During the day, Shi Sheng clocked in as usual.
Meanwhile, Ye Liuyun went to check out the Imperial Prison.
What a shame, he remembered from last time that the place hadn't seen much new blood even now.
The few scattered inmates didn't have any special tags either.
So, after sight-seeing for a while, Ye Liuyun simply left.
He waited until evening.
Ye Liuyun and the group changed out of their official uniforms, then headed to one of the city's busiest taverns—the Imperial Music Bureau.
"So this is the Imperial Music Bureau?"
From the outside, it was ablaze with lights. Compared to other pleasure houses, the Music Bureau looked more understated—at least there were no women standing at the door trying to rope customers in.
"I heard the ladies here are divinely beautiful, and the Courtesan Ruo Xi is the goddess among them. Wonder if we'll see her perform tonight."
The so-called Courtesan, naturally, was the top among all the girls.
Ye Liuyun didn't comment; the main goal tonight was just to broaden his horizons. He strode inside confidently.
Shi Sheng copied Ye Liuyun's style, but as he passed Si Nan, he shot him a 'what an idiot' look—embarrassing!
"Hey, Master, wait for me!"
By the time Si Nan snapped out of it, Ye Liuyun and Shi Sheng had already gone in. He didn't have time to think—he quickly followed behind.
...
Ye Liuyun and the others were seated in a private room on the second floor, just right for watching the performances on the stage below.
The gentle sound of the zither was rather relaxing, soothing the spirit.
There were also girls dancing—their graceful moves clearly showed years of training.
All around, guests cheered and tipped generously.
Ye Liuyun looked around; it really was even more extravagant than he'd imagined.
Say what you will, but ancient folks knew how to have fun. There weren't many forms of entertainment in this era—a lot of even high-ranking officials enjoyed hanging around brothels.
Soon enough, someone started serving wine.
"The three of you look unfamiliar—must be your first time at our Imperial Music Bureau?"
A matronly lady with some charm came to their table and poured each of them a cup.
"Our rule is that every guest pays a hundred taels upfront—other charges are separate."
"Pay money?"
Ye Liuyun and Si Nan didn't seem bothered, but Shi Sheng froze for a second.
"Wasn't it supposed to be free food and drink here?"
Shi Sheng's question made the woman pause, then she couldn't help but laugh behind her hand.
"At our Music Bureau, each guest pays a hundred taels upfront. Then food and drinks are free. If you want a lady to accompany your drinks, that's extra."
Honestly, does anyone actually think it's free to eat at a place like this?
Ye Liuyun wasn't surprised at all—just felt like this system was a bit like a buffet.
Si Nan, on the other hand, gave Shi Sheng a weird look.
"So, you invited us here because you heard that food was free at the Imperial Music Bureau?"
...
Shi Sheng didn't answer, but the implication was pretty obvious.
Si Nan rolled his eyes speechlessly—this blockhead really was a one-track mind, didn't even check the details before dragging everyone in.
"Uh..."
After a moment's hesitation, Shi Sheng stretched out his hand toward Si Nan.
"I'm a little short on silver."
With a hundred taels each, that's three hundred taels for three people.
"How much short?"
They were having a good time—if it was just a few taels, Si Nan wouldn't mind covering it.
"Two hundred and ninety taels."
"What the hell!"
Si Nan nearly spat out his wine—and shot right up from his seat.
"You only have ten taels and still dared invite us here?"
He thought it'd be just a few taels short. Turns out, you only have a few taels total and you still dragged us to this place.
"How was I supposed to know it wasn't really free? Anyway, the Embroidered Uniform Guard's monthly salary isn't much—I'm lucky to even have ten taels!"
Most of the Embroidered Uniform Guard didn't live on their salary.
But Shi Sheng was different—no side hustles, no 'protection fees,' just the one source—his wages.
"I..."
Damn, I shouldn't have come.
Looking at Shi Sheng, thick-skinned as ever, just stretching out his hand for money—even though he couldn't afford it—Si Nan really wanted to slap the guy, if only he had the strength.
So who's treating whom here?
But oh well, we're already here—can't make Ye Liuyun pay.
Si Nan could only grit his teeth, pull out three silver notes from his pocket.
If not for the fortune he'd recently made following Ye Liuyun, he actually wouldn't have had enough.
"Born to suffer!"
While paying, Si Nan glared at Shi Sheng—so you treat, but I foot the bill, huh?
"Don't worry, I'll buy you steamed buns tomorrow morning!"
Shi Sheng probably realized he was being a bit much, so he earnestly promised Si Nan.
...
Si Nan wasn't even in the mood to speak.
Soon, the matron took the money and left—a parade of fine food and drink followed.
One hundred taels each might not be cheap, but the food and wine really were top-notch.
"Master, let me toast you!"
Shi Sheng picked up his wine, stood up, and addressed Ye Liuyun seriously.
"About before—I misunderstood you. From now on, if you ever need anything, you can count on me, Shi Sheng!"
Shi Sheng's thinking was simple.
Ye Liuyun helped him—so he'd also help Ye Liuyun.
"Relax, there'll be plenty of times I'll need you. I won't be shy about it!"
With Shi Sheng as a First-class Martial Artist, it'd really be a waste not to put that to use.
"And me!"
Si Nan chimed in, standing with his own cup and addressing Ye Liuyun.
"Without you, I'd never be where I am today. Wherever you point, I, Si Nan, will follow you to the ends of life and death."
After saying that, he shot a wary glance at Shi Sheng.
This guy looks all naive, but who knew he could spout such impressive lines?
No way, I need to keep an eye out, can't let him steal my spot as the bootlicker.
"Okay, I get your sincerity—sit down, both of you."
Ye Liuyun laughed and waved them back into their seats.
"We're here for fun tonight, no need to be so serious. Just do your jobs well and you'll get what you deserve—I won't shortchange you!"
"Yes, sir!"
Si Nan was convinced—his master really was generous these days.
Problem is, the hard-earned cash just vanished with this one meal. Thinking of this, Si Nan shot Shi Sheng a rather mournful look.
Shi Sheng, meanwhile, acted as if he hadn't noticed—happily tearing into a drumstick, totally carefree.
"So tasty!"
...
In the private room next door—
Lv Lan was respectfully pouring wine for Yan Shuzhu.
This sort of venue—Yan Shuzhu had heard of it but never actually visited until now.
He waved off the ladies who tried to sit and drink with him.
From where he was sitting, he could hear Ye Liuyun's table next door.
Yan Shuzhu had actually come by tonight after getting news from Ye Liuyun.
...