Chapter 252: Where is There No Heartbreak

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In Jiaqing Bottle Alley, there were four lakeside brothels, easily counted on one hand. Yet, they exuded an air of intense rivalry, though it was a sophisticated, almost invisible, competition, unlike the earlier street brothels. Those establishments would openly flaunt banners—one might proclaim 'Feihu City's Most Slender Waist,' while another countered with 'Twin Peaks Conquer All Heroes'—often glaring or even physically fighting over customers. When the women themselves brawled, it was typically a chaotic scramble of flailing and scratching with eyes shut. The brothel's enforcers and thugs, however, were far more strategic, secretly delivering provocative kicks, "black tiger steals heart," or "monkey picks peaches." Many penniless ruffians would gather there every few days to watch the "show," treating it as a learning experience. Furthermore, when the women started their quarrels and antics, they were often lightly dressed, and an accidental flash of a plump, pale breast was a mesmerizing sight, a unique attraction that delighted the idlers. Some ill-intentioned men would even deliberately send unfamiliar accomplices to feign indecision about which brothel to enter, subtly displaying some cash to the madams and fanning the flames, purely to provide a good show for their companions. This dangerous endeavor demanded considerable eloquence and acting prowess; a slip-up could easily lead to a brutal beating. While the women's punches and kicks might seem weak, a well-placed kick to the groin could be lethal.

The ruffians and gangs of Feihu City lacked any grand ambition, operating merely as scattered individuals. In stark contrast, neighboring Baishuang City, though only half Feihu's size, boasted a united populace, rallying under several prominent banners. Its major gang figures would swagger through Feihu City, delighting in harassing women and humiliating men. Their arrogance only significantly diminished after an accidental encounter a few years prior, when Young Master Tantai thoroughly humbled them, causing them immense loss of face. Otherwise, the local toughs of Feihu City would still be unable to hold their heads high. In that particular battle, with his personal guards standing idly by, Young Master Tantai single-handedly brutalized over forty robust young men beyond recognition. They were later tied up and left outside Baishuang City, prompting enthusiastic applause from Feihu's residents. It was no surprise that this aristocratic scion enjoyed such high prestige and an excellent reputation, charming women from six to sixty years old throughout the city; indeed, other men in Feihu City simply couldn't compare. Even the local hooligans were deeply impressed by Young Master Tantai, as he never exploited his power to bully others, and if he did teach a lesson, it was always to an outside 'river dragon.' Moreover, should the Young Master genuinely become a 'Chuan Ling Lang'—an emperor's attendant without formal rank—the entire city would share in his glory. Since the start of the year, countless women, regardless of whether they visited temples or Taoist monasteries, had burned incense, worshipped Buddha, and invoked every deity imaginable, all to offer wishes and prayers for the Young Master, much to the delight of the ascetics who saw their profits surge.

The brothels in Bottle Alley, two on each side, did not employ women to greet guests outside. Instead, several handsome, delicate young men, with rosy lips and white teeth, stood by the entrance. Their slender figures and charming looks often rivaled those of women. According to an unwritten rule, wealthy patrons with a preference for male companionship could, if they took a liking to a young man, pay a modest fee to bring him inside for intimate relations. Most of these attractive youths were profoundly astute, often more skilled than the madams at discerning patrons' moods and desires. They were particularly adept at flattery and secretly competed to see who had accompanied more of the brothel's courtesans. This accomplishment directly determined their status and worth; if a young man shared the bed-chambers of a top courtesan with a patron, his subsequent asking price would significantly increase. This was because many curious clients, unable to afford the courtesans themselves, were eager to learn details about their figures.

Li Liu led Xu Fengnian to a brothel where large luminous pearls hung from each of its four upturned eaves. From a distance, Xu Fengnian was startled by this lavish display. While pearls varied greatly in quality and price, luminous pearls universally commanded prices starting from thirty gold pieces. Four such dazzling pearls were indeed astonishing. Upon closer inspection, he realized they were ordinary pearls encased in glass. Nevertheless, the brothel's financial strength was clearly immense, and its marketing strategy was uniquely ingenious. A handsome, arrogant young man subtly raised his chin at Li Liu, indicating that the expenses incurred by guests from Shopkeeper Sun's inn would be recorded, and a dividend would be remitted at the end of the month. The precise amount depended on Xu Fengnian's spending within the establishment, but a minimum of five taels of silver was guaranteed. For an inn that struggled to earn merely one hundred eighty taels of silver in an entire year, this was far from an insignificant sum.

