Chapter 521: Chapter 165: Night of the Profligates, I Bid 1,000 Taels!

The sun sets in the west, the withered vines and dusk crows appear.

At the time of sunset smoke rises from cooking fires, there was hardly anyone on the official road.

From a distance, slow hoofbeats could be heard. Gradually, a procession came from the end of the road, with a carriage filled with various items at the end.

Mu Qingge rode at the front and looked at the distant city walls, which became magnificently beautiful under the setting sun, and couldn’t help but say: ’Luodu, I’ve returned!’

This journey took them to the Holy Yuan Empire, then to the Rong Country, then to the Ancient Witch Country, returned to Li Country, and finally back to Qin Country. In all this going around, they had crossed through late autumn and cold winter, directly entering Luodu’s early spring.

“It’s been more than four months now. I wonder if your grandfather is doing well and if he can take care of himself.” Mu Lianrong rode up beside Mu Qingge and sighed similarly.

Mu Qingge turned her eyes to look at her, smiling: “Grandfather will certainly be happy knowing you’ve brought a husband home.”

“You cheeky girl, teasing your aunt.” Mu Lianrong smiled and scolded, but her expression was no longer as easily embarrassed as before.

Just over a month ago, they departed from the Ancient Witch Country and returned to Qin Country.

Upon reaching Li Country, they split into two groups. Mo Yang summoned a team of Dragon Tooth Guards to escort Shang Zisu back to the Medicine Tower Branch in Yu Country. By calculation, Mei Zizhong and Zhao Nanxing should have also returned to the branch from the main courtyard by now.

Originally, Shang Zisu was intended to be brought back to Qin Country, as Lou Chuanbai was also there. However, upon leaving the Ancient Witch Country, they received news from Qin Country that Lou Chuanbai, knowing Mei Zizhong and the others had returned to the country, bid farewell to the Mu Mansion and returned to the Medicine Tower Branch.

Thus, it was unnecessary for Shang Zisu to detour to Qin Country and she could return directly to Yu Country from Li Country.

As for them, they continued on toward Qin Country.

Along the way, they traveled neither too fast nor too slow, and it was peaceful. After almost a month, they finally arrived at the outskirts of Luodu.

As they drew closer, the time for the city gates to close was approaching, so the people who lived outside the city quickened their pace to exit quickly. The evening drum sounded at last—

Dong dong dong—the sound reached the heavens as the heavy city gates slowly began to close. Behind the gates, the city guard soldiers tacitly pushed to close them.

Just when the gates were about to shut completely, someone suddenly shouted: “Wait, we need to enter the city.”

The people inside stopped at the voice, but didn’t open the gate. Instead, someone shouted: “The entry time is over; come back tomorrow!”

Having said that, the gate continued to close.

The person who had shouted frowned slightly, and shouted again: “The little lord of Mu Mansion has returned; open the gates quickly!”

“The little lord?”

“The little lord has returned?”

An excited chatter came from behind the gate.

The gate, which was about to shut, was finally opened a crack, and a captain-like figure emerged from it, looking towards the person who shouted.

The person rode a tall horse…

The captain squinted for a better look, and his eyes widened instantly!

It wasn’t an ordinary horse, but a Spiritual Flame Horse, the mount of the little lord’s Dragon Tooth trusted aide!

Upon this realization, the captain immediately shouted behind him, “Quick, quickly open the gates, welcome the little lord back to the capital—!”

Saying that, the gate behind him slowly opened while he quickly approached the newcomer with respect: “May I ask where the little lord is?”

The Dragon Tooth Guard replied coldly: “The little lord is just behind, arriving soon.”

“Yes, yes, yes…” The captain dared not ask further questions.

By now, the gate behind him was fully opened, and the city guard soldiers stood out one by one. The captain summoned someone to give instructions, and the latter quickly ran towards the city wall.

Soon, the City Defense General led the remaining troops down rapidly from the city wall.

…

When Mu Qingge arrived at the city wall, she saw a team of four to five hundred, all kneeling on one knee to the sides of the city gate. The person in a general’s attire stood in the middle.

