Chapter 919: Passing Through the Door Without Entering

Although they had fought side by side in the secret realm, they hadn't spent much time together, so their relationship was naturally still a bit awkward. However, as soon as they started talking about the courtesan queen, they quickly became familiar with each other.

Soon, the group set off for the Crimson Sleeve Pavilion. Gao Ying and Pei You, wanting to show their respect, had even prepared palanquins. However, having been accustomed to cars and subways in his previous life, Zu An was truly unaccustomed to the cramped and constantly bumpy palanquins.

So, he suggested riding horses. As both Gao Ying and Pei You were cultivators, they naturally had no objections.

Normally, there were many rules for ordinary people riding horses within the inner city, but since they were all scions of prominent families and Zu An was a new luminary in the capital, no one usually bothered them.

As they galloped on their horses, Pei You said with a laugh, "I wonder who will get the chance to ride Nan Xun's rouge horse today. I bet it feels a lot better than what we're riding now."

Hearing his vulgar words, Zu An raised an eyebrow. This guy looked like an introverted, gloomy teenager, but as soon as these topics came up, he transformed into a social butterfly. Yes, beautiful women are indeed the most primitive motivation for changing men.

Zu An chuckled, "The Crimson Sleeve Pavilion is sure to be packed today. Will there even be any space left later?"

Gao Ying replied, "For this courtesan queen Nan Xun's selection of a favored guest, men from the capital naturally flock to her, and even some from surrounding prefectures and counties come admiringly. However, most people can only join in the excitement from afar. To avoid chaos, the Crimson Sleeve Pavilion specifically issued 100 invitations. Only those who received an invitation will be allowed to enter the Crimson Sleeve Pavilion tonight."

"Only 100?" Zu An was surprised. While the number seemed decent, how many rich and powerful people were there in the capital? Moreover, a single family often had hundreds or thousands of members, and adding those from neighboring prefectures, it simply wasn't enough to go around.

"So, won't the Crimson Sleeve Pavilion be filled with high-ranking court officials tonight?" Zu An thought of similar situations in his previous life, where most of these 100 invitations would have already been internally distributed, with only a few trickling into the market.

"Not really," Gao Ying chuckled. "After all, it's a pleasure house, and high-ranking court officials fear impeachment from the Censorate. Everyone values their reputation, so generally, the big figures won't come. Only we younger generations will join in the fun. Perhaps in a few more days, Brother Zu won't find it convenient to come either."

Just a few months ago, Zu An wasn't even a commoner, merely a condemned prisoner. Yet, he had rocketed through the ranks, now a viscount and a favored person of the Eastern Palace. Crucially, his presence had become impossible for any faction to ignore.

In a few more days, he might have risen several more official ranks, and then it would truly be inappropriate for him to visit such establishments.

Zu An thought, "So that's how it is." It was quite a pity that high-ranking court officials couldn't even enjoy the company of courtesan queens. But then again, once they reached such positions, they could simply keep any women they desired; there was no need for them to come to places like this.

"It's also thanks to Brother Gao's wide connections that we got an invitation. I wanted to come earlier, but I searched for ages and couldn't get one." Pei You timely pointed out Gao Ying's contribution, which Gao Ying clearly appreciated.

"I also only got one by chance, through a transfer," Gao Ying reciprocated, explaining that it wasn't due to Pei You's lack of influence. "After all, this courtesan queen rose to fame while we were in the secret realm fighting for our lives. We simply didn't have the opportunity to acquire such invitations then."

Zu An thought, "No wonder I hadn't heard of this courtesan queen before. So, she only appeared after we entered the secret realm."

He suddenly thought of something and burst out laughing, "Normally, we're the ones choosing the courtesan queens, but today, it feels like the courtesan queen is picking us!"

It was as if in his previous life, at a club, if he saw someone he didn't like, he'd ask for a different one. Now, the roles were reversed with Nan Xun; she was the one selecting the guests.

Gao Ying and Pei You couldn't help but laugh as well. "When you put it that way, it really does seem like it. But once you meet the courtesan queen, you'll understand—she's worth it."

Then Pei You continued, "Brother Zu, we're brothers in life and death now, so I'll be direct. Originally, to thank you for saving our lives, we should have arranged for you to have the courtesan queen. But this courtesan queen is quite special; even with our family backgrounds, we can't guarantee anything. It's up to each of us to rely on our own abilities. If you don't win Miss Nan Xun's favor, we can get you another courtesan queen. The Crimson Sleeve Pavilion has a total of 24 courtesan queens, each skilled in both art and beauty, playfully known as the 'Twenty-Four Bridges and Moonlight Nights.' We guarantee you'll be satisfied."

