Huayue Tower was the most famous pleasure house in Nanjing. Within its walls resided Xi Ren, a woman of unparalleled beauty who was known as the First Courtesan of Jiangnan. Since the Great Chu Dynasty’s migration south, many had lost themselves in a life of pleasure and revelry. Even in recent years, despite Mo Suiyun’s determination to strengthen the nation, Jiangnan hadn’t grown more austere. Instead, the sounds of decadence continued unabated, with countless noble sons and talented scholars spending their days and nights in the company of courtesans, perpetually intoxicated. This had only served to spread Xi Ren’s fame far and wide.
On this particular day, some unusual guests arrived at Huayue Tower. Though pleasure houses typically didn’t open their doors during daylight hours, three visitors arrived early that morning: two handsome young men and a child. One youth wore black clothing and was extraordinarily handsome, his eyes twinkling with mirth. The other wore dark blue robes, carrying himself with a straight bearing and cold demeanor. Most notably, the youth in white held a five or six-year-old child dressed in white brocade. Upon entering, they immediately requested the house’s premier courtesan, Xi Ren, to perform. The initially reluctant madam’s face instantly bloomed with joy upon seeing the silver note casually offered. After all, a pleasure house existed to make money—who cared whether it operated during the day or night?
Thus, the two youths and the child were enthusiastically escorted by the beaming madam to the Feng Hua Xue Yue Chamber, the finest room on the second floor.
The delicate sounds of a zither filled the chamber, accompanied by fine wine, exquisite dishes, beautiful serving girls, and alluring dancers moving gracefully. Mo Xiaobao reclined on a lounge chair, sipping wine while watching the performance through half-lidded eyes, occasionally glancing at the veiled beauty playing the zither not far away. Mo Yufeng, whom he’d placed on the chair, lay against him, curiously watching the revelry with wide, spinning eyes.
Qin Lie, seated in another chair, sampled Jiangnan’s freshest delicacies while asking casually, “Are Jiangnan’s pleasure houses more entertaining than those in Li City?” Li City was now the most prosperous city in the Central Plains, with every kind of pleasure house and tavern imaginable. Even golden-haired, green-eyed foreign courtesans weren’t uncommon, yet Mo Xiaobao had never shown particular interest. If it was Xi Ren’s beauty that drew him, that made even less sense—what kind of beauty hadn’t they seen in Li City? At least half of the top ten beauties and talented women in the world resided there.
Mo Xiaobao gave him a lazy glance and said, “Ah Lie, you don’t understand. In Li City… one must always exercise restraint. One can’t be too outrageous in one’s territory.”
Qin Lie nodded in understanding. The common folk of Li City had watched Mo Xiaobao grow up listening to snow. The young Prince Mo felt constrained in his domain—as the saying goes, even rabbits don’t eat grass near their burrow.
Mo Xiaobao nodded approvingly and smiled, “Exactly. Besides… since we’re in Jiangnan, wouldn’t it be a shame not to see Jiangnan’s most famous courtesan?”
“Now that you’ve seen her, what do you think?” Qin Lie asked.
Mo Xiaobao sighed, “The young emperor’s taste is quite ordinary.” Though Jiangnan’s premier courtesan hadn’t removed her veil, Mo Xiaobao prided himself on his ability to judge people. He could tell just from her eyes the extent of her beauty. As for her supposedly unparalleled zither skills that were said to be the finest in Jiangnan—quite ordinary, quite ordinary indeed. Did she think this young master hadn’t studied the zither and couldn’t hear the dissatisfaction in her playing?
“What did you say? What does this have to do with the young emperor?” Qin Lie nearly jumped from his chair. Mo Xiaobao looked at him innocently, “Hmm? Didn’t I mention it? Xi Ren is Mo Suiyun’s beloved confidante.”
Qin Lie nearly coughed blood. This morning they had already schemed to seduce the man’s fiancée, and now they were here to seduce his beloved confidante? Did they think Emperor Mo Suiyun had no temper? Even a mighty dragon doesn’t bully local snakes—if they truly angered Mo Suiyun, he might secretly have them eliminated!
“Ah Lie, don’t be nervous,” Mo Xiaobao smiled soothingly. Qin Lie glanced coldly at Xi Ren, who was bowing her head while playing the zither, and sneered, “I’m not nervous. When Mo Suiyun loses his temper, I won’t be the one he wants dead.”
Mo Xiaobao propped his chin up lazily and said, “Ah Lie, you’re overthinking. Not everyone is as violent as you. This prince is merely visiting Xi Ren—why would Mo Suiyun bother to kill me? Or do you think Mo Suiyun is some romantic who would choose beauty over his empire?”
Qin Lie was speechless. Based on their understanding over the years, Mo Suiyun being romantic was about as likely as Mo Xiaobao being a good person.
