Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!-Chapter 20: The Heir Consort Also Likes to Watch?
The private room door was suddenly knocked, and Song Qianhang got up to open it, only to see Xie Xun standing outside, accompanied by an old acquaintance.
"Brother Xie, Brother Jingwen, why are you here?"
Song Qianhang was surprised, as Song Jingwen was known for his stiff and unromantic nature, yet he came to this kind of place?
"Qianhang, I just heard you were up here and didn’t believe it. Given your nature, how could you not go down... Oh, we have company?"
"Ah, turns out it’s familiar faces."
Xie Xun’s flamboyant voice overshadowed even the pipa music below.
Hearing this, Su Juan turned to look. His robe was still flamboyantly luxurious, with two new jade pendants hanging at his waist today, and the jewels on his headpiece were clearly priceless.
[Dressed like a peacock displaying its feathers. Xie Xun is indeed flashy.]
Xie Xun’s smile stiffened slightly as he squinted, peacock? Displaying feathers? Flashy?
Song Qianhang hid his smile with a paper fan. He always thought Xie Xun’s attire was overly ornate and attention-seeking, but his sister-in-law’s description of him was indeed apt — just like a peacock displaying its feathers.
"I didn’t expect the Heir Consort to enjoy visiting a brothel. This attire really makes you a charming gentleman." Xie Xun squinted his smiling eyes, teasing Su Juan.
"What do you think, Brother Jingwen?"
"Hmm." Song Jingwen was indifferent, looking around and sipping his tea. The places Xie Xun had taken him to were smoky and chaotic, but Song Qianhang’s side was more elegantly quiet.
Su Juan glanced down at her clothes again, the second time she did so. [Isn’t dressing as a man supposed to make the distinction ambiguous? Why am I recognized so easily?]
Xie Xun chuckled without speaking. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞
The distinction might be ambiguous, but everyone here is familiar. It’s not fiction; changing attire doesn’t truly make one unrecognizable.
Though Song Qianhang usually got along well with Xie Xun, Su Juan was his sister-in-law in status. Xie Xun’s teasing couldn’t be ignored.
"Many women in the capital visit brothels. Brother Xie is truly quite ignorant."
Otherwise, there wouldn’t be those unwritten rules of men on the left, women on the right, in the guest rooms.
Xie Xun smiled, "Then I am indeed ignorant. Heir Consort, please do not blame me for misspeaking."
Su Juan smiled, "Heir Xie is straightforward and open-minded; few are like you. Why would I blame you?"
Song Jingwen suddenly spoke, "After all, it’s a place of finesse and romance; sister-in-law, you should visit less frequently in the future."
"Most guests here are men. If you’re recognized as a woman, it might cause trouble with drunken guests."
Xie Xun and Song Qianhang exchanged glances, with the former explaining, "Brother Jingwen might have forgotten that this is his first time coming here. He wouldn’t know that Baihua Building was established in the previous dynasty. At that time, women in the capital often visited brothels. Nowadays, it’s just about listening to music and watching performances. Therefore, these brothels have an unwritten rule: women are welcomed in elegant rooms, and men give way, so there should be no major issues for the Heir Consort."
Baihua Building was established in the previous dynasty when women held official positions, and it has remained in this prosperous area of the capital for over a century not just because of powerful backers but also due to its business with both male and female clients.
A hundred years have passed; the capital’s social climate has changed significantly, and there are no female officials in the court. Thus, they no longer serve female clients, only entertainment performances are left.
Song Jingwen clearly wasn’t aware of these historical ties, but Xie Xun and Song Qianhang, frequenters of such venues, were well-acquainted with them.
After this explanation, Song Jingwen realized his concern was unfounded.
Although Su Juan knew something about the previous dynasty, she didn’t expect Baihua Building would be tied to these events.
She squinted her eyes. [It’s a pity. I would like to experience how Baihua Building catered to women. Born at the wrong time!]
Song Jingwen: "..."
Song Qianhang: "..."
Xie Xun squinted his eyes.
Su Juan raised her cup toward Song Jingwen, "I know my cousin means well. Thank you, cousin."
After all, his intentions were for her benefit, and she truly appreciated it.
Song Jingwen nodded.
The servant brought new tea for the distinguished guests. With a lady present, Xie Xun and Song Qianhang tactfully avoided discussing their usual topics about various girls.
They talked about poetry and music, and eventually, the two idle noblemen discussed the Assistant Minister of Rites’ corruption case.
"I heard that Vice Minister Du’s case involved several people from the Ministry of Revenue, who were either demoted or dismissed and faced imprisonment. Corrupt officials are truly detestable."
Xie Xun nodded, "Currently, many positions in the Ministry of Revenue are vacant, and there is quite a scramble for them."
Song Jingwen was somewhat surprised that these two, idle at home, could also have insights into the court situation. Everyone wants to control the country’s finances.
Various factions strive hard to secure positions, which is why the Emperor remains hesitant about appointments.
During their conversation, Su Juan couldn’t help but sigh. [So much drama over Du Peng, which ultimately boils down to the Old Emperor having no heirs.]
[Currently, the struggle is covert. As long as the Emperor remains indecisive, the conflict will intensify. Since none are legitimate, whoever ascends to supreme power will ensure past adversaries are wiped out to prevent future threats.]
Su Juan thought of Song Qianfan, who, after assuming power, exterminated both Prince Han and Prince Heng’s families and executed all those who had opposed him in court using cruel punishments.
The Old Emperor loved his people like his children and welcomed wise counsel but chose a madman who treated human life like grass.
The three were silent. Indeed, because the Emperor had no offspring, everyone knew that he would eventually choose a Crown Prince from the Imperial Family, leading to the current chaotic court situation.
Song Jingwen’s expression darkened. Although he had no intention of fighting for the throne, his father had ambitions. Whether openly competing or underhandedly scheming, whoever succeeded to the throne would face inevitable bloodshed.
Su Juan’s remark was indeed sharp.
Xie Xun remained silent. The Xie Family hadn’t given up searching for the missing little princess. Despite the Empress’s jade pendant as a clue, finding one person among countless others was challenging.
Years had passed, and most people who knew back then either retired or had believed that the little princess was no longer alive.
Prince Heng and Song Qianfan both had intentions to recruit the Xie Family, but his father refused to align with either.
The Xie Family would only support the rightful heir who is genuinely concerned for the people.
His father had plans. If the little princess couldn’t be found, then they would support the Emperor’s brother—Prince Jing.
But the son of Prince Jing—Heir Song Qianfan—was ambitious, a problematic character.
Xie Xun gazed at Su Juan, who seemed to sense his look and coincidentally glanced back.
As their gazes met, Xie Xun felt oddly seen through, shaking his fan with a smile and reverting to his previous sly demeanor.
"Heir Consort gazes at me like this; it seems my face is attention-grabbing. Does the Heir Consort enjoy the view?"
