How to become a Taoist priest starting from a brothel

What are the real relationships between land, common people, aristocratic families, and the rise and fall of a dynasty? And how should these relationships be addressed and resolved?

This is a question that not only Liu Yin's students should think about, but also that of Duan An and his group in Yancheng, and even more so that everyone who has read Liu Yin's new book should think about.

The Rise and Fall of Dynasties

The hermit's latest works are no longer closely watched by the government as usual, nor are they subject to a strong ban by the imperial court.

People have always had unique ways of preserving their lives, and they are always quick to notice changes in the environment.

"Have you heard?" People in the bustling teahouse were talking about the latest news.

"What?" Those who didn't understand dragged those who did know over and questioned them relentlessly, demanding an answer.

"It's the new book by the hermit master," a kind person replied while sipping tea.

The person who asked the question quickly covered his mouth, and after looking around, warned in a low voice: "Are you out of your mind?"

The person who was kindly reminded just smiled and pulled the hand that was covering their mouth away, saying with a smile, "Look, let's talk about this again. The government has stopped pursuing the reclusive master. Haven't you noticed that the bookstore on the street is openly selling her books?"

The man who had kindly reminded him looked embarrassed and quickly scratched his head, saying, "Oh... I see. Sorry, sorry."

"It's alright, it's alright, I know you meant well, brother," the kind man replied politely.

"Well, since that's the case, I wonder if the Hermit Master's previous books are still being sold?" a bystander asked.

Upon hearing this, many people paused for a moment before making excuses to leave.

"Oh no, my wife asked me to buy something. Oh dear, I'm running out of time. I must take my leave now."

"Oh, it's getting late. I should go back and help my mother."

"Oh dear, my wife is about to give birth!"

"Um...I...I'm going home to collect the laundry!"

……

Excuses, whether legitimate or outrageous, were uttered one after another, and the speakers left the teahouse quickly, not caring at all, and ran out.

Those who remained were still bewildered and looked around blankly. Those who came to their senses also made up excuses and ran out.

The waiter grabbed the shopkeeper who was about to leave and asked, "Shopkeeper, are you going to steal books too?"

Only then did everyone realize what was happening, and they slapped their thighs, threw down the money, and ran outside.

Sure enough, outside the bookstore not far away, they found the group that had just been in the teahouse gathered there. They looked at each other and then awkwardly clasped their hands in greeting.

Such scenes occurred throughout the Li Dynasty, especially in the Qin and Huai prefectures, which were once Liu Yin's stronghold.

"Mom Yueling, have you heard?" Ling'er asked Xu Yueling, who was teaching a new male prostitute.

Xu Yueling looked back at her with a puzzled expression. She had been so busy lately that she was completely unaware of any new or interesting things happening in the city.

Ling'er looked at her with surprise and delight: "I heard that the government has relaxed the restrictions on everyone, and now all the major bookstores are selling everyone's new books."

"Everyone? Who?" Xu Yueling was stunned for a moment before she seemed to realize what was going on. "Qingyin! Really?"

"Really, really." Ling'er made no attempt to hide the joy on her face.

Xu Yueling also showed joy, and clasped her hands together, muttering to herself, "Thank you, all the Bodhisattvas, we finally have good news."

"Mom Yueling, does this mean our Qingyintang can finally do business properly?" Ling'er looked at her expectantly.

Xu Yueling gave a bitter smile and patted her head: "Isn't it better not to do business? At least the sisters won't suffer humiliation anymore."

Ling'er shook her head: "Good, but not good."

"What do you mean?" Xu Yueling looked at her with some curiosity.

Ling'er sighed softly and said, "It would be good if we could stop taking customers, but... but what about the brothel? Although everyone left most of their money behind,... but our expenses are still quite high."

Xu Yueling rubbed her head: "Alright, this is a matter for us adults, children don't need to worry about it so much."

Seeing that she was about to leave, Ling'er asked unwillingly, "Then... then should we open the door or not?"

"Open!" Xu Yueling waved her hand and said confidently.

Upon seeing this, Ling'er couldn't help but smile, but that smile always seemed to carry a hint of confusion and bitterness.

However, the Duke of Baoguo's mansion and Eunuch Liu's residence in the capital were not filled with such joy.

"Are you serious?" Eunuch Liu looked at the young eunuch in front of him.

The young eunuch bowed his head and said, "It's true, Grandpa Liu. Don't worry, we know the rules. We wouldn't dare spread uncertain information."

"Alright, you can go back now." Eunuch Liu waved his hand, signaling the young eunuch to return to the palace.

The young eunuch didn't waste any time chatting. He bowed his head in agreement, quickly left, and before exiting the alley, he carefully looked around again.

Meanwhile, Eunuch Liu solemnly instructed his children to send messages to Guining Escort Agency and Shengyuan Trading Company.

Lady Baoguo was somewhat better off, but she said to her son with concern, "Now that her identity is probably known to many families in the capital, I'm afraid that person won't let her go."

Marquis Baoguo, however, seemed somewhat unconcerned: "Mother, forgive my bluntness, but even if that person truly won't let her go, what can we do? Besides..."

Lady Baoguo knew exactly what her son meant. Holding the Buddhist prayer beads in her hand, she glared at him before saying, "Foolish! What kind of status does she have? Not to mention how many people remember the kindness of her parents, just look at herself. She has made a name for herself throughout the world, and no one can do anything about her. What makes you think she is so capable? Foolish!"

Marquis Baoguo, who was over forty years old, was still being scolded by his own mother. A hint of embarrassment appeared on his face. After looking around and warning the servants, he said to his mother, "Mother, I know she is formidable, but so what? She is just a woman."

Lady Baoguo was taken aback for a moment before letting out a deep sigh: "I know all this, but I was thinking that since he is the son of an old friend, it would be best if I could help him out."

Marquis Baoguo knew the old generation's friendship, so he could only sigh and say, "Father passed away three months ago. The emperor suppressed my son's succession for two months before granting him a one-rank lower title. Mother, it's really not appropriate to draw attention now. Just consider it... just consider it for the sake of the whole family. Let's not mention this matter again."

Lady Baoguo frowned, knowing that now that her husband was gone, she was just an old woman in the inner quarters, and couldn't care less about her children and grandchildren. She just sighed deeply: "Even if you can't help, don't kick someone when they're down."

Marquis Baoguo nodded repeatedly: "Don't worry, Mother, I know what I'm doing."

After seeing her son off, the Duchess of Baoguo felt somewhat lost. This was the first time she realized that, as the wife of a duke of the highest rank, she was nothing more than an ordinary old woman in this era, no different from anyone else. She couldn't even control her son.