Chapter 6: Brothels

Qian Sihai sighed, "Since ancient times, heroes have emerged from the youth; it seems I can no longer resist the passage of time!"

I nodded pleasantly; the price offered by Qian Sihai was much more reasonable than that of Jubaozhai, so I had no reason to refuse

Xinwen and Nujiao also seem unwilling to fall behind their sisters. Amidst the waves of moans, they lift the light veil and gently remove their bodices, revealing the two points of cherry red on their chests, which are faintly visible beneath the thin fabric, stirring the blood more than the naked forms of Feiyan and Yuanyuan.

Cai Xueyan smiled and said, "Young master, do not forget this time to first repair the house and the courtyard walls. If we delay until Qingming and the rain falls incessantly, we may have to live our days under umbrellas."

Murong Yanyan's beautiful eyes shimmered with a reserved smile, and my first impression of her was one of extreme rationality; such women are often the most difficult to manage

I observed that there should be the most red lights on the second floor, and as one goes higher, the number of lights decreases. By the fifth floor, there are only two rooms, and red lights are lit outside.

Xinwen and Nujiao Yingying came to sit beside me. I inhaled the fragrance of their garments and hair emanating from their delicate figures, pondering that the allure of women is indeed not to be underestimated

Please speak!

Xinwen's delicate tongue pushed the lychee into my mouth, and our lips and tongues intertwined in the process. Listening to the sound of our passionate kisses, Nujiao seemed somewhat moved as well, gently pulling open my collar with her slender hand, her fragrant tongue skillfully teasing my body.

Qian Sihai gently clapped his hands, and four young girls dressed in white gauze slowly emerged from the flower bushes. I couldn't help but widen my eyes, momentarily unable to guess where they had been hiding just moments ago

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Xinwen and I became entwined. Her captivating moans not only heightened my excitement but also stirred the emotions of the other three women. Unable to resist their desires, they began to shed their garments and pressed against me, their enticing whispers intermittently ringing in my ears

Following their guidance, I walked downstairs, where Qian Sihai was engaged in lively conversation with a graceful lady. Since she had her back to me, I could not see her face; however, judging solely by her infinitely beautiful silhouette, she must undoubtedly be an exceptionally rare beauty. She was dressed in a white long dress, with a slender green silk ribbon cinching her waist, a seemingly casual adornment that accentuated her full and rounded hips. As my mind wandered into fantasies, I was struck by the thought that she must indeed be an exceptionally rare beauty.

I nodded in deep agreement: "Perhaps he was sent by the Yan Yuan faction, it is not impossible to know!"

Qian Sihai laughed heartily as we walked towards the fifth floor. Every time we passed a floor, I would curiously glance inside. It appeared extremely quiet everywhere, with all the doors tightly closed. In front of each door stood two young girls with long hair.

I stood up laughing and walked towards the courtyard, eager to get an answer from me, Qian Sihai followed me out. I pointed to the dilapidated courtyard: "Would Boss Qian understand my predicament upon seeing this?"

On the day that Yin Kong entered Qin as a hostage, life and death were no longer within his control. If war were to break out between Kang and Qin, it would be the day of his demise. With wine in hand today, let him indulge in the fleeting moments of his brief existence.

Xinwen and Nujiao did not wait for him to finish his sentence before they both nestled into my embrace. I wrapped my arms around the slender waists of the two women, their ample and full breasts pressing against me from either side. Their beautiful faces were filled with a captivating expression of springtime affection, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. I lowered my head and kissed each of their delicate lips.

I nodded. Without the energy of a superhero, how could one freely enter the Proton Mansion? Moreover, knowing that these were gifts from my father to the various nobles, he still dared to spend money to acquire them; such audacity could only be achieved with extraordinary courage.

