Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 423 - 259 Miss Xi Yan

Huang Junheng and the others obviously didn’t fancy these few, so they nodded.

"Quickly bring those girls over, find a few who can sing and dance. By the way, is Miss Xi Yan available? We would like her to perform a piece too," said Huang Junheng, though he didn’t expect Xi Yan would actually come.

Running a brothel in the Capital — which one doesn’t have some connections? The Oiran of Tianxiang Pavilion is showered with praise by the young noblemen of the Capital.

"Look at what the young master said, how could Miss Xi Yan not come out to perform when the young masters are here? Please wait a moment, Miss Xi Yan will be here shortly."

Madam Hua waved her fan, swaying her stout waist as she led a few girls outside.

"It’s truly a timely visit to get to listen to Miss Xi Yan’s music today. I’ve only seen her once at a poetry gathering, and her musical skill is indeed superb, her played pieces are truly captivating."

The Jiangcheng family was just an ordinary wealthy household, relying on the income from a general store in the county to support him for his studies.

Following Yu Ting was a helpless decision, without relying on these prominent young masters, how could he have the opportunity to attend these literary gatherings?

"It seems Gu Jieyuan’s reputation is truly great! It’s rare for Miss Xi Yan to participate in a poetry gathering. Today, with Gu Jieyuan here, even Miss Xi Yan can be invited to perform."

Someone laughed, teasing Gu Chengyu, as it was usually not easy for them to see the Oiran even once and others chimed in with a few words. Only Yu Ting sat in the middle, silent.

Gu Chengyu saw that the person was without malice, perhaps just liked to joke.

"Brother, you must be joking with me. I am a complete stranger to Miss Xi Yan, certainly not that influential."

Gu Chengyu did not want to be a target. He had definitely heard of Xi Yan’s fame, she had countless suitors, similar to the stars of his previous life. If any dark-hearted fellow had him in mind, wouldn’t that be trouble for him?

"That may not necessarily be true. Since ancient times, talented scholars and beautiful ladies have made great tales. Who knows, perhaps Miss Xi Yan also admires a talented and handsome man like Gu Jieyuan!" One scholar toasted Gu Chengyu with a cup of rice wine from afar, then drank on his own.

Gu Chengyu noticed that someone beside him started to show displeasure, furrowing his brows slightly — was this to antagonize him?

"Young masters, the ladies are all here!" Madam Hua led about a dozen beautiful ladies, gracefully approaching from the bridge.

Gu Chengyu glanced over and indeed found them much more striking than the previous ladies. In a brothel, the girls are also divided into different ranks, and the lowest ones have the hardest time.

Some present looked at these girls with their eyes lighting up, Gu Chengyu could imagine what indescribable things they were considering. It was common to stay after a poetry gathering and call upon a favorite.

These girls entered the room and quickly counted the guests, mingling among the scholars. Gu Chengyu saw a girl approaching him and quickly gestured to decline, finding it hard to tolerate the scent of cosmetics on them.

It seemed he ought to have his servants prepare those cosmetics earlier; no matter when, women’s money is the easiest to earn. Just those choking cosmetics were also expensive in the shop!

Gu Chengyu was lost in thought and didn’t notice the girl’s expression.

At this moment, Madam Hua’s voice rang from outside again, "Everyone! Here comes Miss Xi Yan!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Chengyu also looked forward with curiosity. He saw a gorgeously dressed lady, covered with a veil, holding a guqin as she walked across the bridge.

Beside the urn like the moon, fair wrists compressed like frost and snow.

Seeing this, Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but praise inwardly; this woman was serene yet vibrant like a delicate flower reflected in water, her movements akin to a tender willow swaying in the breeze.

Only observing her brows and eyes: two curved misty brows slightly furrowed, and eyes exuding a feeling both happy and sentimental. Her figure was graceful and enchanting, greeting everyone with a bow, and then walking inside the curtains.

Seeing Xi Yan’s eyes clear as pools, the present scholars were somewhat stirred with excitement.

Gu Chengyu watched her enter the curtains and then withdrew his gaze. Everyone loves beautiful things. He was merely admiring; this woman appeared bright and dignified but inherently still showed charm, which was not surprising.

Brothel women have been trained since childhood; every gesture and gaze is inherently alluring.

Brothel women are inherently different from the well-bred ladies of wealthy families. Although they can mimic, the upbringing from childhood differs and achieves only the likeness but not the essence!

"Chengyu! This Miss Xi Yan is truly distinct from those vulgar women! I can understand why they are so excited," at this moment, Zheng Lun whispered to Gu Chengyu with a tone full of admiration.

Zhu Pang sobered up a bit upon seeing Xi Yan.

"I didn’t expect to see Miss Xi Yan today! Miss Xi Yan plays the guqin so well that the echoes linger in the rafters for three days!" Zhu Pang excitedly stood up, stirring the wine cup on the table to the ground with his robe.

The noise here disturbed those who were still marveling and praising Xi Yan.

"Hmm? Gu Jieyuan, isn’t this your fault? Look, the lady is crying, how could you not cherish gentleness and beauty?"

Everyone’s attention turned to Gu Chengyu, finding that the beauty who should have been beside him was instead standing behind him, shedding tears silently.

They quickly started blaming him — it was simply outrageous.

Gu Chengyu had ignored the woman after initially declining her. Who would have thought she would stand behind him and cry?

He turned around, seeing a softly dressed delicate beauty, with a pear blossom rain appearance, her frame seemed frail and weak, like a Lin Daiyu. Gu Chengyu’s forehead twitched; wasn’t this a Lin Daiyu?

No wonder these scholars blamed him for not understanding how to cherish beauty. Anyone witnessing this might think he bullied her. Gu Chengyu knew that these dozen girls came together, and if only she was dismissed, her days ahead might be difficult.

However, he found such tactics somewhat off-putting.

"It’s my negligence towards the lady, please have a seat!" Gu Chengyu bowed slightly to the lady as an apology.

The girl hastily wiped the tears from her face with a handkerchief. "Young master, you overstate. This humble one just thought she was overlooked by you, that’s all. I hope you won’t mind!"

Previously keeping her head down, Gu Chengyu now saw her face clearly. The girl was young, still a budding maiden, with a slightly childish face. Her appearance was delicate, with eyes that evoked a feeling of pity.

Gu Chengyu smiled slightly but said nothing.

Earlier, when Xi Yan came down from the bridge, she had spotted Gu Chengyu among the scholars at a glance.

Seeing Gu Chengyu decline Hua Lian earlier, she thought he was different from the others because there was appreciation and admiration in his gaze instead of indecency and obsession.

Hua Lian sat down, reassured only after feeling anxious about receiving punishment later.