Upon her appearance, the City Defense General recognized her at once and hurriedly saluted, “This subordinate, Li Gui, leads his men to welcome the little lord back to the capital—!”

On both sides, the soldiers shouted in unison, “Welcome the little lord back to the capital—!”

“Welcome the little lord back to the capital—!”

“Welcome the little lord back to the capital—!”

The orderly shouts and equally excited expressions, the unparalleled grandeur, left Xue Qiao dumbfounded. He leaned closer to Mu Qingge and whispered, “Qingge, your grandeur is comparable to the Emperor’s!”

Mu Qingge smiled and said nothing more.

She addressed the City Defense General Li Gui, “General Li, you are too kind.”

The simplest courtesy brought a blossom of happiness on Li Gui’s old face. After saying this, Mu Qingge rode the Black Flame towards the city.

Just as she was about to exit the city gate, she leisurely added, “The guards have worked hard; reward each with a hundred taels of patterned silver.”

This unexpected reward delighted the hundreds outside the gates.

They knelt again, speaking to Mu Qingge’s retreating figure, “Thank you, little lord, for your reward!”

Feeling the Qin Nation’s soldiers’ admiration towards Mu Qingge, Xue Qiao couldn’t help shaking his head, saying to his wife beside him, “The prestige of the Mu Family seems to surpass even the Imperial Family!”

The statement held no malice, simply stating a fact.

So, Mu Lianrong replied proudly, “That’s because our family produced a little lord!”

Once they entered Luodu, most shops had already closed, and the people returned home to cook and rest, leaving few on the streets. The group headed towards the Mu Mansion.

Their return had not been announced to Mu Xiong in advance, intending to give him a surprise.

The gifts carried on the cart were all the various items Xue Qiao purchased from the Ancient Witch Country to Qin Country to appease his father-in-law. After all, marrying his daughter without the elder’s permission demanded sincere apologies, or the future might be troublesome!

After the group left the city gates, Li Gui quickly realized: “Hurry, send someone to the Imperial Palace to inform His Majesty the little lord returned today!”

As he said this, Li Gui’s expression turned complex.

Since the little lord left that day, the Emperor ordered all city gate generals that if they saw the little lord returning, they must report to the palace immediately.

This showed the unusual bond between the monarch and minister.

…

“We’re here.” Mu Qingge once again saw the few plaques outside Mu Mansion’s gate.

Each time she returned and saw them, there seemed to be different feelings.

Everyone dismounted, and the household guards, recognizing several of them, beamed with joy.

When they wanted to enter the mansion to report to the old marquis, Mu Qingge stopped them.

Then, the group silently entered the Mu Mansion.

In the Mu Mansion, in Mu Xiong’s courtyard, it was the season of early spring. The yard was surrounded by greenery and filled with various flowers and plants that Mu Xiong was diligently trimming.

You He and Hua Yue accompanied him, standing behind with amused glances as they watched his entranced snipping.

You He stepped forward and advised, “Old Marquis, it’s late. Should we take a break and prepare to have supper?”

Mu Xiong snorted, sulking, “If that girl cared for this old man, she’d come back and have a meal with me.”

Up ahead, Mu Xiong felt a garment being handed to him. It was accompanied by an exceptionally familiar voice saying, “Alright, today I will have dinner with grandfather.”

Mu Xiong’s body stiffened.

You He saw the visitor clearly and exclaimed with joy, “Little Lord!”

Mu Qingge smiled and nodded to her and Hua Yue, who was rushing over, saying, “You’ve both worked hard during this time.”

The two maids quickly shook their heads, tears welling up in their eyes. Seeing Mu Qingge return made them very happy.

Mu Xiong turned around stiffly and finally saw the face he had longed to see day and night. His voice trembled a bit, yet he spoke in a harsh tone, “Hmph, you finally know to come back?”

Mu Qingge chuckled, “I do.”

“How long will you stay this time before leaving again?” Mu Xiong asked with a firm voice.