“Young masters, Xi Ren takes her leave,” As the song ended, Xi Ren, dressed in light-colored clothes, rose and gave a graceful curtsy, speaking coolly. Xi Ren had been Jiangnan’s premier courtesan for several years. She had met countless nobles, officials, and scholars, all of whom had treated her with utmost respect and courtesy. But these two youths had arrived early, demanding to hear her play, only to ignore her performance and chat amongst themselves. Such disrespect and negligence were unprecedented in Xi Ren’s experience, and her already reluctant expression grew colder.
“Take your leave?” Mo Xiaobao sat up, smiling at Xi Ren, “This young master is waiting for a friend. It’s quite boring with them not here yet—Miss Xi Ren, please play a few more pieces.”
Xi Ren grew angry and was about to refuse coldly. However, when her gaze met the youth’s eyes, she suddenly lost her voice. Though those pitch-black eyes contained amused laughter, something made Xi Ren’s heart turn cold. The words of refusal died in her throat.
Mo Xiaobao gave Xi Ren a faint look and said, “Miss Xi Ren had better stay seated. The person coming is someone you should know.”
And so, the normally proud First Courtesan of Jiangnan could only sit down obediently.
After about half an hour, steady footsteps were heard outside. Mo Xiaobao raised his hand, and all the music and dancing in the hall immediately stopped. Looking toward the door, they saw Mo Suiyun standing there in casual clothes, accompanied by a very beautiful young woman in blue. The young woman stared at Mo Xiaobao, who was half-reclining on the couch playing with his brother, with an odd expression.
“Brother Suiyun, why don’t you come in?” Mo Xiaobao said with a smile.
Mo Suiyun entered the hall, his gaze lingering on Xi Ren for a moment before turning to Mo Xiaobao and saying coolly, “Prince Ding seems to be in good spirits.”
Mo Xiaobao replied with a pleasant smile, “Oh? This prince is new to Jiangnan and doesn’t know where to find entertainment. I only heard that Miss Xi Ren’s zither skills even earned Brother Suiyun’s endless praise, so I came to enjoy them myself. I hope Brother Suiyun won’t take offense.”
“Not at all! Prince Ding is too kind,” Mo Suiyun said through gritted teeth.
Mo Xiaobao acted completely at ease, “I knew Brother Suiyun wouldn’t be so petty. Ah Lie, didn’t I tell you?” Qin Lie gave Mo Xiaobao a speechless look before walking over to lift Mo Yufeng from Mo Xiaobao’s arms, preventing any accidental harm. Haven’t you noticed Mo Suiyun’s murderous glare?
“My lord,” Upon seeing Mo Suiyun, Xi Ren immediately rose to greet him, looking at him somewhat pitifully. Her seductive eyes were rimmed with red. However, Mo Suiyun didn’t comfort her tenderly as she had hoped. He merely gave her a cool glance before sitting down opposite Mo Xiaobao, saying indifferently, “Prince Ding is a guest. As long as Prince Ding is satisfied, that’s what matters. Xi Ren hasn’t been discourteous to Prince Ding, has she?”
Hearing this, Xi Ren’s pretty face turned pale as she bit her cherry lips, not daring to speak. Mo Xiaobao, seemingly blind to the fear in her eyes, smiled and said, “Well, a top courtesan inevitably has some pride. Just like that courtesan in our Li City, what was her name… she always gives me attitude whenever I visit. Miss Xi Ren has been quite good already.”
Mo Suiyun gave Xi Ren a cool glance and said, “You may leave. You need not stay at Huayue Tower anymore.”
“Yes… my lord,” Xi Ren’s voice trembled as she spoke softly. Though she was Huayue Tower’s premier courtesan, her other identity was Mo Suiyun’s spy. Since South Chu’s nobles and officials frequently visited pleasure houses, courtesans could gather considerable intelligence. Thus, Xi Ren had been quite valued by Mo Suiyun. However, after years as a spy, she hadn’t realized these two young men who came early to hear her play included the new Prince Ding, Mo Yuzhen, and she had even offended him. Although… even if she hadn’t offended Mo Yuzhen, she probably couldn’t have stayed at Huayue Tower much longer. Mo Suiyun never visited such establishments, yet Prince Ding knew of their close relationship—he must have already known her true identity and come deliberately.
After dismissing Xi Ren, Mo Suiyun looked at Mo Xiaobao and said, “Prince Ding, now that you’ve heard the music, shall we discuss matters elsewhere?” Even though Mo Suiyun had developed quite a thick skin over the years, he still felt uncomfortable discussing matters like political marriages in such a place. The feeling… even if successful, it wouldn’t feel like giving away a princess in marriage, but rather like casually offering a woman of questionable virtue.
Mo Xiaobao, however, wasn’t so particular. Looking around the tastefully decorated hall, he said, “Why make things complicated? Though Huayue Tower’s ladies are only average in looks, their pastries are quite good. Brother Suiyun shouldn’t be so compromising. Speaking of which… Brother Suiyun has quite a romantic fortune. One top courtesan just left, and I see this young lady… is no less beautiful than Miss Xi Ren.”
