Chapter 1510: The Pleasure Quarters

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Chapter 1508: The Pleasure Quarters

All the young masters from noble families, after a moment of stunned silence, turned their gazes like sharp swords toward Mo Hua, their faces showing varying degrees of anger. Some sneered coldly, some were speechless, some wore mocking expressions, while others looked grim, inwardly cursing this Young Master Mo for not knowing his place.

Because he couldn’t offer anything precious as a token of appreciation, he decided to take an unconventional approach, gifting a mere spirit stone, thinking that by standing out with such a unique method, he could showcase his extraordinary nature and catch the attention of the top courtesan, Miss Yu?

This was simply arrogant and childish.

What kind of place did he think this courtesan banquet was? What kind of woman did he think the highly sought-after top courtesan was; some naive girl who had never seen the world? And did he truly regard all these young masters from noble families gathered here as nothing more than worthless rabble? Did he really believe that the peerless courtesan of the prestigious Jade Fragrance Pavilion could be moved by a single spirit stone?

This Mo fellow, pulling such a stunt to court attention—how was he any different from a clown?

The young masters from noble families were so infuriated they could only laugh inwardly. However, in such a setting, no one dared to voice their thoughts openly. Instead, they all glared at Mo Hua with unfriendly eyes. The young masters from the four great families felt their dignity had been slighted, their gazes cold and indifferent. The Eldest Young Master of the Earth Sect wore a faint sneer at the corner of his mouth but said nothing.

For a moment, the atmosphere grew tense. Seeing this, Miao Niángzǐ couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, thinking: ‘This Young Master Mo is truly no ordinary person. The things he does are beyond anyone’s imagination.’

At such an exclusive and prestigious courtesan banquet, in front of all these young masters from noble families, and after witnessing the dance of the Saintess herself, he had actually offered just one spirit stone as a token, was this something a normal person would do?

Yet Miao Niángzǐ dared not say anything. Even the Incense Master and Lady Rui were wary of this man, what right did she have to comment?

Miao Niángzǐ could only instruct her attendants to respectfully collect the spirit stone on a mandarin duck jade tray. That single spirit stone wasn’t even enough to buy the tray it was placed on. But because it was the token given by Mo Hua, its significance was different, and it could not be handled carelessly.

Miao Niángzǐ had no choice.

After collecting all the tokens from everyone, Miao Niángzǐ bowed gracefully, her red lips curving into a smile as she said: “Please wait a moment, gentlemen. This humble servant will now present your heartfelt gifts to Miss Yu. It will be up to her to decide the fate of this encounter.”

“In the meantime, to prevent you from waiting too long, other beauties of the Jade Fragrance Pavilion will perform dances for you.”

“If there is any inadequacy in our hospitality, we beg your forgiveness.”

With that, Miao Niángzǐ gently clapped her hands, and the lovely maids holding the tokens withdrew in turn.

Before long, pink curtains descended from the sky, flowers scattered like rain, and soft music began to play. One after another, dancers with enchanting faces and slender waists took the stage to perform for the young masters present.

These dancers, by any measure, possessed stunning beauty, graceful movements, and captivating charm. In the outside world, it would be rare to see such talent. However, the young masters in attendance were all from wealthy and noble backgrounds, and they had already witnessed the unparalleled beauty and performance of the top courtesan Yu Nujiao, which had left them in awe. Compared to her, these dancers, no matter how beautiful or skilled, inevitably seemed inferior, failing to stir much interest.

Thus, although the courtesan banquet continued with uninterrupted song and dance, and the scene remained picturesque, the atmosphere grew somewhat cold and subdued, lacking in liveliness.

In the bland atmosphere, the hearts of the young masters from prominent families were inexplicably tense. They were waiting for the result, waiting for Miss Yu to flip the card.

Waiting to find out whose heart Miss Yu would bestow her affections upon, who would become the first honored guest of Houtu City’s top courtesan. Who would have the qualification to stand out among the many young masters from noble families and become the first man to ‘play the qin and discuss the Dao’ with such a peerless beauty.

Waiting was agonizing. Thus, as time passed, the banquet hall continued with singing and dancing as usual. The young masters from prominent families drank and conversed, their expressions calm, but inwardly, they grew increasingly anxious.

