"What is it?" Bai Zixi, disguised as 'Young Master Bai,' said calmly.
She spoke in her original female voice, with a hint of mockery in her tone.
Little Grandaunt—
How could Bai Xiaosheng not recognize his Little Grandaunt's voice? He was terrified, then looked at Mo Hua with even more fear.
This Mo Hua was truly audacious—he could even 'con' his Little Grandaunt out?
Might as well fly to the heavens!
This was no longer just being bold—
Bai Xiaosheng struggled to climb out of the carriage.
Mo Hua held him down, "What are you running for?"
Bai Xiaosheng said angrily, "Let me go! I want to get off!"
Mo Hua sighed, "Your grandaunt is here; where are you running?"
Bai Xiaosheng's scalp tingled, shocked and furious, "You scoundrel Mo Hua! You're tricking me again! Do you want me dead?!"
Mo Hua asked, "How am I harming you?"
Bai Xiaosheng only said, "You damnable wretch! If I had known my Little Grandaunt was here, I wouldn't have gotten on this carriage even if you killed me!"
Mo Hua asked curiously, "Are you that afraid of your Little Grandaunt?"
Bai Xiaosheng's face turned pale, "What nonsense! I—"
Before he could finish, Bai Zixi said lightly, "Alright, stop messing around."
Bai Xiaosheng dared not speak further and lowered his head obediently.
Bai Zixi said, "Xiaosheng."
Bai Xiaosheng reluctantly replied, "Yes—"
"Take me to the Jade Fragrance Pavilion," Bai Zixi said.
"I—" Bai Xiaosheng hesitated.
How could a place like that be suitable for Little Grandaunt? He tactfully said, "Little Grandaunt, the Jade Fragrance Pavilion is a place of debauchery, filthy and unworthy of you."
Bai Zixi imitated Mo Hua and said, "I have important business; I must go."
Mo Hua silently sighed.
"Just lead the way," Bai Zixi added.
Seeing Bai Xiaosheng still hesitating, Bai Zixi's eyes flickered, and she said softly, "Otherwise, I'll report to the ancestors about your 'cultivation' in gambling dens and 'seclusion' in brothels."
Bai Xiaosheng stiffened, then conceded with a sigh, "As Little Grandaunt wishes."
Bai Zixi nodded.
Mo Hua chimed in, "See? It's better to listen to your Little Grandaunt early—"
Bai Xiaosheng glared fiercely at Mo Hua.
This Mo guy was a jinx; nothing good ever happened when he was involved. And this kid was as cunning as a ghost, unfathomable and impossible to guard against. He'd clearly fallen into the kid's trap again.
Bai Xiaosheng was furious.
After that, the carriage continued forward on even ground without bumps, but all along the way, Bai Xiaosheng's heart was in turmoil, extremely anxious.
How could the Jade Fragrance Pavilion be a good place? How could Little Grandaunt go there?
But if he didn't lead the way, Little Grandaunt wouldn't let him off.
Yet if he did lead her to such a place, and the old fogies in the family found out, he might die even more miserably—
Either way, it was bad. After much thought, Bai Xiaosheng had no choice but to yield to Little Grandaunt's authority.
Maybe if Little Grandaunt was pleased and put in a good word for him, the ancestors' punishment might be lighter.
But if he made her unhappy, then truly there would be no way out, neither to heaven nor hell.
Having realized this, Bai Xiaosheng resigned himself to fate.
"But—"
Bai Xiaosheng glanced at Mo Hua, growing more suspicious.
Without reason, how could Little Grandaunt suddenly want to go to the Jade Fragrance Pavilion?
Eighty percent of it was Mo Hua's doing—
But how had this Mo guy managed to 'lure' Little Grandaunt, this 'great Buddha,' out of the Small Blessed Land?
Had Rong Zhenren approved?
Was he not afraid of karma leaking?
And also, had Little Grandaunt really been willing to leave?
Bai Xiaosheng found it quite remarkable.
He stole a glance at Bai Zixi and then at Mo Hua. The two had striking features and an untethered elegance; their images and temperaments were somewhat similar, and they looked harmonious sitting together. He couldn't help thinking, "Little Grandaunt really treats Mo Hua, this junior brother, like her own younger brother? She indulges and cares for him so much?"
After all, ordinary men, except for the direct lineage of the Bai family, didn't even have the right to see Little Grandaunt—
Bai Xiaosheng shook his head.
Little Grandaunt simply didn't know that Mo Hua's viciousness and cunning were nothing like his rosy lips and harmless appearance.
Bai Xiaosheng wanted to warn Little Grandaunt, but with Mo Hua present, it was hard to speak.
He was afraid that if he couldn't outargue the treacherous Mo Hua, the latter would bite back and completely lose Little Grandaunt's trust.
Mo Hua was exactly that kind of despicable 'sycophant.'
Bai Xiaosheng mentally categorized Mo Hua as such.
Anyway, with Bai Xiaosheng leading the way, things would be easier.