Princess Linan, standing beside Mo Suiyun, turned pale, glaring resentfully at Mo Xiaobao. Mo Suiyun, knowing Mo Xiaobao’s character and his habitual tactlessness with others, could only maintain his composure and say, “This is my royal sister, Princess Linan. Linan, this is Prince Ding.”
Princess Linan stepped forward and curtsied gracefully, “Linan greets Prince Ding.”
Mo Xiaobao tilted his head to look at Princess Linan and smiled, “I’ve been discourteous, please forgive me, Princess.”
Princess Linan’s delicate face reddened slightly as she said softly, “Your Highness is too kind.”
Mo Suiyun smiled as he looked at Mo Xiaobao, “Linan’s beauty and talent are among the finest in the world. Moreover, she has long admired Prince Ding’s consort and has diligently practiced martial arts. She could truly be called accomplished in both civil and martial arts.”
“Royal Brother…” Princess Linan said coquettishly. Mo Suiyun smiled leisurely, raising an eyebrow at Mo Xiaobao. Mo Xiaobao blinked, smiling pleasantly at Princess Linan, “The Princess has truly worked hard, but why emulate my mother? My royal father has no intention of taking any concubines in this lifetime.”
“…”
Princess Linan, who had been smiling sweetly moments ago, turned pale and seemed about to collapse. Though they had met less than a quarter hour ago, Princess Linan had already experienced the formidable nature of this extraordinarily handsome youth. Prince Mo was exceptionally handsome and naturally wore an innocent, smiling face that had deceived countless self-proclaimed clever people. Even Princess Linan, despite being prepared, couldn’t help but be moved when they first met. Unfortunately, before these romantic thoughts could develop, they were thoroughly crushed by Mo Xiaobao. When Mo Xiaobao wanted to play innocent, he could murder before your eyes and you’d still believe in his innocence. But when he wanted to provoke someone, even his sweetest smile would make you want to punch him in the face.
Not only Princess Linan, but even Mo Suiyun’s expression changed. His face darkened slightly as he said coolly, “Prince Ding jests. The previous Prince Ding’s devotion to his consort is known throughout the land. How could Linan have such presumptuous thoughts?”
Mo Xiaobao tilted his head, casually feeding his brother a pastry while smiling, “That’s good to hear. Honestly… I don’t want another mother figure either. Princess, I apologize for the misunderstanding.”
Princess Linan’s face alternated between green and white before she finally recovered enough to force a smile and say, “Your Highness is too polite. It was just a misunderstanding.”
Seeing Princess Linan’s state, Mo Suiyun sighed and waved for her to withdraw. Princess Linan, not wanting to face this difficult Prince Ding any longer, curtsied and left.
Watching Princess Linan’s departing figure, Mo Xiaobao snickered and winked triumphantly at Qin Lie, completely disregarding the presence of the other involved party. Mo Suiyun stared at Mo Xiaobao and said gravely, “Linan is a young lady. Prince Ding’s words just now were perhaps too harsh.”
Mo Xiaobao looked bewildered, “But I already apologized.”
“…” You think pretending to misunderstand will fool people into thinking you weren’t deliberate?
Mo Suiyun said seriously, “Does Prince Ding remember what We proposed some days ago?”
Mo Xiaobao sat up, slightly reducing his playful manner, and asked, “The marriage alliance?”
Mo Suiyun nodded. Mo Xiaobao stroked his chin and asked, “Princess Linan?”
“Linan would naturally be the best choice, but if Prince Ding is unsatisfied, We have several other royal sisters.”
Mo Xiaobao waved his hand, “It’s not that I’m unsatisfied, but… I’m still young and don’t plan to marry yet. If Princess Linan can wait, then perhaps it’s not impossible.”
“Prince Ding is already sixteen, it’s time to consider marriage,” Mo Suiyun said. Mo Xiaobao waved his hand again, “I plan to follow my royal father’s example and marry at twenty-five.”
Twenty-five was still nine full years away. By then, Princess Linan would be practically an old maid. If Mo Xiaobao kept his promise, sacrificing a princess wouldn’t matter much. But who knew what might happen in those nine years?
“We hear Li City is preparing to host a selection of consorts?”
Mo Xiaobao chuckled, “Indeed. Is Brother Suiyun interested?”
Mo Suiyun said gravely, “What if Linan were to distinguish herself in the selection?”
Mo Xiaobao replied sincerely, “Then I would certainly help the Princess find a suitable husband.”
“?”
Mo Xiaobao rubbed his nose and smiled, “Brother Suiyun, Li City is planning to host a beauty pageant.”
“What’s the difference?”
“The winners will be matched in marriage by me, of course. This way, they’ll stop fixating on me,” Mo Xiaobao said matter-of-factly.