How to become a Taoist priest starting from a brothel

The exquisite courtyard house had a plaque that read "Anzhai" (meaning "Peaceful Residence"). Liu Yin's expression changed, and she had a bad feeling. But when the gate opened, a familiar person came forward and said, "Miss Liu, Madam and Lord Li are waiting inside."

Hearing this address, her premonition grew increasingly bad. When she went inside, she saw Master Li holding hands with Madam An, talking in the courtyard. The tender affection between the two was clearly visible.

"Master, Master Li." Liu Yin took a deep breath, thinking about whether she had given herself away in the past. Only after confirming several times did she walk to the two of them and bow to them.

"Feng Lang, this is my apprentice." Madam An smiled gently.

"As expected of Yu Niang's disciple, I already have Liu Jianniang all over the place while I was in the capital. I'm here in Qinhuai on business, so I'll have Liu help me train my men." Li Linfeng smiled with his usual refined elegance.

Upon hearing the mention of the person in her hands, Madam An's expression changed slightly, but she quickly regained her gentle demeanor. Only when she looked at Liu Yin with a hint of inexplicable emotion in her eyes did she smile and say, "Since Jian Niang can help you, that's naturally good. Since you have received the Emperor's orders, you should carry them out properly."

Seeing her virtuous appearance, Li Linfeng's tenderness became more genuine. He nodded and continued, "I just happen to want to learn a thing or two from you."

Madam An's smile deepened, but a hint of reproach crept in: "Why do you have to talk like that between us?"

"It was my fault," Li Linfeng quickly apologized before turning to Liu Yin and Madam An and saying, "This matter truly requires the assistance of you two, master and disciple."

"Then Fenglang, just speak frankly. How could I not do my best for you?" Madam An said with a hint of coquettishness, seemingly dissatisfied with the other party's distrust.

Li Linfeng could only smile at her again, take her hand, and say, "His Majesty has sent me to Qinhuai Prefecture to select some beauties. As you know, His Majesty doesn't care much for noble ladies these days, so I have to ask you to help me find some girls from modest families."

"This..." Madam An looked troubled. "You know my current situation. How could I possibly meet a girl from such a wealthy family?"

“Girls from those families are pretty much the same as girls from noble families. Our Emperor has very discerning tastes. You can always find some decent girls around Yong’an Lane.” Li Linfeng didn’t care at all whether his words would be overheard or spread.

"This... this woman here, in terms of status?" Madam An knew exactly what the other party meant, but she was hesitant to agree. After all, she knew what kind of person the man in front of her was, and if something went wrong and she was the one who would suffer the consequences, it was not something someone like her could bear.

Li Linfeng, seemingly unaware of Madam An's concerns, simply put his arm around her and said with a smile, "Don't worry, your status isn't an issue."

Seeing that he said that, Madam An had no choice but to relax. She looked at Liu Yin and said, "Jian Niang used to walk around the alley. Does she know which lady is both beautiful and talented?"

After listening for a while, Liu Yin could easily guess the identity of Master Li in front of her. She couldn't help but sneer in her heart before speaking to Madam An and Li Linfeng as usual: "Master, Master Li, I go to Qingyin Hall more often, but I don't know about other places."

After hearing this, Li Linfeng thought about the matter of Liu Yin that he had inquired about before, and knew that what the other party said made sense. After thinking for a while, he said, "If that's the case, you two, master and disciple, can help me train people. I will discuss the selection of people with the local prefect later."

Seeing that he said that, Liu Yin naturally agreed. Then Li Linfeng called over the two girls, Shisi and Shiliu, saying, "Sword Maiden, please take these two girls over there."

Knowing that he had something to say to Madam An, Liu Yin agreed and led the two girls toward the pavilion in the garden.

Three pipa were already placed in the pavilion. Liu Yin looked at the two girls and asked, "I wonder if you two ladies have ever learned the pipa or any other musical instrument?"

“I’ve learned to play the flute,” Fourteen said.

"I've learned to play the piano," Sixteen added, then continued, "My name is Sixteen, and my older sister is Fourteen."

Upon hearing the names, which sounded like numbers, Liu Yin was taken aback. Then, thinking of Li Linfeng's attitude towards the two of them and Madam An's hint that she should teach them something, she couldn't help but speculate. She sighed deeply before saying, "I am skilled at the pipa, but I don't know much about these two instruments. Since my master has sent the pipa, why don't I teach the two young ladies the pipa first?"

Fourteen and Sixteen nodded in agreement without any objection, obediently picked up their pipa and began practicing with Liu Yin.

The two of them learned quite quickly, mastering a simple tune in just one afternoon, and the sound of the pipa filled the courtyard.

Listening to the music, Madam An looked at Li Linfeng with some worry and said, "Fenglang, you've only been here for a little over a month. You can't possibly train these two girls properly."

“I share the same concern, so I’m thinking of picking a few capable women from the brothel, even if they’re not exactly clean, as long as they’re beautiful.” Li Linfeng nodded and said, “Yu Niang, do you have any good ideas?”

"I..." Madam An hesitated for a long time before carefully saying, "I...I want...I want to go with you, so I can take care of you along the way."

As Li Linfeng listened to her words, his eyes grew increasingly cold where she couldn't see. But as she looked up, his gaze immediately softened, and he took Madam An's hand with deep affection, saying, "I know your feelings, but I'm worried about all the twists and turns along the way. You can be of great help to me in Qinhuai."

Hearing him say this, Madam An understood what he meant. She lowered her head and said nothing more. After a while, when Li Linfeng became a little impatient, Madam An raised her head and said, "Then take Liu Jianniang with you. She is still young and more capable than me."

"This..." If Madam An's words just now displeased Li Linfeng, this suggestion now tempted him. However, thinking of Liu Jianniang's not-so-beautiful face, he hesitated for a moment about whether to bring her to the capital. After all, Liu Jianniang's existence was really useless to him in the capital.

"I'm just offering a suggestion; it's good if you already have your own plans," Madam An advised him, seeing his hesitation.

Upon hearing this, Li Linfeng was naturally even more swayed. However, he was always cautious and did not agree immediately. Even when it was late and Liu Yin took her leave, he did not speak. Since he did not speak, Madam An naturally did not speak either.

After everyone left, a dark figure came to Madam An's room: "Did you try to persuade him?"

"I did persuade her." Madam An was not surprised at the appearance of the dark figure.

"What did he say?" the dark figure asked anxiously.

"He's wavering a bit, but hasn't made up his mind yet." Madam An frowned, also somewhat dissatisfied with Li Linfeng's decision during the day.

"Then use some more tricks to make sure Liu Jianniang gets to the capital." The shadowy figure said, turning to leave.

"Why?" Madam An looked at him, utterly puzzled. "Why must Jian Niang come to the capital?"

"That's not something you should be asking. Once it's done, I will definitely fulfill what I promised you." The shadowy figure left her with those words in a cold voice and then walked away.

Madam An sat on the stool, her face filled with guilt and unease, murmuring, "I'm sorry, Jianniang, don't blame me..."