The girls of Bao Yue Brothel did not do embroidery. They were in the business of embroidery needles. As the saying goes, if you are skilled enough, you can grind an iron rod into a needle.
Today, they had come in disguise to relax, so Fan Xian and his group had changed into a normal carriage. With a clatter, they came to a secluded area in the west of the city and stopped in front of a three-story wooden building. A worker from the building had long since come out to rein the horses. His movements were very nimble. There was also a clean-dressed receptionist who welcomed them in.
Today, Fan Xian had done something to his eyebrows, and added a few pockmarks to his left cheek, mirroring Fan Sizhe's appearance. He had cleverly darkened his appearance. In a society where information was not as advanced, he believed that not many people would be able to guess that he was the famous Fan Xian of the capital.
Bao Yue Brothel was a wooden building. Normally, when a wooden building had three stories or more, the space between the floors would be compressed to ensure the stability of the building. But this Bao Yue Brothel was very tall. Standing in front of the building, one could clearly see the sky behind the building.
Fan Xian knew that the wood of this building had to have been transported from the north. He walked into the building, and his hand unconsciously brushed over the large pillar next to the door to confirm his suspicions.
It was still early, but the hall on the first floor was already filled with many guests. There was a small platform in front of them, and on it was a plainly dressed girl. She was playing a guqin, and the sound of the guqin was enough to calm one's heart.
Fan Xian squinted his eyes, and he felt that this brothel was not as simple as it seemed. The three of them followed the receptionist's directions to the second floor. They chose a table at the back of the building and sat down. Fan Xian sat next to the railing and used his eyes to signal Deng Zi Yue and Shi Chanli to sit down. Leaning against the railing, he looked down and noticed that the railing had been painted with green and gold paint. He couldn't help but think that this was a newly opened brothel. Even the details were so luxurious, and it seemed that the owner was rich. It seemed that Mu Tie's judgment had been correct, and it had to have something to do with the princes.
There was something strange about this Bao Yue Brothel, and this strangeness came from its elegance.
It did not fit the mold of a brothel.
There was no pimp welcoming them, no madam putting on makeup to coax them, and not even a few voluptuous women with their breasts exposed could be seen. There was a refreshing smell, and it didn't look like a brothel at all. Fan Xian had been in the capital for a year and a half, and had been to such places a few times, but this was the first time he had seen such a scene. When he leaned against the railing and looked out, his heart jumped.
The building faced the street and was secluded. Behind the building was a lake. The lake was long and narrow. It was the famous Thin Lake in the capital.
The few of them sat by the railing, feeling the cool autumn breeze gently blowing over the lake. It was an indescribable feeling of comfort. Fan Xian could not help but pat the railing and squint his eyes. Behind the Baoyue Brothel, there were many small, independent courtyards. They were hidden among the autumn trees, and occasionally, the walls were white and gray. It was very elegant, but his eyes were very sharp. He had already noticed the sewage drain behind one of the courtyards. It was faintly dyed red, and he knew that there were many girls living there. It looked like the front of the Baoyue Brothel was just a restaurant to welcome customers.
It was like visiting a famous mountain. There needed to be fog in front of the mountain in order to arouse the curiosity of the tourists.
The three-story wooden building of the Baoyue Brothel was like the fog in front of a famous mountain. It hid the small courtyards behind it, and it was the best way to arouse the desire of the customers.
The owner of this brothel was very smart. If he was someone who could be bought, and did not have the lives of the prostitutes on his hands, Fan Xian might have been interested in hiring him to manage the palace treasury.
But when it came to the business of a brothel, Fan Xian had a very pure attitude. A customer was a customer, and a prostitute was a prostitute. One gave money, and the other gave flesh. Even if the streaky pork was wrapped in 300 poems, it would not be able to erase the essence of the business.
He only took a few glances at the courtyard by the lake and could not help but shake his head. This Soft Saber Mountain Manor, most likely earned a lot of money in a day. There was another thought that was somewhat dreary. He always seemed to be thinking, under the soil of those elegant courtyards, were there the skeletons of some weak women?
