Volume One, Chapter 15: Miss, You’re Dressed Awfully Lightly

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Facing the main hall wall hung a vividly lifelike spring palace painting, executed with masterful brushwork. Several female-shaped lamp stands bore thick candles that brightly illuminated the room. The entire chamber was awash in shades of pink, with silk and gauze draped along the walls, lending an air of coquettish luxury and indulgence.

A few young maidens wore simple silk bodices beneath sheer lavender veils, which clung delicately to their graceful figures, revealing subtle curves that hinted at youthful allure.

Upon seeing Bai Chou and his companion enter, the girls immediately rose to greet them. Their movements seemed both deliberate and casual, as the gentle sway of their bosoms was like rolling waves.

Such a scene left even Zhao Yun, inexperienced in worldly matters, and Bai Chou, who was relatively well-traveled in his past life, dazed and stirred emotionally.

Fearing the madam might detect their unease, Bai Chou gently tapped the stunned Zhao Yun beside him and smiled, “Zi Long, the girls here in the interior provinces truly have a freshness about them, far surpassing those from our home.”

Zhao Yun finally came to his senses and nodded approvingly. “Indeed, the girls’ attire... is quite revealing!”

The madam, seeing their satisfied expressions, addressed the courtesans, “Ladies, these are honored guests at Spring Full Tower. These two gentlemen are generous; their favors for the night are settled. Whether you receive any tips depends on how well you satisfy them.”

With that, she gave Bai Chou a push, sending him into the midst of the courtesans before closing the hall door and swaying away.

Among them, the most striking beauty pressed her ample chest against Bai Chou. The simple bodice barely concealed the snowy expanse beneath, dizzying him with its sight.

The beauty, coy yet teasing, chided softly, “I am called Ling’er. Oh, sir, you are so naughty, always staring at that spot.”

At this moment, Bai Chou knew he must feign the confidence of a seasoned veteran. Any suspicious behavior would surely reach the madam by morning, and a serious demeanor might arouse her suspicion. Besides, everyone loves beauty; as long as he did not cross his own boundaries, he could tolerate it. With this in mind, he decided to let go.

Bai Chou placed his hand on Ling’er’s full hips and gave a firm squeeze, eliciting a soft “Ah!” from her. She then lightly punched his chest with a pink fist, feigning shyness, “Naughty sir, there are so many people here.”

Bai Chou laughed heartily, pointing to Zhao Yun, “My brother here is rather dull. You all must take good care of him!”

He then pulled a handful of gold coins from his sleeve and tossed them onto the floor, adding, “Money is the one thing I never lack. If tonight pleases us both, there will be generous rewards.”

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The courtesans, eyes gleaming at the scattered coins, lost all decorum and rushed forward to gather them up.

Bai Chou thought to himself: This is what they call ‘throwing coins’—making everyone bow before you. Having money is truly wonderful; in any era, it grants you the finest treatment.

Zhao Yun leaned in and whispered, “Brother Chou, I heard from the son of a wealthy county gentleman that a visit to a brothel costs two or three gold coins. At the time, I didn’t believe it; it seemed too expensive. But now seeing you throw money around like this, my heart bleeds!”

Bai Chou whispered back, “Can your hometown compare to Qizhou? The quality of the girls there is worlds apart from here. You must understand: eating dirt chicken is not the same as eating peacock.”

Zhao Yun nodded thoughtfully.

Bai Chou continued in a low voice, “Zi Long, tonight these peacocks are at your disposal. Later, I’ll check out Wei Tianpeng’s little house.”

Zhao Yun blushed, about to object, but the courtesans had already finished collecting the coins and gathered again around them.

Smiles adorned all their faces as they clustered around the two men, guiding them to a table.

Outside, maids frequently brought in cakes, nuts, and wine, soon filling the table with delicacies.

A few refined courtesans entered, accompanying musicians and dancers. Sitting nearby, the courtesans frequently fed the two men wine and sweets. Bai Chou, unrestrained, drank several cups, then embraced Ling’er, enjoying the dance performance.

Ling’er’s seductive figure half-reclined against Bai Chou, her hand teasingly tracing his chest. She lightly parted her outer robe, revealing a form-fitting vest that sculpted her toned muscles, making Bai Chou look all the more imposing.

Her eyes brightened as she praised, “Sir, your physique is truly impressive. I usually see only fat, greasy men who disgust me. You two handsome and dashing gentlemen are a first for me.”

The other courtesans, entranced, grew more uninhibited, one even casting a sultry glance and pressing her lips close to Bai Chou’s.

Bai Chou gently blocked her, holding Ling’er’s slender waist like a water snake, and said, “Though I appreciate beauty, I dislike being served by too many. Ling’er alone will suffice. Take good care of my brother, and the rewards will be just as generous!”

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Ling’er, assuming her rival was trying to steal Bai Chou’s attention, shot her a glare before curling obediently in front of Bai Chou.

Seeing Bai Chou drinking quietly with clean hands, she giggled, “Sir, am I not pleasing enough? You focus so much on the wine but barely glance my way.”

Bai Chou gently patted Ling’er’s delicate cheek with his left hand, raised his cup with the right, and drained the jade wine, smiling, “How could I be displeased? Well, the wine has been drunk enough; it’s time to attend to more serious matters.”

He stood and pointed to Zhao Yun, “My brother enjoys lively company. I said I prefer quiet, so tonight Ling’er will accompany me alone, and the rest of you must look after my brother well!”

With one hand, he pulled Ling’er up; with the other, he lifted a jar of fine wine. “Come, let’s go to the room and properly ‘compare strokes.’”

Ling’er coquettishly protested, “Oh, sir, your words are so blunt, you’ll embarrass me to death. And why bring more wine? Haven’t you had enough?”

Bai Chou said nothing, merely leading Ling’er to the guest chambers upstairs.

Once inside, Ling’er closed the door behind them and lay on the bed, giggling, “Sir, now that no one is around, won’t you do the ‘comparing’ you mentioned earlier?”

She then removed her sheer veil, leaving only the silk bodice, her exquisite figure fully revealed.

Bai Chou gazed at the sight before him, his blood boiling, fearing he might lose control and ruin the evening’s main event. He waved his hand and said, “I’m not in a rush. You’re the impatient one. Put your clothes back on, and then join me for a few more drinks.”

Ling’er ignored him and sprang up like a fierce tigress, pressing her ample curves against Bai Chou’s chest, panting, “Sir, don’t tease; I can hardly wait. We can drink anytime, but a spring night is worth its weight in gold.”

Bai Chou showed no mercy, pushing Ling’er aside, grabbing a nearby teapot, and guzzling deeply to steady his nerves. Gasping, he said, “First, put your clothes back on. I have a peculiar habit—I don’t like sleeping with or being drunk on a woman. Stay and drink with me a while longer.”