Chapter 46

Hóng County's most bustling commercial street is called Huángdū Avenue, built along Hóng Lake, with three sides facing the lake. It forms a concave shape with Xiǎo Hóng Mountain, the concave area in the middle filled with painted boats and pleasure ships, creating a picturesque and magnificent scene.

The left section of Huángdū Avenue extends to Zhuàngyuán Pavilion and the county office, the middle section features an arched bridge called "Báilóng Bridge" that spans a tributary of Hóng Lake, connecting to the foot of Xiǎo Hóng Mountain, and the tail section is a busy large dock.

In addition to the most diverse goods, the busiest dock, and the most lively taverns in Hóng County, this is also the destination of their journey, with numerous pleasure houses and flower boats along Hóng Lake.

"Master Yuè, I have inquired, and Miss Sū is currently at Mingyuè Tower. Do you want to discuss matters at Mingyuè Tower, or would you prefer to take Miss Sū back to her painted boat for the discussion?" Captain Shí leaned close to the carriage curtain and asked for instructions.

Yuè Héng had never entered a pleasure house before and had no idea what a painted boat was, so he simply said, "I just want to find a quiet place to discuss a little tune with this Miss Sū and do a rehearsal. Arrange it as you see fit!"

"Very well! I will take the liberty of going to Mingyuè Tower!"

Captain Shí directed the beast-soul carriage to continue forward. Yuè Héng was somewhat excited; this was an officially supported health and wellness mission, with a county office vehicle and a captain leading the team, the specifications were really high!

According to County Magistrate Qí and others, this young lady named Sū Wēiwēi is nineteen years old, debuted at thirteen, and has gained widespread fame. She is as beautiful as a flower, talented in many ways, with a voice like a lark, skilled in various musical styles, and proficient in playing various instruments, making her the best musician in Hóng County.

Moreover, it is said that although Sū Wēiwēi often frequents pleasure houses, she maintains her purity and has high standards. Many elegant young men in Hóng County have wanted to marry her, and many have even come from other places. Several wealthy tycoons from the Great Capital and Wu Kingdom have offered thousands of gold pieces, and nobles from the Chu Kingdom have extended invitations, but no one has ever succeeded. She remains a pure courtesan, and her reputation continues to grow, spreading far and wide.

"Master Yuè, we have arrived at Mingyuè Tower!"

Captain Shí respectfully reported and then helped Yuè Héng out of the carriage.

In front of Mingyuè Tower, there were no heavily made-up girls waving silk handkerchiefs to attract customers, no slender beauties with charming smiles. The manager, standing under the giant signboard of "Mingyuè Tower," looked like a wronged little girl, accompanied by a few servants in waistcoats and guards in melon-shaped hats, smiling ingratiatingly at Captain Shí and Yuè Héng.

"Lord Shí, Master Yuè, please come in!"

Yuè Héng watched as the solemn Captain Shí and the armed soldiers led the way, sighing inwardly. With such a straightforward and official approach, the health and wellness mission was unlikely to happen, and it was clear that the manager was scared.

A few agile servants led the way, and Yuè Héng followed them up to the second floor, passing through elaborately decorated and magnificent corridors, arriving at a large room with exquisite exterior decoration.

At the door, there were rare winter musk orchids, which stood out from the vulgar atmosphere of Mingyuè Tower. Inside the room, it was very quiet, and no sound could be heard from outside.

"Master Yuè, I will not enter. As a public official, I cannot stay here for long. I will arrange for someone to guard the door and escort you back to the county academy after you are done."

"Thank you, Lord Shí. Please take your time."

Captain Shí left two soldiers at the stairs and hurriedly took his leave. Yuè Héng looked at the closed door, took a deep breath, and pushed it open.

The air in Mingyuè Tower was filled with the scent of cosmetics, but as he entered, the air suddenly became fresh. The window facing Hóng Lake was open, and a cold spring breeze blew in, dispelling the previous vulgar smell. The air was slightly fragrant, making Yuè Héng's mind much clearer.

A woman in a lake-blue dress was standing by the window, and Yuè Héng looked at her, inwardly exclaiming how beautiful she was. She was petite, with a slender waist, dressed in a traditional maiden's outfit, her back view evoking sympathy, making her a top-notch beauty.

The sound of the door opening startled her, and she turned around. Her bright eyes, white skin, and exquisite features were stunning, even with light makeup, her natural beauty was undeniable. For a moment, Yuè Héng forgot to breathe, staring at her in a daze. Indeed, she was as beautiful as her reputation suggested!

"Is the visitor Master Yuè?" The girl's voice was lively, clear, and melodious, incredibly pleasant to the ear.

"I am indeed Yuè Héng. Are you Miss Sū?" Yuè Héng bowed in greeting.

"I am indeed Sū Wēiwēi. Please sit, Master Yuè." Sū Wēiwēi lowered her head and bowed, indicating for Yuè Héng to sit in the chair in the center of the room. She then carefully closed the window and, with light steps, sat opposite him.

