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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter Eighty-Six On the day of the not guilty hearing, Pang Chunzhi gathered a group of people of varying heights, appearances, ages, and genders in front of the court, and one by one called them as witnesses to identify the suspect.
The results of the identifications were chaotic; there were all sorts of claims. The scene was quite disorderly, with various ‘suspects’ being pointed out. One inn worker even insisted that a woman in her fifties was very suspicious, claiming he had seen her arguing with a guest at the inn.
At this point, even the crowd outside Kaifeng Prefecture couldn't help but burst into laughter. Anyone could see that General Gao's deputy was the real criminal, and there was indeed insufficient evidence.
Those who had confidently claimed to have witnessed Qin Wenyuan entering and leaving the inn and arguing with the victim suddenly changed their stories. They said they had merely seen a side profile and hadn’t clearly seen the person's face; now they couldn’t even remember what that person looked like.
Qin Yaru sat in her sedan chair, watching Gao Feng sitting nearby in the Tea House, smiling smugly. It was clear that this idea had come from him.
To be able to lead Pang Chunzhi around by the nose, making him work hard while feeling resentful yet unable to refuse, was indeed Gao Feng's skill.
Qin Wenyuan was released on the spot. With things having escalated to this point, his identity could no longer be concealed; everyone who needed to know was already aware. Qin Yaru saw no need to avoid suspicion anymore. She welcomed her brother onto the carriage, allowing Lady-in-Waiting to assist him with washing up and changing clothes. He then crossed over a fire basin and took a bath with pomelo water to wash away bad luck.
That evening, Qin Yaru watched Qin Wenyuan bathe and change, cleansing himself of dust and fatigue. After a moment of thought, she sighed softly and said, “Big Brother, I found Xiu.”
Yes, she had found Xiu.
Although she had been busy with Qin Wenyuan's matters these days, she was still his younger sister; how could Qin Yaru not care?
The current Xiu was named Yuexin. She was Lady-in-Waiting to Liu Shishi, head of the Brothel Management Office. Although she was just a Lady-in-Waiting and had not yet been registered as a Courtesan, upon receiving this news, Qin Yaru finally felt relieved.
However, Xiu was already thirteen years old this year. Generally speaking, a good-looking and skilled Lady-in-Waiting would be registered as a Courtesan by fifteen or sixteen. Even now, as Liu Shishi's Lady-in-Waiting, she would still have to entertain clients from the Brothel Management Office.
Although Lady-in-Waitings from the Brothel Management Office typically could not buy their freedom once registered, with Gao Feng’s influence, it wouldn’t be too difficult for one Lady-in-Waiting to be freed from the Brothel Management Office. However, once someone entered the Brothel Management Office, it wasn’t simply about being freed that could restore their purity and innocence.
The courtesans of the Brothel Management Office are quite proud, many of them indeed sell their skills rather than their bodies. The officials have issued an edict that officials are not to stay with courtesans; as long as the officials do not cause trouble, no one can force the courtesans of the Brothel Management Office. Even if the courtesans hold a low status, they are still under the protection of the officials, and it is not for others to meddle.
"Are you really going with me?" Gao Feng asked, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
"I want to see my sister; I must go. I can't wait any longer."
Gao Feng was going to find Ouyang Yue, and Qin Yaru was both excited and painfully upset but insisted on meeting her sister and had to follow along.
Going to a place like the Brothel Management Office, wearing women's clothing was clearly inappropriate.
Qin Young Lady had no choice but to change into men's clothing. In the past, when she watched others do this, there were always comments about how even if a girl wore men's clothes, only a blind person wouldn't recognize her identity. But now that she was in men's clothing herself, she truly understood that distinguishing between male and female was not a difficult task.
Without Gao Feng lifting a finger, Qin Wenyuan cheerfully applied some makeup on his sister's face, using nothing special—just ordinary cosmetics from home.
In a green robe, with handsome features, lacking some charm but gaining more heroism, in the blink of an eye, the beautiful lady transformed into a refined young man.
Gao Feng's eyes lit up; he cleared his throat and took Qin Yaru's hand, smiling, "Younger brother, let us travel together."
Qin Yaru's mouth twitched; his feelings of sorrow were instantly stirred up by this shameless person. However, Qin Wenyuan couldn't stand it anymore and wrapped his arms around Gao Feng's neck, gritting his teeth: "General, it's better for us brothers to be more affectionate with each other."
Even though he truly believed Gao Feng was a good match for his sister, seeing him openly take advantage of his precious sister in front of him made it hard for him to remain indifferent.
Gao Feng completely ignored him, holding onto Qin Yaru's delicate fingers tightly and refusing to let go. On one side was the beautiful beauty, and on the other was a rough man; anyone could tell which one to choose!
The three of them rode straight towards the Brothel Management Office.
Qin Yaru was not very good at riding horses, but she was smart and quite agile. After learning from Gao Feng for a few days, she finally managed to ride a gentle mare through the streets without worrying about stepping on any stray cats or dogs, or bumping into vendors selling their wares.
As soon as she arrived at the Brothel Management Office, the luxurious atmosphere filled with music and dance enveloped her.
