Chapter 225 "Peony Girl"

Chasing the wind to Ping Wang City, without even drinking a sip of water, started to inquire about the situation here.
The magistrate almost cried when talking about it. He has been suffering from this for a long time. The people at the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall often cause trouble. Sometimes they even come to the magistrate's office and drag him out of bed in the middle of the night.
Either it's extortion or a beating.
Every day I live in constant fear, reporting to the Emperor several times, but always rejected.
I really can't bear to live another day.
If Zhefeng can catch a lifesaving straw, then even if he can't catch people, he will be content to go home and farm and not suffer this torment.
Zhefeng comforted her and said, "Okay, nowhere is peaceful now, but I will definitely help you catch him and bring peace to the city of Pingwang."
The governor quickly arranged meals and accommodations.
There are only two people who came, Zhui Feng and Xiao Zhuge.
These two individuals are influential figures in the palace, one being a prince consort and the other a popular imperial guard.
The magistrate dare not be negligent.
Zhuifeng returned to the room.
Xiao Zhuge said, "It's not surprising that this kind of magistrate is not bullied. A big man speaks with snot and tears."
Zhuifeng said, "You think everyone is like you and me, ready to fight at a moment's notice. They are all civil officials."
Little Zhuge smiled and said, "It seems that my choice to learn martial arts was right. Otherwise, I would have been bullied just like him."
Zhuifeng said, "The purpose of learning martial arts is to strengthen the body, not to bully others."
Xiao Zhuge said: "My Lord, I know that the ones I hit are all bad guys."
Chasing Wind hated being called "My Lord". He gave him a look and knew that he intentionally called him that. He asked, "How should we handle this matter?"
Xiao Zhuge said, "Do you still need to ask me?"
Zhui Feng said, "Send someone to investigate his habits, where he has been."
Xiao Zhuge laughed, "My Lord, there's no need to investigate this, men all have a common weakness."
追风问道：“什么通病？”
小诸葛道：“喜欢女人呗。”
追风嗤之以鼻，道：“瞎说。”
小诸葛反驳道：“你还别不信，我带你去个地方，不去五天准能打听到他，甚至有可能遇到他。”
Where is it, asked Zhui Feng with interest?
Xiao Zhuge smirked and said, "Follow me."
The two of them changed into fashionable clothes, dressed like noble sons, strolled around the street for a while, and then Xiao Zhuge led Zhui Feng out of the city.
Chasing Wind asked, "Where are we going?"
Little Zhuge smiled and said, "Just follow me."
After walking for about ten miles, there were brightly lit lanterns ahead, and people were coming and going. Women in gorgeous clothes stood on the flower boats, waving handkerchiefs in their hands.
With a blush on his face, Zhui Feng said, "Why come to such a place?"
Xiao Zhuge laughed heartily, seeing him act like a little girl.
Zhui Feng said, "According to the imperial regulations, officials are not allowed to enter places with fireworks."
Xiao Zhuge said, "We are here to catch criminals and report cases, not to enjoy life."
Zhuifeng said coldly, "You are definitely up to no good under the guise of doing a legitimate job."
Xiao Zhuge quickly said, "You are falsely accusing me. I am always in the palace, and till now, I haven't even had a wife. I am an authentic virgin."
Several women walked over.
"Let this young master rest on the boat for a while."
Chasing the Wind was overwhelmed by the scent of perfume on them.
Little Zhuge smiled and said, "Take care of our friend here too, I guarantee you won't be disappointed."
These girls can tell at a glance that these two are rich people, so they naturally act extremely polite.
They pulled and dragged to get Zhe Feng onto the flower boat.
Zhe Feng was pulled by them and felt uncomfortable all over, saying, "Show some respect."
The old matchmaker hurriedly approached when two fat customers arrived. She had a thick layer of grease paint on her face, as thick as a copper coin, and wore a blood-red lipstick that made it look like she had just drunk blood. However, it was difficult to conceal the wrinkles on her face.
Before speaking, he smiles, a smile that is cheesy and makes people's bones feel mushy. In this kind of place, he has seen countless people and has no means or abilities. He couldn't make it today, and said, "Two sires, it's really rare to see you here. Where are you making your fortune?"
"We're from Gong County...," Zhang Feng spoke honestly.
"We came over from Gong County, just dealing with some medicinal herbs. Once the goods are sold, we'll spend a few days in Pingyang City," Little Zhuge quickly interrupted the conversation.
When the madam heard that they were dealing with medicinal herbs, she knew they were rich. She planned to exploit them these days and said with a smile, "You've come to the right place. We offer all-in-one services for eating, drinking, playing, and entertainment." Seeing their unique appearance and temperament, she was certain they had seen the world and wouldn't even bother with ordinary and vulgar people.
现在是该时候拿出王牌出来了。
小诸葛先给个老鸨子一百两元宝，道：“这是定金，不够再给赏钱另算。”
老鸨子看到信息眼前一亮，道：“二位爷出手阔气，请楼上坐。”
Most of the people in the first cabin are ordinary folks, and inside, everything is peaceful as if there is no connection with the outside world, completely isolated.
Everyone's face is smiling so brightly, they came here to have fun, so naturally, their hearts are content.
As women passed by them, they would show lascivious looks, and the men were willing to accompany them even without paying.
However, they knew how much they weighed in their hearts and hesitated.
The madam led the two up to the second floor of the flower boat and ushered them into a private room. She handed them a menu and said, "Gentlemen, please take a look and see if there's anything appetizing."
Xiaozhuge picked it up and flipped through it.
The old brothel keeper asked again, "How many girls do you need?"
Zhuifeng hurriedly said, "No need."
The old brothel keeper was taken aback.
Xiaozhuge smiled and said, "No need. Those vulgar and tacky girls of yours are not as good as eating something here to calm down."
The madam initially didn't understand why the young man had come here, but then she realized that he must be hungry and said with a laugh, "Sir, you must be joking! The girls here are famous for their beauty. Sun Wukong, go and fetch the Four Great Beauties."
Shortly after, four women entered the scene. They were dressed neatly and their appearance was decent. Having seen beautiful women all the time, they didn't find them attractive.
In the palace, the women are the cream of the crop. Beautiful women would never be lost in the common people.

