Drunken Dream Pavilion

"Xiao Zi left without reason. Please punish this Young Master!"

The Fang Family's reputation was clear and their clan rules strict. Knowing her master couldn't find her, Xiao Zi quickly knelt and begged for mercy.

Fang Yuan said nothing, watching Xiao Zi who looked about to cry. His heart was as still as an ancient well. He turned to go back inside.

Seeing Fang Yuan make no statement, despair slowly rose in Xiao Zi's heart.

If she received punishment, it meant she still had a chance to continue serving the Young Master.

But if she got the cold shoulder, the consequences went without saying.

In the side courtyard, a maid who was close to Xiao Zi couldn't bear to see her sister kneeling outside, possibly even cast out.

So she knocked on Fang Yuan's door, entered, knelt down, and pleaded earnestly.

"If Xiao Zi leaves here, you should be able to step up and take over all the duties," Fang Yuan said suddenly.

Xiao Lian lowered her head in fear, trembling as she spoke: "Xiao Zi and I are like sisters. I've never had such presumptuous thoughts."

"You two are truly loyal to each other."

No one didn't want to climb up, to gain more wealth and power.

"Have Xiao Zi come in and tell me exactly what happened," Fang Yuan said flatly.

Xiao Zi had served by his side for many years, diligently and conscientiously. He could still give her another chance.

Hearing this, Xiao Lian felt as if pardoned from a great calamity. Joyful inside, she quickly ran outside to help up Xiao Zi, who had been kneeling for a long time.

In that moment, Xiao Zi's cold heart quickly warmed. Her emotions surged as she entered and performed a grand bow.

From Xiao Zi's account, he learned the truth.

It turned out she had a younger cousin she'd grown up with, who had been taken by a brothel in the city. A relative had sent her a letter.

Anxious to save her, Xiao Zi had gathered information through various channels. In her haste, she'd neglected the side courtyard's affairs.

"Has the person been rescued yet?" Fang Yuan asked.

Tears still stained Xiao Zi's delicate face, making her look pitiful and easily stirring a desire to protect her.

"I was about to head to the Drunken Dream Pavilion when I suddenly remembered the Young Master might summon me, so I rushed back," Xiao Zi said, slightly embarrassed.

Fang Yuan furrowed his brow slightly. It wasn't that he cared much about Xiao Zi's negligence—mainly because the Drunken Dream Pavilion was a Fang Family asset.

Though Xiao Zi was only his personal maid, few in the Fang Family dared to offend her, since they had to consider his face.

A low-tier money-making entertainment business dared to touch the tiger's whiskers?

"Come, I'll go with you to the Drunken Dream Pavilion," Fang Yuan said.

The Drunken Dream Pavilion was famous far and wide, one of the Prefecture City's three great pleasure quarters. Those who went there were drunk with dreams and forgot to return.

Fang Yuan stated that this trip was only to rescue someone, not for pleasure.

Xiao Zi was stunned, her little mind nearly short-circuiting.

The Young Master, who had always scorned such places of debauchery, had suddenly changed his tune today.

"The Young Master must be standing up for me. I must serve him with all my heart from now on!"

Xiao Zi could think of no other reason, and was deeply moved.

Before long, Fang Yuan and Xiao Zi left the estate, keeping a low profile.

The Drunken Dream Pavilion was located in the inner city, on a bustling commercial street. The flow of people was heavy, and most who entered and exited were nobles.

The Drunken Dream Pavilion had three floors, structured like a pagoda. The roof was tiled with glazed tiles, and under the moonlight it was quite dazzling.

"Please enter, young master!"

The guards outside had sharp eyes. Seeing the visitor's extraordinary bearing, they knew he was a big spender and quickly welcomed him in.

But noticing the beautiful woman following behind, their expressions turned slightly awkward, though they still greeted him with smiles.

In the world of the wealthy, things were often hard to understand.

"Oh my, young master, please come upstairs to a private room."

The madam was very enthusiastic when she saw him. She was secretly shocked—this was the first time she'd encountered a guest with such looks and presence.

His identity must be no simple matter. She immediately invited him upstairs.

The Drunken Dream Pavilion had three floors. The first was a main hall with a stage in the center where famous courtesans played music.

There were rooms, but it was noisy and the atmosphere lacking. Only those of lower status would stay on the first floor.

The second floor mostly had private rooms with excellent views overlooking the floor below. If a guest fancied a girl, they could call her up directly.

The third floor was the most prestigious, with only ten private suites. Red Cards were always on hand to sing and play, offering the most attentive service.

"Where is your best room?" Fang Yuan asked flatly.

Hearing this, the madam's heart jumped, and the smile on her face grew even warmer.

"Of course, it's Dream Room No. 1 on the third floor!"

Fang Yuan nodded slightly. "Then let's go there. And have the best Flower Queen brought to the room."

"Guest, Dream Room No. 1 has already been reserved."

The madam smiled and said, "I'll arrange Room No. 2 for you right away, and have the finest Red Card attend to you."

"And what if I insist on Dream Room No. 1?" Fang Yuan's tone gradually cooled.

Only the girls with both talent and looks in the Drunken Dream Pavilion could qualify as Flower Queens; Red Cards were a step below.

"This..."

The madam's face showed difficulty.

"Please wait a moment, young master. I'll go consult the Manager."

Fang Yuan nodded and was led to a seat at the very front. He watched the girls on stage singing, playing instruments, and dancing gracefully—it was indeed captivating.

"Their looks are lacking, but their talent is passable. Coming here does have its own charm."

In terms of appearance, these girls couldn't even compare to Fang Ke'er of the Fang Family, let alone Xiao Zi beside him, who outshone them all.

After all, most who scraped by in a brothel were ordinary folk. They might have decent features, but they ultimately lacked presence.

Meanwhile, the madam was in the back discussing matters with the Chief Steward of the Drunken Dream Pavilion.

"Young Master Chang might not come today. Dream Room No. 1 can be given to that guest."

The Chief Steward of the Drunken Dream Pavilion was a descendant of one of the Fang Family's elders, middle-aged with a sinister expression.

"Remember to probe that person's identity."

"If he's from out of town, double the price and have the Flower Queen serve him well."

The madam nodded—this was standard procedure. She then walked out and led Fang Yuan upstairs.

"The music they play is quite good."

Fang Yuan reclined in his chair, watching the Flower Queen, obscured by a sheer screen, gently pluck a pipa, while eating fruit fed to his mouth—it was very comfortable.

He had to admit, the more hazy and half-hidden things were, the more they stirred desire.

He seemed to have forgotten the purpose of his visit; he was just here to listen to songs in a pleasure house.

Xiao Zi beside him showed no displeasure, serving him attentively.

"This girl's cultivation isn't low!"

Fang Yuan was rather surprised. The Flower Queen behind the screen didn't seem so simple.

But just then, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the door.

"Damn it, how do you run business at the Drunken Dream Pavilion? Someone snatched the private room I reserved?"

Chang Huai was furious. During the day, his carriage had been blocked by Fang Yuan, which already left a bad taste in his mouth.

When he got home, his prefect father had given him a harsh scolding and ordered him grounded for three days.

He naturally wouldn't comply. Thinking of venting his anger at the Drunken Dream Pavilion, he was told Dream Room No. 1 had been taken?

In an instant, the anger festering in his heart reached its peak.

The madam couldn't stop him at all.

Leading four or five men, he charged forward to kick the door open.

Bang... Creak...

Soon, the door was kicked open, the music inside abruptly stopped, and Chang Huai saw the one person he least wanted to see...