While he was lost in thought, Shi Chanli had already ordered a few dishes. The service of the Baoyue Brothel was excellent. Not long after, two servants, who looked 13 or 14 years old, came over with plates of food. They gently placed the delicate porcelain plates on the table without making a sound. They were indeed well-trained.
The dishes on the plates were very tempting. A dish of Camellia shrimp gave off a light fragrance, and a few yellow and translucent oil quietly floated on a small bowl of chicken soup with shredded shredded noodles. There was also a home-style beef soaked in oil with shredded green onions three fingers wide. There were also a few small dishes that went well with the wine.
The handsome servants poured wine for the three of them, and Shi Chanli waved his hand to dismiss them. Fan Xian smiled and looked at him. He admired this student's natural and easygoing manner, for he dared to make decisions in front of him.
The wooden spoon moved slightly in the chicken soup, and the aroma that had been hiding under the soup suddenly came out. Even Fan Xian could not help but be a little surprised. He took the bowl that Shi Chanli handed over and tasted it. He could not help but praise it.
…
…
Today, Fan Xian used the pseudonym Mister Chen, which was chosen by Chen Pingping.
At the table, the three of them were like normal friends, enjoying the scenery and the food. They drank and chatted, and only talked about interesting things in the capital. Deng Zi Yue was the person in charge of the Qinian Unit, and he was worried about the commissioner's safety. In a place like this, where he did not know if he was friend or foe, he was a little nervous. But under the pressure of the wine and Fan Xian's stern gaze, he relaxed a little.
After three rounds of wine, Shi Chanli could not help but frown. He lowered his voice and asked, "Mister Chen, what are we doing here today?"
Fan Xian laughed and said, "Of course, we are here to try out the most luxurious things in the capital." After making sure that no one was eavesdropping, he quietly said, "Mu Tie told me about this place, so of course he had his reasons. But he did not dare to say it, so I thought there must be a reason for it. Every now and then, I come to take a look."
Shi Chanli shook his head and gave a wry smile. He said, "Although I feel sorry for the women in this brothel … the life of a prostitute is common, and the law of the Qing Kingdom allows it. Why would you place yourself in danger?"
Fan Xian used his chopsticks to pick up a thin slice of beef and placed it in his mouth. He slowly chewed and smiled. "This Baoyue Brothel has taken the lives of four women in a single month. Their cruelty is something that even I cannot compare to. I am here to learn from them."
Shi Chanli frowned and said, "Criminal cases are handled by the capital's magistrate. The Overwatch Council is only responsible for the officers of the Overwatch Council. They do not have the power to interfere. I think you have other ideas."
Deng Zi Yue drank some wine and became a little braver. He said, "We are investigating the capital's magistrate for failing to do his job. And … "He looked at Fan Xian, and after receiving his permission, he lowered his voice and said," The true owner of this Baoyue Brothel is something the Overwatch Council has not been able to find out. That is why they feel it is strange. "
Shi Chanli was shocked. The Overwatch Council had spies all over the capital, and they had spies in every manor. They had many eyes and ears, and their power was astonishing. It only took a month for the Overwatch Council to uncover the relationship between the second prince and Xinyang. On the surface, the Baoyue Brothel was just a brothel, and yet the Overwatch Council could not find out who its true owner was.
He thought to himself that there was only one possibility. The owner of this brothel had something to do with …
Fan Xian knew he understood what he meant. He smiled and said, "This owner is a problem for the eight bureaus. It looks like someone in the Council is covering for him."
The most powerful thing about the Overwatch Council was its professionalism and its complex, systematic organization. It was difficult for the Council to have any major loopholes. The appearance of Zhu Ge in the first bureau was enough to shock everyone who knew the truth. Zhu Ge had only been dead for two days, and now there was someone in the Overwatch Council working for the princes. This was what Fan Xian was most worried about.
He was the Commissioner of the Overwatch Council. How could he allow someone to do as they pleased in his territory? So today, he had to come and take a look at this Baoyue Brothel. He wanted to see who was secretly putting their chopsticks into his bowl, and he wanted to take a look at the boring lives of his subordinates.
