Chapter 75

When Xia Hongsheng returned to the military workshop, he found that the blacksmiths inside had been replaced. The group that had forged the horseshoes last time was nowhere to be seen, and all were new faces. Xia Hongsheng understood; it seemed that when he left after the horseshoes were made, he saw soldiers helping the blacksmiths move. It was likely that Qu Tugong, for the sake of confidentiality, had them controlled. This was the right thing to do; if Qu Tugong hadn't done it, Xia Hongsheng would have reminded him. Confidentiality must be maintained, especially when it involves significant technology. Technology is the primary productive force; with technology, everything is possible. Without it, one can only be at a loss. In the modern world, you can see how strictly the Americans control and keep their technology secret, which is why they can always stay ahead. After the new-style sabers are forged this time, the workshop will likely have another batch of blacksmiths. This is correct; different technologies should not be mastered by the same people. Otherwise, if that person is captured by the enemy, these technologies will be in danger. It must be said that sometimes the confidentiality of technology is more important than human life.

Xia Hongsheng handed the detailed drawings of the new-style saber to the blacksmiths. A deputy general sent by Qu Tugong and a group of soldiers guarded the workshop, and Xia Hongsheng left. He needed to find Yue Xian and tell her his plan, and also visit Xu Qixian. The news of his ennoblement could be kept from others for now, but Xu Qixian must be informed, as his uncle had recommended him.

"Your Lordship, let me find a carriage for you," said a young, strong man behind Xia Hongsheng, bowing.

This was the youngest of Qu Tugong's personal guards, assigned to protect Xia Hongsheng. Qu Tugong said that since Xia Hongsheng was now a founding county male, it wouldn't be fitting without a personal attendant. Besides, if someone like the son of the magistrate of Zhao County tried to cause trouble again, there would be someone to protect him. The young man, though not very muscular, was strong and had a fierce look, having fought in battles. His father was also Qu Tugong's personal guard and died protecting him, and the son continued to serve Qu Tugong. Xia Hongsheng found the title "Lord" too pretentious and made the young man call him "young master" instead.

"No need, we can walk. By the way, I don't even know your name, brother," Xia Hongsheng shook his head and smiled at the soldier.

"My name is Qi Yong, young master," the soldier replied, bowing. He looked lean but strong, and his posture was fierce. Xia Hongsheng suddenly wondered how he would fare in a fight with the wandering knight he met in Luhun.

Xia Hongsheng was still not used to his new title and couldn't put on any airs. He chatted and laughed with Qi Yong all the way, making Qi Yong feel that this young lord was humble and easy to get along with.

When they arrived at the Xunfang Pavilion, Qi Yong's expression changed, but he didn't show it on his face. "I am a soldier, and the general has strict rules against entering brothels. I'll wait outside, young master."

"Don't think too much! I promised to give Yue Xian some poems. I'll just go in and say a few words and come out soon," Xia Hongsheng rolled his eyes and entered the Xunfang Pavilion. Once inside, he realized his mistake; the Xunfang Pavilion was so large, and he had no idea where Yue Xian was.

Xia Hongsheng scratched his head and looked around. Soon, some women called out to him, trying to lure him in. He politely declined and was just about to worry when he heard a voice: "Young Master Xia?!"

He turned around and saw Qiao'er, Yue Xian's attendant.

"Young Master Xia! It really is you! I thought it looked like you. Young Master Xia, are you alright?" Qiao'er, being lively, immediately started chattering.

"I'm fine. I'm here to see Yue Xian and discuss the matter she entrusted to me," Xia Hongsheng nodded.

"Great!" Qiao'er clapped her hands and, without any hesitation, grabbed Xia Hongsheng and ran inside: "Miss is in the back!"

Xia Hongsheng was pulled to the back, turning left and right, and finally stopped at a door. Qiao'er turned to him and smiled: "Hehe, Miss is inside! I have some things to do, so I won't accompany you, young master!"

She then ran off.

Xia Hongsheng smiled and shook his head. Qiao'er was indeed very lively and straightforward. He smiled and knocked three times on the door, saying, "Yue Xian, it's Xia Hongsheng."

The door creaked open, and another beautiful woman stood behind it. Seeing Xia Hongsheng, she smiled and bowed respectfully, saying, "I greet Young Master Xia. Miss has been worried about you. Please come in, young master!"

