Nian Yao, standing by, listened to the orders with her head bowed, unmoving.
"Don't leak any news about her, understand?"
A fierce, bloodthirsty voice suddenly boomed. The madam and her subordinate Nian Yao were startled and quickly responded, "Yes, Master."
"Nian Yao, why did Changsun Zhu change your name?"
The sinister voice lacked any warmth, and a chilling current swept through the room. Nian Yao dared not hide anything, slowly opening her mouth.
"He said I resemble a girl he likes, and he only changed my name. He just listens to me play music, and hasn't done anything outrageous?"
Nian Yao didn't know what her master meant and cautiously stated, fearing she might provoke her master's taboos.
"Now, both of you go to Xiuhua Tower immediately. No matter what it takes, you must help her win first place today."
"Yes, Master," the madam and Nian Yao quickly nodded, both secretly thinking, their master never shows his face, how could he know that woman? What exactly is that woman's background?
Yin Xuan seemed impatient. He waved his hand and coldly said, "You can all leave."
"Yes," the madam and Nian Yao walked out. The room became quiet. Once the footsteps of the two disappeared, the previously quiet room was suddenly filled with two more people. Two expressionless subordinates with deep, serious faces appeared. "Master."
"Go protect her and ensure she doesn't have the slightest accident."
"Yes," the two disappeared in the blink of an eye, their formidable skills evident.
Xiuhua Tower, the largest brothel and entertainment house in the capital, was a place where high-ranking officials and royal nobles squandered their wealth. It was precisely because of the exorbitant sums spent that Xiuhua Tower…
Not to mention the girls, even the lowest sweeping maid was graceful and refined, with an extraordinary demeanor. One could imagine the charms of those alluring girls.
Therefore, the Floral Queen competition was merely a formality and a display each year. Without any surprises, the first place would always be won by a courtesan from Xiuhua Tower.
Today's competition seemed even fiercer than in previous years. The entrance of Xiuhua Tower was bustling with people. The sons of wealthy families and rich merchants had been waiting for this day, so as soon as the time came, they surged towards the entrance.
The entrance fee to Xiuhua Tower today was fifty taels of silver, yet it was still packed with people.
Compared to the nearly two hundred people in previous years, there seemed to be nearly three hundred this year. All private rooms on the second and third floors were booked, and the area around the high platform in the main hall was so crowded that not a drop of water could pass through.
On the high platform, large red lanterns hung. Beneath the lanterns, colorful silk ribbons fashioned into fresh flowers were suspended. The high platform was covered with a red carpet, exuding festivity everywhere, with striking vibrant red.
At the innermost part of the high platform, a full row of tables and chairs was arranged. On the tables were various props, the Four Treasures of the Study, as well as musical instruments like the zither and chess pieces. The chairs were covered with soft brocade cushions.
There were over a dozen brothels and pleasure houses in Fengfen City. Each sent out one courtesan, totaling over ten people. Moreover, Xiuhua Tower had always sent at least three, bringing the total to over twenty. This grand occasion was no less than a royal selection for concubines and was the most popular event among the common folk.
Qingyao entered through a side door of Xiuhua Tower along with the courtesans from other brothels.
At a glance, everything was a riot of peach blossoms and green willows, with women adorned like flowers, dazzling the eyes.
However, it was undeniable that every woman here was beautiful. How could they not be, having been selected from a hundred outstanding candidates? Moreover, because of such competitions, each establishment would train such courtesans annually in preparation for the contest.
Qingyao followed the other women inside. At the inner door, young maids were waiting. As soon as they saw them, their eyes sparkled with disdain, yet they still dutifully led the group of over a dozen people to a flower hall, speaking neither servilely nor humbly.
"Ladies, please rest for a while. The competition is about to begin."
After speaking, they paid them no further mind and turned to leave.
Qingyao swept her gaze across the room, seeing many with dark expressions and visible resentment.
The people in Xiuhua Tower had always looked down on others. They were all of the same status, so why be so arrogant? If these were young ladies from distinguished families, they wouldn't have anything to say. Their status was inherently inferior. However, Xiuhua Tower also operated for profit, yet they were more high-profile than others. Even a young maid looked down on others and didn't even offer a cup of tea.
In the flower hall, people began to chatter. Qingyao sat on a chair motionlessly. Her face was veiled with a thin gauze, her indifferent expression hidden from others. All they could see were her eyes, as clear as flowing water, and the hazy light gauze, ethereal and detached, full of charm and yet concealing unfathomable depths.
"Sister, your dress is so beautiful!"
A young man beside Qingyao exclaimed softly. He glanced down at his own opulent attire. Although expensive and adorned with elaborate patterns, compared to hers, it seemed so provincial, and his heart was struck.
Qingyao nodded slightly. Before she could speak, the cold voice of a maid from Xiuhua Tower came from the doorway.
"Alright, ladies, please follow me to the stage."
Upon hearing this, everyone became nervous and turned to look at the maids they had brought, asking them to check them over.
The maid from Xiuhua Tower wore an impatient expression, scoffing internally. They were merely here to be a foil, why the need for such close inspection?
Wasn't the Floral Queen always someone from their Xiuhua Tower? Not only first place, but even second and third place had never fallen to others. These people were simply daydreaming. Thinking of this, the maid's expression darkened further, and her voice grew colder.
"Alright, let's go."
With that, she turned and led the way. Qingyao raised an eyebrow slightly, a cold glint in her eyes, but she didn't act out. It wasn't worth arguing with a young maid. Her true target was Changsun Yin, and Changsun Yin was sure to come today.
Where would he be? Qingyao pondered silently. Members of the royal family would likely be in the private rooms on the second floor, where they could open the windows and see the scene below clearly.
The group followed the maid through the corridor towards the high platform ahead.
At this moment, from the opposite side of the corridor, three graceful and elegant women approached, dressed in light-colored opulent robes, their expressions aloof, a hint of pride in their brows, and their steps elegant. These three women were the courtesans from Xiuhua Tower, candidates for this competition.
Mu Qingyao casually swept her gaze over them and immediately discerned the difference in their demeanor. As expected, they were meticulously trained.
Their air of arrogance alone was something ordinary people could not imitate. Furthermore, looking at the group of women, many immediately felt their own presence diminish when they saw the three women opposite them, completely overshadowed.
A cold smile played on Qingyao's lips as she watched the three women walk ahead. But when her gaze fell upon the last courtesan, her eyes suddenly deepened, and a chill permeated her being.
That woman's features were like paintings, but her eyes held a hint of sorrow, and her expression was extremely indifferent, as if all these events had nothing to do with her.