…
…
"Then what should I do?" Although Shi Chanli had a calm temperament, he was still a scholar. This was the first time he had done something so dangerous, and he looked nervous.
Fan Xian said, "You do not have the strength to truss a chicken. Since I have brought you, I am just going to take a look." He patted Shi Chanli on the shoulder and said, "I will use public money to entertain you."
Shi Chanli was shocked, but he immediately understood what Fan Xian meant. He remembered that he was unmarried, and his face reddened. Fan Xian was surprised. He smiled and said, "No matter what, you and Hou Jichang are both talented young men in the capital. Have you never visited a brothel before? Do you not have many girls you like?"
Shi Chanli felt ashamed and said, "I am useless. I am useless."
Fan Xian could not help but laugh. He said, "In a place like this, the word 'useless' is not something you can casually say."
…
…
Not long after, the sky darkened. The setting sun shone on the lake, forming a long, slanted mark. But the weather was not good, so the golden mark on the surface of the water was a bit dim. The lights in the Bao Yue Brothel quickly lit up. It was as if someone had cast a spell on it. In a very short amount of time, countless colored lights were hung up, illuminating the entire brothel. The shadows of the lights were reflected on the surface of the lake below. It was like stars falling into the water, and it was even more dazzling than the setting sun.
The lights were lit, and the people were there. The Baoyue Brothel welcomed the busiest time of the day. Many carriages were parked in front of the building. Although the people who came out were all wearing casual clothes, they still exuded the air of a government official. It seemed that they were all officials who often came to the capital. Many of these people were accompanied by wealthy merchants.
Fan Xian could use the money from the Overwatch Council to pay off Shi Chanli, but the officials of the Six Ministries were still used to eating from the rich. It was a safe and honorable thing to do.
The side of the railing was slightly darker, enveloping the three of them. Fan Xian narrowed his eyes to see the light in the darkness. He saw a few officials he had seen at the banquet. However, those officials had directly entered the private room, so he didn't see clearly who was accompanying them. Not long after, the private room was almost full. The second floor began to fill with more and more people. The sound of stringed instruments mingled with the sound of people shouting. It was a very lively scene. The women, who were wearing tube tops, began to walk around the building, and the people grew more and more popular.
Fan Xian looked at the leftover food and cold wine on his table, thinking that if the owner of this brothel knew who he was, it would be a different story.
"You guys have fun," he ordered.
Shi Chanli nervously asked, "Sir, where are you going?"
Fan Xian replied, "I came here specifically to relax. Of course, I have to relax a bit. As the saying goes, nothing ventured, nothing gained."
He spoke in a gentle and pure manner. Although Deng and Shi Chanli had to believe him, they still felt a bit strange. If you don't enter a brothel, how can you get a prostitute? It seemed to be the same principle.
Fan Xian smiled and said, "When you're having fun, remember to get some information. Don't ask about the owner. Just ask about the daily life of these girls. The more detailed the better. Of course, if it's not convenient, then don't ask. Don't let people see that we have other intentions. That's the most important thing."
Deng Zi Yue looked at the commissioner. Only now did he truly believe that he was here to investigate secretly and not to visit prostitutes. But such a small matter as getting information out of someone like him did not seem like it was the place for an official of his level to do it, much less for the commissioner to come.
— — — —
At this time, the lamps in the small courtyards by the lake had been lit one by one, blooming with kumquats.
Deng Zi Yue stood up and waved his hand to summon a servant, saying, "Make the arrangements for our master."
The servant extended his hand to receive the gold, which was as thick as a finger, and felt it sink. He was shocked to find out that these three were wealthy guests. He did not dare to neglect them, and hurriedly informed the receptionist. The receptionist hurried over and, with a soft and gentle tone, expressed his apologies for the poor reception he had received earlier. He then led the three down the stairs, carefully supporting them as they walked. Along the way, he spoke eloquently, as if he wanted to find out where these three wealthy guests had come from.