Xia Hongsheng entered and smelled a fresh fragrance, making him feel refreshed. Then, he saw Yue Xian in a simple dress walking quickly towards him.

"Young Master Xia, did the young ruffian cause you any trouble after you saved my sisters and me? Are you alright?" Yue Xian looked at Xia Hongsheng worriedly and, with a light exclamation, reached out to touch his brow: "Did they hit you, Young Master Xia?!"

Her fingertips lightly touched Xia Hongsheng's brow, and the cool, smooth sensation made his heart suddenly tighten, as if he had been electrocuted. He quickly turned his head and stepped back, shaking his head: "No, just some bruises. Don't worry, Yue Xian. I don't think they will cause any more trouble. They probably got a good beating themselves."

"It's all because of me..." Yue Xian's face showed guilt, and her expression darkened, making Xia Hongsheng's heart tighten again.

"Let's not talk about that. Yue Xian, I have a plan, and I'll tell you about it."

Since the goal is to win the title of the most beautiful courtesan, the most attractive methods must be used. Xia Hongsheng had already seen the courtesans from various regions, and each was a paragon of beauty and talent. To stand out from such a group and gain more popularity, it would be quite difficult. Therefore, Yue Xian must have her unique qualities, distinct from the other courtesans, so that the audience can see her at a glance and feel a sense of freshness and uniqueness. This uniqueness must also be beautiful, making the audience feel that she is unique and irreplaceable, and that this uniqueness is genuine and beautiful, not just for show.

Yue Xian has the potential to become the most beautiful courtesan because her气质在这群各地花魁中非常特别。与其他各地花魁的浓艳明丽不同，月仙身上带有一种清冷静谧的出尘意味，比之其他各地花魁，少了一丝妩媚，却多了一种英气。正所谓万绿丛中一点红，那万红丛中的一点绿同样能够吸引眼球。这种气质是月仙的一个特色，也是她与其他各地花魁不同的地方。夏鸿升的计划就是全面衬托和配合她身上的这种清冷的出尘之意和英气，将她身上的这种特点更加凸显出来，从而将月仙与其他各地花魁区分开来，成为这次斗花魁中一个特别的存在。

其他各地花魁虽然也会别出心裁，但无论如何都逃不过青楼冶艳的范畴。那天看那些各地花魁的表演，夏鸿升就明白了这一点，而这正是月仙的机会。

“月仙姑娘，想必自己也知道，其他各地花魁走的路子并不适合你。与她们相比，月仙姑娘少了些亲和，少了些娇媚冶艳，所以如果月仙姑娘也循着她们的法子来，势必违和，不伦不类。”夏鸿升坐下来，盼儿端来了茶水，夏鸿升这才注意到盼儿用的是茗香居的新茶，用的也是冲泡之法，看来茗香居对炒茶茶叶的推广很是成功。

月仙点了点头：“奴家也知道，比起其他各位姐姐们，自己确实不如。可那些博笑手段，奴家又真的使不出来，若由着奴家，想必一定会被底下的看客所恶，落下个呆板做作的恶名来……所以奴家才想着拜托夏公子，想着能从内容上胜出一筹。公子近来名头正盛，奴家若能祭出公子的诗作来，想必看客一定会冲着公子的诗作，看好奴家的。”

“呵呵，在下可没有说非得妖媚冶艳才有人欣赏。殊不知，这冷艳出尘，英气逼人，却会令那些看客眼前一亮？”夏鸿升笑着端起杯子喝了一口，问道：“月仙姑娘，在下喜欢捣鼓一些吃食玩意儿，就拿这个打个比方，岂不知大鱼大肉吃多了，反而没有滋味，遇见一盘清素小菜，顿觉清新可口，回味无穷？看客何如食客，那些各地花魁何不若大鱼大肉？初尝几口，香腻诱人，可若满桌皆是，吃过几巡，便倒人胃口，食不下咽了。这种时候，便感觉到那清素小菜的美味了。那些看客们同是此理，看惯了青楼冶艳，姑娘却反其道而行，演绎出一分没有那胭脂水粉气的清淡来，便恰若那满桌肥肉中的清淡小菜，怡然可口。”

