“Hey you, what’s your name? Is your surname Cai?”
“I am Shu Yingwen. I’m not surnamed Cai. May I ask what guidance the officer has for me?” the young man replied, standing up and greeting Shen Lang politely when he noticed Shen Lang staring at him.
Now that he stood, Shen Lang got a better look at his features and figure. Shu Yingwen wore a light blue translucent robe that accentuated every curve of his slender frame. Combined with his gentle, jade-like face and soft, affectionate gaze, he was the kind of man who could stir a woman’s heart with just a glance.
And that was exactly the case.
Shu Yingwen was a unique presence in Shuyu Pavilion. Not only was he handsome with a pleasant temperament, but he also resembled a living decorative charm. His elegant posture carried a subtle hint of masculinity beneath the grace, like an incubus drawing the eyes of every woman around him. A man like that—it was almost a waste he wasn’t selling his body or at least working as a male companion.
Shen Lang gave him a once-over and casually asked, “Shu Yingwen, was it? Funny, I don’t recall seeing you before. What do you do?”
With a graceful wave of his sleeve, Shu Yingwen respectfully greeted him, “Officer, I only arrived at Shuyu Pavilion last month. I’m just a humble scholar from Ninghang in the Jiangnan region.”
“A humble scholar?” Shen Lang raised an eyebrow and looked around. “You think a humble scholar can afford a place like this?”
Though Shu Yingwen may not have understood the word ‘afford,’ he got the meaning—Shen Lang was questioning his right to be here.
So he patiently explained, “Officer, you misunderstand. I’m here purely to make a living. I sell calligraphy and paintings to earn some silver, not for pleasure-seeking.”
Shen Lang nodded, “Ah, I see. So, you traveled all the way from Ninghang to the capital just to sell calligraphy in a brothel? Heh, you must have a rather unique view on education.”
Though Shen Lang’s words were laced with sarcasm, Shu Yingwen didn’t respond. Instead, one of the brothel girls nearby stood up and said, “Officer, you seem to hold a deep prejudice against us. Maybe in your eyes, we’re just lowly women, but Shu Gongzi is different. His talent and character win our admiration. He never looks down on us. He treats us with respect.”
Shen Lang cut her off, “Respect? If you want respect, don’t do this kind of work. Isn’t it because the money is easy? You want to sell and still build yourself a chastity shrine? Just be honest—sell if you want to, but don’t act like you’re pure and noble. The kind I look down on the most are the ones who want both dignity and profit. Better to be upfront.”
Truth often hurt the most. His words instantly infuriated the women who prided themselves as cultured courtesans.
“You… how can you say such things?”
“Disgusting! Absolutely vulgar!”
“Such a brute! Shuyu Pavilion doesn’t welcome you.”
“Listening to him talk makes me want to scream in indignation!”
Moments ago, they had thought Shen Lang was handsome and charismatic, but now their impression dropped sharply.
Shen Lang pointed around and said coldly, “Let me remind you all—there’s been a murder in Shuyu Pavilion. Every one of you is a suspect. If you keep flapping your mouths, how about spending a night in the Jingwei Division’s prison?” Visit novelping . com for the full chapter.
Silence fell instantly.
Everyone had heard the rumors about the Jingwei Division’s prison. People came out of there barely alive—if they came out at all. These girls were soft-skinned and delicate; outside of being touched by men, they had no real skills. Going into a place like that was no different than dying.
Shu Yingwen quickly said, “Officer, please don’t frighten these ladies. They’re only trying to survive. If I’ve offended you in any way, I ask for your forgiveness.”
“Oh? So now you’re speaking up for them? You’re not too bad,” Shen Lang said, brushing off his cloak and resting his hand on Shu Yingwen’s shoulder. “Come with me to the Jingwei Division. I suspect you might be the mastermind behind tonight’s murder.”
Shu Yingwen quickly said, “Officer, you’re mistaken. I had nothing to do with the assassination.”
“Assassination?” Shen Lang’s eyes narrowed, and the grip on his shoulder tightened. “Who said it was an assassination?”
Shu Yingwen winced and replied, “I-I heard it from His Highness. Everyone in Shuyu Pavilion heard it.”
