White-Pigeoning Is an Art (2-in-1 Chapter)

East of the city, Music Performance Street.

It was not yet the Hour of the Dog, but the lanterns in Brothel Alley were already lit, the sounds of strings and bamboo flutes drifting incessantly through the air, accompanied by the bursts of laughter from the young women.

The entrance to the alley was packed with carriages and horses, while heavily made-up madams bustled about, welcoming guests and seeing them off.

There were nobles in brocades and silks, scholars in traditional robes, and martial artists in tight-fitting gear with fierce auras...

But here, they all shared a single name:

Patrons.

Compared to other brothels and private dens in the city, the women of the Music Bureau were of higher quality; most had undergone formal training, possessing both beauty and talent, skilled in song and dance.

And they offered something found nowhere else—the female relatives of disgraced officials.

Because of their unique status, these women were highly sought after by merchants, gentry, and even colleagues from the imperial court...

However, the Music Bureau was not a place just anyone could afford. The "tea fee" alone was six taels of silver per person, and that was merely the minimum charge, excluding the cost of hiring a woman.

It was enough to make the common folk stop in their tracks.

Even so, most of the courtyards were filled to capacity, and the more popular ones even required reservations in advance.

To call it a "gold-melting cave" was no exaggeration.

Clop, clop, clop—

A series of hoofbeats rang out as several figures rode toward them.

They only reined in their horses at the mouth of the alley, causing the steeds to rear up and let out a series of neighs.

The surrounding crowd let out a cry of alarm, instinctively scrambling to get out of the way.

A young nobleman in brocade robes shouted angrily:

"Who is so lawless, daring to gallop through the market district..."

When he saw the horses were entirely crimson with snow-white hooves, his eyes cleared instantly, and he pretended to gaze at the sky as if nothing had happened.

Crimson Blood Horses, the exclusive mounts of the Heavenly Qilin Guard.

In Heaven Capital City, to a certain extent, the three words "Heavenly Qilin Guard" represented the law.

The group dismounted and handed their reins to the stable boys, while the madam swayed her hips as she came up to greet them.

"Oh my, what rare guests. It's been quite a while since you last came, Master Qin, hasn't it? I thought you'd forgotten all about me."

Qin Shou fished a silver note from his robes, skillfully tucked it into the madam's collar, and gave her a playful squeeze. "How could you say that? I could forget anyone, but never you."

"You're terrible~"

The madam's eyes brimmed with flirtation as she leaned her entire body softly against Qin Shou.

Noticing Chen Mo's strange expression, Qin Shou cleared his throat and said, "Is our table ready? If you neglect our Flag Commander, I'll hold you accountable!"

"Flag Commander?"

The madam froze at these words and looked up.

The light had been dim earlier, so she hadn't seen clearly, but now she noticed one of them stood tall and straight, his face as handsome as jade, his black robes embroidered with faint silver patterns—he carried an air of immense nobility.

His face seemed somewhat familiar...

"Flag Commander Chen?!"

The madam hurriedly bowed in greeting.

This man was currently making a huge name for himself in Heaven Capital City.

He had been a regular at the Music Bureau before, but he had only ever asked for one woman: Gu Manzhi.

Some time ago, Gu Manzhi had suddenly vanished, the entire Music Bureau had been sealed off for days, and everyone who had any connection to her had been rounded up.

Some of those people still hadn't been released, their fates unknown...

There were many rumors circulating within the Music Bureau; some said Gu Manzhi was a spy for the barbarian tribes, others said she was a demon in human form... but no matter the theory, it was inextricably linked to Chen Mo!

"Enough, lead the way. A few more colleagues will be arriving shortly."

Qin Shou gave her hip a pat.

"Follow me, then."

The madam shot him a coquettish glare and led the group into the alley.

Watching her hips sway as if they might fly into the sky, Chen Mo said to Qin Shou with a half-smile, "I didn't realize you had a taste for this?"

Although the woman was heavily made up and well-preserved, it was hard to hide the fine wrinkles at the corners of her eyes.

She was at least ten years older than Qin Shou.

"Boss, I may not be your match in martial arts, but when it comes to the art of patronage, you aren't as experienced as I am."

"Women like this have flavor; they're experienced and know how to cherish a man."

"Besides, compared to those young and beautiful girls, these older ones with average conditions are more easily overlooked. As long as you show them a little care, they'll be moved to tears, wanting to throw their whole hearts into serving you, making you feel so comfortable it's unreal..."

"Not to mention, last time she didn't even take my silver."

Qin Shou shared his experience with a smug look on his face.

Who said this madam was old? This madam was fantastic!

Chen Mo said with disdain, "The sun has barely risen, and you truly live up to your name."

Qin Shou grinned.

He felt no shame, but rather pride.

In any case, it was a mutual arrangement; being able to get it for free was his own skill.

They arrived before a courtyard, where the plaque hanging on the gate bore the three characters "Qingya Pavilion."

The room was lively and noisy; it seemed they were engaged in a tea party.

Pushing the door open to enter, they saw several square tables arranged in the room, with about a dozen people raising cups to drink and chatting boisterously.