Even the Eldest Young Master of the Earth Sect and the direct descendants of the four great families were no exception. They knew more inside information and were aware that the courtesan before them was the Saintess of the Joyous-Union Sect, a figure of extraordinary status and unique qualities. In every sense, they were determined to win Yu Nujiao, this rare beauty.

The only one who remained indifferent was Mo Hua. He simply drank his tea quietly, as if no one else were around, as though he were not visiting a brothel but a teahouse on the street.

Bai XiaoSheng was even more anxious than Mo Hua. At the same time, he was also more perplexed.

“What on earth… are you thinking?” Bai XiaoSheng asked in a hushed voice.

“What do you mean, what am I thinking?” Mo Hua replied.

Bai XiaoSheng sighed. “What did you mean by giving just one Spirit stone?”

Mo Hua asked, “Can’t I give one Spirit stone?”

“It’s not that…” Bai XiaoSheng emphasized, “Why did you give only one Spirit stone?”

“Then… should I give two?” Mo Hua inquired.

Bai XiaoSheng’s face darkened, inwardly cursing Mo Hua for his sharp tongue.

Arrogant, proud, and sarcastic, how did he ever become Little Grandaunt’s Little Junior Brother? And how could Little Grandaunt tolerate him…

Bai XiaoSheng sighed. “At least bring out something decent.”

Mo Hua said, “What decent things do I have?”

Bai XiaoSheng was speechless. “You dare attend the top courtesan’s banquet without carrying anything valuable?”

Mo Hua sighed helplessly. “Didn’t I tell you? It’s not like I wanted to come. They inexplicably sent an invitation and insisted on inviting me. It’s not a proper banquet to begin with. Giving one Spirit stone is already showing them face. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even give one.”

What else could Bai XiaoSheng say? He could only silently pour wine into his mouth. After drinking for a while, Bai XiaoSheng suddenly sensed something amiss and asked suspiciously, “Do you know Yu Nujiao?”

Mo Hua shook his head. “Yu Nujiao? I don’t know her.”

The one he knew was Yu Lian’er, the Saintess of the Joyous-Union Sect, not this Yu Nujiao who had changed her skin.

Bai XiaoSheng frowned, growing more and more suspicious. If he didn’t know her, why would someone go out of their way to send him an invitation? Because he’s handsome? Because he’s good-looking? There must be something fishy going on here.

However, the current occasion wasn’t suitable, so Bai XiaoSheng couldn’t press further.

He just felt a bit weary and sighed, saying: “My dear Brother Mo, no matter what, keep a low profile and don’t cause any more trouble. If you’re truly short on funds, it’s fine not to give anything. The courtesan doesn’t lack our single Spirit stone. There’s no need to use that one Spirit stone to provoke others. Those who know will understand that you’re short on funds and can’t offer treasures to the beauty. Those who don’t will think you’re deliberately mocking these young masters.”

Bai XiaoSheng continued, “These young masters from Kun Province are all local dragons. It’s best not to offend them, as any trouble could become quite troublesome. You should restrain yourself a bit.”

Mo Hua softly replied with an “Mm.”

It was only because he was currently “a Taotie fallen on flat ground”—without his own foundation in Kun Province, lacking power and influence, unable to do much. He had neither the Profound-Hollow-Void Ancestor backing him up nor a straw-dog to ward off misfortune for him. Otherwise, given his temperament, he would have long since brought people to tear down this Jade Fragrance Pavilion and kill every demon hiding here, one by one.

This thought flashed through his mind only briefly before Mo Hua’s expression turned gentle as he sipped his tea.

Bai XiaoSheng frowned slightly. For some reason, he always felt that when Mo Hua’s expression turned gentle, it seemed even more dangerous. But then he thought to himself, how could he possibly manage his Little Grandaunt’s Little Junior Brother? Forget it, the courtesan banquet is almost over anyway. He probably can’t cause any more trouble.

Bai XiaoSheng silently mused to himself before picking up the wine jug and pouring more into his mouth.

…

After that, no further incidents occurred for the time being. The courtesan banquet continued as usual, amidst a scene of song, dance, and extravagant revelry, with everyone’s minds stirring and secretly anxious.

Until the singing and dancing ended, the dancers withdrew, and Miao Niángzǐ stepped back onto the stage. The entire hall fell silent in an instant, and everyone’s hearts trembled inexplicably.