Houtu City was large, and the road to the Jade Fragrance Pavilion was winding with many forks. Mo Hua had never been there and wasn't familiar.
But Bai Xiaosheng knew the way well. With Little Grandaunt Bai Zixi—this 'great Buddha'—pressing down on him, he dared not lead Mo Hua in circles. He honestly guided them through streets and alleys as the horse's hooves clopped, until they reached the junction of the southern and northern cities.
From afar, Mo Hua saw a long, brightly lit street thronged with people, with a subtle fragrance in the air.
But the carriage circled nearby streets for a long time, unable to find a way in.
It was as if the Flower Street, interwoven with lights and rouge, existed in another world—clearly within reach yet seemingly far away.
Mo Hua looked at Bai Xiaosheng.
Being well-versed in formations, he naturally knew that formations had been laid on the surrounding streets, some even being illusion arrays to block unrelated people.
Only those 'invited' or in the know could enter.
Bai Xiaosheng sighed and without a word, took the reins to lead the way, driving to a nearby dead end.
Bai Xiaosheng knocked on the stone wall at the end of the alley. Before long, a figure emerged from the darkness, like a gatekeeper.
Bai Xiaosheng showed a token and tossed him a small pouch of spirit stones.
Seeing the token, the gatekeeper's attitude became much more respectful. After taking the spirit stones, he even bowed, saying, "Noble guest, please wait a moment."
Then the gatekeeper melted back into the shadows.
Soon, the stone wall at the mouth of the alley vanished, revealing a small stone alley before them.
"Drunken Flower Street, Gold-Digging Alley—"
Bai Xiaosheng murmured, then turned, drove the carriage, and continued forward.
The carriage traveled along the dark, winding alley for a while, and then the view opened up.
Fireworks rose to the sky, light dazzling; the entire Flower Street stretched into the distance like a sea of blossoms, endless to the eye.
On both sides of the sea of flowers were magnificent jade buildings and ornate towers. On the balconies of each exquisitely carved building stood women of peerless beauty and delicate charm.
Under the moonlight, the jade buildings shimmered with a hazy glow, and the sea of flowers exuded an alluring fragrance.
These beautiful, graceful women danced on high, illuminated by the light and framed by the flowers, like celestial maidens descending from the heavens.
At least from the outside, it was indeed breathtakingly beautiful.
Not only Mo Hua, but even Bai Zixi was slightly startled.
She turned and stared at Mo Hua, then whispered, "It is quite beautiful—no wonder you wanted to come."
Bai Zixi's voice was soft, but Mo Hua's heart jumped. He said seriously, "Little Senior Sister, you know me. I never care for such things—"
Bai Zixi glanced at him with an unreadable look, then turned away without speaking.
Unsure if his Little Senior Sister was angry, Mo Hua sighed inwardly and turned to Bai Xiaosheng. "Where is the Jade Fragrance Pavilion?"
Bai Xiaosheng pointed ahead. "Keep going straight; it's still a few li away."
Mo Hua nodded.
Bai Xiaosheng added, "But before we go to the Jade Fragrance Pavilion, we need to get something first."
Mo Hua asked, "Get what?"
Bai Xiaosheng said, "Follow me."
So Bai Xiaosheng led the way, bringing Mo Hua and Bai Zixi to a small shop by the street.
The shop sold all kinds of masks.
These masks were simple, just a thin layer covering the face, but they were exquisite and came in many flashy styles.
Bai Xiaosheng said, "Pick one and put it on."
Mo Hua didn't understand. "What's the use?"
With his divine sense, he could see through these masks at a glance.
Bai Xiaosheng said, "Better than nothing."
Seeing Mo Hua still skeptical, Bai Xiaosheng explained, "Since you're here for the first time, it's best not to show your face—"
"Even if these masks can't block the divine sense of experts, they at least block the eyes."
"Moreover, in places like brothels, you mustn't casually use divine sense to pry; it's a great disrespect and easily breeds grudges."
"If someone does spy on you with divine sense, you'll at least know in advance who harbors ill intentions."
"Anyway, it's the custom. Wearing them won't hurt."
Bai Xiaosheng's main concern was for his Little Grandaunt's safety, which was why he explained so much to Mo Hua. Otherwise, he wouldn't bother.
He actually wished Mo Hua would make a fool of himself at the Jade Fragrance Pavilion and lose face.
Mo Hua nodded. Since it was custom, he didn't refuse. He and Bai Zixi each chose a mask.
Bai Zixi picked a phoenix-patterned mask, elegant and noble.
Mo Hua picked a bronze-patterned mask, ancient and mysterious.
After they chose, they turned to look at Bai Xiaosheng, only to see him wearing nothing.
Mo Hua asked, "Why aren't you wearing one?"
Bai Xiaosheng waved his hand. "I don't need to."
Mo Hua realized, "Oh, you're an old regular, so wearing one doesn't matter?"
Bai Xiaosheng retorted angrily, "I'm not a regular! I rarely come! Don't slander me!"
