Chapter 674

Twilight gathered, and the Drum Tower in the Inner City had just struck the hour of the Dog.

This Commandery Prince of Prince Ying's Mansion was wrapped in a cloud-brocade cloak, the jade pendant at his waist swaying back and forth under the lantern light.

The two guards from the Prince's Mansion behind him were clearly not fools.

Since they couldn't persuade him, they had to ensure his safety.

Whenever they walked through dim streets, they would keep their hands on their sword hilts, their gazes sweeping across the surrounding alley entrances like hawks.

The layout of the capital of the Divine Land generally had its own principles.

The "Rites of Zhou: Record of Tradesmen" recorded: "The craftsman builds the capital, nine li square, with three gates on each side. There are nine north-south and nine east-west roads in the capital, and the roads are wide enough for nine carriages to travel side by side. Ancestral temple on the left, Altar of Land and Grain on the right, court in front, market behind, each occupying a hundred paces square."

The general meaning was that when building a capital nine square li in size, three gates were opened on each side.

There were nine north-south and nine east-west roads in the city, and the roads were wide enough for nine carriages to travel side by side.

To the left of the palace was the ancestral temple, to the right was the Altar of Land and Grain, in front was the court, and behind was the market, each occupying a hundred paces square.

The area of the capital continued to expand in later generations, but they all followed similar rules.

But after the Great Xuan Dynasty was founded, it broke the tradition of "court in front, market behind." The area around the front gate was adjacent to brothels, shops, and teahouses, and coupled with the imperial court's policy of lifting the curfew, it gradually formed a "gold-consuming cave."

Passing through the streets and arriving near the front gate, the bustle and lights rushed toward him.

He saw that while shops in other places had already closed, at most hanging lanterns at their entrances, here, entire rows of lantern racks were erected high, candles were brilliant, music was noisy, and there was the sound of men and women laughing.

The street was also densely packed with people, including martial world figures with arms around each other's shoulders, merchants with servants, and even many people dressed in casual clothes, wearing official boots, inviting each other with raised hands—one look and it was clear they were imperial officials.

"Quick, hurry up!"

This Commandery Prince of Prince Ying's Mansion was already full of impatience.

The two guards were helpless and had no choice but to quicken their pace.

The three of them were unusually conspicuous; the moment they stepped out of the dark alley, a crowd of people came to greet them.

"Greetings, Commandery Prince Hai."

"Commandery Prince, it's been a while since you last came..."

"Indeed, Qinxian has been talking about you constantly."

This young master was clearly a regular here; many people surrounded him, their eyes glowing.

That was the look of looking at a fat sheep.

"Move aside, all of you!"

The two guards were instantly annoyed, reaching out to push the surrounding people away.

"Gentlemen, apologies, we're heading to the Piaoxiang Pavilion today!"

"Commandery Prince Hai" seemed to enjoy this feeling very much, laughed heartily, and led his people toward the depths of the street.

The people around were not annoyed, but instead reminded him with faces full of respect.

"Commandery Prince Hai, please hurry, Young Master Wang and the others have already arrived."

"Indeed, it hasn't been this lively for a 'combing' in two years..."

Hearing this, the "Commandery Prince Hai" in front instantly lifted his robe and trotted all the way.

After he walked away, the few people just now immediately retracted their smiles, their faces full of mockery.

"Isn't this fool just grounded? Why was he let out again?"

"That goes without saying, he must have snuck out; didn't you notice he didn't even take a carriage?"

"Hey, hey~ watch what you say, this is our big gold master; maybe tomorrow we'll set up a game..."

They huddled in the corner of the wall discussing in low voices, not noticing that Li Yan had already passed by with his straw hat lowered.

The words of these few people were naturally heard by him.

Li Yan was already somewhat disappointed in his heart.

Judging by the situation, this Commandery Prince was someone who was neither valued nor liked.

Relying on him to sneak into Prince Ying's Mansion would likely be tough.

But since things had reached this point, he could only follow and see first.

Just as he was pondering, the three people in front had stopped their steps.

Li Yan also looked up, only to see that this so-called "Piaoxiang Pavilion" had a three-courtyard layout; the side facing the street was a two-story building, and a plaque reading "Qinyin Yaji" hung on the gate tower, completely devoid of any romantic atmosphere.