This meant that Miss Yu had already made her choice. They both hoped Miss Yu would choose them, forging a wonderful bond, and feared she would choose another man, losing the chance to win the beauty forever. There was anticipation, tension, and fear.

What was supposed to be a pleasure-seeking scene of romance suddenly felt as serious as a clan examination.

Even the Eldest Young Master of the Earth Sect and the direct descendants of the four great families were no exception. Such a peerless beauty, a famously renowned courtesan, and a saintess of the Hehuan Sect, as men, it was impossible not to desire her.

Even if they couldn’t have her themselves, they didn’t want any other man to have her either.

Miao Niángzǐ’s expression was also somewhat grave, even tinged with strangeness and bewilderment. But at this point, she had no choice but to follow orders, forcing a smile onto her face as she slowly spoke: “Tonight, Miss Yu has already made her choice.”

As she spoke, Miao Niángzǐ presented an exquisitely crafted mandarin duck jade plate, cast from pure gold and edged with jadeite, on which rested a large cyan jade peony flower.

Clearly, this jade peony represented Miss Yu’s heart. Whoever received the peony would win Miss Yu’s favor. Seeing this, the hearts of the young masters tightened.

Then, Miao Niángzǐ, holding the peony flower, left the high platform and walked toward the seating area where the young masters were gathered, heading straight for the Eldest Young Master of the Earth Sect.

Seeing this, everyone’s hearts ached, but then they all sighed in resignation, thinking, “As expected.”

Among the young masters of Kun Province, in terms of cultivation strength and majestic bearing, none could surpass the Eldest Young Master.

In terms of family background, the Eldest Young Master stood alone at the top. In terms of gifts and offerings, the Heavenly Crystal was the most precious. And when a Heavenly Crystal was gifted to a beauty, the beauty naturally favored a prodigy.

All things considered, it was indeed the Eldest Young Master of the Earth Sect who most deserved Miss Yu’s admiration and was most qualified to claim the courtesan exclusively.

A supreme prodigy paired with a supreme beauty, it was truly a match made in heaven.

Everyone found it perfectly reasonable, yet the thought of the beauty being taken by another, her fragrant heart unattainable, inevitably stirred a twinge of envy and resentment in their hearts. However, the object of their jealousy was the Eldest Young Master of the Earth Sect, and they dared not show it openly, forcing themselves to suppress such thoughts.

The Eldest Young Master of the Earth Sect was also overjoyed. In the cause and effect invisible to ordinary eyes, the decadent poppy flowers entangled around him began to writhe violently, radiating intense desire. Yet, as the Eldest Young Master, with his high status and weighty position, he could not reveal his emotions too openly.

Watching as Miao Niángzǐ approached with the jade-green peony in hand, the Eldest Young Master’s lips curled slightly, and he calmly raised his wine cup to take a sip.

But before he could finish that sip, Miao Niángzǐ had already reached him… and then walked straight past him.

The Eldest Young Master froze, then slowly realized something…

The person Yu Nujiao had chosen was not him.

Veins bulged on the Eldest Young Master’s forehead, bloodshot streaks appeared in his eyes, and the wine cup in his hand was crushed into powder. A violent aura pressed heavily in his heart, distorting the energy around him. Yet, for the sake of decorum, he refrained from erupting in rage.

Seeing this, the crowd couldn’t help but feel a surge of fear, and in an instant, they understood…

It wasn’t the Eldest Young Master!

The fated one chosen by Lady Yu Nujiao was not the Eldest Young Master… it actually wasn’t him!

First, shock swept through the crowd, then it instantly transformed into wild delight.

If even the Eldest Young Master—the strongest in cultivation, highest in status, and most heroic—had not caught Lady Yu Nujiao’s eye, then in other words, Lady Yu Nujiao truly was selecting someone based solely on ‘fate.’

Everyone had a chance; everyone had the opportunity to be chosen by Lady Yu.

Joy and desire, like bamboo shoots after rain, sprouted and stirred restlessly in everyone’s hearts. Almost simultaneously, another thought arose in their minds:

If not the Eldest Young Master, then who could it be? Could it be…

Their expressions shifted slightly as they continued to watch Miao Niángzǐ. They saw her pass the Eldest Young Master’s seat and approach the four top young masters from the four great clans of Kun Province.

