AMLFS Chapter 121

Chapter 122: Qi Meng Lou

The day after the letter was sent, Prince Zhao Fangye of the Ning district had Sun Shu personally escort Zhang Wenwen into the palace. The party arrived in the suburbs of the capital close to noon.

Sun Shu walked at the head of the group, his gaze involuntarily drifting towards the small courtyard from that day. This time, no wisps of smoke rose from the courtyard.

Frowning slightly, Sun Shu focused his attention ahead, leading the men to the Zhang residence.

Zhang Wenwen didn’t have much luggage, just a few changes of clothes and some books. Standing at the door, he instructed the young man who had come to see him off, “Take good care of the house. If anything happens, find someone to send a message.”

“Yes, Master,” the man replied respectfully.

Afterward, Zhang Wenwen turned to Sun Shu and said, “Let’s go.”

“Please, sir,” Sun Shu said, watching the man get into the carriage before turning his horse around and leading the group towards the capital.

On the way back, Sun Shu glanced at the small courtyard under the shade of the trees, but there was still no sign of activity. It was midday, and the courtyard gates were tightly shut, with no hint of smoke.

After delivering Zhang Wenwen to the Imperial Palace, Sun Shu finished his shift and left the palace. Once outside, he went to a certain alley in the capital and blew the specially made bamboo flute he carried.

As a distinct melody echoed, a man in black appeared from nowhere in the alley.

“How rare! I wonder what business the imperial guard has with me?” The man wore a tight black outfit and a carefree smile on his face.

His phoenix eyes were slightly upturned, carrying a sharp glint.

The man crossed his arms and circled him, his gaze falling on the palace badge hanging from his waist. He reached out and snatched it, saying, “What a treasure! It looks so valuable. You’ve really struck gold, brother. Unlike me, still toiling away as a hidden stake after all these years.”

Ignoring his sarcastic banter, Sun Shu took back the waist tag. Looking at him, he said, “Shadow Five, stop being so sour. Didn’t you want me to treat you to drinks? Let’s go.”

“It’s about time you returned my favor. Well, I won’t stand on ceremony.” Shadow Five draped an arm over his shoulder. “When it comes to drinks in the capital, nothing beats the ‘Drunken Dreams, Lost Lives’ of Qi Meng Lou. If you’re treating, then show some sincerity.”

*That damned fellow,* Sun Shu cursed inwardly. *He never touches cheap liquor. Always goes for the best. Spends all his earnings year-round on drinks.*

Qi Meng Lou was the largest brothel in the capital, catering exclusively to high-ranking officials and nobles. It was a veritable den of money. It seemed he would have to spend lavishly today.

Sun Shu shook off his arm and said, “I’ll change my appearance before going with you.”

“That’s true.” Shadow Five sized him up and then looked at himself. “Let’s go together. In our current getup, the girls won’t find us attractive.”

Hearing his licentious words, Sun Shu couldn’t help but roll his eyes. He was now someone close to the emperor; if someone with ulterior motives saw him, it would only create trouble.

A moment later, two average-looking, handsome young men appeared at the entrance of Qi Meng Lou. The girls in the building immediately surrounded them. “Young masters… You’re here! This servant has missed you terribly…”

Seeing the crowd of scantily clad, heavily made-up girls rushing towards them, Sun Shu instinctively took a few steps back, his brow furrowing involuntarily.

In contrast, Shadow Five was quite composed, smoothly and effortlessly embracing the girls on either side, a look of enjoyment on his face.

“This young master…” Seeing his cold expression, the girls assumed he was shy and eagerly tried to cling to him. “Is this your first time, young master? Don’t be shy…”

Reaching out to block their vine-like hands, Sun Shu’s face darkened. Shadow Five, standing to the side, lazily spoke up, “Sisters, pay him no mind; he’s always like that, oblivious to romance.”

Saying that, he led the girls into the building. “Sisters, quickly find us a table and bring a pot of ‘Drunken Dreams, Lost Lives’.”

The girls in Qi Meng Lou weren’t stupid; they had sharp eyes. Hearing what Shadow Five said, they stopped pestering Sun Shu. They led them towards the second floor.

