Jiang Li and Tong’er walked into Xihua House.
Baixue was simple and honest—whatever Jiang Li told her to do, she would do without questioning right or wrong. Tong’er, however, felt this was somewhat improper and suspected this was all just a dream. Think about it—how could her own young lady go visit a brothel? If the person she served were a young master, it would make sense.
Just as they reached the entrance, a smiling young woman came forward. “Miss, are you here to find someone?”
Very practiced in her manner. Speaking of it, the proprietor of Xihua House had quite a clever mind. The women greeting guests at the front door were all alluringly charming, wearing seductive clothes. But the women greeting guests at the back door dressed properly and looked very “respectable.”
This was natural. The men coming through the front door came for pleasure and entertainment, so of course maximum temptation was needed. The people at the back door specialized in greeting wives who came to catch their husbands in the act. If they dressed too seductively, it would anger the legal wives even more.
Tong’er stared wide-eyed. Seeing this woman didn’t seem as wanton as typical brothel women, she couldn’t help wondering in her heart, thinking that when Jiang Li said this place was a brothel earlier, she was deliberately deceiving her—this was just a proper restaurant.
While Tong’er was sizing up the woman, the woman was also assessing them. She could tell at a glance that Jiang Li was the mistress, but didn’t understand how Jiang Li, who clearly appeared to be an unmarried young lady, had also come looking for someone today. Could she be seeking her own fiancé?
However, people at Xihua House had seen such things countless times already.
Jiang Li smiled. “I’d like to see Miss Qiongzhi.”
The greeting woman’s expression changed slightly. She paused, then politely showed a smile. “Miss, at our Xihua House, the star courtesans don’t see female guests.”
Seeing Jiang Li specifically asking for Qiongzhi by name, she thought Jiang Li was here to cause trouble because of her fiancé visiting Qiongzhi, so naturally she had to obstruct her.
Jiang Li smiled and pulled out a banknote from her sleeve, having Baixue press it into the woman’s palm. She said, “Don’t worry, I’m not here to cause trouble. I have some matters I’d like to inquire about with Miss Qiongzhi. I won’t give you trouble. Won’t you do me this favor?”
The woman looked at the amount on the banknote in her hand and her heart couldn’t help racing wildly. Even among the women greeting guests at the front door, many of the male patrons who came to play weren’t as generous as this young miss. Looking at Jiang Li again—with clear, delicate features and gentle speech—most importantly, there was no contempt in her eyes. That last sentence carried an inquiring tone, clearly showing great respect for her.
The woman felt somewhat moved. In this line of work, there was no dignity to speak of. She received those wives who came to “cause trouble” at the back door. The wives deeply detested women like them. Even though they dressed very “respectably,” it still couldn’t erase those wives’ loathing. They would say unpleasant things at every turn. She had long forgotten what dignity was.
At this moment, this privileged young lady seemed to treat her like an ordinary person. The woman simply couldn’t bring herself to refuse. Even if she had wanted to refuse, looking at how generous Jiang Li was, any reluctance instantly vanished into thin air.
She smiled. “Please wait a moment, Miss. I’ll go see if Qiongzhi has a client right now. If she does…”
“No matter,” Jiang Li smiled. “If she does, I’ll wait here. Whenever she’s free, I’ll go in.”
The woman was startled, thinking this young lady was truly quite unusual. She immediately didn’t delay, poured Jiang Li a cup of tea, and went inside to find someone and ask.
After the woman left, Tong’er asked, “Miss, who is this Miss Qiongzhi? She’s not… not…” The two words “prostitute” were something Tong’er couldn’t say no matter what. Jiang Li was the Chief Minister’s daughter—if she stood together with a prostitute and others knew, who knows how many tongues would wag.
Jiang Li said, “She is exactly that.”
Tong’er: “Ah!”
Although surprised and confused, Tong’er didn’t dare continue questioning. She saw Jiang Li’s expression become rarely serious. Sometimes Tong’er thought that since leaving Qingcheng Mountain, her young lady seemed to have become a different person. Much of the time, Tong’er didn’t know what her young lady was thinking, and the things she did, she had no intention of explaining.
