Miss Cailing's Bathwater

In the main hall below the stage, glasses clinked and the sounds of women whispering and moaning filled the air.

But at this moment, everyone fell silent because of the new courtesan who was about to appear.

Not only were the elegant guests who came here seeking pleasure eagerly waiting, but even the courtesans who had been sold into the Xiaoxiang Pavilion since childhood were also looking forward to it, as if they too were full of curiosity about this new courtesan.

Before she even arrived, several maids had already cut through the crowd to clear a path for Miss Cailing. Hidden behind the curtain, the musicians displayed their skills, playing instruments to welcome Miss Cailing.

Such a grand spectacle is hard to imagine being enjoyed by an ordinary courtesan; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call her a member of the elite.

"It smells so good..."

Ji Lingruo pouted, outwardly showing disdain for the courtesan, but inwardly she was extremely curious about this mysterious woman.

You Su had a keen sense of smell, and he naturally smelled the strong, perfumed fragrance, which was as sweet as orchids and as sweet as musk.

It was a pure, rich fragrance, even stronger than the floral scent on the Third Elder. However, despite its intensity, it lacked the cheapness of low-quality rouge. On the contrary, it was so enticing that it made one's heart melt and one wished they could savor it all.

You Su frowned slightly and whispered a reminder:

"Azure Phoenix, Purple Robe, smell less."

Seeing the unintentional nervousness revealed by You Su, the handsome Young Master Xiao smiled calmly and said:

"Young Master Ye, there's no need to be nervous. This incense is called 'Beauty's Incense,' a special incense made from forty-nine kinds of medicinal herbs. Beauty's Incense not only has a rich fragrance, but it can also stimulate the senses and numb the mind, yet it is harmless to the body. Therefore, it is often used by courtesans as a trick to attract customers."

"I see..."

You Su regained his composure, looking as if he had suddenly realized something.

Yet, he harbored a deep sense of apprehension towards this Young Master Xiao. The man had easily seen through his false identity and even realized that he had never actually been to a brothel before, which explained his ignorance of Beauty's Incense. Yet, he acted unusually friendly, making it impossible to discern his true intentions.

Why would a wealthy young master from Henggao City, possessing both strength and shrewdness, appear in Moxie City, thousands of miles away? Is it truly just to catch a glimpse of the new courtesan's beauty?

"It seems that I still have much to learn from Young Master Xiao," You Su.

"Young Master Ye is too kind. It is I, Xiao, who lack ambition," Young Master Xiao joked. "Otherwise, why would I have secretly traveled so far to pretend to be a spendthrift? It's just that in Henggao City, someone like me is not even worth mentioning."

"A man of Young Master Xiao's stature, a true dragon among men, would never go unnoticed anywhere."

"Brother Ye is right. My surname is Xiao, and yours is Ye. How could we be nobodys? Come, let's have a drink together, we are two famous people!"

With that, Young Master Xiao raised his cup and clinked it with You Su's. The cups touched briefly, and the two drank it all in one gulp.

"Excellent! The wine has been drunk, now it's time for the beauty to come out!"

Young Master Xiao turned around gracefully and looked into the hall below the railing.

Looking at this carefree, immortal-like young man, Ji Lingruo couldn't help but feel that although Young Master Xiao possessed the imposing presence of a sleeping dragon, there was something awkward about him.

She carefully observed Young Master Xiao's profile, noticing his fair and smooth skin. Suddenly, as if remembering something, she looked down at his neck and realized where her strange feeling came from.

This handsome young man has such a small Adam's apple...

She'd read in a book that men with small Adam's apples usually have small penises too... No wonder he likes to travel so far to the mortal realm to seek out women...

Before she could think it through, her attention was drawn to the commotion coming from the hall.

After much anticipation, Miss Cailing finally descended gracefully from the second-floor steps on the other side.

She had pearly white teeth and a delicate nose, red lips and a jade-like face, and gentle phoenix eyes. Her hair was adorned with jeweled hairpins, and she wore a colorful silk robe that bulged at the chest. Yet, her temperament was gentle and elegant. She was indeed a charming and beautiful woman.

Even among immortals, such a figure and beauty would be considered top-tier. It's hard to believe that a woman of such appearance is actually someone without any cultivation.

All the male guests present stared intently, holding their breath, even forgetting the female attendants in their arms.

After all, everyone here knows that once the courtesan appears, it means she's there to choose her lovers, and every man here longs to be the luckiest person tonight.

"Miss Cailing, I love you!"

Some of the male guests, already drunk, were making grand declarations of love in their intoxicated state.

Miss Cailing paused slightly, and smiled gently at the man:

"Young master, you take love far too easily."

Though the soft words were a complaint, they were as melodious as a nightingale's song, making the listener's heart flutter and their smile become lewd.