Mu Qingge seriously thought for a while and said, “At least until grandpa gets tired of me, then I’ll leave.”

“Smooth talker!” Mu Xiong laughed and scolded.

Then, he spoke with mixed emotions, “Good, good, as long as you’re back. It’s good you’re back.” He carefully examined Mu Qingge, as if to see if she had lost weight, gotten tired, or suffered grievances outside.

Mu Qingge let him look, always with a smile on her lips.

After a long while, Mu Xiong finally felt relieved and said, “Luckily, you don’t seem to have suffered any grievances.”

“Grandpa still worries about me? Usually, it’s others who suffer losses in front of me, when have I ever lost out?” Mu Qingge laughed.

“Don’t be arrogant.” Mu Xiong tapped her on the nose, scolding her indulgently.

“Got it.” Mu Qingge obediently agreed.

“Now that you’re back, I also have an appetite to eat. Come, accompany grandpa to eat.” Mu Xiong threw the scissors in his hand aside and laughed heartily.

As he said this, he instructed You He and Hua Yue, “You two go inform the chef that the Little Lord is home today, have him prepare a few of his best dishes. Our grandfather and grandson duo will have a few good drinks.”

“Yes.”

You He and Hua Yue replied happily.

Mu Qingge added, “Have the chef make more dishes, one or two plates might not be enough.”

“Ge’er, has your appetite grown after being out for a while?” Mu Xiong asked in surprise.

You He and Hua Yue were also curious.

But they were more worried, wondering if the Little Lord wasn’t properly dressed or fed without them around, which caused her to have such a big appetite upon returning.

Mu Qingge, unaware of their thoughts, smiled brightly at Mu Xiong and said, “Grandpa, it’s not just me coming back this time.”

After she spoke, she looked towards the doorway.

Mu Xiong also looked up, and not long after, another person walked in through the doorway.

“Eldest Miss!”

“Eldest Miss!”

You He and Hua Yue bowed and called out.

Mu Lianrong nodded slightly at them, then walked towards her father.

Seeing his daughter return, joy appeared in Mu Xiong’s old eyes as he grabbed the hands she extended tightly, saying, “How did the two of you meet? Coming back together without sending a word in advance. Hmph.”

Mu Lianrong laughed, “Father, don’t be angry, we just wanted to surprise you.”

“Surprise? I think you two just want to see me make a fool of myself.” Mu Xiong huffed.

Mu Lianrong and Mu Qingge exchanged a smile, the family filled with joy and harmony.

Even though they had lost much, at this moment it was still beautiful.

“How was it? Any interesting experiences on your first trip, and were you able to adapt?” Mu Xiong asked with concern.

Mu Lianrong was different from Mu Qingge, the latter had been raised as a boy since childhood, becoming the overlord of Luodu at a young age. Leaving Qin Country wasn’t new for him, and with his abilities, Mu Xiong wasn’t particularly worried. But Mu Lianrong had grown up by his side and had never left Qin Country. As a father, it was impossible not to worry on her first journey.

Mu Lianrong laughed, “I’m fine, the outside world is big, and I indeed met many interesting people and things.”

“Where did you two meet?” Mu Xiong asked suspiciously.

According to the information he had, his granddaughter and daughter were going in completely different directions.

“In the Ancient Witch Country,” Mu Lianrong replied.

Mu Qingge suddenly laughed, looked outside the doorway, and said to Mu Lianrong, “Auntie, how long are you going to let someone wait outside? If you’re too shy to say it, shall I help you?”

“Qingge!” Mu Lianrong’s eyes flickered and her expression became embarrassed.

Mu Xiong perceived something and asked, “Oh? Who’s outside?”

At his prompting, before Mu Lianrong and Mu Qingge could react, Xue Qiao outside couldn’t stand it any longer and stepped out from the shadows, standing at the doorway, respectfully saluting Mu Xiong, “Son-in-law Xue Qiao, pays respect to Father-in-law!”

His words caused varied reactions among those in the yard.