Forget it. Who told her this was her own young lady? Even through mountains of blades and seas of flames in this lifetime, she had to accept it.
Before long, the woman who had taken Jiang Li’s silver returned. She smiled at Jiang Li. “Miss, Qiongzhi currently has no clients. Would you like to go now?”
Jiang Li smiled faintly. “Yes.”
The route the greeting woman took to lead Jiang Li was probably different from the route patrons took. Along the way they didn’t see any unseemly sights, which made Tong’er breathe a huge sigh of relief.
Winding through several corridors and up several floors, the woman stopped and smiled. “This is Miss Qiongzhi’s room.”
She stopped before the door.
Jiang Li paused. “Good.”
After the woman left, Jiang Li said, “Tong’er, Baixue, wait for me outside the door.”
“Miss…” Tong’er was surprised. Jiang Li wasn’t planning to take them inside. She wasn’t hurt that Jiang Li didn’t trust her or tell her secrets, but rather worried that Jiang Li wasn’t really planning something inappropriate with this Miss Qiongzhi. Could her own young lady have such inclinations? Tong’er shuddered.
Jiang Li didn’t know about all these chaotic thoughts in Tong’er’s mind. She only pushed open the door and walked in, turning to close the door behind her.
Before the dressing table sat a graceful, shapely silhouette. Her water-blue gauze dress had nearly slipped down to her waist, exposing large expanses of snow-white skin. Her spine was very beautiful, making even the woman’s shadow appear exquisite.
“Miss Qiongzhi.” Jiang Li spoke softly.
The silhouette slowly turned around.
This woman had a palm-sized small face with fine eyebrows and long eyes that lent her a sharp, seductive beauty. But she had a slightly full chin that made her appear honest and innocent, adding a special flavor to her charm. She apparently knew this mouth was her best feature—she had applied bright rouge to it, making it even more enchantingly beautiful. Having apparently just taken down her hair, it was loose and disheveled, messily draped behind her head with a lazy sort of beauty.
This was the very famous Miss Qiongzhi of Xihua House.
Speaking fairly, in terms of features and appearance, Qiongzhi wasn’t stunning. She had many flaws and was even inferior to Jiang Yu’e by several degrees. However, that naive charm carved into her very bones made people linger and find her unforgettable.
Qiongzhi looked at Jiang Li and also carefully examined her. A moment later, she smiled and asked, “Miss, would you like some tea?”
Not knowing Jiang Li’s purpose yet still remaining calm and unhurried—clearly a woman of courage.
Jiang Li smiled. “No need. I came to find Miss Qiongzhi because I have some matters I’d like to ask about.”
“But I don’t know you.” Qiongzhi smiled sweetly. “Or rather, perhaps I know your sweetheart?” Her trailing tone was alluring, as was her smile.
“That’s not it,” Jiang Li sat down in a chair. Facing Qiongzhi’s provocation, she smiled unhurriedly. “Perhaps I know your sweetheart.”
Qiongzhi covered her mouth. “What are you saying…”
“Xue Zhao.” Jiang Li uttered two words.
Qiongzhi’s smile froze.
The charming beauty finally stopped the flirtation she had displayed from the start. She stared carefully into Jiang Li’s eyes. Although she concealed it well, there was still a trace of panic. This made her appear more serious.
“Who are you?” After a long while, Qiongzhi asked.
“I’m an old friend of Xue Zhao’s.” Jiang Li lowered her eyes.
“How do you know I know Xue Zhao?” Qiongzhi asked.
“Xue Zhao mentioned you to me.” Jiang Li said. “I remembered.”
“Mentioned me…” Qiongzhi’s expression became somewhat dazed.
Jiang Li stared at the woman before her. Qiongzhi still had some feelings for Xue Zhao after all.
Back then, Xue Zhao had made a bet with his classmates and, behind Xue Huaiyuan’s back, went to Xihua House to drink flower wine. Although he was drinking flower wine, Xue Zhao ultimately wasn’t accustomed to such settings. He had originally planned to use this as an excuse to slip away, but unexpectedly while slipping out, he encountered Qiongzhi being roughly pushed and shoved by a crude patron, as if she were being bullied.