Qin Yaru stared in awe; no wonder those officials were reluctant to go home and face their plain wives. The beauties at the Brothel Management Office were truly remarkable.
She recalled seeing those time-traveling women in the Twenty-First Century, who could easily gain fame by playing the guzheng, singing pop songs, or dancing the tango and belly dance. It seemed ridiculous to compare such trivial talents to the first-rate courtesans before her.
These courtesans were all dressed in splendid attire, each with their own unique style—some were cold and noble, others gentle and reserved, some were charming and bright, and there were even those with a cute and naive demeanor.
One of the leading figures at the Brothel Management Office, Liu Shishi, belonged to the cute and naive category. She could compose poetry and paint, but she wasn't particularly skilled. She wasn't tall or slender either; her face was slightly round with an oval shape and full lips. However, her skin was smooth and translucent, warm to the touch, making her an adorable girl that one would want to tuck away in their pocket.
Gao Feng naturally chose Liu Shishi and specifically instructed her to accompany Qin Yaru.
Qin Yaru watched as Liu Shishi sat down next to her, lowering her gaze with a gentle smile. After taking a sip of wine, her cheeks flushed red, looking adorably clumsy. Especially when she arched her brows slightly and subtly rested her hand on Qin Yaru's arm, Qin Young Lady felt a flutter in her heart.
What she didn't know was that Liu Shishi also took a rare liking to her and even entertained thoughts of inviting her to share a bed. It was known that reaching Liu Shishi's status made it exceedingly difficult for anyone at the Brothel Management Office to spend the night in her room; even if one threw around money, she would likely not spare them a glance.
At this point in her life, wealth was no longer important. Having spent over twenty years at the Brothel Management Office, she had a mother and a younger brother at home, but their relationship was so distant it felt almost nonexistent. After encountering so many men, Liu Shishi now sought a handsome and kind official's son to elope with as a concubine. She did not wish to remain at the Brothel Management Office as an instructor for generations to come.
Liu Shishi had been searching for several years; at twenty-three years old, she was still young enough to continue for a few more years but began to feel overshadowed by those fifteen or sixteen-year-olds who were as fresh as flowers. How could she not consider her future?
Although she appeared naive, she was quite sharp-minded. As one of the top courtesans at the Brothel Management Office, proficient in music and arts with a substantial dowry, how could she settle for just any rough man? Naturally, she sought someone knowledgeable and considerate. Unfortunately, such individuals were hard to find; Liu Shishi had searched for many years before finally setting her sights on Qin Yaru.
It was no wonder Liu Shishi was attracted to Qin Young Lady; her appearance truly conformed to the aesthetic standards of the Song Dynasty. Wearing shoes with inner linings, standing around 1.7 meters tall with an elegant figure and refined features, Qin Yaru exuded an air of scholarly grace. When admiring beauty, her eyes reflected pure appreciation rather than the lewdness often seen in the men around them.
She is a woman and certainly cannot look down on other women. In her heart, she strives to associate the Courtesans of the Brothel Management Office with the stars of later generations. If it weren't for this, she fears it would be even harder for her. This sense of equality is immensely impactful for a woman who has spent many years in the Brothel Management Office.
Unfortunately, age is a factor.
As for the identity of Qin Yaru, it is not so easy to recognize. In the Song Dynasty, even men could wear makeup, and the slight trace of cosmetics on Qin Yaru hardly counts for anything, especially in a place filled with makeup like the teaching hall. Having received Gao Feng's true teachings, Qin Wenyuan's makeup skills are exquisite, managing to conceal the delicate side of Qin Yaru as a woman without significantly altering her appearance.
Liu Shishi, while blocking alcohol for Qin Yaru, sighed. It's a pity that General Gao, her sworn brother, is too old. Turning her head, she saw Qin Yaru staring intently at Yuexin, who was bringing tea. She couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy and discomfort—ah, indeed, she has aged; her charm no longer compares to that of younger girls. Although Yuexin is only thirteen, she has developed well and is quite striking. It seems it's time for her to step into the spotlight; Liu Shishi doesn't want to stand in her way and thinks it might be time to let Yuexin establish herself.
If Qin Yaru knew that by merely glancing at her sister a couple of times had led Liu Shishi to consider letting Yuexin take center stage, she would probably be furious.
At this moment, Qin Young Lady was naturally unaware of Liu Shishi's thoughts. Her gaze fell on Xiu and she felt slightly more at ease; at least on the surface, there was nothing wrong with her. Xiu's complexion was radiant, her stature tall, and she seemed not to have suffered any mistreatment. Her behavior was quite orderly, and she had learned etiquette well.
This is only natural; the Brothel Management Office is not like those ordinary brothels outside. The Courtesans here all adhere to rules and etiquette.
Qin Xiu clearly noticed Qin Yaru and Qin Wenyuan. Unable to help herself, she rubbed her eyes in slight hesitation; even her hands holding the tray trembled uncontrollably.
When the Qin family fell apart, although Qin Xiu was young, she was already eight years old and had long been aware of things around her. Moreover, Qin Wenyuan's appearance had not changed much; it was just that even with makeup on, Qin Yaru still looked familiar to her.
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