Auntie Mei's worries were not unfounded. When the third dish was delivered, a voice that was neither light nor heavy came from the pleasure boat beside them, but it was enough for the main pleasure boat to hear clearly. "This dish's color is not very good, so don't send it to Master. `````”
Jingwan could clearly hear that it was Gong Jiu's voice.
"Nonsense, our restaurant …" The person who delivered the dish clearly wanted to refute, but his mouth was quickly covered and he was detained along with the dish.
Aunt Mei thought that she had experienced many storms, but at this moment, she couldn't stop her heart from palpitating. Although she tried her best to control her expression, she still revealed some clues.
And those top courtesans on the pleasure boats seemed to have realized that something was wrong, just like the two who were performing together. They kept making mistakes.
Li Hongyuan put the wine cup in his hand on the table. It was a little heavy. "If you haven't practiced it well, don't take it out and make a fool of yourself."
The sound of the zither came to an abrupt stop, and the dancing woman seemed to be frozen in an instant. It looked a little funny.
Jing Wan reached out and patted him. They were all delicate women. Although they were in a brothel, it was obvious that with their status, most of the time, they would be flattered by others. Now that they were frightened, wouldn't it spoil their mood? Since they were going out to have fun, naturally, it would be best to avoid unpleasant things.
Jingwan waved her hand, indicating for them to go down. The two of them felt as if they had been pardoned. They went up to the second floor with the excuse of changing clothes.
Jingwan took another cup, poured some wine, and pushed it in Aunt Mei's direction. "Boat owner, don't be nervous. Drink a cup of wine and calm down."
"Little Gongzi, you're too kind." How could a lowly servant like her bear the wine personally poured by the prince consort?
"It's just a cup of wine. It's not necessary. Drink. His Highness has always been magnanimous. If this dish is not cooked, even if he wants to pursue the matter, he should pursue the fault of the restaurant. As long as the owner of the boat has nothing to do with the restaurant, he naturally won't vent his anger on you, "Jingwan said unhurriedly, as if it was really just a dish that was ruined.
Aunt Mei composed herself. Her meaning could not be more obvious. This matter would be investigated. As long as it had nothing to do with her, she would not be angered because it happened on her boat. "Little Gongzi is right. His Highness is wise and observant." He leaned forward slightly and took the wine cup on the table. "Thank you, Little Gongzi."
Even so, he still felt uneasy. It seemed that he had booked a table of dishes, but in fact, he had ordered all kinds of signature dishes from various big restaurants. He had just ordered them according to the scheduled time and asked them to cook and deliver them on time. Now, there was a big mess. This dish was "ruined". Would there be a second dish, a third dish, or even more? In fact, the best way was to not serve the following dishes, but it was not up to her to decide. It was just that, they all said that the son of a wealthy family should not sit under the awning. Since he knew that there was danger, why didn't Jin Qinwang order to stop it? Even if he wanted to lure the snake out of its hole, the things that were sent over should not be eaten.
If he didn't vent his anger now, if something happened one after another, it would ruin his mood. Everything would become unknown.
Jingwan declined to comment and turned to look at the beauties, "Continue ah, who's next?"
In fact, at this time, no one was willing to take the lead, fearing that they would make a mistake. However, there were twelve people and the first round was not over yet. Previously, Daybreak was the first to stand up. Because the situation was not right, she set a good start, but it was inevitable that people would feel that she had ulterior motives. However, they forgot that she was originally the one to start. If they followed the original order, the next lead was a bit timid and could not adapt to the current atmosphere.
If she stood up, it would be bad for her to stand up. Mei Yi winked several times but was indifferent. She helplessly signaled to the people behind her. However, each and every one of them did not want to see and pretended to be deaf and mute. Mei Yi's heart was filled with anger.
Daybreak glanced at Mei Yi and sighed in her heart. She once again stood up. Otherwise, when trouble came, Mei Yi would be the first to bear the brunt. After all, she was the one who raised her with extravagance. Disregarding the factors that people did not want to face, there was still some true feelings. She could not ignore it.
"This servant suddenly thought of a suitable song and boldly took up the time of the other sisters. I will embarrass myself once more. I hope that Prince and Young Master will agree."
