Chapter 9: The Enigmatic Fragrance in the Dark Room

After taking just a few steps, a girl with twin buns cheerfully approached the madam.

“My daughter says she’s waiting in the Weichunxiang room for an honored guest.”

With that, the girl ascended to the fourth floor.

The madam immediately brightened upon hearing this. Turning back, her face was full of seductive smiles as she winked at Meng Yuxi.

“Congratulations, young master, congratulations! To think this is your first meeting with Miss Qinming, and you’ve already shared such intimate joy together~”

“Why, is there a different story after meeting a few more times?”

“Of course. Your esteemed eldest son from the Meng family only gained entry to the Weichunxiang room after meeting Miss Qinming more than ten times, finally fulfilling his wish. The second son has had even more visits—so many he can’t even count.”

“So the Weichunxiang room is on the fourth floor?”

For Meng Yuxi, the higher the floor, the better. That way, if Zhang Long or Zhao Hu broke in through a window, it would be harder for anyone to notice.

“Heh, young master, follow me. I guarantee you’ll be applauding after your experience.”

Led by the madam, Meng Yuxi arrived at a very narrow door. It looked as if only one person could squeeze through sideways. For a woman as stout as the madam, she would have to take a deep breath just to pass.

“This is the Weichunxiang room? Are you sure this isn’t just a storage room on the first floor?” Meng Yuxi pointed his folding fan at the narrow, thick bronze door and asked sharply.

“You’ll know once you step inside. I guarantee you’ll want to come back!”

The madam knocked on the door with a heavy rap of three short and one long, then called out loudly.

“Miss, your honored guest has arrived.”

With a soft click, the bronze door creaked open, and only then did the faint sound of a zither drift through the crack, revealing how well sealed the room was.

Seeing this, Meng Yuxi’s eyes narrowed in caution. This was no ordinary pleasure house; something was amiss.

“What a beautiful melody.”

With a snap, Meng Yuxi opened his folding fan and gently fanned himself, sensing a subtle fragrance wafting from within.

“Xiaocui, don’t just stand there—come in with young master.”

Meng Yuxi stepped inside behind Xiaocui.

---

“Young master, enjoy yourself. I will take my leave now.”

The madam bowed her head and closed the door behind her. The bronze door clicked shut and locked again.

Though it was daytime outside, the Weichunxiang room was like a dark chamber. There were no windows, only small light-blocking vents near the ceiling. The candles were covered with purple shades, casting a dim reddish-purple glow throughout the room. The walls were adorned with numerous paintings of couples, embellished with fine red velvet strands—truly a place for those who understood.

As the two entered, the zither music stopped. A stunning beauty in a sheer blue silk gown rose slowly from beside the instrument. Her curvaceous figure swayed like a water snake, every step seducing until it was difficult to breathe.

“Miss Qinming, I’ve admired your reputation for so long. Seeing you now, I realize the saying ‘better seen than heard’ is truly true!”

“Sir~ Qinming was born a poor, pitiable girl. No need for such a grand reception. You startled me just now.”

“My little heart is still pounding wildly. Don’t believe me? Come feel it yourself.”

Her voice was coy and intoxicating, softening one’s very bones.

Qinming approached, took Meng Yuxi’s hand, and placed it against her chest.

“Miss Qinming, you truly captivate the heart. Yuxi’s journey here is not in vain.”

As she came closer, her fragrance deepened, making Meng Yuxi’s mind foggy. His body swayed involuntarily. He sat down, drew her close, and slid his hand toward her bare, jade-like foot. Just as he was about to take her measure, Qinming giggled and sprang up from his embrace.

“Sir, don’t be so hasty. How about we share a drink first?”

“That little maid stands at the door like a statue, no fun at all. How can a wooden stick please a gentleman?”

Since entering, Xiaocui had found a corner and stood there as if hoping no one would notice her.

“Xiaocui, come sit here. Don’t waste the beauty’s invitation.”

Meng Yuxi opened his folding fan, partially shielding his face as he fanned lightly with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Xiaocui knelt beside him and lightly tapped his shoulder, her technique somewhat unpracticed.

“Haha, that’s more like it. This is what a maid should do. With Miss Qinming to guide you, you’re finally coming around.”

Laughing, Meng Yuxi raised the cup of wine Qinming had brought, drank deeply, and then passed it to Xiaocui.

Xiaocui’s face flushed deeply at the sudden gesture, her hands bracing against the roguish young master.

Wiping her mouth with her sleeve, she exclaimed, “Young master! You!”

Qinming watched the two with an amused smile, thinking this Meng Yuxi was truly a lustful wolf. He was far less charming now than when he was foolish and naive. She leaned weakly against him.

---

“That girl’s so shy, sir. Let me help you with the drink.”

With wine in her mouth like a cat’s, Qinming hooked her arms around Meng Yuxi’s neck, trying to feed him the wine.

Meng Yuxi flicked his fan to cover her crimson lips and smiled, “This wine is too strong; I can’t handle it.”

Then he dropped the fan and leaned down, provoking Qinming’s soft laughter.

“Hehe, sir, that tickles—no, don’t...”

“Sir, do you like my feet so much? Always touching them.”

Qinming laughed and dodged, embracing Xiaocui, and lightly tapped her jade-like foot against Meng Yuxi.

“Sir, how about the three of us play on the bed?”

Beneath the reddish candlelight, Xiaocui’s eyes narrowed, barely blooming, while Qinming posed as if waiting to be picked. Each beauty possessed her own charm, stirring Meng Yuxi’s heart. He agreed eagerly.

Just as he stood to undress, his hands suddenly went weak and numb. Dizziness swept over him, and he collapsed to the floor.

“Sir~ What trick is this? I still have many interesting games to share with you on the bed~”

Qinming laughed coquettishly, spreading her longI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.