月仙愣了一愣，很快想明白了，睁大了眼睛，满是期冀的目光看着夏鸿升，起身盈盈到了夏鸿升近前，再次行了个五体投地的大礼，激动地说：“月仙拜谢公子！”

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When Xia Hongsheng returned to the military workshop, he found that the blacksmiths inside had been replaced. The group that had forged the horseshoes last time was nowhere to be seen, and all were new faces. Xia Hongsheng understood; it seemed that when he left after the horseshoes were made, he saw soldiers helping the blacksmiths move. It was likely that Qu Tugong, for the sake of confidentiality, had them controlled. This was the right thing to do; if Qu Tugong hadn't done it, Xia Hongsheng would have reminded him. Confidentiality must be maintained, especially when it involves significant technology. Technology is the primary productive force; with technology, everything is possible. Without it, one can only be at a loss. In the modern world, you can see how strictly the Americans control and keep their technology secret, which is why they can always stay ahead. After the new-style sabers are forged this time, the workshop will likely have another batch of blacksmiths. This is correct; different technologies should not be mastered by the same people. Otherwise, if that person is captured by the enemy, these technologies will be in danger. It must be said that sometimes the confidentiality of technology is more important than human life.

Xia Hongsheng handed the detailed drawings of the new-style saber to the blacksmiths. A deputy general sent by Qu Tugong and a group of soldiers guarded the workshop, and Xia Hongsheng left. He needed to find Yue Xian and tell her his plan, and also visit Xu Qixian. The news of his ennoblement could be kept from others for now, but Xu Qixian must be informed, as his uncle had recommended him.

"Your Lordship, let me find a carriage for you," said a young, strong man behind Xia Hongsheng, bowing.

This was the youngest of Qu Tugong's personal guards, assigned to protect Xia Hongsheng. Qu Tugong said that since Xia Hongsheng was now a founding county male, it wouldn't be fitting without a personal attendant. Besides, if someone like the son of the magistrate of Zhao County tried to cause trouble again, there would be someone to protect him. The young man, though not very muscular, was strong and had a fierce look, having fought in battles. His father was also Qu Tugong's personal guard and died protecting him, and the son continued to serve Qu Tugong. Xia Hongsheng found the title "Lord" too pretentious and made the young man call him "young master" instead.

"No need, we can walk. By the way, I don't even know your name, brother," Xia Hongsheng shook his head and smiled at the soldier.

"My name is Qi Yong, young master," the soldier replied, bowing. He looked lean but strong, and his posture was fierce. Xia Hongsheng suddenly wondered how he would fare in a fight with the wandering knight he met in Luhun.

Xia Hongsheng was still not used to his new title and couldn't put on any airs. He chatted and laughed with Qi Yong all the way, making Qi Yong feel that this young lord was humble and easy to get along with.

When they arrived at the Xunfang Pavilion, Qi Yong's expression changed, but he didn't show it on his face. "I am a soldier, and the general has strict rules against entering brothels. I'll wait outside, young master."

"Don't think too much! I promised to give Yue Xian some poems. I'll just go in and say a few words and come out soon," Xia Hongsheng rolled his eyes and entered the Xunfang Pavilion. Once inside, he realized his mistake; the Xunfang Pavilion was so large, and he had no idea where Yue Xian was.

Xia Hongsheng scratched his head and looked around. Soon, some women called out to him, trying to lure him in. He politely declined and was just about to worry when he heard a voice: "Young Master Xia?!"

He turned around and saw Qiao'er, Yue Xian's attendant.

"Young Master Xia! It really is you! I thought it looked like you. Young Master Xia, are you alright?" Qiao'er, being lively, immediately started chattering.

"I'm fine. I'm here to see Yue Xian and discuss the matter she entrusted to me," Xia Hongsheng nodded.

"Great!" Qiao'er clapped her hands and, without any hesitation, grabbed Xia Hongsheng and ran inside: "Miss is in the back!"

Xia Hongsheng was pulled to the back, turning left and right, and finally stopped at a door. Qiao'er turned to him and smiled: "Hehe, Miss is inside! I have some things to do, so I won't accompany you, young master!"

She then ran off.

Xia Hongsheng smiled and shook his head. Qiao'er was indeed very lively and straightforward. He smiled and knocked three times on the door, saying, "Yue Xian, it's Xia Hongsheng."

