Chapter 34: Free Patronage is an Art (2-in-1 Chapter)

Chengdong, Yanyue Street.

It was not yet the Hour of the Dog, but the lanterns were already lit in the brothel alley, the sounds of strings and woodwinds constant, accompanied by the bursts of laughter from the young ladies.

The entrance to the alley was packed with carriages and horses, and the heavily made-up procuress was busy greeting guests.

There were nobles in brocade and fine silk, scholars in pleated robes, and martial artists in tight-fitting gear with fierce auras...

But here, they all had one common name:

Patrons.

Compared to other private brothels in the city, the ladies of the Music Bureau were of higher quality; most had undergone formal training, possessing both beauty and talent, skilled in song and dance.

And something not found elsewhere—the female relatives of disgraced officials.

Because of their special status, these women were most favored by merchants, gentry, and even colleagues from the imperial court...

However, the Music Bureau was not something everyone could afford; the "tea fee" alone was six taels of silver per person, and that was just the minimum consumption, not counting the money for the ladies.

It was enough to make ordinary commoners shrink back.

Even so, most of the courtyards were packed, and the more popular ones even required advance booking.

Calling it a "gold-melting cave" was no exaggeration.

Clatter, clatter, clatter—

A burst of hoofbeats rang out, and several figures rode over.

They only reined in their horses at the alley entrance, the steeds lifting their front hooves and letting out a series of neighs.

The surrounding crowd let out a gasp, subconsciously dodging away.

A young master in brocade shouted angrily:

"Who is so unruly, daring to gallop in the market..."

When he saw the steed, its body crimson red and its four hooves white as snow, his eyes instantly cleared, and he pretended to gaze at the sky as if nothing had happened.

Blood-Red Horse, a unique breed exclusive to the Heaven Scale Guard.

In Tiandu City, to a certain extent, the three words "Heaven Scale Guard" represented the rules.

The group dismounted, handed their reins to the servants, and the procuress was already swaying her waist as she came up to meet them.

"Oh my, what a rare guest. Master Qin, it’s been a while, hasn't it? I thought you had forgotten about me."

Qin Shou pulled a silver note from his bosom, skillfully stuffed it into the procuress's collar, and gave her a pinch, "How could you say that? I could forget anyone, but I could never forget you."

"You're hateful~"

The procuress’s eyes were filled with charm, her whole body leaning softly against Qin Shou.

Noticing Chen Mo's strange gaze, Qin Shou cleared his throat and said, "Is the place arranged? If you neglect our Battalion Commander, I will hold you accountable!"

"Battalion Commander?"

The procuress was stunned upon hearing this and looked up.

It had been too dark to see clearly just now, but she saw that one of them had a tall, upright posture, a face like polished jade, and a black profound robe faintly embroidered with silver patterns—truly noble in appearance.

The face seemed somewhat familiar...

"Battalion Commander Chen?!"

The procuress hurriedly bowed in salute.

This gentleman was currently making quite a name for himself in Tiandu City.

He had been a regular at the Music Bureau before, but he had only ever sought out one lady, Gu Manzhi.

Some time ago, Gu Manzhi suddenly disappeared, the entire Music Bureau was sealed for several days, and everyone who had any connection to her was arrested.

Some of those people still hadn't been released, their lives or deaths unknown...

There were many rumors within the Music Bureau; some said Gu Manzhi was a barbarian spy, others said she was a demon in human form... but no matter the version, it was inseparable from Chen Mo!

"Alright, lead the way. A few more colleagues will be coming later."

Qin Shou patted her on the buttocks.

"Follow me, sir."

The procuress gave him a coquettish glare and led the group into the alley.

Watching those hips that were almost swinging to the sky, Chen Mo said to Qin Shou with a half-smile, "I didn't expect you to have a taste for this?"

Although the woman's makeup was heavy and she was well-maintained, it was still hard to hide the fine wrinkles at the corners of her eyes.

She was at least ten years older than Qin Shou.

"Boss, in terms of martial arts, I am not your match, but in terms of the art of patronage, you are not as accomplished as I am."

"Only women like this have flavor; they are experienced and know how to cherish a man."

"And compared to those young and beautiful girls, these ones with average conditions and older ages are easier to be overlooked. As long as you give them a little care, they will be moved to tears, wishing to throw their whole hearts into you and serve you in a way that is truly comfortable..."

"Not to mention anything else, last time she didn't even take my silver."

Qin Shou shared his experience with a look of pride.

Who said this procuress was old? This procuress was excellent!

Chen Mo said with disdain, "The morning sun rises, you really are true to your name."

Qin Shou grinned.

He felt no shame, but rather pride.

In any case, it was a mutual agreement; being able to get it for free was his skill.

Arriving in front of a courtyard, the plaque hanging on the gate bore the three characters "Qingya Studio."

The room was lively and noisy; they must have been having a tea party.

Pushing the door open to enter, there were several square tables in the room, and about a dozen people were raising cups to drink, chatting and laughing.

