Chapter 348: Chapter 198: You Don’t Mean the Kind Where You’re Not Wearing Clothes, Right? (Part 3)

’The fragrant veil hides shadows as the wind enters the tower, high notes of the zither soothing a thousand sorrows.’

This shows how much the poet loves the harmonious music of the Xiao Xiang Pavilion.

"Oh my, where did this handsome young man come from? Hurry, hurry, please come in!"

The heavily powdered madam, sharp-eyed, spotted through the door the elegantly dressed You Su, whose face resembled fine jade. She quickly bypassed the welcoming girls, smiling broadly as she personally received him.

"Thank you, sister."

You Su smiled warmly, leading the two women into this charming haven filled with sweet scents.

The madam sneaked a glance at the expressions of the two women behind You Su, astonished at heart. This noble young man really knows how to have fun, bringing two ladies along!

Based only on the appearance and demeanor of You Su and his companions, the madam treated him as a distinguished guest. Thus, she was exceedingly hospitable along the way, chatting incessantly while leading You Su to the elegant seat on the second floor.

"Mr. Ye, your timing is impeccable! Did you notice? Seated opposite you is Mr. Xiao, also from Henggao City! He just spent generously, hoping our new courtesan Miss Cailing would make an appearance!"

"Oh? That’s a delightful coincidence. I didn’t expect that passing through here, I would have the fortune to behold Miss Cailing’s grace. Truly something to anticipate."

You Su’s demeanor indeed reflected the courteous nature of a distinguished young man, rather than a wastrel from a remote area. He gently coughed, prompting Ji Lingruo, reluctantly, to retrieve a shiny silver coin from her bosom.

The madam smiled obsequiously, discreetly accepting the small tip, although it was a bit challenging to extract the money from the young woman’s grip.

Everyone knows what the courtesan’s appearance signifies—that Miss Cailing, long-awaited, is finally going to choose her guests for a private audience!

Mr. Xiao spent a fortune luring her out, and now with Mr. Ye joining the competition, Xiao Xiang Pavilion is sure to rake in profits today!

"Miss Cailing is still dressing, Mr. Ye, please wait a moment. Would you like me to call two girls to keep you entertained?" The madam asked attentively.

"No need!" Ji Lingruo frowned sharply, unable to restrain her voice.

The madam quickly bowed: "Then I shall fetch some wine and food for Mr. Ye and the two ladies. Please wait."

She hurried away, casting a disdainful glance at Ji Lingruo’s back, thinking to herself:

What pretense! Acting like a servant wanting to monopolize the master? Out to play, yet treating it like managing household affairs without an ounce of perception. Such a character will never win the master’s favor!

"Senior Brother! Do you really intend to search through them one by one?"

Ji Lingruo blushed as she gazed at the shameless couples downstairs, deeply repelled by You Su’s potential interactions with those unclean women.

"Does Junior Sister still not trust me?"

You Su spread his hands, smiling as he revealed them.

On his hands lay a coating of white powder, all from Ji Lingruo’s pearl powder used for grooming. She applied it just to deter You Su from touching anything, as any unnecessary touching would leave traces.

"But there are so many... How can you keep track?"

Ji Lingruo then realized You Su’s plan was utterly ridiculous. Xiao Xiang Pavilion was bustling, and the women were hardly free. For You Su to check each one, he’d have to rise and shout:

"Undress! Anti-vice raid!"

But that’s impossible!

"Don’t worry, Junior Sister, obviously not everyone has to be inspected. Nonetheless, for today’s courtesan, I must get involved.... must investigate." You Su didn’t forget to jest with her, "So, Junior Sister, lend me your money. I promise to reimburse you later."

"You’re just looking for trouble! Wanting to be invited as the new courtesan’s guest!"

Zi Yiyi watched the pair’s playful banter, her expression turning even colder, as if she didn’t know them at all.

"This lady jests, with you two fairies beside me, how could Mr. Ye be distracted by a courtesan?"

A clear voice rang out, causing Ji Lingruo to look up, discovering a handsome man in a jade-green robe with a sword at his waist.

His clear and penetrating gaze was captivating, his appearance divine, resembling a pine tree inked from an immortal’s brushstroke.

This was Ji Lingruo’s first encounter with someone whose looks rivaled You Su, leaving her incredulous.

"Mr. Xiao speaks truly, Cyan Simurgh, stop slandering me," You Su said with a bitter smile.

Cyan Simurgh, Purple Garment, were the names You Su bestowed on his two ’maids’.

"Understood..."

With outsiders present, Ji Lingruo had no choice but to act naturally.

"Mr. Xiao not only speaks up for me, but also allows me to share in his fortune. Please sit, let me offer you a drink!"

You Su extended a warm invitation, as Zi Yiyi skillfully poured wine for the two, befitting her maid background.

"Then I’ll accept graciously."

Mr. Xiao sat elegantly.

His intentions there certainly went beyond merely defending You Su.

"I hear Mr. Ye is also from Henggao City?" Mr. Xiao asked eagerly, as if meeting a fellow townsman in a distant land.

"Indeed," You Su raised his cup.

Yet Mr. Xiao’s eyes flashed brightly:

"Among the three great families of Henggao City—the Xiao Family, the Ye Family, and the He Family—the Xiao Family and Ye Family bound closely. I grew up playing and growing with the Ye Family lads, having never seen you. By rights, your prominent features should be unforgettable... Unless, Mr. Ye, you’re not a Ye?"

Mr. Xiao asked with a broad smile, in the kindest of tones, yet posed the most direct question.

Upon his words, this pleasant seat fell into an awkward silence. Ji Lingruo nervously watched You Su, while Zi Yiyi continued her indifferent observation.

"Why should Mr. Xiao feign ignorance?" You Su calmly smiled, "We all bear names in social circles. How can true names be used here? Mr. Xiao might not bear the surname Xiao either?"

Mr. Xiao, hearing this, burst into hearty laughter.

Yet before he could reply, a commotion erupted downstairs:

"She’s coming out! Miss Cailing is coming out!"