What's wrong with me, a powerful minister, supporting a few female officials?

Chapter 180 Brothel! Su Mo's Escape Route
Nangong Sheyue heard the Empress smile and say, "Okay."

I was completely dumbfounded!

The Empress actually agreed to go to a brothel!
If people found out that the Empress was visiting brothels, even she, as the commander of the Fengming Division, would not be able to bear the consequences!

She hesitated for a moment, then quickly whispered, "Lord Leng, what about the Jade Sound Pavilion..."

Leng Liuxi waved her hand and smiled, "Lord Nangong, there's no need to remind me. I've heard of the Jade Sound Pavilion!"

Nangong Sheyue's expression instantly turned strange!
I never imagined that the Empress would know what the Jade Sound Pavilion was!
She actually agreed to Su Mo's invitation to the banquet?

Nangong Sheyue was speechless for a moment.

But now that things have come to this, it's difficult to persuade the Empress to stay.

Hounds and courtiers are indeed different.

If it were ministers like Xiao Yuan or Wang Hao, they would have sternly advised the Empress to reconsider, or even rebuked her severely!
What dare the imperial court's lackeys and henchmen do?
Hounds are servants; how could a servant's hound dare to point fingers at its master?

At best, they'll be beaten and scolded; at worst, they'll be cooked!

Wen Bi and Li You exchanged a glance upon seeing the woman in the white cloak agree to accompany Su Mo to the banquet.

Clearly, this is the backer Su Mo found!

Although the two men were unaware of the beautiful woman's identity and background.

But last time Bai Yujing cut the ribbon, she and Fengming Si Qianhu were both present, and Zhang Sange was very wary of this woman.

The two then asked Zhang Xuzu about the woman's background.

Zhang Xuzu's expression changed drastically in an instant, and he warned them in a cryptic tone not to ask too many questions!
The two men weren't stupid; they naturally guessed that the woman in the white cloak must have an extremely powerful background, definitely no less than the commander of the Phoenix Cry Division!
No wonder when other nobles proposed investing, Zhang Sange had to consult with Su Mo first before making a decision!

This Su Mo really has quite a background!

No wonder they dared to arrest their own people and send them to Zuo Suo before!
If we hadn't agreed to cooperate with him back then, we might not have been able to gain the upper hand in a real fight!
Wen Bi and Li You grew increasingly respectful of Su Mo.

Su Mo wasn't surprised when Leng Liuxi agreed.

Given her money-grubbing nature, she must have wanted to get involved in the soap business for a long time.

This is a rare opportunity, and we might miss it.

He smiled and said, "In that case, Lord Nangong and Lord Leng, please wait a moment while I go and change into a robe."

Wen Bi laughed and said, "Lord Su, I don't think there's any need to change into any robes. Flying fish robes... ah..."

Before he could finish speaking, Wen Bi's eyes suddenly widened, staring at Su Mo in disbelief, and he became incoherent!
"Lord Su...you...you're wearing...tiger armor?!"

Upon hearing Wen Bi's words, Li You's gaze naturally fell upon Su Mo's black tiger-patterned robe.

Then, he swallowed hard, completely at a loss for words!

Su Mo praised, "Brother Wen has excellent eyesight!"

"The tiger-patterned clothing is indeed quite nice!"

Wen Bi gasped and exclaimed, "Lord Su...you...you weren't wearing the flying fish robe last time?"

Su Mo casually replied, "We also have flying fish robes."

Wen Bi...

Li You...

Lord Su is unfathomable +100!

Both the flying fish robe and the tiger robe are embroidered with dragon motifs.

The only difference is that one has tiger stripes and a dragon shape, while the other has a python body, fish fins, and a fish tail; at first glance, their styles are not much different.

If you don't look closely, it's really hard to tell the difference!
Su Mo had previously worn a flying fish robe to suppress the one-armed guard of the Ningguo Duke's mansion.

Wen Bi and Li You witnessed it firsthand.

Upon entering the side hall, seeing Su Mo dressed in bestowed robes, I subconsciously assumed that Su Mo, as a member of the Imperial Guard, must be wearing a flying fish robe.

Now that I look at it closely...

What the hell!
This isn't a flying fish costume! This is a tiger costume, okay?!

Wen Bi and Li You stared in disbelief at Su Mo's imposing black tiger-patterned robe, their minds buzzing!

Neither of their fathers, who were marquises of the empire, were granted the honor of wearing tiger-patterned robes!

If Su Mo wore this tiger-patterned robe out, even their fathers would have to bow to him when they saw him!
Tiger robes were a privilege usually reserved for high-ranking officials of the imperial court, such as those of the third rank or above, as well as generals, ministers, dukes, and marquises.

