Although three murders had occurred in Yuzhou City, and everyone knew the deceased had all encountered ghosts before their deaths, no one knew they had encountered ghosts at Chang’an Place. This information was kept very tight. Even those in the yamen who knew about it hadn’t spread it outside.
The legendary pleasure house Chang’an Place had always had an endless stream of customers.
Even though murders had occurred in the city, it hadn’t affected Chang’an Place’s normal operations.
Moreover, in broad daylight, Chang’an Place’s entrance was packed with people.
It must be said, the inside could truly be called a miniature palace.
Three stories high!
The first floor was where guests were received and seated, very spacious. Tables painted with gold lacquer were arranged around the perimeter. In the center was a massive circular stage, its surface paved with premium marble that gleamed with luster. Above the stage, light blue gauze hung down from above, wrapping the circular platform in the middle.
Looking in from outside, hazy with an intoxicating air.
Around the stage, there was also a ring of flowing water, with several medium-sized water wheels turning in the water!
The second floor was a dedicated viewing area. Around the railing were arranged over a dozen to twenty tables. Behind the viewing area were the guest rooms.
As for the third floor, it was specially prepared for high-ranking officials and nobility.
The saying went: the more money you paid, the higher your seat.
Quite particular about such things!
The entire Chang’an Place was resplendent with gold and jade, with carved beams and embroidered columns. Even the nails embedded in the pillars gleamed with golden light.
Jade stones, rock gardens, streams, water wheels…
Everything was provided!
Ji Yunshu entered with her arms around two young women, with Jingrong following behind.
Those two young women were both pouring wine and pressing their bodies close.
One of the women simply sat her bottom right onto Ji Yunshu’s thigh!
She didn’t forget to say, “Young master, your frame is quite small, but you’re so fair and clean.”
A handkerchief fluttered!
The scent of rouge wafted out.
Ji Yunshu wrinkled her nose.
But with her small arms and legs, how could she bear that woman’s weight?
Her brows furrowed with effort, her legs somewhat weak.
This scene was all observed by Jingrong across from her. He covered his mouth and smiled.
That’s what you get for pretending to be a young master!
Serves you right!
But Ji Yunshu bit her teeth and forcefully supported her legs, wearing a peach blossom smile on her face. She hooked the woman’s chin and teased, “I didn’t expect the beauty to be quite heavy, but this young master likes it.”
“I see the young master looks dignified and imposing. You must be a young master from some wealthy family?”
“What do you think?”
“It must be so. I wonder, which family is the young master from?” That woman leaned her body and directly pressed her arm on her shoulder.
Ugh!
Ji Yunshu struggled even more.
No, I can’t be this weak, or it’ll be too embarrassing.
So she smiled stiffly, “Why don’t you guess, beauty?”
The woman thought for a moment, her eyes brightening, “Could it be, Young Master Zheng? I heard Young Master Zheng looks just like you, fair and clean.”
“Not right, guess again.”
“Second Young Master Liang? Some years ago, I saw him once at the city gate. He really does look somewhat similar to you. Could it be you’re really Second Young Master Liang?”
Ji Yunshu smiled mischievously.
She forcefully pinched the woman’s upturned chin.
“That’s right, I am Second Young Master Liang.”
Her heart didn’t race, her face didn’t flush!
With this statement, both women’s eyes lit up, as if seeing a huge money tree.
“Oh my, I knew it! The young master looks like nobility at first glance—imposing bearing and extraordinary appearance. This humble woman is truly blessed from three lifetimes. To think I could serve Second Young Master Liang today.”
“Second Young Master Liang, why not go up to the third floor? I’ll have them prepare fine wine. We two sisters can serve you together. It’s too crowded and noisy here.”
Saying this, the two were about to pull Ji Yunshu upstairs.
She smiled and pushed them away, stroking those two small mustaches, squinting with peach blossom eyes, and said, “This young master finally came once. Just you two serving me won’t be enough.”
“Alright, then I’ll call more sisters. I guarantee we’ll serve you well, young master.”
With that, the two quickly went to call people.
As soon as they left, Ji Yunshu rubbed her thighs. She didn’t know if they had bruised inside.
Jingrong glanced at her, the corners of his mouth smiling, “Serves you right.”
Ji Yunshu glared at him, puffing out her chest and saying, “This is called sacrificing for art.”
Art indeed!
Jingrong: “I’m quite curious about what kind of mysterious figure this Second Young Master Liang is, that those people actually believe you’re him.”
“Doesn’t matter who he is, as long as they believe it.”
“So what are you trying to accomplish by doing this?”
She looked around, then lowered her voice and asked, “Don’t you want to know why those three deceased entered the same room and all said they saw ghosts?”
“Of course I want to know.”
“Since you want to know, then please cooperate with me in performing this act, Your Highness.”
Jingrong’s face was full of questions!
This prince never acts; I always play for real, alright?
Ji Yunshu lowered her voice, “I’ve already looked through the case files. All three deceased encountered ghosts in the Moon Appreciation room on the second floor. Moon Appreciation is the room where Chang’an Place’s famous dancer Miss Yu Yin lives. I’ve also heard that this Miss Yu Yin is as beautiful as flowers and jade. Men who see her once can’t walk away.”
“What’s this? Does Mr. Ji also want to try the tender embrace?”
“Why not?”
Jingrong looked disdainful.
His eye roll could rival that of a dead fish.
Just then—
Several powdered and garishly made-up women excitedly rushed over this way.
That was Second Young Master Liang, Yuzhou City’s famous noble young master! They naturally scrambled to rush forward, hoping this wealthy young master could help redeem their freedom.
Four or five women surrounded Ji Yunshu, calling “Young Master Liang” on the left and “Young Master Liang” on the right.
Very cloying!
Originally two women were about to rush toward Jingrong, but after one cold glance from him, they had to give up.
“Young Master Liang, look at all these sisters of ours. Are you satisfied?”
Ji Yunshu’s gaze swept over those women, her brows tightening. She stroked her mustache and said with displeasure, “Although this young master isn’t picky, you should still find some who can present themselves properly.”
“What does the young master mean by this?”
Those few were unhappy.
Ji Yunshu’s eyes lifted toward the second floor and said, “I heard your famous dancer is Miss Yu Yin? This young master came here specifically for her reputation. How should I put it—I’m Second Young Master Liang. What my money pouch lacks least is silver.”
Everyone understood!
“So you came for Yu Yin.” One of the women swept a handkerchief across the table. “Yu Yin sells her art but not her body. If you want pleasure, young master, you’d be better off with us sisters. We guarantee we’ll serve you comfortably.”
“That’s right, Yu Yin can dance, but so can we. Besides, tonight Bao Niang will sell Yu Yin off. Highest bidder wins.” Pointing at the circular stage wrapped in light gauze, “Look, she’ll be sold right up there. Yu Yin’s fortune hasn’t been good these past two months. Bao Niang said if she can’t make money, she can only sell her off as a treasure. Many noble young masters will come tonight. If Young Master Liang wants to see Yu Yin now, it’s probably impossible. Either wait until tonight, offer a high price, buy her back to your manor, and have her dance for you every day.”
Finishing, those women all laughed, unable to hide their mocking tone.
Ji Yunshu asked, “Why sell Miss Yu Yin? Isn’t she your top courtesan?”
“That was before. Ever since the incident…”