Even if a random person were to be pulled out of the palace, they would still be considered a courtesan.
Little Zhuge glanced at it and continued to look at the recipe.
The madam could tell from the expressions of the two that they were not satisfied. She quickly dismissed them, feeling troubled now. Originally, she had brought out her trump card, but now she had no other plan.

Xiǎo Zhūgé ordered a delicious meal and a jar of good wine, saying, "Follow this."
The old brothel owner looked at how valuable it was and had to spit out the money, no way, tonight I'm going to reveal my bottom card, asked the four people to leave, and shouted, "Monkey."
A monkey ran in.
"Go and bring the peony," the bawd clenched her teeth.
The monkey hurriedly went out to invite someone.
After a long time, the footsteps of a woman were heard walking in. This woman was wearing a white long dress, embroidered with a lotus flower, as clear as a lotus flower emerging from water.
A delicate small face as white as a peeled boiled egg, a tall and straight nose bridge, a cherry-like small mouth, a pair of watery eyes revealing innocence, a light makeup that shows a lack of worldly experience, a fresh stream on a flower boat.
Little Zhuge's eyes lit up, unexpectedly there were such girls in the folk who participate in race walking.
Zhuifeng only glanced at it, in his eyes, all women couldn't compare to Guan Tongtong even with just one finger.
The madam said, "This girl is receiving a customer for the first time, she only sells her skills and not her body. If you both agree, the girl will stay and accompany you. If you don't agree, I will take her away."
Chasing the Wind, little Zhuge was at a loss when faced with those lively girls he was tasked to bring together.
Little Zhuge hurriedly said, "Miss, your name is truly fitting. It is fate that I have the honor of meeting you today. Please grace us with a song."
The mammy hurriedly retreated when the two were satisfied.
The monkey brought in the food and set it up before retreating.
The peony seemed very restrained, obviously her first time receiving guests, and didn't know what to say, standing there feeling awkward.
追风道：“姑娘莫怕，我们不会为难你，你就弹琴吧。”
Mudan, feeling grateful for encountering kind people, quickly gives a salute and walks to the piano, saying: "What would you like to hear, gentlemen?"
Zhuifeng said, "Whatever you play, we will listen to it."
Xiaozhuge laughed and had never seen such a easy-to-please guest, pouring a full glass of wine for Zhuifeng.
Mudan played a tune called "Missing". The sound of the qin was so mesmerizing that it made people feel refreshed and comfortable after listening to it.
Xiao Zhuge couldn't help but praise, "You play so well."
Zhui Feng, upon hearing it, was touched deeply within his heart. Only those who have truly loved and deeply loved can feel the meaning behind the melody.
Unable to resist, he sighed and drank up his wine in one gulp.
Xiaozhuge had seen through Zhui Feng's thoughts long ago. This is a matter of fireworks. You dare to like even the Emperor's woman, which shows your loyalty to the Emperor. However, the Emperor cannot tolerate you.
A woman like Guan Tongtong is liked by any man, but we can never have her.
Sometimes I want to remind you, but exposing this matter will quickly make it known to others, and I can neither say nor advise.
As a subordinate, all I can do is silently bless him and hope he will give up on such thoughts soon.
After finishing playing the song "Peony", Shidan bowed and said, "Please forgive me, gentlemen."
Xiao Zhuge hurriedly said, "You play so well. This is the first time I have heard a rendition of 'Yearning' that sounds so good. If the young lady doesn't mind, please come and join us."
Mudan is a little nervous.
Xiao Zhuge hurriedly said, "Don't be afraid, Miss. We will definitely respect you."
Emboldened, Mudan walked over and sat down in a seat between the two, leaving one empty seat between them.
Xiao Zhuge said, "You can eat vegetables, but I won't let you drink alcohol." He was afraid of revealing any flaws by speaking too much.
Mudan somewhat let her guard down and through their conversation, she completely let go of her suspicions. The two of them spoke without exceeding their boundaries and gained admiration for each other.
They sat together for a while.
Xiao Zhuge took out a silver ticket and handed it to her, saying, "Alright, you can go now. We will come back tomorrow and ask you to play for us."
Mudan looked at the one thousand two liang and said, "The two gentlemen don't need so much."
Xiao Zhuge said, "Take it, you'll need it in the future."
Mudan thanked the two and turned to leave.
The two arrived downstairs.
The madam approached and said, "Are you two satisfied? This is the first time Mudan is serving as a high-class courtesan."
Xiao Zhuge said, "No one is allowed to touch her these days. We will take care of everything."