Chaрtеr 25: Маlе Flower Queеn
Qin Drеam Pаvilion was situаtеd оn thе wеst bаnk of thе rivеr in Jizhоu, built bеside the wаter, possessing а uniquе elеgаnсе.
Unlikе ordinаrу brоthels that оnlу servеd men, Qin Dream Рaviliоn was renownеd aсross thе sеven kingdoms fоr its male prоstitutеs, саtering to bоth mаlе аnd femalе pаtrons.
Bеfore thе entranсe of the Qin Маlе Cоurtеsan Housе, a rоw оf drooрing silk lanterns hung lоw, their light hаzу аnd not рarticulаrly bright.
Thе mаin dоor stood open, with a mountаin rоck screen insidе sеparating thе sрace, from which faint, pleasant sounds of a zither drifted out.
“Oh~ Today the magpies circle the beams, and indeed, we have welcomed a distinguished guest!” A madam came forward to greet them, her manner attentive.
“Miss Ji, please come inside.”
With just one glance, she accurately identified Ji Ruyue.
Ji Ruyue smiled and nodded, giving Bai Mei a meaningful look.
Bai Mei immediately understood and handed over a silver ingot.
The madam politely accepted it, bending her waist even lower. “Since this is Miss Ji’s first visit, please take an elegant seat.”
Ji Ruyue merely gave a soft hum of acknowledgment and stepped into the courtyard.
The melodious sounds of string and wind instruments drifted into her ears, the air mingled with faint scents of wine and rouge.
Inside the main hall, glass lamps hung high. Even the main area was partitioned by beaded curtains. Many guests sat around tables, drinking and composing verses, cups clinking.
At the front of the hall was a stage. At that moment, dancers were performing on it. Unlike other places, all those on stage were men.
The madam arranged for Ji Ruyue to be seated in the Son of Heaven Second-Class Elegant Room.
“Please don’t take offense, Miss Ji. The First-Class Room is already occupied by esteemed guests today.”
“It’s fine.”
Bai Mei, keeping a solemn face, went to order wine and dishes.
Meanwhile, the madam skillfully probed Ji Ruyue’s preferences in just a few words, showing considerable tact.
“How about inviting the Jade Clarity Gentleman to accompany Miss Ji for a drink?” the madam suggested tentatively.
Ji Ruyue nodded casually. “Alright.”
The madam’s eyes flickered slightly, unable to discern at all whether the person before her was pleased or not.
Yuqing was the top-rated courtesan of the Qin Male Courtesan House. She was usually reluctant to let him out to meet just anyone.
As soon as the madam left the room, Ji Ruyue gave Qingzhu a meaningful glance.
Qingzhu understood, nodded, and left the room.
“Miss, if the person who comes is not to your liking, just tell me, and I’ll send him away,” Bai Mei said with some concern as she brewed tea for Ji Ruyue.
Ji Ruyue reached out to take the tea. “It’s fine. Just proceed as usual.”
Not long after, a man pushed the door open and entered. He wore dark robes, a jade belt cinching his waist, accentuating his tall, slender figure. His waist was slim yet powerful, and his skin was exceptionally fair, more lustrous and jade-like than that of most women. His eyes were narrow and long, his eyelids slightly hooded. When he lifted his gaze, there was a cool elegance about him, both alluring and giving a sense of being unattainably lofty…
“Greetings, Miss Ji.”
This person before her was truly extraordinarily beautiful!
Strangely, both their hearts seemed to beat in unison at that moment.
“Please, have a seat.”
“Yes.”
As he walked, his sleeves fluttered lightly, and his ink-black hair, which reached his waist, swayed slightly, indescribably elegant.
Ji Ruyue nodded slightly, thinking that Qin Dream Pavilion truly lived up to its reputation as the premier Qin Male Courtesan House. Its courtesans indeed possessed considerable charm.
Yuqing very naturally took the teapot from Bai Mei’s hands and poured tea for Ji Ruyue. “Miss Ji, won’t you have some wine?”
“Either is fine.”
Ji Ruyue still felt somewhat uncomfortable. She lowered her gaze, not wanting to engage with him.
Yuqing raised an eyebrow slightly, finding it rather amusing.
When the wine and dishes were all served, he simply attended quietly to the side, speaking little, only uttering a word now and then, showing great discretion.
Knock, knock, knock
The door gave a light rap, and Bai Mei answered, opening it.
She had thought it was Qingzhu returning, but unexpectedly, it was the madam.”Miss Ji, this… might I borrow Jade Clarity Gentleman for a moment? A distinguished guest is drunk elsewhere and insists on seeing him right now. The situation is becoming rather difficult to control.”
Ji Ruyue was slightly taken aback and was about to say yes.
She truly didn’t care who was sitting beside her.
But then her left hand was gently grasped.
Turning her head, she met Jade Clarity Gentleman’s cool, elegant eyes.
He didn’t say a word, his expression quite placid, but the slightly increased pressure in his palm silently conveyed his resistance.
“No,” Ji Ruyue replied to the madam with a smile.
The madam’s expression clearly showed surprise; she hadn’t expected Ji Ruyue to refuse.
Ji Ruyue had chosen Jade Clarity Gentleman merely for company while drinking; she hadn’t requested him to stay the night, and he never Hung the Plaque. It was perfectly normal for him to go see other Patron Guests—it was just a formality.
“Miss Ji, this… I’m afraid it’s not quite appropriate,” the madam attempted to persuade.
Ji Ruyue set her wine cup down on the table, her expression turning cold. “I prefer quiet. Please leave.”
Seeing her mistress’s expression shift, Xi Qiu immediately stepped forward. “Please.”
The madam was at a loss and wanted to speak further.
Xi Qiu pulled out a banknote and slapped it onto her. “Do not disturb us further, or you will not be let off lightly.”
The madam had never felt a banknote burn so hot in her hand!
“Miss Ji, perhaps I could arrange another gentleman for you. Our Qin Male Courtesan House…”
With a single move, Xi Qiu pushed the woman outside and closed the door with a “bang.”
Ji Ruyue withdrew her hand from Jade Clarity Gentleman’s grasp and raised her cup to drink by herself.
“Thank you for your assistance, Miss Ji,” Jade Clarity Gentleman said softly in thanks, drinking with her.
Ji Ruyue gave a light “mm” in acknowledgment but asked no further questions.
“The one who came should be Miss Xie. Miss Xie is from the Upper Capital and seems to hold considerable influence. I wonder if I might bring trouble upon Miss Ji because of this?”
Jade Clarity Gentleman restrained himself but still asked the question.
Ji Ruyue looked at him deeply. “Does Jade Clarity Gentleman not already have the answer in his heart?”
Jade Clarity Gentleman’s body stiffened slightly.
“I’m sorry,” his apology was so soft it was almost inaudible.
Miss Xie? From the Upper Capital?
Ji Ruyue lowered her long eyelashes and asked nonchalantly, “How many days has this young lady been here?”
“Including today, it has been three days.”
Ji Ruyue’s heart sank. “The madam said she was drunk elsewhere. Even in such a state, she came looking for you. It seems she holds you in deep affection.”