The Art of Getting It for Free (Two-in-One Chapter)

East of the city, Music Performance Street.

It wasn't even the hour of the dog yet, but the lanterns were already lit in Brothel Alley. The strains of strings and flutes rang without end, accompanied by the girls' bursts of laughter and chatter.

Carriages and horses filled the entrance to the alley. Painted-up madams greeted their customers as they came and went.

There were nobles in fine silk robes, scholars in traditional jackets and robes, and even warriors in tight-fitting clothes, their auras fierce...

But here, they all shared a single name:

Whoremongers.

Compared to the other brothels and private whorehouses in the city, the girls at the Music Bureau were of higher quality. Most had undergone proper training; they were beautiful and talented, skilled at singing and dancing.

And then there were those who couldn't be found anywhere else—the wives and daughters of disgraced officials.

Because of their special status, these girls were especially favored by merchants, gentry, and even their former colleagues at court...

But the Music Bureau wasn't a place just anyone could afford. The "tea fee" alone was six taels of silver per person. That was only the minimum; it didn't include the cost of hiring a girl.

Enough to make ordinary folk think better of it.

Even so, most courtyards were packed to the rafters, and the more popular ones had to be booked in advance.

Calling them "gold-swallowing dens" was no exaggeration.

Clip-clop, clip-clop—

A burst of hoofbeats rang out as several figures rode up.

They pulled on their reins only when they reached the entrance to the alley. Their fine horses raised their forelegs and whinnied.

The crowd let out a collective gasp and hurriedly scattered.

A young nobleman in brocade robes angrily barked,

"Who's breaking the rules like this, riding horses through the market—"

When he saw the horses' crimson coats and snow-white hooves, his eyes instantly cleared. He pretended nothing had happened and gazed off into the sky.

Crimson Blood Horses, a special breed reserved for the Heavenly Qilin Guard.

In Heaven Capital City, to a certain extent, the words "Heavenly Qilin Guard" stood for the rules.

Everyone dismounted and handed their reins to the stable boys. The madam was already swaying over to greet them.

"Oh, what a rare guest! Master Qin, it's been a while since you last came by, hasn't it? I thought you'd forgotten about me."

Qin Shou pulled a banknote from his robes and deftly tucked it into the madam's collar, then gave her a quick squeeze. "Now, how could I forget you? I may forget anyone else, but never you."

"You're awful~"

The madam's eyes brimmed with allure as she leaned limply against Qin Shou.

Noticing Chen Mo's strange look, Qin Shou cleared his throat and said, "Have you arranged a place for us? If you slight our Flag Chief, I'll hold you responsible!"

"Flag Chief?"

The madam froze at his words and looked up.

It had been too dark to see clearly before. Now she made out a man standing among them, tall and straight, with a face as lovely as jade. His black uniform bore faint silver embroidery, and he looked every bit the nobleman.

His face seemed somewhat familiar...

"Flag Chief Chen?!"

The madam hurriedly curtsied.

This gentleman had become quite famous in Heaven Capital City lately.

He'd also been a regular at the Music Bureau, but he'd always sought out just one girl: Gu Manzhi.

Some time ago, Gu Manzhi had suddenly disappeared, and the entire Music Bureau had been shut down for several days. Everyone who had any connection to her had been arrested.

Some of them still hadn't been released. No one knew whether they were alive or dead...

Rumors abounded within the Music Bureau. Some said Gu Manzhi was a Barbarian Race spy; others claimed she was a demon in human form... But whatever the story, Chen Mo seemed somehow involved!

"Enough, show us the way. A few more colleagues will be joining us soon."

Qin Shou gave her bottom a smack.

"Come with me, then."

The madam shot him an annoyed look and led everyone into the alley.

Watching the ample hips that nearly swung up to the heavens, Chen Mo said to Qin Shou with a teasing smile, "Didn't know you were into this sort."

Though her makeup was heavy and she'd taken decent care of herself, it couldn't hide the fine wrinkles at the corners of her eyes.

She was at least ten years older than Qin Shou.

"Boss, when it comes to martial arts, I'm no match for you. But when it comes to the art of whoring, you can't hold a candle to me."

"Women like her have a certain flavor. They're experienced and know how to take care of a man."

"And compared to those young, pretty girls, women who are older and more ordinary get overlooked more easily. Give them just a little affection, and they'll be so touched they'll want to throw themselves into your arms and serve you in every way imaginable..."

"Don't take my word for it. Last time, she didn't even charge me."

Qin Shou shared his wisdom with a smug look.

Who said the madam was old? She was wonderful!

Chen Mo sneered. "The sun's just come up, and you really do live up to your name."

Qin Shou grinned.

He felt no shame. If anything, he was proud of himself.