“Could it be one of the four young masters from the Lu, Wú, Jìn, and Zhū Clans?”

For the vast majority, their hearts sank once more.

Even if she didn’t choose the Eldest Young Master, selecting one of the four young masters from Kun Province’s great clans would still be perfectly reasonable.

Each of the four young masters was exceptionally talented, graceful, and handsome, with their own unique charm, and their family backgrounds were exceedingly illustrious.

The gifts they presented were also distinctive: whether it was Young Master Zhū’s Red Silkworm Cloud-Silk Fan, Young Master Jìn’s Moonlight Glazed Mirror, Young Master Lu’s Ice-Jade Cicada-Silk Robe, or Young Master Wú’s Heavenly Scented Jade-Flower Rouge… each was exquisitely crafted, clearly the result of great thought and effort.

In terms of monetary value, these gifts naturally couldn’t compare to the Eldest Young Master’s precious Heavenly Crystal. Yet these dazzling treasures were clearly more appealing to a woman’s tastes and carried the heartfelt intentions of the four young masters toward Lady Yu. It wouldn’t be surprising if Lady Yu was moved by them.

The crowd nodded inwardly in agreement.

As Miao Niángzǐ drew closer, the peony symbolizing Yu Nujiao’s heart and body grew clearer. The second young master of the Zhū Clan and the young masters of the Lu, Wú, and Jìn Clans felt as if a flame of desire had been kindled within them, filled with both longing and anticipation.

Yet Miao Niángzǐ walked past their seats without the slightest pause. Clearly, the fated one Yu Nujiao had chosen was not among them either.

The legitimate young masters of the four great families were stunned slightly, their faces twisting with anger after immense disappointment. The thought that the peerless beauty they had longed for did not favor them but instead set her sights on another, the agony of jealousy gnawed at their hearts. All four legitimate young masters gazed with icy coldness.

As they watched Miao Niángzǐ walk past the legitimate young masters of the four great families, the other young masters from various families were momentarily stunned, finding it hard to believe. Then, an even greater surge of wild joy flooded their hearts like a torrent.

She did not choose the Eldest Young Master, nor did she choose the legitimate young masters of the four great families. She did not even favor those extravagant gifts.

This meant that the courtesan of Jade Fragrance Pavilion, Miss Yu Nujiao, might truly be a peerless beauty who sought not wealth, power, material possessions, or any worldly attachments, a woman with a heart as pure as ice, yearning only for genuine affection and destined connection.

Such a beauty was truly rare in this world.

All the young masters were stirred by passion, wishing they could tear open their hearts to show Miss Yu.

And then, an even more tense, thrilling, and blood-pounding thought arose:

Who did Miss Yu choose? Not the Eldest Young Master, not the legitimate young masters… then truly, anyone could be chosen.

Anyone could be chosen… then perhaps… even I?

The atmosphere in the hall shifted abruptly. Many young masters were overwhelmed by wild joy, some even trembling with excitement. Some even thought to themselves:

“If Miss Yu chooses me, if she falls in love with me… what should I do?”

“How can I live up to such love? Should I truly tear out my heart and offer it to such a beauty, whose love is as pure as ice and snow…”

…

Amidst this intense affection and twisted longing, amidst this tension that drove one to madness, Miao Niángzǐ walked past seat after seat.

One young master after another went from anticipation to tension, from heartbreak to disappointment, to jealousy and pain, their faces contorting…

This scene continued.

Finally, Miao Niángzǐ reached the seats near the end, stopping before Mo Hua, who was calmly sipping tea.

She held out a crystal-clear, jade-like peony before him.

With a complex look in her eyes, Miao Niángzǐ bowed gracefully and said respectfully: “Young Master Mo, Miss Yu invites you… to her chambers for a conversation.”

Her delicate voice echoed through the hall.

It was like a bucket of cold water poured over everyone’s heads.

The hall fell into deathly silence, the atmosphere chilling to its extreme.

…

Translator Notes:

This chapter was the worst one yet. It was disappointing because the outcome was incredibly predictable, as obvious as the sky on a bright, sunny day. Yet the author dragged it out far too much and ended up wasting an entire day. This is, by far, the worst filler chapter in the novel.