My bold inference is not without basis; the pair of "Flying Swallow" horses I gifted to Yan Yuanji is certainly not a counterfeit. Yan Yuanji, being well-read and knowledgeable, should recognize the true value of the treasure. During these days, I have been continuously pawning treasures, and he must have heard about it. In his eyes, I am merely his captive, and naturally, he would not want these treasures to be easily taken by outsiders

I picked up the wolf hair brush from the table, just as I was about to call out to Cai Xue to grind the ink, I discovered that she had already fallen asleep. I quietly approached her and carefully draped my embroidered robe over her from the coat rack. The fire in the room was roaring, and a hint of alluring crimson appeared on Cai Xue's delicate face, this enchanting charm amidst her elegance made my heart flutter even more. Strangely enough, I did not harbor any thoughts of desecrating Cai Xue; this subtle and almost ethereal feeling of purity was far more transcendent and enduring than mere carnal desire. The fire in the room was roaring, and a hint of alluring crimson appeared on Cai Xue's delicate face, this enchanting charm amidst her elegance made my heart flutter even more. Strangely enough, I did not harbor any thoughts of desecrating Cai Xue; this subtle and almost ethereal feeling of purity was far more transcendent and enduring than mere carnal desire

Xinwen held a crystal cup between her breasts and said softly: "This servant offers a cup to His Highness, Prince Ping..."

I deliberately put on a difficult expression: "It is not that Yin Kong is unwilling to comply, but rather..." I cast a glance at the guard watching over the proton residence.

Qian Sihai clearly did not expect that I would engage in such lewdness in public. Upon witnessing the scene of my battle with the two women, he could not help but feel a surge of desire. However, he still had some regard for his reputation, and, accompanied by Feiyan, he hurriedly made his way to the hidden bedrooms behind the flower bushes.

I replied with a calm smile, "Boss Qian's news is indeed well-informed"

In the gap left by Qian Sihai's subordinates as they moved the treasures, I invited him to take a seat in the living room. His corpulent figure settled into the rattan chair, producing a series of resonant creaks, but fortunately, the chair was still able to support his weight

Qian Sihai waved at me and said, "The King Ping rises quite early!"

Young master! The sound of Cai Xue's surprise came from the west wing, allowing me to temporarily free myself.

In just five years, Xiang Jing emerged from among the numerous concubines and was appointed as Empress by Emperor Xuanlong. This achievement was not solely due to her distinguished family background; her intelligence and diplomatic skills played a decisive role.

Sun Sanfen said meaningfully: "Cai Xue has not slept a wink all night, she has just recovered from serious injuries, you should still advise her to rest early..." It was only then that I noticed the bloodshot eyes of Sun Sanfen, indicating that he too had not been able to sleep last night. He and Cai Xue must have been worried about my safety, always waiting for my return. I felt a surge of emotion within me. Unconsciously, I held a bit more respect for Sun Sanfen and a bit more affection for Cai Xue. It seemed he too had not been able to sleep last night, and he and Cai Xue must have been worried about my safety, always waiting for my return. I felt a surge of emotion within me. Unconsciously, I held a bit more respect for Sun Sanfen and a bit more affection for Cai Xue.

However, Yan Yuanzong's temperament is excessively indifferent; he does not have a strong desire for the position of Crown Prince, and instead dedicates most of his time to the pursuits of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. This greatly disappoints Xiang Jing. Nevertheless, as long as Yan Yuanji has not ascended to the throne, Xiang Jing's struggle against him must continue, not only for the sake of her son but also to defend her own status and rights.

Qian Sihai smiled mysteriously: "Your Highness, please rest assured, everything is taken care of by me!"

Qian Sihai said: "There are thirty rooms on the second floor of the Wanhua Building, fifteen on the third floor, only eight on the fourth floor, and by the time we reach the fifth floor, there are only two left"

The guard Li Bao whispered beside me: "Prince Ping, he is Qindu's wealthiest merchant, Qian Sihai"

At this moment, Qian Sihai raised his cup and said, "Your Highness, the Ping Wang, has traveled a long distance; I, Qian, would like to toast you with this cup!" Reluctantly, I had no choice but to temporarily withdraw my hand from the bosom of the beautiful servant and lifted the wine cup to drink it all in one go

Qian Sihai took out a stack of silver notes from his bosom: "This is one hundred thousand taels of Guangde Long silver notes, which you can exchange freely in any of the eight countries!" When it came to money, his confidence appeared particularly robust.

