“Miss Xiaobei’s pulse is steady, and her breath is long. My knowledge is limited, and I cannot determine what ails her,” the old doctor said with a sigh.
“Dr. Wei, could it be that Xiaobei ate something triggering or caught a chill?” The madam subtly winked at the old doctor.
In Dakang, there was no concept of allergies. Symptoms from eating something reactive or exposure to pollen were usually attributed to consuming a trigger food or catching a chill. Chunfeng House had finally found a promising candidate for the flower queen in Tang Xiaobei. If she were branded a night demon, her prospects would be ruined. The madam couldn’t accept this and hinted at the doctor to diagnose it as an allergy, leaving room for mitigation.
Unfortunately, the old doctor was stubborn and ignored her hints, shaking his head firmly. “I’m sorry, Madam Zhou, but it doesn’t seem like a trigger food or a chill. If you think my diagnosis is wrong, feel free to seek another opinion.” With that, he picked up his medicine chest and left, leaving the madam so furious she slapped her thigh in frustration.
This doctor was the best in the county, highly respected in his circle. His diagnosis made it nearly impossible for the madam to bribe another doctor, as no one would risk their reputation.
Standing nearby, Jin Feng felt the opposite of the madam’s distress. He subtly signalled to Tie Chui, who immediately played his part, feigning fear. “I heard people say Miss Xiaobei is a night demon, sir. Let’s leave before we get tainted by bad luck!”
The madam, already in a foul mood, nearly exploded at this. If Tie Chui hadn’t come with Jin Feng, she might have called her bouncers to throw him out.
“Tie Chui, don’t talk nonsense. The doctor didn’t say that,” Jin Feng scolded. “Maybe Miss Xiaobei just caught a chill.”
“Yes, yes, Mr. Jin is right,” the madam quickly agreed. “It’s definitely a chill. She’ll be fine by tomorrow.”
“Sir, don’t fool yourself. Even a fool can see the doctor just didn’t want to say it outright…” Tie Chui persisted.
“Shut up!” Jin Feng snapped, then turned to the madam. “May I see Miss Xiaobei?”
“Mr. Jin, you’ve seen her condition. She’s not fit to receive guests today,” the madam said, looking troubled. “Please be kind and let her rest. She has to compete tomorrow.”
Tang Xiaobei was Chunfeng House’s last performer, and with this incident, the madam had no desire to stay. She wanted to return and control the situation.
“If Madam Zhou says so, I won’t disturb Miss Xiaobei,” Jin Feng said. “But I’m worried about her. Could you arrange a room where I can see her courtyard? I’d like to stay near her tonight.”
“Of course!” The madam was overjoyed and nodded quickly. This incident was a devastating blow to Tang Xiaobei’s reputation, but if Jin Feng stayed, it might turn into a tale of loyalty, salvaging her image.
“Here’s twenty taels of silver for now. If it’s not enough, I’ll add more later,” Jin Feng said, gesturing for Tie Chui to hand over two silver ingots.
“Xiaobei is my most cherished girl. Now that she’s in trouble, everyone avoids her, but you, sir, came to visit. I’m beyond grateful. How could I take your money?” the madam said righteously. “I’ve said Chunfeng House is your home. Stay as long as you like!”
“Thank you, Madam Zhou,” Jin Feng replied, not bothering to argue, and followed Chunfeng House’s carriage back to the pleasure district.
The madam valued Jin Feng highly and arranged a suite for him on the second floor of the wooden building. “Sir, this room faces Xiaobei’s courtyard. You can see it by opening the window,” she said with a smile. “There are maids at the door. If you need anything, just let them know.” She added with a suggestive wink, “But they’re both innocent girls, so please be gentle.”
“Thank you for your kindness, Madam Zhou, but I’m not in the mood today,” Jin Feng replied. He had noticed the maids at the door, barely fifteen or sixteen, equivalent to high school girls in his previous life. Even if he were desperate, he couldn’t bring himself to act.
Seeing the madam about to say more, Jin Feng opened the window and looked toward Tang Xiaobei’s courtyard. Realising he wasn’t interested in further conversation, the madam said a few polite words and left.
The suite was meant for important guests, with a small room by the entrance for their attendants. Tie Chui stayed there. Once the madam was gone, Jin Feng called him in.
“Keep an eye on Xiaobei’s courtyard. If anything unusual happens, alert me immediately.”
“Got it,” Tie Chui said, grabbing a stool and sitting by the window. “Sir, I’ve got this. Why don’t you go explore?”
“What’s there to explore in a brothel?” Jin Feng yawned and sat on the bed.
“Sir, I saw plenty of girls giving you longing looks,” Tie Chui said with a knowing glance. “Don’t waste the opportunity.”
The brothel was a pragmatic place. With Tang Xiaobei’s downfall, many girls saw their chance. On the way back, several had flirted with Jin Feng.
“You’ll die on a woman’s belly one day,” Jin Feng said irritably. “At a time like this, you’re still thinking about girls?”
“I’m thinking of you, sir. They’re not eyeing me,” Tie Chui protested.
“Focus on your job and stop talking nonsense. I’m getting some food,” Jin Feng said, heading to the outer room.
“Says he’s not interested in girls, yet off he goes,” Tie Chui muttered, his eyes never leaving Tang Xiaobei’s courtyard.
By now, it was dark, and the brothel’s lanterns were lit, casting red and green hues. Paired with the classical architecture, the ambiance was distinct from the neon lights of his previous world’s cities, exuding a dreamy beauty.
Jin Feng stepped out, leaning on the railing to look at the bustling first-floor hall. It was the brothel’s liveliest hour, with people coming and going. Some ambitious girls had been watching his room since he arrived. When he appeared, the wooden building stirred slightly. At least a dozen girls left their clients, lifted their skirts, and hurried upstairs.
Jin Feng sighed and returned to his room. Before entering, he told the maid, “Have some food sent up, and don’t let anyone disturb me.”
“Sir, I was just coming to get you,” Tie Chui said, rushing from the inner room. “Madam Zhou went to Miss Xiaobei’s courtyard.”
Jin Feng had stayed to ensure the madam didn’t mistreat Tang Xiaobei. Hearing this, he hurried to the window.
