On the east side of the third floor of Baoyue Brothel was a large Flower Hall. Half of the building was empty, and one could just see the hall on the first floor below. The wide Hu people's blanket suffused a fishy red color downstairs and had a different flavor.
There were honored guests in the building, so this half of the Flower Hall had been emptied. When he entered the Flower Hall, the Second Prince's eyes unconsciously glanced toward the door and saw two words written in gold paint. He couldn't help but be curious as to what they meant.
"Hong Men."
As the host, Fan Xian smiled calmly as he welcomed everyone into the hall. The Flower Hall was separated by screens and hanging velvet curtains. Steam rose. As soon as the important figures entered the Flower Hall, they had their cloaks taken off by the girls beside them, leaving them wearing only unlined clothing.
It was enough. There were all kinds of exquisite tea and pastries placed on the table. The plates used were also good things from Jiangnan. The wine was held in the highest quality glass cups. The wine was the most expensive liquor in the world, Wuliangye. The girls serving beside him were all outstanding beauties, gentle and silent.
Naturally, the Crown Prince sat in the most honored position. He gazed at Fan Xian and laughingly scolded, "Only you can enjoy such good things. Look at the things here. They all come from the three large workshops. The Palace still hopes to exchange them for silver. Who would dare to spend as freely as you do?"
The Qing people were simple and honest. Even the royal officials were a bit more cautious. They were not at all as extravagant as the Northern Qi court. The banquet Fan Xian had set up today was indeed a bit out of bounds. Everyone knew that the palace treasury was under Fan Xian's control. It would not be a problem for him to transfer some expenses. However, they didn't know if the Crown Prince was secretly stabbing them in the back when he said this with a chuckle.
Fan Xian's expression did not change. He smiled and said, "If I can enjoy it, I should make the most of it."
Naturally, Xue Qing sat at the first table to the left. He had come by imperial edict to watch the show, so he did not mind much. Additionally, he had been in Jiangnan for a long time and seemed to be used to this kind of enjoyment. Seeing the admiration of these major figures in the capital, he couldn't help the corners of his mouth twitching slightly and smiling. He thought to himself that it was not easy to live in Jingdou. Unfortunately, the enjoyment was far inferior to that of Jiangnan.
The banquet began. The girls were quiet and speechless. They began to place food and pour wine for the guests at each table. Although they had undergone special training these two days, when they abruptly opened their eyes and saw so many important figures in the Qing court, the girls still couldn't help but feel nervous. Their rosy lips pressed tightly together.
The princes and officials in this hall had all rolled around in the brothels before, but to suddenly have so many people gathered in one hall, it was really a bit confusing.
In fact, there weren't many guests, only about a dozen or so. Each of them had a girl sitting beside them, and behind them sat a close attendant. Even so, the reception hall was somewhat full.
The person serving Fan Xian was none other than the shopkeeper of Baoyue Brothel, Sang Wen.
For an occasion like this, it was inappropriate to start drinking and talking at the beginning. Drinking orders were repeated, breasts and buttocks were touched, particularly with Xue Qing and the two deputies of the Bureau of Military Affairs present. The young noblemen were still a bit proud of their status. For a moment, the hall was quiet and heavy. They only talked about some idle jokes in court, such as Scholar Shu collapsing drunk on the snowy street again yesterday.
In any case, Shu Wu's personality was relaxed and didn't mind how the younger generation made fun of him.
No one dared to use these princes and Fan Xian as a joke, particularly Fan Xian. Everyone was still guessing what the true purpose of this meal was.
Amidst the awkwardness, Xue Qing minded his own business and drank his wine. He grabbed the girl's small hand beside him and played with it. This man immediately shed the air of an official and gained the feeling of a middle-aged prodigal son. It looked like the scholars of the Library of Books had fought many battles with the skeletons of the Red Chamber.
The Second Prince took a shallow sip and looked at Fan Xian across from him. He smiled slightly and said, "An Zhi, I haven't come to Baoyue Brothel in a year. I find that the girls here are much prettier than before."
…
…
The atmosphere immediately relaxed. Between Fan Xian and the Second Prince, there had to be someone who would speak first.
"Nonsense," Fan Xian laughingly scolded. "Given the line-up today, it is impossible for this Baoyue Brothel to serve you well … I won't hide it from everyone. The 13 girls in this brothel are not just from my brothel. As long as it is the most famous girl in the capital, I have invited them all. Regardless of whether it is the pleasure boats on Liujing River or the Musical House, if you can find another popular girl after you leave this brothel tonight, then I will lose."
Everyone was startled and thought that this was quite a big move. It was not a matter of spending money. Rather, in one short day, he had made all of the brothel in Jingdou obediently offer up their most famous girls. Fan Xian's power had indeed reached a hair-raising level.
Everyone turned their heads to look and saw the girls beside them had their heads lowered shyly. After a closer look, everyone couldn't help but laugh. They recognized that one was someone on Liujing River and the other was a girl from the Musical House. They were all old acquaintances.