“Young masters, you’ve come at the perfect time today. Today is the Fragrant Bloom Day in the brothel. The view is good from the second floor, and it’s near the window, so please give your support when the time comes.” The girl who led them upstairs waved a fan in her hand, smiling alluringly. She settled them in and ordered someone to bring wine and refreshments.

After sitting down, Sun Shu looked around. Their position was on the second floor, separated by screens to form a small compartment. Beside them was a large window, allowing a full view of the activity in the building.

His gaze moved to the high platform in the middle of the hall. Sun Shu stood by the window and asked, “What is Fragrant Bloom Day?”

“You don’t even know that? Brother Sun, you’re really a bumpkin.” Shadow Five leaned back on the soft cushion, mocking him. “Does Brother Sun know what it means to ‘experience the fragrance of a beauty’? Fragrant Bloom Day is when the brothel auctions off the first night of the girls. The highest bidder gets to ‘experience the fragrance’.”

*So that’s how it is.* Sun Shu’s brow furrowed even deeper. He had always been disgusted by such things. If they weren’t desperate, who would be willing to sell their bodies for trade?

In times of turmoil, when ordinary people couldn’t survive, they would sell their daughters to make a living. It was truly a tragedy. Therefore, looking at the heavily made-up girls in the brothel, his eyes filled with a hint of pity.

The wine and refreshments were brought up. Shadow Five reached out and poured himself a cup. The liquor entered his throat, mellow and sweet. Holding the cup, he praised, “Not bad, not bad. ‘Drunken Dreams, Lost Lives’ isn’t just an empty name. Brother Sun, would you like a cup?”

Shadow Five raised his cup to him, but Sun Shu sat still, unmoved, with a troubled and confused expression. Shadow Five became interested in his appearance.

Suddenly sitting up straight, he stared at him intently, his eyes full of interest. “Today isn’t just about treating me to drinks, is it? Tell me, what’s really going on?”

This old friend of his was carefree and simple-minded. After so many years of acquaintance, he had never asked him for help with personal matters, except for official business.

Except for the last time he asked him to find a woman and deliver a letter.

Sun Shu felt uncomfortable under his gaze and unconsciously touched his nose. Sitting down on the soft cushion, he cleared his throat and said, “That… well…”

Sun Shu involuntarily clenched his fists, unsure of what he was doing. But deep down, he cared a lot. He decided to go all in.

“Um… that woman you helped me find last time. How are they doing now?”

“Woman? Could that woman be your sweetheart?” Shadow Five swirled his wine glass, deliberately twisting his meaning. “But if you’re looking for her, she’s a bit too old… If you’re looking for someone else…”

Shadow Five paused, looking at him with interest.

“Shadow Five!” Sun Shu was rarely angry. “Be serious. I’m being serious.”

“Alright, alright.” Shadow Five spread his hands. “That family was originally a concubine of a noble family, but she was constantly suppressed and retaliated against by the primary wife. Her health seemed poor. The Prince sent someone to find them a separate courtyard to live in the suburbs of the capital.”

“That’s all?” Seeing that he had finished, and wanting to ask something more, Sun Shu was interrupted by the sudden excitement by the window.

“How come there are men? When did Qi Meng Lou start running male ‘students’? But he is good-looking, with an outstanding temperament compared to ordinary gaudy women.”

“How much for this male courtesan? I want him!”

On the high platform in the hall, several people were brought up, men and women. But only one was a man, sitting in a circular chair, his expression strange, as if he was crying and laughing at the same time. The girl next to him had a numb expression, unable to discern other emotions.

“This is interesting.” Shadow Five looked at the man in the middle. “It’s such a waste that he’s so pretty.”

Sun Shu wasn’t interested at first, he had always disdained the business of forcing people into prostitution. But he didn’t know why, he glanced over almost involuntarily.

With just one glance, Sun Shu’s pupils trembled. He stood up abruptly, knocking over the wine cups on the table, spilling wine all over Shadow Five.

Liang Xiuzhu! How could he be here?

“What are you doing?” Looking at Sun Shu who ran to the window and stared intently at the man, Shadow Five said keenly, “What? Is he your lover? Such a big reaction?”