As the most famous pleasure district in Kyoto,
Zui Xian Ju's business was booming, almost explosively good,
It can be said that,
If it weren't for Si Li Li setting the flower boat ablaze to escape, turning Zui Xian Ju into ashes and sinking it into the water,
I estimate,
The Bao Yue Lou, jointly opened by Fan Si Zhe and the Third Prince, Li Cheng Ping, wouldn't have risen so quickly, becoming the top establishment in Kyoto in a single leap!
At that time,
Zui Xian Ju was still bustling with activity,
Inside the cabins, sounds of extravagance and debauchery echoed incessantly.
Amidst the laughter and chatter,
Many people would occasionally raise their heads,
Their gazes ardent,
Looking towards the position of the topmost lantern.
This was a lantern that countless men yearned to light, a dream they cherished!
If one could light it,
It not only signified an exceptional level of literary talent, bringing one to the forefront,
But also,
It meant meeting the famed courtesan of Zui Xian Ju, the one known but rarely seen, Miss Si Li Li!
Either one,
Could bring a gleam to one's face, becoming the capital for boasting and pride in the future!
It was because of this,
That countless scholars and gentlemen, noble sons and socialites, all flocked to the place, eager to light the lantern...
But unfortunately,
Si Li Li's requirements for literary talent were too high.
From amongst the countless who came,
Those who successfully lit the lantern were few and far between...
Over time,
Many came to their senses and no longer sought to embarrass themselves. Instead, they found amusement and joy in encouraging others to try their hand at lighting the lantern!
Whenever someone failed,
Despondently descending from the wooden ladder,
They would burst into collective laughter, mocking the unfortunate soul!
And just today,
An unknown young master arrived, arrogantly demanding to see Si Li Li!
Not only that,
He actually boasted,
Declaring that,
He would use his literary talents to utterly conquer Si Li Li!
This sent the patrons seeking pleasure in the cabin into fits of delight.
They were all gleefully anticipating the chance to ridicule him when he made a fool of himself.
The mere thought of his dejected expression sent a wave of uncontrollable laughter bubbling to their lips!
Meanwhile,
A whole incense stick's worth of time had passed since he went upstairs...
“What's going on? He's been up there for so long, why hasn't he come down?”
“I don't know, maybe he's staying up there and refusing to leave!”
“Hahaha, maybe!”
“He's probably too embarrassed to come out after being humiliated!”
“If I were him, I'd be too ashamed to show my face. After all, he was bragging so much in the beginning!”
“...”
The cabin was filled with an atmosphere of schadenfreude.
However,
Just then,
Unnoticed by them in the top-floor corridor, a wisp of fire appeared, igniting the wick of the lantern.
Crackle!
The wick ignited instantly,
The flame twisted and rose,
In an instant,
The entire lantern was bathed in brilliant light!
“I wonder who that young master is. His family must have spoiled him rotten for him to be so blindly confident!”
In the cabin,
A group of companions, seated by the window, were drinking flower wine. One of them chuckled as he drank,
“He still hasn't come down!”
“He's probably too ashamed to face anyone!”
“But it's alright, hahaha, if he doesn't come down today, I'm not leaving until I get a good laugh at his expense!”
“I'm going to see this through!”
He finished his statement,
Then he chuckled to himself for a while,
Suddenly,
He realized his laughter was a bit loud,
But then he noticed,
It wasn't his laughter that was loud,
But that the surrounding area had become eerily quiet!
“What's going on?”
He looked at his companions in confusion, only to see them all looking upwards with expressions of disbelief.
“It looks like you won't be laughing at him today!”
One of his companions said in a dazed voice.
Huh?
Why?
He glanced in the direction everyone was staring, and after considering his companion's words, he was momentarily stunned.
The next second,
He jolted, his intoxication clearing by a large amount!
An absurd thought,
Arising in his mind!
No way!
He quickly twisted his body, looking back up at the top floor!
The moment he saw it,
He stood up from his seat in shock!
He saw,
The lantern, usually dim and dark, had been lit silently, he knew not when!
Like a crimson sun,
It was radiating a glorious light!
“Damn it!!”
“The lantern is lit!!”
The exclamation,
Escaped his lips!
At the same time,
After a brief period of silence,
The entire cabin,
Erupted in a flurry of astonishment!!
“How is that possible!”
“That Fourth Young Master actually did it!”
“Damn!”
“How did he do it!”
“How else? He must have amazing literary talent!”
“I envy him, I envy him!”
“Who was it who said he was just staying up there, ah, I think it was me. I'm so blind!”
“Me too!”
“...”
Sometimes,
The transformation of one's identity happens so quickly!
One second,
Li Cheng Lin was the object of everyone's Schadenfreude,
But now,
Who would dare to even hint at such a thing?
I'm afraid,
Even envy wouldn't be enough!
In reality,
It wasn't just those people who were stunned,
Including the madam on the top floor,
The one who had just lit the lantern,
She couldn't close her mouth either!
She hadn't expected,
That the Fourth Young Master brought by Guo Shao Ling would be so impressive, actually conquering Si Li Li with his literary talent!
Such a man, with both power and influence, and literary talent,
I fear,
His future will be limitless!
At the same time,
As he caused a commotion outside,
Li Cheng Lin strutted into the inner room.
As for Hai Tang Duo Duo's words, which seemed laced with jealousy,
Li Cheng Lin didn't care,
Women, you can't give them what they want,
Isn't she just jealous?
She'll get used to it if she eats enough of it!
Hai Tang Duo Duo may be beautiful,
But what I want is the whole back garden!
“Miss Si Li Li, I'm coming in!”
Li Cheng Lin pushed open the door and entered.
Inside the room,
A graceful figure,
Was already waiting by the table,
The table was set with fine wine and cups,
Along with some sweets.
The candlelight flickered,
A fragrant aroma filled the air,
When the silhouette saw Li Cheng Lin, she immediately knelt, bowing slightly.
“This humble one, Si Li Li, greets the Fourth Prince!”
Si Li Li was a girl with a completely different personality than Hai Tang Duo Duo,
If you say,
Hai Tang Duo Duo's personality is bold and unrestrained, open and straightforward,
Then,
Si Li Li is quieter, more reserved, outwardly strong but inwardly vulnerable.
This is related to her turbulent life from a young age.
Her pale, thin face,
Gave her a kind of sickly beauty,
It made one pity her,
And unconsciously gave rise to the urge to protect her.