Chapter 918: Closed Moon Order

At these words, the entire hall was stunned, and all eyes in the room converged on Zu An.

"Vulgar!" Yu Nan, from upstairs, frowned and commented coldly.

"What a disgrace!" The Qin brothers, from their side, were equally speechless. Although they had long considered Zu An to be unrelated to the Qin family, his foolish act made them feel deeply humiliated.

Bi Zi'ang, sitting in his chair, wore a half-smile, remarking, "This fellow is quite bold, interesting..."

In that special room, the maid spat, "This man is truly shameless."

In contrast, the beautiful woman smiled instead, "Actually, he merely spoke what others dared not say, which shows his true character. Someone with such courage is destined to be extraordinary."

The maid muttered, "How can he be as remarkable as you say, Miss? Look at all those people downstairs cursing him."

As expected, while people like Yu Nan maintained their dignified composure, others had no such reservations and began to shout curses:

"How can such a scoundrel exist!"

"Such impudence towards a lady, a grave offense!"

"Miss Nanxun, do not lower yourself to the level of such a vile person!"

Zu An rolled his eyes. "These guys are such hypocrites," he thought. "They come to a brothel to solicit prostitutes, and then have the nerve to call others lechers?"

Each one was so righteously indignant, but in the end, it was just to show off in front of the courtesan.

Alas, from ancient times to the present, sycophants never come to a good end.

However, seeing the string of Rage points he received in the background, Zu An immediately felt relieved. Their few curses didn't matter anymore.

Gao Ying and Pei You were also a bit embarrassed, but having experienced life and death, they could withstand this slight awkwardness. They stood by Zu An's side, using their gazes to counter the unfriendly stares around them.

The woman upstairs had been observing Zu An. Seeing him so unconcerned and deaf to the curses coming from all directions, she couldn't help but chuckle. "This man truly has a thick skin," she thought.

After a moment's thought, she whispered to herself, "Nanxun, it's time to perform."

Soon, a melodious voice came from the pavilion on the second floor: "Young masters, your presence from various regions today, despite the arduous journey, fills Nanxun with gratitude. I wish to perform a dance for you as a token of my appreciation."

She did not respond to Zu An's words; otherwise, it would seem as if Zu An had forced her to perform, which would damage her reputation.

However, everyone present today was a young master who usually held himself in high regard. Although they seemed patient for now, they were likely feeling a degree of dissatisfaction.

But upon hearing her words, a cheer immediately erupted in the hall, and some eager individuals even began to whistle.

Zu An couldn't help but complain inwardly. People say, "When you drink from the well, remember the well-digger," yet these guys cursed him so vehemently just now, and now they've completely forgotten their earlier protests?

At this moment, Pei You, who was beside him, excitedly said, "When Miss Nanxun first danced, she captivated everyone. Unfortunately, she doesn't perform often, and I've come several times without catching her. Today, it can truly be said that we are blessed by Brother Zu."

Zu An smiled. "In a setting like this today, she was clearly going to dance anyway; it has nothing to do with me."

"Brother Zu, you're too modest." Pei You soon lost the desire to speak, because the curtains around the pavilion on the second floor were slowly being drawn back, revealing the graceful and exquisite figure within.

Today, Nanxun was wearing a long pink dress. Its fabric was a bit lighter and thinner than the dresses of noble young ladies, her mature, curvaceous figure vaguely visible. Yet, just when you thought you might see something, you could stare until your eyes ached and still see nothing.

What was even more striking was a shimmering, fringed veil covering half of her face, revealing only her delicate nose and beautiful eyes. Her whole presence was mysterious and enchanting.

Her eyes lacked the usual flirtatious charm of courtesans; instead, they held a detached indifference, as if she had seen through the human world. Coupled with the opulent jewelry in her dark hair, she appeared less like a courtesan from a brothel and more like a noble imperial consort.

The people around her became utterly infatuated, showering her with the most obsequious praises.

"Huh?" Unlike the frenzied crowd, Zu An felt a strange sensation at this moment. He kept thinking this courtesan looked somewhat familiar.

With his current mental power, how could he possibly forget someone he had already met?

He stared intently at her, trying to discern her full appearance through the fringes. Unfortunately, the fringes were meticulously designed; under the candlelight, they shimmered with a dazzling brilliance, making it impossible to clearly see what she looked like.

The maid upstairs couldn't help but say disdainfully, "That fellow's true nature is exposed now, isn't it? Staring at Miss Nanxun without even blinking. His previous antics were just an unconventional way to attract Miss Nanxun's attention. In the end, he's no different from those other disgusting men."