The door creaked open, and another beautiful woman stood behind it. Seeing Xia Hongsheng, she smiled and bowed respectfully, saying, "I greet Young Master Xia. Miss has been worried about you. Please come in, young master!"

Xia Hongsheng entered and smelled a fresh fragrance, making him feel refreshed. Then, he saw Yue Xian in a simple dress walking quickly towards him.

"Young Master Xia, did the young ruffian cause you any trouble after you saved my sisters and me? Are you alright?" Yue Xian looked at Xia Hongsheng worriedly and, with a light exclamation, reached out to touch his brow: "Did they hit you, Young Master Xia?!"

Her fingertips lightly touched Xia Hongsheng's brow, and the cool, smooth sensation made his heart suddenly tighten, as if he had been electrocuted. He quickly turned his head and stepped back, shaking his head: "No, just some bruises. Don't worry, Yue Xian. I don't think they will cause any more trouble. They probably got a good beating themselves."

"It's all because of me..." Yue Xian's face showed guilt, and her expression darkened, making Xia Hongsheng's heart tighten again.

"Let's not talk about that. Yue Xian, I have a plan, and I'll tell you about it."

Since the goal is to win the title of the most beautiful courtesan, the most attractive methods must be used. Xia Hongsheng had already seen the courtesans from various regions, and each was a paragon of beauty and talent. To stand out from such a group and gain more popularity, it would be quite difficult. Therefore, Yue Xian must have her unique qualities, distinct from the other courtesans, so that the audience can see her at a glance and feel a sense of freshness and uniqueness. This uniqueness must also be beautiful, making the audience feel that she is unique and irreplaceable, and that this uniqueness is genuine and beautiful, not just for show.

Yue Xian has the potential to become the most beautiful courtesan because her demeanor is very special among the courtesans from various regions. Unlike the other courtesans, who are bright and alluring, Yue Xian has a serene and ethereal quality, less coquettish and more spirited. Just as a single red flower stands out in a sea of green, a single green flower can also attract attention in a sea of red. This quality is a characteristic of Yue Xian and sets her apart from the other courtesans. Xia Hongsheng's plan is to fully highlight and complement this serene and ethereal quality and her spiritedness, making her stand out even more and distinguishing her from the other courtesans, making her a unique presence in the competition.

Other courtesans from various regions will also try to be innovative, but they will still be within the realm of the alluring and seductive. When Xia Hongsheng saw the performances of the courtesans from various regions, he understood this, and this is Yue Xian's opportunity.

"Yue Xian, you must know that the path the other courtesans from various regions take is not suitable for you. Compared to them, you lack some warmth and allure, so if you follow their methods, it will seem out of place and inappropriate," Xia Hongsheng said, sitting down. Pan'er brought him tea, and he noticed that she used new tea from Mingxiangju and the brewing method, indicating that Mingxiangju's promotion of stir-fried tea leaves was very successful.

Yue Xian nodded: "I know that compared to the other sisters, I am not as good. But I really can't use those methods to make people laugh. If I do, I will likely be seen as stiff and artificial, and the audience will dislike me... That's why I asked Young Master Xia for help, hoping to win with content. With your growing reputation, if I can present your poems, the audience will surely be drawn to me because of your poems."

"Ha ha, I didn't say that only alluring and seductive qualities are appreciated. Don't you think that a cold, ethereal, and spirited demeanor can also make the audience feel refreshed?" Xia Hongsheng smiled, took a sip of tea, and asked, "Yue Xian, let me use food as an analogy. Don't you think that after eating too much rich and fatty food, a simple and light dish can be refreshing and delicious? The audience is like diners, and the courtesans from various regions are like rich and fatty dishes. At first, they are fragrant and tempting, but if the whole table is like that, after a few rounds, it becomes unappetizing. At that moment, the simple and light dish becomes especially delicious. The same applies to the audience. After seeing too many alluring and seductive performances, if you present a fresh and light performance, it will be like a light dish among a table of fatty dishes, refreshing and delightful."

Yue Xian was taken aback but quickly understood. Her eyes widened, and she looked at Xia Hongsheng with hope. She stood up and bowed deeply, saying, "Yue Xian thanks Young Master Xia!"