“Miss Lü Liu, that’s enough.”
Jin Feng reached out, catching her small hand.
“Don’t worry, sir, I know writing poetry requires inspiration. I won’t pester you for it.”
Since Jin Feng had seen through her, Lü Liu dropped all pretence, letting out a soft whimper as she fell into his arms, “I only hope you’ll visit the Music Office and make an appearance with me.”
“I’ll see if I have time.”
Jin Feng replied offhandedly.
“Then I thank you in advance, sir.”
Lü Liu gave a charming smile, her small hand lifting the hem of his robe, about to slip underneath.
“There’s no need for that, miss. Since I’ve agreed, I’ll come when I have time.”
Jin Feng pushed her away and shifted to the side.
…
The carriage moved slowly, swaying for over half an hour before reaching Chunfeng House’s back door.
“Don’t forget to visit me when you’re free, sir,” Lü Liu said with a beaming smile, wiping her mouth.
“I’ll come when I have time.”
Jin Feng waved casually.
It was just a matter of showing up, and seeing what the Music Office was like didn’t sound bad.
“Then I’ll be waiting, sir.”
Lü Liu waved, and the carriage rolled away.
To prevent girls or servants from sneaking out, brothels’ back doors were guarded. Chunfeng House was no exception, with two burly men standing on either side, each holding a long sword.
Seeing Jin Feng and Iron Hammer approach, one man stepped forward to block the door, “Guests, please use the front entrance!”
“Go tell your madam that Jin Feng is here. If she wants me to use the front door, I will.”
Jin Feng stretched lazily, replying nonchalantly.
The cramped carriage had been so uncomfortable he could barely stretch his legs.
“Jin Feng? Why does that name sound familiar?” the man muttered, scratching his head.
“Are you daft? This is Mr Jin, who wrote the poem for Miss Xiaobei!” his companion said, kicking him aside and bowing to Jin Feng, “Please, Mr Jin, the madam has been expecting you!”
Jin Feng didn’t bother arguing with the doorman and entered Chunfeng House with Iron Hammer.
“So that’s Mr Jin?” the first man said, scratching his head, “Isn’t he close with our Miss Xiaobei? Why did he come with Lü Liu from the Music Office?”
“A man like Mr Jin has countless girls fawning over him. What’s strange about arriving with Lü Liu?”
“If I had his talent, I could sleep with any girl in the Pleasure Quarter and earn a hefty fee for my writing.”
“Stop daydreaming. You stay here, I’ll inform the madam!”
The companion spat at him and ran into the courtyard.
Chunfeng House was quite large, and since it was Jin Feng’s first time entering through the back, he wasn’t familiar with the layout. As he looked for the way, he saw the madam approaching with Tang Xiaobei and several maids.
“Mr Jin, why didn’t you send word you were coming? I could’ve arranged a carriage to fetch you!” the madam said, beaming as if greeting a god of wealth.
“I’m just here to chat with Xiaobei, no need to trouble you.”
Jin Feng asked, “I don’t have to attend the tea gathering this time, do I?”
“Sir, you’re slapping my face with that talk! Chunfeng House is your home from now on. Come whenever you like, and just say which girl you want to serve you.”
“Then thank you,” Jin Feng gave a casual salute, “Can I take Xiaobei now?”
“By all means, do as you please.”
The madam stepped aside, adding, “Xiaobei, serve Mr Jin well, don’t neglect him.”
“Yes.”
Tang Xiaobei curtsied and smiled at Jin Feng, “Please follow me, sir.”
After walking a few hundred metres, Tang Xiaobei glanced back, seeing the madam hadn’t followed, and whispered, “Sir, my room or the pavilion?”
“The madam would worry if we went to your room and might send someone to eavesdrop. Let’s go to the pavilion from before,” Jin Feng said.
“Alright.”
Tang Xiaobei turned at a junction, leading him to the pavilion.
Iron Hammer, knowing Jin Feng and Tang Xiaobei had important matters to discuss, didn’t slack off. He stood like a gatekeeper in the middle of the path, sword in hand.
By the pond’s small grove, the madam paced, rubbing her hands.
Seeing a maid approach, she asked urgently, “Where did they go?”
“Back to the pavilion from that day,” the maid replied quickly.
“Good, good! It seems Mr Jin is a decent man.”
The madam patted her chest, relieved.
Tang Xiaobei’s value was high now. If Jin Feng took her virginity, it would be trouble.
With her worries eased, but still wary of offending Jin Feng, her god of wealth, she thought for a moment and instructed, “Tell Xiaobai and the other three not to take guests today. After Mr Jin and Xiaobei finish, have them serve him.”
Chunfeng House had four girls in the courtesan contest. To secure Jin Feng’s support, she was willing to sacrifice the other three candidates.
“Also, tell Old Liang to be ready. If Mr Jin writes another poem for Xiaobei, make sure it spreads as fast as possible to boost her chances in tomorrow’s contest.”
“Yes!”
The maid hurried off.
In the pavilion, Jin Feng handed Tang Xiaobei the small bottle.
They reviewed the plan, confirmed it was sound, and Jin Feng stood, saying, “Tomorrow’s the courtesan contest. Prepare well.”
“Mm.”
Tang Xiaobei nodded firmly.
“Then I’m off.”
“It’s still early. Why don’t I introduce a few sisters to keep you company? It’s my way of thanking you for your help,” Tang Xiaobei said with a playful wink, “Some have never taken guests and are still virgins. They’ve been trained to please and are eager to meet you.”
“Why’s this conversation turning flirty?”
Jin Feng grumbled inwardly, waving her off, “No need, really. Business comes first.”
“Alright then, I’ll see you back.”
Seeing Jin Feng truly wasn’t interested, Tang Xiaobei gave up.
They left the pavilion, heading back to the rear door.
But as they reached the corridor, a group of chattering girls approached.
“Sister Xiaobei, is this Mr Jin?”
“Wow, he’s even more handsome than they say!”
“Not just handsome, but talented too.”
“Mr Jin, I wrote a poem. Could you come to my room and take a look?”
…
The girls swarmed Jin Feng, some grabbing his arms, others batting their eyes.
Tang Xiaobei stood aside, giggling behind her hand.
“What a mess.”
Jin Feng felt exhausted.
What was with today? Had he wandered into a peach orchard?
His luck with women was overwhelming, and he was struggling to keep up.
