Ex-Wife is a Big Villainess
Chapter 158 - 110: The First Fire in the Capital

Chapter 158: Chapter 110: The First Fire in the Capital

The dusk, like silt suspended in the murky stream, settled soundlessly, casting everything into profound depths.

After a long day of toil, people began to rest.

However, the women of the pleasure quarter, akin to goddesses, spiritedly commenced a sincere endeavor to open the gates for the benefit of others, offering safe passage to the countless souls seeking enlightenment.

Of course, for Xichu Pavilion, one of the top three brothels in the capital, seeking enlightenment was somewhat secondary. Everyone who came here tightened their belts, wishing they could label their genitals as "gentlemen."

What is unattainable always seems the most tantalizing.

The exalted goddesses, once inadvertently pixelated, could no longer have gold showered upon them.

This was Lu Renjia’s first visit to Xichu Pavilion.

Accustomed to the bare thighs and the variously styled lingerie of Spring Rain Building, he felt out of place amidst the conservative-dressed courtesans and wondered if he had come to the wrong establishment.

Zhang Yunwu, on the other hand, felt quite at home, enjoying a comfort that Spring Rain Building could not provide.

Xia He silently followed behind Jiang Shouzhong.

The young girl covered herself with an icy mask.

Having recovered from her emotional turmoil over the loss of her life pearl, she reverted to her usual cool and aloof demeanor.

Even amidst the splendor and competitive beauty of Xichu Pavilion, her distinct chill and elegance could not be concealed, attracting the glances of many men. Fortunately, those who came here were all of status and thus refrained from the disrespectful behavior of catcalling at the sight of beauty.

"Jiang Shouzhong, have you ever visited Xichu Pavilion before?"

Nalan Xie asked with a smile.

Jiang Shouzhong shook his head, "Poor as I am, I couldn’t afford it."

Nalan Xie nodded in agreement, "Indeed, this place is quite the spendthrift’s corner. Leaving aside the two top Oirans, even for a casual chat with any of the ladies, one wouldn’t get far without a couple of hundred taels of silver."

As he spoke, he suddenly squinted his eyes teasingly, "But we are here on official business, thanks to our status. Listening to one of the fairies’ songs as a privilege of our position doesn’t count as mixing business with pleasure. Master Jiang, how about we listen to a couple of songs and try the tea of Xichu Pavilion’s beauties before we get down to work?"

Jiang Shouzhong chuckled and shook his head, "Let’s skip the songs. I’m just a rustic man who can’t appreciate such refined elegance."

At that moment, a soft and glutinous voice spoke, "My lord jests. Elegance can be found everywhere in the world, as can vulgarity. The tale of encountering a kindred spirit amidst the soaring mountains and flowing rivers speaks of elegance. The joy and bustle of fireworks in humble alleys represent elegance as well, differing only in perspective."

Before them stood a woman of around twenty years old, her visage delicate and her attire exquisite.

With a light makeup that enhanced her beauty and graceful demeanor, she paid her respects to Jiang Shouzhong and his companions, "Miss Suwan greets the lords."

Nalan Xie responded with a laugh, "Ah, it’s Miss Suwan herself. I’ve heard much about you."

He turned to introduce her to Jiang Shouzhong, "Miss Suwan here is one of the pillars of Xichu Pavilion, renowned as the ’Master of Voices.’ She excels in mimicry, reputed to imitate any sound in the world flawlessly, be it a burly man, a child, or even the chirping of crickets and birds."

Miss Suwan smiled demurely, "Nalan exaggerates. I’m hardly a pillar, just someone with a minor talent."

Lu Renjia listened and swallowed hard.

My goodness, imagine the possibilities in bed. Blindfolded, one could fantasize about anyone!

Even if she pretended to be a cow, it would still be a thrill.

Miss Suwan’s eyes turned to Jiang Shouzhong, "I’ve heard Master Jiang is here to investigate a case. Our master instructed me to offer my utmost assistance. If Master Jiang wishes to listen to music, it would be my honor to arrange it. If you seek to investigate, please feel free to command me—I shall cooperate fully."

"May we visit your backyard?"

Jiang Shouzhong asked straightforwardly.

His purpose in coming to Xichu Pavilion was simple—check the place where He Lianlan had been detained. Whether they allowed it or not didn’t concern him; his aim was to test the brothel’s boundaries.

"Certainly."

Miss Suwan nodded lightly.

The group passed through the corridor and arrived in the rear courtyard of Xichu Pavilion.

Jiang Shouzhong approached the pavilion burned by Xia He, and it seemed he could still detect the faint acrid smell of smoke lingering in the air and scattered charred wood and broken furniture remnants on the ground.

"A few days ago, a maid accidentally knocked over an oil lamp, leading to this disaster," Miss Suwan explained with a sigh, witnessing Jiang Shouzhong inspecting the pavilion. "Thankfully no one was hurt, and the master plans to demolish and rebuild it after some time."

Jiang Shouzhong acknowledged with an "Oh," glanced at the instigator Xia He, and continued to stroll casually around.

Soon, he arrived at the familiar location where Xia He and Qiuye had previously rescued captives. The traces of the struggle between Qin Shier and Qiuye were still evident, but he saw no patrolling guards.

After a quick look around, he set his eyes on a particular house.

The house seemed ordinary, indistinguishable from the dwellings of common servants. But according to the map drawn at the time, it was here that Qiuye rescued He Lianlan.

Moreover, Qiuye’s rescue had been swift, with hardly any resistance encountered.

"May I search these rooms briefly?"

Jiang Shouzhong inquired.

Miss Suwan subtly glanced at Nalan Xie and chuckled, "I understand Master Jiang is here regarding the Demon Energy case. However, it seems you have a very specific target in mind, heading straight for this place, more than if you were solely combing for traces of Demon Energy."

"Take a guess," Jiang Shouzhong replied with a smile, unconcerned about her probing.

After receiving a look from Nalan Xie, Miss Suwan gestured for the servants to open all room doors, "Whatever Master Jiang wishes to investigate, please feel free to do so. If you need access to any cellars or such, we will unlock those for you as well."