Chapter 268 – Ji Mountain Hot Spring (Part 3)
For ordinary folks, soaking in the spring doesn’t have much in the way of rules, but for the gentry, it’s a whole different story. They have to maintain their status, so every little detail matters.
Jiang Pengji was led by the maidservant to a courtyard where she had to go through a ritual of incense-burning and bathing from head to toe. Her hair had to be meticulously washed, using powdered spices made from over fifty kinds of herbs, placed in equally exquisite powder boxes for guests to use.
She refused the maidservant’s help and entered a bath about three or four square meters big, quickly wetting and cleaning her hair.
The garments she would wear post-bath were neatly folded beside her, smooth to the touch and not translucent, lightly scented with orchids.
The clothing, made from this material, was intended for a single guest usage—once worn, it had to be burned; there was absolutely no recycling allowed.
Not to mention, just this expenditure alone was astonishingly large!
It was just as extravagantly lavish!
After leaving the bath, Jiang Pengji dried off the droplets of water on her skin, then carefully bound her bosom with a corset, before finally picking up the snow-white garment and slipping it on, using a matching white sash to tie it at her waist.
Thank goodness the customs of this era were rather conservative; it was uncommon to see anyone bathing without a shirt.
Otherwise, Jiang Pengji would have been subjected to an eyeful of flaunting flesh.
It wasn’t that she was shy, but she simply couldn’t stand the excessively “deformed” proportions of those bodies; they were an eyesore!
Though it was merely a hot spring establishment, given it was built to model the Changshou Wang residence, it was undoubtedly extravagant.
Pavilions, terraces, verandahs, towers, and halls—all were present.
There were open pavilions perched on high ground beside the thermal pools, allowing guests to enjoy a drink while taking in the view after bathing.
The hot springs varied in size, each separated by intricate rockeries or pavilions and cypress trees; though open-air, they provided enough privacy, allowing bathers to gaze at the sky while soaking, evoking a serene feeling through the openness.
Steam wafted off the water’s surface, the sound of bamboo flutes gently filled the air, and the songs of birds reverberated, as if laughter and chatter were floating around.
Faint shadows of people could be seen, like wisps in a fairyland.
Liu Zhi and Feng Ren had already settled in; one was napping with his eyes half-closed, while the other lingered by the shore sipping tea, apparently engaged in discussion.
As Jiang Pengji approached, Liu Zhi hurriedly told her, “Father and the Minister of State still have matters to discuss; Lan Ting will head to a different room first.”
Come on, that’s a daughter, not a son!
Jiang Pengji nodded in acknowledgment as the maidservant guided her to another empty thermal spring.
Along the way, she spotted several young men, their faces embellished with delicate makeup, lips glossed. Amidst the mist, their figures swayed with dainty steps… moreover, their garments were always loose, exposing half of their chests.
She discreetly averted her gaze and then slyly opened a live stream.
Her eyes couldn’t be the only ones scorched; it’s only fair that everyone witnesses this as a good streamer.
Patting herself on the back, the live stream audience was left speechless.
They thought the live stream would take a day off, but the host suddenly began, and the visuals were quite the eye-straining shock.
Old Driver Alliance: Host, are you planning on driving us wild?
They wouldn’t mind seeing the host pinning a pretty boy down and roughhousing, but a bunch of average-looking, chubby men torturing their eyes on screen? In a world so focused on looks, could they please not be so cruel?
Uncle and Little Soldier: My eyes might go blind, host, how could you be so cruel?
Can you imagine?
A “fat pig” in his twenties, with equal height and width, adopting a flower pose, strutting sideways?
It wouldn’t be so bad if he simply exposed his chest, but where were the abs and the fishbone lines?
All they saw were dark chest hairs, a protruding belly, greasy flab, oh, and a hefty bosom line!
Just an Example: I looked at that uncle’s chest, then down at my own, and suddenly felt unworthy of being a woman. My roommate always mocks me for being flat-chested. I used to deny it, but now I can only cry and admit… I’m flat-chested!
Sweet Roasted Chestnuts: #Thirsty, by the way, still haven’t seen the host’s bosom…
Jiang Pengji raised an eyebrow, nonchalantly passing by that hefty-chested fellow.
Her bosom… how to put it…
After saving Cheng Cheng, the System rewarded her with 【Full and Tender Breasts: Elegant and Graceful, with Busty Proportions】.
In her argument with the System, the reward wasn’t delivered directly to her but in card form sent to the backend.
She obviously didn’t use it; Liu Xi’s body was only twelve years old, just a few months shy of thirteen.
Being so young, what need was there for bosoms?
“Bring me some sake.”
Pushing open the minimally concealed door, she stepped inside a small hot spring of about five to six square meters. In the center stood a delicate stone statue of a fairy in flight, with its hands and fluttering clothes transformed into trays for serving food and drink.
The maidservant curtseyed and took her leave.
Jiang Pengji first tested the water temperature with her fingertip, then dipped her feet in, sitting at the water’s edge.
Beside the spring were two finely sculpted stone lions holding trays, where visitors could place their snacks, leisurely soaking while enjoying food and the surrounding beauty… to be honest, Jiang Pengji, a general from a distant future, had never experienced such extravagant service… ancient people really knew how to indulge themselves, making the most of limited resources.
The hot spring establishment provided excellent service; soon two lovely maidservants approached with clear sake and cups, placing them down quietly after receiving Jiang Pengji’s nod of permission.
With the door still ajar, Jiang Pengji could glimpse the scene outside at a few pavilions.
Pointing outward, she asked one maidservant, “Do you not only offer hot springs but also other…?”
That maidservant’s smile began to fade as she followed Jiang Pengji’s gaze, suddenly turning pale.
The other maidservant, afraid of her misstep, quickly chimed in with a bright smile, “If the Young Master likes, I would naturally be willing to serve you.”
These maidservants had been carefully selected, each one crafted to perfection in looks, speech, and graceful demeanor.
In a place like the hot spring, though their attire was quite modest, in front of a group of men donned only in simple garments, it only heightened their adrenal response… of course, they were all scholars, and wouldn’t force anything, but a little flirting was inevitable.
To those men coming to enjoy the hot spring, the maidservants were not much more distinguished than women from brothels.
Jiang Pengji smirked, a hint of impudence creeping onto her face.
The maidservants, puzzled by her expression, thought she desired personal service, only to see Jiang Pengji withdrawing her feet from the water.
One hand lifted a jar of wine, twisting off the cap, and she tilted her head back, downing the entire jar in one go.
Occasionally, some wine trickled down her chin, sliding down into her neckline.
The two maidservants were momentarily dazed; they had never witnessed a Young Master drink in such a bold and unrefined manner.
Jiang Pengji looked at them with a clear countenance, “I’m drunk.”
It’s time to stir up some trouble!
The two maidservants bewildered, looked at each other: “……”
