However, it was, after all, a pleasure house, and her father valued their reputation. If she swaggered into the Tianxi Pavilion, she might become the talk of the capital by the next day. Discretion was key; if her father found out, the consequences would be far worse than mere confinement.

“Xiao Chun, bring me a set of men’s clothing.”

Xiao Chun understood perfectly. “Yes, Miss.”

To avoid unnecessary trouble, Shen Ruoyu bound her chest and hair, changing into men’s attire. The clothing felt constricting; her ample bosom, compressed by layers of cloth, left her nearly breathless. Having suffered such discomfort, she hoped the night wouldn't disappoint.

After much ado, she was finally ready. Emerging from her chambers, she found Jiang Peizhi lounging on her bed, leisurely eating fruit.

“Get off! This isn't your Jiang manor! Not only do you barge into my room, but you think my bed is yours to sleep on?!”

Jiang Peizhi remained unconcerned, tossing the fruit plate aside. “Why so fierce, Yuyu? We’re close. What’s wrong with lying on your bed? And what’s with this getup? Where are you going?”

Shen Ruoyu had not only changed her clothes but also disguised her face. She was completely unrecognizable. Her now heroic appearance almost fooled even Jiang Peizhi, her longtime friend. He doubted he’d recognize her on the street.

“I’ve disguised myself. That place isn't exactly respectable. It’s best to be cautious and go in disguise.”

She had learned the art of disguise during her previous lives. Back then, Shen Ruoyu desperately fought to survive, honing her martial skills and mastering numerous other abilities. Now, these skills were proving useful.

Jiang Peizhi’s eyes lit up. “Yuyu, you’re amazing! You even know how to disguise yourself! How did you learn that? Truly remarkable! My Yuyu is the best in the world!”

“Enough flattery, Young Master Jiang. Is that all you can say? You should spend more time reading.”

Born into a merchant family, Jiang Peizhi couldn't take the imperial examinations. His father didn't prioritize his education, leaving him barely literate. His compliments were repetitive, wearing on Shen Ruoyu’s ears. Even his occasional attempts at using idioms were invariably incorrect. She wondered how they had remained friends for so long.

“Stop dawdling. Let’s go before my father returns.” Shen Ruoyu glanced out the window. The moon hung high, signaling the auction had likely begun.

Jiang Peizhi smacked his forehead. “Right, right! We mustn't be discovered. Your father caned me last time I visited. My backside still hurts.”

They stealthily bypassed the guards, slipped into the back courtyard, and scaled a low wall, escaping the vast estate.

Finally reaching the bustling streets, Jiang Peizhi leaned in conspiratorially. “Hey, Yuyu, you’re actually coming to the Tianxi Pavilion with me! I thought I’d have to beg and plead.”

He frequented such establishments, but Shen Ruoyu always expressed disdain. She wasn’t the type to be interested in such places.

Shen Ruoyu glanced at his ostentatiously extravagant headwear. “Can’t I attend the auction? We have plenty of silver.”

“Whoa, Shen Ruoyu, I didn't give you silver for that! I can spend my own money on courtesans, but you’re a sheltered young lady! You can go and see, but don't you dare…”

Jiang Peizhi’s face flushed crimson as he imagined something unspeakable. He pointed at her, stammering, unable to articulate his thoughts.

His outburst, loud and dramatic, drew attention. Shen Ruoyu clapped a hand over his mouth. “Shh! Keep your voice down! Everyone’s staring. I’m just going to look around, broaden my horizons. Okay?”

Lu Zhixing, that madman, cradling her brother’s corpse, covered in blood, laughing and crying… The memory still chilled her. If he was so devoted to her brother, why bid on a male courtesan? Such a swift change of affection suggested something deeper at play.