Only the Second Prince's gaze dimmed a little. Speaking of which, it was absurd. Of the dozen or so girls in the brothel, four belonged to the Liujing River affairs that Li Hongcheng had previously been responsible for. However, Yuan Meng had died in Jiangnan, Shi Qing 'er had defected to Fan Xian, and Li Hongcheng had been grounded by King Jing.
He raised his head and glanced at Fan Xian from a distance. He saw that Fan Xian's expression was calm. However, there was a not-quite-there smile in his eyes. For a moment, he wasn't sure if Fan Xian wanted to use this small matter to demonstrate his might or if he had other thoughts.
The Second Prince smiled slightly and said, "Baoyue Brothel's management is successful. Presumably, it is all because of Miss Sang's clever and discerning eyes. I offer you a toast."
After saying this, he raised the wine cup in his hand and offered a toast to Sang Wen by Fan Xian's side.
For him to address himself as a prince, it was in line with his usual gentleness. Moreover, in a romantic setting, it would be meaningless to just talk about seniority. The crowd did not mind, but they were curious … why was the first toast to Sang Wen? Where did this put the host of the day, Fan Xian?
At this moment, Sang Wen was leaning against Fan Xian's side. She picked up a strand of moss and brought it to his lips. Suddenly hearing these words, she couldn't help but start and turn her head to glance at Fan Xian.
Fan Xian smiled slightly and nodded. Sang Wen stood and bowed slightly toward the Second Prince. She drained the cup and did not wait for the Second Prince to say anything. She poured herself another cup and invited the Crown Prince and Great Prince, who were sitting at the head of the table.
The Crown Prince was a bit strange today. He only cared about teasing the beauty in his arms. The beauty was being coaxed by the heir to the throne of a country. Her entire body had long gone soft. The Crown Prince looked very pleased and completely ignored the turbulent undercurrents between the Second Prince and Fan Xian at the banquet.
However, the Great Prince and Sang Wen drank a cup and sighed.
The Second Prince's expression did not change. He smiled slightly and said, "It is rare for so many friends to be present today. There must be something to liven things up. Ever since Miss Sang became the shopkeeper of Baoyue Brothel, the people of Jingdou no longer have the good fortune to hear such things. I wonder if we can ask Miss Sang Wen to sing a song?"
Sang Wen smiled slightly. Her gentle face was calm. She stood and was about to go get her zither when unexpectedly, her hand was pulled by Fan Xian.
Fan Xian held Sang Wen's hand and looked calmly at the Second Prince. "Sang Wen doesn't sing anymore."
Sang Wen was startled and thought, Why disturb the banquet over such a small matter? She had been a singer since she was young and had long gotten used to singing at banquets. For a moment, she had forgotten that Fan Xian was someone who was most unwilling to have his own people serve other people.
The Second Prince furrowed his brows. A glimmer of confusion flashed across his handsome face. It was as if he had not thought Fan Xian would be so unyielding. After the banquet began, both sides had been testing each other's attitudes. He also wanted to know what Fan Xian was preparing to do after returning to the capital this time.
Unexpectedly, Fan Xian's response was such a killjoy.
Fan Xian glanced at the Second Prince. He thought to himself that he had created this scene today, but his goal was to kill the scene. Sitting below him, the official of Taichang Temple, Ren Shao 'an, pulled on his sleeve and reminded him to be careful. He only smiled.
The Deputy of the Bureau of Military Affairs narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Sir Fan junior, what are you saying? Given the princes' status, what is wrong with having this girl present a song?"
Fan Xian's confrontation in front of the Bureau of Military Affairs had long created a crack between him and the military. Each day that the attack in the valley was not investigated, the two sides would not be at peace.
The Qing Kingdom's military had always been simple, direct, and crude. This Deputy was Qu Xiangdong. He had been the vanguard of the last Northern expedition. He had a great deal of military service, so he was not afraid of Fan Xian's power. Hearing Fan Xian's cold words, he spoke to stab him.
Fan Xian did not get angry. He only smiled and said, "Lady Sang only sings in Chen Garden. If Deputy Qu wants to hear it, go outside the capital and ask Director Chen. There is no point in asking me."
The words "Director Chen" were tossed out. The Second Prince smiled and didn't say anything more. The expression of the Deputy Qu of the Bureau of Military Affairs also changed. He forcefully swallowed the vicious words he was about to say back into his stomach.
"Drink!"
Amidst the awkwardness, the Great Prince, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly raised his cup and roared. He had come from the military and had a bold personality. He had wanted to make up for Fan Xian's relationship with the military and, at the same time, make the gap between his brothers smaller. Seeing the strange situation at the banquet, a strange anger surged in his chest.
