"Well..." Tiancheng stopped someone to ask for directions, then set off with Su Xin, "Maybe we can find some clues after having a meal."
Su Xin touched her belly, "...Huh?"
Zuichunlou is the most famous restaurant in this town.
It is called a "building", but in fact it only has two floors and there are no private rooms. There are countless wooden tables and benches placed in square areas, and the atmosphere is quite lively.
Su Xin and Tian Cheng both entered and followed the waiter's instructions to an empty table upstairs.
There were quite a few people dining and drinking around, and their voices were quite loud, so they couldn't raise their voices, otherwise the unsung female voices would easily attract attention.
So the two of them just randomly pointed at a few vegetarian dishes at the next table, ordered a pot of tea, and then calmed down to get information.
In fact, places like restaurants, teahouses, and spring gardens are crowded with people and gossips alike, and the information that can be obtained is rarely truly useful.
But because of this, it is very suitable for outsiders like them who have no basic knowledge
At least the scattered gossip and anecdotes can roughly piece together some worldviews and avoid running around like a headless fly doing useless work.
Look, within ten minutes of sitting down, the diners next door who had drunk and liked to chat started bragging.
"What do you think our superiors are thinking? They are just talking nonsense and bringing up that nonsense decree. Isn't it chilling to the hearts of ordinary people like us?"
"Brother Ye, please don't make irresponsible comments. Be careful of your words..."
"What nonsense! Do you think he still has the energy to do that? I heard that a new batch of foreign concubines have arrived from the north, all of them are blonde and blue-eyed. He hasn't been to court for a few days."
"Who told you this? It takes about ten days to drive from here to the capital, right?"
"Is my name Ye Lusu called for nothing?"
"Hey, everyone knows that this translator of yours is from Furong Garden? You must have stayed here for the night according to the rules, right? Now it's become your capital for bragging, hahahahaha!"
"So what? I spent the money I earned myself. I heard this news from Furong Garden. Dongguo told me that the young master who had just been demoted was crying... How could it be false?"
"Demoted again? Tsk tsk, soon the imperial court will become a place for those strange people~"
"Isn't it? Haven't you heard that the imperial examination is now in name only? Ever since the job of setting the questions was taken over by an alien, all those who took the exam looked ashen, and their books were burned!"
"I don't understand this. I'm just curious about what position the demoted young man held before and what rank he held?"
"How many stars are there? That's not the point. Now in terms of star rating, Beidou is seven, the highest. That person might be a single star. Those who are degraded the fastest and the most are this type."
"Why, what does it have to do with us?"
"Of course it is related, but we shouldn't have any lofty ambitions. There is no record of the examination questions, and officials are promoted at will. In the future, how can you expect to be an official if you don't have a long tail? Pah, dream on!"
It sounded fine at first, but it's a bit outrageous here.
Su Xin and Tian Cheng looked at each other, both seeing something absurd in each other's eyes.
Before the two could think about it, the diners at the other table probably felt that it was unfair after hearing what they said, and they immediately slammed the table and argued.
"What's wrong with the alien? He can drive fire and summon beasts, control thunder and calm water. Isn't he better than your chatterbox?"
The sturdy man named Ye who had spoken originally saw that he was a flagpole and felt no pressure at all, so he pushed back on the spot.
"Hey~ Are you willing to be my foster parents without any connection? It's not certain whether those weird-looking guys can be called human beings. Aren't you afraid that your ancestors will come after you!"
"I know that the competent ones will get the job! If you have the ability, you can go to the capital to take the exam instead of gossiping in this poor village!"
"Hahahahaha, you have such a sharp tongue, all pedantic scholars are like this, after tasting my fist, let's see if you can still defend your alien parents!"
Things have developed to this point, it would be unreasonable not to fight
Su Xin's ears hurt from their noise, and the dishes she ordered haven't been served yet. If a fight really breaks out, who knows how long it will last.
So she simply picked up the bamboo chopsticks and swung them out, nailing them firmly to the ground between the two groups of people who were about to clash, making a "thump" sound.
The noisy environment suddenly became silent.
The two groups of people looked at the chopstick, then looked at the young master who was playing with another chopstick, snorted coldly as if to save face, and then left the stage.