As long as they were both willing, getting it for free was a skill.

They arrived at a courtyard whose plaque read "Qingya Pavilion."

The room was loud and bustling. They were probably having a tea gathering.

When they pushed open the door, they found several square tables inside. Around a dozen people were drinking and laughing together.

Chen Mo and the others had only just taken their seats when a man in a white robe began holding forth. "My neighbor's second aunt's nephew serves in the Heavenly Qilin Guard. He was there when they killed the evil demon."

"He saw Qin Wuxiang turn into a thousand-zhang-tall monster, with twelve heads and twenty-four arms!"

"One stomp was enough to split the earth into a canyon!"

"And Flag Chief Chen didn't even flinch. He sneered and said, 'I hold the sun and moon in my hand and pluck stars from the sky. None in this world are my equal! I tread on yin and yang to settle heaven and earth. From primeval times to the present, I reign supreme!'"

"Then he swung his hand and slashed out with his blade!"

"Guess what happened next?"

"Pfft..."

Qin Shou couldn't hold back his laughter and murmured, "Boss, did you really have that many lines that day?"

The other constables were all shaking with suppressed laughter too.

"..."

Chen Mo rubbed his brow.

The story was getting more and more absurd with every retelling.

Qin Wuxiang's methods had been strange, but in terms of actual strength, she probably hadn't even reached the Fifth Grade. In these people's mouths, she was practically a devil who could destroy the world...

"Why are you laughing, sir? Don't tell me you don't believe me?"

The man turned at the sound, his expression displeased.

Qin Shou shook his head. "I just thought of something funny... Never mind, carry on."

Seeing how spirited and imposing they all looked, the man in white decided not to say anything more.

His train of thought had been interrupted, and he'd lost the urge to brag. He raised his cup and resumed drinking with his friends.

Half an incense stick later.

The strings and flutes began to play, and several dancers emerged from behind the curtains.

They were lovely, with slim waists and shapely hips. Wearing gauzy dresses, they stretched their graceful bodies and danced between the tables.

Their skirts fluttered, revealing tantalizing glimpses of spring that made it impossible to look away.

The dancers, in turn, sized up the guests.

If one of them took a liking to someone, she would sit beside him and share a cup of wine. That was all it took to seal the deal.

Guests could also make their own choice, though that usually cost a little more.

"Qingya Pavilion lives up to its name. The girls are top-notch!"

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

"Bullshit. She's obviously looking at me!"

Qin Shou and the others tugged at their clothes and sat up ramrod straight.

Watching the beasts frantically competing for female attention, Chen Mo shook his head in disdain. Then he quietly fixed his hairstyle and struck a pose, waiting patiently for a beauty to approach.

There was no shortage of peerless beauties around him, but most were for looking at, not touching—the only one he'd ever touched had been Her Highness's feet.

As a vigorous martial artist with abundant qi and blood, he needed to let off steam too. Otherwise, it wasn't good for his physical or mental health.

A dancer in a red dress glanced around. When she saw Chen Mo, clear-eyed and handsome as jade, her eyes immediately lit up!

What a handsome young master!

The routine was much the same everywhere, but who wouldn't want a good-looking man?

Before her sisters noticed this hidden gem, she stepped lightly over to Chen Mo, settled gracefully on his lap, and asked in a coy voice,

"My lord, would you care to share a cup with me?"

Chen Mo looked her up and down.

She had delicate features and wore only a light touch of makeup. She was about an eight out of ten.

Beneath her gauzy robe, her snowy breasts were practically bursting out. Her figure earned a solid nine.

"Can you do the splits?"

Chen Mo asked out of the blue.

Xiao Hong paused, then caught his meaning. "Do you mean the vertical splits?"

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

"Good. You'll do."

Chen Mo nodded with satisfaction and pulled her into his arms.

Feeling his strong, sturdy muscles, Xiao Hong couldn't help but be surprised.

He looked like a refined scholar, handsome and fair. Who knew he'd be so muscular?

She quietly slipped a hand downward, feeling around to see what he was packing. Her eyes widened in shock.

In all her years on the job, there were only four words for it—

The biggest she'd ever seen.

Xiao Hong's breathing grew quick. Her eyes practically turned into silken threads as she leaned close to Chen Mo's ear and breathed, "My lord, come inside with me..."

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

When they saw Chen Mo and the others, they waved in greeting.

"Flag Chief Chen!"

"Sorry we're late."

Chen Mo turned around and froze.

Among the constables from the Ding Fire Bureau stood a woman. The hem of her blue-and-white skirt revealed a calf as smooth and gleaming as jade; her face was flawless and fair, her nose delicately high, and her lips soft and lovely.

But her slightly stern eyes tempered her beauty, giving her the air of someone to admire from afar, lest those who dared profane her meet their deaths.

