Chapter 3: Visiting the Brothel Without Paying
The gaze glanced at Cheng Yaojin beside him: "Do you have any silver? I will pay you back double after we return"
"Are these people crazy? One thousand taels just to listen to music and watch dancing?" Cheng Yaojin said, his face full of confusion
The bidding voices rose and fell, creating a lively atmosphere
Someone immediately raised a question: "Are you really here to bid? Don't shout randomly; first, show me five thousand taels before you speak!"
Hehe, I said it, people from other states cannot be this wealthy. This person just cannot stand our prosperity in Huai State and wants to deliberately sabotage tonight's grand event
Yet he is unable to produce any money at the moment
Come, let me see how your governor has trained you
Online emergency
Everyone fell silent, all eyes fixed on Li Shimin
Look, he really cannot produce any money
This caused the dancer on the high platform to raise her eyebrows and turn to Li Shimin, asking, "How should I address this esteemed gentleman?"
"The clothes you are wearing look quite nice; they wouldn't happen to be stolen, would they?"
It is infuriating that one's own soldiers are trying to capture oneself
Li Shimin squinted his eyes, suddenly stood up, and said firmly in an undeniable tone: "Five thousand taels!"
How could my own soldiers actually want to capture me to make me a turtle slave
Are the people here really that wealthy
The dancer did not speak the following words, but the meaning was very clear; she wanted Li Shimin to first pay five thousand taels of silver
The dancer raised her eyebrows slightly, remaining silent
This is troublesome
Li Shimin is very anxious
Li Shimin's expression changed dramatically
This Huai Prefecture is governed by Luotong. If the people here are truly this wealthy, does it not imply that Luotong possesses extraordinary talent
Unable to produce the silver, according to the rules, these two must serve as turtle slaves at Tianxiang Tower
In the midst of contemplation, the crowd on site had already begun to place bids
Li Shimin twitched the corner of his mouth, suddenly recalling that this fellow before him was also a slippery character. Back in Chang'an, he was notorious for buying things without paying. He had no idea how much silver Cheng Yaojin had given to those commoners!
This is now awkward
Everyone appeared to be watching the show with great interest
Looking at the soldier before him, Cheng Yaojin's lips curled into a smirk, revealing a hint of playful intrigue
He is the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, how could he possibly become a turtle slave
Two thousand five hundred taels
Oh, this is going to be interesting. It has been a long time since anyone caused a disturbance at Tianxiang Tower. It seems that today, there will be two more people serving as turtle slaves!
Rotong, is this the person you trained?
Upon hearing these words, Cheng Yaojin's eyes widened like copper bells
Do not be afraid, my lord, I will protect you
This person looks unfamiliar, not from around here. Could they be from outside?
The dancer on the high platform saw that the situation had escalated. In order to resolve the matter quickly, she exchanged a glance with the songstress and the qin player. The two women nodded at her, and then the dancer looked at Li Shimin with a frown and said
Currently, in the Great Tang, a斗of rice costs only three to four wen, with one thousand wen equaling one tael of silver. With one thousand taels of silver, a person can live without worry for food and clothing for their entire life
Only the tallest dancer crossed her legs and bowed to the audience, then lightly laughed and said: "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight my three sisters and I will perform together for the first time. If there are any shortcomings, I hope you will be understanding."
Hehe, no other state is as wealthy as our Huai Province. I am now seriously doubting that this person is quoting a price randomly
At this moment, Li Shimin suddenly became interested in Luo Tong
The three courtesans are quite attractive, and when they wear silk stockings, they become even more alluring; any man would be captivated
The dancer smiled faintly: "Master Li, you have heard what everyone has said. Our Tianxiang Tower does not doubt that you are arbitrarily raising the price. However, in business, it has always been the case that payment is made upon delivery, so..."
Although they are wealthy, the amount of 5,000 taels exceeded their expectations
2300 taels
Upon seeing this, Li Shimin's expression darkened
Otherwise, if this matter gets out, it would be quite embarrassing for the emperor to visit a brothel without paying
Who gave you the audacity?
