Chapter 63: Visiting Brothels to Find a Girl

Jiang Jinshi thought for a moment, took out five taels of silver from his bosom, and placed Jiang Daya's hand into it.

"To a farther place."

Jiang Daya shook her head: "I can't take your silver!"

"Consider it a loan; I'll repay you double later." After saying this, Jiang Jinshi prepared to turn and leave, but suddenly thought of something and continued speaking.

"If you really don't know where to go, then go to Jiangnan! I heard the scenery there is nice."

Jiang Daya gave no reply, stared blankly at the silver in her hand, and when she looked up again, Jiang Jinshi had already walked several meters away, his silhouette about to be swallowed by darkness.

"Thank you, brother!"

Jiang Jinshi walked on the mud, smiled and replied softly: "You're welcome, sister!"

He didn't know why he saved Jiang Daya, perhaps because she gave him a breath of relief? Or perhaps that carefree smile made him pity this woman harmed by the sorrow of the times.

It might also be the original owner's memories influencing him, recalling how Jiang Daya had once been kind to him.

But none of that mattered; if he wanted to act, he should, as long as his conscience is clear!

At dawn, when the village head arrived, he discovered Jiang Daya had already fled. He wouldn't call the villagers to search, but would honestly report to the authorities, after all that was his duty.

For Li Xinyue, today was a day to be glad about; because of last night's events, today Widow Wang finally didn't go to the foot of the mountain, which meant the opportunity she had been waiting for several days finally arrived.

Jiang Jinshi was to enter the city today, having promised to avenge Tang Lin, so he needed to scout the area first and look for a chance.

Jiang Li was coaxed by Li Xinyue to stay home and make lunch, mainly because if Jiang Li followed Li Xinyue up the mountain, Li Xinyue truly couldn't explain a massive tree suddenly vanishing.

Fortunately, Jiang Li was very obedient, which made Li Xinyue's actions much easier.

After hastily finishing breakfast, Li Xinyue darted up the mountain, taking advantage of the empty foot of the hill to conduct her business, as if she saw many points beckoning her.

Jiang Jinshiyi looked puzzled at the cheerful Li Xinyue as she left, while Jiang Li explained beside him.

"Since the wild boar incident, sister‑in‑law goes up the mountain every day; last time she even picked up wild mountain ginseng!"

Hearing that, Jiang Jinshi shook his head helplessly; such good things don't happen often, but if she wants to go, let her.

Once back in the city, Jiang Jinshi headed straight for the brothel; during the day the brothel entertains scholars with music and wine, while overnight lodging is mostly offered at night.

Arriving at the brothel's entrance, the large characters "Drunken Immortal Tower" filled his view, and the scent of rouge mixed with alcohol hit his face.

Because Jiang Jinshi's attire didn't look like that of a wealthy person, the stout madam inside the threshold only glanced at Jiang Jinshi and said nothing further.

Jiang Jinshi wasn't angry; he took out broken silver from his bosom and placed it before the madam: "A pot of tea!"

"Hey! Guest, this way, please."

The madam's eyes beneath her flower‑adorned high bun resembled two rusty copper coins, and the fake smile piled on her face was unbearably disgusting.

He found a seat in the first‑floor hall, and the madam skillfully introduced: "Guest, you seem unfamiliar with some faces; do you have any acquainted girls?"

Jiang Jinshi shook his head: "Just tea tasting is fine!"

The madam nodded: "Then I won't disturb you, call me anytime you need!"

As she turned, the madam instantly changed her expression, murmuring softly: "Another poor kid."

It's still early, so the hall is practically empty; occasionally one can see guests who stayed overnight descending from upstairs.

At the very center sat a woman playing the qin; the music was very soft, likely to avoid disturbing sleeping customers, yet audible enough for everyone on the first floor.

Jiang Jinshi didn't understand any melody; he only felt it noisy, patiently searching for the person in the portrait.

After a long time with no result, Jiang Jinshi's tea was nearly finished, so he got up and headed outside, planning to return when more people came at night.

This visit was merely to try his luck, not expecting to find anyone on the first try.

After all, this street has more than one brothel; there are three in total, plus two flower boats.

So Jiang Jinshi has already prepared himself; for the next few days he can only be forced to linger among these flower streets and willow alleys.

It's truly not his original intention, but for his good brother Tang Lin, such sacrifice is his duty.

With nothing to do, Jiang Jinshi planned to wander nearby, mainly to check out the tooth shop and gambling dens, since Yangguangzhai is currently facing a factional alignment issue; getting ahead of it would ease his future choices.

Unless he can drive away the remaining three villages in one go, hoping not to pick sides like the old Menghuzhai would be nothing but a fool's dream.

When he arrived at the tooth shop, he was still greeted by that same young servant; the servant had a good memory and recognized Jiang Jinshi at a glance.

"Guest, do you want the same kind of goods as last time?"

He was, of course, deeply impressed by Jiang Jinshi, since such demanding customers are hard to encounter even once a year, and they earn him more than selling fine goods.

"Just looking around!" Jiang Jinshi this time wasn't as cash‑poor as before; his confidence was high, intending to properly stroll through this tooth shop.

"Alright, Guest, call me when you see something you like!"

This time the tooth shop had noticeably more people than last, but the quality looked similar; most had dull, lifeless eyes, a kind of bewilderment about an uncertain future.

After a round of browsing, Jiang Jinshi suddenly recalled that since he bought Tang Lin here, perhaps he could ask which brothel originally threw him out; that would solve the problem, wouldn't it?

It would also save him from going house to house…

Actually there's no need to ask; after all, so many people come here daily, the young servant couldn't remember clearly.

He comforted himself this way in his mind; Jiang Jinshi, of course, wouldn't admit he was there to browse brothels, mainly to ask the young servant something the servant surely couldn't remember.

……

"Of course I remember; it left a deep impression on me. He was thrown out by Smoke Willow Pavilion," the young servant said earnestly.

Jiang Jinshi tried to argue further: "Is there a chance you remembered incorrectly?"

The young servant waved his hand: "Impossible; we and Smoke Willow Pavilion share the same owner."

"By the way, Guest, why are you asking this?"

"Nothing, I just think their move was heavy; people died before even leaving the city!" Jiang Jinshi completely gave up his struggle.

"Guest, have you found a good one? Since you're so familiar, I can give you a decent price," Xiao Si rubbed his hands, eager to close the deal.

"I'll come back another day to take another look!"

"Alright! Guest, take your time."

After leaving the tooth shop, Jiang Jinshi headed toward Smoke Willow Pavilion; now that he knew the exact location, he needed to scout it in advance.

All the way until night fell, the riverside began to light candles, and Jiang Jinshi walked with steps that showed no affection for his kin into Misty Willow Pavilion.

The madam of Misty Willow Pavilion was far superior to that of Drunken Immortal Pavilion; she not only looked young, every frown and smile was like basking in the spring breeze, and she had no intention of looking down on Jiang Jinshi.

"Sir, would you like a private room?"

Jiang Jinshi pulled out a lump of silver, placed it in his hand and tossed it up and down: "Private room, call a few more girls; first agree on the terms—if they're not good-looking, I'll turn and leave right away."

The madam beamed with joy: "Our Misty Willow Pavilion's girls are naturally the most beautiful in Jiangcheng; you'll see at a glance."

As the madam led the people in, Jiang Jinshi skillfully raised his hand and waved.

"Change the batch!"