Just as Chen Mo and his group took their seats, they heard one man in a white robe holding court: "My neighbor's aunt's nephew serves in the Heavenly Qilin Guard, and he was there when they executed the evil demon."

"He saw it with his own eyes! That Qin Wuxiang transformed into a thousand-foot-tall monster with twelve heads and twenty-four arms!"

"With just one stomp, the earth turned into a rift valley!"

"And Commander Chen, unfazed by the danger, sneered and said: 'Holding the sun and moon in my hands, plucking the stars, there is no one in this world like me! Stepping on yin and yang to settle the universe, from the ancient wilderness until now, I am supreme!'"

"He waved his hand and slashed out with his blade!"

"Guess what happened?"

"Pfft..."

Qin Shou couldn't help but laugh out loud, whispering, "Boss, did you have that many lines that day?"

The other bailiffs were trembling, struggling to hold back their laughter.

"..."

Chen Mo rubbed his temples.

The story was becoming more and more outrageous as it spread.

Although Qin Wuxiang's methods were devious, in terms of raw strength, she shouldn't even be at the fifth rank yet, but in the mouths of these people, she was practically a world-ending demon lord...

"Why does this brother laugh? Do you not believe it?"

The man turned his head upon hearing the sound, looking displeased.

Qin Shou shook his head and said, "I just thought of something happy... It's nothing, please continue."

Seeing that they all looked heroic and not like people to be trifled with, the white-robed man didn't say anything more.

Having been interrupted, he lost the mood to brag and picked up his wine cup to drink with his friends.

Half an incense stick later.

The sound of strings and bamboo flutes rang out, and several dancing girls emerged from behind the curtains.

They were beautiful, with slender waists and shapely hips, dressed in thin, translucent gauze skirts, stretching their graceful bodies as they danced between the square tables.

As their skirts fluttered, the accidental glimpses of skin made it impossible for anyone to look away.

The dancers were also sizing up the guests.

If they found someone they liked, they would sit by his side and share a cup of wine, and the matter would be settled.

Guests could also make the first move, but that would generally cost a bit more silver.

"As expected of Qingya Pavilion, the quality is extraordinary!"

"Why do I feel like that girl in the green dress is looking at me?"

"Bullshit, she's clearly looking at me!"

Qin Shou and the others adjusted their clothes, sitting up straight.

Watching these few animals competing like rutting stags, Chen Mo shook his head in disdain, then silently adjusted his hair, striking a pose of waiting for a beauty.

Although he was surrounded by stunning beauties, most were off-limits—the only one he had ever "tasted" was the Highness's feet.

As a martial artist with vigorous blood and qi, he also needed to release some pressure, otherwise, it wouldn't be good for his physical and mental health.

A dancer in a red dress swept her gaze across the room and her eyes lit up the moment she saw the refined and handsome Chen Mo!

What a dashing young master!

Although the process was much the same, who wouldn't want to find someone easy on the eyes?

Before the other sisters could notice this treasure of a boy, the dancer walked lightly to Chen Mo's side, sat gracefully on his lap, and spoke in a coquettish voice:

"Sir, would you be willing to share a cup with me?"

Chen Mo looked her up and down.

Her features were delicate, lightly powdered, about an eighty-point standard.

Under the thin gauze, her snowy-white breasts were nearly bursting out; her figure could be rated a ninety.

"Can you do the splits?"

Chen Mo asked out of the blue.

Xiao Hong was slightly taken aback, but she quickly understood and said, "Are you talking about the Heaven-Facing Stirrup, sir?"

She lifted her left leg over her head, easily stretching both legs into a perfect straight line.

"Very good, you're the one."

Chen Mo nodded in satisfaction and reached out to pull her into his arms.

Feeling those strong, sturdy muscles, Xiao Hong couldn't help but feel surprised.

He looked refined and handsome, like a delicate scholar, yet his body was actually this robust?

She quietly reached a hand downward, testing the goods, and her eyes were instantly filled with shock.

Looking back at her entire professional career, it could only be described in four words—

Never seen before.

Xiao Hong's breathing grew rapid, her eyes practically melting, and she leaned into Chen Mo's ear, whispering like an orchid, "Sir, come into the room with this slave..."

Just then, the door to the wine room was pushed open, and a group of people walked in.

Seeing Chen Mo and the others, they waved in greeting:

"Flag Chief Chen!"

"Apologies, we're late."

Chen Mo turned to look and was instantly stunned.

Among the few Ding Fire Bureau bailiffs stood a woman. Beneath a blue and white long dress, a calf as crystalline as jade was exposed; her face was fair and flawless, her nose bridge elegant, and her lips delicate.

Yet, her slightly cold and sharp brows diluted this beauty, giving off the impression that she was someone to be admired from afar, and anyone who dared to profane her would surely die.

"Boss, I'm not dreaming, am I?"

Qin Shou stood dumbfounded, muttering to himself.

Smack!

Chen Mo raised his hand and slapped him across the face.

"Does it hurt?"

"It hurts."