Zu An thought, "Ning Caichen and Nie Xiaoqian were brothers in life and death; who ever said I was with you all?"

He waved his hand, "You two don't need to worry. I don't have many virtues, but I do tend to be popular with girls. I'm sure the courtesan queen will choose me."

Pei You: "..."

He looked Zu An up and down. If Zu An hadn't saved his life, with his usual temperament, he would likely have blurted out, "So ordinary, yet so confident."

One must know that this Miss Nan Xun was different from previous courtesan queens. News traveled fast in the capital's circles, and no one had the confidence to win her favor.

Gao Ying, being more discreet, laughed heartily to smooth things over. "Even a fairy like Miss Chu chose Brother Zu, which shows his charm. Perhaps Miss Nan Xun truly will choose you today."

The group chatted and laughed, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the Crimson Sleeve Pavilion.

Despite being mentally prepared, Zu An was still somewhat stunned by the vast expanse of brilliantly lit pavilions and towers before him. The scene reminded him of the buildings in *Spirited Away*, and it was as if he was seeing the night view of Chongqing's Hongyadong.

It was several times more luxurious and magnificent than the Immortal Dwelling he had seen in Brightmoon City!

The Imperial Entertainment Bureau he had visited before, with its reserved and low-key atmosphere, couldn't compare to the Crimson Sleeve Pavilion either.

The Crimson Sleeve Pavilion alone was almost equivalent to the entire pleasure district of Brightmoon City combined. No wonder no one could uncover the background of its owner; how could a place of this scale in the capital possibly have an ordinary background?

Outside the Crimson Sleeve Pavilion, the crowd was already bustling with people, jostling shoulder to shoulder, making Zu An feel as if he were back on a spring festival train from his previous life.

Many people were frantically shouting Miss Nan Xun's name, some even holding their breath until they fainted. Many more, knowing they had no hope of entering, put up banners outside, declaring their support and love for Miss Nan Xun, fantasizing that she would see the literary flair on their banners and invite them in.

Zu An glanced around. Many had written various love poems, but having been accustomed to Tang and Song poetry in his previous life, he found their quality truly subpar, making him cringe and wince.

"Make way, make way!" Gao Ying and Pei You were both sixth-rank masters. Without needing to harm anyone, they simply released a bit of their primal energy to clear a path through the crowd, and soon the three of them reached the entrance.

Zu An noticed that at the main entrance of the Crimson Sleeve Pavilion, many guards were maintaining order, and there were also many constables and yamen runners stationed there.

It was truly incredible; a pleasure house could even get yamen officials to maintain order.

As he was marveling, a mocking voice suddenly came from beside him: "Well, well, isn't that Little You? What are you doing in a place like this with someone from the Liu family?"

Zu An turned his head and saw a young master, surrounded by a group of people, looking at the trio mockingly. The young master was somewhat handsome, but his eyes were dark and his face pale, clearly indicating he was drained by wine and women.

He appeared to be in his late twenties, yet he lacked any sense of maturity, instead exuding an air of frivolity.

"Is that any of your business?" Pei You sneered, while quietly explaining to Zu An, "This is Pei Xingyan from the third branch of my great-grandfather's side."

Zu An immediately realized that the man was the grandson of Duke Linhai, Pei Zheng. While Duke Linhai Pei Zheng and Pei You's grandfather Pei Ming were brothers, their relationship was not good.

Especially since Pei You and his father's branch were very close to the Bi family and favored the Crown Prince, Pei Zheng's side disliked them even more.

"A textbook villain," Zu An thought with emotion, seeing the man's provocative expression. He suddenly remembered that Big Manman's father was Pei Zheng's fifth son, making this guy her paternal cousin. For Big Manman's sake, he decided not to make trouble for him.

However, the man didn't even glance at him, looking directly at Gao Ying as if only just recognizing him. "Isn't this the Liu family's nephew? I heard you're always upright and steady. Why are you coming to a pleasure house like this? Shouldn't the one here be Liu Xian, that prodigal son? Why isn't he here today?"

As he spoke, he looked around as if searching for Liu Xian.

Gao Ying's face immediately darkened. The man's repeated use of "Liu family's nephew" seemed to mock him for not being a direct descendant of the Liu family, which already displeased him. And then he deliberately mentioned Liu Xian.

He suppressed his anger. "Liu Xian sacrificed himself in the secret realm to protect the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. The imperial court has already issued a public obituary about this. What do you mean by 'he's not here'?"

"Oh, so he died? My apologies, I haven't really been paying attention to these matters recently," Pei Xingyan said, feigning apology, though not an ounce of regret showed on his face. "By the way, how did you say he died just now?"

