Chapter 84 (1/2)

Chapter 84: Brothel

Jun Huang nodded. ”Now that I've moved out of Prince Chen Manor, I'm finally out of Qi Chen's control. I was worried that Qi Chen might do something underhanded, though, so I had someone keep watch outside the manor. My worries turned out not to be unfounded. Qi Chen has been going to a brothel these couple of nights.”

”A brothel?”

”Yes. From what I know about Qi Chen, he's never been someone who enjoyed going to brothels. There must be something more to this than meets the eye. I ask you to come with me today to investigate this matter.”

Qi Yun stroked his chin contemplatively. ”If that's the case, we should indeed get to the bottom of this. Second brother has always trusted you. Now, however, he's been doing something in secret. It may end up harming our cause.”

Jun Huang nodded and turned to the quiet Nan Xun. Seeing that both Jun Huang and Qi Yun were looking at him, Nan Xun cleared his throat and said, ”Let us go in the evening then.”

After sunset, the most lively part of the city was the night market. The soft lamplight illuminating the streets painted a stunning picture. The three of them put on some disguise before making their way to the biggest brothel in the imperial city.

Their disguise was nothing more than a change of clothes. Jun Huang wore a silk robe with cloud patterns. There was a jade pendant on her waist and a sculpted fan in her hand. Her hair was half down, topped with an eye-catching jade cap.

Originally Jun Huang was going to prepare a set of green clothes for Nan Xun, but he turned her down. He was a tall and broad man. How could he possibly wear green? He changed into a blue silk robe, which transformed him into a graceful gentleman.

Qi Yun didn't change his clothes. After some discussion, they decided that if Qi Chen noticed them, Qi Yun would be the one to distract him. Everyone in the city knew Qi Yun as a romantic man. Being spotted in a brothel this one time wouldn't hurt his reputation.

”I'm not someone like that!” Qi Yun said defensively, interrupting Jun Huang and Nan Xun's conversation. It was clear from his rushed tone that he was eager to explain himself. ”I've gone there with my friends once or twice, but I never did anything inappropriate.”

Jun Huang looked owishly at Qi Yun. Nan Xun felt a little uneasy. He thought back to what Qi Yun had said in his drunken stupor the day Jun Huang moved into her new house. He was. .h.i.t by a sudden wave of jealousy.

Seeing the confusion in Jun Huang's eyes, Qi Yun smiled awkwardly and said that he had overreacted. After some more preparation, the three of them moved out.

The city was full of life in the evening. There were many young people walking on the street. The three of them were good-looking, attracting stares from the young women who pa.s.sed by.

The stilt houses next to them were decorated with red lanterns. It wasn't a holiday, but the lanterns were lit. At a distance, they looked like dragons fading into darkness.

There were many brothels in the imperial city. At night, the street was packed with people. Women of the night approached potential customers with a bashful smile, waving their silk handkerchiefs as they walked.

The three of them stood out in the crowd. It was impossible to ignore them. Soon, they had caught the attention of many women working at the brothel Peony House. The women asked the procuress to talk to the trio.

The flamboyant procuress walked up to Jun Huang and smiled with an eyebrow raised, the red dangling ornament on her head shook as she moved. The black silk robe she wore was a clear indication of how lucrative this business could be. She waved her silk handkerchief in the air. The fragrance of makeup was so strong that Jun Huang felt a little light in the head. She covered her nose and mouth and stepped back.

Noticing her discomfort, Nan Xun stepped between Jun Huang and the procuress. ”What do you want?”

”What do I want?” said the procuress with a honeyed smile. ”The gentlemen have come out for a good time. Why don't you have some fun at my Peony House?”

”Sorry, we have somewhere else to be,” said Nan Xun.

Out came a woman with delicate makeup. She sauntered up to them. The procuress pulled her lips into a bright smile and introduced the woman like one would with a product, ”This is the most famous courtesan in Peony House. If the gentlemen come inside, I will have her accompany you in drinking.”

”Thank you for the offer,” Jun Huang said with a faint smile once she had recovered. ”Unfortunately, we have business to attend to. If we have the time, we will be sure to visit. Please excuse us.” She cupped her hands at the procuress and the woman before dragging Nan Xun and Qi Yun away.

She didn't like wasting her time. If delayed here, they might miss Qi Chen. She didn't want this trip to be in vain.