Halfway to Success

"Yes, yes, of course!" Jasper Cheng, seeing the silver, couldn't care less about Cynthia Green's talk of schooling.

Cynthia Green was full of longing and said, "Young Master, this hundred taels of silver is my dowry. I want my wedding to be grand and dignified."

Jasper Cheng had nearly spent all his money, so seeing the hundred taels, he was tempted. He said, "Alright, alright, whatever you say. But let me borrow your silver for now."

"But... this is my dowry..." Cynthia Green hesitated.

"What's yours is mine, isn't it? Your dowry will come to the Cheng Family sooner or later. Cynthia, once you become the Cheng Family's young mistress, you'll manage all the family assets. Why worry about just a hundred taels? I'm just short on cash after being out so long. Let me borrow it, and I'll pay you back double when we get home." Jasper Cheng sweet-talked Cynthia Green.

Cynthia Green was so swept up by Jasper's words that she handed over the silver willingly, her heart set on marrying him and becoming the Cheng Family's young mistress.

With the silver in hand, Jasper Cheng turned and left the house, wandering the streets and wondering what fun the Capital had to offer.

Restaurants? Just eating is boring.

Then, how about some wine and women? He wondered if the ladies in the Capital were more charming than those back in his county.

A few quick inquiries on the street led Jasper Cheng to the famous pleasure houses of the Capital. The most renowned was the Moonlight Pavilion, where the women were said to be beautiful and gentle. Even the madam, Xenia, was striking—she used to be the top courtesan herself!