When he departed, I took his hand and escorted him out the door. Qian Sihai quietly said to me, "I, Qian, feel as if I have known His Highness for a long time. Tonight, I will host a gathering at the 'Baihua Tower' to welcome His Highness Ping Wang."

If it is directly snatched from my hands and passed into the ears of outsiders, it will surely be met with ridicule. He is very likely to adopt this roundabout method to purchase the treasures. The total value of these treasures is at least over one million, and acquiring them for a mere one hundred thousand taels would not only conceal the truth but also allow for the acquisition of precious items, which is indeed a win-win situation

At this moment, the young woman turned her head, her face radiant and striking, with a pair of bright eyes deeply set beneath elegantly arched brows, resembling two pools of fragrant and exquisite wine, exuding an astonishing allure that stirred the imagination. Below her delicate nose was a pair of soft, characterful red lips, slightly upturned at the corners, making her charming face appear even more lively.

Qian Sihai warmly took my hand, pointed to the sign of the Baihua Building, and said with a smile: "To enjoy life, one must start from here; this is the place most yearned for by all the men in the Great Qin."

Sun Sanfen said: "Young master, do not forget, I have been practicing medicine for a full fifty-two years, and some things simply cannot escape my eyes"

Upon entering the New Moon Pavilion, one first encounters a winding corridor, flanked by various flowering trees. From the outside, it is impossible to discern that such a scene exists within. Guided by two beautiful maidens, we traverse this corridor, which is adorned with numerous flowers and an array of bonsai, creating an elegant and tranquil atmosphere that is quite thoughtful, making it hard to believe this is indeed a brothel, akin to returning home. After winding for more than ten steps, we come upon an archway made of fresh flowers. Upon passing through the arch, a serene and refined hall comes into view, where a delicate Jiangnan garden is surprisingly created within the building. The sides are planted with many flowers and arranged with various bonsai, exuding an elegant tranquility that is quite thoughtful, making it hard to believe this is indeed a brothel, akin to returning home. After winding for more than ten steps, we come upon an archway made of fresh flowers. Upon passing through the arch, a serene and refined hall comes into view, where a delicate Jiangnan garden is surprisingly created within the building, compelling me to marvel at the craftsman's skill, while also proving that the owner of the Wan Hua Lou must possess substantial financial resources.

Please forgive Qian for his ignorance

"One hundred thousand taels of silver! Give me all these things!" Qian Sihai said, wiping his sweat, as he proposed what he considered a reasonable price.

The slender Feiyan and the rounder Weiwei nestled beside Qian Sihai, suggesting that the more corpulent a man is, the more he tends to prefer slender beauties

It was not until nightfall that Qian Sihai sent someone to pick me up. The guards had evidently been dealt with by him, as they surprisingly did not insist on following me. This further convinced me that there was an extremely close relationship between Qian Sihai and Prince Yan Yuanji. Without Yan Yuanji's tacit approval, even the most audacious guards would not dare to let me go out alone for the appointment

"What a good tea!" he exclaimed sincerely. When he set down the teacup, the water had already been consumed. I signaled to Cai Xue to refill his tea.

After finishing my bath, Cai Xue has already prepared ginseng tea for me, and her meticulous care fills my heart with a warm sense of comfort

According to the biography, after Xiang Jing gave birth to Yan Yuanzong, she began to plan to use her son to replace the crown prince Yan Yuanzhi's position. However, although she had gained the favor of Yan Yuan, many ministers of the Qin state sided with Yan Yuanzhi, which delayed the realization of her ambitions.