Yuè Héng tried to put aside his lascivious thoughts and focused on the matter at hand. He asked directly, "Miss Sū, you should know why I am here. I wonder..."

"Master Yuè, you must have had a tiring journey. Please have some tea." Sū Wēiwēi did not respond to his question. She picked up the dragon-phoenix teapot, carefully poured a cup of tea, and held it with both hands, offering it to Yuè Héng with a gentle and melodious voice, her eyes clear and bright.

Yuè Héng instinctively reached out to take the cup but realized he had no place to hold it. To take the tea, he would have to touch the girl's hand.

It wouldn't be right to be so forward on the first meeting...

He awkwardly pulled back and said, "Thank you, Miss Sū. Please put it down. I'll do it myself... I came to see you because..."

"Oh, I almost forgot to congratulate you on winning the top scholar title. Please forgive me, Master Yuè. I was being impolite." Sū Wēiwēi let out a small exclamation, interrupting Yuè Héng for the second time. She put down the teacup, stood up, and bowed slightly.

Anyone could see that something was amiss, so Yuè Héng decided to remain silent.

He boldly examined the beauty, admiring her flawless face, her delicate, snow-white skin, her not overly full but well-proportioned bust, and her impeccable manners.

The more he looked, the more captivated he became. He rested his right arm on the table, propping his chin, his smile growing wider, his throat constantly swallowing, and his eyes filled with playful amusement.

The beauty, however, showed no anger, instead presenting her best side to Yuè Héng with grace and dignity, her eyes clear and bright. After a while, she asked with a hint of shyness, "What type of little tune does Master Yuè like? Would you like me to sing one for you?"

"Of course, of course! I have long heard that Miss Sū is the best musician in Hóng County, and your reputation has spread throughout Qí Prefecture. I have been eager to hear you sing!" Yuè Héng sat up straight, his excitement evident on his face.

Sū Wēiwēi smiled and asked, "What would you like to hear?"

Yuè Héng rubbed his hands together and chuckled, "Do you know 'Eighteen Touches'?"

Although he had never heard of it, the title sounded inappropriate!

Sū Wēiwēi was taken aback, a flash of displeasure crossing her face before she resumed her sweet smile, pouting playfully, "Master Yuè, you are joking. I don't know that one."

Yuè Héng caught that moment of anger. So, you do get upset. This is the real you. Why always wear a professional smile that seems so fake?

He laughed even more, touching himself all over, and hummed, "One touch, two touches, touching sister's hair... Sing this!"

Yuè Héng pulled out a piece of paper from his chest, slapped it on the table, and flicked it with his finger, sending it flying to Sū Wēiwēi.

"'Who Says Women Are Inferior to Men?'" Sū Wēiwēi frowned slightly, looking at the lyrics written like a poem, her face showing surprise. "May I ask, Master Yuè, what is the tune name for this?"

Initially, lyrics were written to accompany a tune, and each song had a specific melody and rhythm, so the tune name corresponded to the melody. Upon seeing a new set of lyrics, a musician could immediately play the tune, usually without error.

Yuè Héng picked up the teacup, gently blew on the light mist floating on top, and casually said, "Yù tune..."

Sū Wēiwēi's mouth opened slightly, seemingly annoyed. She knew hundreds of tune names and songs but had never heard of the "Yù tune." Moreover, the format of the lyrics was completely different from what she was familiar with.

After sipping the tea, Yuè Héng found it incredibly refreshing, with a strong floral aroma that was invigorating and not overwhelming. This sweet and lingering taste was something he had never experienced before.

"Alright, if you haven't heard of the Yù tune, please try another tune you are familiar with."

"I will do my best."

Sū Wēiwēi quickly read through the paper, considering suitable tune names, and eventually chose two to sing. When she encountered extra lines or missing words, she used sighs, interjections, and elongated notes to transition smoothly, completing the song relatively well.

The moment she started singing, Yuè Héng stopped all other actions, focusing entirely on her face, listening to her heavenly voice, completely entranced.

"Truly as expected! It's breathtaking. A passionate and stirring song, sung by Miss Sū with such power, and two different tune names, each with a unique flavor! I am truly impressed!"

Yuè Héng stood up, moved, and clapped enthusiastically, lavishing praise on Sū Wēiwēi's voice. This was the most beautiful voice he had ever heard, and calling it celestial music was not an exaggeration!

Sū Wēiwēi's face turned slightly red. She put down the lyrics, lowered her head, and bowed to Yuè Héng, "Master Yuè, you are too kind. Your lyrics are even better."

Just as Yuè Héng was about to speak, he faintly heard a loud argument outside. He frowned, listened carefully, and realized it was the soldiers guarding the stairs and a woman arguing, and they seemed to be getting closer to the door.

He immediately turned around, standing a丈 (about 3.3 meters) in front of Sū Wēiwēi, facing the door, and asked vigilantly, "Miss Sū, do you have any visitors?"

"From the sound, it seems to be an acquaintance."

As soon as she finished speaking, the door was pushed open. Yuè Héng looked closely and saw it was the fat girl Yào Xī, whom he had just met not long ago.

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