TFWYH – Chapter 197 Taking Over the Brothel

As for the money for the transfer, Tang Wan had already lent Tang Hongba quite a bit — more than enough to cover it.

So that matter was settled.

After finishing the hotpot, everyone began tidying up.

Ling Yue stayed to discuss the follow-up details of the shop transfer with Tang Hongba.

Tang Wan mixed Snowstep’s (Tā Xuě’s) feed and checked on its recovery.

The horse nuzzled her hand and snorted twice, as if to say: I’m all better now! Ride me already!

Tang Wan curled her lips. It doesn’t count just because you say so — it counts when I say so.

“Take the medicine for three more days, then you can stop,” she said after checking carefully.

Snowstep tilted its head, neighing softly — Really? Really? I’ll finally be free? Then you have to ride me, okay?

Tang Wan laughed and stroked its long face. “Alright!”

“Wan-niang!” Just then, Widow Hong came over.

Tang Wan looked at her. “What’s wrong?”

Widow Hong rubbed her hands together, looking embarrassed. “Um… the Yihong House has been sealed off by the authorities. They’re planning to auction it soon. Would you… be interested in taking it over?”

Tang Wan froze, momentarily unable to process what she’d just heard.

Seeing that she’d spoken up already, Widow Hong smiled and continued, “I heard it the other day when I went to buy vegetables. You might not know this, but brothels make a lot of money. I used to work in one myself. If you’re interested, you could buy Yihong House — my daughter and I could help you run it.”

Tang Wan frowned slightly and gave Yanyan a discreet glance before asking, “Is this your idea… or Yanyan’s?”

“It’s hers — and mine too,” Widow Hong sighed. “I know, I know. My daughter and I have already turned over a new leaf, and there’s no need to go back to a place like that. But, Wan-niang, if we’re the ones in charge, we can decide whether or not to take clients ourselves.

“You’ve helped us so much — I don’t know how else to repay you. Neither of us have any real skills, and we can’t just keep living off your generosity forever. If you’re willing to take over Yihong House, my daughter and I can manage it for you. And don’t worry — I won’t let anyone know you’re the one behind it.”

“I’ll ask her myself.”

Though everything Widow Hong said made sense, no decent girl would ever willingly return to a brothel.

Tang Wan didn’t believe for a second that Yanyan would want that.

However, when she pulled Yanyan aside and asked, the girl smiled softly.
“It’s my idea, Sister Wan. I was born for that sort of work — it’s all I know.”

Tang Wan frowned. “You can do something else. There’s no need to return to a brothel — it would damage your reputation. I can lend you money, teach you a craft. When you’ve earned enough, you can marry a good man and have children.”

Marry and have children…

For most young women, that was a natural and beautiful part of life — but for Yanyan, it was something she would probably never have.

She shook her head and gently held Tang Wan’s hand.
“Sister Wan, ever since I was little, all I was taught was how to please men — I can’t do anything else. But don’t worry, I won’t ruin myself. When I go back to Yihong House, I’ll keep my body clean. I’ll just manage things and take care of myself.

“Sister Wan… you won’t look down on me for it, will you?”

Tang Wan frowned, her voice soft. “Of course not — I just feel sorry for you.”

Yanyan smiled faintly, lips pressed together. “Just hearing you say that makes me happy already. I’ll make money for you — lots and lots of money. Sister Wan, you mustn’t let me freeload anymore. I’d feel too ashamed.”