Chapter Twenty-Two: The Art of the Crimson Sleeve

The cliché opening remarks were simply ignored; such third-rate emcee performances, Feng Jingzhe had seen far too many in his previous life. Now, all he wanted to know was the actual process of this so-called Flower Queen Competition. His stomach was full, and the only thing left was to find a chance to reclaim the two hundred taels that Su Zixuan had swindled from him.

After all, even the landlord’s family had no surplus grain these days!

The madam on stage chattered endlessly for a full half hour before Feng Jingzhe managed to grasp the rules. One had to admit, in every era, the entertainment industry’s money-making schemes were always the most sophisticated.

Take this competition, for example. You might think the core consumer group was the twelve tables in the inner circle. Wrong—utterly wrong. The main effect of these VIP seats was celebrity influence. Those present were either rich or noble, practically the wealthiest people in all of Chang’an. With such patrons leading the crowd, the Red Sleeves Pavilion’s guest flow tonight was nearly overflowing.

Some were there for the Flower Queen, but more had come because Red Sleeves Pavilion had provided a platform for interaction. Ordinarily, meeting these big shots was nearly impossible for common merchants—like a hotel owner hoping to meet Ma Yun or Liu Qiangdong, there simply was no channel.

So, just from tonight’s admission tickets, Red Sleeves Pavilion and the event’s co-organizers would rake in piles of money. Not to mention the profits from drinks and the ladies’ services—those who came tonight, especially those hoping to curry favor with the elites, would do everything to showcase their wealth, guaranteeing a terrifying flow of silver.

As for the competition itself, aside from the inner circle, each guest received an original ballot. The twelve Flower Queen candidates would each present themselves in three rounds of individual performances. After the first round, everyone could vote for their preferred courtesan.

After that came the VIP customers’ turn to spend extravagantly. The key was that the inner circle could spend as much as they liked, anonymously. This way, no one’s identity would be compromised, and everyone could avoid offending each other.

Otherwise, with the Fourth Prince present, if he spent money on one contestant, would others dare to follow suit? If the Fourth Prince favored a woman, and you openly supported another, it would be as if you were courting trouble. But even vying for the same woman was impossible; if you were suspected of competing with the Fourth Prince, it would be as if you were tempting fate!

Didn’t you hear someone just mention being drowned in the river?

In other words, the twelve tables in the inner circle were guests invited by the respective courtesans, but who they ultimately supported was still uncertain.

Feng Jingzhe, worldly as he was in his past life, couldn’t help but admire Red Sleeves Pavilion’s dual harvesting method tonight.

While he was still marveling, the madam on stage gracefully exited, replaced by the twelve Flower Queen candidates stepping onto the stage one by one.

It must be admitted, the quality of women in this era’s beauty contests was astonishingly high. Unlike the monotonous faces of modern technology, these twelve contestants each possessed their own distinctive charm—dainty, alluring, pure, playful. Some appeared to be noble ladies, others mischievous and cute.

To put it more plainly, there were lolis, mature women, respectable girls, and down-to-earth types, each exuding their own appeal—sweet or seductive, there was a flavor for everyone.

As the twelve appeared, the atmosphere in the hall instantly reached a boiling point. Especially with the successive appearances of Tang Hongdou, Su Zixuan, Shen Xixi, and Meng Xiaodie, the scene soared to a climax.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk... I thought Su Zixuan’s beauty was unrivaled in Chang’an, but now there’s Tang Hongdou...” whispered the young gentleman accompanying Zheng Yongxiang, unable to restrain his admiration.

Unlike Su Zixuan’s lofty scholarly aura, Tang Hongdou was innately captivating. Every gesture, every glance, even the mere act of brushing her hair, possessed an intoxicating allure.

“Hahaha... I still prefer Su Zixuan’s proud spirit. It’s so much more satisfying to conquer. I imagine Brother Feng feels the same way...” he laughed.

“Hey, hey... Don’t drag me into your filthy thoughts. I’m a married man now. I conduct myself with integrity and good manners. I came here tonight just to enjoy the food; as for the ladies on stage, I simply appreciate their beauty as one admires fine art,” Feng Jingzhe straightened his back, assuming the posture of a noble gentleman, his gaze filled with disdain for the crowd of seasoned lechers.

Most of these girls were only eighteen or nineteen—high school students by modern standards, innocent and naive. Yet among those drooling over them were plenty of gray-haired old men. The thought that these blooming girls might end up beneath these lascivious men tonight made Feng Jingzhe feel sick.

“Heh...”

Zheng Yongxiang rolled his eyes, too tired to argue. When it came to lust, who in Chang’an didn’t know Feng Third Young Master? He had spent two hundred taels for a chance to drink alone with Su Zixuan, only to try forcing himself upon her and get beaten out—a story that still circulated.

Sun Fugui knew of it, too, so he kept his eyes fixed on the stage to avoid embarrassment.

At this moment, the twelve so-called beauties had each introduced themselves, and the first round of individual talent performances began.

The first to take the stage was Shen Xixi from Spring Breeze Pavilion. Dressed in snowy white, she stood gracefully with a jade flute in hand.

The surrounding drums and music faded away; after a dozen breaths, a song of longing, like falling leaves and crow calls, gently entered the listeners’ ears.

Feng Jingzhe felt the flute's notes struck straight at his soul; goosebumps prickled all over his skin. He didn’t understand music, but estimated the artistry of this piece reached at least five stories high.

No wonder she was one of the four favorites to win—her opening performance was a royal flush.

Such skill would easily outshine any internet celebrities or pop stars in his previous life.

“Wonderful... so beautiful... play another! Shen Xixi, you’ve gained a fan in me!”

When the last note faded, Feng Jingzhe leapt from his seat, making a heart gesture toward the stage.

The audience, still immersed in the lingering music, were startled by his shout. It was as if they’d been soaring amidst misty mountain peaks one moment, and plunged into a ditch the next.

All eyes turned, their expressions sour. On stage, Shen Xixi, bound by the need to maintain her persona, forced a stiff smile, bowed gracefully, and withdrew.

“Lingyou risked offending the sovereign; now I understand why! This pest is truly unbearable, no wonder Your Highness feels aggrieved…”

Gu Beichuan sighed softly, quietly refilling the Fourth Prince’s cup beside him.