Chapter 6 Entering a Brothel
The current emperor had been obsessed with cultivating immortality for over a decade, a fact not uncommon in both the officialdom and the people. Song Jian was dismissed from his position as prime minister twice, both for dissuading the emperor from cultivating immortality. Li Shufeng's rise to power was largely due to his ingratiation with the emperor. Not only did he find a deity to worship as his ancestor, he often accompanied the emperor in his cultivation, even building a dedicated palace within the palace.
Song Qianzhao strolled through the streets, hearing all the news about Song Jian. She finally understood that Song Jian's position within the court was precarious. His transfer back to the capital and inclusion on the cabinet list wasn't due to his outstanding political achievements, but rather to the lack of prestige of the powerful Li Shufeng, who had been invited back to stabilize the situation, hoping to win him over. However, upon his return, Song Jian, far from appreciating the offer, reprimanded Li Shufeng. In his eyes, he had transformed from a figure to be won over to a mere stepping stone that must be eliminated.
Having offended Li Shufeng, Song Jian's position was precarious. And Song Fu's foolish actions had handed the knife to his enemies. Although Song Qianzhao had never met Song Jian, and he hadn't explicitly acknowledged her as his adopted grandson, her name was already in the family tree, recognized as his. If anything happened to Song Jian, she would suffer as well—the Li Clan would never miss the opportunity to annihilate him and eradicate his future threat.
As the sun set in the west, Song Qianzhao gazed at the darkening sky and sighed softly. Only then did she truly understand Song Jian's predicament and Song Fu's folly. She couldn't handle this on her own; she needed help. He Jingyi had made it clear that the Song Mansion wouldn't help her, so she had to seek other options. With her current status, she couldn't draw on the court for support, but there was one group of people closest to the center of power: the dandy sons of wealthy families.
The capital was home to many wealthy families and wealthy men, but with the Li Party controlling the government, few could help her. After exploring the streets, Song Qianzhao had a candidate in mind. "Let's go!" As soon as she finished her words, she headed deeper into Yin'an Street, with Xunjiu following closely behind.
The attendant who had been silent all this time suddenly spoke up: "Young Master, it's getting late. It's time to return home. Curfew will begin in an hour. If we are arrested by the imperial guards, it will be inconvenient."
"I know." Song Qianzhao said without turning his head, and continued to walk. Xun Jiu gave his follower a strange look and quickened his pace to catch up. The follower shook his head helplessly and had to continue to follow.
The three of them set foot on Yin'an Street once again, but this time, instead of visiting the winery or the shoe shop, they headed straight for the middle section. Pedestrians were hurrying home, while vendors hawked their remaining goods. Song Qianzhao paused before a brightly lit pavilion. A plaque reading "Hongxinglou" hung high above the vermilion lacquered gate. Several girls leaned against the carved railings, their veils fluttering, their smiles inviting customers. Three years ago, this place had produced a renowned courtesan, and while its popularity might have faded, it remained a renowned venue for entertainment.
Song Qianzhao stood in front of the building, neither entering nor leaving. The attendant behind her tightened her bag on her shoulder, looking at her with a complicated expression—could it be that the Song family was about to produce another playboy? At this moment, a brothel owner, dressed in luxurious attire, hurried over, her face full of smiles. "Sir, is this your first time here? The private rooms upstairs are quiet. Why don't you have the girls accompany you for a cup of tea and some music?" Her eyes swept over Song Qianzhao's clothing and accessories, and her smile deepened.
Song Qianzhao played with the folding fan in his hand and asked with a smile, "I have just arrived in the capital. I heard that there is a famous actress in Hongxinglou who was praised by Mr. Yao. I wonder if I can see her?"
Hearing the word "famous actress," the brothel owner's face changed slightly, and she said awkwardly, "Miss Ming'er hasn't entertained guests for a long time. Your request really puts me in a difficult position." Then, changing the subject, she smiled and suggested, "Why don't you let Miss Qiu'er serve you? Qiu'er is the most famous courtesan here, and most people can't even meet her! I also think you are so outstanding..."
"Has this Miss Qiu'er also been praised by Mr. Luo?" Song Qianzhao interrupted her flattery.
Upon hearing this, the brothel owner's face darkened. Mr. Lu was a leading figure in the capital's entertainment world. Women praised by him saw their value skyrocket, and if they could receive one or two of his masterpieces, their value would double. Such a woman would have already been invited to the top brothels, so how could she possibly be offered a place at Hongxinglou? Shen Ming'er's rise to prominence was a matter of chance, thanks to a compliment from Mr. Lu; it had nothing to do with Hongxinglou itself.
Seeing Song Qianzhao repeatedly using Mr. Yao's name to put pressure on her, the brothel owner knew she had run into a tough opponent and had no choice but to reveal her trump card: "Sir, to be honest, Miss Ming'er already has a patron, and this patron has a prominent background, not someone that ordinary people can mess with."
Song Qianzhao asked with a half-smile, "Old woman, are you kidding me? If there really was a benefactor from a prominent family, he would have redeemed Ming'er long ago. How could he let her fall into prostitution?"
The madam replied with a forced smile, "That patron had his own difficulties and was unable to redeem Ming'er, but he had clearly instructed me not to allow Ming'er to receive other guests."
The smile on Song Qianzhao's face gradually faded, and his expression darkened: "So, you think you can afford to offend me, Song Qianzhao?"
The brothel owner's expression suddenly changed, but she still managed to maintain her arrogance and said, "Our Hongxinglou is not an ordinary place."
"Oh? Are you saying that Hong Xing Lou has a backer?" Song Qianzhao sneered, "Then tell me about it and see if I can afford to offend them."
The madam was about to move on to someone else's support, but Song Qianzhao spoke first, "I remember that in the capital, there aren't many families more prominent than our Song Mansion. Most of them are members of the royal family." She paused, her tone tinged with sarcasm, "Could it be that the distinguished guest you're talking about is the current crown prince?"
Upon hearing this, the brothel owner's expression was a mixture of anger and fear. She was horrified by Song Qianzhao's background, but she dared not reply. If anyone dared to allege that the Crown Prince was a patron of Hongxinglou, Hongxinglou would be razed to the ground before dawn. Emperor Yongshou had only one son, and the Crown Prince was the future heir to the throne. His reputation was at stake, and no one dared to take it lightly. Whoever backed Hongxinglou would be the last to survive tomorrow if they dared to slander the Crown Prince.
After standing there for a long while, the brothel owner gave a very forced laugh: "Sir, you are joking. How could such a noble person as the Crown Prince come to such a filthy place as mine?"
Song Qianzhao said coldly, "Lead the way. I must have Ming'er accompany me tonight. If you don't comply, within half an incense stick of time, the Song Mansion's guards will raze this place to the ground, leaving not a single tile behind!"
The followers behind Song Qianzhao and Xunjiu twitched their lips when they heard this - among all the people present, they were the only ones who knew that Song Qianzhao was just taking advantage of the power of others.
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