Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Liu She leisurely added, “Brothels are places for yin and yang to unite. What’s so embarrassing about it?”
Curiosity about the opposite sex was common in teenagers. Instead of blocking it all at once, Liu She’s strategy was to reduce her interest little by little. Scolding her or preventing her from going to those places would only increase her rebelliousness.
Jiang Pengji decided not to reply because she was scared that her father would hand her some erotic drawings to look at. That would be terrible.
Had he forgotten that she was a daughter and not a son?
Though she appeared calm, she complained to the System in her mind. “I feel like this is a fake ancient time. Was Liu She really born during this period?”
The computer was silent. It had played a role in the arrival of Gu Min into this world.
“I’m sick of putting off visiting Langlang Alley for another day. Let’s start the fully interactive stream tonight.”
Less than two hours after the last livestream ended, her audience found the channel open again. This time, there was a poll for their ratings of the show on the side of the interface. The viewers glanced at the subtitle, which read, “A Night in Ancient Brothels.”
They could not believe their eyes!
Buding Bushi Buding: “Oh my god! Can’t believe what I’m going to watch after waiting for such a long time!”
Because there was a limit on the number of viewers the channel allowed, many had watched her show from recordings on the Internet to catch up with the plot.
Kongque Dongnanfei: “Will there be restricted content? It will be banned. There was a host streaming about his night with a girl, and the channel was blocked as soon as they started. I heard that the guy was taken to the police station.”
Liangfeng Youxing: “Come on, don’t you know how special our host is? My relative who works on this livestream platform told me that this channel cannot be blocked because they cannot access its data. It’s strange because we can find it on the web.”
Qiuyue Wubian: “Heh-heh, in other words, we can enjoy the show.”
Dali Buyaoting: “But the host is too young. Look at her shape. She’s flat like a pan.”
Nao: “Stop it before the host gets angry. You know her. Besides, the host is a girl. What could she do in a common brothel? She would have gone to a male brothel if she is planning to do what your dirty minds are thinking about.”
Qumingzi Haonan: “Can’t you think of anything other than that? What are your minds made of? The show is about something much more meaningful.”
Many of Jiang Pengj’s regular viewers missed the unexpected stream. Newcomers consisted of 90 percent of the audience, and there was more tension than usual. Jiang Pengji glimpsed at the interface and appeared indifferent.
But they should have recognized who they were joking with. They were complete strangers to her, and she was a stranger to them. These were not jokes amongst friends; instead, they were disgusting guesses about her intentions.
Xiyan: “Am I the only one who noticed the host’s dad in the carriage?”
What? The audience was in awe. What’s happening?
Langlang Alley was located on a street between a residential and commercial district in Hejian. It was far away from San Songshu Street, where the Lius lived.
Jiang Pengji observed what was happening outside by pulling aside a corner of the carriage curtain. Red lanterns on both sides of the street lit up as the night went dark, brightening up the sky in another way. The mixed fragrances, however, upset Jiang Pengji’s sensitive nose.
“Is this Langlang Alley? It seems crowded but fun.”
Unlike other kingdoms, Dongqing did not have a curfew. The nearby streets were popular spots to hang out at night.
An enticing atmosphere surrounded them, but the scent ruined Jiang Pengji’s enjoyment. As her eyes scanned through the faces on the road, she was disappointed by the shapes of the women’s bodies.
She needed a dislike button for the scene.
Liu She sat straight, smiling gently. “No, of course.”
“Hm?”
He explained, “Langlang Alley was built at the beginning of Xia Dynasty hundreds of years ago. Every complex here has four yards with twelve rooms. Back then, wealthy officials and nobles spent thousands of pounds of gold for a smile from a beauty. Although they are called ‘brothels,’ they also offer other entertainment for guests, and they refuse to serve commoners with ordinary backgrounds.”
“That’s very different from what I imagined.” Jiang Pengji frowned.
Liu She replied with contempt. “Is it? Picking guests is their way of asking for more from customers. Once your offer satisfies them, they will give you what you want.
“Langlang Alley during the Xia Dynasty was very different. It bred a lot of well-known and accomplished women. Since Dongqing was founded, however, the Alley has become like a common brothel and encourages prostitution. As you can see, indecent common brothels and male brothels gather here to cater to the desire of civilians. The street may appear prosperous, but deep down it is corrupt.”
The carriage passed through the long street under the red lanterns and drove into a narrow alley. The air seemed to cool down and become fresher, bringing with a mild aroma that was as soft as smooth as dandelions.
“Here we are.”
Jiang Pengji sat up straight and read the carving on the wooden plaque that hung above the doors. “Handan Yard. Should we go in?”
It was called a yard, but it was more like a house. The entrance was tidy, and the space was much larger than the Lius’ home.
Liu She closed his eyes and changed his mind after a second. “Let’s go somewhere else.”
“Why?” Jiang Pengji asked what was on her viewers’ minds.
“You don’t seem interested. The girls here are all learned and well-versed in art, so most of their guests come, not for that, but for the performance and wine.”
Women in deluxe brothels were mostly respected. Some were even treated like noble ladies in big houses.
“Only for wine and songs?”