The splendor of the Red Chamber, the power that reigns supreme.

Chapter 20 The Top Courtesan of the Brothel

Did it never exist at all, or... did it marry someone else?
He then looked at Wu Da, who was timid and cowardly, honest to the point of being weak, all alone guarding his pancake stand and hawking his wares in the cold wind.

Well, at least he's saved his life, though he lost a wife.

"My lord? Are you... are you alright?" Seeing Ximen Qing's strange expression and silence for a long time, Wu Da felt even more uneasy.

Master Ximen snapped out of his daze, waved his hand, and said casually, "It's nothing. Since they're still hot, wrap up a few for me."

As he spoke, he gestured for his servant Dai'an to step forward and pay the bill.

Wu Da felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He quickly and deftly lifted the steaming bamboo steamer lid, wrapped five or six golden-brown and fragrant steamed buns in oiled paper, and respectfully handed them to Dai An, repeatedly expressing his gratitude: "Thank you for your honor, sir! Thank you, sir!"

Ximen Qing said no more, took the steamed bun handed to him by Dai'an, and warmed it in his hand.

He didn't even glance at Wu Da, just nodded slightly, and then strode off towards the Lichun Courtyard.

Dai'an followed behind, holding the bag of steamed buns, and couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Dad, why did you suddenly decide to buy his steamed buns? What's so good about Wu Da's steamed buns..."

Ximen Da Guanren waved his hand: "Later, when you go to Lichun Courtyard, give the prostitutes a few kisses in return."

Dai'an's face turned red: "The little one should just curl up in the corner and take a nap."

Before long, they arrived at the entrance of the Lichun Courtyard.

Qinghe County is a prosperous place, so Lichun Courtyard is naturally exceptionally grand!
The three-story vermilion building rises from the ground, with flying eaves, brackets, carved railings and painted beams, appearing even more majestic in the night.

Qinghe County is a major transportation hub for goods entering and leaving Beijing, so many wealthy businessmen from other places would stop there for a day to rest.

Dozens of large red gauze lanterns hung high in a row in front of the door, illuminating the area as bright as day. Each lantern bore the large, golden characters "Lichun," shining brilliantly.

The place was bustling with activity, with carriages and horses constantly passing by.

Inside, the sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, mixed with soft whispers and boisterous drinking games. A strong aroma of wine, perfume, and a warm, sweet scent wafted over, almost making one's bones melt.

Several glamorous young women leaned against the door, some fanning themselves, others cracking melon seeds, their eyes darting around as they beckoned to passing customers.

Ximen Qing had just stood in front of the door and hadn't even spoken when one of the sharp-eyed pimps spotted him.

A well-dressed steward, wearing a melon-shaped hat, with a beaming smile, rushed forward, bowed deeply, and chanted:

"Oh my! My dear Uncle Ximen! You've finally arrived! We've been waiting anxiously all night! Please come in! Please come in! It's warm inside, and the girls have prepared hot tea and snacks for you!"

The voice was shrill and glib, filled with obsequiousness.

Ximen Qing grunted an "Mmm" in agreement and stepped inside.

The steward, bowing low, jogged ahead to lead the way, constantly flattering, "Uncle, you look radiant today! It's truly an honor to have such a distinguished guest!"

Passing through the bustling, chattering front hall and around the corridor, the steward asked solicitously, "Master, are you going to the usual place today, or..."

Ximen Qing continued walking and casually asked, "Where is Uncle Ying?"

Upon hearing this, the steward immediately understood and his smile deepened: "Yes, yes! Second Uncle Ying has been waiting for you at the 'Hidden Spring Pavilion'! I'll take you there right away!"

After saying this, the steward led Ximen Qing through several layers of beaded curtains and embroidered screens, arriving at a more secluded and exquisite place in the backyard.

The manager stopped in front of a private room with a nanmu wood plaque that read "Cangchun Pavilion". He knocked gently on the door and then carefully lifted the thick brocade curtain.

A richer aroma of wine and warmth mingled with the woman's sweet scent wafted out.

The private room was brightly lit and luxuriously furnished. Earl Ying was reclining on a soft couch covered with brocade rugs, with a disheveled woman in his arms, her breasts half-exposed. He held a wine cup in one hand and his other hand was groping the woman's body.

Two other burly men with unfamiliar faces, already burning with lust, quickly mounted him.

