Your Majesty, Please Stop!

Chapter 57: The Courtesan Xiaoli Hua

Such a beautiful jade covered in dust, are you worthy of your good appearance? Have you gone mad? Going to that filthy place, hasn't your family taught you that a young man should learn to protect himself when he's outside?

This really infuriates me!

Murong Yunxi stamped her foot in embarrassment and annoyance. "I've really misjudged you!"

Xin Zhuo: "?"

The maidservants opened their mouths in surprise and quickly whispered, "Second Miss, what's wrong with you?"

"Ah..."

Murong Yunxi's face grew even redder. She quickly pinched her handkerchief and let out a light laugh, bowing politely. "Let the young master know that such a place of fireworks is the dirtiest. It shouldn't be difficult for you to find a girl from a good family. Why go there?

If you're feeling bored at night, it's better to practice martial arts or play the flute, write poetry, or paint. Those are all great options..."

"?"

Xin Zhuo felt a bit disheartened. Is it really so difficult to ask for directions? How good of a teacher is she?

He turned and walked away.

"I haven't finished yet! Stop." Murong Yunxi hurried a few steps, seeing that Xin Zhuo ignored her. She had no choice but to say, "On the other side of the river, the seventh house on the left. Cross the bridge in front."

Xin Zhuo looked across and couldn't help but curse Murong Xiu's sisters in his heart. He was looking for the seventh house on the left with his face to the east and back to the west. What he meant was the seventh house on the left with his face to the west and back to the east!

We came from the west, and you habitually described it from the east. How could a bandit like me understand?

"Thank you!"

He nodded and walked towards the nearby bridge.

Murong Yunxi stopped and then stamped her foot in unwillingness before catching up.

The maidservants and the hidden guards behind them quickly followed. "Second Miss, what are you doing?"

"I haven't told him where my house is or what my name is!"

Murong Yunxi said naturally, "Also, I don't believe that he would really go to the Drunken Heart Tower. Hmph!"

The maidservant exclaimed, "Second Miss, men and women should not be too close, and... don't you like the Chief Constable? The family head has already agreed!"

"No!" Murong Yunxi narrowed her eyes. "I've changed my mind. I don't like that big guy anymore. He's not good-looking, and he has pimples on his face. Suddenly, I think he's ugly, and he smells sweaty. I'm really disgusted! This one is much better. By the way, what's the name of this young master?"

"I didn't ask!"

...

"Miss, look, there are so many flower boats on the river. It's so beautiful!"

Dong Ling, the little maid, was extremely happy tonight, pointing here and there. Then her gaze froze and pointed to a certain place. "Huh? Murong Yunxi, the second miss of the Murong family, she's actually here too."

Su Miaojin casually glanced over. She did know Murong Yunxi, but they had only exchanged a few words and weren't very familiar. Especially now that her brother had become a bandit and humiliated her like that, her opinion of the Murong family had changed somewhat. She was even less willing to approach Murong Yunxi.

But with just a casual glance, she saw a familiar figure in front of Murong Yunxi and couldn't help but freeze.

...

Xin Zhuo was already standing in front of the "Drunken Heart Tower."

It was a complex structure with carved beams and painted rafters, colorful lacquer, and several layers deep. It was three points more magnificent than the surrounding courtyards. Rows of dazzling red lanterns hung in front of the door. Just getting closer would be reflected in a body full of red colors, adding a touch of charm to the heart.

The three characters "Drunken Heart Tower" on the plaque above the gate were written in a lively and elegant manner, but it was unclear which talented poet's hand they came from.

On both sides of the plaque, there are pavilion-like corridors extending outwards. A row of girls dressed in thin veils, exposing their delicate shoulders, lightly wave their handkerchiefs, their fiery gazes fixed on all the passersby below.

They may not be considered very beautiful, but with heavy makeup, gathering in groups of three or five, and posing coquettishly, coupled with the strong scent of powder, it is hard not to feel a bit of excitement in one's heart, wishing to shout out:

"Young man, I xxx you!"

In my previous life, I didn't dare to enter such a place because I had no money.

Xin Zhuo sighed slightly, took a step forward, and as soon as he entered the gate, his eyes were pricked again. The decorations inside were even more magnificent, with golden accents, red flowers, cloud patterns, and shy motifs throughout.

The first floor had scattered seats, while the second floor had private rooms. In the middle, there was a red carpet leading directly to the stairs to the second floor.

By now, most of the people had already occupied the scattered seats on the first floor. A group of young servants in green caps shuttled back and forth, carrying drinks, while some pretty girls looked around and poured wine.

It was quite lively!

"Oh! Young master, it's been a while since you last came!"

A woman in her thirties, heavily made up, smiled before speaking, lightly patting Xin Zhuo's shoulder. Then, she paused for a moment, carefully examining Xin Zhuo to confirm that he wasn't a woman disguised as a man. Only then did she feel relieved. "What a handsome young man! I've never seen such a beautiful young man before. Today, whether you call me 'miss' or order drinks, it's all half price for you!"

Look at her way of speaking and her emotional intelligence. Which saleswoman in my previous life could compare?

Do you still hire waitresses here? I really like this place.

Xin Zhuo almost blurted out these words, but he coughed lightly and said, "I'm here to find a girl!"

"How many people come here who aren't looking for a girl?"

The woman had a knowing look on her face. She took his hand and led him to the innermost empty table, waving for a servant to bring a pot of wine and some snacks. She leaned in close, staring at Xin Zhuo's face, her eyes almost watery. "Young master, you're really rare. It's been over ten years since I entertained someone. Although I'm getting older, I'm skilled in all kinds of techniques. Tonight... I won't charge you any money. How about that, my dear?"

As she spoke, her voice became flirtatious, and her body softened halfway.

Xin Zhuo was a bit at a loss. He didn't quite understand this courtesan culture. He didn't know if this lady was teasing him or being serious.

The joy of freeloading?

Who's freeloading on whom?

Just as he didn't know how to respond, a bearded man in the distance angrily said, "Feng Jie, there's hair in the peanuts. What's going on? Come here!"

"Sister will be right there. Even if sister doesn't appeal to you, sister will find someone of similar age for you later. Afterward, you must get close to sister, hehehe..."

The woman wanted to pinch Xin Zhuo's face, but he easily dodged, causing her to pause and give him a seductive look before swaying her waist and hips away. "I'm coming, I'm coming!"

Xin Zhuo let out a sigh of relief and scanned the surroundings. According to Murong Xiu's words, this Xiaoli Hua was the top courtesan of Zui Xin Lou. She usually kept a low profile and only occasionally played a few tunes on the zither.

I wonder how I'll meet her later.

The key is, I don't even know her. It seems I'll have to use some tricks.

"How about we get a private room?"

"No need, it's lively downstairs!"

Jiang Hezhu and a group of young masters walked in without waiting for a greeting, choosing an empty table to sit down.

Following closely behind, Shangguan Fanqing entered with her maid, Haitang. Brothels were not allowed to bring family members, but with enough money and no trouble, they could turn a blind eye.

The two of them also chose a corner to sit down, conveniently not far from Xin Zhuo, almost face to face.

Shangguan Fanqing casually glanced around the hall and saw Xin Zhuo across from her. She couldn't help but exclaim, "What a young man with high eyebrows and low eyes, wandering around, with a touch of sadness and sharpness. It's somewhat similar to me!"

She didn't recognize Xin Zhuo all at once. That day, Xin Zhuo had ash smeared on his face.

(End of this chapter)