Tiancheng rubbed his forehead and said, "The movement was a little too fast..."
"Hmm? I just thought they were too noisy... Did you have any other plans?"
"We wanted to wait until they pushed and shoved a few times before asking you to do something to show your strength, so that we could investigate the matter in the name of 'chivalry'."
Su Xin was stunned. "What about now? You can ask now, right?"
"If you start fighting too early, you will lose your reputation as a peacemaker. People will be afraid of your strength. Although they will tell you the truth, your strong purpose will easily arouse suspicion."
"Ah... Then, next time I'll listen to you before I take action."
Tiancheng looked at the regretful little commander and his heart softened. He felt like a cute dog who was naughty and played around everywhere, but would admit his mistakes and show his belly after a few words.
“I haven’t thought about it.”
She shook her head and leaned over to comfort him: "It's okay, eat first, it will be your turn to show your skills in the evening."
Su Xin immediately stood up and asked, "What? Are you trying to interrogate me?"
"No, let's go to the flower shop."
"...ah?"
Chapter 1180 Visiting the Flower House (2
The town is not big and Zuichunlou is just that small, but Furongyuan is the most luxurious building in the town.
Whenever night falls, the pink lanterns hanging under the eaves of the three-story building will be lit, and the flamboyantly written Chinese character "欢" on it is particularly eye-catching.
There is no need to greet people too much at the door, people who want to drink and have fun will come in on their own.
Unlike the people who were eager to enter the building, Su Xin, who was standing outside the building, hesitated for a long time and could not move her feet.
Just by standing outside she could smell the scent of powder and cosmetics in the building. The mixed smell was not unpleasant, but she couldn't avoid sneezing.
Yingying Yanyan's teasing made her feel uncomfortable and her skin was covered with goose bumps.
It is true that his personality has changed and he has become bolder, but if you really come to a place like this to get information, it would be difficult to step in without sufficient mental preparation.
"Um...are you sure you want it?"
Su Xin turned her head and looked at Tiancheng, who was also dressed in men's clothes.
He is tall and graceful, and if someone says he has come to the wrong place for a poetry recitation meeting, people will definitely believe it. He really doesn't fit in with this place.
She herself is not much better, with small facial features, like the youngest child in a family who secretly ran away to try something new, and it's not even certain whether she has grown up or not.
This group stood in front of Furongyuan Building, attracting not only the visitors but also the girls who came out of the building to point out the location, finding it strange.
"Hey...what a handsome brother."
"Shh... don't let mom hear us, or she'll scold us for slacking off, and we won't have breakfast tomorrow."
"If you don't want to eat it, then don't eat it. If I can get in touch with them, I might be redeemed tomorrow!"
"Can't you see all these men in the hall? Oh... you'd better stop dreaming."
"This... not everyone in the world is like this."
"But the people who come here are definitely not good people."
“…That’s right.”
Tiancheng, who had no ship equipment, could not hear these whispers, but Su Xin, who had sharp ears and eyes, heard it all. She felt awkward but also sympathetic.
But she knew that she couldn't solve the problem alone.
Even if she had a lot of money in her pocket, she would never be able to redeem all the poor people in the world, not to mention that some of them left and some were sent back.
As outsiders, they try to help as much as they can, because the real business is more important.
Tiancheng saw that her originally hesitant gaze suddenly became firm. He didn’t understand what happened, but he took it as a good sign.
"Remember, if you feel uncomfortable, go out and wait for me. There are many people drinking inside, be careful not to get drunk."
"Yeah! It's okay, just don't smell it." Su Xin moved closer to Tiancheng, "If it's really uncomfortable, I'll smell your clothes. I'm not sure if you can go in alone."
Dressed in men's clothing, they are so close that they are almost hugging each other. In the words of this era, it is suspected of being "Duanxiu" or "Longyang".
Tiancheng noticed the gazes from others, but did not dodge them. Instead, he looked at them and nodded back, which made the other person feel embarrassed.
Aren't they the same sex? There's no difference. They have been determined since the day they made their minds clear.
A subtle glance is just a sprinkle of water and will not have any impact at all.
"Then follow me closely, we'll find out the situation and then leave.
"Um!"