Xu Fengnian offered a small silver piece to Li Liu. The latter hesitated, then, with considerable effort, suppressed his greed, shaking his head and waving his hands vigorously. He feared the silver would ensnare him and that his shopkeeper would discover it and beat him severely. He quickly turned and ran off. Xu Fengnian did not stop him. He then pulled out several larger silver pieces and tossed them to the young man who had already thoroughly scrutinized him from head to toe. Giving money here was a nuanced act; on a first visit, giving too much would mark one as a rich mark to be fleeced, while giving too little would result in being ignored. Xu Fengnian's offer of four or five taels of silver was perfectly calibrated. For regulars, who knew the customs, tips were more casually given, depending on their wealth and disposition. First-rate aristocratic scions like Li Hanlin, accustomed to lavish spending, would, when pleased, openly stuff hundreds of taels into the bosom of a madam who personally greeted them, and no one would dare consider him a fool. If he was in a bad mood, not slapping the madam's face would be a display of exceptional mercy. Xu Hanlin used to lament that his father's official rank was too low, making his outings less impressive, and that he only held sway within Fengzhou, losing influence beyond its borders. Yet now, Li Gongde had finally risen to become the nominal second-highest official in Beiliang, a frontier magnate, and this young man, already among the dynasty's top young aristocrats, had, for some inexplicable reason, chosen to become a Beiliang soldier.

Having gleaned a rough understanding of Bottle Alley's dynamics from Li Liu, Xu Fengnian led Tao Manwu by the hand into the courtyard. He paused for a moment and calmly stated, "Today, I have come to your Guanghan Lou. I wish either to hear Miss Anyang play the zither, or watch Miss Qingnu perform her 'Lotus Dance,' or see the newly promoted courtesan, Miss Wei, toss her embroidered ball. In short, I must see one of them. If this cannot be arranged, I will not spend any silver here. I am confident that among the four establishments in Bottle Alley, there will be one where I am willing to part with my money. I do not mind walking a few extra steps."

These words immediately made the young cashier drop his air of nonchalance and contempt. He knew that certain boors, masquerading as wealthy patrons, might arrive dressed in fine silks and furs, flanked by arrogant retainers, and declare boisterously that they would smash the place if they couldn't see a featured courtesan that night, or incessantly boast about their endless wealth and their intent to monopolize all the beautiful girls. However, Bottle Alley genuinely did not fear such individuals, especially Guanghan Lou, which stood out distinctly in Jiaqing Lake; anyone truly daring to cause trouble would simply be beaten out. The young man's initial underestimation of the sword-bearing young master beside him was not without reason. He was well aware of the typical clientele brought by Li Liu's inn, who were usually not exceedingly wealthy. Yet, for someone to articulate such demands indicated a shrewd and experienced patron. In any reputable brothel, the most sought-after courtesans were often favored by officials or privileged aristocrats, or they had important regulars who required preferential treatment. This had little to do with the courtesans' personal airs or pretenses; everything operated on a first-come, first-served basis. For an outsider, a new face, to expect all the best delicacies to be served to them—did they imagine themselves the son of an Eight-Province Commander or the grandson of one of Northern Mang's twelve Grand Generals? Such behavior was considered ignorant and boorish. Generally, brothels disliked such ill-mannered guests. If this were Fengbo Lou, renowned throughout Northern Mang, such unruly individuals would be expelled without a second thought, as Fengbo Lou cared little about minor financial losses. Guanghan Lou, however, did not yet possess that level of assertiveness.

The young man briefly weighed his options, then softly, in a somewhat uncertain tone, replied, "To be frank, Young Master, Miss Anyang may not be available tonight. It’s also uncertain about Miss Qingnu and Miss Wei. I must inquire on your behalf before I can give you a definite answer. I hope you will understand, Young Master, as these three are our most distinguished ladies at Guanghan Lou. Even I, who work here, don’t necessarily get to see one of them every day."

"Given that Guanghan Lou's four luminous pearls alone could fetch one hundred thirty-four gold, your establishment naturally enjoys good business. I will be content to see any one of the ladies," Xu Fengnian said, smiling and nodding.

"The Young Master is truly understanding," the boy said.

The young man smiled, pursing his lips, and subtly glided closer to the sword-bearing young master. When he was gently evaded, a hint of regret crossed his face; it seemed this young master was unaccustomed to bedroom delights. Yet, the young man did not dwell on it. As for why a refined, sword-bearing young master would bring a little girl to a brothel, having witnessed countless unimaginable oddities, the young man saw no need to ponder deeply. Brothels were replete with both squalor and absurdity: some young masters, for instance, disliked beautiful women, preferring plump, older women; while others, seemingly fearsome burly men, delighted in being whipped and having candle wax dropped on them by the girls. There were even wealthy merchants who brought their delicate wives, disguised as men, to partake in 'one dragon, two phoenixes' games. Life was a kaleidoscope of the bizarre and varied; how could a young man who had sold himself at such a tender age possibly comprehend or articulate it all? He was already too busy earning money and building connections to waste time contemplating such trivialities.