Everyone was well aware of the current situation. Jingwan had a good impression of Daybreak and naturally would not be unwilling. It was naturally better to not break the good atmosphere.
In comparison, Auntie Mei's heart was even more complicated. She had always felt that Daybreak had not adjusted her mentality. How could a brothel not be stained with dust? Although she sometimes mocked her, she had never truly suppressed her to completely fall, nor did she use any means to dye her black. She had even imperceptibly protected her innocence and sincerity. She was clearly an old pimp, and doing this was simply unreasonable. However, when something really happened, she was probably the only one who would stand up.
Eunuch Mu said that his master liked clean people. This was not wrong. What kind of person was Li Hongyuan? What Jingwan could see, he naturally could see more clearly. Under normal circumstances, he did not have a good impression of women outside. Only the people who served Jingwan had a good impression of her. It was rare for Daybreak to be ranked below them. However, it was probably like this. Even if he met her again in the future, his impression of her would not improve. But it was obvious that he would not meet her again.
Li Hongyuan's subordinates naturally moved quickly. Li Suyan stepped on the railing at the edge of the pleasure boat. With one leap, she landed on another pleasure boat. She took two people and the waiter and left on the small boat that delivered food. If one wanted to investigate something, it was naturally better to move as fast as possible.
Speaking of which, Lin Chuan River was very wide. It was not much inferior to the moat in the capital. Listening to the leisurely sound, Jingwan changed her location and sat on the railing. Below her was the clear river. Looking ahead, she could see boats coming and going. The river bank was verdant and lush with willows. There was also an endless stream of traffic. The pedestrians were either lazy or in a hurry.
There was an illusion of peace and tranquility.
Jingwan leaned on the railing. Her chin rested on the edge of the railing. She stretched out a hand and hung it naturally. She probably wanted to feel the moisture of the water. However, the railing on the boat was high enough. Naturally, she could not reach it. During this period of time, she had been entertaining those official's wives. Although she occupied a high position and held absolute control, she was absolutely bored. This kind of relaxed and unrestrained nature naturally made people happy.
Li Hongyuan sat in his original position, drinking by himself. Jingwan was admiring the scenery. She was the most beautiful scenery in his eyes.
When Li Hongyuan turned around to take the wine bottle again, a woman came forward attentively. She was obviously prepared to serve him. His gaze was stern. That woman immediately stiffened. Her gaze shifted and landed on Mei Yi. When the people below made a mistake, it was always right to find the people above to take the blame.
Mei Yi was originally focused on Jingwan and did not notice this. Li Hongyuan's gaze was like a substance. She quivered and turned around. How could she not understand what was going on? She was so angry that she almost vomited blood. She quickly kowtowed to Li Hongyuan but did not dare to make a sound for fear of startling Jin Qinwang Fei.
Li Hongyuan silently withdrew his gaze.
Mei Yi stood up and grabbed that woman. She even used her hand to block her mouth. She fiercely pinched her arm and coldly reprimanded her in a low voice, "If you dare to make a sound, I guarantee that you won't be able to see tomorrow's sun." She dragged her to the side. On the other side, because of the half-hanging curtain, Jingwan's line of sight was more or less cut off. In front of other people, she fiercely pushed. That woman fell to the ground, her back hitting the edge of the short table. She fiercely sucked in a breath of cold air, her face deathly pale. The bystanders did not have any sympathy. After all, as the top hostess of the twelve brothels and pleasure boats, they were genuine competitors. If the situation was not special, they would definitely not gather in one place and coldly watch. They even moved to the side. Regardless of whether they had the same idea as her, as long as they did not act, it seemed that they could despise her.
Auntie Mei bent down and pinched her chin. She lowered her voice, but it was still cold. "You're so blind. If you were someone from my Pavilion Boat, I would have thrown you into the river and drowned you. It's not wrong to want to climb up the social ladder and get rid of your current status, but you have to look at the situation. To teach you such a thing, and to call yourself the top hostess, any random girl from the other families is better than you. It's no wonder that the famous leader ten years ago has fallen out of the top ten. If you dare to make trouble again, even if you're not someone from Pavilion Boat, I will skin you alive! "
Mei Yi stood up and tidied her clothes. Only then did she return with a faint smile.
