretfully:
"Ginger Maiden is still lost!"
Jiang Shuifu suddenly realized that he had known her whereabouts all along and had deliberately threatened her.
His appearance now is a clear message to her that he wants her to leave!
He Beiqing showed no trace of forcefulness or domineering attitude; he still wore a smile and advised in a businesslike manner:
"This place is not suitable for you, please, Lady Jiang, move elsewhere!"
Jiang Shuifu was getting angry. In her eyes, his words were a sign that his patience was running out and he was urging her again.
Her cheeks were puffed out. He was such a strange person. He clearly had no relationship with her at all, yet he insisted on going against her!
Could it be that he's deliberately causing trouble for his sister?
Her face darkened.
"General He's clothes are a similar color to these men's today. If you want me to leave, why don't you take their place?"
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