Surrounded by her maids, Cai Ling walked onto the stage. She gave a slight curtsy and said tactfully:

"The night is cold and rainy, and I, a newcomer, am filled with unease. I wish to find a gentleman to brew wine and tea together to soothe this long, cold night."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the audience raised their hands to volunteer, eager to rush to the front of the stage and embrace the beauty.

"Gentlemen, please be patient. Cai Ling is not from Moxie City. In my hometown, there is a custom that a man wishing to enter a woman's home must pass through a Water Gate Trial."

"Miss Cailing, may I ask what the Water Gate Trial is?" The crowd below was already impatient.

Cai Ling her sleeve, smiled sweetly, and her charming appearance captivated the hearts of men.

"Thirty cups of clear water are placed in the Elegant Bamboo Pavilion, only one of which is sweet water. Whoever can find the sweet water using only their eyes will pass this Water Gate Trial."

"It's all plain water, why are you looking for sweet water? And you can only tell by looking?"

"This is too difficult, Miss Cailing! It's simply impossible!"

The crowd below the stage buzzed with discussion.

Distinguishing between a glass of clear water and sweetened water with the naked eye is probably beyond the capabilities of even a celestial being with extraordinary eyesight.

"Gentlemen, do not be discouraged. The Water Gate Trial is simpler than you think. Please be patient and courteous. Cai Ling will not welcome rude people, even if they can pass through the Water Gate Trial."

As soon as these words were spoken, the complaints indeed decreased significantly.

The beautiful woman in her flowing dress turned gracefully and walked back onto the stage. She suddenly smiled, "Cai Ling is waiting for you behind the Elegant Bamboo Pavilion, warming wine. Young master, please don't keep Cai Ling waiting too long..."

Cai Ling lightly turned her head, her gaze sweeping over the faces of every male guest present. Her gaze seemed to wander, yet it gave each man a sense of intimacy, as if they had met her eyes. Even You Su on the second floor felt her gaze.

This move reignited the enthusiasm of the crowd. Everyone present felt that Miss Cailing had placed high hopes on them, which inspired them to be full of ambition and confidence that they could overcome this Water Gate Trial, completely forgetting their previous complaints.

Before Miss Cailing could leave completely, the area below the steps was already packed with people. It was only thanks to the madam's body that order was maintained.

It has to be admitted that this madam is a genius at making money. Everyone wants to get in as soon as possible, but no one has the confidence to be the first one to go and "die." And this madam actually started selling so-called water-knowing techniques, which caused a scramble among the crowd.

Young Master Xiao withdrew his gaze, glanced at You Su, and sighed:

"So beautiful... She can captivate a man's heart with every gesture; she is truly a rare beauty."

"Brother Xiao is absolutely right," You Su agreed.

"Brother Ye, why don't you give it a try? If you go too late and someone else beats you to it, you'll miss out on a wonderful opportunity. As far as I know, Miss Cailing looks beautiful, but she is a true virgin."

"Brother Xiao spent a fortune to invite him out, so why are you sitting here like a mountain? If you don't move, won't all that money be wasted?"

Upon hearing this, Young Master Xiao sighed helplessly and said, "She's beautiful, but unfortunately, she's not to my taste. I was excited when she was hiding her face, but once she revealed her true appearance, it ruined my mood. I'll leave her for someone who likes this type..."

"Brother Xiao, you have a very open mind. I admire you."

"It's not that I'm easygoing or that I'm just enjoying myself. Brother Ye, you enjoy yourself. I need to go keep my little Chunyun company. She may not be the most beautiful courtesan, but she's just my type. I can't let her be too lonely."

With that, Young Master Xiao swirled the jade wine cup in his hand and walked back to his private seat.

Seeing him leave, Ji Lingruo had a chance to speak, "Senior brother, are you really looking for this damned Miss Cailing?"

You Su nodded slightly. "If you want to start the investigation from the Xiaoxiang Pavilion, she's the person you can't bypass."

"Why?" Ji Lingruo asked, frowning.

Even Zi Yiyi, who had been silent all along, was drawn to You Su to continue.

"For a newly appointed courtesan to act with such power, there must be a powerful figure behind the scenes pushing her forward. Even this Young Master Xiao today could be part of her plan to gain momentum. And the only person capable of doing this is City Lord Xiang, who doesn't want Qiao Xiuying's death to be exposed. Since it's inconvenient for us to directly confront City Lord Xiang, let's start with this pawn."

You Su finally revealed her true thoughts, and Zi Yiyi's eyes also gleamed.

"So, she probably knows something?"

"It's only a possibility, but there's no better way right now."

"Then why aren't you in line? So many people have already gone in. Aren't you afraid someone will get there first? Thirty cups of water, you might get lucky once, right?"

Ji Lingruo completely forgot that You Su wanted to fight for was the sensual opportunity to spend a romantic night with a courtesan.

"But I'm blind, how could I possibly tell the difference between different types of clear water? Going there would just be guesswork." Although You Su sighed, he showed no sign of discouragement.