Xue Zhao had a heroic nature. He immediately stopped and inquired what had happened. Qiongzhi promptly tearfully complained to Xue Zhao at length—a story of a respectable woman forced into a fallen life. Xue Zhao beat up that patron, then asked Qiongzhi how she could be redeemed. Qiongzhi mentioned an enormous sum, which left Xue Zhao at a loss.
Xue Zhao had no silver, so he told Qiongzhi that as long as she was willing, he could take her and escape from Xihua House. But later he learned that everything was just Qiongzhi using Xue Zhao as a tool to get rid of that patron. Qiongzhi had never thought of leaving Xihua House. That pitiful story of being forced into prostitution was just a lie casually fabricated.
Originally Xue Zhao had been painstakingly devising ways to help Qiongzhi escape, even asking Jiang Li to help him think of solutions. Later when Qiongzhi saw Xue Zhao truly intended to take her and flee, she found it both incredible and amusing, and only then revealed the truth. Xue Zhao felt deceived and angrily left, swearing never to believe brothel women’s lies again.
The young and hot-blooded Xue Zhao had been toyed with by a woman. Jiang Li couldn’t stand it, so she went to Xihua House to meet Qiongzhi once. Upon learning that Xue Fangfei was Xue Zhao’s older sister, Qiongzhi actually displayed rare restraint. Her words showed great concern for Xue Zhao, and she even asked Xue Fangfei to apologize to Xue Zhao on her behalf. Xue Fangfei could see that Qiongzhi had probably fallen for Xue Zhao. However, Xue Zhao and Qiongzhi weren’t the same type of people, so she didn’t tell Xue Zhao about this matter.
From then on, there was no further contact with Qiongzhi.
“I never expected Xue Zhao mentioned me to you,” Qiongzhi smiled. “I am, after all, a brothel woman. For someone so righteous like him to not fear tarnishing his virtuous reputation by discussing these matters with you—you must have a very good relationship with him.”
Her words carried subtle probing, probably thinking Jiang Li and Xue Zhao’s relationship was unusual. Jiang Li smiled. “I’m good friends with Xue Zhao’s sister. Actually, these matters weren’t told to me by Xue Zhao either, but by Xue Zhao’s sister.”
The implication was very clear—she and Xue Zhao were completely innocent; she was just very close to Xue Fangfei.
With this, Qiongzhi’s gaze became much softer. Qiongzhi smiled. “I see.”
“I also came here with a probing heart, thinking perhaps you were no longer at Xihua House. I didn’t expect you’d still be here.” Jiang Li said.
“If I’m not at Xihua House, where else could I go?” Qiongzhi also smiled.
Jiang Li fell silent for a moment, then asked, “When Xue Zhao wanted to take you away from Xihua House back then, why didn’t you agree?”
Qiongzhi looked at Jiang Li with an ambiguous expression, then slowly said, “Young lady, you and I are different. One look and I can tell you’re a pampered young miss who hasn’t experienced life’s hardships. I lost both parents at a young age and was sold into Xihua House. I learned music, chess, calligraphy, and painting to please patrons—this is my livelihood skill. I don’t feel there’s anything shameful about it. Compared to those sold into great households as slaves and servants, perhaps one day taken as a concubine by the master, living fearfully under the mistress seeking survival—I’m already very content. At least here as a star courtesan, I don’t have to guard against poison from a legal wife.”
“You may think I have no dignity, but if I had been born into a privileged household, naturally I could hold my head high too. People with money can talk about dignity. People without money—better not talk about dignity.” She smiled. “Xue Zhao was very good. Although he didn’t appear to be from any great household, he was very righteous. It’s just that his righteousness sometimes seemed too naive.”
Qiongzhi suddenly remembered something and smiled. “That day when he came to take me away, I asked him—even if I left Xihua House with him, what would happen afterward? He looked at me very surprised and asked, ‘Of course afterward you’d find proper work and live a good life.'” Qiongzhi spread her hands. “You see, he never thought of keeping me by his side as a concubine. Other men redeem girls not so they can go out and make their own living.”
“Xue Zhao didn’t like me. He only did this out of righteousness. I can’t take this as tender affection, nor as special feelings toward me. A person without feelings for me—I can’t follow him. Why should I leave Xihua House? At least at Xihua House, I don’t lack silver, nor do I lack men who dote on me.”
