This young man looked imposing and was dressed in luxurious clothes; he was clearly a wealthy and powerful figure. The madam secretly rejoiced, thinking that business would be booming again tonight.
She quickly adjusted her smile and greeted Li Xi warmly, "Young master, please come in, please come in. Every girl here is as beautiful as a flower; we guarantee you'll be satisfied."
Chen Quan whispered in Li Xi's ear, "Young Master, are you really planning to go in?" He knew that Li Xi was young and promising, but was this too risky?
Chen Quan approached Li Xi and asked softly, "Young Master, are you really going in?" He knew Li Xi was young and impetuous, but was it really necessary to take the risk this time?
Li Xi smiled slightly, nodded, and followed the madam into the brothel.
Inside the brothel, the decor was extremely luxurious, with red candles flickering, light and shadow shifting, and fragrance filling the air.
Looking around, one sees a room full of beautiful women. Their graceful figures and charming demeanor are dazzling.
The madam led Master Huang and his entourage up the stairs to a private room upstairs. She gently pushed open the door, and inside, a sumptuous feast of food and wine had already been prepared, its colors, aromas, and flavors exquisite and mouthwatering.
Soon, the madam brought in five or six beautiful women, dressed in gorgeous clothes, with exquisite makeup, and exuding charm in every gesture.
They arrived gracefully, like a gentle spring breeze, adding vitality and life to the elegant room.
Looking at the beautiful women, Li Xi nodded in satisfaction and said to Master Huang, "Brother Huang, you were right. The girls here are indeed as beautiful and unforgettable as the rumors say."
These words pleased Master Huang greatly. "Young Master Li has good taste. Come, fill the cup for the young master."
Yunshang smiled and walked over to pour wine for Li Xi, her demeanor exuding endless charm. "Young Master Li, come and try this Daughter's Red wine. It's a specialty of our Jiangnan region, made with the finest glutinous rice and spring water. It has a mellow taste and a long-lasting aftertaste."
Li Xi picked up her wine glass, took a small sip, and praised, "Fine wine, truly living up to its reputation."
Then, Yunshang sat down next to Li Xi. The woman was as graceful as a willow in the wind, with a long dress that flowed like the wind.
She looked at Li Xi's slightly upturned lips, a mysterious smile that was captivating, and said softly, "Young master, is this your first time here? This is also the first time I've ever seen someone as ethereal as a celestial being."
Li Xi simply smiled and remained silent, but she drank all the wine that Yunshang offered her.
Master Huang laughed heartily, downed his wine in one gulp, and looked at Li Xi with eyes full of admiration.
"Young Master Li has a good capacity for alcohol. It is truly an honor for me to meet you today."
Li Xi put down her wine glass, glanced at him indifferently, and said, "Brother Huang, you're too kind."
Master Huang laughed heartily and said nothing more.
Observing the interaction between the two, Yunshang secretly pondered that this Young Master Li did not seem to be a simple character.
His words and actions exuded an extraordinary and refined air.
After a few rounds of drinks, Li Xi, seeing that he hadn't gained anything, made an excuse to leave.
After Li Xi left, Master Huang asked Yunshang, "You didn't drug her?"
Yunshang replied, puzzled, "The medicine was definitely administered, but I don't know what's wrong with this Young Master Li; he didn't seem to know what was going on."
Master Huang nodded, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes. "It seems this man is no ordinary young master."
Yunshang shook her head and said, "I think he is someone we should pay attention to."
Master Huang hummed in response but remained silent. He was also secretly pondering the identity and purpose of this young master Li, wondering if it would affect his plans.
He decided to thoroughly investigate the background and origins of this young master Li.
Li Xi and Chen Quan walked back to the inn, turning left and right, going through streets and alleys, and taking several detours before finally shaking off their pursuers.
"Young Master, you must say that Master Huang is truly cunning, actually sending spies to follow us." Chen Quan scoffed. "If it weren't for your quick thinking in discovering their tracks, we probably would have been found out long ago!"
Li Xi smiled slightly and said, "It's not their fault. After all, we're new here, so it's normal for them to be suspicious of us. However, this also gives us a good look at Master Huang's methods."
Chen Quan nodded and said, "Young Master is right. This Second Master Huang is indeed a local tyrant; his methods are truly formidable. We must be careful in the future. He actually had that woman drug you."
Li Xi smiled and said, "You don't need to worry too much. If anything seems wrong, just take the antidote pill. As long as we're careful, there won't be any problems. Besides, we're not here to fight them. As long as we can find the person we're looking for, nothing else matters."
Chen Quan listened and said nothing more, simply following silently behind Li Xi. The two remained silent all the way back to the inn.
"You're back! Did you find any clues?" Uncle Zhao sat quietly in the courtyard, waiting for their news.
"We've gained nothing." Li Xi's tone was tinged with helplessness. "Master Huang has been enjoying himself outside these past few days, eating, drinking, and having fun. We've gained nothing."
After hearing this, Uncle Zhao didn't say much. He just got up and prepared to go back to his room. "People will always reveal their weaknesses. If they don't, then we have to find a way to force them out."
Forcing him? She needed to plan this carefully. Li Xi racked her brains in her room for a while but couldn't come up with anything, so she went to rest.
Meanwhile, Meng Zhelan, who is far away in Kyoto, has been afraid to go out lately.
Since her return from Jingcheng, the Emperor has bestowed upon her several large chests of rare treasures. He has also granted her a sinecure as a seventh-rank "itinerant physician," and she has gained the favor of the Empress Dowager. The powerful and wealthy families in the capital all come to her for medical treatment.
Lately, whenever she appears in public, she is met with a large number of patients seeking her help. At first, she was able to handle them patiently, but as the number of patients continued to increase, she gradually felt overwhelmed.
These people, whether suffering from common typhoid fever or only minor wounds, all hoped to receive her treatment.
Xishan Villa became her temporary haven from the hustle and bustle.
In the tranquility of the villa, she was able to temporarily escape the disturbances of those seeking medical treatment and find inner peace and balance.
"Lan'er, you have money but don't want to make more?" the Empress Dowager teased her.
Meng Zhelan was helpless; these people clearly had ulterior motives. "Your Majesty, these people are clearly using me as a stepping stone; they really want to see you."
She was just an ordinary doctor who had been rewarded for her meritorious service in treating the epidemic. Because of their close relationship with the Empress Dowager, they wondered if they could use this to achieve their desired goals.
She never expected that even members of the royal family would send her an invitation.
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