Chapter 7
Chapter 7: The Floating Fragrance Pleasure Boat
I accompanied the Prince of Qi as we walked along the street . In high spirits, he gazed about at the scenery . Although I wasn’t particularly familiar with the area, I could still serve as a tour guide . In order to get to the Qinhuai River, we must pass through the bustling splendor of the Qinhuai Avenue . The avenue was brightly lit on both sides with the doors of each brothel and wine shop open . Each had pimps flanking their entrances with beauties standing in the doorway using all kinds of seductive language to entice customers . Everyone in our party had handsome appearances, especially the Prince of Qi, who had an extraordinary bearing . We could be especially favored customers . As a result, a number of pimps and prostitutes came forward and tried to entice us within . I noticed then that there was a dozen or so men dressed in ordinary clothes, intentionally or unintentionally, surrounding and following us . They kept away all of those attempting to get close and seemed to be protecting the three of us . The dozen or so men seemed to be ordinary, but were all tall and sturdy . Through their thin clothes, one could see their toned muscles . The way that they walked seemed to leave no traces on the ground . I figured that these individuals must be the Prince of Qi’s personal guards . Go figure … how could a dignified royal prince out traveling not have any guards protecting him? Since he had guards with him, I did not have to worry about my safety . I relaxed . The scenery that had previously left me embarrassed no longer made me nervous .
We didn’t walk far before we arrived at banks of the Qinhuai River . At this intersection with the particularly wide river, there were a dozen or so boats moored . Amongst them was a boat that was especially large . Although this boat was lit with bright lights, no music or sounds of drinking and games could be heard like the other pleasure boats . At the banks of the river were a number of launches . To a seductive woman manning one of the launches, I yelled, “Boatwoman, take us to the Floating Fragrance Pleasure Boat . ”
Smiling, the boatwoman raised her head and replied, “The gentlemen have arrived late, the pleasure boat may already be full tonight . Can the gentleman not see that the pleasure boat is hanging up its lanterns? It’s preparing to weigh anchor . ”
Sullenly, the Prince of Qi glared at me, while I calmly said, “We have already made a reservation . Thank you, boatwoman for your advice . ” Hearing my words, the Prince of Qi eased up . The three of us boarded the launch . The dozen or so guards also boarded their launches . After zigzagging through the maze of boats, we soon arrived at the pleasure boat .
After we had boarded the boat, a beautiful woman gorgeously and provocatively dressed welcomed us enthusiastically . She first smiled without saying anything before greeting us, “Aiya!1 If it isn’t the lord zhuangyuan! When this servant first heard that the lord zhuangyuan had reserved a cabin, I assumed it was an imposter . Who doesn’t know that Jiang daren does not like this kind of place filled with temptations . ”
Prying my eyes away from our ample bosom, I replied with a laugh, “Madam must surely be joking . I am but a mere lowly Hanlin, I normally would not have the financial resources to visit the Floating Fragrance Pleasure Boat . Today, I am accompanying a distinguished guest here to bear witness to Lady Piaoxiang . Madam must take good care of him . ”
The madam had long caught sight of Li Xian . Having seen many customers come and go, she immediately knew that Li Xian was a seldom seen wealthy customer . Promptly beaming with joy,2 the madam began to act submissively to ingratiate herself . 3 She walked before the Prince of Qi and bowed, saying, “This honored guest has come from afar, this madam is late with my welcomes . I hope that this honored guest will forgive me, this (person) …” She glanced at me .
Understanding, I immediately introduced the pair, “This is young master Li and this is young master Qin . ”
In a tender voice, she said, “Please come in, honored guests . Lady Piaoxiang’s mood today is excellent . If you are lucky, you may have the fortune of gaining the lady’s favor . ”
The three of us were led by the madam into a spacious and elegant cabin . The guards were led to nearby cabins, leaving us to be accompanied by the female attendants . The cabin was refined and elegant, brightly lit by lanterns . Overlooking the window was a large round table . The majority of the space was empty, leaving room for song and dance to please the guests . On the right side of the cabin was a small doorway covered by a bead curtain . One could faintly discern that it was a bedroom . It looks like this was a top class cabin . Inside the door was line eight beautiful attendants . When we entered the cabin, they helped us remove our cloaks and outer garments . The three of us sat down before the table with our backs to the window . Like butterflies swarming around flowers, the attendants soon began to flow in and out, setting a wide array of tea, snacks, and alcohol . The three most beautiful attendants sat down by our sides . Originally, the madam had planned that we be attended to by two beauties each, so that we could hold one in each arm . The beautiful young master Qin refused the attentions of the beauties and sat down beside the Prince of Qi . The madam was experienced and knowledgeable, so did not exhibit any unusual attitudes . My heart trembled . This couldn’t be real, right? That young master Qin must be a catamite . 4 I had only suspected this fact earlier, but seeing what had happened, I immediately felt my entire body tremble loathingly . Young master Qin noticed my abnormal behavior and glanced at me coldly, his eyes filled with murderous intent . Only when he turned his head away did I heave a sigh of relief, making a firm resolution to acquire a few powerful martial artists to accompany me by my side . As a palace eunuch, Xiaoshunzi wasn’t free to do as he pleased . But where was I going to find loyal guards? If they were really so strong, it was unlikely that they would listen to orders from a mere lowly Hanlin Academician .