Gao Ying stated coldly, "He sacrificed himself by deliberately staying behind to cover their retreat and protect the Crown Prince and Crown Princess!"

"Liu Xian sacrificed himself to protect others? And he willingly stayed behind? Hahaha," Pei Xingyan burst out laughing with his companions as if he'd heard a hilarious joke. "If a man like Liu Xian died in a woman's bed one day, I wouldn't be surprised at all. Would a playboy like him willingly sacrifice himself and stay behind to cover a retreat?"

Gao Ying's face grew colder and colder. "This is an imperial court announcement. Are you questioning the Emperor's judgment?"

He was no pushover, directly digging a trap with his words.

Pei Xingyan, naturally aware of the trap, chuckled and said, "The Emperor is wise and mighty; he certainly wouldn't make a mistake in judgment. It's just that the Emperor is more concerned with important matters, and a small figure like Liu Xian might not even cross his mind. In fact, I'm not the only one in the capital who knows Liu Xian well. If you don't believe me, ask them if they think Liu Xian is someone who would stay behind and sacrifice himself to cover a retreat."

His companions all started to laugh:

"How could that be? Liu Xian is notoriously afraid of death."

"What else can he do besides playing with women? In my opinion, his cultivation was too poor, so he lost his life in the secret realm. As for how he died, well, they're the only ones who made it out alive, so they can say whatever they want."

"It's not that bad. In my opinion, Liu Xian probably had too poor cultivation and couldn't outrun the others when escaping, so he was forced to stay behind to cover the retreat."

"Hahaha, Young Master Pei is absolutely right; that's probably the truth of it."

Zu An, standing to the side, secretly sighed. Big Manman's cousin was truly asking for a beating; it made him want to hit him.

"You scoundrel!" Gao Ying couldn't hold back any longer and directly threw a punch.

Pei Xingyan had already prepared himself and blocked it with a swift palm.

After a brief exchange, Gao Ying stood firm, but Pei Xingyan stumbled back several steps. However, his companions immediately surrounded him. "What do you think you're doing? Are people not allowed to speak the truth anymore?"

Pei You and Zu An also calmly stepped to Gao Ying's side, clearly indicating they wouldn't let him suffer.

A slight, unnatural flush appeared on Pei Xingyan's face; clearly, he had taken a small loss in the recent exchange. He glared at Pei You and angrily said, "Little You, how dare you help an outsider fight a family member?"

Many of the onlookers, not understanding the full context, immediately looked at Pei You with disdain.

In this clan-based society, an accusation like Pei Xingyan's was extremely serious.

Seeing Pei You's face turn pale, unsure how to refute, Zu An noticed he wasn't discussing matters of a pleasure house; he had reverted to his usual introverted self.

Seeing this, Zu An helped him resolve the situation. "Pei You helps comrades he'd die alongside, not petty individuals who hide behind others to slander soldiers who sacrificed for their country."

What was familial sentiment compared to patriotic fervor for the nation?

Sure enough, the onlookers' gazes towards Pei You immediately softened.

Pei You likewise gave Zu An a grateful look.

"And who are you?" Pei Xingyan squinted at him, his expression like that of a toad.

Pei You, grateful to Zu An, naturally reciprocated by boasting about him: "This is the great hero of this secret realm expedition, the Green Hat Viscount personally bestowed by the Emperor, the Crown Prince's Chief of Staff, General Zu An of the Imperial Guards!"

Hearing the words "Green Hat Viscount," Zu An's eyebrows twitched. Unfortunately, the other party was genuinely well-intentioned, leaving him unable to lash out.

"Hmph!" Pei Xingyan sneered dismissively. "You two are really going backward. Although your status in the family isn't high, you're still scions of prestigious families. Yet, you're actually fawning over a commoner like this. You're truly disgracing us capital residents."

Pei You and Gao Ying's expressions changed, but before they could react, they heard Zu An's cold voice from beside them: "Young Master Xingyan, did you eat shit before you left home today?"

Pei Xingyan was startled at first, thinking he had misheard, but seeing the expressions of those around him, he realized he hadn't. He immediately flew into a rage. "What did you say!"

Anger from Pei Xingyan increased dramatically...

"If you didn't eat shit, then why are you spewing nonsense?" Zu An asked, feigning confusion. "Could it be that you are the legendary fecal-matter-generating machine?"

Having spent years in his previous life debating on forums with a group of silly netizens, he naturally knew what was most likely to break someone's composure.

The surrounding onlookers immediately burst into laughter. They might not have understood sophisticated jokes, but they quickly grasped humor related to bodily functions.

Pei Xingyan almost fainted from rage. "I'm going to tear your stinking mouth apart!"