Mu Xiong was thunderstruck, Mu Lianrong was overwhelmed with shyness, You He and Hua Yue covered their mouths in shock, while only Mu Qingge watched the scene with a smile.

“You, you, you… what did you say?” Mu Xiong pointed at him, his voice trembling.

Xue Qiao could only suppress his tension, steeling himself to repeat, “Son-in-law Xue Qiao, pays respect to Father-in-law!”

This time, Mu Xiong heard it clearly. He turned his stiff neck to look at Mu Lianrong, widened his eyes, and asked, “Did you actually get yourself married on this trip?”

“Dad!” Mu Lianrong stomped her foot shyly and angrily.

What was her father saying? It sounded like she was desperate to marry.

She couldn’t be mad at her father, so she could only vent her frustration on Xue Qiao.

“Ahem, ahem.” Mu Xiong ignored her at this moment, but put on the demeanor of a father-in-law, sternly asking Xue Qiao, “Who do you say you are? And how did you meet my daughter? Who else is in your family? What is your profession now…”

Mu Xiong fired off a series of questions.

Xue Qiao listened, sweating profusely, but dared not neglect in his replies. He carefully noted every one and answered Mu Xiong seriously one by one.

After saying all he could, Mu Xiong still wanted to ask more.

Mu Qingge timely said, “Grandpa, it’s getting late, let’s eat first. We can talk while we eat, it’s the same. After all, guests are guests.”

Mu Xiong froze, glared at her once, and then could only say, “Alright, let’s eat first.”

On the way, Mu Qingge walked in front with Mu Xiong, while Mu Lianrong and Xue Qiao followed behind.

Noticing the frustration on Mu Xiong’s face, Mu Qingge quietly advised, “Grandpa, what’s the matter? Are you unhappy that aunty got married?”

Mu Xiong’s face stiffened, and he mumbled, “How could I be unhappy your aunt found a good match? It’s just too sudden, and I don’t really know what type of character this Xue fellow has.”

“Grandpa, don’t you trust aunty’s judgment?” Mu Qingge chuckled, “I think aunty knows who is suitable for her as a husband.” As soon as he heard the word ’grandson,’ Mu Xiong’s eyes lit up, and when he looked at Xue Qiao again, he found him much more agreeable.

Yet, when he glanced at Mu Qingge, he quickly hid his eager expression and, with dissatisfaction, coldly snorted, “With you, I don’t think it’s something to look forward to, but thankfully there’s still your aunt. No, I’ll have to have a good talk with this Xue fellow later.”

Later during the journey, Mu Xiong turned to ensure, “You said you’re from the Second-class Country, Yu Country?”

The dinner was quite pleasant, full of joy, and after three rounds of drinks, Mu Xiong made his doubts known, even though he kept them in check.

Xue Qiao nodded.

Mu Xiong frowned and said, “Will your family agree to this marriage? I mean, there is a chasm between a third-class country and a second-class country.”

Furthermore, his daughter was slightly older, and with Xue Qiao’s capabilities and looks, he would have no trouble finding a wife in Yu Country. Would the Xue Family accept a daughter-in-law like his?

Xue Qiao’s acknowledgment caused Mu Lianrong to look down, while Mu Xiong listened quietly.

But he wasn’t angry at your aunt’s choice; he just wished for the best for her.

Xue Qiao reassured sincerely, “My parents are very open-minded and will certainly like Lianrong. Besides, this is my marriage, and it’s up to me to decide who is most suitable to be my wife. Father-in-law, I assure you, I’m here for your approval, and I’m planning to take Lianrong to the Xue Family in Yu Country soon, to inform my elders in person. Rest assured, I will never wrong Lianrong.”

Mu Xiong nodded slightly at ease, “Okay, I believe you this time. But let me make it clear, if you dare wrong Lianrong and let her suffer grievances, I don’t care if you’re from a first-class or second-class country, or how powerful the Xue Family is in Yu Country, the iron cavalry of the Mu Family Army will flatten the Xue Family to seek justice for my daughter!”

