Lin Wanrong was oblivious to the fact that his every move had long fallen under the scrutiny of onlookers. However, he couldn't help but notice the delightful fullness of the young lady beside him, though his touch may have been a bit too forceful. Like a cat, the lady let out a soft moan, her eyes filled with the essence of spring.
"Xiao Hong, when will Miss Qin make her appearance tonight?" The young master inquired of the lady attending to him.
Xiao Hong cast a coquettish glance at the young master, wriggling in his embrace. In a sweet and melodious voice, she replied, "Ah, Master Guo, why concern yourself with Miss Qin when you're with me? Hmm, I don't care; tonight, I've decided to be with you."
Guo chuckled heartily and said, "Little one, no need to worry. You'll have a good time tonight. Besides, I simply wish to hear Miss Qin sing. Why bother with jealousy over such trivial matters?"
On the other side, the seductive lady assured, "Rest assured, Master Guo. Tonight, it's not just you; see, there's also Master Cheng, and Master Luo, along with many other young masters who've come to grace the occasion. Miss Qin will undoubtedly make an appearance. When the time comes, it'll be a test of your skills, Master Guo."
Upon hearing the names Cheng and Luo, the young master's expression soured. Upon looking at the seated groups on the other side, his demeanor completely deflated.
Lin Wanrong, noticing the change in the young master's expression, inquired, "What's the matter, young master?"
Unwilling to appear weak in front of the women, the young master smiled and said, "Nothing, just saw a few acquaintances."
Lin Wanrong glanced in that direction, only to see six tables in the distance clearly divided into two groups. Each comprised young masters in their twenties, engrossed in their respective conversations.
The two leaders of these groups were evident. The one on the left, in his twenties, had a fair complexion and a dignified demeanor, but his eyes betrayed a hint of cunning, indicating a man adept in political maneuvering.
The one on the right, younger in age, appeared to be around eighteen, with a handsome face.
These two young masters were clearly at odds, exchanging occasional disdainful glances. Were these Cheng and Luo? From their demeanor, they seemed to be the privileged sons of affluent families. Lin Wanrong understood why the young master Guo sighed. In terms of strength, whether in demeanor or wealth, Young Master Guo was simply incomparable. As for scholarly pursuits, it was even more beyond the young master.
"What's the matter, brother? Don't tell me you don't know those two young masters, Cheng and Luo?" The sister beside Lin Wanrong whispered as she gently caressed him, her words tickling his ears.
Provoked by the teasing, Lin Wanrong, already experienced with such amusements from past relationships, restrained himself. He playfully pinched the sister's ample bosom and said, "Indeed, sister, it's my first time in such a place. Please enlighten me."
Knowing the power of his touch, the girl, in a seductive manner, smiled and said, "Brother, no need to pretend. If this is your first time in such a place, then I must still be an innocent girl, hehe."
Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, giving her buttocks a few playful squeezes. The sister let out a spring-like moan before continuing, "These two young masters are quite influential figures. The one on the left, Master Cheng, is the son of Commander Cheng Decheng from Jiangsu, named Cheng Ruinan. The one on the right is even more prominent, being the son of the Governor of Jiangsu, Lord Luo Min. His name is Luo Yuan." Lin Wanrong had studied the classics left by Wei Lao, gaining some knowledge of the local administrative system.
The administrative system of the Dahuachao implemented a governor and viceroy system, with the three departments being the Bureau of Civil Administration, the Bureau of Judicial Administration, and the Bureau of Military Affairs, each overseeing administration, justice, and military respectively. The governor was the highest official in a province, overseeing the three departments, acting as a powerful lord in the region.
However, the Bureau of Military Affairs was unique, with the Commander overseeing military matters, subject to the control of the governor but directly under the authority of the Ministry of War, representing centralized military power.
Therefore, although the governor nominally served as the superior of the Commander, he lacked direct control over the military. This strategic approach was devised by the founding emperor of Dahuachao to prevent local lords from amassing independent military strength.
Luo Min, the Governor of Jiangsu, was the superior of Commander Cheng Decheng, the Commander of Jiangsu. However, they belonged to different factions, so Cheng Decheng had no fear of Luo Min. This naturally meant Cheng Ruinan had no reason to fear Luo Yuan.
Both young masters were among the most powerful figures in Jiangsu, surrounded by offspring of officials, and often encountering each other. Thus, conflicts were inevitable, especially when it came to vying for the affections of a courtesan. Lin Wanrong, with a quick assessment, had already figured out the intricacies. Compared to these two young masters, the title of Young Master Guo, son of a county magistrate in Suzhou, was insignificant.
As the night approached, the Miaoyu Lane was alive with people, laughter, and joy. However, the courtesan called Qin Xian'er had yet to make her entrance. Cheng Ruinan's and Luo Yuan's factions were already creating a lively atmosphere with their boisterous cheers, toasting and escalating the excitement in Miaoyu Lane.
Cheng Ruinan and Luo Yuan, seeming aware of their distinguished status, restrained themselves. As scholars, they had come today to admire the courtesan Qin Xian'er and were unwilling to lose face in front of others.
Luo Min, Luo Yuan? Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered the spectacular scene on Xuanwu Lake directed by Houbai, where the object of attention was the daughter of the Governor of Jiangsu, the so-called first beauty and talented woman of Jinling. In that case, Luo Yuan should be the brother of that talented woman? Judging by Luo Yuan's delicate appearance, the daughter of the Luo family should be quite attractive. Moreover, according to Qiaoqiao, this Miss Luo was kind-hearted and had taken care of Qiaoqiao, giving her the opportunity
to learn reading.
Lost in thought, Lin Wanrong's companions, thinking he was fearful, giggled, "Good brother, you have nothing to worry about. Those two young masters, despite their prominent backgrounds, are like wax candles, shiny but not very useful. Look at your robust physique, much stronger than them. Sister likes a man like you."
Lin Wanrong chuckled and, before he could speak, heard a clear and melodious sound, like celestial music brushing past the ears. The noisy and chaotic atmosphere in the building instantly ceased.
"It's Qin Xian'er!" The followers of Luo Yuan and Cheng Ruinan erupted into enthusiastic cheers. Meanwhile, Young Master Guo, who was in the midst of indiscretions, sat motionless, muttering, "It's Miss Qin, is she coming out?"
The door in the center of the second floor opened silently, a beaded curtain gently descending. Faintly discernible behind the curtain was a marvelous figure. Unseen and unheard, just one glance was enough to drive the men below into a frenzy.