Just as Chen Mo and the others sat down, they heard a man in a white robe holding forth: "My neighbor's aunt's nephew works in the Heaven Scale Guard, and he was there when they executed the demon."

"He saw with his own eyes that Qin Wuxiang transformed into a thousand-foot-tall demon with twelve heads and twenty-four arms!"

"With just one stomp, the earth turned into a rift valley!"

"And Battalion Commander Chen was fearless, sneering: With hands grasping the sun and moon to pluck the stars, there is no one in the world like me! With feet treading on yin and yang to set the universe, from the ancient wilderness until now, I am the supreme!"

"He waved his hand and slashed out a blade!"

"Guess what happened?"

"Pfft..."

Qin Shou couldn't help but laugh out loud, whispering, "Boss, did you have so many lines that day?"

The other officers' bodies trembled, also holding back their laughter with great difficulty.

"..."

Chen Mo rubbed his temples.

This matter was becoming more and more outrageous as it spread.

Although that Qin Wuxiang had strange methods, in terms of true strength, he shouldn't have reached the Fifth Realm yet, but in the mouths of these people, he was almost a world-destroying demon...

"Brother, why do you laugh? Do you not believe it?"

The man turned his head upon hearing the sound, his expression displeased.

Qin Shou shook his head and said, "I just thought of something happy... It's nothing, you continue."

Seeing that they were all full of heroic spirit and didn't look like people to be trifled with, the man in the white robe didn't say anything more.

Interrupted halfway, he lost the mood to brag and picked up his wine cup to drink with his friends.

Half an incense stick later.

The sound of strings and woodwinds rose, and several dancing girls walked out from behind the curtains.

They were beautiful, with slim waists and perky buttocks, dressed in thin gauze skirts, stretching their graceful figures as they danced between the square tables.

The skirts fluttered lightly, and the inadvertently revealed spring scenery made it impossible for people to look away.

The dancing girls were also sizing up the guests.

If there was one they fancied, they would sit beside him and drink a cup together; the matter was then considered settled.

Guests could also take the initiative to choose, but it would always cost a bit more silver.

"As expected of Qingya Studio, the quality is not bad!"

"Why do I feel like that girl in the green skirt is looking at me?"

"Bullshit, she's clearly looking at me!"

Qin Shou and the others tugged at their clothes, straightening their backs.

Watching these animals competing frantically, Chen Mo shook his head with disdain, then silently tidied his hair, putting on a look of refined elegance.

Although there was no shortage of world-class beauties around him, most were only for looking and not for eating—the only one he had eaten was the Imperial Consort's foot.

As a martial artist with vigorous blood and qi, he also needed to release, otherwise, it would not be conducive to physical and mental health.

A dancing girl in a red skirt swept her gaze over and saw Chen Mo, who was clear-featured and jade-like, and her eyes suddenly lit up!

What a handsome young master!

Although the process was about the same, who wouldn't want to find someone pleasing to the eye?

Taking advantage of the fact that other sisters hadn't noticed this treasure of a boy, the dancing girl in the red skirt walked lightly to Chen Mo's side, her buttocks sitting nimbly on his lap, her voice coquettish:

"Sir, would you like to share a cup with me?"

Chen Mo looked her up and down.

Her features were delicate, lightly powdered, about an eighty-point standard.

Under the thin gauze, her snow-white breasts were about to burst out; her figure could be given ninety points.

"Can you do the splits?"

Chen Mo asked abruptly.

Xiao Hong was slightly stunned, then immediately understood, saying: "Is the gentleman talking about the Heaven-Facing Stirrup?"

She lifted her left leg, raised it above her head, and easily stretched both legs into a straight line.

"Very good, you're the one."

Chen Mo nodded with satisfaction and reached out to pull her into his arms.

Feeling those strong, sturdy muscles, Xiao Hong could not help but be somewhat surprised.

This person looked delicate and handsome, like a refined scholar, yet his body was actually this strong?

Her cheeks flushed red, her eyes almost melting, and she leaned into Chen Mo's ear, whispering like an orchid: "Gentleman, come into the room with this slave..."

Just then, the door to the wine room was suddenly pushed open, and a group of people walked in.

Seeing Chen Mo sitting at the table, they bowed and saluted:

"Platoon Leader Chen!"

"Sorry, I'm late."

Chen Mo looked back and was instantly stunned.

Among the few Ding Fire Division bailiffs, a woman was standing there. Beneath a blue and white long skirt, a section of calf as crystalline as jade was exposed; her face was fair and flawless, her nose was straight and delicate, and her lips were tender.

Yet, her slightly cold and sharp brows and eyes diluted this beauty, giving one the impression that she was only to be admired from afar, and those who dared to profane her would die.

"Boss, am I dreaming?"

Qin Shou muttered, dumbfounded.

Slap!

Chen Mo raised his hand and slapped him across the face.

"Does it hurt?"

"It hurts."

"Then you aren't dreaming... is this damn woman Li Yuan?!"

