The following evening, beneath a full moon hanging high in the sky—
The capital’s largest and most prestigious pleasure house, Drunken Flower Pavilion, was bustling with music and revelry.
Beautifully dressed women in dazzling colors hid their smiles behind round fans, swaying their slender waists as they welcomed guests.
On the third floor.
Along a corridor draped with colorful silks, the madam led a seductive beauty carrying a pipa toward the most luxurious private room.
As they walked, the madam repeatedly opened and closed her lips painted in bright rose-red lipstick, seemingly wanting to say something yet hesitating.
Finally, just before they reached the door, she could no longer hold back.
“Manniang…”
The woman called Manniang was Drunken Flower Pavilion’s courtesan queen.
She possessed breathtaking charm and beauty.
And her pipa skills were nothing short of divine.
Whenever she played, listeners became utterly intoxicated, as though they had entered a paradise of tenderness.
“What is it, Madam?”
Manniang’s lovely face remained as calm as ever.
She looked completely unconcerned about the identity of the person she was about to entertain.
The madam, however, wore a strange expression.
Her eyes darted toward the private room before quickly pulling back.
It was the look of someone who had lived a long life and suddenly discovered something that challenged everything she thought she knew.
Grabbing Manniang’s arm, she stopped and whispered:
“Manniang, you’ve always been a good and obedient girl.
But I still need to remind you of something.”
She lowered her voice further.
“The guest inside spent an enormous amount of money specifically for you.
No matter how different this guest is from your previous customers, you absolutely cannot refuse, understand?”
The madam glanced around nervously.
“I suspect both master and servant are in disguise.
They could very well be some noble person from the capital whom we absolutely cannot afford to offend.
So whatever happens, endure it.
Whatever they ask, just cooperate.
Besides, you won’t suffer any loss.
After tonight, I’ll compensate you double.
I’ll even give you half of those gold ingots myself.”
Despite having mentally prepared herself…
The moment Manniang stepped into the room and saw the two people inside, the smile on her face froze.
This…
Why are they two young women…?
Is this what Madam meant by “different”?
…
This is far too different!
That alone would have been surprising enough.
But judging by appearances, Manniang felt old enough to be these girls’ mother.
Of course, she was exaggerating.
Manniang was only thirty years old, right in the prime of her charm.
The misconception stemmed from Shang Changge and Qingyao’s disguises, which made them appear considerably younger than they actually were.
“Oh my!”
The madam let out an exaggerated cry and immediately pushed Manniang forward.
She was terrified of offending the wealthy patron who had practically showered her with money.
“Manniang, why are you still standing there?
Hurry over!”
Then she turned toward Shang Changge, who was seated by the window, and offered a fawning smile.
“M-Miss! Ah, no, no, no—I mean honored guest!
Please don’t mind me.
Before coming here, I carefully explained everything to Manniang.”
Her smile grew increasingly ingratiating.
“Whether you’d like to hear music…
Or perhaps do something else…
Manniang will definitely ensure you’re satisfied.”
One of Shang Changge’s eyebrows arched dramatically.
She immediately realized the madam had misunderstood something.
But instead of correcting the misunderstanding—
She decided to make it worse.
Smiling, she replied:
“Then I’ll thank you in advance, Madam.”
The confirmation from the customer herself nearly shattered the madam’s composure.
After a few more rounds of excessive flattery, she finally retreated.
Before leaving, she repeatedly winked and gestured at Manniang as though entrusting her with a mission of national importance.
Then she shut the door behind her.
Outside the room.
The madam walked down the carpeted corridor.
Every few steps she looked back.
Meanwhile she vigorously fanned herself with her round fan.
“Good heavens…”
She muttered under her breath.
“I’ve truly broadened my horizons today.”
Inside the private room.
Manniang’s mental fortitude proved impressive.
She had already recovered her composure.
Gracefully moving forward, her elegant figure settled beside Shang Changge.
As she poured wine, she glanced at her guest.
A faint blush appeared on her face.
In a soft, shy voice, she said:
“This is the first time I’ve ever received a guest like you, Miss.
I must admit, I’m rather nervous.”
Her eyes lowered bashfully.
“How about we begin with three cups of wine?
Then I can play a tune for you.
After that…
We can discuss more important matters.”
Shang Changge smiled ambiguously.
“No need.”
Manniang’s expression stiffened once more.
Having teased her enough, Shang Changge lost interest in continuing the charade.
She went straight to the point.
“I’d rather not listen to your music and end up having strange dreams about you afterward.”
Qingyao didn’t understand what she meant.
Manniang, however—
Her expression changed instantly.
Clutching her pipa, she shot to her feet.
Retreating several steps, she created distance between herself and the two visitors.
The warmth vanished from her face.
Her eyes became cold and guarded.
“I don’t understand what you’re talking about, Miss.”