Chapter 8 Both Are Wanted

  "Ah, welcome young master! It seems you're a first-timer at our Yihong Courtyard!" The old procuress's smile made me feel nauseous. At this moment, a group of coquettish prostitutes also crowded around me, clinging to my body. "Madam, I've come today specifically to see the courtesan."

  The old procuress covered her mouth and smiled: "You're referring to Qingyan, aren't you? She's currently meeting with Lord Li and is very busy."

  "Then call a few more. Remember, this young master doesn't want any inferior goods!"

  "Alright, alright, all the girls in our Hong Lou are beauties. Please go upstairs first, young master."

  I fanned myself with a folding fan and followed the madam into a private room.

  Before long, a group of prostitutes arrived. The madam had indeed taken my words to heart. They were all dressed modestly and several wore plain white robes, which was truly rare.

  "Cough, cough..." I coughed twice, took a sip of tea, and fanned myself with a folding fan to create the image of a young master: "Indeed, you are a beauty. Young Master has come today, not for anything else, but to take you as my concubine..."

  Before the words were finished, a prostitute immediately interrupted and said: "Young master, Zǐér is willing to be your concubine, Zǐér will serve you well." After that, she even threw a flirtatious glance at me.

  I forced back a wave of nausea and said, "I'm not finished yet. I'm looking for a concubine for my father."

  "Your Highness..."

  "Look at that purple girl still wanting to speak, I continued to strike: "My father is seriously ill and wants to marry a concubine back home to celebrate. But I guess he won't last long either, so whoever marries him must be prepared to become a widow soon. Moreover, I declare in advance, after my father passes away, you are not allowed to remarry, but must wear mourning clothes and pray for his spirit. Who's willing?"

  As soon as I said that, Zi'er immediately shut her mouth and retreated with a low head. I added another sentence: "By the way, after Father left, all his property was taken over by me alone. I will give five taels of living expenses every month, and whether you can survive or not has nothing to do with me."

  As soon as these words came out, everyone in the house fell silent.

  Just as I was about to give up, a soft voice spoke out: "I'll go." I looked around and saw a woman in a plain white dress, her beauty standing out among the group. She was probably twenty-five or six years old, with an indifferent expression. "Are you sure?" I asked, narrowing my eyes with interest.

  "I am willing to be a nun and pray for Buddha, never to marry. Please fulfill your promise, sir." The woman nodded slightly.

  "Good!" I closed the folding fan: "This young master is yours now."

  "No!" Another voice suddenly emerged from somewhere. It was a woman in green clothes standing beside her, about the same age as me, with a delicate face. She was now pulling on the sleeve of the white-clothed woman, entreating: "Qiong'er sister, don't go, okay?" Then she turned to me: "Sir, take me away and spare Qiong'er!"

  "Light rain, don't be reckless. Young master, don't take her words to heart, when can you take me out?"

  I smiled: "Now. And I want both. Come with Benjunye." After that, I strode out of the threshold.