Qian Sihai has a remarkably precise grasp of time; as I stepped down from the carriage, his luxurious carriage also arrived at the entrance of Baihua Tower. His taste in clothing left much to be desired; he wore a green satin brocade robe over a red, front-fastening jacket. Although the materials were of the highest quality, the combination appeared particularly jarring, and coupled with his corpulent figure, he resembled a large-bellied toad. His taste in clothing left much to be desired; he wore a green satin brocade robe over a red, front-fastening jacket. Although the materials were of the highest quality, the combination appeared particularly jarring, and coupled with his corpulent figure, he resembled a large-bellied toad

Qian Si said: "I have heard that the treasures currently pawned by His Highness the Ping Wang are gifts prepared by your esteemed Emperor Xinde for the various nobles of the Great Qin. I wonder... is there any truth to this matter?"

I scrutinize this biography that I have memorized thoroughly; the Qin people are bold, chivalrous, and value friendship, which is reflected in many individuals. Yan Yuanji, esteemed as the crown prince, had three thousand guests at his door, yet when it comes to generosity, he can only rank second among the princes

Murong Yanyan softly said: "Yanyan just returned from Xunyang this morning. If there are any shortcomings, I hope His Highness the Ping Wang will forgive me." Her voice was slightly hoarse, yet it possessed a unique charm. Although she displayed the necessary politeness, she did not show much enthusiasm towards me. After all, I was merely a hostage from an enemy nation, a prisoner of no status. I feared that if it were not for Qian Sihai's influence, she would hardly bother to speak to me.

The three women did not expect me to be so formidable; each of them found great satisfaction in my presence. That evening, I took up residence at the Wanhua Tower, and throughout the night, I inevitably engaged in several encounters with the three women.

I argued, "Mr. Sun misunderstood; last night, I was drinking with Qian Sihai the whole time." My statement is clearly contradictory, and besides, no one would believe that I would spend an entire night drinking with such a colossal figure as Qian Sihai

Qian Sihai said with a hint of reproach: "If I, Qian, had the fortune of Ping Wang, I would probably still be lying in bed at this moment." He still harbored resentment over my abrupt interference in his romantic pursuits last night. However, as the ancient saying goes, those who are capable must work harder. Since he is unable to manage both matters, it is only natural for me to share the burden for him. Perhaps what pains Qian Sihai even more is the money spent; this welcoming banquet cost me a total of fifteen thousand taels. If he is indeed investigating my true circumstances on behalf of Yan Yuanji, he has now suffered both losses in love and in resources.

Qian Sihai is not an ordinary person, Sun Sanfen advised me.

Qian Sihai squinted his small eyes, carefully admiring each treasure at https://mhetushu.com. I stood by for a full hour, and in my impression, a businessman as wealthy as a nation rarely pays such attention to details.

Qian Sihai smiled and said, "Isn't this somewhat unexpected for Your Highness?"

Although it is already early spring, the temperature in the Qin capital remains quite low. However, Qian Sihai keeps wiping his sweat. He came directly in front of me and said straightforwardly: "Show me everything you have, and I will give you a reasonable price"

Qian Sihai said with great pride, "There are no more than one hundred guests qualified to enter these five levels, and among these one hundred, only a mere ten can come and go regularly!" Seeing his proud demeanor, it is clear that he is one of those ten.

Cai Xue's beautiful eyes were filled with joy and relief; my safe return finally allowed her to set aside her worries. Although I had already bathed at the Wan Hua Tower, Cai Xue had prepared hot water for me, and I naturally could not refuse her kind intentions

This is truly a test of my self-control; if it were not for the presence of Qian Sihai, I would certainly tear away the veils of the two women and immediately draw my sword.

Qian Sihai laughed loudly and said: "Indeed, ambition is not determined by age. I did not expect that His Highness the Ping Wang, at such a young age, is already a master in the realm of games and pleasures"

Cai Xuexiu slightly frowned: "He is definitely not an ordinary merchant; purchasing these items, there might be someone behind the scenes orchestrating this."

Qian Sihai lowered his voice and said, "Does the King Ping not fear being blamed by the nobles of the Qin state for taking such actions?"