Xue Qiao was taken aback, then took a deep breath and promised, “Rest assured, Father-in-law, that day will never come!”

“Good! Drink up!” Mu Xiong raised his bowl of wine.

Xue Qiao immediately picked up his own bowl in front of him, lightly clinked it with Mu Xiong’s, and drank it all in one go.

Then, a few of them started discussing the details of Mu Lianrong’s wedding in Qin Country.

According to Mu Lianrong’s thoughts, she was unwilling to marry far away. Her concern for her old father and feeling intimidated by the status of the Xue Family made her reluctant to be constrained.

Fortunately, Xue Qiao understood her thoughts. He then promised that they would go to Yu Country just to announce the marriage. Once everything was settled, they would return to spend time with Mu Xiong, then continue their travels, with a permanent home set in the Mu Mansion of Qin Country.

Seeing that the topic they three were discussing was something she couldn’t join in, Mu Qingge quietly withdrew.

…

Under the night in Luodu, a layer of haze settled.

In the very center of the Imperial City, high up on the city tower, Qin Jinchen stood alone, gazing at the direction where the Mu Mansion was located. Behind him were the ancient teacher who had followed him all the way and the Chief Eunuch of the palace.

The dragon robe on him added a few layers of majesty befitting a king. It reduced some of his aloof isolation.

However, he did not feel happy.

It seemed as though the great rivers and mountains at his feet were merely his responsibility, not his desire.

In the evening, he received a report from the city gate.

He is back—

When he learned of this news, Qin Jinchen suddenly felt that his life had gained color, evoking anticipation. Yet, he did not know how to meet him.

Should he summon him as the Emperor?

Or invite him as a friend?

Friend?

Qin Jinchen lowered his gaze with a bitter smile. Were they really friends? Even he was not sure.

More importantly, he discovered that he was actually somewhat afraid to see him.

The desks in his Imperial Study Room were filled with memorials imploring him to select a consort and establish a queen, but he ignored them all. The reason for this was something only he knew in his heart.

Because whenever he saw the requests in those memorials, the image of Mu Qingge would flash in his mind.

’I must never do anything to humiliate him!’ Qin Jinchen tightened his grip on the railing.

His health was much better than before, and he could even start cultivation. Although he had missed the best time for cultivation, he was still working hard.

For what, he seemed to know, yet also seemed not to know.

Qin Jinchen had always been a person with the utmost self-control and self-discipline, and upon realizing that he had developed feelings for Mu Qingge that he shouldn’t have, he had already begun to maintain a distance between them.

He did not wish, nor did he want, to ruin their currently fragile relationship because of his own greed.

The night wind suddenly rose, lifting the edges of Qin Jinchen’s dragon robe.

The Chief Eunuch took a step forward and respectfully said, “Your Majesty, the wind is rising.”

Qin Jinchen nodded almost imperceptibly and softly ordered, “Return to the palace.”

…

At night in Luodu, the busiest places were those pleasure quarters. Other businesses had closed and rested, while only these quarters were just opening their doors.

The most popular brothel in Luodu was called Drunken Red House.

As soon as night fell, various people began to gather here, making it as lively as daytime.

The girls, adorned colorfully, leaned against the doors, waving handkerchiefs and casting flirtatious glances at passing men.

Of course, these were just the most ordinary girls in the establishment.

Those girls with exceptional talents and beauty were hidden inside, waiting for a high price.

This night, Drunken Red House was particularly lively, and even though it was still early, it was already packed.

It was all because tonight, the most popular Oiran of the past few months was going to auction her first night, naturally attracting those self-proclaimed amorous gentlemen to bid.

“Oh~! Young Master Shao is here! Girls, Young Master Shao is here, aren’t you going to come out and serve him?”

When a large meatball rolled in from the main entrance, the madam of the house greeted him with a fawning face. Her heavy makeup fragrance was suffocating, but Fatty Shao enjoyed it immensely.

In no time, two exquisite and beautiful young women arrived on either side of Fatty Shao, nestling familiarly in his arms, playfully flirting with him.

