East of the city, Melody Avenue.
It’s not yet 7 p.m., yet the Brothel Alley is already lit with lanterns and abuzz with the sound of strings and woodwind instruments, accompanied by the laughter and chatter of courtesans.
The entrance of the alley is filled with carriages and horses, and heavily made-up madams are bustling with welcoming and sending off.
There are nobles dressed in magnificent brocade, scholars in their gowns and pleated robes, as well as martial artists with robust auras in their tight-fitting outfits...
However, here, they are all known by one title:
Compared to the other courtesan houses and private brothels in the city, the girls of the Imperial Music Bureau are of higher quality, most having received formal training--alluring and talented, able to sing and dance.
And something else that is not found elsewhere—the female relatives of convicts.
These special-status women are particularly favored by merchants, scholars, and even colleagues from the court...
Still, not everyone can afford to come here; just the "Tea Service Fee" costs six silver per person, and that’s the minimum consumption, not including the money for the courtesans.
It’s enough to deter the average folk.
Even so, most houses are full, with the more popular ones needing reservations in advance.
To say it’s a "cave of splurging gold" is no exaggeration.
The sound of hooves echoes as several figures gallop over.
They rein in their horses just outside the alley, with the nimble steeds lifting their front hooves, neighing loudly.
The surrounding crowd exclaims in surprise, instinctively moving out of the way.
A brocaded young master exclaims angrily:
"Who is so unruly, daring to let their horses run wild in the market..."
But as he catches sight of that fiery red horse, a snowy-white mane, with snow-like marks, his gaze instantly clears, pretending to gaze idly into the sky.
Crimson Steed, a special breed exclusive to the Sky Scale Guard.
In Tiandu City, to some extent, the words "Sky Scale Guard" are synonymous with the rules.
The crowd dismounts and hands over the reins to a servant, while the madams, swaying their hips, come to greet them.
"Oh my, such rare guests, Mr. Qin hasn’t been here for a while, huh? The thought you might have forgotten about us."
Qin Shou takes out a silver note from his robe, sliding it proficiently into the madam’s neckline while sneakily groping, "How could I forget you with such talk. I would forget anyone but you."
The madam’s eyes are flirty, and she leans softly against Qin Shou.
Noticing Chen Mo’s odd glance, Qin Shou clears his throat, saying, "Is everything prepared? If you neglect our General, I will only ask you."
The madam is startled then looks up.
It was dim earlier and she didn’t get a clear look; she now sees one of them standing tall and handsome, clad in black with silver patterns faintly embroidered on it, truly exuding nobility.
He looked somewhat familiar...
The madam quickly bends over to salute.
This gentleman’s name is buzzing around Tiandu City.
He used to be a regular at the Imperial Music Bureau, but he only visited Gu Manzhi.
Recently, Gu Manzhi disappeared suddenly, and the Imperial Music Bureau was shut down for several days, with everyone related to her taken for questioning.
Some of those people haven’t been released to this day, their fate unknown...
There’s a lot of rumors within the Imperial Music Bureau, some saying Gu Manzhi is a spy from the Barbarian Tribes, others saying she’s a demon in disguise... but no matter the story, all seem to implicate Chen Mo!
"Alright, lead the way, we also have a few colleagues coming later."
Qin Shou slaps her bottom.
The madam glares at him then leads the way into the alley.
Chen Mo, with a smile that’s not quite a smile, says to Qin Shou, "I didn’t expect you to have such a taste?"
Despite her heavy makeup and decent maintenance, the fine wrinkles at the corners of her eyes couldn’t be fully hidden.
She must be more than ten years older than Qin Shou.
"Boss, I may not be as skilled as you in martial arts, but when it comes to the way of the courtesan, you’re not at my level."
"This kind of woman has flavor, experienced and knows how to be gentle."
"And compared to those younger and beautiful girls, women of average looks and older age tend to be overlooked more easily. Just a little bit of care from you, and they are moved to tears, ready to devote themselves to you completely... and make you extremely comfortable..."
"Not to mention, last time she didn’t even take my silver."
Qin Shou boasts with a smug face.
Who says this madam is old? She’s amazing!
Chen Mo replies with disdain: "Mr. Qin, your name truly fits you."
Qin Shou grins, not ashamed but proud of himself.
After all, it’s mutual consent, and getting what he wants without paying is his skill.
They arrive at a courtyard with a signboard that reads "Qingya House".
Inside, it’s bustling and noisy, probably playing a game of drinking and tea.
Pushing the door open, there are several square tables inside, with about a dozen people drinking and talking loudly.
Just as Chen Mo and the others take their seats, a man in a white robe starts speaking assertively, "The nephew of the second aunt from my neighbor’s house serves in the Sky Scale Guard, and he was present during the demon’s execution."
"He watched with his own eyes as Qin Wuxiang turned into a thousand-foot tall demon with twelve heads and twenty-four arms!"
"Just one stomp turned the ground into a chasm!"
"But General Chen faced the danger undaunted, scoffing, ’Holding the sun and moon, picking stars, no one in this world compares to me! Stepping on Yin and Yang, establishing Qian Kun, from ancient times until now, I am supreme!’"
"With a swing of his sword!"
"Guess what happened?"
Qin Shou couldn’t help laughing quietly, whispering, "Boss, did you have that much dialogue that day?"
The other assistant officers tremble, clearly struggling to hold in their laughter.
Chen Mo massages his temples.
The story has gotten more and more outrageous.
Although Qin Wuxiang’s methods were insidious, his real strength shouldn’t even rank fifth-grade; yet now in these people’s mouths, he’s nearly become a world-ending demon...