Xu Fengnian looked down at Tao Manwu. The little girl appeared remarkably composed, truly her father Tao Qianzhi's daughter, with a serene expression. However, Xu Fengnian knew her palms were sweating, so he instructed the young man, "Enter the building through the side door."

The young man understood that some distinguished patrons preferred discretion when visiting brothels. He had intended to explain that Guanghan Lou was so elegant and quiet that even entering through the main door would reveal few faces. However, seeing the sword-bearing young master's firm gaze, he no longer pressed the minor point. Apart from its four-story main building, Guanghan Lou also boasted two private courtyards, each serving as the exclusive domain of a top courtesan. Xu Fengnian ascended to the second floor and looked through a window. Behind the building, a mansion's courtyard was ablaze with lights. Many dignitaries in brocade robes and refined scholars in scholar’s headbands sat on the ground. Zither music gently permeated the air. A woman with a plump figure but a sharp, 'ice pick' face gracefully played the zither, dressed in a small-sleeved, long gown adorned with magnificent mud-gold embroidery. Nearest to her sat a crude, burly warrior with a mink tail tied around his head, seated cross-legged, wearing black leather boots, and possessing an obviously imposing appearance. Scholars and notable figures, dressed in attire similar to those of the Liyang Dynasty, closed their eyes to appreciate the music. Only the burly warrior stared fixedly at the zither player's fair bosom; each pluck of the strings caused a subtle ripple and tremor, making his gaze grow even more fervent.

Upon reaching an elegant tea room, the young man, imitating a woman, lowered his head slightly and bowed, excusing himself with a respectful gesture. "I shall go inform the madam now. Please wait a moment, Young Master," he said.

After he departed, Tao Manwu cautiously asked, "Is that one of the ladies?"

Xu Fengnian smiled and nodded.

Shortly after, the young man returned with a graceful, lightly made-up woman, who carried a jar of mud-sealed yellow wine into the tea room. She smiled and explained, "Yunzi was in a hurry just now and didn't pour your tea, Young Master. He meant well, hoping you could meet a satisfactory lady sooner. Please don't take offense, Young Master. My name is Xiyi, and I’ve brought you a jar of our Feihu City's 'Three Tunes' aged yellow wine as an apology on Yunzi's behalf. Yunzi, please warm the wine for the Young Master. I will go speak with Miss Wei now, and if by chance she is free, I will return to escort you."

Just as the young man took the yellow wine, hurried footsteps echoed from the doorway. Yunzi, the young man, immediately looked panicked. Xiyi, the woman, remained much calmer as she looked toward the entrance. A group of people, with a menacing air, stormed into the tea room: two burly trainers who served as brothel enforcers, and a handsome young man whose looks surpassed Yunzi’s. Leading them was a woman wearing old, soft-soled, open-work brocade hook-boots, popular in the Western Shu palace, with long sleeves trailing on the ground. The handsome young man walked obsequiously, holding up her skirt as he scurried along. Judging by her demeanor and attire, although Xiyi held some standing within the brothel, she was clearly far inferior to this heavily made-up woman. As expected, the sharp-eyed woman merely cast a sidelong glance at the sword-bearing young master, then completely abandoned all reserve. She pointed an index finger at Xiyi, sneering, "Well, well, Xiyi, do you understand Guanghan Lou's rules? How dare you solicit guests privately? Did you consult me, the Head Madam? With Miss Anyang's courtyard full, you dared to bypass Miss Qing's courtyard and send someone directly to Miss Wei, the pure courtesan's, Embroidered Ball Pavilion? Xiyi, who gave you such audacity?!"

Xiyi, filled with worry, forced a smile and said, "Sister Cui, I merely saw that Miss Qing's area was crowded, so I didn't wish to disturb you."

The woman, drawing out a sinister 'Oh,' stared at Xiyi for a moment, then brightened, laughing, "It's quite alright, quite alright. My sister Xiyi and I have been friends for so many years; I know she is always reliable. It must have been this wretched Yunzi who acted on his own initiative. Guards! Drag him out and give him twenty strokes. Follow the rules: not one stroke less, but certainly not one more. If he dies, Guanghan Lou will lose a hundred taels of silver, and I cannot bear that responsibility."

