The disgraced official I took care of was actually Zhu Houcong's childhood friend.

How can someone so young be expected to be involved in brothels? No wonder his martial arts training is so sloppy.

The Jiaofangsi originated in the Tang Dynasty and was founded by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin. Its initial purpose was to train palace women and teach them court songs, dances, and musical instruments.

However, the Jiaofangsi gradually changed its nature and evolved into what it is today.

Nowadays, the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment district) consists of the female relatives of convicted officials. Therefore, when many convicted officials are exiled after their homes are raided, they will try every means to secretly entrust their daughters to relatives and friends for care.

Zhou Chu was certain that he was not the only one in the capital harboring female relatives of convicted officials.

It's just that everyone tacitly accepts this kind of thing and turns a blind eye to it.

As for Lady Yang, due to her special status, she was the wet nurse of the Prince of Xing when she was imprisoned.

Furthermore, since the Lu family's problems weren't serious to begin with, everyone knew it was only a matter of time before they were released, so Yang was also imprisoned along with them.

In reality, many wives of corrupt officials were also imprisoned.

After all, they were colleagues, and no one wanted their wife to be sent to the brothel when they got into trouble.

The differences between the cells in the prison are huge, especially for people like Zhou Chu who have spent a lot of money. The cell where the Lu family lives is much larger than the other cells, and it even has a separate cubicle for relieving oneself.

Every morning, the jailers would even bring warm water to the Lu family to wash up.

As long as the money is right, the service will be right.

Only officials whose political careers were deemed over would have all their female relatives sent to the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment district).

The women of the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution) may not be the most beautiful compared to those in brothels, but their former status still holds significance.

For many officials, some of whom even have wives and daughters of former colleagues, the mere thought of such a thing is exciting.

Whether you are a man or a woman, the advantages that come with status always outweigh those of your appearance.

Moreover, the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) offered more than just this one business; it provided all kinds of food, drink, and entertainment.

Those high-ranking officials and nobles who liked to gamble naturally couldn't go to gambling dens, so they usually organized games in places like the Jiaofangsi (a type of entertainment venue).

Therefore, the business of the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) was exceptionally booming.

However, the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) was only open to officials or their family members.

Zhou Chu is currently a commoner and naturally has no right to enter the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution).

Lin Zhi probably went into the brothel because she was afraid Zhou Chu would chase after her.

However, this small matter was no problem for Zhou Chu.

Zhou Chu sent Chunlan to the Lu family and borrowed the Embroidered Uniform Guard's waist token from Lu Song.

When Chunlan arrived, Lu Song and his wife had just gone to bed. It was Yang who took out the waist token and gave it to Chunlan.

As for what Zhou Chu did with the waist token, the couple didn't even ask.

When Zhou Chu went to the Jiaofangsi, he specially brought Chu Liu with him.

Who knows whether Lin Zhi was playing with women or gambling at the brothel?

If it's gambling, having someone like Chu Liu around is a good fit, it's always good to be prepared.

Zhou Chu and Chu Liu were stopped at the entrance of the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) as soon as they arrived.

"Halt! Who are you? You look unfamiliar."

Those who could work as gatekeepers at the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution) were all extremely quick-witted.

They could remember the important people who came and went here every day with just a glance, and they dared not stop those high-ranking officials and nobles.

Since Zhou Chu and his companion had never been to the Jiaofangsi before, they naturally wanted to stop them and probe their intentions.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chu took out his Embroidered Uniform Guard badge and casually tossed it to them.

The man took the waist token. At first, it was too dark to see it clearly, but when they realized that it was the waist token of a centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, they trembled with fear.

He hurriedly bent down and returned the waist token to Zhou Chu with both hands.

“I was blind and didn’t recognize your greatness. I offended you, and I deserve to die.”

There's a reason this man is here guarding the gate; his attitude in admitting his mistake is extremely sincere.