Accompanied by the female attendants, we slowly sipped the wine, waiting for the arrival of Lady Piaoxiang . The attendants were uneasy . Who could blame them? As a frequent customer of brothels, the Prince of Qi would constantly leer and fondle the female attendant by his side . Young master Qin on the other hand was ice-cold, completely ignoring the attendant by his side and would frequently look ferociously at the attendant beside the Prince of Qi . I was warm and observed polite etiquette, but maintained a respectful distance, leaving the beauty at a loss . 5 At this awkward moment, the cabin door opened and a beautiful woman leisurely entered . The woman had no makeup on, but her beautiful face was like the most gorgeous of sceneries . Her crystal-like skin was delicate, but had a faint reddish blush, as if she had just taken a warm bath . Her black hair, flowing like waterfall, seemed to mirror the light . Her eyes could easily distinguish between right and wrong, seemingly as bright as the brightest star in the night sky . She wore a comfortable gown . Among the women of Southern Chu, she was slim and graceful . If one were to consider her appearance and temperament, although she was beautiful, her type of beauty was commonly seen . What was rare was that she possessed a natural charm .
This woman supplely entered the cabin, sitting before the three of us . Her beautiful eyes regarding us, she said, “This is the first time that the three honored guests have come to see Piaoxiang, but I have come late and have made the three guests wait . ” Her voice penetrated deep into the spirit and bone, eliciting a feeling of overwhelming joy . The face of young master Qin and I both reddened . Even the Prince of Qi’s face showed a strange expression . The young woman’s eyes paused briefly upon the Prince of Qi as she continued, “Piaoxiang has heard that the Prince of Qi is a hero that is rarely seen, and is a towering figure who is appreciative of the beauty,6 why are you so shy today?” Although I wasn’t surprised that Piaoxiang was able to ascertain Li Xian’s identity, but I wanted to see how he would react .
Surprised at first, Li Xian smiled without restraint and replied, “Oh! You are definitely an intelligent young woman . Have you met this Prince before?”
When Piaoxiang saw that Li Xian made no attempt to hide his identity, there was a look of approval in her eyes, answering, “Although Your Highness is dressed in the garb of Southern Chu, you don’t seem to like to wear silk . On your feet, you are wearing a pair of brocade boots favored by the elites of Great Yong . In addition, Your Highness possesses a particular grace and imposing demeanor . Lately, this servant has heard that Your Highness, the Prince of Qi, has come to Jianye . I would be surprised if Your Highness were not to come visit . As for this Academician Jiang, he is a rarified company . If he were not here accompanying Your Highness, then Piaoxiang would probably never have the opportunity to meet him . ”
Hearing her words, I blushed . I had once received an invitation from Piaoxiang, inviting me to visit the Floating Fragrance Pleasure Boat . But as I had no money, I had declined the invitation . Originally young master Qin seemed to gaze upon the Prince of Qi with resentment, but now he looked at me with a faint smile, glad that I had previously rejected Piaoxiang’s invitation . I hurriedly replied, “Lady Liu is joking . This lowly official does not have financial resources . How could I have the qualifications to visit here?”
Piaoxiang stood and leisurely approached me . Sitting down on at my side, she grasped my arm and said, “Really now … Don’t tell me that the lord zhuangyuan believes that we women of the pleasure quarters have not even a shred of true feelings? Can Piaoxiang not love the zhuangyuan’s talent and give one’s heart?”
