Being an emperor is not something he can do, so he can only rely on his connections.

Chapter 330 Almost Lost My Virginity

Today is the Lantern Festival. As soon as night falls, the entire city of Yunzhou is abuzz with activity. As soon as the curfew is lifted, the streets are bustling with people and brightly lit. The streets and alleys are festooned with a variety of lanterns: lifelike carp lanterns, exquisite lotus lanterns, and towering dragon and phoenix lanterns. The flickering lights illuminate the streets like daylight.

The cries of street vendors echoed, and long lines formed in front of the glutinous rice balls stalls. The sweet aroma of steaming dumplings tumbling in the pot filled the air, attracting passers-by to stop and take a look. The acrobats were not to be outdone, some breathing fire, others somersaulting, and others walking on stilts through the crowd, drawing cheers from the onlookers.

The busiest place was the brothel in the city center. Tonight, the brothel's courtesan would perform a stunning dance, a rare spectacle. Many young men had already paid handsomely for the best seats, just to catch a glimpse of the courtesan. The brothel was packed with people, laughter and chatter were endless, and the air was filled with the fragrance of cosmetics and the aroma of wine.

Ma Tianmao sat in a private room on the second floor, holding a sheepskin hot water bottle in his arms. His legs kept shaking, and his face was full of impatience. He shouted downstairs: "Madam! I paid for it, why haven't I seen the courtesan yet? If you don't come again, I want my money back!"

The madam quickly put on a smile and walked upstairs, soothing him: "Mr. Ma, please be patient, please be patient! The courtesan is getting ready. I'll send someone up to urge them. Please wait a moment, I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"

Ma Tianmao snorted coldly and waved his hand impatiently: "Go quickly! Don't delay my interest!"

……

Meanwhile, in the courtesan's private room, a completely different scene unfolded. A graceful scholar sat elegantly at a table, a cup of black tea in hand. He took a sip, his brow furrowed slightly. He set down the cup and said coldly, "Change this incense! If you dare use it on me again, I'll chop your head off!"

Ningxiang, standing nearby, heard this and a flash of panic crossed her face, but she quickly regained her charming smile. She twisted her waist and said in a delicate voice, "Oh, how dare I do that! It must be Beixiang's maid who made a mistake! My Lord, please be magnanimous and don't argue with me."

The scholar glanced at her coldly, his tone tinged with sarcasm: "Fox charmer, I won't fall for your tricks."

Ningxiang saw this and quickly suppressed her smile. She whispered, "Yes, yes, Shopkeeper Gao, do you scholars all like girls who practice martial arts? How about asking the Prime Minister to arrange for me to dress up as a female general next time?"

The scholar was none other than Gao Jiong. Upon hearing this, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile. "Now that the connection with Zhang Jingwei is broken, I too must return to the capital. Prepare yourselves, and as soon as the Prime Minister's order arrives, you must depart."

Ningxiang was surprised when she heard this. "Broken? How is that possible... After all these years, how could it just break like that?"

Gao Ying gave her a cold look, his tone carrying a hint of warning: "My words are useless?"

Ningxiang quickly lowered her head, her voice filled with fear. "It works, it works... It's just a shame to leave Yunzhou, such a beautiful place, so suddenly. I really don't want to leave..."

Gao Ying snorted coldly: "Then you can stay here forever."

Ningxiang's expression changed, and she quickly said, "It was a slip of the tongue, please don't blame me, Shangguan."

Gao Jiong ignored her panic and asked, "Why did Zhang Jingwei's attitude towards you suddenly change?"

Ningxiang frowned and whispered, "Yeah, I'm puzzled too. Ever since he came back to life, he's become a completely different person. He used to tell me everything, but later on he became a bit lustful. If it weren't for the incense's enhanced effects when mixed with wine, I would have nearly lost my virginity."

Gao Jiong smiled slightly when he heard this, with a hint of amusement in his eyes: "Interesting."

At this time, a waitress knocked on the door and said, "Miss Ningxiang, the brothel owner is urging me again. If she finds out that you are seeing a customer without permission, she will definitely beat me to death."

Gao Jiong turned around and looked at Ningxiang, his tone carrying a hint of warning: "Remember, your mission is to obtain intelligence, not to become an official courtesan. If I catch you acting without authorization again, you know the consequences."

Ningxiang quickly lowered her head, her voice trembling a little: "I understand!"

Gao Ying nodded and waved his hand: "Go down."

Ningxiang responded and slowly left the room. Gao Ying stood by the window, looking at the bustling scene downstairs, but a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

……

After dinner, Zhang Jingwei donned a thick cloak and walked out into the night. Yunzhou's night was especially lively due to the Lantern Festival. The streets were brightly lit, the crowds bustled, and laughter filled the air. However, Zhang Jingwei's mind wasn't on the excitement; he headed straight for the government office.

Arriving at the yamen, he found the officer on duty and paid the fine. Zhang Jingwei was a well-known figure in Yunzhou, so the formalities were handled quickly. The officer led Zhang Jingwei to the prison. The cell was dark and damp, and the air was filled with a musty smell. Zhang Jingwei frowned, feeling a little reluctant.

"Mu Tou, come out." Zhang Jingwei stood at the door of the cell and shouted inside.

Mu Tou was sitting on a straw mat in a daze. When he heard Zhang Jingwei's voice, he suddenly raised his head with a look of surprise on his face: "Young Master!" He quickly stood up, patted the straw debris on his body, and walked quickly to the door.

Zhang Jingwei looked him up and down and found that Mu Tou not only didn't lose weight, but seemed to have gained some weight. He couldn't help but laugh and said, "It seems that the food in Yunzhou Prison is pretty good. You haven't suffered much during these few days of imprisonment."

Mu Tou scratched his head and said a little embarrassedly: "Master, the food in prison is not as good as the food at home, but it can still fill you up. It's just... it's a bit boring."

Zhang Jingwei shook his head, his tone tinged with reproach: "You're so reckless! I'll lock you up for a few days this time, so you'll remember this lesson. If you join the army in the future and act this way again, will you still be able to see me?"

Mu Tou lowered his head, his voice filled with guilt: "Master, I'm sorry to trouble you."

Seeing his sincere attitude in admitting his mistake, Zhang Jingwei softened his tone: "It's good that you know you're wrong. Let's go home first, take a shower and change into clean clothes."

Mu Tou nodded, said hello to the cellmate next door, and followed Zhang Jingwei out of the prison.

The moment he walked out of the cell, Zhang Jingwei glanced at Tian Cao in the cell next door, but Tian Cao smiled coldly at him.

……

The air outside was much fresher. Mu Tou took a deep breath, a look of relief on his face. He hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Master, Jiu'er... did you move?"

Zhang Jingwei paused for a moment after hearing this, then nodded. "Yes, I moved. I moved to Gaoyang, where I'm serving as the county magistrate. How did you know?"

A trace of disappointment flashed across Mu Tou's face, and he whispered, "Jiu'er came to see me and said she had been there. Today is the Lantern Festival, and I wanted to watch the lanterns with her... I'm so useless..."

Zhang Jingwei glanced at him, his tone comforting: "Okay, don't blame yourself. Jiuer moving to Gaoyang is a good thing. At least my wife and I will take care of her!"

Mu Tou heard this, his eyes filled with gratitude, and he nodded quickly: "Thank you, Master!"

Zhang Jingwei smiled and patted his shoulder: "Let's go, I'll take you to eat Yuanxiao. It's very lively outside today, you should relax."

A smile finally appeared on his wooden face, and he nodded heavily: "Yeah!"