"Sister-in-law, get up quickly! If outsiders see you like this, they might gossip!"
Xiao Yang was also a bit confused.
Was it really necessary to act like this just because he refused the banquet?
"Ninth Highness, you don't know, but your Third Brother has a fiery temper! If I fail to complete the task, I'll definitely be punished when I get back. At best, I'll be whipped dozens of times, and at worst..."
As she spoke, Qiao Niannu seemed to recall something terrifying. Her eyes widened in fear, and her delicate body trembled.
It seemed that Third Brother Xiao Li's brutality was even worse than he had imagined.
"Alright, I promise I'll go!"
Xiao Yang nodded helplessly.
"Thank you."
Qiao Niannu's face was filled with gratitude, and only then did she straighten up and leave.
After she left, Huangli said with a worried expression, "Young Master, the Third Prince is extremely cruel. Hundreds of maids are beaten to death by him every year, and many can't bear the torture and commit suicide by hanging or drowning!"
"He's hosting a banquet tonight, and I'm afraid his intentions aren't good! It's too dangerous for you to go alone. Why don't you bring me and Guard Zhao? At least we can look out for each other."
"Alright."
Xiao Yang nodded.
Although he was now a Third-grade Martial Artist and had the Thousand Mile Divine Travel Talisman to save his life, the Third Prince Xiao Li's fearsome reputation preceded him. Bringing more help couldn't hurt.
As evening approached.
Xiao Yang, along with Zhao Changkong and Huangli, left the Prince's Estate and headed for Tianxiang Pavilion.
Although Zhao Changkong's arm was injured and not fully healed, he could at least move freely. Besides, he had no other attendants at the moment.
Xiao Yang changed into a blue robe made of silk, embroidered with cloud patterns. It looked like the attire of a noble young master from a prominent family.
And beneath the robe, to be absolutely safe, he wore the Mysterious Scale Ten Thousand Dragon Armor.
Many young ladies by the roadside were attracted by his appearance and sent him flirtatious glances.
"Guard Zhao, what's special about the food at Tianxiang Pavilion?" Xiao Yang asked.
Having been in this world for so long, he had spent most of his time in the Prince's Estate. Although the dishes were exquisite, they lacked the variety he remembered from his previous life.
He was already missing dishes like braised pork knuckle with sauce, shredded pork with chili, spicy chicken wings, spicy crayfish, and charcoal-grilled lamb skewers...
"Your Highness, Tianxiang Pavilion isn't a restaurant. It's located in Pleasure Lane..."
Zhao Changkong scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed.
Pleasure Lane?
Xiao Yang was stunned for a moment, then immediately realized. So, Tianxiang Pavilion was a high-class brothel!
In his past life, he was just a salaryman and couldn't afford such places. He had only heard some old colleagues talk about the legendary "one-stop service" at business clubs when traveling for work!
And in the Great Xia Dynasty, there was no shortage of places for pleasure, with different tiers of establishments.
The lowest tier was called a "brothel," where the women were old and past their prime. They didn't even have proper beds, just a straw mat, and their customers were laborers.
Next were the "entertainment houses," where the women had some looks and performed talents, and customers could drink tea and listen to music.
Above that were the "high-class brothels," where the women were not only beautiful but also educated in poetry, music, chess, and calligraphy. They not only sold their bodies but also provided emotional value to their clients.
However, it wasn't easy to have a night with them; it would cost at least several months' income for an ordinary person.
Therefore, the customers were usually officials, wealthy individuals, and people from the upper class.
And Xiao Yang knew that above the high-class brothels, there was an institution called the Music and Dance Bureau.
The women there were mostly wives and daughters of convicted officials, and even princesses and consorts of enemy nations.
These places were about status, not just money!
"Your Highness, we've arrived at Pleasure Lane." Zhao Changkong said in a deep voice.
The three turned into an alley, and their vision was immediately filled with a bustling scene.
On both sides, there were over a dozen wine shops and pavilions, brightly lit and decorated with colorful lanterns, exuding a scent of perfume.
At the entrances, there were pimps and madams soliciting customers, while upstairs, beautiful women in revealing attire held handkerchiefs and occasionally cast seductive glances.
"Guests, come in and have some fun!"
"Such a handsome young master, let me serve you!"
"With such a beautiful night, why not come in and enjoy yourself?"
The girls all set their sights on Xiao Yang. They were dressed flamboyantly and were being overly attentive.
A handsome young master like him, especially one who could recite poetry, was very popular in such establishments. He could even get away with it for free...
"A bunch of vamps!"
Huangli couldn't help but clench her fists and curse under her breath.