If I seek temporary comfort, I only need to maintain consistency between my words and actions, and I can certainly spend a period of time safely indulging in pleasures. At least before the war between the states of Kang and Qin breaks out, I will not face any danger. However, since I stepped out of the borders of Great Kang, I have made a firm resolution in my heart that one day I will return to Great Kang. Succumbing to comfort will only gradually extinguish my fighting spirit and extinguish my ambitions

Qian Sihai has paid such a great price to test me, and naturally, I will not let his efforts go to waste. After subduing the two women, I successfully turned Yuanyuan into my subordinate. Initially calculating, I occupy three out of the four lamps, which means Qian Sihai has effectively gifted me fifteen thousand taels of silver.

My mind is not as fervent as it appears; taking the opportunity to lower my head and kiss Xinwen's chest, I quietly observed Qian Sihai's expression. Although his hands roamed around the two women, his eyes appeared unusually calm and rational.

Sun Sanfen chuckled and said, "Although I invited the person, the payment still needs to be provided by you, young master." He glanced at me and added, "Surely, you haven't spent all that silver in just one night, have you?"

Baihua Tower is located on Chunyu Street in the western city of Qindu, close to Guanquan Street. The two streets run parallel to each other, with the main difference being that Guanquan Street is primarily commercial, while Chunyu Street is renowned for its entertainment.

Only Yuan Yuan remained there, sitting restlessly. It seems that Qian Sihai's abilities were rather mediocre. After he left, I became even more unrestrained, fully immersing myself in the fierce battle with the two women. In an instant, the delightful cries of the two women and my heavy breathing formed a perfect symphony

As I approached the entrance of the New Moon Pavilion, I took note and counted that there were as many as four red lanterns hanging at the door. Could it be that Qian Sihai has invited others besides myself?

Qian Si Hai Dao: "As long as there is a red light burning, it indicates that there are guests inside. To light a lamp on the second floor requires 500 taels of silver, on the third floor it requires 1,000 taels, on the fourth floor it requires 2,000 taels, and on the fifth floor it requires 5,000 taels"

The scene over there with Qian Sihai is even more indulgent; the two women have already removed their light veils and taken off their undergarments, revealing their completely bare, snow-white bodies. Their skin, as smooth and soft as fine jade, glistens under the wall lights

Upon waking in the early morning, the soft, delicate forms of three beautiful women were still entwined around me. After the fierce battles of the previous night, they were all utterly exhausted. I quietly extricated myself from the fragrant pile of cosmetics, hastily washed my body in the hot water pool in the outer hall, put on my clothes, and walked towards the door

According to popular legend, Xiang Jing and Prince Yan Yuanji have always been at odds. When Xiang Jing married into the Qin state at the age of sixteen, Yan Yuanji had already been designated as the rightful heir to the title of prince. Perhaps out of a lingering affection for his deceased mother, Yan Yuanji exhibited strong resistance towards Xiang Jing from the very beginning. Later, with the birth of the seventh prince, Yan Yuanzong, this resistance gradually evolved into a deep-seated hatred.

I laughed and said, "Does Mr. Sun's statement imply his agreement with what Yinkong has done?"

The four young ladies are all unparalleled beauties, and what is even rarer is that each possesses her own unique charm and allure. Gazing at the vibrant scene before me, any normal man would feel his heart stir. Therefore, I need not put on excessive pretense, and I naturally reveal a lecherous demeanor in front of Qian Sihai.

I have developed a strong interest in Yan Yuanzong. The generous friends of Prince Yan Yuanzong far exceed those of Crown Prince Yan Yuanji, with as many as 6,000 guests under his patronage, which is a full double that of the Crown Prince.

Sun Sanfen sighed and said, "A common man is innocent, but possessing a precious gem is a crime. I now somewhat understand the true purpose behind the young master's extravagant spending."

The liquid presents an amber-red hue, appearing particularly splendid in the reflection of the crystal glass. I am now too preoccupied to savor the wine's sweetness, as my right hand, having just set down the wine glass, returns to rest on the supple fullness of her chest.

