In this world, apart from sharing the same name, Jinling City bore no resemblance to the civilized world Shen Lang had once lived in.
The city had a population of about 3 million permanent residents, accounting for nearly one-thirtieth of the entire Great Chu Empire. The main roads of the city were divided into four districts—east, south, west, and north—centered around a central plaza. The eastern district was where the noble families and the imperial clan resided, and the central administrative hub was located there as well. The southern district was home to government offices and wealthy households, including some sect disciples who had established branch halls. The northern district was a residential area for commoners, taking up the most space. The western district was where merchants gathered—essentially the city’s commercial zone.
The side job Shen Lang took was located in the western district.
[Cling—]
A crisp bell rang as Shen Lang stepped into a pleasure house called Chunyu Pavilion.
The old madam, who had just finished tidying up and was about to rest, looked up in annoyance at the sound. “Guest, you’re too early. We only open at night, the girls are still resting…”
But when she saw who it was, her attitude instantly did a 180.
“Oh my, it’s Lord Shen. What brings you here today?”
“Just here for a private job. I’m meeting someone. You go on with your work, don’t mind me.”
Shen Lang sat at a round table and casually poured himself a cup of tea from the pot on it.
The madam smiled and brought a fresh pot over, leaning in as she said, “Lord Shen, you’ve done so much for us. Want me to call a girl to keep you company? We recently launched a new refined massage service. If you’re interested, come at dusk. I’ll have Dongmei personally attend to you.”
Shen Lang took a sip of tea and replied without expression, “Forget it. I don’t have the money to play around like that. Maybe when I strike it rich.”
The madam quickly said, “Lord Shen, you’re joking. If you want to come, how could I ever charge you? Since you started showing up here, all those local punks and troublemakers don’t dare come anymore. Life’s been much more peaceful, and all our girls are grateful to you.”
“Heh.” Shen Lang chuckled faintly, “Forget it. The most expensive things are often the ones that seem free. Don’t try to pull me into a trap. Just focus on doing honest business—don’t overthink it.”
As they were talking, a young man stood outside the pleasure house. He peeked in, then cautiously asked, “Excuse me, is Lord Shen here? I’m Zhao Anmin. Huang Hu sent me.”
Shen Lang looked over and squinted. Wasn’t this the guy with the metaphorical green glow above his head from yesterday? He didn’t expect his client this time to be him.
“Shopkeeper Wang, you may leave first.”
“Alright, if Lord Shen needs anything, just call. I’ll be in the back.”
The madam bowed slightly, shot a glance at Zhao Anmin, and went into the back hall.
Once they were alone, Shen Lang waved at Zhao Anmin, “Whatever you need from me, sit down and speak. No need to be nervous.”
Clearly, this was Zhao Anmin’s first time in such an establishment. Even though it wasn’t operating during the day, he still looked uneasy and awkward as he sat across from Shen Lang, glancing around nervously.
“Don’t bother looking. No girls are serving you right now—they only entertain guests at night.”
Shen Lang poured another cup of tea and said, “Get to the point. Why are you here?”
Zhao Anmin took a deep breath, the lingering perfume in Chunyu Pavilion making his nose twitch. “I… I want to ask Lord Shen to help me get revenge on someone.”
“A woman?”
Shen Lang asked directly.
“Yes!” Zhao Anmin nodded hard. “She was my childhood sweetheart. We grew up together… but later, she betrayed me and ran off with some rich heir…”
When it came to cuckold tales like this, Shen Lang listened with enthusiasm—he had the professional integrity to never shy away from a good funeral story.
Once Zhao Anmin finished, Shen Lang wore the expression of someone who just heard some juicy gossip. He patted Zhao Anmin’s shoulder and said solemnly, “Brother, let me give you a piece of advice—stay strong.”
Zhao Anmin’s nose twitched, not picking up the sarcasm. Instead, he saw Shen Lang as someone who truly understood his pain and could empathize with him.
After that emotional venting, Zhao Anmin finally explained his purpose. “I want her to regret the choice she made. I want her to regret losing a man who once loved her so deeply. I’m about to leave Jinling for Suzhou. My family already knows about what happened and found me another girl. Once I leave, I won’t be coming back. Before I go, I just want to get revenge—to ease the pain I’ve suffered all these years.”