The young man's hand trembled, dropping a jar of yellow wine that was about to shatter at the sword-bearing young master's feet.

Xu Fengnian extended his arm, caught it, and placed it on the table without a word.

It was clearly a power struggle: a rift had emerged between Miss Qingnu, Guanghan Lou's second-ranked courtesan renowned for her 'lotus steps,' and the newly rising Miss Wei, a pure courtesan. The madams, who shared in their respective courtesans' fortunes, were now embroiled in a bitter rivalry. It appeared that Miss Wei, the pure courtesan—who, for some reason, had earned the nickname 'Rolling Embroidered Ball'—was in significant decline, leading to Miss Qingnu's private courtyard being bustling, while her own Embroidered Ball Pavilion was deserted. It seemed that Yunzi, being closer to the pure courtesan and Madam Xiyi, had desperately tried to use a visiting outsider as a last resort to alleviate their pressing difficulties. But, as fate would have it, their worst fears were realized, and they were caught.

Xiyi, ignoring the commotion behind her, forced a smile and pleaded, "Sister Cui, please don't be angry. Today's incident truly has nothing to do with Yunzi. It was I, Xiyi, whose heart was clouded by greed, taking on work without permission, and letting Sister Cui catch me red-handed. I accept my punishment."

The woman named Cui, clearly intent on punishing the subordinate without any regard for the patron, sneered, "Sister Xiyi, you are simply too kind-hearted. But rules are rules. Why distress yourself pleading for such an unthinking wretch? I, your elder sister, cannot bear to see you debase yourself like this. What are you waiting for? Drag Yunzi out and give him twenty strokes."

The young man holding her skirt smilingly repeated, "Drag him out and give him twenty strokes."

Xiyi turned, looking pleadingly at Xu Fengnian. This woman, who held some status and respect in Guanghan Lou, now appeared utterly forlorn and helpless.

Yunzi dropped to his knees with a thud, softly crying out, "Young Master, save me!"

Xu Fengnian remained impassive.

Xiyi composed her sorrowful expression, which was half genuine and half feigned, and turned to the arrogant, imperious woman, coldly stating, "Sister Cui, this young master is a distinguished guest visiting our Guanghan Lou for the first time. Are you truly so unyielding? Aren't you afraid of this spreading and becoming a laughingstock throughout Feihu City?"

Xu Fengnian frowned, thinking, "Still unwilling to give up, trying to drag me into this?"

The woman covered her mouth and chuckled, immensely pleased. When she saw that the two trainers, out of a faint sense of past acquaintance, were too embarrassed to bypass Xiyi and drag away the sweet-spoken, well-behaved Yunzi, her face darkened.

'Cut the grass and pull out the roots'—that was the saying of officials and military men. She knew perfectly well that when dealing with certain enemies, if you didn't push them to utter desperation, they would indeed spring up again like weeds after a strong wind. Hadn't she herself made a misstep years ago, lost to this Xiyi, and almost failed to recover? Now the tables had turned. 'Xiyi, your days are miserable; do you intend to make a comeback by relying on that little Wei hussy? Not a chance!'

The woman shoved Xiyi aside, then grabbed Yunzi's hair and yanked hard. The boy, unable to resist, fell to the ground. She then stomped on him fiercely. A faint smile reappeared on her face, still devoid of any malice, carrying the dignified air of a wealthy household's mistress disciplining a servant.

Xiyi bit her lip, clutching her arm.

The weather was pleasantly cool, but her heart was as cold as autumn.

The woman, having finished stomping, glanced sideways at the sword-bearing young master and laughed, "Sir, what you've witnessed today, do you dare speak of it outside?"

Xu Fengnian chuckled in amusement.

Tao Manwu, though somewhat nervous around Yunzi and Xiyi, remained relatively calm. However, upon seeing this woman, she instinctively hid behind Xu Fengnian.

Xu Fengnian pulled out a two hundred tael silver note and calmly stated, "I came to Guanghan Lou specifically to get acquainted with Miss Wei, so I can frequent this place in the future. In truth, I also harbored a private desire to get close to Sister Xiyi. As for Anyang, Qingnu, and the like, I'm not interested. To be honest, Sister Xiyi is far more appealing. Women at her age know better how to please a man, don't they? As for you, old woman of fifty, get lost; go home and hug your grandchildren. I ate too much for dinner, and I'm afraid of wasting food."

Xiyi's face registered surprise, and then her eyes welled up.

The respect given to her was immense.

It was more heartwarming than a thousand sweet nothings or hundreds of taels of silver.