Su Mo was a junior officer in the Embroidered Uniform Guard... well, now he's a captain... but that's not the key point. For a rank of third grade, what difference is there between a captain and a junior officer!

The key question is, how could Su Mo possibly possess a suit that would give him wings?

Ren Wenbi and Li You racked their brains but couldn't figure out the reason!
Seeing that Su Mo was about to change into a robe, Leng Liuxi suddenly smiled and said, "Why does my lord need to change into other robes?"

"Could it be that the robes bestowed by His Majesty are not meant to be seen by others?"

Su Mo was taken aback: "Lord Leng, is this appropriate?"

Leng Xixi chuckled lightly, "I think it's quite suitable!"

Su Mo thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "Very well, I will wear this to the banquet."

The banquet he attended was a trap; he was there to negotiate with Zhang Xuzu.

Su Mo naturally wanted to use this tiger skin to suppress everything with the power of the sage.

However, wearing a tiger costume in such a negotiation setting seems inappropriate. If someone sees it, it could be considered a serious offense of disrespect, which is no joke.

It's different when there's a cold, stern voice reciting!

Wen Bi and Li You secretly swallowed.

They really wanted to say, "This is completely inappropriate!"
Isn't this bullying?
But I dare not say it!

……

Cycling is prohibited in Shenjing, but horse-drawn carriages are not.

Wen Bi and Li You arrived in a horse-drawn carriage.

Leng Liuxi took the initiative to invite Su Mo to her understated yet luxurious black carriage.

Su Mo refused without hesitation: "Lord Leng, you are too kind! But I think I have the strength to walk, so I will go."

Leng Liuxi covered her mouth and smiled, no longer pressuring Su Mo.

Nangong Sheyue hesitated for a moment, then suddenly said, "Commander Su, I'll give you a ride!"

Su Mo was stunned.

There are benefits to having a 45% favorability rating?

Hmm, if we refuse Lord Nangong, with so many people watching, won't it make Lord Nangong lose face?
I'm just too soft-hearted and don't know how to refuse others!
Therefore, Su Mo could only reluctantly sit on Lord Nangong's lap... a slip of the tongue, it should be behind him.

Wen and Li's carriages rushed ahead to lead the way.

Following behind, Eunuch An drove the large horse-drawn carriage.

After the two carriages had gone a little further away, Nangong Sheyue spurred his horse and followed.

Su Mo gripped the saddle tightly with both hands, not daring to move rashly.

This "thousand households" is not the same as that "thousand households".

However, since the two were very close, a faint fragrance still kept wafting into Su Mo's nostrils.

Su Mo could easily tell the difference.

The faint scent of lavender, mixed with a subtle body odor, suggests that a little perfume was applied.

It smells nice.

Just as Su Mo was lost in thought, Nangong Sheyue suddenly lowered her voice and snorted coldly, "Do you know what kind of place that Jade Sound Pavilion is?"

Su Mo was surprised by Nangong Sheyue's sudden remark.

Slightly taken aback, she instinctively said, "Isn't this a place to eat?"

Nangong Sheyue said irritably, "Brothels and boat shops!"

Su Mo was immediately dumbfounded!

Nangong Sheyue then said in a low voice, "How dare you invite... Commander Leng to a brothel!"

He hesitated for a moment, then gently pulled on the reins, slowing the horse down slightly, and lowered his voice even further: "You...you didn't realize at all...Leng Baihu's true identity?"

Su Mo's heart stirred.

This is the benefit of increasing favorability!
Lady Nangong is concerned about herself!
He quickly lowered his voice as well: "To be honest, sir, I have some guesses about Lord Leng's identity."

"Lord Leng...should be a member of the imperial family?"

Nangong Sheyue suddenly fell silent.

Silence means consent!
Su Mo has now definitively confirmed Leng Liuxi's identity.

However, Leng Xixi's favorability rating is still positive for now, so it's not a big problem.

I need to be more polite to her in the future and try to increase her favorability.

Such a favored minister of the emperor and a member of the imperial family was naturally well-informed.

If the Empress were to take action against me in the future, I might have to rely on her to tip me off so that I could save my life!
As a modern person, Su Mo understood this very well.

No matter how much reverence one shows for the world's powerful and wealthy.

Deep down, they are unable to fully integrate into this world.

History also taught Su Mo a lesson.

Even if the emperor highly values ​​the Jinyiwei and Fengmingsi, these henchmen of the imperial court, few of them end up with a good ending.

Should we take this opportunity to get the ocean-going vessel built?
Using the opportunity of whaling to build his own fleet? At the very least, he should control three to five warships?
Once the empress has used up all her birds and discarded her bow, she will discard her hunting dogs once the rabbits are dead.