Chen Mo felt his worldview crumbling.

Li Yuan had actually come to the Music Conservatory, and was dressed like this? If he wasn't mistaken, she had even applied rouge?

The other guests were also a bit strange.

Since when does a patron bring his own girl?

Seeing Chen Mo holding a girl in his arms, Li Yuan's eyes turned cold, and she walked to Qin Shou's side.

"Move."

"..."

Qin Shou silently stood up and vacated the seat.

Li Yuan sat down next to Chen Mo, staring at him without blinking.

Chen Mo frowned and said: "Platoon Leader Li, this doesn't seem like a place you should be, right?"

Li Yuan raised an eyebrow and said: "Who decreed that women can't come here? Can't I come to drink and listen to music?"

"Fine."

Chen Mo was too lazy to bicker with her.

As long as she didn't delay his own business, he would let her be.

Li Yuan picked up a wine cup and gulped it down; as the strong liquor went down her throat, a faint pink hue appeared on her cheeks.

Her gaze fell on Xiao Hong, whose heart suddenly skipped a beat; the hair on her back stood on end as if she were being watched by a wild beast, and the intense pressure made it difficult for her to breathe.

"Gen, gentleman, this slave needs to go relieve herself..."

Xiao Hong stood up and left quickly.

This was not an excuse; she really did feel the urge... Li Yuan was a Sixth-Rank martial artist who lived by the blade; even a tiny leak of her aura was more than she could bear.

And although the other dancing girls were also quite fond of Chen Mo, they did not dare to get even an inch closer in the face of Li Yuan's palpable killing intent.

This resulted in the table being cold and deserted, with no one daring to approach.

Chen Mo said helplessly: "You've scared everyone away, who is going to keep me company for a drink?"

Li Yuan turned her head away and said softly: "If nothing else... I'll drink with you."

Chen Mo shook his head.

The point wasn't the drinking, but what happened after the drinking!

"What a pity, that girl could even do the splits..."

"What's so special about that? I can do it too."

Li Yuan stood up, unconvinced, lifted her left leg high, and rested it on Chen Mo's shoulder, her long, supple legs stretched out straight.

Facing Chen Mo's shocked gaze, the corners of Li Yuan's mouth curled up, "How about it? Is it standard enough?"

Chen Mo cleared his throat, "Ahem, Platoon Leader Li, you're wearing a skirt..."

"..."

Li Yuan's expression changed, and she hurriedly covered her skirt hem and sat down.

"It's actually pink underwear; Platoon Leader Li has quite a girlish heart," Chen Mo said with a low laugh.

"Shut up, don't, don't you dare say it!"

Li Yuan's face flushed bright red, and she glared at him in shame and anger.

She usually wore tight-fitting martial arts gear, and this was her first time wearing a skirt; she hadn't even thought about such things.

"But this outfit doesn't really suit you..."

Chen Mo pinched his chin, examined her for a moment, and said: "Platoon Leader Li is better suited for leather pants."

Li Yuan's greatest features were her sky-high long legs and her firm, rounded buttocks, and the slightly loose skirt hid both of these advantages.

Li Yuan frowned slightly.

She had specifically borrowed this skirt from a neighbor's girl and even had her help apply light makeup, otherwise, she wouldn't have arrived so late.

And yet this guy was still being picky?

"...What are leather pants?" Li Yuan could not help but ask.

Chen Mo said mysteriously: "You wouldn't understand even if I told you; if there's a chance, I'll give you a pair."

"Give them to me?"

"This person is giving me clothes, does he want me to wear them for him to see? Hmph, then I'll have to consider it."

For some reason, Li Yuan felt a strange sweetness in her heart.

Chen Mo calculated to himself:

"Xu Qingyi's thong, Li Yuan's leather pants, right, and I'll get the Empress a pair of silk stockings... tsk tsk, I really am a genius!"

"Sigh, what a pity, Miss Yu'er didn't make an appearance."

"I heard her zither skills are peerless, comparable to the previous 'Zither Fairy,' and her appearance is even more stunning..."

The man in the white robe had downed several cups of strong liquor and was somewhat tipsy, speaking with a look of regret.

Others shook their heads and said: "This Miss Yu'er is a woman of the Xu family, and her reputation has been soaring lately; she's expected to become the top courtesan, so naturally, she has to keep her status high. How could she easily see guests..."

However, no sooner had he finished speaking than a melodious zither sound drifted from behind the curtains.

The zither sound was like silk, like heavenly music, as if an Epiphyllum blooming in the night, quiet and enchanting.

Everyone listened, intoxicated and unable to recover for a long time.

"It's Miss Yu'er!"

"The lingering sound echoes in the rafters; she truly is a fairy of the zither!"

"To be able to hear her play a song, this night has not been in vain."

Just then, the curtain was lifted, and a stunningly beautiful woman walked slowly toward them, and under the gaze of everyone, she sat down beside Chen Mo.

Her luscious red lips parted slightly:

"Platoon Leader Chen, may I have a drink with you?"