The front hall gate was wide open, but a wooden screen had been set up to block the view from the street.

The window lattices of the rooms on the second floor were all covered with red gauze, letting in light but not shadows, and the privacy was very good.

Li Yan could be considered an old hand, and he saw the foundation of this "Piaoxiang Pavilion" at a glance.

It was clearly imitating a top-tier "Qinyin Small Class," yet it was opening its doors in a bustling market to do flesh business; it was worse than the best but better than the worst, and it was easiest to attract those fat sheep who liked to pretend to be refined but were also impatient for lust.

"Commandery Prince Hai, the 'Cold Plum Pavilion' has already been prepared for you."

Seeing the Commandery Prince and his two companions, the leading servant at the entrance hurriedly bowed and welcomed them.

His face was full of obsequiousness, but as he raised his hands, a half-cut fierce tiger tattoo was revealed on his cuff.

Seeing this, Li Yan's eyes instantly narrowed slightly.

It was someone from the "Tiger Might Hall"!

Zhao Wanfang and Luo Faqing had both introduced the situation in the capital to him.

Excluding those in the Mystic Sect, there were mainly three gangs in the city.

The Dongcheng was the "Iron Anchor Society," whose sphere of influence was from the Dongbian Gate to the Chongwen Gate along the canal wharf.

They operated shipping businesses and controlled the "Five Trades" of the Dongcheng, namely "carts, ships, shops, feet, and brokers." The gang members had iron anchors tattooed on their left arms and were good at using cables, iron hooks, carrying poles, and other tools as weapons, with ruthless moves and a stable stance.

Their public businesses included "Shunfeng Shipping" and "Tonghe Cargo Warehouse," while secretly they operated the "Water Ghost Hall."

This gang was born from the Grain Transport Gang and later established a connection with the Dongcheng Military Commission.

The Nancheng was the "Tiger Might Hall," whose sphere of influence was in the area from the Yongding Gate to the Tianqiao.

Originally founded by officials eliminated by the Commandant's Office, they specialized in protecting the goods of wealthy merchants in the Nancheng, and later absorbed refugees from the southwest to form a gang.

The gang members all had tigers tattooed on their arms and wore copper tiger-head plaques at their waists.

Initially, they only operated escort agencies, but now they wanted a hand in every business.

The West City was the "Copper Camel Alliance."

Calling it a gang was more like a chamber of commerce; it was created with the joint support of merchants from Shanxi and Shaanxi, mainly to protect the businesses of the chamber of commerce.

These three gangs occasionally had unpleasantries, but mostly they didn't interfere with each other.

After all, the gang leaders were just doing odd jobs; what they did was ultimately decided by the forces behind them.

Li Yan waited in the dark alley for a while longer, and seeing more and more people coming to the "Piaoxiang Pavilion," he walked toward the entrance.

"This gentleman, please stay your steps."

Just as he walked to the entrance, he was stopped by the leading servant from just now.

"Sir, you look very unfamiliar. Is this your first time at our humble shop?"

The servant smiled all over his face, but behind his back, he made a gesture, and his companions immediately gathered from around, reaching toward their waists.

Li Yan's brows furrowed slightly, and he looked around.

Others were welcomed by servants with respect, but only he was stopped.

It was strange to say; this place had high consumption, and others were either dressed in brocade and silk or brought servants, but only he had the Dust-Breaking Blade slung at his waist, and a flintlock pistol holster hanging at his waist under his cloak, which naturally aroused vigilance.

"What's the matter?"

Li Yan glanced indifferently, "I am from Ezhou; is this place not allowed to be entered?"

"Apologies."

The servant still smiled all over his face, "Our small shop only receives regular customers."

Li Yan was not panicked at all, laughing, "Opening a shop to do business, how can there be a reason to drive away guests? Let's order some flower tea."

Having said that, he took out a five-hundred-tael silver note from his bosom.

The so-called "ordering flower tea" was underworld slang for brothels.

In some high-end brothels, customers visiting for the first time needed to pay a high tea fee.

In the words of his past life, it was verifying assets and screening customers.

