Volume One, Chapter 14: The Strong One from ??

The madam of the brothel mistakenly assumed these two men preferred women of her own age, and with a sly smile said, "Oh my, sir, I’m already ten years older than you. If you like someone more mature, don’t worry, we have just the ones here!"

Zhao Yun released the madam’s hand, his tone icy cold as he said, “Get lost. What are you thinking? Our young master comes from the Qing Kingdom, a man of noble status. The only thing we lack here is silver. We’re merely passing through Qizhou, and we heard there’s a girl named Xiaoxiao who’s quite something. Don’t bother arranging anyone else—just bring Xiaoxiao here.”

The madam’s face momentarily clouded over, but quickly blossomed into a radiant smile. “It’s clear this young master has noble status and must have seen all kinds of girls. The ones I find for you may not be Xiaoxiao, but rest assured, they are the best in Chunmanlou. In beauty and figure, they won’t lose to Xiaoxiao!”

At that moment, Bai Choujiang, who had been sitting quietly beside them, drained the wine in his cup and said with displeasure, “Oh? Madam, from what you say, this Xiaoxiao sounds quite haughty. She’s in a brothel, yet acts all high and mighty. Go and bring her here for me!”

With that, he pulled a pouch of money from his sleeve and tossed it onto the table.

The madam, dressed to dazzle, half-sat on Bai Choujiang’s knee, one hand caressing his face while the other weighed the pouch. Feeling at least several dozen gold coins inside, she smiled, “Young master, you are a distinguished guest of Chunmanlou. But Xiaoxiao is a pure courtesan—she doesn’t sell herself. Even if she sang a few songs, it wouldn’t be meaningful and would only spoil your mood.”

Bai Choujiang pinched the madam’s hip, causing her to let out a coy “Oh!” before pretending to be annoyed. “Zi Long, since we’re not on our own turf, finding entertainment is seen down upon. Even getting a girl is met with all sorts of refusals. Damn it, what a bore—let’s go!”

Zhao Yun glared at the madam as well and took the pouch from her, feigning departure.

The madam quickly rose, circled behind Bai Choujiang, placed her hands on his shoulders, pressing her bosom against the back of his neck, and cooed, “Oh, young master, why be in such a hurry? Don’t misunderstand me. It’s not that I refuse to bring Xiaoxiao, nor that I look down on you. It’s just that Xiaoxiao’s been somewhat indisposed these past two days.”

She paused, calculating in her mind. After all, nobody turns down money. Then she bit her lip and said, “I’ll find a way. I’ll have her come sing a couple of songs for you later—would that please the two young masters?”

Bai Choujiang sighed softly, a hint of disappointment in his voice. “I’m not one to force things, but if she only comes to sing a few hurried songs tonight, that’s really no fun. Here’s what we’ll do—madam, book her for me two nights from now.”

Zhao Yun smiled inwardly. Two nights from now was the date Wei Tianpeng had arranged a secret meeting with Xiaoxiao; the madam would surely refuse again. But since she had already turned us down twice, she’d have to give an explanation.

Sure enough, the madam exclaimed in surprise, “Two nights from now is impossible! Oh dear, my two beloved brothers, you really know how to pick dates. Since you’re traveling from afar, how about this: a week from now, any day you wish, I’ll reserve Xiaoxiao for you!”

Bai Choujiang gave Zhao Yun a slight nod.

Zhao Yun sighed and said impatiently, “Since the madam is making things difficult, our young master won’t insist. Bring a few girls over instead.”

Then he turned to the hall outside the private room, pointing at the courtesans mingling and toasting with guests. He said with disdain, “Don’t bother with girls of this level. Even I wouldn’t care for them, let alone our young master. And is this the usual noisy environment of Chunmanlou? Can’t you find a quiet place?”

Seeing Bai Choujiang no longer pressing about Xiaoxiao, the madam’s face lit up with a smile. “Young masters, please enjoy some hot tea and pastries here first. I’ll arrange a quiet pavilion in the backyard and select a few beauties with excellent voices, appearances, and talents. Then you may come and fetch them, how does that sound?”

Zhao Yun waved his hand impatiently, signaling her to hurry up.

After the madam left, the two exchanged smiles. As long as they could get into the backyard, their plan for the night would be a success.

Both were visiting such a pleasure quarter for the first time. Sipping the fragrant tea on the table, their eyes drifted toward the bustling main hall.

Though this was the front courtyard for ordinary guests, the decorations were extravagantly luxurious.

Four massive wooden pillars wrapped in gauzy silk and golden threads stood tall. The walls were clad in brocade, and even the felt ceiling was embroidered with a scene of spring blossoms in full bloom. At the central raised platform, a courtesan sang languidly, accompanied by a few scantily clad geishas dancing gracefully to the music.