Zhao Changkong, on the other hand, looked like a rookie. His face turned red. He wanted to look at the scantily clad beauties but felt a bit embarrassed...
Xiao Yang, however, kept his eyes straight ahead, head held high as he strode towards their destination—Tianxiang Pavilion!
This high-class brothel was the most magnificent, resplendent, and opulent of them all.
"Gentlemen, I apologize, but Third Prince has booked the entire establishment for today. No entry without an invitation!"
The greeter at the entrance spoke as the three approached.
"Take this!"
Xiao Yang produced an invitation, the very one Sister-in-law Qiao Niannu had given him earlier.
"Ah, it's Ninth Young Master! Third Prince is already waiting for you. Please, come this way!"
The greeter immediately bowed and respectfully ushered the three inside.
Soon, they arrived at a banquet hall on the top floor.
It spanned over a thousand square meters, adorned with gold and jade, with a winding stream for wine cups.
"Ninth Brother, you're finally here!"
From atop a raised platform, Third Prince Xiao Li greeted them first.
He possessed the appearance of an eagle's gaze and a wolf's glance.
His eyes were sharp and piercing, sending a chill down one's spine, making it difficult to look directly at him, like a hungry wolf ready to devour someone.
Besides Xiao Li, over a dozen commanders of the Blood Wolf Guard were present, their swords hanging at their waists. These were all ruthless individuals who had killed thousands on the battlefield.
"Stomp, stomp, stomp!"
Xiao Yang walked up the platform step by step, taking the empty seat opposite Xiao Li.
Zhao Changkong and Huangli followed closely, standing behind him.
"Now that everyone is here, let the Thousand Charms Banquet begin!" Xiao Li waved his hand.
Soon, musicians began to play seductive melodies.
Rows of women clad in sheer silk entered, beautiful with slender waists and long legs, each one a beauty chosen from a hundred.
There were hundreds of them, nearly all the girls from Tianxiang Pavilion had been mobilized, a dazzling spectacle.
The Blood Wolf Guard escorts couldn't resist and immediately plunged into the sea of beauties, pulling a few to their seats to start drinking and reveling.
For a time, delicate cries filled the air.
Seeing the chaotic scene, Xiao Yang frowned but said nothing.
"Ninth Brother, have you taken a liking to anyone?" Third Prince Xiao Li asked.
"Third Brother, I'm not interested in these," Xiao Yang shook his head.
"Indeed! It's said that Courtesan Yan Ruyu, whom Second Brother has been longing for, is infatuated with you. Naturally, you wouldn't fancy these common wares!"
"Someone, bring out the courtesans!" Xiao Li commanded.
As soon as he spoke!
Ten stunning women immediately walked in from outside, their faces and figures comparable to celebrities in a past life.
Unlike the other girls' revealing attire, they were fully covered, appearing like ladies from respectable families.
However, their alluring gazes hinted at a hidden charm.
"Your servant Shishi greets Ninth Young Master!"
"Your servant Xiaoxian..."
"Your servant Wan'er..."
"..."
Ten courtesans approached Xiao Yang, gracefully bowing, every smile and gesture seemingly meticulously designed.
Good heavens!
Testing a subordinate with this?
Xiao Yang could even hear Zhao Changkong behind him swallowing hard, his pants seemingly tightening...
"This is my Ninth Brother's first time at Tianxiang Pavilion. You must serve him well. Aren't you going to toast him?" Third Prince Xiao Li spoke.
Soon, a courtesan holding a wine cup approached Xiao Yang.
"Ninth Young Master, would you honor me with a toast?"
"Apologies, I'm currently practicing martial arts and abstain from alcohol," Xiao Yang politely declined.
The courtesan, knowing her low status, could only retreat, not daring to insist.
"Another toast!"
Third Prince Xiao Li, however, frowned and reprimanded them unhappily.
"Ninth Young Master..."
The second and third courtesans stepped forward, their heads bowed, respectfully offering toasts.
Xiao Yang remained unmoved.
"Since Ninth Brother won't drink, then these women are no longer worth keeping alive!"
Suddenly, Third Prince Xiao Li drew the saber at his waist and lunged forward!
"Not good!"
Zhao Changkong sensed the danger closing in and instinctively moved to counter.
But Xiao Li was a Fifth-grade Martial Artist, his speed too great for Zhao Changkong to resist.
"Clang!"
The next moment, a flash of steel, and blood splattered.
Xiao Yang remained seated, completely unharmed.
Except...
"Thump! Thump! Thump..."
The heads of the three courtesans fell to the ground.
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