Qiongzhi sighed, her gaze revealing some melancholy. Reminiscing, she said, “Perhaps it was precisely this kind of naive righteousness that touched me. I’ve seen countless men at Xihua House. Everyone has their own agenda, everyone is selfish. Someone as black-and-white as him is truly rare. I wonder if in this lifetime I’ll ever meet such a person again—someone without any ulterior motive who simply wants to help me… Unfortunately,” she smiled self-mockingly, “he never came again after that, and I never saw him again.”
Listening to Qiongzhi’s words, Jiang Li disagreed with some of what she said, but had to admire how clearly Qiongzhi saw some things. Xue Zhao indeed didn’t like Qiongzhi. Qiongzhi knew this deeply, so she didn’t pester him. And Xue Zhao was indeed righteously naive—otherwise he wouldn’t have been framed by Princess Yongning and died so mysteriously.
Suppressing the surging emotions in her heart, Jiang Li said, “Miss Qiongzhi, it’s not that Xue Zhao didn’t want to come—he couldn’t come.”
“Oh?” Qiongzhi smiled. “Why couldn’t he come? Did he get married?”
“He died.” Jiang Li said.
Qiongzhi froze, seeming to take a moment to understand what those three words meant. She cried out, “Impossible!”
“He truly did die. He died in the capital, killed by bandits, his body abandoned in the river.”
Qiongzhi suddenly covered her mouth. Jiang Li clearly saw tears forming in Qiongzhi’s eyes. She shook her head and murmured, “How could this be…”
“You only knew Xue Zhao’s name, not his identity. Xue Zhao was the son of Tongxiang County Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan. His sister Xue Fangfei married into the capital. A year ago, Xue Fangfei miscarried in the capital. Xue Zhao went to the capital to visit her and was killed by bandits. Later Xue Fangfei died of illness, and Xue Huaiyuan also passed away.” Jiang Li spoke extremely calmly. She looked at Qiongzhi. “In just one short year, all three members of the Xue family died. Don’t you think that’s strange?”
Qiongzhi asked, “What do you mean?”
“Because of my relationship with Xue Fangfei, I’m trying to find ways to investigate this matter. However, I can tell you with certainty that Xue Zhao died for another reason, though it’s still unclear what. I came to Xiangyang to fulfill Xue Fangfei’s dying wish. Miss Qiongzhi,” Jiang Li looked at her, “I know you’re a capable person. Wealthy and noble families come to Xihua House every day. For you to inquire about Xiangyang matters is as easy as turning your palm.”
“What do you want me to help you find out?” Qiongzhi immediately asked.
“The Xue family of Tongxiang,” Jiang Li said. “Actually, I can confirm Xue Zhao and Xue Fangfei’s deaths because I witnessed them myself… But regarding Xue Huaiyuan in Tongxiang, I’m not clear. I’d like you to help me find out—half a year ago, what did Xue Huaiyuan die of in Tongxiang? Who handled the funeral arrangements, and where was he buried?”
“Why should I believe you?” Qiongzhi asked.
Although suddenly learning of Xue Zhao’s death left Qiongzhi grief-stricken, at this moment she hadn’t lost her reason.
“Xue Zhao was a loyal and righteous person. I think the people he associated with were also not heartless. I’ve come for the Xue family. I hope you can help me.” Jiang Li said. “I have no bargaining chips to trade with you, because you lack nothing. So I’m asking you.”
Qiongzhi stared blankly at Jiang Li. Jiang Li’s attitude was very sincere, almost to the point of humility, and her gaze was earnest and firm—she didn’t seem to be lying.
“Xue Zhao wasn’t famous in the capital, but Xue Fangfei’s name is known to everyone in the capital.” Jiang Li said. “Among those who come to Xihua House, perhaps some have been to the capital. If you inquire a bit, you’ll know Xue Fangfei’s recent situation and whether I’m lying.”
After thinking it over, Jiang Li felt Qiongzhi was the most suitable person to inquire about Tongxiang matters. First, Qiongzhi was indeed the most popular star courtesan at Xihua House. Her patrons were either wealthy or noble—she had all kinds of people. Inquiring about one or two matters was effortless, and she could uncover insider information others didn’t know.