After cozying up for a while, Fatty Shao finally looked up at the madam and said, “Tonight, Yao Tao’s first night, young master is determined to get it, madam, you must arrange it well for me.”

That rakish look had grown even more profound lately.

The madam swayed her waist and said, “Oh, Young Master Shao, how could I not arrange it well if you win Yao Tao’s first night? However, you know Yao Tao is proud and difficult, she finally agreed to give up her first night, but I can’t control whom she wants to choose as her intimate guest.”

“Tsk tsk, so tonight isn’t just about the highest bidder?” Fatty Shao clicked his tongue and said.

The madam smiled apologetically, desperately giving the two girls serving Fatty Shao a meaningful look, “It all depends on Yao Tao’s wishes. Young Master Shao, please take your seat. I have prepared the best seat for you, guaranteed that Yao Tao would see you at first glance.”

Fatty Shao’s tiny mung bean eyes instantly squinted into a line, he took out a piece of silver and tossed it into the madam’s hand, “Competent, this is for you!”

The madam immediately beamed with joy, nodding and bowing to Fatty Shao as she escorted him into Drunken Red House. Turning around, she began greeting other guests again.

Inside Drunken Red House, everything had been decorated festively.

In such a flesh trade establishment, every time a marked woman’s first night was like a joyous marriage affair.

Thus, the whole hall was hung with red silk and flowers, red candles, and golden tents.

The platform usually used for singing and dancing was filled with flowers. The scattered seats around were already occupied by guests and wine-serving girls. Some people couldn’t resist and already went towards the rear yard’s bedrooms, embracing the girls serving them.

The elegant private rooms on the second floor were divided into separate compartments, each facing the platform in the middle, while the sides and back were screened off, so they couldn’t see each other.

Fatty Shao was led into the central compartment on the second floor by two young ladies.

Inside, there was a comfortable recliner, with a round table next to it already filled with fine wine and fruits. Further away were two curved chairs where a singer might sit and play music.

The side facing the main hall was hung with a thick blackout curtain whose only function was to be lowered whenever the guests inside couldn’t resist engaging in illicit activities with the serving girls, to serve as a shield for modesty.

Upon entering, Fatty Shao sank into the recliner.

The recliner beneath him let out a painful creak.

He crossed his legs, and the two young ladies quickly understood. One moved to the front, kneeling on the carpet to massage his legs, while the other filled a cup with wine and handed it to Fatty Shao’s mouth.

As long as he opened his mouth, he could drink.

After drinking a sip of wine served by a beauty and eating a grape presented by another, Fatty Shao was extremely comfortable, yet he still remembered about Yao Tao, asking, “When will Miss Yao Tao come out?”

The two girls coyly complained that Fatty Shao didn’t know how to cherish beauty, but they still answered his question honestly.

“Judging by the time now, in less than a quarter of an hour, Sister Yao Tao should be out.”

Fatty Shao nodded, continuing to enjoy the girls’ service.

After a while, the private compartments on the second floor were also filled with young masters from various aristocratic families, and the scattered seats below were even more packed, with many latecomers unable to find a seat and standing at the back.

This showed Yao Tao’s status in the hearts of Luodu’s men.

In the waiting, sounds that could make one blush and heart race came from the compartments next to Fatty Shao’s on both sides.

The two young ladies serving him were too shy to handle it, their eyes misted over, filled with spring emotions as they looked at Fatty Shao.

However, Fatty Shao disdainfully hummed a sentence, “Beasts.”

Those two words instantly made the two young ladies embarrassed.

Clang—!

In the downstairs main hall, the gong was struck.

This signified that Miss Yao Tao was about to appear, and the auction was about to begin.

The noise around Shao Fatty quieted down, seemingly because of Yao Tao’s appearance, which caused the fights to end early.

The maidens of the Drunken Red House lit the hall’s candles brighter, making the stage glow.

“Sister Yao Tao is coming out,” said the young lady behind Shao Fatty.

