20 – The Emperor Went to Visit the Brothel (Revised)
Jiang Lige took another piece of paper from her sleeve. “Doctor Shen, I have half a prescription here. Take a look.”
Shen Mobai took it and examined it, his face showing astonishment. “Is this a prescription for treating the common cold?”
Shen Mobai’s reaction was exactly as Jiang Lige had anticipated.
Traditional Chinese medicine is profound, and her prescription was a renowned formula passed down through thousands of years of refinement. In this world, it was absolutely priceless.
“Exactly. I found this in an ancient medical book—a treasure left behind by our ancestors,” Jiang Lige said.
Shen Mobai examined the half-prescription over and over, unable to put it down.
“This prescription is excellent. The ingredients are all common and affordable, so even ordinary people can use it.”
As a fellow doctor, Jiang Lige was deeply moved by Shen Mobai’s compassion.
She took out the other half of the prescription. “Doctor Shen, these pills are fifty taels, and for this prescription, I only ask for three hundred taels.”
Shen Mobai exclaimed excitedly, “These pills of yours are worth at least two hundred taels, and this prescription is truly priceless!”
He walked behind the counter and took out all the silver notes and coins from the money box.
“Here are five hundred taels. Please accept this for now. If you don’t mind, come back next month, and I’ll pay you another five hundred taels. How does that sound?”
This Shen Mobai didn’t seem like a businessman at all—he was too sincere.
Jiang Lige quite liked this kind of personality and came up with an idea.
Today’s prescription was a test to see how Shen Mobai handled business. If he proved capable, she would consider partnering with him.
She would provide the prescriptions, and Hundred Herbs Hall would handle the sales, with her taking a percentage of the profits.
After all, she still had plenty of good prescriptions in mind.
“Five hundred taels is enough. I am Jiang Xiaoli. I’ve long admired your reputation, Doctor Shen. If you don’t mind, shall we become friends?” Jiang Lige suggested with a cupped-hand salute.
Shen Mobai returned the salute enthusiastically, welcoming the idea. He wanted to keep her there for further discussion, but Jiang Lige, eager to explore the bustling night market outside, arranged to visit again another time.
After leaving Hundred Herbs Hall, Jiang Lige found a secluded spot, emptied the stones from her money pouch, and replaced them with the silver.
“Mistress, you’re amazing! You earned five hundred taels in one go!”
Luzhu’s admiration for Jiang Lige knew no bounds. Just by reading a medical book and copying a prescription, she had earned five hundred taels. If she copied one every day, wouldn’t she end up owning all the wealth in the capital?
“Luzhu, do you know what this is called? This is ‘knowledge is power’!”
Hmph, offering her six taels?
If it weren’t for Shang Guanqi being a stumbling block, Jiang Lige would surely become the wealthiest person in the capital!
Jiang Lige slung the money pouch over her shoulder and declared boldly, “Come on, I’ll take you to the night market. Buy whatever catches your eye.”
“Yes, yes!” Luzhu was as happy as if it were New Year.
As night fell completely, the night market came alive. The two of them shopped from one end to the other, with Jiang Lige picking out many things to bring back to the palace to share.
Now that she had money, it was time to make some connections. After all, more friends meant more opportunities.
Soon, Luzhu’s hands were filled with bags of all sizes.
“Flower brews for sale! Peach blossom brew, pear blossom brew, elegant lotus brew—”
Jiang Lige stopped at a flower brew stall, drawn in by the vendor’s calls. She looked around and, to her surprise, spotted a small jar of Iris Brew among the assortment.
Could irises really be used to make wine?
Jiang Lige immediately thought of Shang Guanqi. After all, he had saved her twice, and she hadn’t properly thanked him yet.
“Younger Brother Jiang!”Jiang Lige had just paid for the wine and was holding it in her arms when a hand landed on her shoulder. She turned her head and saw, to her surprise, Wen Zhimo.
“I’ve been watching for a while and thought I might have been mistaken,” Wen Zhimo said without any hesitation.
“Young Marquis Wen,” Jiang Lige shrugged off his hand from her shoulder.
Wen Zhimo was taken aback. “Why so formal? You used to call me ‘Plague Monkey’ before.”
Jiang Lige chuckled. “We’re in public now, so I’m giving you some face.”