I leered as I caught her bright red nipple with my mouth: "Allow me to have a bite before I drink!" My right hand stealthily slipped under the short skirt that Xinwen used to cover herself, and with a soft cry from her, I violently tore down the skirt and pressed her down onto the thick Persian carpet

The entire hall appeared exceptionally tranquil, with dozens of portraits of beautiful women hanging on the surrounding walls. I had long known that Baihua Tower was the premier establishment of its kind in the capital of Qin, yet I did not expect it to be devoid of the vulgarity and clamor found in other brothels, exuding a serene elegance as if one had entered a scholarly retreat

Xinwen's face displayed a mix of reluctance and invitation, her infinitely alluring expression made my blood boil and my heart race. Since Qian Sihai chose to test me in this manner, I had no choice but to play along. Moreover, with such beauty before me, I am not one to remain unperturbed like Liu Xia Hui; why not take this opportunity to enjoy the gentle affection of a beautiful woman

In fact, I have already made a guess based on the area of the interior

I tucked the silver note into my bosom and smiled, saying, "Boss Qian is indeed generous"

Sun Sanfen sighed and said: "Although the young master is vigorous and strong, it is best not to indulge excessively in matters between men and women..."

Qian Sihai's small eyes darted quickly as he said: "Your Highness, Prince Ping, there is one matter that I do not understand."

Xinwen delicately peeled a lychee, holding it in her mouth, and fed it to me while cradling my face. Although I had secretly experimented with the affairs of love with the beautiful Zhenfei, I had never interacted with women of the night. Their alluring demeanor was indeed an irresistible temptation for me

I have noted another name, Yan Yuanzong. He is the seventh son of Emperor Yan Yuan of the Qin Dynasty. According to historical records: Prince Yan Yuanzong, styled Enjie, was eighteen years old, known for his charm and elegance, generous and hospitable, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. His mother is the current Empress of the Qin State, Xiang Jing

My hands rest upon the charming breasts of Xinwen and Nujiao respectively

The crystal tables and chairs in the center of the hall are already adorned with a variety of dishes, and even the bowls and wine glasses holding the dishes are made entirely of crystal. Having grown up in the palace, I should be considered well-versed in many things, yet this scene before me is something I have never encountered before

Qian Sihai did not exaggerate. As he and I entered the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, a subtle fragrance wafted through the air, a scent so faint yet capable of easily stirring a man's imagination

Eight magnificent horses, robust and well-fed, adorned with purple-gold bells hanging from their necks, pull a carriage painted in vermilion and decorated with exquisite designs, an extraordinary display of luxury rarely seen in the simple customs of the Great Qin. A servant dressed in blue was the first to leap down from the carriage, kneeling before the door, while another person opened the carriage.

A chill involuntarily ran through me; it was evident that Qian Sihai's purpose in welcoming me was clearly aimed at testing me. While I was observing him, he was also thoroughly analyzing everything about me. If I continued to display strong self-control, it would surely raise Qian Sihai's vigilance. I could almost conclude that the performance that night at the Prince's Mansion did not completely reassure Yan Yuanji about me.

If during the period of the Qin capital, I could receive the protection of Xiang Jing, my circumstances would surely change significantly. However, while the idea is indeed appealing, there are numerous difficulties in its actual implementation. As the esteemed queen of the Qin state, how could someone like me, a fallen hostage, easily meet her

Two young girls with long hair were waiting for us at the stairway, greeting us with cheerful smiles and leading us towards the 'New Moon Pavilion'

Cai Xue serves tea to Qian Sihai from all corners of the world, while Qian Sihai makes a great noise drinking water, showing no regard for the feelings of those around him

I complimented, "Boss Qian still gets up earlier than I do!"