Second was Qiongzhi as a person—she wasn’t subject to any threats. From her words about thinking being a brothel courtesan was quite good, one could tell she didn’t lack silver, wasn’t afraid of death, didn’t want to curry favor with the powerful to climb upward, and had no relatives. Even if someone noticed she came to find Qiongzhi and wanted to pry information from Qiongzhi’s mouth, it would be futile—Qiongzhi wouldn’t let them succeed.
Finally, naturally it was because very few people would think that Jiang Li, a Chief Minister’s daughter, would have dealings with Qiongzhi, a star courtesan. Hiding in the shadows was always safest.
After struggling for a long time, Qiongzhi said through gritted teeth, “I can agree to help you, but you must let me see that Xue Zhao truly died.”
“Xue Zhao’s grave is in the capital,” Jiang Li said softly. “But don’t worry. One day, both siblings will return to their hometown. I’ll reunite them.” She said, “At that time, Miss Qiongzhi can visit her old friend.”
…
When Jiang Li walked out of the room, Tong’er and Baixue had almost reached their limit waiting, afraid Jiang Li had fallen victim to that “Miss Qiongzhi” person inside. Seeing Jiang Li emerge safe and sound, they finally breathed a sigh of relief. Tong’er still wanted to look inside. She only saw a figure in a blue dress sitting before the dressing table, shoulders slightly trembling as if sobbing.
Tong’er’s heart jumped in alarm. What was going on? How was this Miss Qiongzhi crying? It couldn’t possibly be that Jiang Li bullied her, could it? Jiang Li was just a young girl—how could she bully someone to tears?
Jiang Li said, “Stop looking. Let’s go.”
Tong’er quickly collected her thoughts and hurried to catch up with Jiang Li alongside Baixue.
Jiang Li’s steps couldn’t be called light, but they weren’t as heavy as when she arrived.
Asking Qiongzhi for help—actually at first she hadn’t been confident. She was only counting on the fact that when she was still Xue Fangfei and met Qiongzhi that one time, she vaguely sensed Qiongzhi had feelings for Xue Zhao. But that bit of affection had been so long ago—who knew how much remained?
Everyone said courtesans were heartless and actors faithless, that pleasure quarter women definitely had no sincerity. But Jiang Li thought that women from the world of flowers and smoke, when they did become devoted, were often even more absolute than ordinary people. In the end, she won this gamble. Qiongzhi still had old feelings for Xue Zhao. Xue Zhao’s death touched Qiongzhi, and Qiongzhi was willing to help—this couldn’t be better.
As long as she learned news from Tongxiang and learned of Xue Huaiyuan’s situation, this trip wouldn’t be in vain. Knowing the circumstances would make planning countermeasures much simpler. What excuse she could use during this Xiangyang trip to return to Tongxiang would also be easily resolved.
The three walked out along the same path they came. Tong’er had wanted to find someone to lead the way to avoid going wrong, but saw Jiang Li showed no hesitation, as if she knew the way, very familiar with it. So she gave up, thinking her young lady was truly excellent at remembering routes—walking through once and she already knew it.
Just reaching the back door, they didn’t see the woman who had greeted them earlier, but instead unexpectedly encountered a man. Because those who came to the back door were wives seeking their husbands, and men all entered through the front door, Jiang Li couldn’t help taking a few extra looks at the person.
He was a middle-aged man with a robust build, dressed somewhat strangely—not like Xiangyang attire, but like fitted clothing with armor. This seemed odd. The man had a scar about a finger’s length on his left cheek, giving him a slightly bandit-like air that seemed out of place with other Xiangyang people.
The man probably also hadn’t expected a young girl to suddenly walk out from inside, and clearly not one of Xihua House’s girls. He couldn’t help taking a couple extra looks at Jiang Li too.
As the two looked at each other, there was a strange feeling, as if of familiarity, yet Jiang Li clearly hadn’t seen this man before. In the moment of contemplation, the person had already brushed past her and walked inside.
Jiang Li stopped and looked back. The man had already gone upstairs and disappeared from view—perhaps a patron who came for pleasure.
