Qingyao smiled, thinking that sometimes the poorest people were also the happiest, finding joy in the smallest of favors that could sustain them for a long time.
As the three ascended the stone steps, many turned to look. They were handsome and elegant, particularly Qingyao. Even in male attire, she exuded a unique charisma. She and Mochou had disguised themselves, making them unrecognizable to ordinary people.
The waiter approached, bowed respectfully, and asked with a smile.
"You three gentlemen are from out of town, aren't you?"
The waiter, experienced in judging people, recognized them as outsiders at a glance. Qingyao's smile was captivating, appearing so dashing and devastatingly beautiful that it flustered the waiter, who quickly averted his gaze elsewhere.
"Yes, we're here to stay."
Mochou fanned himself, speaking coldly.
Despite her aloof demeanor, she felt a thrill inside. This was her first time posing as a handsome young man, and she had received many admiring glances along the way, which felt novel and greatly amusing. However, she maintained her composure when facing the waiter.
"Yes, yes, esteemed guests, please follow me inside."
The waiter led them into the inn. The dining hall was bustling and lively, yet their presence still drew many curious glances, especially from the female patrons, who blushed crimson.
The Qingluo Kingdom had a more open social climate than other regions, allowing women more freedom of movement. Consequently, the hall was filled with many unmarried women who, upon seeing such outstanding and refined young men, couldn't help but be smitten.
Even the innkeeper behind the counter was momentarily stunned. In his years of running the establishment, while he had seen many handsome young men, the appearance of three at once was a rare sight. He quickly spoke with a smile.
"Are the guests here to lodge?"
"Yes, two private rooms," Mochou replied, her fan still in hand, exuding an impressive aura. Several gasps echoed through the hall.
Seeing the situation, the innkeeper's face lit up with a smile as he nodded. "Certainly, waiter, come and lead our guests to the private rooms on the third floor."
"Yes, yes, esteemed guests, please follow me up to the third floor," the waiter said, flicking the towel on his shoulder and leading the way respectfully.
Qingyao casually scanned the hall, finding no one particularly noteworthy.
Yet, even without looking up, she sensed intense, burning gazes directed at them from a private room on the second floor. She raised a slender eyebrow and glanced at Mochou beside her.
Mochou's brow also twitched slightly. The three of them calmly followed the waiter upstairs.
As soon as they departed, the hall erupted with renewed activity. Many were eagerly discussing something, and a few sentences drifted towards the staircase.
"Who do you think will win the competition for the Qīng Guān this time? I heard a significant figure is organizing it behind the scenes?"
As this remark landed, many in the hall whispered, "Who?"
"Prince Yin."
Qingyao and Mochou, with their exceptional hearing, caught the words even though the speaker's voice was very low. She wondered which Prince Yin this was in the Qingluo Kingdom. It could only be the one. What was this Qīng Guān competition?
Upon reaching the third floor, the waiter led them to two rooms on the far west side and respectfully opened the doors. "Please enter, esteemed guests. Feel free to ask for anything you need. These are the last two private rooms; you are truly fortunate."
As the waiter was about to leave, Qingyao gave him a look, and Mochou quickly called out to him. "Waiter, please come in for a moment. We have something to ask."
Hearing Mochou's clear voice, the waiter blushed slightly but dutifully followed them into the room.
The private rooms at Willow Leaf Tower were indeed excellent, far more elegant than those elsewhere.
The large, carved bed was adorned with a sheer canopy depicting butterflies and flowers. There was a glass screen, a couch and curtains, and a complete set of wardrobes. The windows were hung with floor-to-ceiling brocade curtains. The room was filled with the fragrance of flowers and herbs, and even the thin silk quilts on the bed were perfumed, indicating a distinguished establishment.
Qingyao sat by the table, and Mochou picked up the teapot and poured her a cup of tea, standing by her side.
At this point, the waiter realized that this handsome young gentleman was the leader of the group and spoke nervously. "May I know what the esteemed guest wishes to ask?"
Qingyao slightly lowered her eyelids and took a sip of tea. The room was silent, with a palpable, oppressive aura. The waiter's heart trembled; based on his experience, these were not people to be trifled with.
"Are all the rooms in this establishment occupied?"
"Yes, sir, all rooms are occupied," the waiter replied quickly. Unsure of the guest's intention behind the question, he dared not probe further. Qingyao raised an eyebrow and abruptly changed the topic.
"What is this commotion downstairs about, this Qīng Guān competition?"
Upon hearing the young gentleman inquire about the matter, the waiter's interest was immediately piqued.
"Sir, you may not know, but our Qingluo Kingdom has always had this custom. The annual Qīng Guān competition is where courtesans from various brothels participate. The first-place courtesan, the flower queen, not only receives a prize but is also presented to a high-ranking official by the organizer behind the scenes. If she's lucky, she might even become a concubine and rise to prominence, perhaps achieving great success."
As the waiter finished speaking, Qingyao's gaze flashed with sharpness. The corners of her lips curved slightly, her eyes darkening like a cold pool. With a wave of her hand,
Mochou presented a silver ingot to the waiter. "Here, keep it. We may need to call on you again."
The waiter had never seen such a large sum of silver before. Furthermore, any tips from these guests were theirs to keep. He had truly encountered generous patrons today. He repeatedly thanked them and walked out. After closing the door, he took a deep bite of the silver ingot. Once he confirmed it was real, he happily descended the stairs.
In the room.
Qingyao's expression was somber, and she remained silent. Mochou spoke cautiously, "Master, is the organizer behind the scenes truly Changsun Yin?"
As soon as she finished speaking, Qingyao softly shushed her, and the room fell silent. There was a faint movement outside the door. When Mochou rushed to open it, there was no one in the corridor, indicating that the person's skills were indeed formidable.
"It seems we must proceed with caution."
Inside the room, everyone's expression was somewhat grave. Mochou and Moyou glanced at their master, seeing her eyes dark and her expression cold and indifferent, enveloped in an aura of ruthlessness.
"Master, have you discovered anything?"
"I fear there are formidable individuals within this inn. Therefore, we must be careful in all our dealings."
"Yes, Master."
Qingyao looked up and scanned the three of them. Although she and Mochou had disguised themselves and were dressed as men,
Moyou remained in her original appearance, having made no changes. It was likely that someone familiar with them was hidden in this building. It appeared someone already knew who they were, making Willow Leaf Tower an unsuitable place to linger.