The beautiful woman beside her smiled, "You're so young, yet you already act as if you've seen through the ways of the world."

Although she said this, upon noticing Zu An's behavior, she also felt a little disappointed. So, she shifted her gaze, no longer paying attention to him.

At this moment, Zu An asked Pei You, who was beside him, "What does this Nanxun actually look like?"

Pei You shook his head. "I don't know."

"You're her avid fan, and you've been following her for so long, yet you don't even know what she looks like?" Now it was Zu An's turn to be surprised.

"Even with only half her face showing, you can tell she's a breathtaking beauty. Plus, it makes her even more mysterious. I hear only those who become her 'guest of the inner chambers' can remove her veil and behold her true face. I wonder if I'll ever have that chance." As Pei You spoke, his eyes were full of longing.

Zu An was speechless for a moment. "These sycophants are truly amazing," he thought.

At this moment, cheers erupted again around them. Zu An looked up and saw that Nanxun had already begun to dance.

Initially, before watching, Zu An was dismissive. After all, in his previous life, he had seen countless women dancing on TikTok, like a selection of consorts. What kind hadn't he seen?

But one glance told him he was wrong.

Although the young women on TikTok in his previous life made their dances flashy, it was ultimately just simple hip-swaying and butt-shaking. It wasn't truly dancing.

Only then did he discover that dancing could be so beautiful.

It had nothing to do with looks; it was simply the inherent charm of the dance movements. It combined the subtle grace of classical beauties with the unrestrained passion unique to courtesans.

The tension between stillness and motion, that direct, impactful sensation that pierced one's heart, truly left people in constant awe.

Zu An secretly sighed, no wonder so many top scions in the capital were so infatuated. This woman truly possessed some skill.

Just then, the emotions of the surrounding audience surged again. Even someone as composed as Gao Ying couldn't help but clap and cheer.

It turned out that Nanxun's dance was now showcasing some highly difficult movements, displaying her exaggerated flexibility to perfection.

Crucially, from beginning to end, her eyes maintained that noble and detached expression. It was truly not feigned, but rather her inherent disposition.

Coupled with her graceful and charming dance movements, this noble demeanor created an extraordinary desire for conquest.

Feeling the quickened breaths and flushed faces of those around him, Zu An thought that these people had probably already imagined all sorts of passionate scenarios in their minds.

When the dance concluded, Nanxun curtsied to the crowd.

The entire hall was now silent, with only heavy breathing and reddened eyes remaining.

After a long silence, and no one knew who started it, everyone began to clap and cheer madly.

After a moment, Nanxun smiled at everyone, and the hall naturally quieted down. "Young masters, Nanxun is deeply grateful for your esteemed presence today. I shall first offer a toast to all of you."

A maid was already standing by, holding a wine cup and offering it to her.

"Miss Nanxun, you are too kind." Everyone returned the courtesy, also raising their wine cups and draining them. Throughout the process, everyone kept their eyes wide, trying to discern her true face beneath the fringes, but unfortunately, she covered her mouth with her sleeve while drinking, maintaining her elegance while preserving her mystery.

Everyone sighed, their faces filled with regret.

The atmosphere became lively. Next, the drinking game began.

Everyone's spirits lifted, immediately realizing that the crucial moment had arrived.

Although it wasn't explicitly stated, everyone understood that the courtesan couldn't openly declare such matters. After all, those present were all influential figures from the capital; how could it be appropriate for them to be chosen and rejected by a courtesan?

But the fact remained: there was only one courtesan, and it was impossible for her to serve multiple men. Tonight, only one person was destined to take the beauty home.

How then would so many people be selected from?

It wasn't as if they could set up a fighting ring and have everyone brawl, right?

Although martial arts reigned supreme in this world, in places like brothels, cultural and artistic pursuits were still very prevalent.

After all, visiting a brothel was a refined affair; how could fighting and killing here be appropriate?

Thus, the drinking game came into being. As for the rules, they were varied: drinking games like finger-guessing, couplets, poetry, and songs, were all acceptable.

At this moment, Yu Nan from the private room upstairs spoke, "Since Miss Nanxun possesses beauty that eclipses the moon and shames flowers, let's play the 'Eclipse the Moon' game."

As soon as he said this, his companions around him immediately echoed his sentiment, and those friendly with him in other rooms also chimed in to support.

