Fantasy Moon Pavilion.
A renowned pleasure house in Yunyang City.
After Yunyang City was occupied by the Lofty Cloud Pavilion, most of the influential young nobles fled the city. With the loss of these regular patrons, the "revenue" of Fantasy Moon Pavilion plummeted in recent days.
To sustain the "revenue" of Fantasy Moon Pavilion, the establishment invested heavily in hosting a courtesan election. The election spanned two days, and ultimately, three courtesans advanced to the finals.
Tonight was the final round, and the top courtesan would be crowned.
Although Chen Mo rarely left the city lord's residence and few in Yunyang City had seen him, he still disguised himself and accompanied Queen Medusa to Fantasy Moon Pavilion.
On the way, Queen Medusa glanced sideways at Chen Mo, who was dressed in a luxurious white brocade robe adorned with gold and silver, and teased sarcastically, "Is this what you call a disguise?"
Chen Mo unfurled a folding fan, covering half his face, revealing only his eyes, and said, "Don't I look like a dashing young master who frequents pleasure houses?"
"Lecher," Queen Medusa retorted, giving him another glance, thinking he was just playing his true self.
Chen Mo pouted and whispered, "As for you, dressed so provocatively, one might think you're competing for the courtesan title."
Queen Medusa glared coldly at Chen Mo. With a flicker of light at her fingertips and a gentle breeze, a gray robe draped over her body.
As they walked side by side on the bustling street, they appeared like an immortal couple to onlookers, attracting many gazes.
Perhaps due to Chen Mo's attire, which clearly marked him as a wealthy young master, no one dared to approach and attempt any bold moves.
Laughter, chatter, and hawking filled the air.
The night in Yunyang City was peaceful and lively.
"By the way, you mentioned your name is Qing Mo. Which 'qing' and which 'mo' are those?" Queen Medusa asked, her eyes like autumn waters, suddenly flashing with mischief. "The 'qin' in 'kiss' and the 'mo' in 'ink.'"
"Qin Mo?" Chen Mo was momentarily stunned, then felt a surge of joy. "Really?"
Queen Medusa shot him a look as if he were an idiot, then swayed her slender waist as she walked ahead.
"You wish!"
"Then which characters are they?" Chen Mo jogged to catch up.
Queen Medusa gazed at the bright moon, a pleasant smile curving her lips. "Qing Mo. The 'qing' in 'clear water' and the 'mo' in 'stranger.'"
"From now on, I shall be called Qing Mo."
"Little human, this human name is only for you and me to use privately," Queen Medusa suddenly turned around, smiled, then tilted her head and walked toward Fantasy Moon Pavilion.
"What does that mean?" Chen Mo was puzzled.
Qing Mo.
It was a nice name.
...
Fantasy Moon Pavilion was an enormous ship, three stories high, moored by the lake.
Thick ropes, as thick as arms, extended from the ship's hull and were tied to several sturdy trees by the lakeside.
From afar, the clamor of voices and the sounds of music and dance could be heard.
The path to Fantasy Moon Pavilion was lined with a red carpet, crowded with people dressed in luxurious attire, all of them either wealthy or noble.
"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight is the grand occasion of the Flower Queen election. For this evening, I have specially invited the previous Flower Queen, Miss Zi Yue," said a middle-aged woman dressed like a madam, pointing to the stunning woman in a purple dress beside her.
"Wow, it's Miss Zi Yue! She's still as breathtaking as ever after all this time."
"Ah, what a pity. Such a beautiful woman, yet she values talent over wealth. Isn't gold coin appealing enough?"
"I heard Miss Zi Yue sells her art, not her body. Young Master Liu, who has since fled, once spent 500,000 gold coins but still couldn't win her heart."
"That's because he's a fool. Who talks about being a gentleman while drinking flower wine? If I had his status, my child would already be crying on the ground."
"Brother, you're a man of passion. Since we're fated, which lady do you think will win the Flower Queen title?"
The crowd chattered back and forth, creating a lively atmosphere.
This was exactly the effect the madam wanted, and it was worth the heavy investment she made to create this ambiance.
She raised her voice and said, "Tonight, Miss Zi Yue will perform a special piece for everyone before the Flower Queen election. We hope you all will support her generously. Those who are fortunate enough to make Miss Zi Yue smile will have the honor of her personally pouring them a drink."
After she finished, someone announced the price for boarding the boat and the cost of the private rooms inside.
The madam whispered in Zi Yue's ear, "Last time, cooperating with Young Master Liu already raised your value significantly. I thought we could fetch a good price for you this time, but who knew the damned Lofty Cloud Pavilion would interfere. If someone bids over 300,000 later, you should accept it."
Zi Yue nodded gently.
Chen Mo, watching the eager crowd ahead, couldn't help but admire the madam's skills.
This marketing is impressive!
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Chen Mo and Queen Medusa spent 5,000 gold coins to board the boat and booked a private room.
When they boarded, the staff collecting the money gave Queen Medusa a curious look.
In this day and age, even women come to drink flower wine?
Chen Mo's private room was on the second floor. Upon entering, it was even livelier than he had imagined, filled with the scent of various cosmetics.
High fees mean good service.
As soon as they sat down in the room, maids brought them tea and desserts.
After a while, two pretty women even came in to offer shoulder and back massages.
Both of them declined.
Queen Medusa reclined on the spacious chair in the room, her fair legs crossed, and looked at Chen Mo with a seductive gaze. She said lightly, "You're not really here just to drink flower wine, are you?"
"Otherwise?" Having traveled here for so long and finally arriving at this so-called brothel, of course, he needed to relax.
Moreover, with such limited entertainment in this world, Chen Mo had been feeling quite stifled.
"Aren't you afraid those two will find out?" Queen Medusa had fully understood the relationship between the three of them. While she was shocked, she also felt an inexplicable sense of jealousy.
"I'm just here to drink some flower wine, not to have a one-night stand," Chen Mo sipped his tea and said, "After fighting for so many days, what's wrong with enjoying myself?"
"???"
Queen Medusa didn't understand what Chen Mo meant, but judging by his demeanor, he seemed ready to let loose completely.
"It seems I'll have to keep an eye on him for those two foolish women."
The three women competing for the title of courtesan were indeed quite beautiful, but they still fell slightly short compared to Zi Yue, who was playing the zither above.
These wealthy young men were truly rich. Even after Chen Mo had raided their homes, they still bid tens of thousands without a hint of hesitation.
Each of the three women vying for the courtesan title was bid up to over 100,000 Gold Coins.
Zi Yue, the zither player, was even bid up to 430,000 Gold Coins, and a portly young man won her favor.
Chen Mo made sure to remember the portly young man's appearance, thinking he would raid his home again.
Amidst the atmosphere, Chen Mo found himself inexplicably kissing Queen Medusa's red lips.