Shao Fatty craned his neck to look, and indeed, he saw a graceful beauty walking to the stage with lotus-like steps. Though her face was veiled by a light fabric, it couldn’t hide the countless charms in her eyes and brows.

Just her enchanting figure was enough to make the men present feel their blood boil.

As she walked to the front of the stage, she bent slightly in a graceful bow to the men who came to support her. Her willow-like figure made everyone want to step forward to support her.

“Yao Tao thanks everyone for coming to support me tonight. To show my gratitude, I will play a song and dance a dance for you all,” she said and then moved towards the zither stand behind her.

Before the auction begins, there’s a talent performance, which is a plus.

By displaying her value, she could secure herself a better price.

So, everyone present understood well and applauded enthusiastically.

After Yao Tao sat down, she gently placed her hands on the ancient zither. The suspended gauze slowly fell, obscuring her figure. The crowd could only see her blurred silhouette behind the veil, plucking the zither strings as a beautiful melody gently flowed from her hands.

In an instant, everyone was enchanted, listening intently.

Shao Fatty was engrossed in the music when suddenly he felt someone kick him hard.

He opened his eyes abruptly, but the anger in them turned into surprise once he saw who it was.

“Boss!” Shao Fatty stood up nimbly, ignoring the surprised young ladies, and looked at the smiling person, saying, “Boss, when did you come back? How did you know I was here?”

Mu Qingge, with hands behind her back and a slight smile, said to Shao Fatty, “Besides these places at night, where else would you be?”

“Hehe, Boss knows me well!” Shao Fatty scratched his head and chuckled.

Then, he hurriedly offered Mu Qingge the lounge chair while he dutifully grabbed a chair to sit beside her, peeling fruit and pouring wine, taking over the tasks of the two young ladies.

The two young ladies stood trembling at the side, like quails. Unable to hear the music playing outside, they only stared at Mu Qingge, hearts pounding, saying, “L-little Lord…”

Mu Qingge glanced at them and lightly said, “Hmm.”

After leaving the Mu Mansion, she planned to find Shao Fatty for a gathering. On the way, she heard that tonight the Drunken Red House was auctioning off the Oiran’s first night, so she guessed Shao Fatty would be here and came over.

“Boss, when did you come back?” Shao Fatty’s attention was entirely on Mu Qingge, completely ignoring Yao Tao’s performance.

At this time, Yao Tao had finished playing a song, earning applause.

Mu Qingge took a sip from a wine glass and replied, “I’ve been back for less than three hours.”

“Hehe, Boss comes back and looks for me, I’m flattered!” Shao Fatty chuckled foolishly.

Mu Qingge, holding the wine glass, nodded towards Yao Tao, eyeing Shao Fatty sideways: “What? You fancy her?”

Only now did Shao Fatty remember his purpose for being there. He glanced at Yao Tao and eagerly introduced her to Mu Qingge: “Boss, you don’t know. These past few months, Yao Tao has been incredibly popular. Tonight she’s auctioning her first night, how could I not come to support?”

Mu Qingge chuckled playfully. She wouldn’t interfere too much in Shao Fatty’s private life.

On stage, after finishing the song, Yao Tao began a graceful dance.

Mu Qingge and Shao Fatty chatted while watching with interest.

Finally, after the talent warming-up performance ended, everyone began urging for the auction to start.

However, Yao Tao suddenly said calmly, “Though I’m a woman of the dust, Yao Tao also has an admirer. I know I can’t match him with my status, but I only wish to give him my pure body, and then I’ll fulfill my heart’s desire.”

As soon as she said this, clever people caught on.

Apparently, Yao Tao’s first night was not meant for auction but was for her beloved? All these people are just background.

Suddenly, the crowd was outraged.

The madame, seeing the crowd’s agitation, hurriedly rushed on stage, trying to stop Yao Tao from speaking further.

But Yao Tao shook off the madame’s grasp and spoke loudly, “Little Lord, I’ve admired you for a long time, willing to wait with my pure body for your return. If anyone forces me, I’d rather die than taint this body!”