Of course, no tea would cost five hundred taels; it was just to prove strength.

"This..."

The leading servant heard this and was instantly in a dilemma. He was not a dedicated pimp for the brothel, but someone sent to watch the venue.

If Li Yan didn't understand, that would be the end of it, but being able to say "order flower tea" meant he was either a martial world figure or a regular at brothels; once he drove the person away and he went out and talked nonsense, the "Tiger Might Hall" would have broken the rules of the martial world.

Seeing other noble gentlemen and wealthy merchants arriving one after another, the servant finally gritted his teeth, "Fine, since you are an old acquaintance (martial world peer), we'll show you the bottom line! This kiln is a plate set by the Tiger Might Hall; there are a few big shots who have come here today, feel free to play with leaves (gamble) if you want, but if you dare to set up a flag (cause trouble), that's making an enemy of our Tiger Might Hall!"

Li Yan grinned, "No need to say, I know the rules on the line!"

"One distinguished guest!"

The servant cupped his hands and shouted loudly toward the inside.

It was both a welcome and a warning to pay more attention to the tough character who had arrived.

Li Yan's brows furrowed slightly, and he walked into the main gate with large strides.

He had originally wanted to go in and find an opportunity to get close to Commandery Prince Hai, but seeing this situation, he still had to be low-key.

Turning past the screen, the view suddenly opened up.

The central courtyard had high-raised carved beams, and the scenery was created with winding water and flowing cups below, which was very elegant.

Behind the flowing water was a built stage, where an old man and a young girl were singing ballads.

There were private rooms on the first and second floors, from which came the sounds of men and women drinking and having fun.

"Guest."

The middle-aged madam walked over, and seeing Li Yan's appearance, she instantly covered her handkerchief and smiled, "Young master, is this your first time here? Do you have any familiar girls?"

"No, could you introduce one?"

Li Yan chatted and laughed while looking around, responding with ease.

"That's natural, please follow me first."

As the madam spoke, she was about to lead him to the private room on the left side of the first floor.

Seeing this, Li Yan instantly furrowed his brows, "The front hall is too noisy, I like it a bit quieter."

He remembered that this Piaoxiang Pavilion was a three-courtyard mansion, and Commandery Prince Hai had already gone to the back.

"Oh my, that's not a coincidence."

The madam looked troubled, "The backyard is full; today is the day of Miss Hu's combing."

"What a coincidence!"

Li Yan clapped his hands and laughed, "I also heard that this Miss Hu has peerless beauty, so I wanted to come and see."

But the madam still refused to agree, changing the subject and laughing, "Young master, please forgive me, the backyard is really full; those who came are distinguished guests, and I can't ask people to vacate their rooms, I can't afford to bear that..."

Just as she was speaking, a voice suddenly rang out from the back, "Hahaha, Liu A-niang, you really have eyes but no pupils!"

Li Yan turned his head to look, and instantly secretly thought it was bad.

The person who came was unexpectedly an acquaintance.

It was Dong Cunshan of the Bagua Sect, whom he had met in Chengdu.

At that time, he had rescued everyone from Prince Wang Yushi's mansion, and Dong Cunshan had gone to Chongqing to seek reinforcements; although he had missed the battle at the Prince's Mansion, the garrison soldiers he brought were also a timely rain, resisting the Chengdu rebel army.

The two sides hadn't met many times, but they could be considered friends who had shared life and death.

Before the other party could speak, Li Yan hurriedly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Li Cheng of Ezhou, greetings to Master Dong."

Dong Cunshan was also a shrewd person, his face unchanged as he laughed, "Brother Li, it's been a long time since we last met."

Having said that, he looked at the madam, his face becoming gloomy, "What's going on?"

The madam hurriedly apologized with a smile, "Master Dong, the backyard is full, this young master wants..."

"What a big deal!"

Dong Cunshan sneered, "Brother Li, just come with me, and get some good wine and food."

"That's natural, Master Dong knows the craftsmanship of our cook."

The madam laughed and took the conversation, as if the matter just now had never happened at all.

After Li Yan and the other left, the madam breathed a sigh of relief and said in a low voice to the person beside her, "That person's identity is not right, be careful."