Clearly, this small change did not attract Jingwan's attention. Then, she inadvertently saw a pleasure boat in the distance approaching. Her purpose could not be more obvious. She turned around and met Li Hongyuan's gaze. She smiled faintly and said, "Prince, there are visitors."
Li Hongyuan's gaze shifted slightly. Naturally, he saw the pleasure boat. "Just let them return."
"To dare to come at this time, I'm afraid it's not an ordinary person. Prince might as well wait until you understand the identity of the visitor before making a decision."
"You're the one who loves to worry. No matter who it is, it's not like there won't be a chance after today. I won't see them. "
"Some 'friendships' between men are not built in brothels. This person didn't come early or late, but chose this time. How can it not arouse suspicion." Jingwan smiled with a deeper meaning, "I'm going to change." She got up and walked towards the stairs.
Baishao and Hei Mei exchanged a look. Baishao nodded slightly and quickly followed.
His wife had spoken. Li Hongyuan naturally had to "meet them". But, to disturb his good mood, someone had to pay for it.
Receiving the master's signal, seeing the other party getting closer and closer, a pleasure boat at the side sped up and blocked the main pleasure boat. "There's a pleasure boat in front, quickly detour."
The music that originally came from the pleasure boat gradually stopped. The surrounding curtains were quickly hung up. A person who seemed to be in charge quickly walked to the bow, exceptionally respectful and modest, "Is Prince Jin on the pleasure boat? My master is a salt merchant from Jiangnan, surnamed Tie. He requests an audience with Prince. "
Li Hongyuan practiced martial arts and his ears were sharp. The sound in front was not loud, but because he paid attention, he could hear it clearly. Logically speaking, insignificant merchants naturally had no qualifications to have an audience. However, there were always some people who were exceptions. Among Jiangnan's great salt merchants, there was only one with the surname Tie. The others with the surname Tie were mostly his clansmen and followed his lead.
Li Hongyuan investigated the salt policy, so he naturally knew about these great salt merchants. Jiangnan's number one salt merchant was naturally the most important. It was no wonder that the other party dared to come knocking.
Speaking of those greedy people, out of ten people, there would definitely be ten who received benefits from this person. This was the "connections" in the hands of these merchants.
This Iron Salt Head was ruthless in bed and had a special hobby for the person beside him. In business, he was very skilled. He treated his subordinates with a sense of tension and was clear about rewards and punishments. He was also not stingy with his clansmen. As the head of a clan, he had a very heavy right to speak. He was even very far-sighted. He chose a few clansmen with better qualifications and moved them out of the clan. He fully supported the younger generation to study and walk the path of an official. Even two or three of his own sons were sent out for foster care. In another ten years, no, it didn't even need ten years. As long as one of them became an official, with his financial resources and a good choice of path, he would be able to skyrocket. As long as one stood firm, he would naturally be able to pull up the others. One day, he would be able to make the entire clan stand up.
A mere merchant, yet he had the ambition to make the entire clan a prestigious clan.
Li Hongyuan gently knocked on the table and drank slowly. When the words came from the front, he still had a lazy expression and ignored them. However, if he didn't speak, the others naturally didn't dare to do anything. The people in the officialdom had to be dealt with, so these salt merchants naturally couldn't be let go. Of course, he wasn't in charge now, so there had to be a limit to how he dealt with them. After all, if he dealt with these salt merchants, it would also cause chaos. Not only would it affect their intricate network of relationships, but it would also cause civil unrest. Therefore, he had to be careful when dealing with them.
Iron Salt Head might not have anything to say to his own people, but he was ruthless to the outside world. Moreover, his business was too big. The price of salt in some places could be decided by him with a single word. If he colluded with the officials and merchants, in the end, only the common people would suffer. Therefore, this person was bound to be on the list of people to be cleaned up.
When Li Hongyuan slowly finished the wine in his cup, he gave a signal. However, he didn't intend to let anyone board the pleasure boat they were on.
He just let the two pleasure boats side by side, with a distance of one zhang between them.
Iron Salt Head was really as the rumors said. He had a big belly, and his smile was like the Maitreya Buddha. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that his wealth was comparable to that of an aristocratic family. However, his clothes weren't very luxurious, and there wasn't the slightest bit of the aura of a nouveau riche. Those who didn't know would think that he was a person with excellent cultivation. Even if he was surrounded by beauties, he didn't feel anything.