Wen Zhimo pulled her along as they walked. “Come on, come on. It’s rare for you to come out. Didn’t you always want to see the Flower-Filled Tower? Let’s go now…”
Jiang Lige didn’t know what the Flower-Filled Tower was, and Luzhu, who was carrying a pile of things, couldn’t stop them in time. Before she knew it, Wen Zhimo had led her into the capital’s largest brothel, where they were immediately surrounded by a crowd of heavily made-up women.
Jiang Lige looked around, taking in the sight of the women in sheer gauze, their alluring figures, and the lively singing and dancing. She instantly perked up.
“Is this the legendary brothel?”
Wen Zhimo watched Jiang Lige’s eyes darting around mischievously and teased, “After hearing your impassioned speech on stage yesterday, I thought you had truly transformed. You should really look in a mirror and see how sly and lecherous you look right now!”
Jiang Lige played along, holding the Iris Brew in her hands and saying with a suggestive tone, “Food and lust are human nature—”
“Alright, alright, stop looking. There’s someone waiting for us in the room upstairs.”
Wen Zhimo pulled Jiang Lige toward the upper floor.
Outside the Flower-Filled Tower, Wuqing, who had been secretly following them, chased them to the entrance, only to be enthusiastically surrounded by a group of gaudily dressed women.
Wuqing hurriedly pushed through the crowd, but when he looked again, the Flower-Filled Tower was bustling with noise and excitement, and there was no sign of Jiang Lige anywhere.
Oh no, he was going to get whipped again!
…
Upstairs.
“Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be blessed with peace.”
Jiang Lige sat stiffly on the chair, holding the small wine jar. To be honest, all she wanted today was to relax, stroll around, and do some shopping. She didn’t want to work overtime for the Emperor.
But she had no choice.
“Young Master Xie, all of you may rise,” Jiang Lige gestured with her hand.
Aside from Xie Shu and Wen Zhimo, those kneeling also included Han Jianyun, the eldest son of Chancellor Han Chengxiang, and Guo You from the Minister of Rites’ residence.
Both men were handsome, but their demeanors were quite different. Han Jianyun was mature, steady, and scholarly, keeping his gaze straight and his movements proper as he bowed. In contrast, Guo You beside him kept glancing around, appearing careless and frivolous, much like Wen Zhimo.
They had been close friends with Xie Shu since childhood, and their bond ran deep.
Even though the Xie Clan was no more, Xie Shu still had so many supporters. The saying “Martial prowess from the Wu family, literary excellence from the Xie Clan” was indeed true.
Jiang Lige had always intended to win over the neutral faction. She was pleased to see Xie Shu gaining support from the Chancellor’s residence and the Minister of Rites’ residence.
To be honest, seeing Xie Shu work so tirelessly to plan for her, Jiang Lige suddenly began to believe in his loyalty.
Perhaps she had been too narrow-minded. In this world, there truly were people of utmost sincerity and purity who regarded upholding justice as their faith and devoted their lives to it.
“This commoner is guilty and dares not rise.”
While the others stood up, Xie Shu remained kneeling on the ground.
“What is the meaning of this, Young Master Xie?”
“Your Majesty, this commoner acted recklessly. During the Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony, I failed to kill Shang Guanqi in one strike, failing to live up to Your Majesty’s grace,” Xie Shu said with self-reproach.
Jiang Lige consoled him, “Shang Guanqi has been entrenched for many years, and his influence is vast. Forcing him to retreat and agree to reopen the Xie Clan’s case was no small feat. There is no need for you to blame yourself, Young Master Xie.”Xie Shu was indeed a talent, and if possible, Jiang Lige wished to recruit him under her own command.
“I have already ordered Han Chengxiang to thoroughly investigate the case involving your father from years ago. I believe that in a few days, the court will restore the Xie family’s innocence and grant Young Master Xie a bright future.”
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace!”
Xie Shu bowed once more in gratitude before addressing the main matter: “Your Majesty, the reason we have come to see you so abruptly is that we have something to advise.”
“Oh, what is it?” Jiang Lige asked.
“It concerns the selection of consorts. Does Your Majesty have any candidates in mind for the position of Empress?” Xie Shu inquired.
Jiang Lige sighed and replied, “Caught between two factions, what choices do I have? It all depends on which faction prevails in the end.”
Xie Shu said, “This humble subject believes that Your Majesty should choose Han Chengxiang’s daughter as Empress…”
As Xie Shu spoke these words, no one else noticed, but Guo You’s gaze momentarily froze…