"You arrogant girl, who do you think you are pretending to be noble on my turf? Hurry up and change your clothes, Young Master Lin is waiting." Lulled by the shrill voice of the madam, I stubbornly lifted my head and assumed a haughty posture, choosing to ignore her.

"Someone, since she refuses to change by herself, you all help her change. Make her makeup thicker later to cover up her inherent pride." The brothel madam, perhaps feeling pressured by my attitude, waved her hand and a few rough maidens were brought over to forcefully change my clothes. Watching several women with tiger-like backs and bear-like waists approaching step by step, I couldn't help but feel a chill running down my spine. I glanced at them, and the deep-rooted arrogance compelled me to maintain my high and mighty posture, despite being incredibly frightened inside.

A servant picked up the red veil that I had thrown to the ground. She approached and bound my hands tightly, while I struggled desperately, kicking and hitting her. However, she remained as immovable as a tower, unaffected by my unladylike actions. As a result of those uncouth movements, I disheveled my hair and knocked off the white jade hairpin from my head.

Finally, I was unable to resist those old women and the madams. They forcibly dressed me in a seductive crimson gown, and applied the heaviest makeup I have ever worn on my face. The madam said that if I serve Master Lin well, she will not interfere with anything I do in the future, as long as I do not leave this dimly lit brothel. Deep down, I knew that the service in this business is not as simple as pouring tea and pouring water. It is a dirty transaction where physical intimacy is exchanged for money. If I followed her instructions, I might have a chance to return to the Shang Book Mansion in this lifetime, but I will probably never find a good marriage arrangement. However, if I refuse... No, I don't even have a chance to refuse, because right now, the madam is tightly gripping my arm, leading me towards the room where this so-called Master Lin resides.

"Mother, this is the new young servant girl, hm, she does have a dignified appearance. It's just a pity..." A woman dressed in a white gown walked towards us, barefoot with a red string tied around her left ankle, adorned with a string of copper bells. With each step she took, the bells emitted a crisp sound. Through the white veil that draped her body, I could vaguely see the red lingerie underneath. She didn't wear heavy makeup, only a touch of red cinnabar mark in the center of her eyebrows added a hint of charm to her features. She was the first woman I had ever seen who could exude allure wearing a white veil. Her hair was put up in a loosely tied bun, with a peony flower delicately inserted at an angle, making her resemble a recently transformed fox spirit, enchantingly beautiful."

I knew what she was about to say. Being in this situation, what use is there in pretending to be dignified and aloof? But for some reason, I couldn't stand her condescending tone. Before the madam could speak, I coldly retorted, "You're just a courtesan for a thousand men. What use do I, a noblewoman, have for your interference?" As soon as the words left my mouth, I felt like I had gone too far. No one would willingly choose to be a prostitute, after all. I felt a twinge of guilt and looked up at her face, contemplating whether I should apologize. But to my surprise, she had a smile on her face, without a hint of self-deprecation or sadness. Her smile was enchanting, and she took a few steps forward to stand in front of me. I was slightly shorter than her, and she tilted her head down slightly, bringing her lips close to my ear, and with a fragrant breath, she murmured, "What's wrong with being a courtesan for a thousand men?"

She had a hint of alcohol on her body, mixed with a powdery scent, but it smelled unusually delightful to me. The breath she exhaled tickled my earlobes, itchy and tingly. Listening to her flirtatious tone, I originally wanted to say that she had no shame, but for some reason, I felt extremely uneasy inside and ultimately couldn't bring myself to say it.

She painted her fingers with a touch of rosy rouge, then gently caressed my face. With a faint and charming smile, she spoke, "Remember, my name is Zhong Cui."