novelnext Chapter 640: Socializing
Chapter 640: Socializing
Gu Baoshu thought to herself that this might be the legendary Li Xingshou, and couldn’t help but stretch her neck and widen her eyes to see this famed courtesan who even captivated the Emperor.
The light green shrimp silk curtain was lifted, revealing a graceful lady with black hair cascading like a waterfall, dressed in a simple silk robe, who stepped out to greet them.
Brother Ximen smiled and said, "Thank you, Susu, for welcoming us. How is your sister’s mood today?"
"You rascal, why are you so late? Sister was getting anxious waiting. It took a lot of persuading from Mama before she agreed to get dressed and ready."
As she spoke, the woman discreetly glanced around, taking in everyone’s expressions, and finally gave Brother Ximen a charming smile.
All present felt an indescribable sense of enchanting romance.
Gu Baoshu nodded to herself.
If Brother Ximen hadn’t brought her here, she would never have known such women exist.
However, this woman couldn’t compare to her third sister-in-law.
Beautiful but lacking in propriety.
Qin Heng’s eyes were fixed in place, wondering if this woman wasn’t Li Xingshou, what kind of beauty the real one must be.
Brother Ximen laughed, "My brother Yuan Da, you’ve all met before, and today I’ve brought two more young gentlemen to meet my sister."
Susu’s lovely face was full of smiles as she said, "Brother Ximen, please come in first. Mama and Sister are resting at the back, dressing and getting ready... and burning incense; please sit for a while. With me here, you won’t get bored, young gentlemen."
Amidst the chatter, they entered the outer room where it was quiet except for the distant sounds of silk and bamboo instruments. On an ornate incense table made of rhinoceros skin, a Boshan ancient bronze incense burner lightly emitted fragrance. Four renowned landscape paintings hung on the walls, with four rhinoceros leather chairs arranged below, creating an elegant ambiance.
Susu invited them to sit and said with a smile, "Please sit at ease, I will take Brother Ximen to the back, and then invite Sister out to chat."
The servant promptly ordered, "Our esteemed guests are here, quickly serve the finest wines and dishes."
Handsome servants and maids came and presented sophisticated dishes and drinks, all exquisitely prepared.
Qin Heng sat down next to Gu Baoshu and whispered, "I’ve never been to such a place before, it’s arranged so well."
It’s no wonder Xu Tang said that as long as you serve the nobility well, life can be grand even without official titles.
Their lives are indeed leisurely.
The houses on Money Street are so opulent; every aspect of life here is luxurious and exquisite, truly deserving of the term "money pit."
Gu Baoshu looked out the back window into the courtyard, where three intricately carved little fragrant wood beds were arranged, with purple brocade cushions embroidered with falling flowers and flowing water. Jade chandeliers hung overhead, surrounded by unique antiques, all beautifully arranged.
"Is Brother Ximen going to invite Li Xingshou out to entertain us?"
Gu Baoshu didn’t respond to Qin Heng but instead asked the burly Yuan Da.
Yuan Da grumbled, "Who knows what they’re up to with that whore. We’ve got food and drink; why bother with them?"
Qin Heng laughed and said, "Brother Ximen brought us here to broaden our horizons. I’ve heard many people pay thousands just to see Li Xingshou, yet it’s impossible. Brother Ximen has skills, we should be happy, not angry."
Yuan Da said with a dark face, "We’re sworn brothers, all good men. What’s with bringing women into this? When we go back and see Big Brother, I’ve got some words for him."
Gu Baoshu tried teasing him with words but could get no reaction. He just kept drinking.
After a while, the tinkling of ornaments was heard, followed by the sound of footsteps and the curtains opening.
Gu Baoshu put down her cup and saw a bevy of people escorting a captivating beauty into the room, her eyes fixated.
Only Yuan Da continued drinking and eating meat, seemingly unaffected.
Brother Ximen approached with a smile and said, "These are the two young gentlemen I brought. They just came from playing cuju and are masters of the game."
Gu Baoshu snapped out of her trance and nodded slightly toward Li Xingshou, "So this is the renowned Li Xingshou, it’s an honor."
Qin Heng sighed and said, "Indeed, seeing is believing. This is the first time in my life I see someone with such exquisite hair."
Her elegance was hard to describe.
Li Xingshou smiled softly and greeted them, "My apologies for keeping you waiting, young gentlemen, forgive me."
Then she lightly sat down and, after toasting them, barely engaged with the others, whispering intimately with Brother Ximen, behaving quite unlike regular women.
The two quickly became so intimate that they seemed oblivious to anyone else. Gu Baoshu was dumbfounded, Qin Heng blushed deeply, and Yuan Da just kept drinking as if he didn’t notice them.
After a while, Brother Ximen managed to amuse Li Xingshou and said to Gu Baoshu, "Mr. Qi may not know that our Treasure Bead is an exceptional dancer and singer; today, I will accompany with music for you to enjoy."
Qin Heng sighed, "I’ve long heard of Li Xingshou’s splendid dances and songs, today, thanks to Brother Ximen, I can feast my eyes and ears."
Later, I can brag about it to Xu Tang.
Li Xingshou softly said, "I heard yesterday that Mr. Ximen excels in music, playing various instruments deftly. Today, you must show me."
Brother Ximen smiled slightly, and a maid nearby presented a tray with various musical instruments. Brother Ximen picked up a ruan instrument and gently played it, creating a deeply moving rendition in just a few notes.
Gu Baoshu nodded repeatedly and raised her cup for a drink.
This is the kind of tune those of the Jianghu should hear.
Li Xingshou then picked up two jade clappers and lightly tapped them, singing a song with a delicate and lingering voice, harmonizing skillfully. Even Yuan Da squinted his drunken eyes and put down his wine cup to listen closely.
The song ended, and everyone fell silent.
Li Xingshou sighed softly, "Mr. Ximen is truly an expert."
Yuan Da shouted, "What’s the big deal? My brother is also a master wrestler. Back in Shandong, he was known as the number one wrestler, even Lord Prefect..."
"Alright, alright, what’s the point in bragging about that? With good friends here today, how about I play the jade flute next?" Brother Ximen laughed, picking up the jade flute.
Li Xingshou smiled and said, "Then I shall accompany you with the qin."
The two were well-versed in romantic pursuits, skilled in blowing, plucking, and playing any tune. They would play writerly games like linking words and connecting phrases effortlessly. Amid laughter, Li Xingshou would occasionally dance.
Gu Baoshu and Qin Heng sat dumbly, unable to utter a word, like Yuan Da had said, sitting there like dumb birds, only able to drink and eat.
Half-drunk, with her face flushed, Li Xingshou held a half cup of remaining wine with her slender jade hand, pressed it to Brother Ximen’s lips and smilingly asked, "I wonder if I could see your tattoos?"