RWNEFE -Chapter 628 Li Chun Pavilion

“I also saw in the news that the Emperor’s adopted sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters number several thousand—more than the population of an entire city.”

“Oh my heavens~”

“With so many, even the Emperor himself probably can’t remember them all.”

The caravan swayed as it passed through the streets. Shen Lanxi understood one thing: goods in Wencheng were more expensive than in Xining, including lodging. For a journey that only took a day, saving a few coins wasn’t worth the trouble.

Liu Yanhui said, “The governor of Wencheng, Nie Congzhou, is indeed the Emperor’s adopted son. But he is different from the others—he worked his way up by family donations, gradually earning the Emperor’s notice and finally rising to the position of governor.”

Shen Lanxi recalled him.

“This is the one who used to follow Xiao Fang?”

“Yes, exactly. Your Majesty has a sharp memory.”

Shen Lanxi said, “I remember his family were silk merchants.”

Liu Yanhui nodded. “Your Majesty’s memory is unparalleled. You even remember what his family does for a living.”

“From a merchant background… last year, I abolished the rule that merchants could not take the imperial exams.”

Liu Yanhui said, “Many soldiers come from merchant families. They may not stand out in the army, but once in court, the reformists always resist them.”

“Students from humble families rely on support from generations of their family or clan to take the exams. Merchants, however, have money to hire tutors for their children. If we compare scholars from humble backgrounds to merchant children, the former would feel it unfair.”

Liu Yanhui said, “That was before. Now, thanks to Your Majesty’s benevolence, all Great Zhou subjects can receive an education. That unfairness no longer exists.”

Shen Lanxi smiled softly as they entered Wencheng.

“Boss, how much for a bun?”

“Vegetable bun, ten wen; meat bun, twenty wen.”

“Boss, how much for tea per tael?”

“Boss, how much for a set of clothes?”

After shopping, Liu Yanhui had a clear idea of the prices.

“Prices here are indeed higher than in Xining, but not by much—only two or three wen more for each item.”

By evening, they had settled in, and darkness had fallen.

A bell rang, and soon Liu Yanhui explained,

“That’s the city gate bell… and…”

Shen Lanxi said, “Just say it.”

Liu Yanhui continued, “I saw many men going out earlier, so I asked around. They said that nighttime here is different from daytime—there are Qin Lou and Chu Guan establishments.”

Shen Lanxi raised an eyebrow. Previously, she hadn’t banned Qin Lou and Chu Guan—only forbidden officials from entering.

Officials in the capital, skilled at reading signals, probably sensed her disapproval, and such pleasure houses were gradually closing.

There had originally been over thirty such establishments in the capital; now only eight remained. Except for the families of criminals who could not redeem themselves, most had bought their freedom and left.

With the Emperor present, none of the madams dared to stop anyone inside.

“I didn’t expect those traveling merchants to say ‘expensive’—this is the kind of expensive they meant.”

Qin Lou and Chu Guan were dens of indulgence and vice. Even the wealthiest could leave penniless if they fell in.

Liu Yanhui said coldly, “I didn’t expect such filth to grow under Wencheng’s rule. Nie Congzhou truly lives up to his merchant origins—only thinking of money, nothing of propriety.”

Shen Lanxi stood.

“Let’s go take a look.”

Liu Yanhui froze. Take a look? That’s a Qin Lou and Chu Guan!

“Your Majesty, perhaps we shouldn’t go!”

“Such a filthy place, how can you step inside?”

Shen Lanxi smiled. “If others can go, why can’t I?”

Liu Yanhui naturally didn’t dare mention that those others were men and she was a woman.

“Your Majesty, maybe we should send someone to scout first. If it’s safe, then we go?”

Shen Lanxi looked at him coolly.

“Safe? What danger? Is there a tiger inside that will eat me?”

Liu Yanhui felt embarrassed.

If Che Mingyuan were here, he’d at least say: the Emperor can charge into battle, so why not go to a pleasure house?

“If you don’t want to go, stay at the inn.” She didn’t realize Liu Yanhui was so old-fashioned.

Liu Yanhui said helplessly, “I’ll go—can’t I go with you?”

Shen Lanxi laughed and left the inn. Night had transformed the streets; red lanterns hung under the eaves, and merchants filled the roads.

“It’s lively.”

Liu Yanhui quickly signaled the guards to protect the Emperor.

“Your Majesty, I’ll ask the way,” Liu Yanhui offered.

“No need. Just follow them.”

Liu Yanhui curiously looked around. “Your Majesty, how do you know?”

Shen Lanxi replied naturally, “Those men are all well-dressed, wallets heavy at their waists, and they laugh lewdly in conversation.”

Liu Yanhui was embarrassed again.

“Your Majesty truly knows a lot.”

Shen Lanxi said casually, “You’ve never been here before?”

Liu Yanhui nearly popped his eyes out—this sounded as if she frequented such places.

“I have.”

Liu Yanhui: he knows the Emperor is brave and clever, but now also incredibly curious.

“Your Majesty, you are truly worldly and experienced!”

Shen Lanxi laughed: “Alright, alright. Since you haven’t been, today I’ll show you the world a little.”

Liu Yanhui’s face flushed red. Luckily it was night—during the day, he’d be burning crimson.

The Emperor of Heaven herself, walking through pleasure quarters with top ministers—if officials in the capital knew, they’d impeach her immediately.

Shen Lanxi reminded Liu Yanhu: “Keep this secret. If the capital finds out, they’ll think you led me astray.”

Liu Yanhui looked horrified—led astray? Who’s leading whom?

“Your Majesty, I find you really…”

“What?”

“Trap your ministers.”

“How is that a trap? I call it helping others enjoy themselves.”

Follow the well-dressed men, and soon they arrived at their destination.

“Your Majesty is coming east. In the next few days, Li Chun Pavilion will close from tomorrow until Your Majesty leaves. Do not come empty-handed tomorrow.”

The attendants shouted three times, then eight strong men carried a massive treasure basin to the center.

“To enter, pay now.”

Shen Lanxi looked at the sign reading Li Chun Pavilion and sneered, stepping inside.

“Entry is three hundred taels, only the first floor. Want the second floor? Another three hundred taels, and so on.”

Liu Yanhui winced at the price for merely entering.

“Your Majesty, too expensive. Let’s not go in.”

Shen Lanxi rolled her eyes. “Pay.”

It wasn’t that he couldn’t afford it—he simply didn’t want her to enter.

“Wait for me…”

While the payment was being made, the Emperor was almost inside. Liu Yanhui hurried to catch up.