Chapter 13: Prodigal Son

The reason Jiang Su’s uncle handled this matter so efficiently was because the man they were looking for was already a well-known figure in the northern Changqing District.

When Jiang Su’s uncle showed the sketch around, the local constables immediately recognized the man. Knowing that Jiang Su’s uncle’s brother-in-law was a scholar-official, they didn’t dare delay and promptly revealed the man’s background.

His name was Qing Wu. He didn’t have any stable work, mostly doing odd jobs and wandering the streets. He would greet anyone like a brother, had some connections with the constables, and often drank with them. They mentioned that whenever he was in Changqing District, he frequented Yuhua Pavilion, but recently, he hadn’t been seen around Changqing Alley.

Jiang Su relayed the news to her, even patting her shoulder and reassuring her that his uncle would continue asking around.

But Lu Shujin knew there was no need for further inquiry. If she wanted to find Peier, Yuhua Pavilion was the place to start.

She had been puzzled before—why were the missing out-of-town people always young women? Now it seemed clear—they were likely being coerced into brothels.

Brothels were places that devoured people. Once a girl entered, she could never leave.

Not daring to waste any more time, Lu Shujin immediately set out after getting the news. But just as she arrived, she unexpectedly ran into Xiao Jing and his group.

It was nothing unusual for spoiled young masters to visit brothels for drinks and fun. But Yuncheng had plenty of upscale, glamorous pleasure houses. Yuhua Pavilion, located in the lower-class Changqing District, mainly catered to older men or passing travelers—those who lacked the money to indulge elsewhere but couldn’t suppress their desires.

Because of this, the girls at Yuhua Pavilion weren’t particularly beautiful, and anyone with even a little money wouldn’t choose this place.

Scion of a wealthy family like Xiao Jing appearing in a place like this?

The surprise was clear on everyone’s faces.

Ji Shuoting found this incredibly amusing. He stepped forward, circling around Lu Shujin with a teasing look. “Who would’ve thought? Our little scholar Lu actually has a taste for such entertainment?”

Lu Shujin’s face instantly turned bright red, overwhelmed with embarrassment and awkwardness. Never skilled at witty retorts, she was now utterly speechless.

Frowning, Xiao Jing stood in front of her like a towering wall. “You’re a scholar. What are you doing in a place like this?”

Lu Shujin thought, “We’re both scholars. Why are you lecturing me? Aren’t you here too?”

Before she could say anything, Ji Shuoting interjected, “A scholar’s life is dull—endless books and ink. It’s normal to indulge occasionally.”

“Two more hours, and the academy’s curfew will begin,” Xiao Jing remarked.

“Forget two hours—half an hour is enough,” Ji Shuoting chuckled, a mischievous grin spreading on his face.

“Half an hour is enough for you?” Xiao Jing retorted, annoyed.

Ji Shuoting nudged him with his shoulder, winking. “Oh, does Young Master Xiao need a full hour instead?”

Only then did Xiao Jing realize his words had been twisted. He pushed Ji Shuoting aside with a curse, “Get lost! I need a whole night, unlike your weak, frail self!”

Driving Ji Shuoting away, Xiao Jing cast another glance at Lu Shujin, thinking, “This bookworm can do whatever he wants. I’m not his father, so why should I care?”

With that, he turned and walked into Yuhua Pavilion. His companions followed one after another, except for Jiang Su, who lingered beside Lu Shujin.

“Come on, Brother Lu, let’s go in together. If we catch that scoundrel, I’ll help you teach him a lesson and make him repay your money.”

Lu Shujin only sighed in relief once Xiao Jing turned away. Smiling at Jiang Su, she followed him into Yuhua Pavilion.

The moment they stepped inside, a sharp, overpowering fragrance assaulted her senses. Red and purple lanterns hung from the pillars and ceiling, creating a gaudy, vivid atmosphere.

At the center was a round stage, where thinly clad dancers played the zither and pipa, while a circle of men—mostly over thirty—stared with ravenous eyes at the dancers’ exposed, fair waists.

There were also slightly better seats, arranged in a semi-circle with only gauzy curtains as a divide—simple and crude.

The air was thick with a blend of cheap incense and strong alcohol, mingled with the sound of flirtatious laughter and music, a scene of utter debauchery.

The moment the group of well-dressed, handsome young men entered, they instantly became the center of attention. The brothel’s keeper, sharp-eyed, immediately noticed Xiao Jing standing at the forefront. With a beaming smile, he hurried forward, bowing and scraping.

“Honored young masters, welcome to Yuhua Pavilion. Are you here to stay or to have some fun?”

Xiao Jing’s gaze swept over the scene, and he replied flatly, “Of course, for some fun. If we wanted a place to stay, would we come here?”

The keeper quickly guided them to the semi-private seats and sent someone to fetch the girls.

Lu Shujin followed the group, seating herself in a corner. The scenes around her were unsightly, and under normal circumstances, she would have averted her gaze immediately. But today was different—she carefully scanned the girls, trying to spot Peier.

Though her expression remained calm, her eyes meticulously observed everything. She noticed that while the young masters beside her wore expressions of disdain, Xiao Jing leaned back comfortably, arms stretched across the low table, as if entirely at ease.

“Bring out all the girls in your pavilion,” Xiao Jing ordered.

Ji Shuoting, seated beside him, added, “And bring the wine.”

Lu Shujin had no interest in their idea of fun. After searching the room several times without spotting Peier, she decided to check the other side of the stage.

But just as she stood, Xiao Jing’s voice cut in, “Where are you going?”

How did he even notice her? He was busy talking to Ji Shuoting a moment ago.

“I’m going to look over there,” Lu Shujin answered.

“Sit down and stay put.” Xiao Jing shot her a sideways glance, threatening, “Try running around, and I’ll beat you.”

Lu Shujin was frustrated. Why should she, who wasn’t even one of his lackeys, be subject to his control?

But fearing Xiao Jing might actually hit her here, she decided to wait until he was fully engaged with his fun before sneaking away.

Before long, the brothel madam arrived with six young women. It seemed the keeper had informed her of the guests’ status because the girls were notably younger and more attractive than the others in the hall—at least not as plain.

With Xiao Jing and Ji Shuoting being strikingly handsome—one exuding a lazy roguish charm, the other with a warm, refined smile—they stood out even more in their luxurious clothes.

Not only did the madam’s eyes light up, but even the girls were shooting them flirtatious glances.

At the same time, several bottles of wine were brought over, along with a few plates of side dishes.

Ji Shuoting lifted one of the bottles, took a sniff, and chuckled, “Such a strong aroma. This must be some potent stuff.”

“It may not be fine wine, but it has a great taste,” the madam praised, waving her fan. “These girls are the best we have here. Do any of them catch the young masters’ eyes?”

Xiao Jing, however, didn’t even glance at the girls. Instead, he leisurely took out a stack of silver notes and placed them on the table.

The madam’s eyes nearly popped out of her head, greedily fixating on the money.

“This is one thousand taels,” Xiao Jing said, holding up a wine cup. “One cup of wine will cost one tael of silver. However many cups your girls can drink, that’s how much I’ll reward them.”

Even Lu Shujin, who rarely showed much emotion, was stunned. Her gaze was fixed on Xiao Jing, and three words kept echoing in her mind:

Prodigal son.

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