Chapter 38: The Swan Dance of the Brothel

The two wandered down the street, one following the other, until they reached the entrance of a brothel called "Beauty's Embrace." Noticing a crowd gathered outside, buzzing with discussion, Yuan Qian'er curiously tugged at the sleeve of an older woman nearby. "Excuse me, do you know what everyone is talking about?"

The woman looked at Yuan Qian'er’s inquisitive face and replied, "You haven't heard? Word is that a beautiful woman arrived at this brothel a few days ago, and she’s announced that tonight she will perform a dance the likes of which no one has ever seen before! As soon as the news leaked, people started crowding the entrance, desperate to rush in and secure a good seat. If you ask me, these brothels are nothing but dens of trouble!"

"Oh? What kind of dance could be so extraordinary that no one has ever seen it?"

"Who knows? Listen, you’re just a young girl—you’d best stay away from places like this, lest you get sold off before you even realize what's happening!"

"I see, thank you!"

Once the woman had walked away, Yuan Qian'er turned to Mo Yiran and said, "Let's go inside tonight, shall we? I’m so curious! I’ve never seen what a brothel looks like on the inside."

Mo Yiran frowned, glancing at the throng of men at the door who looked ready to drool. "What is there to see in a place like this? Look at them—it's full of men. What if you get into danger?"

"Oh, come on, I really want to go! I can dress up as a man, and besides, you’ll be there to protect me! Mo Yiran, please!" Yuan Qian'er began to pout and plead. Seeing him remain unmoved, she pretended to be angry and muttered, "Fine, if you won't go, I'll go by myself tonight!"

Mo Yiran sighed in resignation. How could he possibly let this girl go into a brothel alone? After a moment's thought, he said, "We’ll go, but you must stay by my side and not wander off."

"Hehe, as you command! You’re the best!" Yuan Qian'er beamed, her face lighting up with excitement.

Mo Yiran shook his head; he truly had no way to handle this girl.

As night fell, households began lighting their lamps for the evening. The ladies of "Beauty's Embrace" stepped out to welcome their guests. Because so many people were intrigued by the mysterious dance, crowds poured in from all directions. Yuan Qian'er, dressed as a refined young scholar and carrying a folding fan, followed Mo Yiran inside. No sooner had they stepped through the threshold than the madam approached them, all smiles. "Oh my, Your Highness, you’ve graced us with your presence! You truly bring splendor to our humble establishment! Please, please, come up to a private room on the second floor; you’ll have a much better view from there!"

Mo Yiran remained silent from the moment they entered, but Yuan Qian'er was so excited she couldn't keep her mouth shut. How thrilling! A brothel—a mandatory stop for any traveler, right?

"Madam, what exactly is this performance tonight? It’s all so mysterious!" Yuan Qian'er asked.

"Young master, I’ll tell you, but you must keep it a secret! The performance is the Swan Dance!" the madam said, looking smug. She was certain no one would have any idea what a Swan Dance was.

Yuan Qian'er gasped in shock. "What? The Swan Dance? Madam, are you certain it’s the Swan Dance?"

"Yes, why? Have you heard of it?"

"Madam, where is the performer? Take me to see her, quickly!" Yuan Qian'er pressed, urgency in her voice. The Swan Dance was something that only existed in the modern era, and Su Qingcheng’s signature performance was the Swan Dance.

"Young master, this... please don't make it difficult for me. The girl said she is not receiving guests."

"Madam, I only wish to see her; I have no other intentions. Please, let me meet her!"

Seeing Yuan Qian'er’s anxious expression, Mo Yiran spoke up to the madam: "Lead the way. Name your price."

Seeing that Mo Yiran had spoken, the madam found it hard to refuse and led them to meet the woman who would be performing the Swan Dance.