Chapter 90: The Inner Chambers of Xiaoxiang, The Four Heavenly Maidens!

The afternoon sun was always so fierce, making one irresistibly drowsy. Having been looked down upon that morning, Li Wen-yong was now sitting in a rocking chair, dozing in the sunlight. Beside him, Bingyu sat quietly on a recliner reading a book. Changle and Li Xueyan had already been sent back by Li Wen-yong—they were of no help here and might as well go to the Kong residence to be “cultivated” by old Kong Yingda!

As for the mathematics lessons, Li Wen-yong had already entrusted Li Chunfeng with the teaching. The curriculum was ready, and Li Wen-yong believed that with Li Chunfeng’s aptitude, he would master it thoroughly; after all, the basics had been covered. Henceforth, Li Wen-yong only needed to occasionally drop by to answer questions.

Moreover, the brothel matter had been settled, so Li Wen-yong could finally relax and begin to consider how to enjoy a night out.

“Sanzi! Sanzi!”

No sooner had Li Wen-yong finished speaking than Sanzi came running up like a whirlwind. “Young Master, your orders!”

“Right! Go to the Kong residence and call over Wei De and Cheng Chumo for me. Tell them there’s an important matter! Hurry!”

“Understood, Young Master, I’m off!”

Li Wen-yong had summoned Li Chengqian and Li Ke for a most significant undertaking—a brothel visit! Though Li Wen-yong was still injured, his wounds were not serious; as long as he didn’t exert himself, he’d be fine. Time was pressing! Emperor Li Er had only granted him three days—if he didn’t act quickly, the woman he’d set his sights on might just slip away. Of course, being new to all this, Li Wen-yong needed a guide. Who better than Li Ke? In all of Great Tang, there was no one else so fitting: a true libertine, wealthy and well-connected! If not him, then who? As for Cheng Chumo, well, even the most dashing man needs a foil, doesn’t he? Cheng Chumo was chosen specifically to play that role—and he made an excellent bodyguard to boot!

It wasn’t long before the two notorious playboys stormed in.

“Brother Wen-yong! What’s so urgent you called us here?” Cheng Chumo blurted out before even settling into his seat.

Li Ke, on the other hand, was unhurried, finding a recliner and sitting down.

Li Wen-yong rose slowly, unfurled his fan, and grinned slyly. “I’ve called you two to join me for a visit to the House of Xiang!”

No sooner had he spoken than Cheng Chumo, taken completely by surprise, spat out a mouthful of tea—right onto Li Ke’s face as he was about to sit down.

Cheng Chumo stared blankly from Li Ke to Li Wen-yong, utterly confused as to what had just transpired.

Li Ke gave an apologetic glance to Cheng Chumo, then awkwardly asked Li Wen-yong, “Brother Wen-yong… where did you say we’re going?”

Li Wen-yong rubbed his nose, slightly embarrassed. “Ahem, have you two heard of the House of Xiang?”

“Who hasn’t?” Li Ke replied instantly, slipping into the tone of an old hand. “The House of Xiang was founded at the end of the Sui dynasty, originally called the Tower of Ease. In the fourth year of Wude, it became the House of Xiang. It’s said to be a man’s paradise, where you can find anything you desire! It’s a veritable sinkhole for silver! Wait… Brother Wen-yong, you’re not serious about going, are you?”

“Why would I joke? Who am I, Li Wen-yong? If I say I’ll do it, I’ll do it!”

“Now?”

“Now!”

“But you’re still hurt!”

“Bah, it’s nothing!”

“But—”

“No buts! Stop dithering. Are you going or not? Look at Chumo—never hesitates!”

Cheng Chumo nodded along enthusiastically. Li Ke rolled his eyes—damn, this guy’s a real rascal. A good thing, and he doesn’t even have to pay! Of course he’d go along. As for reputation—did the Cheng family even have one to lose?

“Fine! I’ll go with you—happy now?” Li Ke wasn’t afraid of the brothel; he was a regular at the House of Xiang. What he feared was going with Li Wen-yong—like a bad student taking a model student to an arcade. If anything happened, everyone would blame the bad student for leading the good one astray! Clearly, in Li Ke’s eyes, Li Wen-yong was the model student.

Without further ado, the three of them set off in a carriage straight for the House of Xiang. Bingyu had wanted to come along but was stopped by Li Wen-yong. Really, bringing a woman to a brothel—one had to be crazy or stupid!

On the way, Li Wen-yong wanted to know more, so he asked, “Wei De, I’ve heard the House of Xiang is a very refined place—just listening to music, poetic contests, and tea tasting. Is that right?”

Li Ke burst out laughing. “Brother Wen-yong, now I’m certain it’s your first time at a place like this! You’re too pure! If the House of Xiang were really that innocent, would Chumo be so keen?”

Li Wen-yong flushed in embarrassment. Pure? How dare they call him pure! Back in the day, he was known as the King of Nightclubs—how could they call him pure? Well, fine, he had to admit, he’d always been an observer, never really taken part… Oh, well!

Ignoring Li Wen-yong’s discomfort, Li Ke continued, “Brother Wen-yong, the House of Xiang is full of intrigue! Actually, you’re not wrong—the outer hall is indeed a place for drinking, poetry, music, and tea. But that’s just the surface. There’s also an inner chamber!”

“The inner chamber?”

“Exactly! The inner chamber isn’t open all the time—only on the first and fifteenth of the month, and not just anyone can get in. Only the wealthy and noble. Inside, you’ll truly experience paradise on earth. It’s so luxurious that even the bathrooms are built like palaces!”

Li Wen-yong was stupefied. “Isn’t that a bit much?”

“It’s true!” Cheng Chumo chimed in. “It’s not just the décor—every woman there is a beauty, and the Four Heavenly Muses are said to be unparalleled. But those are just rumors; no one’s ever seen their faces. To see them, you must win their favor—and that takes more than money; you need talent! As far as I know, since the inner chamber opened, only a handful have earned their favor. Since the reign of Emperor Zhen Guan, only Prince Han did—thanks to his calligraphy. Oh, that’s right! Brother Wen-yong, you’re a master of both poetry and prose! You’ll definitely succeed!”

Li Ke joined in the teasing. “That’s right, Brother Wen-yong, you’ll do fine! This is perfect—I’ve always wanted to see what those legendary beauties look like!”

Li Wen-yong simply smiled. The inner chamber? The Four Heavenly Muses? Prince Han, Li Yuanchang? Interesting! It seemed he might have found a lead after all!