Shen Lang froze, then turned to see Jiang Shangxian panting as he ran over.
“You said that?”
“Well… it’s not my first assassination attempt. I panicked and blurted it out. Not too unreasonable, right?”
“…Damn it.”
Shen Lang was speechless. He released Shu Yingwen and gave Jiang Shangxian a look usually reserved for idiots.
Shu Yingwen respectfully greeted, “Greetings, Your Highness.”
Jiang Shangxian quickly put on a dignified air and said, “Mm, you’re a fine young man. Self-reliant, principled. I like that. But whether you become the Empress’s husband or not, that’s entirely up to Her Majesty.”
Shu Yingwen bowed, “I humbly ask for Your Highness’s support. I’ve admired Her Majesty for many years and would never let her down.”
“Well, that’s not something I can decide. Handle it yourself.”
Then Jiang Shangxian slung an arm over Shen Lang’s shoulder and said, “He’s not the mastermind behind the attack. Don’t worry.”
Shen Lang brushed his hand off and chuckled, “I can tell, Your Highness seems quite familiar with this Shu fellow.”
Jiang Shangxian explained, “He’s my niece’s admirer. Been smitten since childhood. Now that Her Majesty is recruiting a husband, he came to try his luck. It’s got nothing to do with us.”
“Is this really the time? I was almost assassinated. Shouldn’t you be comforting me?”
“Just let Dali Temple and the Ministry of Justice handle it. The Jingwei Division is only assisting anyway. We’ve got time to kill—why not share a juicy tale or two? Or even a dirty joke. What matters is setting the right mood.”
With that, the two sat at a side table and watched the officials bustle about while they chatted idly.
“Alright, I’ll tell you. That Shu kid comes from a poor family, but he’s a renowned scholar in Ninghang. As a child, he once had the chance to visit the capital and caught a glimpse of my niece. Ever since then, he’s been obsessed. When he heard she was choosing a husband, he came to give it a shot. He’s been supporting himself in Shuyu Pavilion with his writing. Gotta say, he’s got some backbone.”
Shen Lang glanced at Shu Yingwen across the room and shook his head. “He’s got the scholar look. Aside from being pretty, I don’t see anything special. Your niece into this kind of guy?”
Jiang Shangxian laughed, slapping his thigh, “These days, men and women are all the same. Good looks always attract attention. Shu Yingwen may reek of bookishness, but he’s handsome and graceful. What woman wouldn’t be moved? After all, first impressions matter. I think he might have a shot.”
Shen Lang rubbed his chin. “Interesting. I bet there’ll be a huge crowd at the Empress’s husband selection, huh?”
Jiang Shangxian sipped water. “Of course! Just like the imperial beauty pageants, all the top men from across the empire will be there—at least a hundred. It’ll be grand.”
“You think the Empress would pick a man who frequents brothels?”
“That doesn’t matter. What matters is whether he’s still… untouched.”
“What?” Shen Lang was stunned. “They can check that in men?”
Jiang Shangxian grinned mysteriously, “Naturally. In three days, it’ll be the Empress’s grand selection ceremony—and also the day our salaries are distributed. How about I take you to see it personally?”
“Sounds interesting. I do want to see what it’s like when the Empress picks a husband.”
Since he had nothing better to do, Shen Lang figured he might as well head to the palace. He also wanted to see Jiang Mengxuan, the number one beauty of Great Chu, with his own eyes.
Jiang Shangxian poured himself another cup of water, then suddenly stared at Shen Lang with gleaming eyes.
“What are you looking at?”
“Hehe, nothing. Just thinking… wouldn’t it be great if you became my in-law?”
“…Ridiculous.”
Shen Lang chuckled and shook his head. Seeing that all the officials had arrived, he stood up. “Your Highness, there’s nothing more I can do here. I’ll head back first. Let’s catch up another time.”
Jiang Shangxian waved him off, “Alright. I’ll stay behind and handle things here. Go home and get some rest. I’ll come find you in a few days.”
As he watched Shen Lang leave, Jiang Shangxian cleared his throat and shouted, “Search every corner for me! If we don’t get to the bottom of this, no one’s going home tonight!”