Yao Tao’s words made Mu Qingge squint, a cold smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.

The entire crowd in the hall, the dignitaries on the second floor, and the madame all froze simultaneously.

No one expected that Yao Tao liked someone from the Mu Mansion!

The Little Lord is someone not to be provoked. Now that Yao Tao had tied herself to the Mu Mansion’s Little Lord, who dared to force her? Isn’t anyone afraid that when the Little Lord returns, they’d be skinned alive?

The place went silent.

Yao Tao looked down, a trace of joy in her eyes, as if her purpose had been achieved.

However, she didn’t know that the one she used as a shield was sitting in a private seat on the second floor.

“Boss, do you know her?” Shao Fatty asked Mu Qingge in astonishment.

Mu Qingge’s smile was full of mockery as she replied lightly, “I don’t.”

Don’t know?

Shao Fatty immediately understood and gave Mu Qingge a thumbs-up: “Boss, your charm is irresistible!”

Meanwhile, the two young ladies were puzzled but couldn’t help secretly gazing at Mu Qingge with admiration.

Mu Qingge sneered at Shao Fatty: “Are you truly this stupid or just pretending?”

Shao Fatty blinked, not understanding.

Mu Qingge coldly smirked: “She’s merely using me as a shield. She doesn’t want to serve customers but can’t resist the madame’s pressure, so she had to succumb. Now, by making such a scene in public, she’s telling the entire Luodu that she’s my woman, whether I know it or not. If anyone forcibly takes her, it’s disrespecting me, inviting my retaliation. Who would dare harass her now? Even the madame wouldn’t dare trouble her.”

With Mu Qingge’s explanation, Shao Fatty understood.

He slapped his thigh suddenly and exclaimed, “Too cunning! This girl has a devious mind!”

Mu Qingge looked at the two young ladies standing in the corner and asked, “Was she unwilling before?”

The two young ladies immediately knelt and, speaking one after another, recounted Yao Tao’s story.

It turned out that when Yao Tao was sold into the Drunken Red House, she had a childhood sweetheart. But the lad wasn’t anyone significant, unable to protect her. To preserve her chastity, Yao Tao worked hard to learn art, hoping to make a living through her talents, not wanting to betray her beloved by selling her body.

But what kind of place is the Drunken Red House?

Would they allow Yao Tao to simply not sell her body?

As Yao Tao gained fame, the madame started persuading her to sell herself. After being repeatedly rejected, the madame threatened to ensure that Yao Tao would never see her beloved again if she refused.

Yao Tao had to compromise, leading to today’s events.

Yet, she unexpectedly pulled this stunt.

If the madame continues to force her, it would mean offending the Mu Mansion. Moreover, who dares to snatch her from Little Lord Mu now?

“Humph! Daring to use the Boss! I must teach her a good lesson!” Shao Fatty rolled up his sleeves, standing up in anger.

“Fatty,” Mu Qingge called, stopping Shao Fatty from taking action.

Shao Fatty turned to look at her, full of confusion.

Mu Qingge squinted at Yao Tao on the stage below, pondering something.

Throughout the story, she seemed only to hear about a woman doing everything for so-called love, while what about that man? Why wasn’t he putting in any effort?

“Yao Tao, what nonsense are you spouting? You think you can afford to provoke Little Lord?” The madame warned in a low voice.

Mu Qingge entered without alarming anyone, so the madame didn’t know Mu Qingge was there.

Yao Tao’s face turned pale, but she resolutely replied, “Madame, I’m not speaking nonsense. I truly admire the Little Lord, wanting to serve him with my pure body for a night.”

The madame snorted angrily, “Everyone knows the Little Lord is currently not in Luodu!”

Yao Tao bit her lip and remained silent.

She knew this and thus dared to say it.

Suddenly, a scornful voice floated from the second floor: “Is Miss Yao Tao using the Little Lord to press us? Isn’t this too underestimating us? Tonight, I insist you accompany me! Madame, I’m offering a thousand taels!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep