Chapter Six: Young Master, You Truly Are a Master of Erotic Arts

Since ancient times, men of talent have often been associated with a touch of eccentricity. There is always that one peculiar hobby. In his previous life, Ye Xiu was not only a dual doctorate holder in physics and classical literature but had also won numerous awards in folk calligraphy and painting. Among all artistic forms, his greatest passion was for erotic art. To this end, he had even collected many rare, ancient manuscripts. However, constrained by the laws and moral standards of his former world, he had never had the opportunity to put his skills to use.

"Young man, forgive my bluntness, but erotic art requires a wealth of life experience. Even with superb technique, if the work lacks that certain touch, it may not be well-received." The shopkeeper looked Ye Xiu up and down, clearly skeptical. The lad looked no older than fifteen or sixteen; he probably didn't even know what *The Plum in the Golden Vase* was.

"Shopkeeper, some things are innate, independent of life experience. The most important thing is to have a diverse repertoire of 'tricks'." Ye Xiu flattened his palm, pressed his middle and index fingers together, and curled them in a rhythmic motion.

At first, the shopkeeper remained unimpressed. He prided himself on his own handiwork—which courtesan in Jinling City hadn't begged for mercy under his touch? But in the blink of an eye, the shopkeeper was utterly stunned. Ye Xiu’s movements were so rapid that only a blur of his fingertips remained.

"Shopkeeper, what do you think?" Ye Xiu raised an eyebrow, looking smug.

"I never imagined that you, young man, were also a man of such... refined tastes." The shopkeeper’s eyes were filled with admiration.

"I believe erotic art requires three things," Ye Xiu continued unhurriedly. "The imagery must be immersive, it must be vivid and lively, and most importantly, it must have an enlightening quality."

Deciding to take a chance, the shopkeeper chose to give Ye Xiu an opportunity. "The pigments and paper will be provided by the shop. If the work is good, it will pay far better than copying manuscripts."

"Shopkeeper, let's prepare then. We can start right now." Ye Xiu was composed and brimming with confidence.

"Indeed, the youth possess more passion." Curious about the true extent of Ye Xiu's skill, the shopkeeper led him to a quiet room on the third floor.

The Yuquan Bookstore was vast. The first floor was primarily dedicated to essential classics and commentaries on the Four Books and Five Classics. The second floor housed past imperial examination papers and various preparatory texts—the equivalent of study workbooks from his previous life. The third floor held rare and expensive books. Beyond the retail area, the third floor also featured six quiet rooms for painting and copying.

"Shopkeeper, do you have any requirements for the figures' appearances or physiques?" Ye Xiu stretched his fingers, skillfully mixed the pigments, and laid out the painting paper.

"You are truly a professional, young man." The shopkeeper pondered for a moment before describing the general appearance of Li Ping'er and Ximen Qing.

"Custom-made?" Ye Xiu pursed his lips. "Shopkeeper, custom-made and stock versions are not the same price."

"Rest assured, money is no object." The shopkeeper felt a surge of excitement, as if he had encountered a hidden master. Following the shopkeeper's description, Ye Xiu began to paint. Before long, an erotic masterpiece leaped off the paper.

The figures were vivid and exquisite, seemingly imbued with such vitality that one could hardly distinguish them from living people. The work was deft yet not gaudy, simple yet not contrived; it had transcended the category of mere erotica and become a breathtaking work of art. From initial anticipation to heavy breathing, the shopkeeper found himself completely lost in the image.

"Shopkeeper, what do you think of this piece?" Ye Xiu set down his brush and shook his sore arm, feeling quite satisfied with his work.

"Ah? Ah!" The shopkeeper jolted back to reality from his trance. *Good heavens!* he thought. *I have been in this business for over thirty years, and I have never seen such a gifted prodigy.*

"I never expected you to be a master of the erotic arts, young sir!" The shopkeeper exclaimed with genuine admiration. "The bookstore will take this. *The Plum in the Golden Vase* requires eighteen illustrations in total, and the standard price is 1,800 wen. Since this is a custom set, I will pay you five taels of silver. The shop will provide all materials. What say you, young sir?"

Ye Xiu silently calculated the price of rice and living expenses in the Great Qian Dynasty. Five taels of silver would not only cover his living expenses for half a year but would leave him well-fed. There were plenty of such jobs at the Yuquan Bookstore; painting a few more sets would be more than enough to support his father's studies.

"It's a deal. But I hope, shopkeeper, that you will keep this confidential." Ye Xiu cupped his hands in a salute and made his request. After all, erotic art was not exactly a respectable pursuit. If his father were to become a top scholar and hold a high position in the future, it wouldn't look good if people said his son was an illustrator of erotica.

"Rest assured, young sir. This shop will never disclose any information about you." The shopkeeper laughed heartily. He then took out one tael of silver and handed it to Ye Xiu as a deposit. They agreed on a schedule, with Ye Xiu coming to paint every morning.

When Ye Xiu left, it was nearly noon, and his stomach had begun to protest loudly. Upon exiting the bookstore, he spotted a wonton stall under the North Gate Bridge. It was a small stall with only one long table and two benches. Most ordinary families ate only two meals a day, so there were only a few scattered customers at noon. The stall was run by a mother and her daughter. Besides wontons, they sold duck blood vermicelli soup and scallion pancakes.

Approaching the stall, Ye Xiu inhaled the aroma of the scallion oil and felt intoxicated: *Yes, this is the exact scent!*

"Giggle!" The girl’s laughter interrupted his