chapter 21

“Oh, gentlemen, I have not had the pleasure to see you in a while . Girls, come out and greet the guests . ”

“Haha, yes . It has been a long time . Would we be fortunate enough to see Painting Fairy today?”

“It would be your luck, Miss Painting Fairy is preparing a poetry opening today . If your poem is particularly valued, you may be invited to a private drink with her . ”

“Hm? So our luck is quite good after all, haha . ”

“Come, this way . ”

…

Not sure how to say it, but although the Warring States had classier brothels and courtesans, it didn’t deviate too much from Gu Nan’s mental image of them .

Right through the gate, she was hit with the rich smell of powdered perfume . The guests sat around drinking while a female attendant neatly refilled their wine . Occasionally, Gu Nan saw a few repulsive men groping around, not that the girls resisted or anything, just merely chuckling .

She looked around and noted the nicely-decorated interior, the high-class guests, and fine furniture .

This was to be expected . The earliest brothels were not the run-down places of the modern era . Rather, they were bright pavilions for the entertainment of the privileged .

Still, it’s hard to describe such an environment . The place wasn’t too noisy, even perhaps quiet . There will be some private whispers and some giggling from time to time .

Briefly glancing at the provocative attire and attendants, Gu Nan’s face turned a bit red .

…

The old madam saw an unfamiliar guest walk in . In just a glance, her gaze started to shine . Her experience was screaming VIP .

The guest wore a black robe with contrasting stitching and embroidering . Black in this era represented a special status and honor . It was a robe color unique to the nobility and high class and unavailable to average civilians .

His figure was not very strong though, and it made the robes fall a bit loose on his shoulders . But, his face was very handsome and a sword-like gaze poured out unintentionally . The long black hair was tied in a simple bun, but even that furthered his complexity . All this incites people into taking another look .

His figure stopped not too far from the entrance . He took a long moment to scan the surroundings but became flustered at the sight of the loose dresses and pervasive perfume .

It seems this is an inexperienced young child .

The old madam smiled quickly walked up with a brisk speed .

“Distinguished young master, I saw you standing here for a while . Do you need any assistance?” The old madam smiled and patted Gu Nan’s shoulder in reassurance .

“To be honest, our girls much rather prefer a young master such as yourself . ”

Unsure what to say, Gu Nan’s face turned stiff and stammered a response .

“I, I’ll take a jar of wine . ”

“Alright, then would young master find a seat over there . ” She didn’t really care how much Gu Nan spent, but she just found this person to be interesting, and a person worth building familiarity with .

After that, the old madam walked away .

Gu Nan touched her nose and sat down at an empty table .

She started to regret that Bai Qi didn’t give her enough allowance that she could come to drink here regularly . But then again, if that old man knew she was coming to the brothel, she feared the heavenly punishment that awaited her .

Ah, never mind .

Gu Nan looked around at the other pairs conversing around, yet she was sitting alone and doing nothing .

Hmm?

She then heard a voice from beside her that interrupted her thoughts . “Little brother, is anyone sitting here? If not, could I sit here?”

The voice seemed gentle, and she looked to see a young man in his twenties .

He was dressed in robes of the same black color as her . However, the difference was that his materials and craftsmanship were obviously much better . Along the edges were some faint patterns of gold .

“Ah, there’s no one . Brothers feel free to sit . ” She didn’t mind the company of others, especially since it would relieve the embarrassment of sitting alone .

“Thank you . ” The man smiled and sat down next to Gu Nan . She smelled a subtle fragrance, but since she already in the perfumed brothel, it made little difference .

“I am Zhao Yiren . ”

Zhao Yiren? What a strange name .

Gu Nan didn’t put too much thought to it and replied, “Gu Nan . ”

The table was quiet, and because the two were strangers, there was nothing to converse about .

The old madam quickly walked back, bringing a jar of wine .

Gu Nan took the wine and filled his cup but didn’t yet drink .

Sensing her embarrassment, Zhao Yiren laughed slightly . “Would this be Brother’s first time to Dongzhan Pavillion?”

“Uhm” Gu Nan placed down the cup, as her mouth frowning slightly . “How did Brother know?”

Zhao Yiren called for his own jar of wine and smiled . “Well, you didn’t select for any of the female attendants, neither did you go talk to any acquaintances . Furthermore, you seemed quite uncomfortable even drinking wine . What else could it be?”

Though chuckling, he at least provided some reassurance . “Little Brother doesn’t need to be so concerned . After your first time, this will become a familiar place, haha . ”

I’m currently stuck in a dilemma . What do you know! I can’t really call for a girl . Who knows what’ll happen .

Feeling depressed, she sighed . “Thank you, Brother, for your advice . ”

Seeing that Gu Nan was rather sullen, Zhao Yiren coughed and took another sip of his wine . “Do you know why today’s so busy?”

This piqued her interest as she scanned the large hall . It was indeed abnormal for such a full place, especially the shuffling crowds and lack of empty seats .

Because everyone kept a tacit level of quietness, she had failed to notice . But looking up, it was certainly strange . Frowning, she asked, “I really don’t know . ”

“Ha, it means that Little Brother has good luck . Today is Miss Painting Fairy’s poetry opening . If you spend 50 gold, you can present a poem in front of everyone . If she likes it, you can have a private meeting . ”

“50 gold, just to present a poem?” The corner of her mouth was twitching . She didn’t have fifty gold on her whole body .

I bought a horse for twenty, thirty gold, yet to present a poem . Daylight robbery!

“Yes . ” Zhao Yiren took a nod of full seriousness . “It’s rumored that the Painting Fairy is skilled in both arts and the brush . She’s a talented woman with beauty surpassing countless others . Many men have tried getting close to her, but all have failed . Fifty gold, I would pay five hundred just to see such a gifted maiden!”

In his passionate speech, he failed to notice Gu Nan biting down on her cup in jealousy .

This kind of living is too extravagant!