The thick night enveloped the surface of the Pool of Accumulated Water, like a stage curtain being changed.
A brightly lit two-story decorated pleasure boat cut through the darkness of the pool like a sharp arrow.
The mist and cool breeze over the lake dispelled the summer heat, shrouding the lake water and sand in moonlight.
As the night banquet began and three rounds of drinks were served, accompanied by the music of strings and bamboo, the new Top Courtesan from Red Sleeve Brothel emerged in dance attire. Her long, snake-like water sleeves twirled around her body, occasionally extending to flirt with guests at the tables, enhancing the atmosphere with song and dance.
The three-zhang-long water sleeves resembled the hand-pulled noodles of a noodle master five hundred years later. Just as the long, wide noodles seemed about to brush against a guest’s face, they were always retracted at the last moment, quickly creating an intoxicating, luxurious ambiance.
This time, the water sleeve drifted toward Wang Daxia’s face, carrying a faint fragrance.
Wang Daxia sidestepped the flirtatious sleeve, smiling at Wei Caiwei seated beside him, presenting the image of a chaste and loyal man guarding his virtue.
Zhao Quan and Wu Dianyong exchanged glances: Tsk, tsk, the notoriously flirtatious Young Master Wang now scorns even the Courtesan of Red Sleeve Brothel, his eyes only for the young widow. It seems the rumors are true—Young Master Wang is utterly bewitched by the young widow, his judgment clouded by infatuation.
As for the young widow, she wore a white mourning bun, her earlobes adorned with teardrop-shaped Eastern Pearls. Dressed in a moon-white Taoist Robe, her face was bare except for a touch of rouge on her lips. At first glance, she was not stunningly beautiful, but her appearance grew more captivating the longer one looked.
Elegant and refined, she resembled a beam of white moonlight, like an immortal consort descended from the Moon Palace to the mortal world. Originally a female physician, she healed the sick and saved lives. Dressed as she was, seated upon a lotus platform, she would be a living Bodhisattva worshipped by thousands!
Compared to her, even the singing and dancing courtesans of Red Sleeve Brothel seemed gaudy and vulgar.
This woman was a rare treasure—no wonder both Commander Lu and Young Master Wang had fallen under her spell.
Just then, the dancer’s water sleeve swept in front of Wei Caiwei.
Caiwei did not evade it. Instead, she reached out and grasped the sleeve, refusing to let go. Bringing it to her nose, she inhaled deeply. "Sandalwood, borneol, silk tree, ambergris, sandalwood... and perhaps a hint of musk? Am I correct?"
The dancer, well-versed in handling various situations, continued her movements even with her sleeve held. She danced gracefully to the banquet table and bowed lightly. "Madam must be an expert in perfumery. Your guess is absolutely correct."
"Fine fragrance, exquisite dance, and remarkable beauty." Wei Caiwei released the sleeve but gently lifted the dancer’s chin. "In terms of looks, you are not as striking as the former Top Courtesan, Miss Yingying, but your singing and dancing surpass hers. I am fond of you."
As the host, Zhao Quan, pleased that his guest was enjoying herself, promptly said, "You danced wonderfully. Our Doctor Wei is very fond of you—a generous reward."
Wu Dianyong, prepared in advance, presented the dancer with a golden armlet. The armlet lay on red silk in the tray, gleaming so brightly it dazzled the eyes.
Before the dancer could accept the reward, Wei Caiwei rose first. "Extend your arm. I will put it on for you."
She intended to personally fasten the armlet. The armlet consisted of numerous fine, coiled circles. Zhao Quan had been lavish—the piece weighed nearly three liang and comprised over a dozen rings.
The dancer removed her water sleeves, revealing lotus-root-like arms, making it easier to don the armlet.Wei Caiwei slid the armlet all the way up, securing it on her upper arm. The dancer’s slender arms, though thin, were not bony, and the coiled armlet accentuated her soft, tofu-curd-like skin. Wei praised, "What a beautiful golden armlet. This style is perfect for performing the Zhezhi Dance."
At the guest’s request, the female musician at the bow of the boat quickly switched to a Western-style Zhezhi melody. The dancer, baring her snow-white arms and wearing the golden armlet, began the Zhezhi Dance.
Inspired, Wei Caiwei unexpectedly joined in, dancing along with the music alongside the dancer—and she performed quite well!
It was as if a Bodhisattva had descended from her sacred altar to mingle with mortals, embracing the worldly pleasures.
Wei Caiwei danced with abandon, a slight smile curling at the corners of her lips, seemingly relishing the shared dance with the performer.
From start to finish, she did not seek the opinion of her lover, Wang Daxia, nor ask for his consent. She didn’t even glance his way, openly expressing her admiration and fondness for the dancer.
Zhao Quan and Wu Dianyong had never encountered such a woman before—where "wantonness" and sanctity could merge into one, like a banished immortal indulging freely in the passions of the mortal realm.
No wonder high-ranking sons like Commander Lu and Wang Daxia, who had "seen much of the world" and experienced countless beauties, were captivated by her. She was truly extraordinary.
Throughout, Wang Daxia never showed any sign of displeasure. Watching Wei Caiwei dance, he even excitedly tapped his chopsticks against the wine pot to keep the rhythm, his gaze fixed intently on her, clearly deeply enamored.
The dancer wore a form-fitting costume that revealed her graceful figure in every detail, with her arms bare. In contrast, Wei Caiwei was clad in a loose, moon-white Taoist robe that completely concealed her form, yet she managed to evoke the allure of a flying enchantress—a blend of purity and temptation that rivaled the dancer’s charm. Marvelous!