Everyone is voicing their doubts about Li Shimin
Cheng Yaojin was taken aback: "I never carry silver when I go out"
The people around naturally noticed Li Shimin's actions. Seeing that he had not taken out any silver for a long time, someone immediately started to make a commotion
The soldiers guarding outside the gate were deemed unimportant by Li Shimin
At this moment, Cheng Yaojin stood in front of Li Shimin
Your Majesty, if not, let us depart. If you truly desire those silk stockings, I can have that rascal Luotong offer some as tribute.
However, the people here are willing to pay such a high price just to see the three courtesans perform individually
Neither of the two individuals brought any money
Li Shimin was also taken aback
"Surname Li!" Li Shimin said with an expression of indifference
Since you have no silver and are arbitrarily raising prices, it is clear that you are here to cause trouble. Guards, take these two away and make them turtle slaves for a month
You little rascal, just wait for me. After dealing with these few guys, I, Old Cheng, will come back to teach you a lesson!
Moreover, all these things were created by that brat Luotong? Luotong, you better watch out, tomorrow when I find you, I will make sure to give you a good beating
Li Shimin took a deep breath and turned to the dancer on the high platform: "Miss, please wait here for a moment. May I go fetch the silver and the books?"
But the crowd around them erupted in an uproar
At this moment, Li Shimin was both angry and anxious
According to the hierarchy, Luo Tong should address him as Uncle Cheng. Is it too much to ask for a bit of silk or stockings in this capacity
As for now...
Cheng Yaojin is not interested in these matters and even finds them somewhat boring
As soon as the words were spoken, the soldiers guarding the Tianxiang Tower rushed in.
to be a turtle slave
It is not easy for me to come out this time; can I not enjoy myself a little?
Hehe, saying that he is going to collect silver, but in reality, he just wants to sneak away
At the moment when Cheng Yaojin was deep in thought, the crowd present was suddenly taken aback; the price of 5,000 taels was simply too high
Is it convenient to talk?
He is the emperor; how could he possibly carry silver when going out
Inside the crowded Tianxiang Tower, as the dancer stepped forward, the crowd immediately fell silent
Daring to cause trouble at Tianxiang Tower, you are in for some bad luck
However, Li Shimin looked at everyone's bidding with great excitement, completely ignoring Cheng Yaojin's words
What should I do
Why hasn't Luo Tong appeared yet? Hurry and come to the rescue!
Upon hearing someone question him, Li Shimin immediately snorted coldly, "As the dignified Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, can I not produce 5,000 taels?"
If you have no money, that's one thing, but to think of escaping is quite another
Next, the three of us will host a guest together, performing exclusively for him. The rule is that the highest bidder wins, with the starting price set at 1,000 taels.
What is even more critical is that this is at a low price
In other words, the final transaction price may exceed one thousand taels
Regardless of whether those who are making these offers are truly wealthy, we will know for certain tomorrow when the hundred riders conduct an inspection within the city
Cheng Yaojin: "... ..."
Moreover, something has happened here; why haven't you shown up yet? How are you managing as the governor?
Reach out and touch.
Hmph? Brother Wang, your price is simply an insult to the three young ladies. I offer two thousand taels!
Indeed, although Huizhou is quite prosperous under the governance of the governor, not everyone can produce five thousand taels
Although it is somewhat embarrassing to borrow money from one's subordinates, at this moment, such concerns are of little importance.
What is the concept of one thousand taels?
Three young ladies performing together for the first time, such a wonderful event, one thousand taels is not enough, I will offer one thousand two hundred taels
What should I do? Should I stop His Majesty myself
If this Tianxiang Tower can truly contribute to the imperial treasury, then not only should soldiers be dispatched for protection, but even sending his hundred cavalry would suffice
Wasn't it agreed upon to conduct a discreet visit in disguise? Wasn't it for the purpose of seeing the courtesan? Your Majesty, why does it seem like you have become addicted?
The words of the crowd caused Li Shimin's expression to change dramatically
He felt it necessary to teach a lesson to some of these soldiers, those blind fools, who actually dared to attempt to capture the Emperor