"Then you aren't dreaming... is that mother-f*cker Li Yuan?!"

Chen Mo felt his worldview teetering on the brink of collapse.

Li Yuan had actually come to the Music Bureau, and dressed like this? If he wasn't mistaken, she even seemed to be wearing rouge?

The other guests were also a bit strange.

Who brings their own girl to a brothel?

Seeing Chen Mo holding a girl in his arms, Li Yuan's eyes turned cold as she walked over to Qin Shou.

"Move."

"..."

Qin Shou stood up silently, vacating the seat.

Li Yuan sat down beside Chen Mo, staring at him without blinking.

Chen Mo frowned and said, "Flag Chief Li, this doesn't seem like the place for you, does it?"

Li Yuan raised an eyebrow and said, "Who made the rule that women can't come here? Can't I come to drink and listen to music?"

"Fine."

Chen Mo couldn't be bothered to bicker with her.

As long as she didn't interfere with his business, he would let her be.

Li Yuan picked up a wine cup and gulped it down. As the strong liquor hit her throat, a faint pink hue appeared on her cheeks.

Her gaze fell on Xiao Hong, and the two locked eyes across the air. Xiao Hong's heart skipped a beat, as if she were being stared at by a wild beast; the intense pressure made it difficult for her to breathe.

"S-sir, this slave needs to go relieve herself..."

Xiao Hong stood up and hurried away.

This wasn't just an excuse; she really did feel the urge... Li Yuan was a Rank 6 martial artist who lived by the blade; even a tiny sliver of her aura was more than she could bear.

While the other dancing girls were quite interested in Chen Mo, they didn't dare to get anywhere near him in the face of Li Yuan's tangible killing intent.

This left their table cold and deserted, with no one daring to approach.

Chen Mo said helplessly, "You've scared everyone away; who is going to drink with me now?"

Li Yuan turned her head away, "I'll drink with you, then."

Chen Mo shook his head.

The point wasn't the drinking, but what happened after the drinking...

"What a pity, that girl could do a split..."

"What's so special about that? I can do it too."

Li Yuan stood up, raised her leg high, and rested it on Chen Mo's shoulder, her long, slender legs stretched perfectly straight.

Facing Chen Mo's shocked gaze, the corners of Li Yuan's mouth curled up, "How about it? Is it standard enough?"

Chen Mo's throat bobbed, "Flag Chief Li, you're wearing a skirt..."

"..."

Li Yuan's expression shifted, and she hurriedly covered her hem and sat back down.

"So it's pink panties; Flag Chief Li really has a girlish heart after all," Chen Mo said with a grin.

"Shut up—no, you are not allowed to say that!"

Li Yuan's face flushed bright red, and she glared at him in shame and annoyance.

She usually wore tight-fitting martial attire, and this was her first time wearing a skirt, so she hadn't even thought about such things.

"But this outfit doesn't really suit you..."

Chen Mo pinched his chin, examined her for a moment, and said, "Flag Chief Li is better suited for leather pants."

Li Yuan's most striking features were her sky-high long legs and her firm, rounded hips, but the slightly loose skirt hid both of those advantages.

Li Yuan frowned slightly.

She had specifically borrowed this skirt from the girl next door and even had her apply some light makeup, which was why she had arrived so late.

And yet, this guy was actually being picky?

"...What are leather pants?" Li Yuan couldn't help but ask.

Chen Mo wore a mysterious expression, "You wouldn't understand even if I told you. If there's a chance, I'll get you a pair."

"Get them for me?"

This man is giving me clothes; could it be he wants me to wear them for him to see? Hmph, I suppose I'll have to consider it.

For some reason, Li Yuan felt a strange, sweet sensation in her heart.

Chen Mo calculated to himself:

Xu Qingyi's thong, Li Yuan's leather pants, and right, I should get the Highness a pair of silk stockings... Tsk tsk, I really am a genius!

"Sigh, it's a pity Lady Yu'er didn't make an appearance."

"I heard her zither skills are peerless, comparable to the former 'Zither Fairy,' and her appearance is even more stunning..."

The man in the white robe downed several cups of strong liquor, feeling a bit tipsy, and spoke with a regretful expression.

Someone else shook his head, "This Lady Yu'er is a woman of the Xu Family, and her reputation has been soaring lately; she's expected to become the top courtesan, so naturally, she has to keep her status high. How could she easily see guests..."

However, no sooner had he finished speaking than the melodious sound of a zither drifted from behind the curtains.

The zither music was like silk, sounding like a heavenly melody, as if an epiphyllum were blooming in the night—quiet and enchanting.

The crowd listened, utterly mesmerized, unable to snap out of it for a long time.

"It's Lady Yu'er!"

"The music lingers in the rafters; she truly is a fairy of the zither!"

"To hear her play a single tune makes this trip worthwhile."

Just then, the curtains were pulled aside, and a woman of peerless, radiant beauty walked out slowly, and under the gaze of everyone present, sat down on Chen Mo's lap.

Her luscious, vermilion lips parted slightly:

"Flag Chief Chen, may I have a drink with you?"