Chapter 53: Opportunity

Su Lilu could no longer bear the contempt in Yun Yanyi’s eyes. Forcing herself to calm down, she lifted her chin and followed him inside. The moment she stepped into the brothel, she discovered it was a world apart from what she’d imagined.

On the stage, the dancing girls performed their routines, yet the men seated in the main hall did not behave indecently; there was no unseemly urgency. Su Lilu glanced up at the second floor, where the tightly closed doors concealed scenes of even greater intimacy.

The madam of the house hurried out to greet them, her face stiffening the moment she saw Yun Yanyi. He shot her a cold glance, causing her to shiver as she stammered, “Your Highness… is there some urgent business that brings you here today?”

Su Lilu found this puzzling, her brows knitting together. Why did the madam seem so afraid of Yun Yanyi? Was there more to this place than met the eye?

Once such thoughts took root in her mind, Su Lilu’s gaze flitted back and forth between the madam and Yun Yanyi. He turned to look at her, and she immediately lowered her head, afraid he would see through her thoughts.

“There’s nothing particular today,” Yun Yanyi said coolly, “I simply want you to assess whether she has the talent to become one of your girls.”

Su Lilu covered her mouth, coughing in disbelief as her eyes widened at Yun Yanyi. She could scarcely believe those words had come from his lips.

“What now? Do you object, Miss Su? Weren’t you just boasting of your unique skills? Here’s your chance to show them off.”

“Your Highness, though you say that, could you not compare me to the girls in this house? After all, I am still the young lady of the Su family,” Su Lilu said, a dark line appearing on her forehead. She wanted to prove herself, but not by selling herself in a brothel. Yun Yanyi’s words were demeaning. If the Prime Minister Su ever learned of this, she’d have no way to survive.

Yun Yanyi frowned at her expression of displeasure. Could it be that what he had said was inappropriate? Try as he might, he could not figure it out, nor did he care to dwell on it. He said brusquely, “I won’t argue with you. You have before you an excellent opportunity. Go on stage and perform just once, and the silver you’ll earn will far surpass what you’ve made before. As for the share you want, I’ll consider it.”

Su Lilu let out a cold laugh. “Your Highness, do not take me for a fool. I go to such lengths to best you, yet all you offer is to ‘consider it.’ You think far too little of me.”

Yun Yanyi glared at the woman before him who refused to show gratitude, but he knew she spoke the truth. After a moment, he nodded and said, “Very well. As you wish. But if I find you playing any tricks, you’d better think twice.”

“Just enjoy the show, Your Highness,” Su Lilu replied lightly, unfazed by his threats. Her tone was cheerful as she watched the performance on stage, considering what she might do to astonish the crowd.

So confident was Su Lilu that Yun Yanyi said nothing to discourage her. He merely cast a cold glance at the madam and ordered, “Take her to change her clothes. Whatever she needs, provide it.”

The madam bowed respectfully. “At once, Your Highness. Everything will be prepared. Miss, this way, please.”

Su Lilu arched an eyebrow, intrigued by how deferential—and fearful—the madam was toward Yun Yanyi. Was he, perhaps, the actual owner of this brothel?

With the suspicion planted, she could not help but study the two of them more closely, increasingly convinced that her guess was correct. The madam, seeing her lost in thought, asked carefully, “Miss, what are you thinking? Please come with me to prepare.”

“Oh, of course. Your Highness, I’ll head up now. Please wait here and enjoy the show—I promise you won’t be disappointed.” There was a confidence in Su Lilu’s eyes that no one could rival. Yun Yanyi, seeing her so self-assured, merely nodded, offering no further discouragement.

Following the madam, Su Lilu’s suspicion only deepened. She couldn’t help but probe, “Madam, business here seems to be thriving. I suppose you must be counting silver until your hands ache.”

“Hardly,” the madam replied. “I am but a housekeeper here, with little profit to speak of. Miss, please go in. I’ll leave a maid outside to attend you—just say the word if you need anything.” She led Su Lilu to a room, which, when opened, revealed a simple and elegant decor. Su Lilu nodded in approval.

“Thank you, Madam. One more thing—please have a screen placed on stage for me. I’ll have use for it during my performance.” The madam, though puzzled, remembered Yun Yanyi’s earlier instructions and did not dare refuse. She merely smiled and said, “Rest assured, Miss, it will all be prepared for you.”

After the madam left, Su Lilu closed the door. The brothel madam was nothing if not attentive; she had prepared a complete wardrobe of costumes. Su Lilu spent a long while before her fingers finally settled on a vibrant red gauze dress.

With the screen as cover, Su Lilu did not spend too much time on her makeup. As she was having her hair styled by a maid, there came a knock. “Miss, may I come in?”

“Come in,” Su Lilu replied, letting the maid finish her coiffure. The madam, seeing the dress Su Lilu had chosen, nodded in approval. “With you in that outfit, the young gentlemen below will go mad.”

“Please, Madam, enough with the jokes,” Su Lilu replied. “Is the screen I asked for ready?”

The madam composed herself, all traces of jest gone from her face. “Everything you requested is prepared, Miss. We await only your dazzling performance.”

“Madam, I’m a bit nervous. Would you mind listening to my idea for the performance? I’d like to know if it’s appropriate, so I don’t embarrass myself before the crowd.” Su Lilu bowed her head, speaking shyly.

The madam paused, then smiled. “Speak freely, Miss. After all, these were His Highness’s orders. I dare not overstep, but when it comes to understanding men, few can rival me.”

“Exactly why I want your advice,” Su Lilu nodded. She knew well that, compared to the brothel madam, she understood men far less. Yet mystery and suggestion could be more alluring than being fully revealed.

“Please, go on. I promise to listen carefully.” The madam, curiosity piqued, wondered what kind of performance required so much secrecy.

Leaning close, Su Lilu whispered her plan into the madam’s ear. When she finished, the madam was so excited she could hardly contain herself. “Excellent! This is brilliant, Miss. The young gentlemen will be driven mad with longing.”

Seeing the madam’s approval, Su Lilu finally relaxed and allowed herself to focus on her preparations.

This performance bore a resemblance to the Shadow Dance she had performed at the palace banquet, employing the screen to create an effect of mystery and allure. Su Lilu was acutely aware of her limitations—she could not let her face be seen, or all would be lost. She touched her face, watching her reflection in the mirror mimic her movement, then smiled broadly. The floral ornament on her forehead was nothing short of enchanting.