Wu Dianyong whispered, "Boss, perhaps we should dismiss the five male courtesans waiting in the lower cabin? It seems Doctor Wei is more interested in the dancer. Bringing the male courtesans up might spoil the mood."
Zhao Quan replied, "Have them leave on a small boat. They’re not needed here." When a guest favors beauties, one must cater to their preferences.
As the Zhezhi melody reached its finale, Wei Caiwei and the dancer spun in place, as if competing—neither willing to stop first.
Since they refused to halt, the musicians dared not cease either; the flutist was nearly out of breath!
The dancer’s lightweight costume flared like a lotus pod, revealing her slender, straight legs, with the hem barely covering above her thighs. Her legs, smooth and lustrous as ivory, tempted one to reach out and touch.
Meanwhile, Wei Caiwei, in her voluminous moon-white Taoist robe and knee-length trousers underneath, remained fully covered. As she spun, the robe billowed like a large drum enveloping her, exposing only a glimpse of her fair wrist—yet it stirred boundless imagination, a blend of innocence and desire.
The dancer, accustomed to such movements, spun with ease, while Wei Caiwei, only an occasional dancer, began to wobble side to side like a spinning top losing momentum.
Wang Daxia set down his chopsticks and opened his arms, ready to catch her.
Wei Caiwei, unable to steady herself, laughed lightly and tumbled directly into Wang Daxia’s embrace. Clutching her forehead, she coquettishly complained, "Oh, I’m so dizzy."Wang Daxia scooped her up horizontally and laid her on a chaise lounge at the stern of the decorated pleasure boat. This couch was prepared for intoxicated guests to rest, separated from the banquet area by a semi-transparent embroidered screen. Thus, any movement on the chaise lounge—even a single turn—could be heard by those at the banquet.
Moreover, the embroidered screen was semi-transparent, casting the silhouettes of their embrace upon it like a shadow puppet show, with every contour of their bodies clearly visible.
Creak!
As Wang Daxia placed Wei Caiwei on the chaise lounge and was about to rise, she lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck. "My head is spinning," she murmured. "Massage my temples for me."
Wang Daxia sat at the edge of the couch, leaning over to place his thumbs on her temples. In a whisper, he asked, "Really massage them?"
Their previous embraces had been through layers of clothing, but this was skin-to-skin contact!
Wei Caiwei replied softly, "It's just a temple massage—it won't cost you a piece of flesh. Just do it."
Wang Daxia began kneading, using a normal tone to ask, "How's the pressure?"
Wei Caiwei said, "Too light. Use a bit more strength."
Wang Daxia increased the force in his fingers. "And now?"
"Use a little more," she urged.
Beneath his fingertips, her skin was smooth and delicate, slightly damp with sweat, like lotus leaves after rain where droplets roll and glisten. His fingers rested on the acupoints of her face, reluctant to press too hard, as if even a little force might hurt her.
Unable to bear causing her pain, he only applied real pressure after she urged him twice.
Wei Caiwei let out a soft cry, "Ah!"
Wang Daxia stopped immediately. "It hurts, doesn't it? I told you not to press too hard."
"It's not that," Wei Caiwei explained. "The pressure is just right, but the spot is off. Move up a little."
"Hmm, like this?" Wang Daxia obeyed like a puppet.
"A bit more to the left," she directed.
"Here?"
"Too far left. Move right."
Having lived a second life, the once dexterous Wang Daxia had clearly regressed. Even pressing temples had become clumsy.
Wang Daxia shifted his thumbs. "This should be fine now?"
"Right there." Wei Caiwei released a soul-stirring sigh. "That feels good. Don't stop."
Hearing that sigh, even the dullest mind would catch on. Wang Daxia, whose acting skills were somewhat lacking, felt his head buzz as if someone had stirred a hornet's nest, with swarming bees dancing chaotically in his mind.
The tips of his ears instantly turned crimson, as if stained with rouge, and even Wang Xiaoxia was abruptly awakened.
Fortunately, the semi-transparent embroidered screen provided cover, or Wang Daxia would have broken character on the spot.
Outside the screen, at the banquet, Ding Wu heard the commotion inside. Though inexperienced, he vaguely understood what was happening.
My dear Banxia! What have you been through these past months? The decadent capital has truly...
Thankfully, Ding Wu maintained his composure, appearing calm on the surface. He even picked up his chopsticks to eat a slice of snow-white lotus root, as if such scenes were commonplace to him.
At the banquet, despite Zhao Quan and Wu Dianyong's vast experience, they were both stunned. How could these two openly engage in such intimate affection on the decorated pleasure boat?Though separated by an embroidered screen that obscured their view of what transpired on the chaise lounge, both men were worldly enough to conjure vividly sensual imaginings.
These high-ranking officials’ sons and young widows certainly know how to play!
No wonder Lu Bing had compelled Doctor Wei to voluntarily leave Commander Lu by recommending her for the Palace female physician examination. Who could resist such an innocent yet alluring widow?
If the young widow refused to let go, Commander Lu would likely be entangled for life.
At this moment, Ding Wu raised his cup nonchalantly, "Come, with fine banquet, splendid night, and enchanting song and dance, let us share a drink!"
Zhao Quan and Wu Dianyong followed suit, thinking to themselves that Ding Wu must have frequently witnessed Wang Daxia and his sworn sister’s intimate displays right before his eyes, hence his indifference and composure—otherwise, how could he remain so unruffled?
The rumors don’t lie! The truth is even more thrilling than the gossip!
Author’s note: Technician No. 3’s skills are somewhat lacking Wang Daxia nearly failed to keep up with Caiwei’s acting. Keep striving, dear student!
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