Wearing a charming smile.
Her eyes were full of flirtation, and the tear mole at the corner of her eye added a touch of charm. Her long dress loosely revealed her pink shoulders, and coupled with her decent facial features, although not his preferred style, she was indeed not bad.
Ever since Jiang Feng had been led into the Ethereal Violet Pavilion by Su Yi, he had already caught the attention of quite a few maidens. Although their profession was not the most honorable, after all, they were compelled by life's necessities, daily receiving those corpulent, greasy old masters out of livelihood.
In fact, who wouldn't like a young pretty boy?
Anyway, since they had to serve guests, they might as well choose someone handsome for themselves. Just now, because Su Yi was sitting next to Jiang Feng, they dared not to be too presumptuous, but once she left, it was like flies smelling a fresh...
"Miss is jesting."
The beaming expression immediately froze. This young master really didn't give any face.
Before she could finish thinking, she heard Jiang Feng continue: "This place is the Ethereal Violet Pavilion, your territory, so it should be me asking if I may sit beside you."
"Where's the reason to not let the host sit? Please, feel free."
Someone's adaptability was indeed quite strong.
The maiden named Peony was instantly overjoyed. This young lord was good-looking and had a way with words, so she boldly sat down next to Jiang Feng.
"How should I address the young master? You were chatting so happily with Mama Su Yi that you must be a renowned personage. Perhaps, Peony might have heard of the young master's name too."
She began to ingratiate herself naturally, courteously pouring tea, which made Jiang Feng somewhat helpless. His mind was all on the matron of this brothel, eager to know the relationship between her and Liu Xianzi, and guessing whether she might also be one of the legendary Immortals.
Looking at the maiden named Peony beside him, her style was rather mature, dressing more daringly, though no attire could fully hide the youthful innocence on her face.
"I guess she's only a year or two older than Yu Rou."
He muttered to himself, a similar age, yet such a starkly different destiny.
Sometimes reality is just that cruel.
"I am Jiang Feng, just a scholar. Visiting the Ethereal Violet Pavilion is naturally because I've heard of the ladies here long ago. Seeing them today is indeed like the fresh bloom of a lotus rising from the water."
He spoke flawlessly. Clearly, he had completely adapted to the role of a brothel visitor and... deeply immersed himself.
Additionally, he purposely gazed at Peony's voluptuous figure, his eyes lingering for quite some time as if he couldn't wait to pounce and indulge in her warmth.
Every girl likes to be praised, even the women of the brothel, grinning with delight, smiles all around, to the point that even Jiang Feng began to question his own life.
Why am I so skilled?
"Could it be that in my last life I spent everyday in foot baths and nightclubs? And then I just forgot?"
"That can't be right, I was so poor in my last life, where would I have the money to go? Even if I went a few times, it was all proper massages and foot soaks, mainly with aunties who were bigger in size than me."
"Could it be the previous life of this body?"
His expression suddenly turned a bit odd; he still remembered that Liu Xianzi once mentioned his previous life seemed to be that of an evil cultivator who committed every crime conceivable. Perhaps he had triggered the instincts engraved in his DNA.
"Young Master Jiang knows just how to keep a lady happy, hee hee hee~ You really are an esteemed guest. Peony had no idea you'd actually come to the Ethereal Violet Pavilion."
"Oh? You've heard my name?"
He feigned an expression of surprise. It would be strange indeed if the people frequenting a place like the brothel didn't know him. They talk with countless patrons about numerous topics daily, when not serving guests.
Places like brothels in this era were where information was most fluid. Even nations at odds with each other would send beautiful women to gather intelligence and collect information, where a little pillow talk could reveal a wealth of secrets.
Peony moved closer, pressing her peony-embroidered bodice directly onto the young man's arm, leaving no place for him to escape. The astonishing softness made Jiang Feng dare not move a muscle.
Glancing down.
Yu Rou would need at least three more years to catch up.
"How could I not recognize you? You are Lady Yan's fiancé, with a widely known reputation. Here in Qingshui County, there are scarcely a few who don't know your distinguished name."
"You jest. A bad reputation would be more accurate, given that I'm going to be a son-in-law living with his wife's family. It makes me so embarrassed—I'd appreciate it if you kept your voice down. If word gets out, I'm afraid my father-in-law might break my legs."
Feigning a frightened look, he certainly didn't want this matter to be widely publicized. It was fine as long as people knew he was around without causing a scene.
"Young Master jests. Who in Qingshui County doesn't know that Lady Yan is the only child? When the old lord Yan gets older, he'll have no choice but to entrust the family affairs to you, the son-in-law. By then, I'm afraid Young Master won't give a second glance to a small place like Ethereal Violet Pavilion~"
The two chatted back and forth, clearly enjoying themselves which undoubtedly made the sisters upstairs itch with excitement, some even lifting their long skirts and walking towards Jiang Feng.
Useless trivia.
If you want, you can take a hundred people to the private rooms for fun.
Lifting the cup for a toast, the Peony Maiden quickly revealed her true nature.
"Young Master Jiang, with people coming and going around us, it's a bit embarrassing to be under constant scrutiny. How about we find a quieter place?"
Her eyes shimmered with light, the implication couldn't be clearer, but just as the young man was about to decline, citing a thin wallet as the reason, he caught a glimpse of a dignified woman returning through the main entrance.
"This... seems a bit inappropriate, you see, Su Yi has some matters to discuss with me."
His words instantly froze Peony's previously smirking face.
Seeing a trace of imperceptible dissatisfaction in Su Yi's eyebrows, she knew she had made a mistake.
She quickly flashed an apologetic smile, but right as she started up the stairs, she suddenly turned back.
"If Young Master wishes, I'd like to invite you to Peony Pavilion tonight for an extended chat."
Then, she ran off into the crowd with a giggle, playfully tussling with the other sisters, even the laughter and teasing of the other maidens could be heard.
"You little hussy, always soft-hearted when you see a young one, aren't you?"
"You could've easily won him over, but you go soft once you see a young master, right?"
"Wait till mama teaches you a lesson later..."
Stunned.
Brain crash.
This caused many bystanders' eyes to lock onto the young man. It was Jiang Feng's first visit to Ethereal Violet Pavilion. Even if he had done plenty of research, he couldn't possibly know everything. However, the regular clientele cast envious glances his way.
After all, spending money isn't always necessary for enjoyment in the Ethereal Violet Pavilion.
Even if you're penniless, as long as you catch the eye of the maidens here and they take the initiative to invite you, you can have a delightful time, especially if you're a young and handsome gentleman, you're highly sought after.
So if someone receives such an invitation, the expenses for the evening are naturally...
Paid by the inviting maiden.
With a sigh, looking at Peony hiding in the crowd, Su Yi could only chastise with a smile.
"Going upstairs to seduce men only to end up paying out of your own pocket."
"What a loss-making bargain."