Anger from Pei Xingyan soared further...

With that, he swung a palm. Pei You and Gao Ying were about to intervene, but then heard a miserable shriek as the opponent flew straight back.

Zu An's expression turned cold. "I kill eighth-rank fierce beasts like slaughtering chickens. Do you think you're worthy of fighting me? I'll spare your life for an old acquaintance's sake. Now get lost."

This guy was truly useless; even in such a rage, his soul fluctuations were so weak.

Gao Ying and Pei You felt a chill in their hearts. They were so close, yet they hadn't seen how Zu An had struck. It seemed his cultivation had advanced significantly in a short amount of time.

Of course, seeing Pei Xingyan's miserable state, they felt a secret satisfaction. Big Brother Zu was truly powerful; he had helped them vent their anger.

Pei Xingyan's companions were about to help, but upon hearing Zu An's words, they suddenly shivered, remembering the rumors about him.

"The Sky-Measuring Azure Moon Dragon was only seventh-rank; this guy really knows how to brag." One by one, they grumbled internally. However, they also knew they were no match for him and quickly abandoned any thoughts of intervening, instead trying to sound reasonable: "This is outrageous! In the capital, the most civilized place, to bully others with strength—is there no justice, no law?"

If they had known that Zu An had killed not only an eighth-rank fierce beast but even a peak ninth-rank master, they probably wouldn't have dared to utter those words.

However, the onlookers secretly cursed, "Shameless!"

These scions of influential families usually loved to bully others with their strength. How dare they now accuse someone else?

But they enjoyed a good show and didn't mind if things escalated. After all, none of these officials were any good; it would be best if both sides killed each other.

The commotion finally attracted the attention of the constables maintaining order nearby. A group of constables, with sabers at their belts, approached. "Who's making a ruckus here?"

Pei Xingyan, holding the blood he had just spat out, was about to complain, but his internal energy was churning so violently that he couldn't speak.

Fortunately, he had a group of friends who all rushed to report Zu An to the constables.

In a place like the capital, there were many masters among the constables. Although those present might not be a match for Zu An, if Zu An dared to lay a hand on a constable, he would be in deep trouble, and the imperial court would never let him go.

At this point, Gao Ying and Pei You also stepped forward to reveal their identities, simultaneously recounting what had just happened. Of course, they entirely portrayed the other party as the aggressor.

The leading constable got a headache. They couldn't afford to offend any of these noble scions, but they already had experience with such matters. He directly brushed them off: "Tonight, we are only responsible for maintaining order at the entrance and exit of the Crimson Sleeve Pavilion. For other matters, you can submit a complaint to the yamen, and the yamen will handle it accordingly."

Pei Xingyan and the others: "..."

Gao Ying and Pei You smiled, then said to Zu An, "Brother Zu, please!"

Pei Xingyan wanted to stop them, but remembering how he had inexplicably been sent flying just moments ago, he hesitated.

Zu An and his group arrived at the entrance. Gao Ying handed over the invitation for inspection. One invitation allowed for two companions.

The doorman opened it and looked, his brows furrowing instantly. "The name doesn't match. You can't enter. Next!"

Zu An was taken aback, never expecting such a complication.

Gao Ying said in a deep voice, "What's the meaning of this? You won't let us in with an invitation that you yourselves issued?"

At this point, the leading constable from before spoke up: "We've received a notice from higher-ups. Due to invitations being resold and prices inflated, ultimately falling into the hands of unknown malicious individuals, for the safety of the venue and the stability of order in the capital, entry will only be granted if the name on the invitation matches the person presenting it."

"This was given to me by a family member who couldn't come. Is that not allowed either?" Gao Ying grew anxious. For so many years, he had never heard of invitations needing to be checked against names.

Given their respective family statuses, it wouldn't have been too difficult for them to obtain these invitations. However, they had been in the secret realm, so it was naturally impossible for the invitations to have been issued to them directly.

"No, it must match the original invitation list," the constable replied. Knowing their identities, and worried about offending them, he added, "This is an order from our superiors; we are just following the rules."

"Whose superior's order?" Pei You's face also fell. They had happily invited Zu An to come here for fun, and now this happened. Where would they put their faces?

"No comment!" the constable replied. "Please don't block the people behind you. Next!"

"Haha... *cough* *cough*... haha," Pei Xingyan finally steadied himself with his companions' support, coughing and laughing. "I'm dying of laughter. Came here to show off, but can't even get past the door..."

Zu An gave him a flat look, and his subsequent mocking words immediately died in his throat. He could only rely on the nearby constables for support. "*Cough* *cough*. If you don't have invitations, move aside. We do."