Shen Lang nodded. “Understood. Leave it to me. But you know the rules. Didn’t Huang Hu explain them?”
He made a counting gesture with his fingers.
Sympathy was one thing—business was another. Getting all emotional and trying to freeload? Shen Lang had zero tolerance for that.
“I understand.” Zhao Anmin immediately took out ten taels of silver from his chest. “I’ll leave everything in your hands, Brother Shen.”
Glancing at the two five-tael ingots on the table, Shen Lang silently lifted his teacup and took a sip.
Zhao Anmin was confused, “Brother Shen, what do you mean?”
Shen Lang set down the cup and sighed, “Seems like you’re not really serious about revenge. Just ten taels of silver to forget everything she did to you? Don’t be foolish.”
Zhao Anmin lowered his voice, “Then… how much would Brother Shen need? I don’t have much silver on me.”
Shen Lang stretched his arms and said, “Fine. I can tell you’re sincere. Add ten more taels, and I’ll handle it with flair. But remember, stop being a simp. That kind of woman isn’t worth it. Just some rotten goods, got it?”
“Yes, you’re right, Brother Shen. I’ll be smarter from now on. Thank you for the advice.”
As he spoke, Zhao Anmin took out another two ingots of five taels each.
Shen Lang accepted the silver without hesitation, his pleased expression quickly replaced with a serious tone. “Alright, when do you want it done?”
“Today!” Zhao Anmin answered immediately. “I want her to regret it today.”
“Around noon, she’ll be eating at Wenxiang Restaurant in the west market. I want her to lose face in front of everyone!”
He gritted his teeth as he spoke—clearly, this simp had finally awakened.
“Deal. Head back first. I’ll be at Wenxiang Restaurant by noon. Then you’ll see whether your 20 taels were worth it or not.”
With that, Shen Lang stood and walked out of Chunyu Pavilion.
…
In the Imperial Study of Weiyang Palace, Jiang Mengxuan sat at her desk, focused on reviewing the memorials sent from across the empire.
Just then, Jiang Shangxian requested an audience.
As soon as he saw his imperial niece, Jiang Shangxian got straight to the point, “Your Majesty, I’ve refined the plan against Qingyi Tower. There’s a high chance of success—I guarantee it will be handled perfectly.”
Jiang Mengxuan gave a slight smile. Her expression revealed nothing, and she calmly asked, “Thank you for your efforts, Imperial Uncle. May I ask what the plan entails?”
Jiang Shangxian bowed and chuckled, “Your Majesty, the plan is extremely secret. Forgive my boldness, but I cannot reveal it to anyone just yet.”
Jiang Mengxuan asked, “Oh? Not even to me?”
Jiang Shangxian replied, “Please forgive me, Your Majesty. This plan is too delicate. I fear if the Chancellor’s Estate catches wind of it, it may bring harm to you.”
Jiang Mengxuan’s brows furrowed slightly. “Then what do you need me to do?”
Jiang Shangxian hesitated, eyes shifting left and right. After a moment, he mustered his courage and said, “I boldly request a sum of money from Your Majesty—as funding for this operation.”
Without thinking, Jiang Mengxuan asked, “How much?”
Jiang Shangxian’s chubby face twitched slightly before he held up a finger. “1,000 taels of gold.”
“1,000 taels of gold?” Jiang Mengxuan paused to consider.
Seeing her hesitate, Jiang Shangxian quickly said, “If Your Majesty finds that too much, even 800 taels would be fine. I can personally cover the rest.”
Jiang Mengxuan smiled. “You worry too much, Imperial Uncle. I was just thinking—can 1,000 taels of gold really resolve this crisis?”
Jiang Shangxian said, “It’s more than enough. Absolutely enough.”
He rubbed his hands together repeatedly, inwardly shouting with joy, Brother Shen, you really are my god of wealth! Though tricking my own niece out of money seems a bit immoral… I have no choice! My wife watches me like a hawk—can’t even save a single coin. Once this is done, I’ll definitely treat you to some drinks… and take you to have some fun at Shuyu Pavilion in the eastern district!