Chapter 1435: 1435: Cross-Dressing as a Man (3)

Chapter 1435: Chapter 1435: Cross-Dressing as a Man (3)

Yang Ruxin didn’t really understand this matter, but luckily the manager was experienced and capable, and he had been working for the Dong Family for decades. Although the master had changed to the young lady, his treatment had even improved, and he felt quite happy about it.

After staying in the Mulberry Garden for two days, Ruxin had the tenancy contracts of the sericulturists renewed and checked the financial accounts of previous years. After having a clear idea of the situation, he left the Mulberry Garden.

Since he was here, he naturally couldn’t just go back, at least he had to wander around Suzhou City.

The gardens of Suzhou are world-renowned, but the ones seen in later generations are mostly from the Ming and Qing dynasties. At this time, however, it was not yet that era, so there weren’t many gardens. However, famous sites like the Canglang Pavilion and the Humble Administrator’s Garden were already there, but unfortunately, at this time both of these gardens were private residences and couldn’t be visited.

“We can go sit on a boat along the ancient street and canal,” Yu Qingge suggested, uninterested in the gardens. The Dong family’s residence had plenty of pavilions and towers; going to see other gardens wouldn’t offer anything unique. “They have all kinds of snacks there, things like zongzi, sugar pine nuts, squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, sesame cakes, rice cakes… lots of things. Listening to Suzhou pingtan while eating delicious food is the right way to experience it…”

Yang Ruxin nodded: “Then let’s go.”

“What is Suzhou pingtan?” Du Juan suddenly asked.

Yang Ruxin and Yu Qingge exchanged glances, then turned to Du Juan: “It’s a kind of storytelling performance.”

“From what I know, they have Kunqu opera here, and shadow puppetry, but I’ve never heard of pingtan,” Du Juan shook her head.

“Then let’s go listen to Kunqu opera instead,” Yang Ruxin nodded.

Yu Qingge stuck out her tongue.

“We can go to the ancient street, but let’s not sit on a boat in the canal,” Du Juan’s face looked somewhat strange.

“Why not?” Yu Qingge’s interest was piqued.

“The brothels here are all built along the canal,” Du Juan smiled, “they generally use flower boats to attract customers…”

Yang Ruxin suddenly understood.

“Women are basically not allowed on the boats,” Du Juan glanced at Yang Ruxin and Yu Qingge, “so…”

“So, we can dress up as men,” Yu Qingge quickly took over the conversation, “right sister?”

Yang Ruxin nodded: “Since we’re here, let’s go see.”

Cross-dressing as men wasn’t difficult; they just had to change clothes and remove their accessories. However, to avoid being exposed, Yang Ruxin still wore one ear cuff and one earring.

“Wouldn’t people see that?” Yu Qingge looked at the blurry reflection in the mirror, frowning slightly.

“If we don’t wear earrings, people will see the ear holes and suspect that we are women, but wearing them brazenly is different. Many wealthy young masters get ear piercings to make life easier.”

Yu Qingge nodded, “Sister, your thoughts are meticulous.”

“What should I call you?”

“Brother,” Yu Qingge quickly chuckled, Heihei.

At this time, the canal was unpolluted, surrounded by no high rises, presenting its original flavor.

“That three-storied pleasure boat is from Suzhou’s largest brothel, Qunfang Pavilion,” Du Juan pointed to the largest among a row of boats and introduced, “In the Oiran contests held every two years, the ladies from Qunfang Pavilion are always favorites.”

“Oiran contest?” Yu Qingge’s eyes lit up, “Is it a contest of talents?”

“Looks and talents, everything must be top-notch,” Du Juan smiled, “When the Oiran contest was held two years ago, I happened to pass by here with my father. It was Lady Hong Ju from Qunfang Pavilion who won the championship that year, but I don’t know about this year…”