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

Qin Shou stared, stunned, and muttered under his breath.

Smack!

Chen Mo raised his hand and slapped him.

"Does it hurt?"

"It does."

"Then you're not dreaming... What the hell, is that Li Yuan?!"

Chen Mo felt his whole understanding of the world teetering.

Li Yuan had actually come to the Music Bureau, and she was even dressed like this? If he wasn't mistaken, she seemed to have put on rouge too?

The other guests were a little puzzled as well.

Since when did a customer bring his own girl?

Seeing Chen Mo with a girl in his arms, Li Yuan's gaze turned cold. She walked over to Qin Shou.

"Move."

"..."

Qin Shou silently got to his feet and made room.

Li Yuan sat down beside Chen Mo and stared at him without blinking.

Chen Mo frowned. "Flag Officer Li, this doesn't seem like the sort of place you should be visiting."

Li Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Who says women can't come here? Can't I have a drink and listen to music?"

"Fine."

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

As long as she didn't interfere with their business, he'd let her do as she pleased.

Li Yuan picked up her cup and took a long gulp. The strong liquor went down her throat, bringing a faint blush to her cheeks.

Her gaze fell on Xiao Hong. The two women met eyes across the table, and Xiao Hong's heart skipped a beat. It felt as if she'd been caught in a beast's sights. The crushing pressure made it hard to breathe.

"My, my lord, I need to step away for a moment..."

Xiao Hong stood and hurried off.

She wasn't making an excuse; she really did feel the urge to go. Li Yuan was a Sixth-Grade Martial Artist who had lived by the blade. Even the faintest trace of her aura was more than Xiao Hong could bear.

The other dancers were very interested in Chen Mo too, but faced with Li Yuan's palpable killing intent, none of them dared come near.

As a result, their table was cold and deserted, with no one to entertain them.

Chen Mo said helplessly, "You scared everyone away. Who's going to drink with me now?"

Li Yuan turned her head aside. "I'll drink with you, if it comes to that."

Chen Mo shook his head.

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

"Too bad that girl could do the splits..."

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

Li Yuan got to her feet and raised one leg high, resting it on Chen Mo's shoulder. Her long, slender legs stretched straight as a line.

Seeing the shock in Chen Mo's eyes, Li Yuan's lips curled up. "Well? Is my form good enough?"

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

"..."

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

"So your panties are pink. Flag Officer Li has quite a girlish side, huh?" Chen Mo said with a grin.

"Shut up. N-no, don't say that!"

Li Yuan's face flushed bright red as she glared at him, mortified.

She usually wore a short, practical outfit, and this was her first time wearing a skirt. She hadn't paid any attention to things like that.

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

Chen Mo stroked his chin and looked her over. "Flag Officer Li would suit leather pants better."

Li Yuan's most striking features were her legs, long enough to reach the heavens, and her rounded, pert backside. The slightly loose skirt concealed both of these assets.

Li Yuan furrowed her brow.

She had gone out of her way to borrow this skirt from a girl next door, and even had the girl give her a light touch of makeup. That was why she had arrived so late.

And this guy still had the nerve to nitpick?

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

Chen Mo gave her a mysterious look. "You wouldn't understand even if I explained. If I get the chance, I'll give you a pair."

"Give them to me?"

Is he giving me clothes because he wants to see me wearing them? Hmph, I'll have to think about that.

For some reason, Li Yuan felt a strange sweetness well up inside her.

Chen Mo silently made plans:

"Xu Qingyi's thong, Li Yuan's leather pants, and, right, I'll get the Empress a pair of stockings too... Tsk, I'm a damn genius!"

"Ah, what a shame. Miss Yu'er didn't show herself."

"I heard her zither skills are peerless, on a par with the former Zither Fairy. And she's stunning, too..."

The white-robed man had downed several cups of strong liquor and was a little drunk. He spoke with a regretful expression.

Someone nearby shook his head. "Miss Yu'er is a member of the Xu Household. Her reputation's been soaring lately, and she has a chance of becoming the top courtesan. Of course she'd have to raise her price. There's no way she'd meet with just anyone..."

But just as he finished speaking, the melodious sound of a zither drifted from behind the curtain.

The music flowed like silk, as if from the heavens. It was like an epiphyllum blooming in the night, quiet and enchanting.

Everyone listened, entranced, unable to come back to their senses for a long time.

"It's Miss Yu'er!"

"Her music lingers in the rafters. She truly is a celestial maiden of the zither!"

"Just hearing her play a piece makes tonight's trip worthwhile."

Just then, the curtain lifted, and a breathtakingly beautiful woman walked in at an unhurried pace. Under everyone's gaze, she sat on Chen Mo's whip.

Her luscious red lips parted:

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