24：The Encounter at Yi Hong Pavilion

Lai Yuejing trembled as he carefully took the wine cup, his heartbeat quickening as he gazed at the clear liquid inside. He had seen clear wine before, but those were all tribute wines worth hundreds of gold, and the market had none like it. The aroma of those wines was mild, nowhere near as pungent as the one in this cup.

He cautiously took a sip, and an intense spiciness hit his tongue, making him uncomfortable at first. Then, a sudden warmth spread through his stomach. His eyes widened in surprise. The wine was so strong—this was the first time he had experienced such a fiery sensation. It was unlike anything he had tasted before, and he thought, This is an experience worth a thousand gold coins.

"This... this wine is incredible! The taste is rich and full-bodied. Now this is what I call celestial wine! Even the royal wine of the Tianwu Empire can't compare!" he exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Realizing his overenthusiasm, Lai Yuejing immediately became awkward, remembering how he had mocked Shen Hao as a rustic fool earlier. Now, it dawned on him that the true fool was himself. How could someone with such fine wine be inexperienced in the world?

"May I ask, your esteemed name, sir?" Lai Yuejing asked, eagerly rubbing his hands together, looking at Shen Hao with anticipation.

"Shen Hao."

"Shen Gongzi, would you be willing to sell this wine? I'm willing to pay a high price."

Shen Hao replied casually, "Oh, Brother Yuejing, what price are you offering?"

Lai Yuejing hesitated for a moment before saying, "I can offer a thousand taels of gold, plus the top courtesan, Ji Dongge, from the Yihong Pavilion. However, I would also like to buy the wine flask. Such exquisite porcelain is rare."

Lai Yuejing cautiously observed Shen Hao's reaction, hoping he wouldn't refuse.

The wine itself was valuable, but the wine gourd was a top-tier item too, with its bright, glossy finish. It was the kind of item that could fetch an exorbitant price if gifted to a high-ranking official in the capital. Lai Yuejing was certain that, by gifting it to someone in the capital, he could elevate his status.

The price Shen Hao considered was satisfying. A thousand taels of gold was equivalent to about 100 pounds (50 kg), and even at a relatively low market price of 400 gold per gram, that amount of gold would be worth over 20 million.

And on top of that, there was the courtesan. While he hadn't seen Ji Dongge yet, based on the standards of Yihong Pavilion, she would probably be worth at least ten thousand taels of silver.

Shen Hao asked, "Brother Yuejing, didn't you mention earlier that even with money, a courtesan wouldn't necessarily agree to serve? How is it that you're offering one now?"

Lai Yuejing laughed. "That rule applies to others. But if it's for you, Shen Gongzi, it's a different story. It would be her honor to serve you."

This piqued Shen Hao's curiosity. Maybe this man had some influence after all. If so, Shen Hao would be willing to sell the bottle of wine, especially to make a connection.

"Brother Yuejing, I'm quite curious. Could you tell me more about why this is so?"

Lai Yuejing grinned and proudly replied, "Well, Shen Gongzi, the Yihong Pavilion is actually my property."

Shen Hao was taken aback. So, this man had been waiting for him? He had suspected all along that there was something more to it, but this revelation confirmed it.

He had never trusted the concept of "no strings attached." No one would casually spend such an extravagant amount just to buy him drinks. It was clear now that this was part of a business deal, and Yuejing was cleverly pushing the sale of his brothel.

But Shen Hao didn't mind. His suspicion was not unwarranted. He had suspected all along that Yuejing had ulterior motives, and now he understood.

Lai Yuejing was surprised at Shen Hao's reaction. With his refined manner and elegant appearance, Shen Hao had obviously grown up in a wealthy family, far beyond the simple country folk Lai Yuejing had assumed.

Realizing this, Lai Yuejing decided to approach him with more respect, offering an open deal and hoping to solidify a business connection.

"Since you want the wine, it can be discussed," Shen Hao said nonchalantly. "But if the courtesan is unattractive, I won't be interested. In that case, I'd rather just take the thousand gold in exchange."

Lai Yuejing immediately smiled, eager to please. "Don't worry, Shen Gongzi, I'll make sure you're satisfied."

He snapped his fingers, and a maid soon approached.

"Go fetch Ji Dongge."

"Yes, sir."

Before long, a young woman in a purple dress entered, her face veiled. She was about eighteen years old, the typical age of a high school graduate in the modern world. She held a white cat in her arms, gently stroking its head as she walked.

When she came closer, Shen Hao couldn't help but be surprised—this was a one-eyed cat, with a noticeable scar over its left eye as if it had been struck by a blade.

Lai Yuejing greeted her with a smile. "Shen Gongzi, this is our Yihong Pavilion's top courtesan, Ji Dongge. Come, take off your veil and let Shen Gongzi have a look."

Ji Dongge glanced at Shen Hao, hesitated, and then nodded. She slowly removed her veil.

As soon as the veil was lifted, Shen Hao was impressed. Her face was like a standard oval shape, with bright, almond-shaped eyes. Her expression was calm, rare for someone her age. From the side, she appeared gentle, but her profile had a sharpness and confidence that made her seem both ethereal and strong at the same time.

She was beautiful, but in a different way than Song Yongci. While Song was gentle like water, Ji Dongge had a more aloof, high-cold vibe.

Lai Yuejing quickly added, "This Ji Dongge is someone I plan to send to the capital to participate in the annual courtesan competition. But since I met Shen Gongzi today, I'm willing to part with her."

Lai Yuejing wasn't lying. Ji Dongge was indeed meant for the competition. If she won, it would raise Lai Yuejing's status and make him a prime heir in his family. He didn't want to stay in this small town forever; it felt too insignificant for him.

Shen Hao felt a bit intrigued, but at the same time, he couldn't ignore how this situation seemed too convenient.