Earl Ying's face was already slightly flushed with alcohol. When he saw the curtain lifted and Ximen Qing enter, he was startled at first, then pushed aside the prostitute, hurriedly sat up, and plastered his signature lewd and ingratiating smile on his face, loudly calling out:
"Oh! My dear Brother Ximen! You've finally arrived! I've been waiting for you for ages! Please, take a seat! Please, take a seat!" Then, turning to the two unfamiliar faces, he said, "You two are like blockheads, why don't you bow to your father!"

The two burly men hurriedly got up, straightened their trousers, and knelt down with a thud: "We pay our respects to Father!"

Ximen Da Guanren nodded and sat down. Seeing the three still standing, he smiled and said, "Sit down. Do what you need to do. I'm not some hypocrite, so don't be shy! All expenses today are on me. Order whatever you want to eat."

"Aren't you going to thank Uncle?" The group quickly sat down.

Earl Ying then laughed and said, "Hehe, we don't have any ulterior motives. We're just waiting for you, brother, to come and play drinking games!"

He then shouted to the pimp:
"Quickly call in those few bastards and make them serve my Uncle Ximen properly!"

Before Earl Ying could finish speaking, a tinkling of jade pendants was heard outside the door, accompanied by a sweet, coquettish laugh: "Oh! The way you're saying that, Second Master Ying, it's as if we sisters have neglected our distinguished guests!"

Before the words were finished, the embroidered curtain was lifted, and a fragrant breeze wafted in.

The woman who entered was Li Jiao'er, the most popular courtesan in the brothel.

She was of medium height and plump figure, with a languid, muscular physique, and an air of graceful charm as she walked.

Her face was round like a silver basin, covered with the finest face powder, making it white and smooth.

Two delicate, curved willow-leaf eyebrows were drawn with exquisite precision.

Her cherry-like lips were painted with bright red rouge, and the corners of her mouth were slightly upturned, her smile preceding her words.

She wore a light red Hangzhou silk jacket with a slightly open collar, revealing a section of her snow-white, plump neck.

She wore a fashionable "fallen horse" hairstyle, with a red gold and kingfisher feather hairpin tucked diagonally into her dark hair, along with a few fresh, fashionable palace flowers. As she moved with light steps, the beads on the hairpin trembled and swayed, adding to her charm.

Li Jiao'er ignored everyone else, her large, watery almond-shaped eyes fixed on Ximen Qing, and swayed her hips as she walked straight over.

She stretched out her slender, nail-painted hand and gently pushed away the disheveled girl in Earl Ying's arms, scolding, "Go away, you blind girl, hurry up and make room for Uncle Ximen!" The girl dared not disobey and hurriedly got up and hid to the side.

Li Jiao'er herself plopped down into Ximen Qing's lap, her plump and soft body instantly filling his embrace.

He deliberately rubbed against Ximen Da Guanren's thigh.

She stretched out her white, lotus-root-like arms and affectionately wrapped them around Ximen Qing's neck, tilting her rosy, fair face up and saying in a sweet voice:
"My dear father! You've finally remembered me! Second Master Ying is so inconsiderate. What kind of person are you? Why would you need to call those common women when you come to our Lichun Courtyard? Everyone knows that you expect me to serve you personally!"

As she spoke, she pressed her breasts tightly against Ximen Qing, her body gently swaying in his arms.

She picked up the full wine glass on the table, took a sip herself, and then, with a seductive smile, said to Ximen Qing, "Father, you must be thirsty after your journey. How about you drink this last cup of wine to quench your thirst?"

Ximen Qing laughed heartily.

Although it was all just for show, these past few days have been filled with Qin Keqing, Wang Xifeng, and just now, Li Ping'er.

Although Li Jiao'er is one of the top courtesans at Lichun Courtyard, she is far inferior to them.

They've become quite picky about food.

It was not the original owner of the body, a lustful and indiscriminate eater.

He suddenly remembered that he had promised this woman that he would marry her in the next few days.

It's impossible now.

Ximen Qing, holding Li Jiao'er's hand, downed the half-finished cup of wine in one gulp, then pinched her rosy cheek and teased:
"What a charming little vixen! You've become even sweeter these past few days, like your mouth is coated with honey!"

Li Jiao'er giggled and twisted her body in protest: "Father always teases me! My heart only holds you, Father!"

(End of this chapter)