That treacherous Mo Hua always defamed him in front of Little Grandaunt.
If not for Little Grandaunt being here, he would have taught him a lesson!
Mo Hua was about to say something else.
But Bai Xiaosheng, truly afraid of Mo Hua's tongue, hurriedly said, "Let's get to the Jade Fragrance Pavilion quickly; go early and return early."
Mo Hua paused and nodded.
After that, Bai Xiaosheng led the way, and Mo Hua stayed close to Little Senior Sister, protecting her.
Drunken Flower Street, a place of pleasure, had always been a money-squandering den.
And since Kun Prefecture was wealthy and Houtu City famous for its luxury, this brothel-filled Drunken Flower Street was the epitome of extravagance and decadence.
On the street, rich young masters, nobles, and officials came and went endlessly.
In the brothels, virgin courtesans performed arts, while experienced ones beckoned, creating a scene of lavish beauty.
Mo Hua cultivated his mind and didn't care much for such sights, but with Little Senior Sister beside him, walking close in the crowd, he couldn't help feeling a bit distracted.
Bai Zixi, however, looked around openly with clear eyes.
She rarely left home and had seldom seen such a gorgeous, seductive place; everything seemed novel to her.
After walking for a while, a huge brothel appeared before them. Its towering structure spread out like a mountain gate, both luxurious and imposing.
On the plaque above the door were written three big characters: 'Jade Fragrance Pavilion.'
Had they not known beforehand, just by looking at the entrance, no one would have thought such a noble place was actually a brothel.
Bai Xiaosheng looked at the three characters, still hesitated for a moment, then turned to Bai Zixi and whispered, "Little— do you really want to go in?"
Bai Zixi nodded.
Once she decided, she wouldn't go back on it.
Bai Xiaosheng sighed, knowing persuasion was useless—and since they were at the door—he said, "Alright, follow me."
Bai Zixi was about to follow him but suddenly stopped and turned to look at the distant southeast corner.
The night was deep and the fireworks brilliant; nothing could be seen in that direction.
But Mo Hua asked, "Is Rong Zhenren following?"
Bai Zixi was somewhat surprised and looked at Mo Hua. "You know?"
Mo Hua nodded. "No matter how carefree Rong Zhenren is, she definitely wouldn't let you go alone. She must be following."
"Back then, when I was at the Tai Xu Sect, it was the same—no matter what I did, the ancestors, the sect leader, the elders, always followed covertly to protect me."
"Sometimes I knew, sometimes I didn't."
Mo Hua was very grateful for the elders' care at the Tai Xu Sect.
Bai Zixi's eyes flickered, and she nodded.
Mo Hua said, "Let's go in."
"Mm," Bai Zixi replied softly.
Then the two, one after the other, followed Bai Xiaosheng into the Jade Fragrance Pavilion.
As the number one brothel in Houtu City, the Jade Fragrance Pavilion didn't have beautiful women soliciting at the door, which would have seemed cheap. But once inside, rows of women in elegant dresses with slender figures and dignified makeup would bow to greet the guests.
As they bowed, their tight dresses outlined their figures alluringly, seductive yet not vulgar.
Mo Hua sighed inwardly.
Truly a big brothel, different from ordinary ones.
Although he actually didn't know what ordinary brothels were like.
Bai Xiaosheng, calm and composed, called a woman over and said, "Open a private room."
He didn't want his noble Little Grandaunt to be sullied by the atmosphere of the main hall.
The woman bowed her head in obedience. "Yes, Master Bai."
Mo Hua looked at Bai Xiaosheng. "Master Bai?"
And you say you don't come often? They already call you 'Master.'
Bai Zixi also looked at Bai Xiaosheng with curiosity.
Bai Xiaosheng's mouth twitched. He gave an awkward smile and said, "This girl has a sweet tongue— Let's go upstairs, go upstairs."
Then Bai Xiaosheng, somewhat flustered, led Mo Hua and Bai Zixi to a private room on the second floor.
The private room was elegantly furnished, with a landscape screen, a qin platform, and comfortable seats—a rather refined place.
Bai Xiaosheng said, "I'll call some girls to keep you company."
He then got up and left. Soon, a line of women filed in, all chirping and each with their own charm.
At first, these women were reserved, but as soon as they saw Mo Hua and the disguised 'Young Master Bai' (Bai Zixi), their eyes lit up.
Mo Hua was naturally handsome, and Bai Zixi, as 'Young Master Bai,' was exceptionally beautiful. Although both wore masks, their brows and eyes were like stars, and their facial contours were exquisite; they were clearly two extraordinary handsome men.
The noble phoenix pattern and the mysterious bronze pattern added a forbidden, enigmatic beauty to them.
Immediately, a woman, unable to contain her excitement, blushed and moved toward Bai Zixi, reaching for her arm, cooing, "Young Master, let me serve you—"
Seeing this, Mo Hua's heart jumped. He grabbed a pair of chopsticks and clamped the woman's hand, stopping her from touching his Little Senior Sister.