Afei let out a scoff. “How could that be? Even if her brother had money, he wouldn’t do such a thing.”

“Have you asked anyone else?”

Upon hearing Jiang Si’s question, Afei smiled wryly. “I tried asking the brothel keeper, but if it weren’t for the generous money you provided, I would have almost been kicked out.”

Jiang Si sighed.

It seemed she had given Afei too little time. Extracting information from two lecherous men was not difficult, but dealing with the astute brothel keeper was another matter entirely.

However, given the current situation, discovering who redeemed Qing’er was crucial; that person might be connected to the Zhu family.

Jiang Si was still puzzled: Qing’er was merely a small maid serving the top courtesan, unremarkable in every way. What could make someone value her enough to scheme against her elder sister? Furthermore, why would that person redeem Qing’er only to send her back to her brother, allowing him to sell her again?

Was all this convoluted plotting just to stage a scene for Qing’er to be rescued by her elder sister?

If that were the case, it seemed unnecessary.

If she were to orchestrate this scene, how would she do it?

At the very least, it wouldn’t be so complicated. She could simply keep an eye on the gambling house for a desperate gambler ready to sell his daughter or sister; there was no need to first redeem someone from a brothel and return them to their family.

Unless—Jiang Si paused, her hand holding the fan still, her gaze deepening.

Unless that person had a compelling reason to need Qing’er specifically, and that reason couldn’t be figured out by mere speculation. She needed to investigate the flower boat where Qing’er had been sold.

Jiang Si tossed her fan onto the table and casually asked, “What name does that flower boat go by?”

There were countless flower boats on the Golden Water River, each with a name to help patrons identify them.

Afei replied casually, “It’s called Yan Chun Ban.” After saying this, he suddenly felt something was off and cautiously studied Jiang Si’s expression. “Miss, why do you ask about that?”

Jiang Si leaned back in her chair and smiled. “What a fitting name.”

Afei stood up, wiping his face. “Miss, now I’m feeling a bit nervous.”

It couldn’t mean what he thought it did!

The young woman lowered her gaze, lazily examining her well-groomed, rosy nails, and said in a tone that suggested, “I plan to take a casual stroll at the powder shop,” “I intend to visit Yan Chun Ban.”

Afei’s legs went weak, and he fell back into his chair.

“Those two lecherous men already recognize you, so you don’t need to follow me onto the boat. Just guide me there.”

Afei’s voice changed. “Miss, that won’t do.”

“Why not?” Jiang Si furrowed her brows.

Why not? Did that even need to be asked?

Afei was nearly on his knees. “Miss, do you think this is like a play where a girl disguises herself as a boy and can not only visit a brothel but also top the imperial examinations or even become a prince consort? Those are all lies! The moment you step onto that boat, the brothel keeper will see you’re a girl…”

“I know that; just guide me.”

“That really won’t work…”

Afei mustered his courage to refuse.

“Hmm?”

Afei earnestly advised, “Miss, what if something happens to you? I can’t take responsibility for that…”

Jiang Si smiled. “I’ll be bringing Old Qin with me.”

Seeing that Afei was about to say more, Jiang Si’s expression darkened. “Do you think I’m the kind of fool who would recklessly walk into danger without considering the consequences?”

“Of course not…”

“Alright, just do what I’ve instructed, and don’t worry about anything else.”

Afei sighed, feeling despondent. “When do you plan to go?”

The young woman smiled brightly. “There’s no time like the present; let’s go tonight.”

Upon returning to Haitang Residence, Aman circled Jiang Si, and finally, Jiang Si had to ask, “Aman, are you swatting flies?”

Aman stopped and looked at her pitifully. “Miss, are you taking Old Qin and leaving me behind?”

She never expected that as her maid, she would have to compete for attention with a coachman.

“Too many people will draw attention; one person is just right.”

Old Qin had a common face that could easily be disguised, and at critical moments, he was more useful than Aman. Jiang Si naturally had no hesitation in abandoning her maid.

Aman reluctantly agreed, and it wasn’t until nightfall, watching Jiang Si disappear into the darkness, that she finally gave up hope.

Looking up, the crescent moon in the sky was dim and dull, and the stars were nowhere to be seen. Aman sighed deeply.

On such a dark and windy night, it was indeed a good time for murder and arson—poor Old Qin.

By early September, the nights had already turned a bit chilly. Jiang Si stealthily slipped out of the marquis’s residence, naturally not carrying a lantern. Carefully navigating in the dark, she met up with Old Qin, her palms slightly sweaty.

Outside, thousands of lights illuminated the night.

Jiang Si glanced at Old Qin and nodded in satisfaction. “This looks good.”

Old Qin grunted in response as if this outing was no different from any of her previous ones.

“Miss—” Afei waved vigorously at the two as they turned a corner.

Jiang Si and Old Qin walked past, one in front of the other.

Afei, with a complex expression, glanced at Jiang Si dressed in male attire and sighed silently. He stepped aside and said, “Please get in the carriage.”

Once night fell, despite the quietness here, the scene at the Golden Water River was entirely different.

Jiang Si sat in the carriage, moving at a leisurely pace toward the riverbank. Sure enough, the sounds of laughter and the rich scent of perfume filled the air. This relatively exquisite carriage blended seamlessly into the bustling flow of vehicles, drawing no attention whatsoever.

Many flamboyantly dressed women stood on the flower boats moored at the shore, beckoning customers. The strong scent of powder wafted toward Jiang Si with every wave of their hands.

Jiang Si instinctively frowned but quickly composed herself. Following Afei’s guidance, she approached one of the flower boats.

A large red lantern hanging from the colorful pole on the boat swayed in the wind, displaying the words “Yan Chun Ban.”

At Yan Chun Ban, a flower girl stood on the wooden plank to welcome guests, while two bouncers quietly hid in inconspicuous spots to prevent any trouble.

Jiang Si was tall and slender. Dressed in male clothing and with a little disguise, her feminine curves were hardly noticeable. A hasty glance at the dimly lit shore would reveal a strikingly handsome young man.

The flower girl’s eyes lit up, and she immediately approached. “Young master, please come inside—”

As she spoke, whether out of habit or because the young man was exceptionally handsome, her ample bosom swayed and brushed against Jiang Si’s arm.

Afei, hiding in the shadows and not yet leaving, felt his heart tighten, fearing that Jiang Si might scream and expose her identity as a woman.

Jiang Si slightly pursed her lips and even smiled, tossing a small silver coin that glinted in the night sky, landing perfectly on the flower girl’s chest.

The flower girl joyfully thanked her repeatedly, while the handsome young man, with an expressionless servant, boarded the boat.

Afei was left dumbfounded, instinctively stroking his chin.

Goodness, the way the young lady strolled through the brothel was far superior to his own!