Tiancheng thought about it, and simply raised his hand to hold Su Xin's shoulders, then faced the gaze and walked in through the main door.
"Come on, don't be shy. You are a man of integrity. Why are you being so petty?"
Su Xin smelled the alcohol and was afraid of making trouble, so she squeezed into the other person's arms. She looked like she was blushing and shy.
Upon seeing this, many diners and guests burst into laughter, occasionally with a few words of encouragement, and there were fewer inquiring glances.
The girls, perhaps they had never seen such a well-behaved young girl, gathered in groups of two or three and whispered to each other, not knowing that all of this had been heard by the little commander.
Most of them were compliments and exclamations, which were of no value, so she just continued to act like an ostrich and let Tiancheng hold her and lead her inside.
The madam of Furongyuan was in her forties or fifties. She had lost her figure due to poor maintenance and was plump, but her eyes looked sharp.
She sneered at the so-called innocent shyness, and didn't feel anything. She just felt that she had met a fat sheep today, so she hurried forward to entertain him.
"Oh, you two are unfamiliar faces~ But you have heard of the great name of Furong Garden, so you came here specially to see it?"
Tiancheng smiled and replied, "It is indeed luxurious and extraordinary. The wood used for the table and chairs is not ordinary."
"Sir, you have good taste. Everything we use here is the best around, including our girls, who are as beautiful as Xi Shi and Diao Chan!"
The fact that these two characters can be mentioned at least proves that they are related to Donghuang, but it cannot be considered a clue.
Tiancheng thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "Mom, I know, I brought my brother here because my friends praised him highly. What do you think..."
The old duck looked at the little brother in the other's arms. His arms and legs were thin, and his skin was pale. He probably wasn't in good health.
His special skill is that he is physically weak, or he is not very good at that. Otherwise, considering his age, he should have a concubine. Why would he come to me?
Since I have no experience, I am timid and shy, and I can't be humane...
It would be better to find him a girl who is cheaper and more patient, and ask her to help him train him. Anyway, this young girl can't tell good from bad, and they are all the same after blowing out the incense and candles.
If she could multiply the overnight fee several times and charge him a small fortune, she would make a lot of money on this deal.
As for the older brother... I'm afraid he's not easy to fool. I guess I can only quote him the normal price, which is really a pity.
The shrewd old duck rolled his eyes and said, "Of course, of course, I will choose the people to serve the young master, and I guarantee he will be satisfied. So, sir, you are...?"
Tiancheng looked around and shook his head with fake regret, "As for me, I just need to listen to some songs, drink some wine, and wait for my brother."
"Hey, now that we are in Furong Garden, there is no reason for us to just eat and drink. We have to... have fun, right?"
"But my brother... is afraid of life, especially in this aspect..."
Tian Cheng frowned and thought for a few breaths, then gave a silver ingot, "How about this, I'll call one too, and mom can put us in the same room?"
The madam stared at him, suspecting that he wanted to eat two servings of meat for one silver, so she hesitated and refused to allow him to eat two servings of meat for one silver.
Tiancheng took the opportunity to push another ingot of silver over and said, "Can you arrange it? The price is negotiable, but I want a girl who is good at speaking. Is there one in the building?"
He weighed it with his chubby hands and thought, wow, so generous.
The madam's eyes sparkled as she happily promised, "Yes, definitely! If not, I can find it for you! Don't worry, Chunyaer, come and take you to the private room on the third floor~"
"Hey, gentlemen, this way please..."
Tiancheng concealed his uneasy look and took Su Xin and the little girl in front of him upstairs.
It is indeed very uncomfortable here. It is better to finish asking questions and leave as soon as possible, so as to avoid hearing too many outrageous words and revealing your identity.
Su Xin buried herself in Tiancheng's arms, closed her eyes and hid her nose deep, trying hard to block out the smell of alcohol, and staggered up the stairs following closely.
Because of the ostrich, she naturally didn't notice that the petite woman who was doing odd jobs with a basin of water in the corridor on the second floor was staring with her big eyes at the figure that exuded a familiar smell.
"Calling... the tide...?"
Chapter 1181 The Sun Misses Tide Summoning!
"Please sit here for a while, my two sisters will be here soon."