Upon Ji Lingruo clenched her fists. "What should we do? Even if you could see it, what level of skill would you need to be to identify water with your naked eye?"

You Su smiled slightly and calmly took a long breath:

"Junior sister, don't worry. I will make my move when the time is right."

Why are you so certain that you will be the only one?

Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Zi Yiyi unusually asked You Su, "If thirty people conspired and each ordered a glass of water, shouldn't at least one person show up? So why you?"

You Su shook her head. "How could Sister Yiyi know whether the teacups in the Elegant Bamboo Pavilion are always rearranged? Ordering in order is essentially just choosing one cup from the thirty each time."

"There should be an opportunity, so... where does your confidence come from?"

You Su shrugged and leaned back in the seat to rest.

"Because I'm blind."

"Young Master Ye, you are a distinguished guest of the Xiaoxiang Pavilion. Miss Cailing invites you to give it a try."

A maid walked up to You Su's table and led You Su away amidst the contrasting gazes of the two goddesses.

You Su followed behind the maid, Divine Sense to navigate, and he walked as if he were an ordinary person.

As they walked, all they heard were the lamentations and wailing of those who had failed. Some even angrily cursed Miss Cailing, saying she should just say she didn't want to get married, instead of deliberately making things difficult for them. They accused her of being a fool who wanted to maintain a virtuous image.

You Su ignored him and soon arrived at the Elegant Bamboo Pavilion.

Sure enough, the floor was covered with water glasses, the water inside clear and transparent, reflecting the glow of the red candles.

"Please take a look, Young Master Ye," the maidservant reminded him.

To her surprise, You Su simply picked up the glass of water closest to him and handed it to her.

"If Young Master Ye doesn't want to see my young lady, then he can refuse like Young Master Xiao. Why bother coming in here to fob me off?" The maid took the water cup, her expression resentful.

Where did I lie?

"Which young master before carefully examined these thirty cups of water before drawing a conclusion? At the very least, they would pretend to examine them twice before blindly picking up another cup. Who is like this Young Master Ye, who doesn't even look at them and just randomly picks the one closest to him?"

The maid pursed her lips. She didn't mean to disrespect You Su, but rather that she thought You Su was too handsome and had developed a liking for him. Therefore, she hoped that You Su would listen to her advice and take a good look at him.

Miss Cailing will eventually have her wedding day. Rather than being ruined by those pot-bellied old men, she'd rather marry this handsome young man before her...

Upon hearing this, You Su laughed heartily, "Miss, you misunderstand. It really is just this cup of water. If you don't believe me, take it in and show it to your young lady."

Seeing that You Su still wouldn't listen to reason, the maid had no choice but to give up and reluctantly picked up the teacup and went into the backyard.

Outside the Elegant Bamboo Pavilion, Ji Lingruo nervously clutched the hem of her dress. Her thoughts were extremely conflicted; she both hoped You Su would succeed and hoped You Su would fail. Zi Yiyi, on the other hand, was much calmer, patiently awaiting the outcome.

Just then, the door to the Elegant Bamboo Pavilion was pushed open, Ji Lingruo looked up, but it wasn't You Su who came out; it was the maid.

"The Water Gate Trial has already been cleared by a young master, and no more challengers are being accepted. Miss Cailing will present each guest with a bottle of Golden Locust Wine. Gentlemen, please enjoy yourselves!"

"What?!"

Ji Lingruo was clearly not the only one in disbelief; all the male guests present were full of complaints and cursed this beast surnamed Ye.

Inside the Elegant Bamboo Pavilion.

Glass lamps were placed everywhere, reflecting the orange-red candlelight and making the entire boudoir shimmer like water, which was quite beautiful.

"How did you determine, Young Master Ye, that cup was sweet water?"

The sweet, charming voice came from behind the long screen.

"It wasn't me who made that determination; it was Miss Cailing who made it."

You Su put his hands behind his back, looked around, and pretended to be a visible person who was curious about everything.

"How could Cai Ling not understand what Young Master Ye is saying? Which cup is sweet water was decided by Cai Ling long ago."

The woman behind the screen sounded as if she had suffered a great injustice, and one could only wish to comfort her.

"The customs of Miss Cailing's hometown are truly excessive. It's a problem that has no solution, yet they insist on making someone do it. The Water Gate Trial is merely an excuse to stop those with ulterior motives. Whether the water is clear or sweet depends entirely on the mistress's word. Once the mistress has someone she likes, the water she chooses will naturally become sweet."

As he finished speaking, Miss Cailing gave a gentle, soft smile:

"Young master is indeed wise. Since it is my first night, how could I allow those people to treat me so disrespectfully? Although I accept my fate, I also have the right to choose. It's just a pity that those people still think they have an opportunity to take advantage of me. What a joke."

Immediately afterwards, the sound of water was heard.

A smooth, jade-like hand extends from behind the screen, holding a cup of water.

"If Young Master Ye doesn't mind, please drink this sweet water, and you'll have passed this Water Gate Trial..."