“Does Miss feel something is wrong?” Baixue saw Jiang Li looking back at the man and asked.
“It’s nothing.” No matter how Jiang Li thought about it, she couldn’t figure out where she might have seen this person before. However, this strange feeling wasn’t unpleasant. Standing here would inevitably attract attention, so she said, “Let’s go.”
Leading the two maids, she walked out of Xihua House without looking back.
…
Jiang Li’s front foot had barely left Xihua House when Wen Ji’s back foot reported this matter to Ji Heng in the pavilion.
“Second Miss Jiang entered Xihua House and met with Xihua House’s popular star courtesan Qiongzhi.” Wen Ji said.
“Qiongzhi…” Lu Ji mused. “She went specifically to find Qiongzhi?”
“Apparently so. Qiongzhi is Xihua House’s top courtesan. The area in front of her room has hidden guards posted. The people we sent couldn’t overhear what they said. However, Second Miss Jiang stayed in Qiongzhi’s room for more than the time it takes to burn a stick of incense before coming out—it wasn’t a brief stay. After she left, Qiongzhi seemed very agitated. She stayed alone in her room and refused to see clients today.”
Ji Heng raised an eyebrow. “Is that so.”
“My lord, why not have someone go find this Miss Qiongzhi,” Lu Ji suggested, “to see what exactly Second Miss Jiang said to her.”
“That’s impossible.” Ji Heng smiled faintly.
“Why?”
Wen Ji proactively explained. “This Miss Qiongzhi is a tough character—she accepts neither soft nor hard tactics. Raised since childhood by Xihua House’s madam, she’s naturally seductive. Many patrons wanted to redeem her. Even sons from great households wanted to marry her as a wife, but Qiongzhi flatly refused them all. Other star courtesans sell themselves to raise enough silver to become respectable. Qiongzhi doesn’t lack silver and doesn’t want to become respectable. Wealth and glory can’t tempt her, nor can the position of household mistress move her.”
Lu Ji was stunned. He hadn’t expected Qiongzhi to be such a hard nut to crack.
“Moreover, Qiongzhi has dealings with many prominent figures in Xiangyang. These people are all willing to protect her—like the former Startling Swan Fairy in the capital. So we can’t use force. Besides, given Qiongzhi’s personality, even using force might not succeed.”
Ji Heng lazily closed his fan. “See? Second Miss Jiang came prepared. She deliberately found a dagger without a sheath.”
“So it seems Second Miss Jiang’s scheming runs far deeper than we estimated.” Lu Ji said in a low voice.
Jiang Li chose Qiongzhi. Regardless of what they negotiated, Qiongzhi was a stone that couldn’t be pried open. From the start, Jiang Li found the safest option in Qiongzhi to prevent anyone from trying to pry information from the other party.
She had thought of all possibilities and escape routes, leaving others at a complete loss.
“Have people watch Qiongzhi.” Ji Heng said with a beaming smile. “See what she does next.”
Wen Ji accepted the order.
Lu Ji looked at Ji Heng again. “Speaking of which, the people arranged by the Li family have also arrived. This time, the young master from the Right Chancellor’s family has decided to target the Ye family. Ye Shijie isn’t following the path he arranged now. This time tripping up the Ye family—I wonder if it will succeed.”
“Why wouldn’t it?” Ji Heng asked in return.
Lu Ji hesitated, stroked his goatee, then said, “My lord’s previous plans were all disrupted because of Second Miss Jiang. Now Second Miss Jiang is also in Xiangyang. This subordinate always feels this Second Miss Jiang is not simple. With Second Miss Jiang finding Qiongzhi this time, could it be related to this matter? If Second Miss Jiang interferes again and disrupts my lord’s plans, that would be unfortunate.”
Time and again, Jiang Li had disrupted the paths Ji Heng arranged. Yet each time it seemed unintentional. Lu Ji felt—could Second Miss Jiang have been Ji Heng’s nemesis in a past life, continuing the old pattern in this life, always causing Ji Heng troubles? Wherever Jiang Li was, there were “accidents.”
“If she’s capable, let her try to muddy the waters.” Ji Heng narrowed his eyes slightly. “I’m waiting.”