How to become a Taoist priest starting from a brothel

And so, Liu Yin taught the two Li family girls at Madam An's residence for almost a month. Of course, she also told Madam Liu about this.

Madam Liu was extremely shocked at the time, but for some reason, she only told Liu Yin to be careful and then said nothing more.

"Today is the last day. Be careful not to say anything too much, remember?" Madam Liu reminded Liu Yin with Pipa and Mei Wuzheng as she was about to leave.

“I know, Mother. I already made arrangements with the other party,” Liu Yin replied with a smile, then turned and left.

After she left, Madam Liu looked around for a long time before saying to Aunt Qian beside her, "Get ready, I'm going to the Zhang family."

"Yes, Madam." Aunt Qian hurried to arrange the carriage.

When Madam Liu arrived at the Zhang family's residence, after everyone exchanged greetings, she anxiously asked her aunt, "Sister, is it really true that Jianniang won't be implicated? Didn't someone in the capital send a message saying that they specifically named Jianniang?"

"They did name names, but in terms of looks, Jianniang is indeed no match for the other chosen ones. I reckon Li Linfeng will definitely not let Jianniang enter the capital in order to avoid being implicated," Aunt Liu comforted her sister, holding her hand.

“I know, but I’ve been feeling uneasy these past few days. That Li Linfeng is cunning and treacherous. What if he insists on bringing Jianniang to the capital?” Madam Liu said with concern.

“It wouldn’t be a problem if she went to the capital. Although I haven’t had a good time with my family, it wouldn’t be difficult to ask them to take care of her a little. I’m just afraid that it will be difficult once she enters the palace,” Uncle Zhang said.

“But Li Linfeng and Uncle Zhang are political enemies. If the Zhang family intervenes, what will happen…” Madam Liu hesitated.

"Don't worry, it's alright. As for going to the palace, that's a bit troublesome..." Aunt Liu comforted her, pulling her close.

“I do have a way to get her into the palace,” Madam Liu said after a moment’s hesitation. “Jian Niang has a scar on her face. If she shows it on the day of the selection, she will definitely not be chosen.”

Aunt Liu breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "Then don't worry, the Zhang family will be fine."

Seeing this, Madam Liu had no choice but to suppress her worries before handing over the manuscript in her hand: "This is the manuscript written by Jian Niang. There are two more volumes with twenty stories left. She said she would bring them over together in a while."

"Alright, alright, don't worry. Jianniang is renowned for her talent, and that man is currently annoyed by so-called talented women. I doubt Jianniang will ever come to the capital." Aunt Liu reassured Madam Liu with a smile.

Unbeknownst to her, countless forces were plotting to push Liu Yin to the capital...

"Master, an imperial decree has arrived from the capital." Fu'an led his men quickly to the Li family's study.

Upon hearing this, Li Linfeng immediately put down his pen and came forward. As soon as the man entered, he knelt down and shouted, "Your subject Li Linfeng receives the imperial decree."

"Li Linfeng received the imperial decree, which reads: 'I have heard of the talented woman Liu Jianniang of Huaicheng every day. Although I know that she is of average appearance, I have long admired her talent. Therefore, I hereby summon Liu Jianniang to the palace to perform for me. I hope that you will do your best to fulfill my wish.'"

"Your Majesty, I receive the decree. Long live the Emperor!" Li Linfeng respectfully accepted the decree before turning to the messenger and saying, "Esteemed official, could you please tell me how His Majesty came to know of this Lady Liu's talent?"

After saying that, he slipped an exquisite purse into the hands of the messenger eunuch.

The eunuch who delivered the message clenched his fist, and a deeper smile appeared on his face: "Lord Li is joking. It's strange, His Majesty had already heard from your message that Lady Liu's appearance was not particularly stunning, so he lost interest. It was only recently that the most favored Consort An heard about it from her family members who came to the palace, and thus expressed her desire to see Lady Liu's talent."

"I see... Thank you, sir." Li Linfeng slipped another purse over before instructing someone to take the messenger eunuch to rest.

After everyone left, his face changed instantly, and his eyes were filled with endless coldness. Only after Fu'an returned did he order, "Have someone investigate which family sent this Consort An there."

"Yes."

"Wait a minute." Li Linfeng stopped Fu'an, who was about to leave, and added, "While you're at it, find out who dares to impersonate me, and send a message back saying that Liu Jianniang is plain-looking!"

"Yes, sir." Fu'an was shocked by the ruthlessness in his words, but he didn't say anything and hurriedly went to carry out his duties.

As soon as he left the study, he heard a clattering sound coming from behind it, but he didn't dare go back and quickly left.

Inside the study, Li Linfeng glared hatefully at the imperial edict thrown to the ground, gritting his teeth and cursing the person who had interrupted his plans: "If I find out who you are, I will kill you!"

It wasn't until a servant brought news that the two young ladies had come to say they were going to class that he calmed down, his eyes filled with calculation. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Tell the two young ladies that we would like to trouble Master Liu to come to our house to give us a lesson today."

"Yes, sir." The servant hurried to make the arrangements.

The two girls looked at each other, somewhat puzzled, but dared not say anything. They could only nod in agreement and return to their rooms to wait.

Liu Yin found this very strange, but thinking that perhaps Li Linfeng wanted to see the results of his professorship, she didn't say anything.

After the two finished their lesson, Liu Yin took her leave, but Li Linfeng sent a servant over: "Master Liu, the master invites you."

Liu Yin hesitated for a moment, but after thinking about it, she agreed and walked over: "Lord Li."

"Master Liu, you've worked hard these past few days." Li Linfeng still maintained his refined demeanor.

"You're too kind, Lord Li," Liu Yin replied. "It's just what I should do. If it weren't for you, Lord Li, I'm afraid I'd still be in prison."

"Not at all, it was just a small favor for me. It's you, Lady Liu, who has gone to so much trouble for my two girls," Li Linfeng replied.

After exchanging polite pleasantries for a long time, Li Linfeng finally said with an embarrassed look, "I have a few more things I'd like to trouble you with, Master Liu."

Liu Yin thought to herself, "Here he comes," but she maintained her ladylike demeanor and said, "Lord Li, you are too kind. If there is anything I can do to help, I will do my best."

"Then I shall take the liberty of inviting you, Lady Liu, to accompany me to the capital," Li Linfeng said, still looking embarrassed.

"This..." Liu Yin frowned slightly, seemingly puzzled. "Lord Li, I've also heard my master mention your official duties..."

She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I am but an ordinary-looking woman, and I don't quite meet the requirements..."

"It's my fault for not explaining clearly," Li Linfeng couldn't help but explain. "Firstly, I would like to ask Lady Liu to help me train my young lady along the way. Secondly, His Majesty has heard of Lady Liu's talent and wishes to meet her."

"This..." Liu Yin hesitated when she heard that she had to see the emperor.

Before she could say anything more, Li Linfeng continued, "I hope you can agree to this matter, Lady Liu, otherwise I really won't be able to explain myself to His Majesty."

"Then I'll go back and discuss it with my family." Seeing this, Liu Yin had no choice but to make an excuse to delay.

Upon hearing her say this, a hint of disgust flashed in Li Linfeng's eyes, but he still said politely, "Of course, I'll have to trouble you, Ms. Liu."