With such a vast dynasty as the Great Wu, there was nowhere to escape; the only chance of survival was overseas!
To go to sea, you need ships, and big ships at that! This is a necessary backup plan!

Just as Su Mo was pondering his next move, the trotting horse suddenly stopped.

Su Mo accidentally pressed himself against Nangong Sheyue's back, feeling Qianhu's body suddenly tense up. He quickly sat up straight and looked around: "Have we arrived?"

Nangong Sheyue coldly said, "Hurry up and dismount!"

Su Mo obediently dismounted.

They found themselves on the banks of the Xima River on the outer side of the city.

Xima River is a tributary of the Luo River, the first river in Dawu. Looking around, the water is rippling and misty, and the river surface is probably not even tens of feet wide.

The riverbank was lined with various buildings, including restaurants, eateries, brothels, and other establishments, making it the most famous red-light district in the capital.

On the river, there are rows of ornately designed multi-story ships.

The largest of these multi-story ships was thirty or forty zhang long, more than ten zhang wide, and three or four zhang high!

It can be described as a colossal behemoth.

Su Mo was also slightly surprised.

It seems that the shipbuilding technology of the Great Wu Dynasty was quite advanced.

In addition, there are magical arrays and immortal techniques here, which can further strengthen the ship's hull.

With such shipbuilding skills, as long as one can roughly design the blueprints for a seagoing vessel and find a real shipbuilder, building a warship that can roam the seas should not be a big problem!

This is my backup plan; I need to pay more attention to this aspect in the future.

Su Mo pulled himself out of his thoughts and focused his gaze on the ship!
Women, some elegant and some noble, can be vaguely seen on the boat!
They are all quite beautiful!
The renowned courtesans of the boat house were naturally far superior in quality to ordinary brothel prostitutes.

She was poised and elegant, like a lady from a prominent family. A guzheng (a traditional Chinese zither) was set up at the head of the boat, and she played a tune while maids served her. She was very refined.

This level of refinement left Su Mo in awe.

In later generations, it would cost at least five figures! I've never even tried something in that price range myself!

Small boats constantly shuttle between the giant ships and riverside docks.

On the shore, the noise was deafening and incredibly lively.

It is estimated that the Little Orchid Pavilion Poetry Gathering attracted a large number of literati and scholars.

The rest of the people were mostly dressed in fine clothes and had an extraordinary demeanor; they were either noble or wealthy.

The sun had set, and the brothels along the riverbank had already lit up their large red lanterns.

The small boats also had lights on, making the river look like it was dotted with stars.

The ship was also brightly lit, making it appear even more luxurious and extravagant!

Su Mo looked at the ever-aloof Nangong Sheyue and couldn't help but ask, "My lord, is this the Jade Sound Pavilion? Which ship belongs to the Jade Sound Pavilion?"

This luxurious scene amazed even people like Su Mo from later generations.

Nangong Sheyue glanced at Su Mo expressionlessly, snorted, and remained silent.

Wen Bi and Li You emerged from the carriage one after the other.

Leng Liuxi also got out of the car afterward.

Su Mo was slightly stunned.

But then they saw that the centurion had changed out of his white cloak and into a light green pleated long skirt, and his face was covered with a veil, revealing only a pair of beautiful black gem-like eyes.

Beneath the thin veil, there was a sense of being hidden in the mist, making it difficult to see clearly.

If Su Mo hadn't known beforehand that she was Leng Xixi, she would have had a real hard time recognizing her on the street.

It must be some kind of magic that obscured its appearance!

Su Mo could understand.

After all, they are members of the royal family.

If Su Mo had known earlier that Yuyin Pavilion was a brothel and a place of pleasure, he really wouldn't have dared to invite Leng Xixi to the banquet!

It seems that Wen Bi and Li You were prepared in advance.

He greeted Su Mo and the other two with a smile, and when they arrived at the riverbank, a small boat was already waiting at the dock.

Wen Bi pointed to a ship about 30 feet away from the riverbank, which looked to be the largest and most luxurious ship on the river: "Lord Su, that is the Jade Sound Pavilion."

"Brother Zhang is already on the ship, waiting with other nobles for the Little Orchid Pavilion Poetry Gathering to begin!"

The group boarded the small boat and headed towards the warship.

Leng Liuxi walked gracefully towards Su Mo, then sat down next to him and said with a light laugh, "My lord, this is my first time visiting Qinghefang by the Xima River. I never expected this place to be so prosperous."

She exclaimed in slight surprise, "These warships alone must consume hundreds of taels of candles a day!"

