Xiyan: "Am I the only one who noticed the host's dad in the carriage?"
What? The audience was in awe. What's happening?
Langlang Alley was located on a street between a residential and commercial district in Hejian. It was far away from San Songshu Street, where the Lius lived.
Jiang Pengji observed what was happening outside by pulling aside a corner of the carriage curtain. Red lanterns on both sides of the street lit up as the night went dark, brightening up the sky in another way. The mixed fragrances, however, upset Jiang Pengji's sensitive nose.
"Is this Langlang Alley? It seems crowded but fun."
Unlike other kingdoms, Dongqing did not have a curfew. The nearby streets were popular spots to hang out at night.
An enticing atmosphere surrounded them, but the scent ruined Jiang Pengji's enjoyment. As her eyes scanned through the faces on the road, she was disappointed by the shapes of the women's bodies.
She needed a dislike button for the scene.
Liu She sat straight, smiling gently. "No, of course."
"Hm?"
He explained, "Langlang Alley was built at the beginning of Xia Dynasty hundreds of years ago. Every complex here has four yards with twelve rooms. Back then, wealthy officials and nobles spent thousands of pounds of gold for a smile from a beauty. Although they are called 'brothels,' they also offer other entertainment for guests, and they refuse to serve commoners with ordinary backgrounds."
"That's very different from what I imagined." Jiang Pengji frowned.
Liu She replied with contempt. "Is it? Picking guests is their way of asking for more from customers. Once your offer satisfies them, they will give you what you want.
"Langlang Alley during the Xia Dynasty was very different. It bred a lot of well-known and accomplished women. Since Dongqing was founded, however, the Alley has become like a common brothel and encourages prostitution. As you can see, indecent common brothels and male brothels gather here to cater to the desire of civilians. The street may appear prosperous, but deep down it is corrupt."
The carriage passed through the long street under the red lanterns and drove into a narrow alley. The air seemed to cool down and become fresher, bringing with a mild aroma that was as soft as smooth as dandelions.
"Here we are."
Jiang Pengji sat up straight and read the carving on the wooden plaque that hung above the doors. "Handan Yard. Should we go in?"
It was called a yard, but it was more like a house. The entrance was tidy, and the space was much larger than the Lius' home.
Liu She closed his eyes and changed his mind after a second. "Let's go somewhere else."
"Why?" Jiang Pengji asked what was on her viewers' minds.
"You don't seem interested. The girls here are all learned and well-versed in art, so most of their guests come, not for that, but for the performance and wine."
Women in deluxe brothels were mostly respected. Some were even treated like noble ladies in big houses.
"Only for wine and songs?"
Chapter end
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