Even those who were at odds with Yu Nan had to admit that his flattery was truly superb. All the eager, shouting compliments before couldn't compare to this single stroke of his.

Others were filled with regret, thinking, "Why didn't I suggest that earlier, letting the Yu surname take the initiative? Miss Nanxun just smiled at him; she must be very pleased."

Yu Nan's outstanding appearance and demeanor, coupled with having just gained an advantage, immediately made him the primary rival in everyone's minds.

Zu An nudged Pei You with his elbow. "What's the 'Eclipse the Moon' game?"

"What? You don't even know the 'Eclipse the Moon' game?" Pei You looked surprised.

"Is that so strange?" Zu An said expressionlessly. "Do you know TikTok, Kuaishou, or Bilibili?"

"Uh..." Pei You thought for a moment, realizing he truly didn't know them. He chuckled and explained, "The 'Eclipse the Moon' game is where each person takes turns reciting a line of poetry that describes the moon, but without using the character for 'moon' itself."

"I see." Zu An was amused. "I'm familiar with this. All those classical Chinese texts and poems I memorized for the college entrance exam weren't for nothing. But if my old Chinese teacher knew I was using the poems he taught me to flirt with girls in a brothel, he'd probably die of anger—wait, no, he might actually cry with envy. After all, this is his strong suit."

At this moment, Miss Nanxun pursed her lips and smiled, "Since it was Young Master Yu's suggestion, why don't you begin, Young Master Yu?"

Hearing her say this, many others wrung their hands in frustration. So many wanted to be first! Did Miss Nanxun let him go first because she already favored him?

Yu Nan didn't decline. With his usual proud expression on his face, as if this matter was his alone to handle, he said without hesitation, "The jade mirror and silver hook hang obliquely on the evening mountaintop."

"Young Master Yu is indeed quick-witted; this line is highly relevant..." As the official in charge of the drinking game, Miss Nanxun naturally offered a corresponding comment. Her voice was melodious and pleasing, and her words were filled with praise for Yu Nan.

Her eyes sparkled, and to others, it seemed as if she was gazing at Yu Nan with deep affection, as if she would throw herself into his arms at any moment.

"Quick-witted, my foot!" others cursed inwardly. "He suggested it, so he must have been prepared long ago!" Each one was consumed by jealousy.

"Miss Nanxun, you flatter me." Facing Nanxun, Yu Nan put away his usual arrogance and replaced it with a gentle smile. He was already a famous handsome man in the capital, and with his deliberately practiced smile, he became even more dashing and irresistible, causing many maids in the building to flutter with excitement, their eyes filled with hearts.

"So handsome!" In that mysterious room, the maid clasped her cheeks, completely smitten.

The peerless beauty rolled her eyes. "Is that really necessary? There's no shortage of handsome men among the elves; many are no worse than him."

"You don't understand, Miss," the maid said excitedly about this topic. "Those elven men are too slender. They are handsome, but they look too effeminate, lacking a bit of masculine vigor."

"Moreover, handsomeness needs contrast. Among the elves, everyone is handsome, so when you see too many, everyone starts to look ordinary. But look here; compared to these other guests, Yu Nan truly stands out like a crane among chickens, making him appear exceptionally handsome."

The peerless beauty chuckled. "There's some truth to what you say. However, there are a few others who look good in the hall, like that Young Master Bi over there, and, hmm, that Zu fellow..."

She originally wanted to say Zu An was also handsome, but upon recalling his indescribable demeanor, she immediately retracted her subsequent words.

"Compared to appearances, I'm more concerned that human culture and education are so flourishing," she said. "They are clearly already strong in martial arts. Won't our people always be unable to rise?" A hint of sorrow appeared on her face.

The maid advised, "Miss, you needn't worry so much. Look, humans merely use these cultural pursuits for rivalry and flirtation in brothels; they don't elevate them to a grand stage. This is truly a blessing for our people."

The peerless beauty paused, then unexpectedly glanced at her. "Well, I'm impressed. I didn't expect you to say something so profound."

The maid puffed out her cheeks and stamped her foot, protesting, "Miss~"

Meanwhile, the 'Eclipse the Moon' game continued downstairs. However, the subsequent participants weren't as brilliant as Yu Nan.

After all, no one knew the 'Eclipse the Moon' game would start tonight, so their preparations were far from as thorough as Yu Nan's.

It was already good if they could hastily come up with a relevant line, and in terms of beauty, they naturally fell far short of Yu Nan.