Facing Li Hongyuan, he respectfully saluted, "This commoner greets Jin Wangye."
In contrast to Iron Salt Head, Li Hongyuan leaned back with a leisurely expression. Hei Mei knelt beside him to serve him. It could be said that he was enjoying himself. Hearing this, he only slightly tilted his head to take a look. Then, he unconcernedly withdrew his gaze and continued to drink and listen to music. "Seeing Ben Wang, what's the matter?"
Iron Salt Head couldn't quite grasp Li Hongyuan's thoughts. He wasn't sure whether this Jin Wangye had the ability or not. After all, many things about him were rumors, and he didn't dare to make a conclusion. After a moment of consideration, "This commoner heard that Wangye has booked more than ten pleasure boats and will perform the Hundred Boat Ferry today. The Hundred Boat Ferry has been famous for a long time, but it hasn't appeared for decades. Would this commoner have the fortune to see it?"
Li Hongyuan sneered. He finally sat up straight and looked at the other party, "The Hundred Boat Ferry is so grand. Did Ben Wang block Lin Chuan River or what?"
Thinking about it, it was obvious that the Hundred Boat Ferry would be more grand than the Dragon Boat Race on the Dragon Boat Festival. It would inevitably attract the attention of countless people. Li Hongyuan didn't order an eviction, and he wouldn't do such a thing. Naturally, anyone could see it, anyone could reward it. However, the Hundred Boat Ferry used pleasure boats, and the performers were all prostitutes. There would be many people who would avoid arousing suspicion.
"This commoner was ignorant." Iron Salt Head hurriedly said with a bit of apology.
"You came to find Ben Wang for this?" Whether it was Li Hongyuan's expression or tone, it was obvious that he was displeased.
"That's not the case. This commoner obtained a rare item some time ago. At first glance, it looked like a jade-like stone, but when you looked at it, there was a universe inside. Under the surface, there was a natural-born Qi Yuan map. It was very lifelike. This commoner thought that only the imperial family was worthy of such an item. Therefore, this commoner was bold enough to offer this item to Wangye. "Iron Salt Head hurriedly explained.
"Oh?" Li Hongyuan seemed to be interested, "Let Ben Wang take a look."
"Yes." Iron Salt Head was also clever. He hurriedly had someone bring the pleasure boat closer, and respectfully and carefully had someone bring out a square foot wooden box, "Wangye, look …"
"Yu Zhongqing, go get it."
"Yes." Yu Zhongqing responded. His movements were particularly clean and nimble. He quickly brought the item over. He opened it and placed it in front of Li Hongyuan …
Inside the wooden box, on top of a black velvet cloth, there was a stone with an irregular shape. Its surface was very smooth. Upon closer inspection, it was just as Iron Salt Head said. There was a Qi Yuan map inside. Its shape was more than ninety percent similar. It looked like a level that could not be achieved by humans.
Li Hongyuan took the wooden box and turned around. Sister Hei quickly tidied up the things on the table, leaving enough space for Li Hongyuan.
Li Hongyuan was admiring this rare item, as if he had forgotten about everyone else.
Although he did not show any joy, Iron Salt Head guessed that he would like it very much. The people of the imperial family might not like rare treasures, but for this kind of thing with a good meaning, they would definitely not reject it. The pleasure boat retreated one zhang away, but Iron Salt Head was still respectful. If you paid a little attention, you would find that his eyes fell on Sister Hei. Sister Hei's beauty was very unique. It was not the usual beauty with white skin, but the kind with a bit of wildness. Her beauty was very different. Because it was special, it was impossible not to attract attention. But for those who liked beauty, there were very few who would not be attracted to her. Even if they were not her type, because it was the first time they saw her, they would have the desire to hunt her.
Iron Salt Head's face did not show it, but the lust in his eyes was almost unable to be concealed.
In fact, at Iron Salt Head's side, there was another person, surnamed Su and named Wanting, but Jingwan "forced" her to change her name to Su Ting. However, that person already had an emergency. Right now, this woman who looked like a goddess was one of the many women at Iron Salt Head's side. Her makeup was exquisite, but her clothes were really light. Compared to the prostitutes next to her, she was not inferior. However, to be able to stay by Iron Salt Head's side for more than a month and still live well, it was enough to show that she was not ordinary.
