My mind was racing with all sorts of thoughts, and I was so restless that when I looked up, I was surprised to find Jiang Chen standing at the door, arms crossed, looking at me with a mixture of annoyance and irritation.
I was surprised, delighted, and taken aback. Why was he back again?
He glanced at me and snorted sullenly, "Xiao Mo, you have to come with me. Otherwise, who knows what kind of trouble you might cause me later, hmph, I won't be able to explain myself then."
"He's quite clever!" I chuckled and happily followed him out the door.
As I passed by the garden, I ran into Xiao Hebao carrying pastries. I asked her happily, "Would you like to go and have a look at the Qinhuai River?"
Little Puzi stared wide-eyed. "My God, Miss, you actually go to places like that?"
I cleared my throat. "I'll go protect Master."
The little purse curled her lip in disdain: "Miss, just say it straight, are you worried about your son-in-law?"
Jiang Chen chuckled twice and gave me a meaningful look.
I paused for a moment, then decided to deny it to the death. "I... I'm mainly worried about Master."
Little purse cleared her throat and mimicked my tone, "Then I'll go too, I'm worried about Miss."
The Qinhuai River at night was a real eye-opener for me and my friend. It perfectly showcased the prosperity, wealth, and extravagance of the capital. The tree-lined avenues were ablaze with lights and wine, a scene of enchanting beauty. The air was filled with the sweet, cloying scent of perfume, like rice wine, intoxicatingly intoxicating. Scattered across the river were exquisitely decorated pleasure boats, their lights shimmering on the rippling water like dark silk, sparkling like countless tiny stars.
The sounds of silk and bamboo instruments and singing and dancing drifted over the clear water, creating a misty atmosphere. The autumn moon shone brightly in the distance, a scene as beautiful as a poem or painting. The languid and luxurious atmosphere was intoxicating, yet amidst the indulgence and carefree spirit, there was also a chilling and lonely feeling.
The young woman, already impatient, asked, "Miss, with so many pleasure boats, which one should we go to?"
I was overwhelmed by all the choices and had no idea what to do. Then I heard Jiang Chen say, "Let's go to Zuisi Tower."
Master asked anxiously, "Where is Zuisi Tower?" Jiang Chen replied, "It's a wonderful place where you can listen to music and stories, drink fragrant tea and strong liquor, watch song and dance performances, and enjoy the night view."
Am I overthinking it? Why do I hear a hint of wistful longing in the air...? A sour feeling welled up inside me, and I couldn't help but mutter, "You forgot to mention, it's also a great place to see and embrace beautiful women."
Jiang Chen scratched his brow and gave me a shy smile. I ignored his shyness and generously showed my longing, adopting an attitude of wanting to go and enjoy it together.
Since our purpose here today is to openly "stir up trouble," the more conspicuous the better. Therefore, I need to clearly express my support for Jiang Chen's actions. I bravely burst my little sour bubble in my heart...
Zuisi Tower is indeed magnificent. The vermilion tower overlooks the clear water, holding the bright moon high in the sky, offering a panoramic view of the Qinhuai River's nightscape. Its unique location and distinctive charm make the painted boats and small vessels on the river seem like delicate young ladies, while Zuisi Tower exudes a grand and imposing presence, almost making one forget its former status as a premier pleasure house.
Several beautifully dressed young women stood at the entrance, their eyes sparkling as they looked at us. When they saw Jiang Chen and his master, their eyes lit up in unison! I'm absolutely not seeing things; their eyes truly lit up!
Sigh... I guessed right, Jiang Chen's good looks are indeed coveted.
A fragrant breeze wafted to our noses, and a beautiful woman in her thirties walked gracefully up to us, smiling and saying, "Distinguished guests, please come in."
Two distinguished guests? So, are Little Pouch and I invisible? Looks like they're treating us like mere maids.
As she spoke, she naturally tried to slip her arm into Jiang Chen's arm, but Jiang Chen quickly dodged and smiled, saying, "We just need a private room to listen to a couple of songs."
"Alright, alright, this way please, both of you."