The two Deputies of the Bureau of Military Affairs also came from the military. Their boldness was not inferior to others. They furrowed their brows slightly and drained the three liang wine cups in their hands in one gulp. Then, they flipped their wrists to demonstrate Fan Xian.
Fan Xian smiled slightly and placed the cup to his lips. He slowly tipped it. Although his speed was slow, he did not stop. Like a clear spring entering a lake, the cup was emptied.
The Crown Prince in the first seat helplessly raised his cup to the Great Prince and said, "Big brother, I was drinking. Your loud voice almost scared the wine out of my cup."
Everyone laughed loudly.
The Crown Prince then smiled at the two Deputies of the Bureau of Military Affairs and said, "Don't think about bringing the military style to Baoyue Brothel. I know there is some resentment between you and An Zhi, but this matter has not been thoroughly investigated. Why should there be resentment between officials? Even if there is resentment, don't compete in drinking. "
He pointed at Fan Xian and smiled at the two Deputies of the Bureau of Military Affairs. "Have you forgotten? The year before last, Sir Fan junior drank 3,000 cups in one night and made that Marquis of Northern Qi drink like a dead pig. When it comes to alcohol tolerance, An Zhi is not afraid of you old men in the military. "
As a member of the Eastern Palace, Xin Qiwu knew what his master wanted to do. He quickly followed along and said, "Generals, I feel that there is no harm in competing in drinking with Sir Fan junior. After that night, Sir Fan junior has not composed poetry. If we can make him write another 300 poems and have the Banxianzhai poetry anthology continue, the Bureau of Military Affairs will have done a great service to the world. I'm afraid even the Emperor will be incomparably happy."
After these words were said, everyone agreed. Even Xue Qing became interested. He invited Fan Xian to drink a few cups and then forced the two Deputies of the Bureau of Military Affairs to compete in drinking with Fan Xian.
After a mouthful of wine, the atmosphere immediately became much livelier. Fan Xian's boldness in drinking also made the two Deputies of the Bureau of Military Affairs feel much better.
The Second Prince suddenly smiled and said, "Speaking of An Zhi not composing poetry after that night, it is truly a great loss to the world. However, I heard that when An Zhi was in Northern Qi, he had written a small poem for that Northern Qi saint girl. I wonder if this is true."
This was the most famous scandal in the world last year. The Northern Qi people were unhappy in their hearts, but the Qing Kingdom people were incomparably happy. Hearing these words, the slightly tipsy figures all began to make a ruckus. They insisted on hearing Fan Xian talk about the specifics of the story.
Fan Xian smiled and scolded them. Naturally, he wouldn't go into detail. He casually brushed them off. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the Crown Prince and felt a bit surprised. This Crown Prince was indeed much more promising than he was two years ago. However, the real power in the Crown Prince's hands was gradually decreasing. He just watched him and the Second Prince fight like this. Did he want to reap the benefits? But where did his confidence come from? He wasn't his father.
…
…
The banquet gradually came to an end. Everyone's spirits gradually rose. The Great Prince stood and grabbed those people, forcing them to drink. Fan Xian snickered as he watched this scene. He thought that this person had probably been too strictly disciplined by the Great Princess of Northern Qi in his manor. Now that he finally had a chance to come out and be at ease, he wouldn't let this opportunity go.
Fan Xian then looked at the Crown Prince who seemed to be a bit drunk while the Second Prince still maintained a sober expression. He couldn't help but smile slightly and open his mouth to say, "I haven't returned to Jingdou in a year. I rather miss everyone in the capital."
His expression suddenly changed. He sighed sadly and said, "It's a pity that before we entered the capital, we were ambushed by bandits. A dozen people died under my command. These people were all officials of the Overwatch Council, talents of the court. They worked hard for the court in Jiangnan and finally had the chance to return to Jingdou to reunite with their families. Yet, they died tragically a dozen li outside of Jingdou. Those women and children who were waiting for their return at home are probably still living in misery at home."
He raised the strong wine in his cup and drained it in one gulp. In a low voice, he said, "Thinking of this, this wine … I really can't drink anymore."
The Flower Hall on the third floor of Baoyue Brothel suddenly quieted down. They knew that the highlight of the night had finally arrived.
…
…
In a quiet little alley about five li away from Baoyue Brothel, a group of black-clothed people suddenly appeared at the mouth and end of the alley, blocking the alley tightly.
The leader, Mu Tie, looked at the three people in the alley with a heavy expression. Pointing at the leader, he said, "Are you called Yang Gongcheng?"
The leader's right hand slowly pressed against the bulge at his waist. Coldly, he said, "Yes, what advice do you have?"
Mu Tie revealed his teeth in a smile. A strange expression flashed across his dark face. "I want to confirm your identity as one of the eight generals in case you kill the wrong person."
He then flashed his body and left. The two groups of black-clothed people at the mouth and end of the alley silently charged over. If you want to know what happened next, please log on to WWW. QIDIAN. COM. More chapters. Support the author. Support original reading!
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