The servant at the door was also full of lingering fear, "Should we check..."

"Check my ass!"

The madam scolded, "Were you kicked by a donkey? Didn't you see that even Dong Cunshan of the Bagua Sect treated him with courtesy? If there's really something, push it to the Bagua Sect; turn a blind eye and close an eye, and deal with tonight first."

"Those few young masters are fighting for breath, who knows what kind of mess they'll make..."

…………

On the other side, Li Yan had followed Dong Cunshan to the backyard and entered the East Wing private room with the pimp.

The private room was filled with warm fragrance, and a purple sandalwood screen separated the noise from the outside.

Beside the zither case sat a young girl with a snake-head bun, her fingertips brushing across the zither, the overtones like broken jade falling onto a plate.

"You go first, I'm not listening to music tonight."

Dong Cunshan waved his hand, drove the woman away, and then looked at Li Yan.

But he wasn't in a hurry to speak, instead waiting until the pimp had delivered a table full of wine and food, before standing up to close the door, his face solemn as he said, "Brother, has something happened?"

"The evil wind in the capital is strong, it's not good to show my face."

Li Yan smiled slightly, "So Brother Dong also has this hobby."

"Hahaha..."

Dong Cunshan stroked his beard and laughed, "You have such a great reputation in brothels, why are you making fun of me?"

As he spoke, he sighed, "My meridians were injured in Chengdu; although they were healed, my martial path is considered finished in this life, and there's no chance to go further, so I might as well make up for all the suffering I've endured over the years."

He knew Li Yan didn't want to talk, so he didn't pursue the questioning.

Clearly, the battle in Chengdu had not only injured his body but also his spirit.

If it were in the past, he would definitely have wanted to figure out what "evil wind" in the capital Li Yan was talking about.

"Let's not talk about sad things, brother, I'll toast you."

Li Yan picked up his wine glass, clinked it with Dong Cunshan's, and then smiled, "Brother Dong, this Piaoxiang Pavilion is really lively tonight; what kind of girl's combing is this, it's being spread so mysteriously."

"That girl's surname is Hu, from Guandong."

Dong Cunshan replied, "I haven't seen her either, I just heard that those who have seen her have been fascinated, and then it's been spread more and more mysteriously. Sigh, how good-looking can she be? To put it plainly, it's just a trick played by brothels; every year before choosing the flower queen, there are a few."

"The reason it's lively tonight is because a few young masters in the capital are fighting for breath, and everyone is here to watch the fun."

"The auspicious hour has arrived, Miss Hu is debuting!"

Just as he was speaking, a shout from the pimp suddenly rang out outside the door.

Dong Cunshan immediately stood up and pushed open the window.

Li Yan also walked to the window and looked out.

This backyard was designed very cleverly; in the due north position, a two-story embroidered building had been built, with flying eaves and corners, hanging several gold-traced gauze lanterns, reflecting the building as if soaked in rouge, the railings carved with intertwined peonies, the lacquer color bright, clearly being carefully maintained by someone often.

The southeast and west wing rooms surrounded it; opening the doors and windows, one could just see the embroidered building.

But he saw that by the railing of the building, two maids lifted the curtain, and a red shadow slowly walked out.

This girl was dressed in crimson gold-embroidered gauze clothes, the collar slightly open, revealing snow-white skin, the belt at her waist adorned with silver bells, ringing lightly with the night wind.

Just seeing this figure made many people swallow their saliva.

As her slender fingers lifted the light gauze that half-covered her face, a face of peerless beauty was instantly revealed.

Brows like distant mountains containing black, eyes like autumn water condensing light, lips like dots of vermilion, charming without smiling.

What was special was that there was a shallow scar on her left eyebrow, which, far from damaging her color, added a few points of heroism.

The fusion of various unique temperaments had a different kind of charm.

Several young masters in the private rooms had their eyes fixed.

And Li Yan was also staring fixedly at the embroidered building.

He wasn't looking at the girl, but at the woman bowing her head and serving behind her.

She was also an acquaintance he hadn't seen for many years.

Widow Wang, who worshipped the Out-Horse Immortal in Li Family Fort...

(End of chapter)