Soon, Wang Xiangxiang had changed into men’s attire, but her delicate features, clean and fair, still made her look unmistakably feminine.
Wang Xiangxiang actually thought her disguise was pretty good. She twirled around for Chu Lian to see, "What do you think, do I pass?"
"..." Could he honestly say she didn’t? But seeing her determination to go regardless, he could only play along, "Yes, let us hurry then."
The two boarded the carriage Acheng had prepared and hurried off to Yixiang Courtyard, where their own men had gathered around for any needed support.
Thus, the three of them got off at the entrance of Yixiang Courtyard.
A dedicated greeter was there at the door. Upon spotting Chu Lian and the others, the greeter immediately recognized Wang Xiangxiang’s true identity as a woman. However, their madam had instructed them, reciting that Yixiang Courtyard was too rigid, and they couldn’t adhere strictly to the rule that only men were allowed entry. So, the greeter welcomed them with a smile, "Gentlemen, this must be your first visit to our Yixiang Courtyard, yes? Today there is a grand performance, so you have come at the right time. Please, come in."
With a blend of curiosity and confusion, Chu Lian and the others entered Yixiang Courtyard, the place was bustling beyond belief. It was Chu Lian’s first visit to such a place; he had thought all brothels were . He walked further inside while protectively keeping Wang Xiangxiang close, constantly feeling as though the men surrounding them reeked of a putrid odor.
Inside, a staff member briefed them further. Tonight, a newcomer was to auction off her virgin night – undoubtedly, this was Xiaoxiao, mentioned in the letter that urged them to bid on her.
Although unclear about Xiaoxiao’s motives, they just had to cooperate for now; they would understand what was happening once they met her in person.
"Find us seats, please."
"Gentlemen, I’m terribly sorry, but all the seats have been sold."
"..." Chu Lian was speechless; he had never heard of having to buy a seat before, "Then add three seats for us, I will pay."
"Right away, sir. I’ll arrange that for you immediately. It will be a total of thirty Silver."
As the attendant extended his hand for the money, Chu Lian pulled out thirty Silver from his pocket. He wouldn’t mind paying even fifty Silver; he couldn’t let his dear Xiangxiang get tired out.
Soon, their seats were arranged, and the three of them sat down, quietly waiting to see exactly what kind of trick Xiaoxiao was playing.
But the bustling atmosphere simply couldn’t settle down. Not just the people seated in the hall, even the second-floor balconies were packed.
Everyone was clearly there for Xiaoxiao’s reputation, and the chatter was incredibly loud.
"Hey, what do you think the show will be about today?"
"What are you talking about? It’s Xiaofeng."
"But she keeps saying she’s ’Love Spice’ every day."
"Who cares? The performances are always unexpected anyway."
"Absolutely thrilling; it wasn’t a wasted trip."
"Yes, even if we don’t get her, watching the show is exciting enough."
"Wonder who’s lucky enough to bid on her today."
"Maybe it’s Young Master Wang, did you see he’s all set over there?"
Such discussions reached the ears of Chu Lian and Wang Xiangxiang, igniting their curiosity about just what Xiaoxiao had done to bewitch these people so thoroughly.
With so many people here for her, bidding might not go smoothly. And what exactly was ’Love Spice’?