TFWYH – Chapter 409 Such a beautiful woman

Huang Yi was not like Ling Yu. Although he had a reputation for being both civil and martial, benevolent and righteous, he was genuinely quite a scoundrel — his household was filled with concubines and personal maids.

But at the moment, he wasn’t interested. He waved his hand dismissively.

“Forget it. I don’t have the leisure for that.”

In truth, he simply didn’t believe a small county town could possibly have any breathtaking beauty.

Su Yuan chuckled and said, “Many of the brothels on Flower Street have already reopened. To be honest, Xiangxi Town has three great wonders. One of them is Miss Yuan of Qingyuan Elegant House — jade-like skin, delicate bones, and a beauty capable of toppling kingdoms.”

“Oh?” Huang Yi raised an eyebrow. “A beauty capable of toppling kingdoms? Are you certain? I’ve seen women as numerous as waves in the sea, yet none dared claim such a title. Su Yuan, don’t exaggerate just because we’re close.”

Su Yuan hurriedly cupped his hands. “I wouldn’t dare! Your Highness will see for yourself that I haven’t exaggerated in the slightest. More importantly, Miss Yuan of Qingyuan Elegant House is still a courtesan who keeps her purity. Not only is she stunningly beautiful, she is also extraordinarily talented — skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Many scholars come here just to admire her, some even spending fortunes merely for a single glimpse.”

Huang Yi had been uninterested, but Su Yuan had successfully piqued his curiosity.

“Fine! I’ll go see this so-called peerless beauty. Lead the way!”

“Yes, Your Highness. But please return and change clothes first — we can’t go dressed in official robes.”

“Hahaha… I almost forgot!”

…

Huang Yi and Su Yuan immediately returned to change into casual attire before heading to Qingyuan Elegant House.

Before long, they arrived at their destination.

Unlike other brothels, there were no heavily made-up women at the entrance tossing handkerchiefs at passing men.

The storefront itself was simple and elegant. The signboard reading Qingyuan Elegant House was written in graceful small script, exuding refinement.

Rather than a brothel, it looked more like a cultured literary pavilion.

Most of the men entering and leaving were scholars and literati, not greasy, pot-bellied patrons.

Just from the exterior alone, Huang Yi began to believe Su Yuan’s claims.

“This… is a brothel?”

“It is,” Su Yuan replied with a smile. “The calligraphy on that signboard was written personally by Miss Yuan. I’ve heard that even the interior decorations were designed by her.”

“Quite fresh and elegant,” Huang Yi said with a smile as he stepped inside.

Su Yuan quickly followed.

The moment they entered, a faint, refined fragrance of jasmine greeted them.

Perhaps due to the recent disasters, the crowd was not large.

Several elegantly or brightly dressed courtesans accompanied young scholars drinking wine and painting, while other literati gathered nearby to watch.

From time to time, praises and cheers rang out.

A sharp-eyed Madam Hong spotted them and was startled. She immediately stepped forward and bowed politely.

“Lord Su, greetings. And this must be Lord Huang? Meeting you is better than hearing of you — I hope you are well.”

Madam Hong had long abandoned the vulgar brothel habits of throwing herself at every man. Her clothing was dignified, and her speech courteous and proper.

Huang Yi looked her up and down, even more surprised.

“You are… the madam of Qingyuan Elegant House?”

Madam Hong smiled. “Calling me the madam is correct — this is indeed a brothel. But most guests here call me Madam Hong. You may address me however you wish, my lord.”

Su Yuan laughed. “Alright, Madam Hong. Lord Huang has come specifically to meet Miss Yuan. Please invite her out.”

“Of course. Please follow me, gentlemen.”

Madam Hong led them to a private room with a smile.

But once she stepped back outside, the smile vanished from her face, and she hurried upstairs to the fourth floor to find Yuan Yuan.