The woman led us into a private room on the second floor. Before I could even get a good look at the room, four women filed in and stood gracefully inside. I glanced at them and had to admit, the girls were not only beautiful, but their clothes were also... chilly! It's early autumn, and they were all exposing their shoulders and arms—weren't they afraid of catching a cold?
The master's face darkened, his eyelids drooping as he carefully examined the teacups on the table, seemingly counting the lace trim. Jiang Chen touched his nose, lowered his gaze, and waved his hand, "Ah, you can play a couple of tunes at random."
"yes."
So, one woman played the zither, while another girl harmonized with a pipa. Two other women knelt on a blanket, their slender fingers peeling a bunch of amethyst grapes from a white porcelain plate.
Standing behind Jiang Chen, I glanced casually at the woman in front of him, and my heart skipped a beat. I quickly looked away. The woman, kneeling and peeling grapes, had voluptuous breasts that seemed about to burst out, her bra stretched taut. Looking down at her from my vantage point, I realized I'd accidentally seen a half-circle.
I rubbed my forehead and glanced sideways at Jiang Chen. Hmm, he was imitating his master, counting the lace trim on the teacup. He was quite self-aware, not looking around. Especially not in places he shouldn't have.
I am very satisfied.
The room was filled with the melodious sounds of a zither and a pipa, accompanied by soft, enchanting singing, as delicate and sweet as a daughter's red wine.
My master sat upright, and under the lamplight, a thin layer of sweat appeared on his forehead. I glanced at Jiang Chen again; why wasn't he sweating at all? I felt a growing dissatisfaction.
The music was truly beautiful, but I couldn't quite concentrate on it. The woman playing the pipa kept glancing at Jiang Chen with her captivating eyes. He must have noticed, because he kept his eyes fixed on his teacup, as if trying to see something more in the delicate lace. I think he was quite sensible.
"Young master, please have some." The woman, who had been kneeling on the red carpet, sat up straight and presented the grapes to Jiang Chen.
Just as Jiang Chen was about to reach out and take it, she raised her hand and placed the grape directly into Jiang Chen's mouth.
My eyelids twitched. Her fingers had actually touched Jiang Chen's lips! It was real! The red nail polish seemed to have gently scratched my heart, and I felt a pang of sadness, as if a grape had been fed to me.
Immediately afterwards, she offered another grape to Jiang Chen's lips. Just as her fingers were about to touch his lips again, I couldn't bear it any longer and "concernedly" reminded Jiang Chen, "Eating too many grapes will make your teeth hurt."
As I was speaking, my teeth started to ache slightly again; it seemed like I was getting a bit toothy.
Jiang Chen glanced at me with a smile, "Xiao Mo, you're so caring and considerate. I won't eat it."
Just as I was about to breathe a sigh of relief, the woman stood up again to pour wine for Jiang Chen. Her slender fingers held the wine cup to Jiang Chen's lips, and he quickly took it. I breathed a sigh of relief, but unexpectedly, the woman shifted her waist and sat on Jiang Chen's lap!
My heart skipped a beat, as if I had swallowed another grape whole—not only was it sour, but it also made me choke!
Jiang Chen hurriedly tried to help her up, but his hands were flailing about and he didn't know where to start. He wanted to put his hand on her waist, but then seemed to think it inappropriate and quickly glanced back at me. I stared intently at his hand; if he dared to put it on her waist, we'd settle the score when we got home!
Could it be that my expression looks ferocious right now? Jiang Chen carefully used his arm to block the woman, and quickly gave me a "fawning" smile, seemingly very innocent.
I felt a strange heat and oppression on my body, and I felt I couldn't stay in this room for even a moment longer. I picked up my small purse and said to Jiang Chen, "I'll wait for you in the carriage; it's too hot here."
I am terrified that my calm and magnanimous image, which I have maintained for so many years, is about to be ruined.
Jiang Chen quickly replied, "Let's go together later."
"At least you and your master should listen to one piece of music." Since things have come to this, I'd better be magnanimous. Otherwise, it'll be a waste of money and a pointless trip.