Chapter 200
Book 18 Chapter 06 – a.s.sembly Of Talents
Drunken Wind Brothel is especially crowded tonight. At the front door, the line of carriages stretches for some distance and people need to queue to enter it.
After discussing with Xiao Pan, Xiang Shaolong decided to bring only the Eighteen Guardians and another eighteen of the best Palace Guards inside the brothel. This is to prevent others from seeing their true strength and guessing that something is amiss.
After pa.s.sing through the high wall surrounding the brothel, this future Qin s.h.i.+ Huang was elated at seeing the well lit main building, isolated halls and pavilions. He pointed everywhere excitedly and was in a great mood.
Incidentally, on the other side of a pavilion, there are courtesans and their clients lighting fireworks, making the night sky bright and beautiful. It was a scenic and lively atmosphere.
Brothel Owner Wu Fu is at the main door welcoming the guests. When he caught sight of Lord Changping and Xiang Shaolong’s group, however occupied he is, he still excruciate himself from his position and went forward, welcoming: "Successful people don’t bear small grudges. I may have been dishonest in the past but I don’t have a choice too. Will Left Premier, Official Xiang and other officials please forgive me."
Xiang Shaolong can only swallow his grudge bitterly. Wu Fu has made such an honest and upfront confession; how can he continue to make things difficult for him?
Ten over maids came up to them and amidst their joyful laughter; they helped everyone take off their winter cloaks and presented hot towels for refres.h.i.+ng themselves. The service here is one of the best.
Since he is temporary free, Wu Fu paid his respects to everyone.
He is amazingly knowledgeable about the influential people of Qin. When he heard Li Si and Huan Yi’s names, he bowed respectfully and even managed to bring up some related conversational topics.
When Xiang Shaolong introduced ‘Qin s.h.i.+’, Wu Fu was stunned and could not recollect such a person. But since this person can hang around Xiang Shaolong and Lord Changping plus the fact that everyone is very polite to him, he must be someone important too. Moreover, this person looks neither young nor old. With a square face and large ears, he may not be handsome but carries an air of dominance. When this person stares at himself, Wu Fu can feel the urge to kneel down and pay his respects. He dared not be rude and respectfully greeted: "Official Qin looks imposing and is a rare breed among men. In the future, you must treat me well."
It was a timely flatter. Xiao Pan initially did not have a good opinion of him but after hearing these praises, he laughed: "Brothel Owner Wu is too polite. Ha! I travelled a long way here to visit Drunken Wind Brothel and see the four beauties. Please make the necessary arrangements."
They were speaking at the reception area. As Xiang Shaolong is here with a big group and with the eighteen Guardians and eighteen palace guards fanning out in a bodyguard formation, they have occupied half of the reception area.
Other incoming guests noticed Xiang Shaolong, Lord Changping and other influential officials so they automatically took a detour around them. Only a group of st.u.r.dy warriors was irritated at Wu Fu’s attention at Xiang Shaolong’s group. They stopped where they are with an ugly expression on their faces.
The Guardians are quite sensible and stayed immobile. However, the palace guards are used to serving the Crown Prince and could not take it lying down. They stared back at the warriors with hostility.
Wu Fu heard Xiao Pan’s request and his face changed colour. But Xiao Pan has an aura of dominance that makes it impossible for anyone to reject him. Wu Fu hurriedly replied: "This is a little challenging. Let me try my best to arrange for them to spend some time with you."
Jing Jun glanced once at the warriors and was overjoyed. Leaning towards Xiang Shaolong, he whispered: "Scarface Guoxin is here and so is Chang Jie. Ha! They must be tired of living. How dare they compete with the Crown Prince for Wu Fu’s attention."
Xiang Shaolong turned around and recognized Guoxin first. Of course, he is the easiest to recognize because of the scars over his face and forehead. Guoxin is more well-built than the ordinary person and has an air of seriousness. With one look, one can tell that he is not a common person. He may not be considered good looking but he reeks of manly charm.
Guoxin and the rest appeared to have recognized Xiang Shaolong too. They were surprised to see him but stared back at him without fear.
Xiao Pan can sense them staring at himself too. Turning around, he saw Guoxin and his fellow warriors staring arrogantly at him. He coldly hissed: "Who are these men?"
Lord Changping quickly and respectfully reported: "They are from Weinan Martial Arts School. The group there is headed by Head Instructors Guoxin and Chang Jie."
Wu Fu has never seen Lord Changping speaking at anyone so respectfully before. His eyes lit up with fear.
Xiao Pan is about to arrest them when Xiang Shaolong gently reminded: "We are here to have fun!"
Xiao Pan acknowledged his reminder and laughed: "Right! Right! Let’s have fun tonight!"
Before he can take a step, someone at the door announced: "Tunliu Master Po is here!"
Xiang Shaolong, Xiao Pan and everyone stopped moving and turned around, looking towards the door.
Twelve imposing warriors dressed in a uniform warrior suit first paved the way and behind them is a middle aged man with a tall hat. He is taller than most individuals by a head and is almost as tall as Xiang Shaolong. With his wide and exquisite gown, he exudes an aristocratic aura.
His eyes are the most striking. After he scanned the entire area, he looks confident and a.s.sured.
He did not resemble a merchant at all but more like a scholar. He is slightly arrogant and could not be bothered with Chunhua and the maids who are attending to him.
Besides him are two warriors dressed in elaborate warrior suits. From one glance, one can tell that both are expert swordsmen.
Wu Fu was in a dilemma. Po Hu is a famous tyc.o.o.n from eastern Qin. He did not know who to attend to. Moreover, Guoxin and his group are showing signs of impatience.
Xiang Shaolong can see his dilemma and smiled: "Brothel Owner Wu can attend to your guests. We can go upstairs on our own."
Under the sky, only Xiang Shaolong dares to say these words. If it was Lord Changping, he will never have the guts to tell Wu Fu to abandon the Crown Prince and serve other guests.
Wu Fu was extremely grateful and bowed as he retreated.