How to become a Taoist priest starting from a brothel

On this day, carriages arrived one after another in the red-light district, making it even more lively than usual. In particular, at the entrance of Qingyin Hall, wealthy merchants, noblemen, and literati came in an endless stream.

"Hey, did you guys see that...? A lot of important people have come today..."

"Could it be because of this lady today? This is a level of treatment that even Qingyin's wife never received back then, is it really true..."

"Of course it's true. My brother is on good terms with the eldest son of the An family. He told me that the debut of this new courtesan was a grand affair that Madam Xu spared no expense on. If this courtesan wasn't exceptionally talented and beautiful, why would she have gone to such lengths?"

"It's going to be lively today. I heard they're going to do a haircut today, so maybe we'll get to see a big show."

"Don't talk nonsense. If someone hears you, I'll beat you up. But I've also heard that today's piece is a new one, so it's worth looking forward to. Lately, all I hear is pipa music, it's really sickening."

The students, dressed in scholar's robes, approached in a graceful procession, their eyes filled with anticipation for what they were about to see, their movements carrying a hint of eagerness and a forced air of composure.

"Brother Ziheng, why do you seem so distracted?" The young man surrounded by them had delicate and handsome features, and his manners were quite elegant, clearly indicating that he came from a noble family.

He was surrounded by them, yet he showed no sign of frivolity or pride. His expression was somewhat dazed, as if he were burdened by sorrow.

"Brother Ziheng, are you still thinking about Lady Qingyin?"

"Lady Qingyin, could it be...?" Everyone looked at each other, puzzled. Only one scholar who knew the truth hesitated before speaking, then realized it was inappropriate and fell silent.

"Don't make wild guesses, it's the pipa music that's causing this." Mo Zhu, a close friend who had seen the performance with Zi Heng, quickly stepped in to explain.

It turned out that ever since Ziheng heard the pipa that day, he had been determined to find Liu Yin to ask about the lyricist. However, not long after, Liu Yin and Xu Mama spread the news that Qingyin was seriously ill, which interrupted his plan and made him keep thinking about it. Now that he came here again, he was naturally thinking about his regret and was somewhat absent-minded.

After hearing Mo Zhu's explanation, the students around him suddenly realized what was going on. One of them, who said that his brother and Young Master An were good friends, clapped his hands and said with a smile, "What a coincidence! I heard that the piece of music we heard today was written by the teacher who wrote 'Pipa Language' for Lady Qingyin. Isn't this just the will of Heaven to let Brother Ziheng achieve his wish?"

"Really!" Ziheng's eyes lit up, and the gloom on his face immediately disappeared.

"Of course, why would I lie to you?" the student immediately assured him, patting his chest.

"You really came for the music? I heard that the next courtesan will be performing tonight. I'd like to see if she has the same charm as the Qingyin Lady back then," the other students in the group laughed.

"What a pity. I heard that Lady Qingyin is seriously ill because of that scar, and that she won't last more than a few days."

"Yes, back then, Lady Qingyin's appearance was truly stunning. Now we can only reminisce about it in secret..." Several students walked inside, chatting and laughing, arm in arm with each other.

"Huh!?" Mo Zhu exclaimed as she entered the door, "It's him!"

"Who is it?"

"What's wrong, Brother Mozhu?"

Li Mozhu stared intently at a handsome young man in fine clothes ahead, his face full of surprise. The others followed his gaze, their faces all showing similar expressions.

"Isn't that Young Master Wen? I didn't expect him to join in the fun..."

"Look, isn't that Master An and Steward Liu?"

"And isn't that the wealthy Mr. Le...?"

"Wow... all the famous people from Qinhuai Prefecture have come. We've finally met today..." Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly reached out with a look of fear and tried to grab the crowd to hide in the side corridor.

After being led behind the curtain with bewildered expressions, everyone asked in confusion, "What's wrong, Brother Li?"

"Master... I just saw Master Xu, Dean Xue, and the wealthy Liu going into the private room together." The student, addressed as Brother Li, cautiously peeked out before letting out a sigh of relief and explaining to the others.

The group looked at each other and said, "This place is a refined and elegant place. Why should we hide from our teachers?"

Brother Li seemed to realize what was happening, and touched the back of his head with a hint of embarrassment on his face.

"Have you all finished your assignments due tomorrow?" Li Mozhu's voice suddenly came from behind.

Everyone else, regardless of their previous expressions, now felt a little guilty upon hearing this. Even Ziheng, who was usually calm and composed, quietly withdrew the foot that had stepped out from behind the curtain.

"Ahem, brothers, let's take our seats first. We can discuss this matter later, so as not to spoil the mood." Seeing that the atmosphere seemed a bit off, Brother Li quickly pulled the group to their reserved seats.

It just so happens that they had booked a slightly remote spot because they were short of money, but this place was exactly what they wanted. Although it was secluded, they could still see every move on stage clearly.

They were unaware that the wealthy men they had mentioned earlier and their own mentors were arguing on the second floor, and were currently fighting like fighting cocks.

"Oh, isn't this Uncle An? I heard that Uncle An became Xiao Yuehong. Why are you here at Qingyin Hall again? Could it be that you still have your eye on Qingyin Niangzi?" One of the men, who had an ordinary appearance but a large mole on his face that was quite eye-catching, glanced at a wealthy man at the next table and said.

"Who am I? I'm Steward Liu. But we're not the same as Steward Liu. We're just a small family, how can we compare to the power of your Anle Prince's Mansion? We've only come to see for ourselves today," the wealthy man said with amusement to another wealthy merchant sitting next to him.

As soon as he finished speaking, the man known as Steward Liu revealed a smug look on his face, glancing at everyone with an arrogant air. Seeing that everyone avoided his gaze, he felt even more pleased with himself.

"Yes, the Anle Prince's Mansion is so powerful. I heard that a few days ago they made an exception and made a few of the girls from Qingyintang who hadn't yet shaved their heads. How impressive! Only the Anle Prince's Mansion could break the rules of the red-light district. We are just ordinary merchants and can only be envious."

A tall, thin merchant standing to the side glanced at the crowd, then smiled and gestured with his teacup toward Steward Liu as if deliberately stirring up trouble.

Steward Liu's arrogance grew even more pronounced. He paid no attention to the tension in the expressions of those around him, nor did he consider the disgust in their eyes. He simply assumed that everyone feared the power of the Prince of Anle's Mansion.

"We heard that His Majesty recently praised the Crown Prince for being both a scholar and a warrior, as well as possessing a heart of benevolence, filial piety, loyalty, and righteousness, making him a model for the world. We truly admire him greatly."

The portly man and the others exchanged glances, then raised their teacups to Steward Liu in a respectful gesture, as if to suggest that the conversation should end there.