Fan Xian did not pay attention to him, and continued to walk forward with his hands behind his back.
Shi Chanli laughed and chatted with the receptionist, saying that he was a scholar from Jiangnan who had come to visit the brothel. This was his first time entering the brothel, and he did not know what sort of entertainment this place had.
The receptionist laughed and said, "My three masters, in this Baoyue Brothel, there is nothing you can't think of, but nothing we can't do. You can play whatever you want."
As he spoke, he stole a glance at Fan Xian's back. Of course, he could tell that Mister Chen was the main character of the three today. But looking at Mister Chen's demeanor, he was no ordinary person. He did not even listen to Shi Chanli's introduction, and he did not even look at him. He guessed that Mister Chen was the son of some high-ranking official in Jiangnan.
…
…
The design of Baoyue Brothel was very ingenious. After walking down from the restaurant, they arrived at the lakeside. The sounds of birds chattering could be heard coming from the courtyards. The two worlds were connected by a few stone paths in the grass. They did not disturb each other, nor did they interfere with each other.
Under the guidance of the receptionist, the three of them entered a courtyard. This room was not like the one above. As soon as they entered, a number of beautiful women came forward to greet them. Their voices were sweet, and their veils fluttered in the wind. They held the arms of the three of them as they entered the room. It was as natural as welcoming a husband returning home.
The room was warm, and in the corner was a heating box. In this early autumn weather, it forcibly added some spring warmth. In the corner of the wooden table, there was a pot of fake flowers. The petals were all embroidered with southern silk, and they were very beautiful.
Waves of fragrance wafted into his nostrils, and Fan Xian furrowed his brows. He then smiled and turned his head. He spoke to Shi Chanli, who was sitting awkwardly on top of a voluptuous woman, and said, "Relax. There is no tigress in the house."
He opened his outer robe, and the woman next to him quickly took it. She warmly said, "I just had some food and wine. Now, would you like to listen to some music, or … drink some more?"
Fan Xian sat down on the soft couch, and waved his hand. He said, "Set up another table. I want a singer as well. Give me a massage first."
The woman serving him looked very happy, and gratefully said, "You are very considerate, sir." She quickly put away his outer robe, and a young servant girl poured tea, which she carefully placed in front of the three of them. She also brought out a few plates of fresh fruits, which were rarely seen in the capital. Then, she half-knelt on the couch, and gently placed a pair of soft hands on Fan Xian's shoulders. She gently massaged them.
Fan Xian knew that the more he spent here, the more benefits the woman serving him would receive. Feeling the strength of her hands on his shoulders, he thought to himself that the service of the Bao Yue brothel was not bad. He then looked at Shi Chanli, who was still fidgeting, and Deng Zi Yue, whose face was as serious as if he was still in the middle of a correction. He couldn't help but curse them in his heart. One look and he could tell that these two were inexperienced, and they were a disgrace to the Overwatch Council and himself.
The woman behind him, who was massaging Fan Xian's shoulders, lowered herself lower and lower, and two soft breasts pressed against Fan Xian's back. Fan Xian suddenly realized that he had not asked for her name. He had not even taken a good look at her face. For some reason, he was surprised at how calm and heartless he was. After a moment of silence, he quietly asked, "What is your name?"
"Yan 'er."
The woman's fragrant sleeves were placed in front of Fan Xian's chest, and her soft and full breasts were cleverly rubbing against Fan Xian's back. Her voice was very soft, and it sounded right next to his ear. Her warm breath blew into his ear.
Fan Xian couldn't help but laugh. He reached out his hand and scratched his ear, explaining, "I'm ticklish."
He knew that Yan 'er was a fake name, but it was strange that when he glanced at her earlier, he could tell that she was a beautiful woman, even though she was wearing a lot of makeup. With such beauty, was she just an ordinary member of the Bao Yue brothel? Was she someone who could be used to serve a nobody like him?
Just as the room was beginning to warm up, the singing girl entered the room. Fan Xian looked at the girl's face, and his heart jumped. He thought to himself that even she had been snatched away by the Bao Yue brothel.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
