The Delicate Courtesan Is Actually a Player

Chazhu is the most renowned courtesan in Kyoto's pleasure quarter, elegant and charming. Her bright eyes can read people's expressions and ensnare their hearts, earning her the admiration of noble young men. As she gazes at the countless eyes filled with affection for her, she feels only regret. The man she loves, Prince Yan Jingxi, will never turn his gaze her way. He treats her only as a pawn, sending her to approach influential men and then forcing her to offer herself to them. Though every step is difficult, she still refuses to leave him, until Yan Jingxi suffers a romantic setback and drinks all night. She tries to comfort him carefully, but he slaps her across the face. "You're as lowly as an ant. What could you know about love?" "What love tastes like?" Chazhu touches her swollen cheek and thinks of the gentle, kind Young Master Lu. He teaches her to play the zither and always listens tenderly when she speaks. Even when he knows she's lying, he never gives her so much as a harsh word. Young Master Lu is refined and talented, and he loves her. She also thinks of her humble birth and how the noble ladies tease her. The Duke's heir, Yan, shoots the hairpin from a noble lady's head from a hundred paces away. As the woman panics, he sneers, "Those who mock others will be mocked in turn. Besides, she's mine. Who dares look down on her?" Young Master Yan is an imperial relative, brave and handsome, and he loves her. She runs her fingers over the gold and jade ornaments in her hair and thinks of Young Master Ning, the richest man in the land. When the madam gives her a hard time, he buys the pleasure house and kicks the madam. "Go entertain the guests yourself." Young Master Ning is witty and considerate, and he loves her. That night, Chazhu counts on her fingers all the men who care deeply for her. She decides that from now on, she'll live for herself and finally taste love. * After Yan Jingxi slaps her, his attendant reports, "Miss Chazhu has cut off contact with the steward." He pays it no mind. She loves him so deeply, how could she bear to leave him? Several days later, he sees Chazhu still ingratiating herself with the influential men, and feels reassured. He goes to her private residence, wanting to speak kindly with her. He waits several days, but she still doesn't return. He is secretly moved. She's working so hard to help him seize power. * Notes: One-on-one romance, happy ending, both leads have had no prior partners. The male lead gets his comeuppance, but they don't get back together. The male lead isn't the prince. See the author's note in chapter one for specific content warnings. (80% anti-piracy protection.) Theme: Explore life with an open mind and work hard to live well