Time, it seemed, had a mind of its own. Half a month had slipped by in the blink of an eye—a span long enough for countless events to unfold, or conversely, for nothing noteworthy to occur at all. Save for the minor upheaval half a month prior, Miao City had settled into a profound quiet, at least on the surface. If one were truly determined to find gossip, it would center on the young master from the City Lord's estate, a fellow surnamed Fang, who spent his days cloaked in opulent brocade robes, riding his magnificent white steed through the city's notorious pleasure quarters. Places like Flower Full Tower, Ming Yan Pavilion, Drunken Immortal Workshop, and Beauty’s Residence had all become his usual haunts...

It was hardly an issue for a man to frequent such establishments, but when a man did nothing but frequent them, it inevitably drew sidelong glances. Yet, the common folk knew this young master hailed from the City Lord's compound, and thus, few dared voice their opinions aloud.

Currently, the City Lord of Miao was Xuan Yuanhai of the Xuan Yuan clan, and the Emperor’s own royal uncle, Xuan Yuan Ruoxing, resided within the City Lord's manor. This young master was, in fact, a close friend of Xuan Yuan Ruoxing...

And so, as dusk just began to settle, Fang Jiuyou, clad in flowing white robes, arrived beneath the eaves of Flower Full Tower on his white horse, trailed by a retinue of men dressed as martial retainers. He was accompanied by Prince Xing Tian, Xuan Yuan Ruoxing himself...

However, Flower Full Tower was already choked with people. Merchants, high-ranking officials’ disciples, and noble sons—all were crammed at the entrance, shoving and pushing their way inside with the frantic desperation of refugees scrambling for a handout...

“What’s the meaning of this? Why is there such a crowd today?” Seeing the chaotic scene, a look of genuine confusion crossed Fang Jiuyou’s face. He had visited Flower Full Tower several times recently, but never had he witnessed such a throng—it was busier than a market day...

“You,” Xuan Yuan Ruoxing gestured to one of his nearby subordinates, “Go and ask what’s happening.”

The subordinate dared not question the order, stepping forward quickly to inquire. He soon returned, reporting respectfully, “Your Highness, the foremost courtesan of Flower Full Tower, Yao Rao, graces Miao City today. All these people are here to catch a glimpse of her breathtaking beauty...”

“The foremost courtesan? Yao Rao? Have you ever seen this Lady Yao Rao, Brother Xuan Yuan?” Upon hearing the title, Fang Jiuyou’s eyes immediately brightened...

“Never, but I heard whispers years ago that this Lady Yao Rao is a peerless wonder of the mortal world. I always intended to meet her, but she remained anchored in the Southern Cloud Empire. For her to suddenly appear in Miao City—ha! Perhaps she heard of your great reputation, Brother Fang, and rushed over to recommend herself! Hahahaha!” Xuan Yuan Ruoxing never missed an opportunity to lavish praise upon Fang Jiuyou...

“Hahaha, Brother Xuan Yuan jesting, of course. But regardless, since she is here, I truly must see what kind of stunning beauty she possesses to dare claim the title of Flower Full Tower’s foremost courtesan...” Fang Jiuyou thoroughly enjoyed the seemingly casual flattery. With that, he effortlessly leaped from his saddle; servants were already moving to take the reins of his horse.

Xuan Yuan Ruoxing dismounted alongside him, and the two began walking toward Flower Full Tower. They needed no escort to clear the path; under the sheer weight of Fang Jiuyou’s formidable aura, the surging crowd instinctively parted to let them pass...

The madam of Flower Full Tower, recognizing the arrival of Fang Jiuyou, their great patron, quickly elbowed her way out of the throng. Her face split into a sycophantic smile as she hurried to greet the pair...

“Oh dear, Young Master Fang, Young Master Xing, you’ve finally arrived! The ladies have missed you terribly...”

“Hahaha, Old Madam, I hear your star courtesan, Yao Rao, is here in Miao City. Why didn’t you come out to greet us? After all, Young Master Fang made a special trip specifically for her today!” Xuan Yuan Ruoxing burst out laughing, casually stuffing a thick stack of silver notes into the madam’s embrace while simultaneously giving her ample, full bosom a firm squeeze...

Though aging, the madam possessed a lingering allure. Jolted by Xuan Yuan Ruoxing’s familiar teasing, she shot him a wry glance but continued smoothly, “You two young masters have excellent intelligence! Lady Yao Rao is upstairs now, primping and dressing! With esteemed guests such as yourselves gracing the house, how could she fail to present herself in full splendor? Please, young sirs, take a seat and rest a moment. Lady Yao Rao will be out shortly!” The madam looped an arm through each of their elbows and ushered them upstairs...

Watching the two receive such warm treatment, the others in the crowd could only display looks of envy. However, knowing their connection to the City Lord's estate, not a soul dared utter a word of complaint...

At that moment, amidst the masses, a man with a noticeably pale complexion stood quietly. Watching Fang Jiuyou and Xuan Yuan Ruoxing ascend the stairs, a faint, cold smirk touched the corners of his lips...

The stream of people entering Flower Full Tower continued to swell, threatening to burst the very doors. From impoverished scholars to immensely wealthy merchants and even high-ranking nobles—any man with blood in his veins was scrambling to crowd this single street. Yao Rao’s notorious allure had spread across the Nine Provinces years ago; now that she was in Miao City, it was inconceivable not to seek a look. Even if attaining intimacy was out of the question, a feast for the eyes would suffice. Of course, a small portion of the crowd was there purely out of curiosity...

Soon, as the last sliver of sunlight faded from the sky, pink lanterns were hung outside Flower Full Tower. Those guests with status and rank were ushered into private chambers reserved for them. Fang Jiuyou and Xuan Yuan Ruoxing occupied the most luxurious Sky-tier room, already attended by several stunningly beautiful women waiting on their every need...

Beyond them, every other private room was also packed, and the main hall below overflowed, though these commoners lacked the noble treatment. They had to endure the stench of sweat from their neighbors while craning their necks upward, terrified of missing the moment their radiant vision appeared...

At this juncture, a faint sound of footsteps drifted from the stairwell. Yet, this nearly imperceptible sound caused the entire venue to fall silent. Every person, man or woman, turned their gaze toward the staircase. No introduction was needed, no announcement required; they all understood that the star of the evening was about to make her entrance...

A slender silhouette drifted slowly out from the hallway. The moment this figure stepped onto the landing, the eyes of nearly everyone present seemed ready to leap from their sockets...

(Recently, due to a string of misfortunes, my spirits have been quite low, resulting in subpar writing these last two days. I ask for your understanding. Xingchen is diligently working to adjust his mindset and promises to deliver much better chapters to repay your support. Thank you all for your encouragement!)