Some were even more pathetic, unable to think of a single poem for a long time, and could only continuously drink penalty wine.

Throughout the process, Nanxun gently commented on each one. Even if a guest's line was terrible, she could always find an angle to praise it.

Even guests who couldn't come up with a line received her encouragement and a smile.

As a result, everyone saved face, and their gazes toward Nanxun grew even more fervent, with expressions of absolute determination.

Zu An chuckled inwardly. A courtesan queen is indeed a courtesan queen. No matter how aloof her demeanor, she effortlessly employed these tactics, making everyone feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze.

High-level hunters often appear in the guise of their prey.

When it was Bi Zi'ang's turn, everyone looked at him. After all, he was one of the few in the hall whose family background and personal demeanor were on par with Yu Nan's.

He pondered for a moment, then recited clearly, "The willow pond shimmers golden, the courtyard a jade tower."

"Excellent!"

Like Yu Nan, he also had a large group of sycophants around him, and their clamor was even greater.

Even the peerless beauty in the room secretly nodded. "This Bi Zi'ang truly lives up to his reputation," she thought.

At the same time, a faint worry clouded her brows. "If all these noble human scions are so excellent, then it's a misfortune for our people," she mused.

Outside, Nanxun also showed a hint of a smile, greatly praising his poetic line. Compared to her previous formulaic courtesies, this time she was clearly much more sincere.

Pei You was utterly dejected. "If I had known this would happen, I should have read more and studied more poetry back then."

Clearly, with Yu Nan and Bi Zi'ang setting such high standards, he had no confidence whatsoever in competing with them.

Gao Ying, beside him, said seriously, "Poetry is a minor skill; cultivation is the true path. Brother Pei, do not let a courtesan shake your resolve."

Although he also had some admiration for this courtesan, being habitually composed, he understood what was truly important and would never let himself get entangled.

Pei You was startled. "Thank you for your guidance, Brother Gao!"

Zu An gave the two an unexpected glance. Gao Ying was mature and steady, and Pei You was able to correct his mistakes. These two were definitely among the best of the noble scions, with boundless futures ahead of them—of course, compared to him, they were still a tiny bit lacking, he thought, chuckling inwardly.

Next, others continued the 'Eclipse the Moon' game. The level of the other participants was clearly a notch below Bi Zi'ang's.

Although Nanxun herself had excellent literary accomplishment, after praising for so long, she still ran out of words. After all, it was truly difficult to find a single redeeming quality in some of the answers given.

In the end, she could only gradually resort to formulaic responses. It was a pity that those whose minds were clouded by desire couldn't perceive this at all; their minds were entirely fixated on the thought that "Miss Nanxun just smiled at me."

Then it was the turn of the Qin brothers. Their family backgrounds were no less distinguished than those of the Yu and Bi families, and they were also considered formidable rivals by those aiming to become Nanxun's 'guest of the inner chambers.'

However, the two did not possess the literary talent of Yu Nan and Bi Zi'ang. Although they provided answers, they were merely mediocre.

Others secretly rejoiced, and even Yu Nan and Bi Zi'ang secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Only the peerless woman in the room sighed faintly. She had hoped that the scions of these military families would be so engrossed in literature that they would neglect their martial preparations, but it seemed her wish was not granted.

The final round came to Zu An's table. Pei You and Gao Ying were the first to give their answers.

After all this time, they should have had plenty of time to think.

However, being later also had its disadvantages. Many well-known poetic lines had already been recited by earlier participants. In the end, the lines they came up with were only barely related to the theme.

Zu An secretly curled his lip. Having listened all along, he realized that while martial arts flourished in this world, the level of poetry was truly unimpressive. Even lines like Yu Nan's and Bi Zi'ang's could be praised as timeless classics by these people.

After Nanxun finished commenting on their poems, her beautiful eyes fell upon Zu An. She clearly remembered how this man's earlier words had almost made her lose face.

"Young Master Yu just started off well," she said, "and if this young master can end it well, I'm sure it will become a wonderful tale."

Others began to stir and make noise, eagerly looking in their direction, always happy to see drama. Only Pei You and Gao Ying looked worried. Nanxun's words had set a high bar, making it insufficient to merely be relevant to the theme. If his line wasn't as good as Yu Nan's, he would easily become a laughingstock.

Zu An scoffed inwardly. "This little vixen holds a grudge, doesn't she? But if she wants to trap me, she's destined for disappointment. I have countless great literary masters of Tang and Song poetry as my cheat!"