She only used a venomous gaze to look at Li Hongyuan. It could be imagined that she was definitely not living well. Under the veil, those various scars were the best evidence. Thus, she hated Li Hongyuan for "not saving her". But now, she did not dare to show her face, and she could not even attract the other's attention.
She also knew what Iron Salt Head's character was like. She glanced at him and slightly sighed. If he noticed her strange behavior, she was afraid that she would not have a good ending.
Li Hongyuan looked like he was admiring the dance, but in fact, there was no fluctuation in his expression. Qi Yuan's territory was not only so small. In his previous life, he had more than doubled the territory of Qi Yuan. In this life, he would only surpass it.
His wife was still on the dance floor, so he naturally had to send away the unrelated people. He closed the lid of the box, "Put it away." He relaxed his body and prepared to continue admiring the dance.
Yu Zhongqing said something in a low voice.
Li Hongyuan turned around, "You still haven't left?"
Iron Salt Head also knew that the imperial court's prince was different from the local officials. He had already prepared himself to be humble. But even so, when he was really looked down upon to this extent, he could not help but be angry. However, he could not show it in the slightest. He tried his best to maintain his calm, "This commoner will take his leave now. If there is a chance, I will pay my respects to Prince."
Li Hongyuan waved his hand perfunctorily.
Iron Salt Head gritted his teeth and endured. Right now, the entire Jiangnan was not peaceful. If he was not careful, he might be implicated. Therefore, if he could get in touch with Prince Jin, not only would he be able to get rid of the possible danger, he might even be able to take advantage of this to reach the heavens. He closed his eyes and suppressed the negative emotions in his heart. In his plan, he did not expect to achieve his goal today. The current situation was just a little worse than what he had expected. In the past, when he planned something, it was not a problem to use several years of time. If he failed once, it was not a big deal.
Iron Salt Head was deflated, a certain Su family's daughter was naturally happy. However, the hatred in her heart also became stronger. If she could stay by Prince Jin's side, how could she endure the humiliation of this man who was as fat as a pig every day? She always thought of revenge and escape. Unfortunately, she could not do it because she did not want to die!
Not long after Iron Salt Head's pleasure boat left, Jingwan came down from the upper deck and sat beside Li Hongyuan, "I saw Su Wanting."
"Su Wanting?" Li Hongyuan seemed to think for a moment before he remembered who it was, "She's just an item that was sold by her own father. Why pay attention to her?"
In Kai Ming Fu, Su Wanting said that she was at the end of her rope. Thinking about it now, her words at that time were not completely false. But even so, Jingwan did not feel that what she did was wrong, "Naturally, there is no need to pay attention to her. I'm talking about her father …"
"Rest assured, I know what to do."
Jingwan nodded and no longer asked. She just thought that her own husband might not have noticed and reminded him.
Like this, unknowingly, two hours had already passed. Mei yi hesitated and stepped forward, "Wang ye, little gongzi, it's almost time. How about we go to Wan Hua Tai now?"
"If so, then let's go." Jingwan nodded.
Wan Hua Tai was located near the Linchuan River near the Red Lantern Lane. Most of it was built in the water. When they first saw it, it was a three or four story tall giant lantern, unique and exquisite. Jingwan's pleasure boat was docked on the water's surface in front of them. Mei yi yi invited them to the third floor of the pleasure boat. In the place where Jingwan predicted the fake floor, there really was a third floor. Although it was small, it had all the essentials. The furnishings inside might not be expensive, but they were quite exquisite. The large window was opened, and the "giant lantern" could be seen.
Jingwan had asked Mei yi yi about the origin of this "lantern" and what it was used for. It turned out that more than thirty years ago, the richest man in Jiangnan had built it for a brothel girl. It consumed a lot of money, manpower, and material resources, with the intention of "keeping a mistress in a golden house". But later, there was an unforeseen event. The richest man's family was ruined, and the girl seemed to have fallen into the hands of others. This Wan Hua Tai later became the place where all the brothels and pleasure boats were ranked. And this ranking was naturally a competition between the girls of the various brothels and pleasure boats.
