A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 405: Chapter 405 Where Are You Going, Sir?

Only Xia Tingfeng and the girl remained in the room.

The girl’s name was Hong Cui. Her appearance was barely acceptable; it was her makeup and clothes that were, in two words, ”garishly tacky!” She wore a bright red jacket over vibrant green skirts, her face caked with thick powder.

The scent of the powder alone was almost too much for Xia Tingfeng to bear. He furrowed his brows and leaned back.

Hong Cui was an old hand in the pleasure quarters. She had served countless men, though most were ordinary: traveling merchants who roamed north and south, small traders, and even common porters. A multitude of all shapes and colors. Perhaps no one in the entire Bai Fang Pavilion was more experienced than her. It had to be said, the madam had a good eye for choosing her staff.

When Hong Cui first saw the man she was to serve, her eyes lit up with both delight and surprise. Delighted because this man had a majestic presence; one glance told her he was formidable. Surprised because, how had such a fine man ended up with her? However... Hong Cui couldn’t dwell on it. What was hers, no one could steal.

With that thought, she eagerly poured a cup of wine. In a voice sultry to the bone, she said, ”Sir... it’s dreadfully cold today. Let me serve you a good drink!” After speaking, she held the wine cup up to Xia Tingfeng.

Xia Tingfeng’s expression changed as if he were facing a formidable enemy, and he backed away further. ”COUGH... Put down the cup!”

Hong Cui paid him no mind. Coming here to carouse and not drinking? That was unbecoming of a man. She boldly declared, ”Sir... you can’t do that! If you won’t drink, then shall I drink first?” And with that, she drained a cup herself.

After drinking, Hong Cui panted seductively. As she set down the cup, she turned and leaned her entire body towards Xia Tingfeng. ”Sir... come on!” Her voice held three parts tipsiness and two parts teasing.

Moreover, Hong Cui wasn’t unattractive, even if her clothes were a bit outlandish. Still, she had the skill to enchant more than half the clients who visited her. Unfortunately for her, Xia Tingfeng was an exception.

When he saw Hong Cui about to fall into him, he instantly stood up and moved aside. Hong Cui lunged into empty air, collapsing onto Xia Tingfeng’s seat. Xia Tingfeng had already settled into another spot.

Hong Cui felt very aggrieved. ”Sir...”

Xia Tingfeng had reached his limit. He took out a fifty-tael ingot of silver from his robe, placed it on the table, and said sternly, ”Stop wasting your effort. Just sit there quietly! I have a few questions for you. If you can help me answer them, this silver is yours!”

Hong Cui stared at the silver. It must be fifty taels! she estimated. When had just chatting with a client ever earned her fifty taels of silver? She usually only made a few taels for entertaining someone! TSK TSK!

Hong Cui was overjoyed. ”Oh my, dear patron, listen to you!” After speaking, she truly did sit still in her seat. ”Ask away!”

Xia Tingfeng finally breathed a sigh of relief. After all that fuss, things were finally back on track! He didn’t bother to beat around the bush and asked directly, ”What’s the most appropriate gift for a woman?”

Hong Cui’s eyes sparkled. ”Oh my, Sir! I wondered what important matter it could be, but it’s just this! You’ve certainly asked the right person!”

Xia Tingfeng sipped his tea. ”Then speak!” If her advice is good, he thought, the fifty taels of silver won’t have been wasted.

Hong Cui pondered for a moment, then listed a host of items. ”Considering you appear to be from a wealthy family, ordinary gifts simply won’t do! So... women’s favorite things are invariably rouge and powders, jewelry, clothes, and Zhen Zhu and gems—the more precious, the better! I dare guarantee you, Sir, there isn’t a woman in the world who can resist these! If there is, it only means the gifts weren’t precious, exquisite, or splendid enough!”

Xia Tingfeng’s hand, holding the teacup, paused. He mentally noted each item. Once he felt he had remembered enough, he asked again, ”What about gifts for a child?”

This time, Hong Cui was somewhat stumped. Gifts for a child? She had no children and hadn’t been around any for years. How could she answer this? However... for the sake of the silver, she had to pretend she knew, even if she didn’t! The bluffing itself didn’t matter; the main thing was to make it sound plausible. She immediately feigned deep thought, though her mind was actually racing to figure out how to convince him.

”May I ask, Sir, how old is the child?”

”Just turned one month...”

Gifts for a woman, and for a child who just turned one month... Could it be his wife and child? At this thought, Hong Cui hurriedly flattered him. ”Is the gift for your esteemed wife, Sir? Your Madam is truly fortunate to have married such a handsome husband!”

Xia Tingfeng: ”...”

He had intended to object but ultimately decided against it. How could he refute it? He couldn’t very well say he was buying a gift for the Emperor’s young concubine. Say it was a brother sending a gift to his sister? That also sounded strange. Forget it, better not to explain.

Seeing the gentleman didn’t respond, Hong Cui didn’t dare change the subject and thought seriously once more. A child just one month old wouldn’t know how to eat, what to wear, or what they’re seeing. So, the gift must be something auspicious; the child might not appreciate it, but the adults would. After mulling it over, Hong Cui said, ”For a child who has just turned one month, a gift should naturally aim for good fortune! The Qingan Temple outside the Capital City is bustling with worshippers and is said to be most efficacious. Perhaps, Sir, you could go there and ask for a peace charm to ensure the child’s lifelong safety!”

Xia Tingfeng considered it. That makes sense. The Little Prince lacks nothing; he doesn’t need his uncle to shower him with gold and silver. So, a peace charm, wishing him lifelong safety, isn’t a bad idea at all. It’s a good wish, and besides, I don’t have a better option! Jewelry? A peace charm? Not bad!

When it comes to social interactions and giving gifts that please the recipient, the people here are truly the most adept. Xia Tingfeng was very pleased. He stood up, preparing to leave.

Hong Cui quickly asked, ”Hey, Sir, where are you going?”

Xia Tingfeng replied, ”To buy the gifts. The silver is yours!”

With that, he strode off swiftly.

Hong Cui looked at the silver on the table. She quickly picked it up and bit it, her expression changing from shock to joy. ”This gentleman is truly generous!” she exclaimed. If only one or two such men came every day, that would be wonderful!

With that thought, Hong Cui pocketed the silver and swaggered off.

When Rat and Monster came out, Xia Tingfeng was long gone from his room. They only found out he had left after asking around.

Rat and Monster exchanged glances. ”Well, that’s that! The ’deflowering’ plan failed!”

Monster’s expression was somewhat sympathetic. ”Big Brother really is... such a greenhorn!”

Rat nodded. ”No kidding. Big Brother is well past the common age for marriage, and yet he actually... managed to resist?” Any other man would find it unbearable!

Monster tugged at him. ”Oh, come on. Do you think Big Brother is like you, only thinking about what’s in his pants all day?”

Rat adjusted his trousers, somewhat indignant. ”So what? As if you’re any different!”

Monster: ”You!”

Rat: ”Alright, alright, I’m not arguing with you. Let’s go, let’s go!”

Monster rolled his eyes. ”HMPH!”

The two of them left.