Liang Jiaojiao couldn't even leave the city gate; she could only hide in the alley.
However, there was a curfew on the streets at night, and soldiers patrolled the area. In particular, after Linghua Tower had given prior notice, the checks became even stricter.
She hid here and there, her heart pounding with fear, until finally she found refuge in the home of a rogue.
This scoundrel happened to be without a wife, so he forced her to marry him, and the two actually began living as husband and wife.
With nowhere to go, Liang Jiaojiao had no choice but to stay at the home of a scoundrel. However, she never expected that the scoundrel would sell her after learning that she had no identification.
She returned to Linghua Tower and fell into Qin Mama's hands once again.
"Run, run some more!"
Qin's mother was furious. She had Liang Jiaojiao's legs broken and drugged her to force her to become a prostitute.
This time, Liang Jiaojiao can't escape anymore, because someone is watching her closely.
When Liang Jiaojiao received her first customer, something inside her seemed to leave her.
She cried bitterly, never expecting that she, a future heir to a family of master thieves, would live such a miserable life in this unknown era.
Qin's mother is a businesswoman. She was so good to Liang Jiaojiao back then, but how did Liang Jiaojiao repay her?
She was furious that Liang Jiaojiao even tried to run away, so she gave up on her and started training other people instead.
The top star was none other than her. There are plenty of beautiful women out there; whoever she puts on the top spot becomes famous.
Liang Jiaojiao had been reduced to the lowest level of prostitute. Her price was set extremely low by Qin Mama; anyone could hire her for a night for just a few dozen copper coins.
Liang Jiaojiao was in a state of utter misery. To prevent her from getting pregnant, Qin's mother fed her an extremely cold secret medicine, which completely ruined her health.
Liang Jiaojiao is completely ruined.
Xiao Li was very satisfied and gave Qin's mother several more songs. Qin's mother was also very happy. With these songs, it was only a matter of time before Linghualou became popular.
Xiao Li pawned the jade pendant left by Yang Chengzhi for a thousand taels of silver to redeem herself and Laiwang from their servitude.
Qin's mother was a little reluctant, but Xiao Li said she would write songs for her again in the future, so she readily took out the contract of sale and even went to the yamen to exchange it for a new one and delivered it to Xiao Li.
"Miss Xiao, from now on you are a law-abiding citizen, congratulations."
Xiao Li nodded. She didn't know her own surname, so she simply changed Xiao Li's name to Xiao Li.
Xiao Li helped Qin Mama write the music because although Qin Mama was a madam, she still had her principles.
She allows people in the building to buy their freedom, but she doesn't exploit them too much.
For example, the former top courtesan, Peony, earned money for her for several years before meeting a good man. She only accepted a small amount of money to redeem Peony and then let her go.
Xiao Li found a middleman and bought a two-courtyard house. Because it was located in the suburbs, it was relatively cheap and only cost 500 taels of silver.
Xiao Li and Lai Wang settled in, and the two bought a lot of wine and food to celebrate their new life.
"Sister, we have a home now."
"Yes, this is our home."
Xiao Li changed Lai Wang's name. He didn't remember his surname, so Xiao Li gave him the same surname as her and named him Gui.
The two registered a household account and claimed to be siblings.
The two worked for two days before they finally had some free time.
"Sister, what kind of business should we start?"
Xiao Gui was a little worried. He had been begging since he was a child and was most afraid of going hungry. Although the two of them were now free, they had no source of income, so he was particularly worried.
Xiao Li thought for a moment, "I plan to sell medicine."
She has some knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and knows a few prescriptions, which she can then turn into medicines to sell.
Xiao Gui, however, was a little worried, "Will they be able to sell?"
Xiao Li patted his hand, "Don't worry, I won't let you go hungry."
Xiao Gui blushed. "I can earn money too. I can carry bags."
He raised his arm, and Xiao Li laughed. She was 15 years old this year, while Xiao Gui was only 14 years old and a head shorter than her.
"Don't go carry the bags, your sister needs your help."
Xiao Gui then smiled and said, "Alright, sister, just ask me for anything. I'm very strong."
Xiao Li nodded and handed over all the chores in the yard to him, letting him get busy.
Xiao Li herself went to make a list of medicinal herbs to be purchased, and also needed to buy many tools.
The two were busy, and their lives gradually settled down.
Yang Chengzhi, however, received his jade pendant.
"You mean, it's a woman who's in charge?"
"Yes, Master. She was with a boy at the time, and they looked like siblings. I followed them and kept an eye on them. They both went into Linghua Tower."
Yang Chengzhi smiled as if he had thought of something, but then frowned in an instant.
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