The Blade-Wielding Legend-Chapter 1343 - 696: Night Entry into Su Garden

The brothels and alleys of the Capital are mainly distributed across three alleys.

Entertainment Alley, Brothel Alley, and Rouge Lane.

Close to East Fourth Street is "Entertainment Alley," under the jurisdiction of the Music Bureau, where official courtesans are trained in singing, dancing, and musical instruments.

The official music bands prioritize elegance in all aspects.

The girls are trained in pipa and three-stringed instruments from a young age, their voices must be bright, and their figures flexible.

The old eunuch of the Music Bureau squints his eyes, tapping a sandalwood board with a finger adorned in an orchid shape, "The third variation of 'The Rainbow Dress' — go!"

As the strings start, the musician courtesans in green vests sway their heads along with the tune, their gold hairpins jingling against their cheeks.

Turning into Brothel Alley presents a completely different scene.

Xiangfei Bamboo Curtains hang over blue brick doorways, and the sound of the moon guitar mixes with the shouts of men playing finger-guessing games inside.

"Calling for you!" The servant drags out the call into the courtyard, and soon, a girl with a Peony Head hairstyle emerges holding a ruan instrument, her silk robe rustling against the doorsteps, leaving a trail of jasmine soap fragrance...

Deep within Rouge Lane, most establishments are three-entry courtyards with opera stages topped by hipped-gable roofs.

The place is secluded, attended by only dignitaries and nobles.

The Fragrant Pavilion previously controlled by Tiger Might Hall doesn't even come close in class.

"What official or private courtesans? They're all just amusements for the masters!"

The man leading the way scoffs softly, "I can tell you're a person of wealth. The Capital is strict about its rules, but it's no different from other places; everything depends on official seals and moneybags."

"You see those sedans? The ones with blue curtains are carried to Entertainment Alley, the ones with red silk tops head to the brothels, and if they stop at the door of the Su family in Rouge Lane..."

He blinks, "That's certainly for the Six Ministry Officials, you have to pay more!"

Behind him, Li Yan, wearing a luxurious robe and a small cap, has simply disguised himself to appear as a young master newly arrived in the Capital.

Going to the "Nine Gates Yin Ruins" was a necessity for him.

Not mentioning the Jianmu Demon's clues, the Demonic Qi hidden within also needs elimination.

Unfortunately, due to prior leaks, Pei Zongti dared not cross the line, Luo Mingzi didn't want him to take risks, so official support was impossible.

And as he had just arrived in the Capital, he hadn't yet built enough connections.

The only solution he could think of was seeking help from the Golden Swallow Sect.

Yet, this too was risky.

The Golden Swallow Sect dealt in intelligence; however grand their facade, they belonged to the pugilistic world, with no qualms about deceit and trickery.

Furthermore, they were too deeply involved in court struggles.

Just like at Linqing Pass before, Zhao Wanfang had gone to gather intelligence.

Not to quell a disaster, but to pre-assess and sell weapons to the Sea Opening Sect. Hence, even though Zhao Wanfang had given him a Token and represented the Golden Swallow Sect's goodwill, Li Yan was still reluctant to engage with them.

Initial visits required the utmost caution.

Disguising as a wealthy young master new to the Capital was most suitable.

"Sir, we're almost there!"

The man leading patted the silver in his pocket, his smile growing even more fawning.

Upon hearing this, Li Yan looked up and glanced around.

Moments ago, they were in the bustling Brothel Alley, teeming with people, with music and games echoing on both sides, and girls leaning over balustrades with fans covering their mouths as they giggled, their expressions under lanterns flirtatious, luring passersby into the shops.

But now, the alley seemed noticeably quieter.

The music and candlelit courtyards were all hidden behind the eight-foot-tall blue brick walls.

"This is the place for fine dining,"

The guide raised his eyebrows, "Sir, only Rouge Lane matches your status. No common folk to disturb you, and the girls are all exceptionally talented and beautiful. I know a few who will surely satisfy you."

Li Yan frowned, "I want to go to the Su family estate."

The man hurriedly shook his head, "The Su family estate is a place for officials. You spend money like running water, only to enjoy some tunes and hold some hands. This side is better value, the girls truly treat you like a master."

Li Yan was growing impatient, "Either take me there, or scram. Stop babbling."

Li Yan had already seen through the man's intentions at a glance.

Clearly, he was being treated as a fat sheep, about to be led to a place to be fleeced thoroughly, hence the sudden change in plans.

"Hey!"

The man's expression changed instantly, glaring with his neck straight, "You're really ungrateful."

As he spoke, he blew a sharp whistle, and immediately, three masked men wielding sticks ran out from the dark alley.

"What's going on?!"

Before Li Yan could respond, an arrogant voice rang out behind him.

The speaker was a young man of towering stature.

Clad in a luxurious robe, with a jade belt at his waist, his muscular physique exuded strength, clearly marking him as a practitioner.

He was followed by two men in black, with swords at their waists, their expressions sullen.

The man leading the way had a sharp Eye Power too, promptly smiling apologetically when he saw them, "Sir, this has nothing to do with you."

"Get lost!"

The young man gave a cold glance, "I... I can't stand anything with no manners!"

As the leading man and his companions tried to argue, the young man's two attendants leaped forward, swinging their sword sheaths, beating the others into cries and screams, driving them away in disarray.

Li Yan clasped his hands in a slight bow, "Thank you, sir..."

But before he could finish, the young man left without turning back, taking his followers with him.

Li Yan lowered his hands slowly, a playful glint in his eyes.

Despite his arrogance, the young man's dignity and noble aura were genuine.

The two guards wore official boots beneath their plain clothes.

He seemed to be from a prestigious family in the Capital.

Without a guide, Li Yan had no choice but to continue on his own.

At the end of this Rouge Stone Alley was a mottled screen wall, with a few branches of whitewood vine poking through the cracks in the gray bricks.

If someone else were to see it, they would think it was a dead end.

But the two small sedans parked in the alley and the direction the young man had taken suggested to Li Yan that there was more than met the eye.