Below the stage, over ten tables hosted guests and courtesans in lively toasts.

They watched with interest until one table caught Bai Choujiang’s attention.

“Huh?” Bai Choujiang’s gaze fixed on that table, puzzled. “Zi Long, look—the two men there haven’t called for any girls to keep them company.”

Zhao Yun followed Bai Choujiang’s gaze and casually remarked, “Maybe they don’t care for the girls here. They’re probably just drinking and enjoying the scene.”

“That young master is somewhat understandable, but the elder gentleman next to him—he must be at least sixty. It’s strange to see him here,” Bai Choujiang murmured.

Zhao Yun smiled knowingly, “That’s what they call a man who remains a youth at heart until his last breath.”

Bai Choujiang didn’t reply but stared more closely at the pair.

The older man and the younger gentleman were dressed plainly.

Though the elder’s beard and sideburns were white as snow, his posture was straight and his eyes bright. He simply drank his tea with his head lowered, but Bai Choujiang felt an almost imperceptible yet terrifying aura radiating from him—a sense of oppression so intense that even when Bai Choujiang met Tong Yuan that day, he hadn’t sensed anything like it.

The young master was slight but fair-skinned, his face like a peach blossom, with lively, spirited eyes, a prominent nose, and sharply defined lips. His entire being seemed to exude a lazy charm.

Bai Choujiang couldn’t help but glance at Zhao Yun.

Zhao Yun asked, “What is it?”

“Nothing. I just think that young master is incredibly handsome. Even a magnificent beauty like you looks like stars competing with the moon beside him,” Bai Choujiang said.

Zhao Yun nearly spat out the tea he was sipping, embarrassed, and smiled. “Chou, I don’t know whether that’s a compliment or not.”

Bai Choujiang thought to himself: Today, I’ve only used ‘Discern’ twice on Xin Qiji, and I still have two uses left.

So he said no more, and first activated the ‘Discern’ skill on the young master.

A status bar appeared above his head:

Martial Arts: Xuanyuan Imperial Power, Carefree Chaos Palm, Heaven and Earth Infinite Blade;

Weapon: Northern Darkness Blade (Legendary);

Power Level: 30th Heaven;

Battle Intent Level: Heavenly.

Wow! The names of his martial arts sounded so imposing, and he wielded a legendary divine weapon. He must be from a top noble family.

After this realization, Bai Choujiang used ‘Discern’ on the elder man, but unexpectedly, three question marks appeared above his head!

He had only used ‘Discern’ twice today, so the limit wasn’t exceeded.

Suddenly, Bai Choujiang recalled the system’s note: ‘Discern is ineffective against those with power level above 45th Heaven and battle intent level divine or higher.’

Could this elder’s power level truly be 45th Heaven or above?!

Bai Choujiang’s mouth dropped open in disbelief.

Just then, the madam, dressed to captivate, sashayed in. Neither said another word.

She smiled apologetically, “Young masters, everything is arranged. The environment is much quieter over there. Please follow me.”

At the long corridor connecting the backyard and front courtyard, several guards stood watch, but seeing the madam herself leading, they let them pass.

“Isn’t this just a brothel? Do you really need so many guards?” Bai Choujiang asked casually.

The madam turned and smiled. “Young master, you don’t know. The front courtyard doesn’t need so many guards, but those who come to the backyard are usually powerful and influential people like yourselves. You want peace and quiet, right? So not only here but also outside, we’ve deployed plenty of skilled men. You can rest assured while you’re here.”

Bai Choujiang said nothing further. Combining this with the bird’s-eye view Xin Qiji had painted in his mind, he examined the surroundings carefully.

As Xin Qiji had described, the backyard of Chunmanlou truly was the most beautiful garden in Qizhou.

The garden was lush and green, fragrant with blooming flowers. Rare blossoms vied for attention, artificial hills and scattered rocks created intriguing shapes, and several small pavilions were built harmoniously with the terrain. The entire layout was pleasing to the eye. If one didn’t know it was a pleasure quarter, one might easily mistake it for an imperial garden.

Bai Choujiang admired the scenery, amazed at Xin Qiji’s artistry. He thought, That bird’s-eye view was so detailed—the corridors, pavilions, and small bridges perfectly proportioned. I just can’t believe Xin Qiji told Li Qingzhao he’d only been here a few times.

At that moment, the two arrived before a quaint two-story pavilion. Crafted from fine elm wood, it exuded a sense of calm with a touch of elegance. The steps were made of white jade stone, the roof tiled with yellow glazed tiles edged in green glaze. Two exquisite octagonal lotus lanterns hung under the eaves. Through the half-open window, one could glimpse the lively, sensuous scene within.