I almost laughed . If Piaoxiang did not love money, then it was unlikely that she was the number one courtesan in Jianye . I knew that many of Jianye’s dignitaries were Piaoxiang’s guests of honor . But I had also heard that Piaoxiang was an unusual woman . If you were not wealthy, you could not hope to attain her . At the same time, however, even if you were wealthy or powerful, you still may not be able to attain her . The King’s uncle, the Prince of Han,7 Zhao Delong, was once a guest of the Floating Fragrant Pleasure Boat . He had attempted to stay the night . Who knew that Piaoxiang disliked him . Regardless of how Zhao Delong attempted to ingratiate himself, she refused to allow him to stay . Finally, Zhao Delong attempted to use his power and influence, but lo and behold, Piaoxiang would rather die than submit . As he could not use force, Zhao Delong could only leave . He later tried to make things difficult for Liu Piaoxiang, but was unable to do so because of her many distinguished guests . Later, people asked her why she refused to attend to the Prince of Han . Even though he was over fifty, he was still handsome and energy was beyond that of an ordinary person . Liu Piaoxiang coldly laugh and replied, “Although this servant is no more than a lowly courtesan, I understand the meaning of loyalty, piety, benevolence, and righteousness . That Zhao Delong once led an army into battle, but due to his cowardice, lost the battle . His subordinates fought bitterly in order to protect his life . But he repaid such kindness with malice,8 impeaching his subordinates for disobeying orders and adversely affecting the operation . These subordinates were executed by beheading . Who in Southern Chu does not know about this incident? It is only because of his status and power that no one dares to denounce him . This servant, though only a lowly courtesan, still despise this kind of cowardly villain . ” After these words were spread far and wide, everyone despised the Prince of Han and looked upon Piaoxiang favorably . Soon afterwards, the Prince of Han became depressed and died . As a result of this incident, Liu Piaoxiang’s name became renowned throughout the world . From this, she became Jianye’s number one courtesan . In reality, it wasn’t that no other courtesan was superior to her, it was that no one could compare to her straightforward and chivalrous temperament .
When I had heard of this tale, I admired her deeply . But because of financial barriers, I did not dare come see her . If I knew that she would not have taken my money, I would have come long ago . Seeing my intoxicated manner, young master Qin gave me a despising look . That ice-cold gaze immediately snapped me out of my reverie, remembering that I was here accompanying the Prince of Qi . I extricated my arm and respectfully said, “Thank you, Piaoxiang, for your appreciation . ”
Liu Piaoxiang looked at me angrily before standing in huff and moving to sit beside the Prince of Qi . That kind of angry and yet still beautiful expression left the three of us dumbfounded . Afterwards, Liu Piaoxiang did not give me a second look, proceeding to converse freely with the Prince of Qi, and occasionally with young master Qin as well . Her methods were brilliant, seemingly cordial and familiar, and yet not excessively wanton . Even the normally cold young master Qin had a faint smile on his face .
Liu Piaoxiang was definitely a peerless beautiful woman . After drinking a few cups of wine, she stood and called . From outside, a woman in green entered carrying all kinds of musical instruments . Amidst the music, she began to dance . That kind of enthusiastic dance as if she was igniting her life force left me completely intoxicated . When I carefully regarded her face, I could tell that she had completely invested everything into the dance . My heart was moved . When she stopped, I watched her look at me . As our eyes met, I could see a hint of elation in her gaze . She walked over and sat down lazily next to the Prince of Qi . That kind of languid beauty made me want to immediately take her to bed .
At this point, the madam entered the cabin . With a smile on her face, she said, “It is getting late . Would Jiang daren and Qin daren come to the neighboring cabins to rest . If you see any female attendants you like, don’t hesitate to invite them . ”
My heart felt sour . I hurriedly stood and bade my farewell, requesting that the Prince of Qi rest well . Freezing momentarily, young master Qin suddenly stood and left . I hurriedly followed him out .
After sending away the attendants, I laid down on a bed with my clothes on in a comfortable and yet not large cabin . My imagination ran wild, filled with the beautiful image of Liu Piaoxiang . Listening to the gurgling sounds of water outside my window, I slowly began to fall asleep . Just as I was half-asleep, I suddenly felt someone’s hands removing my clothes . My heart shivered, thinking that I was being ambushed by the Prince of Qi . I hurriedly opened my eyes . Just as I was about to yell out, I noticed an exquisite9 face before me . It was Liu Piaoxiang . My entire body softened and I could no longer yell out . Seeing that I was awake, Liu Piaoxiang smiled sweetly . With delicate movements, she removed her clothes, revealing her elegant and delicate jade body . Unhurriedly, I extended my hands, holding her in my arms . Still somewhat hesitant, I asked in a stammer, “The Prince of Qi . ”
Liu Piaoxiang giggled and replied, “You didn’t know? That young master Qin is a woman . Before I could even undress, she couldn’t wait and rushed inside . I quickly left the room to the two of them . My great zhuangyuan, what are you waiting for?”
Although I had learned sexual techniques, I had never touched a woman in my life and did not know what to do . Understanding, Liu Piaoxiang in turn held me, helping me undress . I felt my body intertwine with the soft and warm body of a woman . I lost myself, reveling completely in passionate lovemaking .
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