The East Chamber is my study, and after tidying up over the past two days, it has become much neater. I found the biography list concerning the nobles of the Qin Dynasty on the bookshelf and began to study it carefully. This biography was specifically prepared by the historian Zhuge Cheng of the Great Kang for my upcoming journey, collecting the backgrounds and experiences of the nobles from various sources, even including the intricate relationships among them. Although much of the information is hearsay and lacks reliable evidence, it has already been greatly beneficial for my preliminary understanding of the political structure of the Qin Dynasty.

I stood before Qian Sihai, who introduced me, saying: "This is Miss Murong Yanyan, the owner of the Wanhua Pavilion." I was taken aback, as I had never expected that the owner of this renowned brothel in the Great Qin would be such a young lady

Qian Sihai seems to be reluctant to allow me to have too much contact with Murong Yanyan, using the excuse that he has other matters to attend to, and left the Wanhua Building with me

I blurted out, "I spent the whole night sleeping at the Wanhua Tower, where they take care of..." As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized my mistake

The maid at the door smiled and greeted me, saying: "Good morning, Prince Ping. Boss Qian is waiting for you downstairs"

Qian Sihai's lips curled into a sly smile, as he noticed that I was completely stunned by the scene before me

I smiled awkwardly, and with Sun Sanfen's medical skills, it was indeed not difficult to discern my indulgence from last night

Qian Sihai smiled as he introduced each person to me

My time in the capital of Qin has been short, and I have not yet heard this person's name; however, judging by the awe in the eyes of the guards, it is clear that Qian Sihai possesses considerable influence

The sun was shining brightly outside. I turned around to glance at the sign of the Wanhualou, just as I met Qian Sihai's gaze, which was filled with profound meaning, and we both smiled at each other

Sun San and I exchanged a glance and simultaneously burst into laughter

Upon returning to the Proton Mansion, I discovered that there were quite a few workers present. Sun Sanfen was directing them in repairing the outer walls. When he saw me, he approached with a broad smile and said, "Young Master, you did not return last night; it must be that Boss Qian treated you exceptionally well!" I could naturally discern the underlying meaning in his words, and with a slight smile, I shifted the topic, asking, "Are all these people hired by you?"

Although I have only had a brief encounter with Prince Yan Yuanji of Qin, I can already discern that he possesses a profound and intricate mind, harboring a strong sense of vigilance towards me, a hostage from an enemy state. It is difficult for me to gain his trust. The best approach is to maintain a respectful distance, allowing him to perceive me as merely an inconsequential individual, letting me fend for myself in this capital of Qin.

Sun Sanfen gave a bitter smile and said, "It seems that this hundred thousand taels of silver notes will not last long. Fortunately, plain tea and simple meals can fill the stomach. The Qin state, out of concern for its reputation, should not let the three of us starve to death. If it comes to that, I will carry my medicine box and go from street to street to buy a couple of plasters; perhaps that will suffice to fill my belly."

My feet are resting on the thick Persian cashmere carpet, feeling exceptionally comfortable, the room warm as spring, while four slender and beautiful young women remove the outer robes for me and Qian Sihai.

Qian Sihai embraced the delicate figures of two beautiful women with both hands and laughed, "Prince Ping is a distinguished guest of Qian; you must treat him well!"

After we took our seats, two young girls with long hair gracefully left the room

Qian Sihai introduced to me: "Have you seen the lights in front of the door?" It was only then that I noticed that each room's upper door was adorned with a varying number of exquisite red lanterns

I have rarely seen someone so obese; with every step he takes, he must pause to catch his breath. His large feet rest upon the back of the servant, causing one to worry that he might break the servant's spine at any moment

I nodded and smiled, saying: "The scene here has already made Yinkong long for it with a sense of tranquility!"

Qian Sihai slowly nodded: "Prince Ping, you are indeed candid. For this reason alone, I, Qian, have decided to be your friend."

Speaking of Xiang Jing, there is still some connection between us. Xiang Jing is a princess of the Han Dynasty, the sister of the current Emperor Cheng of Han, while my third aunt, Chang Shi, happens to be the most favored consort of Emperor Cheng, currently in charge of the imperial harem of the Han Dynasty