"It seems I really should go out more."

"Otherwise, I would never have known that there were so many wealthy people in the capital!"

Candles were a true luxury item; a single candle could cost a hundred coins, or even several hundred.

This isn't burning candles, it's burning silver!

Su Mo smiled and said, "There are certainly many wealthy people, otherwise how could my restaurant be so profitable?"

Wen Bi, sitting opposite him on the ship's side, couldn't help but ask, "Several hundred taels of silver?"

"Lord Leng, you really underestimate the strength of the warships!"

"In the Jade Sound Pavilion alone, more than a hundred candles have been lit today, and more than three hundred candles will be needed for the night!"

"Other ships are slightly inferior, but they still consume more than two hundred candles per day!"

Li You added, "There are more than twenty multi-story boats on the Xima River in Qinghefang!"

"The candles burned in a single day amount to more than a thousand taels of silver!"

He paused, then continued, "Of course, today at the Little Orchid Pavilion Poetry Gathering, all the large ships have lit candles to show their strength. Normally, they wouldn't burn this many, but they'd definitely burn three to five hundred taels."

Leng Liuxi blinked her pretty eyes, and looked at Li You with what seemed like a smile through her veil, asking with great curiosity, "The candles on the ship alone burned away hundreds of taels of silver."

"How can we possibly make a profit?"

She then sighed, "As far as I know, even within the palace, no one would be so extravagant and wasteful!"

Li You laughed and said, "The ship owner isn't stupid."

"If we can't break even, how could we dare to waste money like this!"

Leng Liuxi: "I am not skilled in business. Brother Li, could you please give me some pointers?"

Li You casually said, "My lord, you are unaware that the Jade Sound Pavilion, a top-class ship, can accommodate hundreds of guests a day!"

"If each guest spends ten taels of silver, that's a thousand taels a day. Why would we worry about a mere hundred taels for candles!"

Wen Bi couldn't help but say, "Brother Zhang, just one VIP room with ten singing girls already costs a hundred taels of silver, not even counting other expenses!"

"It is said that the person who spends the most money in the Jade Sound Pavilion spends a full 1,300 taels of silver in a single day!"

Leng Liuxi's expression changed slightly: "Wouldn't that mean an annual income of 300,000 taels of silver?"

Su Mo was also amazed!

I thought that earning 10,000 taels a month was already quite remarkable.

I never imagined that one of their ships could replace all my business!

Indeed, regardless of the era, the entertainment industry remains the most profitable sector for fulfilling spiritual needs!

Even I wouldn't be willing to spend over a thousand taels of silver a day!

Wen Bi seemed to understand the ins and outs quite well, after all, these sons of nobles without official positions had little entertainment, except for visiting brothels: "You can't say that."

"Which family can afford to set up a multi-generational ship on the Xima River? They all have powerful clans and influential officials as their backers."

"After deducting the expenses for the luxury boat, the cost of famous courtesans, and the servants, the income of two or three hundred thousand taels of silver is only a little over one hundred thousand taels."

"Even if you divide it among a few or a dozen companies, it won't amount to much, and it certainly can't compare to our soap business."

"Yes, it is far inferior to Lord Su's restaurant."

As Wen Bizheng was getting into the conversation, Li You, who was standing next to him, suddenly gave him a wink.

Wen Bi was immediately startled to realize what was happening.

The three people sitting opposite me are all officials from the Phoenix Cry Division!
This is an existence even more terrifying than the Embroidered Uniform Guard!

He quickly changed the subject, smiling, "Yes! We're almost at Jade Sound Pavilion! Please, gentlemen!"

As he spoke, he got up and directed the boatman to dock at the Yuyin Pavilion ship.

Leng Liuxi suddenly turned to look at Su Mo and asked abruptly, "My lord, should the income from the shipbuilding business be counted as commercial tax?"

Su Mo was taken aback for a moment, then casually replied, "Of course it's considered commercial tax."

Leng Liuxi chuckled lightly: "The Great Martial Dynasty pays one-third of its taxes."

"I have heard that Baiyujing and Yanyulou pay a monthly commercial tax of a thousand taels, which accounts for 30% of the commercial tax of Wannian County."

"Didn't they say that these multi-story ships never paid commercial taxes?"

Su Mo was immediately startled.

Judging from that cold smile, you can tell she has ill intentions!

It would be best if we didn't end up collecting commercial taxes on these multi-story ships!
Didn't Wen Bi mention that behind each warship were several or even a dozen powerful clans and high-ranking officials of the court as their backers?
Without making a sound, he subtly shifted his position closer to the commander.

We must stay away from the cold!
The farther away, the better!

(End of this chapter)