Every year, the top twelve girls had the right to use it. The first four times, the second three times, and the third two times. As for the remaining one time, it was up to each family to decide what to do.
What Mei yi yi didn't say was that today's ceremony at dawn was also inside.
Suddenly, the sound of drums came from the "lantern". It was very rhythmic and very rhythmic.
As time passed, the lantern, on the side of the pleasure boat, starting from the top, the wall moved from the middle to the two sides, slowly blooming like flower petals.
Not to mention Jingwan, even Li Hongyuan was surprised. This design was really quite exquisite.
After it was completely opened, it was a huge lotus-shaped stage. There were two petals at the front. One was submerged in the water, while the other was slightly curled. The highest part of the stage extended to the third floor. It could be said that there were layers upon layers. The other parts of the stage were hollow. The craftsmanship was quite exquisite.
At this moment, twelve large drums were distributed throughout the entire space. Some were above, some were below, some were inside, and some were outside. On top of each drum, there was a woman dancing. She was not dancing with graceful steps, but with a strong rhythm. She was wearing a simple yet heavy headdress that was like a net covering her head. There was also a jewel hanging between her eyebrows. Her upper body was only wearing a close-fitting dudou, and her lower body was wearing bloomers. Her wrists and waist were decorated with gold ornaments. She was gorgeous and charming.
Jingwan saw some of the bright elements from her previous life. She couldn't help but be surprised. On the other hand, she was also more interested.
"It's very exciting. I think the boat owner has put in a lot of effort." Jingwan praised sincerely.
Aunt Mei was a little flattered. "Little Master, you're too kind." She was also relieved. This kind of dance was naturally acceptable to men. But for women, there was a 99% chance that they wouldn't be able to accept it. According to the original plan, Aunt Mei's heart had been drumming. Fortunately …
The whole dance could be said to be charming and passionate. There was a drumbeat in the middle that was like stepping on people's hearts. It was intense and exciting.
After the dance, it still made people want to continue.
The speed at which the drums were taken down was also very fast. It wasn't as difficult as Jingwan had expected.
Then, many girls entered from different directions. Their waists were dressed in muslin dresses, and their outer covers were netted pearls with tassels hanging down. Their long sleeves were either on the petals or hidden behind the petals. Their figures were graceful, and the dance was beautiful. The whole body was divided into twelve parts. Occasionally, they would meet, but it didn't look messy at all. Obviously, it should be the same song. There were twelve kinds of choreography. Jingwan guessed that it was because the twelve families had temporarily merged together. It was really rare to be able to achieve such a level.
And the ones who entered later also brought a big surprise. The petals were divided into two, revealing a flight of stairs from the top to the bottom. There was a small platform in the middle.
A girl appeared at the highest position. She walked along the stairs, dancing as she went down. After a few steps, she stopped and a clear and pleasant song sounded. Then, a second girl appeared. Then, a third, a fourth, and finally, a total of six people. They were all the girls who had been "accompanying" on the boat.
To be able to be called the lead, they naturally weren't bad at all.
And what really surprised Jingwan was that there seemed to be sound amplification. Otherwise, with such a distance, they shouldn't be able to hear it so clearly.
With the "rise" of the Wan Hua Platform, it naturally attracted more and more people. And if they wanted to enjoy the performance of the Wan Hua Platform, they naturally had to be on the water. But they didn't dare to occupy the best position. Because, ten zhang away from the three boats, there were many other boats. In order to get the best position, there was naturally a situation where they suppressed others. However, in the middle of these people, a black-clothed guard with a knife suddenly appeared, and everyone immediately fell silent.
At some point, a melodious and lingering sound came from both sides. She faintly heard that the Hundred Boat Crossing had begun.
Small boats of various shapes and sizes, exquisite and beautiful. There were people dancing, people playing instruments, and several people dancing together. Some people showed off their golden voices.
The boats were changing on the water, but the people who were rowing the boats couldn't be seen. It turned out that they were hiding in the water.
https://www.biqkan.com/11/11807/6653820.html
Please click here to report (registration is free). We will handle it as soon as possible. After reporting, please wait patiently and refresh the page.
Please remember the domain name of this book: www.biqkan.com. Biqkan.Com Biqkan.Com Mobile Version Reading Website: m.biqkan.com
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.
