Chapter 15: Will Miss Shi Shi Leave the Brothel?
Next, Lin Beifan was invited by the madam to sit in the golden position on the second floor, where he was served with delicious food and wine. Many courtesans admired Lin Beifan’s talent and volunteered to accompany him, but he politely declined their advances as he had a cleanliness fetish and was not interested in women touched by others.
While enjoying his food and wine, Lin Beifan couldn’t help but marvel at how much he was enjoying himself. He had good wine to drink, delicious food to taste, and beautiful talented women to keep him company. It was truly a man’s paradise! It was no wonder that countless men would risk everything to come here and leave nothing behind, as this place fulfilled all their fantasies and desires!
At one point, Lin Beifan raised his glass to toast the nearby table and said, “Sir Zhao, please!” The other party quickly raised his glass in response and said, “Scholar Lin, you’re too polite, please also drink with us!”
After they had both taken a sip of their drinks, their relationship grew closer. Curious, Lin Beifan asked, “Sir Zhao, is it always this lively here?”
Zhao shook his head and smiled, saying, “No, only in recent days it has been busier than usual!”
“Why’s that?” Lin Beifan asked, his curiosity piqued.
“It’s because Miss Shi Shi is preparing to leave the brothel. Her performances are a must-see, so everyone is coming here to support her!” Zhao laughed.
“Miss Shi Shi?” Lin Beifan frowned.
Seeing Lin Beifan’s confusion, Zhao immediately explained, “Miss Shi Shi’s real name is Li Shi Shi. She is a talented and virtuous courtesan here, and she sells her art but not her body! She has a beauty that can bring shame to the flowers and a talent in music, chess, calligraphy, poetry, and painting that makes her a well-known figure in the capital. She has countless admirers!”
“But just a few days ago, she announced that she would be leaving the brothel, choosing a husband among those who are talented, noble, and powerful. That’s why people are pouring in these past few days since everyone hopes to catch her attention.” Zhao added.
“Who is she planning to marry?” Lin Beifan asked, his interest piqued.
“I don’t really know, but she said she will choose someone who is talented, noble and powerful. So many people are coming in hopes of being chosen by Li Shi Shi!” Zhao replied.
Lin Beifan teased, “It seems like you also want to be chosen by her, Sir Zhao!”
Zhao laughed heartily and said, “Who wouldn’t want to have close contact with such a beauty? Who wouldn’t want to marry her? But there are too many suitors, and my chances are slim. I’m just here to join the fun. But Lin, you have a higher chance than most!”
Lin Beifan shook his head with a smile and said, “I’m not interested in these things. Besides, I’m always on the run, how could I marry and have children? Even if I were to find a wife, I’d have to wait until I have a stable life!”
“No need to talk so much, let’s drink!” Zhao raised his glass to toast and said, “Here’s to Scholar Lin!”
At this moment, in a boudoir, a stunningly beautiful woman was holding a poem written by Lin Beifan and reciting each word.
“Silently climbing up the blue building, the moon is like a hook, the lonely parasol tree locks the autumn night! Unable to cut or straighten, it’s the sorrow of parting! It’s a feeling that touches the heart… What a beautiful poem!”
The stunning woman’s eyes became misty.
This poem was simply a portrayal of her life, her inner thoughts! She couldn’t help but recall her past.
Initially, due to family circumstances, she had to offer herself to the Hundred Flowers Brothel at a young age.
Relying on her own talent, she managed to keep her innocence and became the top courtesan in the Hundred Flowers Brothel, renowned in the capital.
But everyone only saw her surface glory, who saw her hardship behind the scenes?
Who would willingly offer themselves to a brothel? To be coveted by countless men with greedy, lecherous, and lascivious eyes?
“Miss, why don’t you just choose to marry the top scholar Lin Beifan!”
An attendant in a blue dress said enthusiastically, “Look, he’s not only talented and extraordinary, but also young and accomplished, winning three times in the imperial exams. How many people have achieved that throughout history?”
“Moreover, he’s currently in favor with the empress, having been promoted half a rank in just two days, and appointed as the director of the National Academy. He was even granted a luxurious mansion and allowed to attend court meetings daily! If you marry him, the high-ranking official won’t be able to do anything to you!”
The stunning woman before our eyes was the top courtesan in the Hundred Flowers Brothel – Li Shi Shi.
Unluckily, she had been targeted by a young master. He was a spoiled brat, indulging in wining, dining, prostitution, and gambling.
Relying on his father’s power, he had committed many evil deeds, frightening everyone into silence. In order to avoid being defiled by the high-ranking official, she had chosen to leave at this time.
She sought out a righteous gentleman to protect her, and took the opportunity to reform her ways. However, the young master had seen through it all, and boasted that whoever dared to interfere with him, he would deal with them.
Therefore, many people of high status and position didn’t dare to come near, afraid of offending the young master.
Thus, in recent days, she had been unable to find a suitable candidate… Lin Beifan’s appearance was an unexpected surprise.
Li Shishi sighed, “Xiao Cui, everything you said is true! The top scholar is certainly the best choice in terms of talent and appearance, and he won’t fear the high-ranking official thanks to the empress’s favor! Unfortunately, he’s also a corrupt official!”
