The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, becoming a disciple of Yue Buqun

Page 313

Zhu Shou glanced back at the group of people who had followed him, then smiled and said, "Yes, I was worried about my family when I came out to play, so I had them come with me. If they disturb Brother Jiang's enjoyment, I'll tell them to leave."

"That's not necessary."

Jiang Ning smiled slightly.

Zhu Shou then led Jiang Ning on a tour of the capital, visiting many places, as if he were truly just showing Jiang Ning around without any other purpose.

The two also talked during the process.

Zhu Shou was very young, about the same age as Jiang Ning, and looked like a spoiled brat, but he was very knowledgeable. He could quote poems and classical allusions with ease. Based on Jiang Ning's judgment of Zhu Shou, if he was not a member of the royal family, he would at least pass the imperial examination and become a Xiucai (a successful candidate in the lowest level of the imperial examinations).

Zhu Shou was also secretly surprised during his conversation with Jiang Ning.

He didn't know Jiang Ning's background, but the knowledge Jiang Ning showed in their conversation was no less than his own. However, while Jiang Ning did quote from the Four Books and Five Classics, he leaned more towards Taoist allusions.

Is he a Taoist? Or is he from a family that practices Taoism?

Zhu Shou thought to himself.

The two continued their conversation.

After a conversation, the two found it very pleasant to talk to each other.

Because of his environment, Zhu Shou, despite his exceptional learning, spent his days surrounded by great Confucian scholars and the few people who followed him. Apart from the great Confucian scholars' instruction and the deliberate flattery of his subordinates, this was the first time Zhu Shou had spoken freely with someone without any reservations about his thoughts.

Although Jiang Ning and Zhu Shou were in very different circumstances, they were similar in this respect.

He read a lot, but the disciples of the Huashan Sect didn't like reading much, like Lu Dayou, so he didn't usually have the opportunity to talk about these things with others.

Yue Buqun was indeed well-read, but to put it bluntly, while Yue Buqun's martial arts skills were superior to Jiang Ning's, he was not necessarily as knowledgeable as Jiang Ning.

Zhu Shou and Jiang Ning are unaware of each other's identities, are of similar age, and are exchanging knowledge, finding the conversation quite enjoyable.

Zhu Shou was indeed very knowledgeable, but his words were somewhat empty, as if he had only read about it in books and had never seen it with his own eyes.

When Jiang Ning quoted classical texts, he would base his remarks on his own observations and experiences. His insights would sometimes surprise Zhu Shou, who would also feel a sense of admiration for Jiang Ning's extensive knowledge and wide range of experiences.

"I never imagined that Brother Jiang had been to so many places. I am truly envious."

Zhu Shou sighed, "Compared to Brother Jiang, I am like a bird trapped in a cage, confined in this capital city."

As he spoke, Zhu Shou revealed a hint of sadness.

Jiang Ning smiled slightly upon hearing this, offering neither comfort nor asking why the other person felt that way.

It is very taboo to speak too intimately with someone you don't know well.

The two walked and talked, and before they knew it, it was getting late and the sun was setting.

The men who were with Zhu Shou and Jiang Ning looked anxious. They had wanted to remind Zhu Shou to go back several times, but seeing that the two were still talking, they were afraid of disturbing Zhu Shou's mood, so they didn't remind him. But now that it was getting late, they were getting more and more anxious.

"Brother Jiang, it's getting late now, and some fun places have opened. If you're not feeling tired, why don't you go check them out?"

Zhu Shou glanced at the sky, his eyes lighting up, and said to Jiang Ning.

"interesting place?"

Jiang Ning inquired.

He wasn't tired, but Zhu Shou seemed full of energy.

Zhu Shou winked and made faces.

"Brother Jiang, if you're interested, I'll take you to see it?"

Jiang Ning frowned slightly and nodded.

"Alright."

Zhu Shou then led Jiang Ning toward a certain place.

"I'm having a blast."

When they saw that Zhu Shou still wanted to take Jiang Ning along, their faces turned green.

If we don't go back soon, the palace gates will be closed.

"Commander Mou."

A servant-like man looked at the man.

"It's getting late, almost dusk. If the palace gates close too late, His Majesty won't be able to return. If the palace finds out, it will surely cause chaos. Commander Mou, could you go and persuade His Majesty to return?"

Upon hearing this, Commander Mu glanced at the elated Zhu Shou not far away and gritted his teeth.

"It's not time yet, and Your Majesty is in high spirits, so let Your Majesty play a little longer!"

The others were startled and quickly said, "If we get back too late and the Empress Dowager finds out..."

Commander Mu said directly, "If the Empress Dowager wants to blame me, I, Mu Bin, will bear the responsibility alone. It has nothing to do with the other eunuchs."

The eunuchs looked at each other in bewilderment.

Saying it has nothing to do with them is a lie. If Empress Dowager Zhang blames them, they were all with Zhu Shou and they definitely won't escape.

However, since Mu Bin had already said that, they didn't dare to go up and provoke Zhu Shou, so they could only sigh helplessly.

At the same time, they were also amazed that no wonder he was the commander; he dared to take responsibility for Zhu Shou's interests, and no wonder he was able to gain Zhu Shou's trust and favor.

"Brother Jiang, we've arrived."

At this moment, Zhu Shou, accompanied by Jiang Ning, said excitedly.

Jiang Ning looked at the bright lights and greenery not far ahead, his expression somewhat strange.

Zhu Shou is taking him to a brothel.

Chapter 417: Enemies Meet on a Narrow Road

"Brother Jiang, this is the liveliest place in the capital at night. Would you be interested in checking it out?"

Zhu Shoudao.

His face was very excited at this moment.

Jiang Ning glanced at him.

"Brother Zhu, do you come to brothels often?"

Zhu Shou, still in a state of excitement, shook his head upon hearing this.

"This is my first time here too."

Zhu Shou said embarrassedly, "My family used to be very strict, and I had to go home before 3 PM. This is the first time I've stayed out this late."

Jiang Ning nodded upon hearing this.

Zhu Shou noticed that Jiang Ning's expression was a little indifferent, as if he had no interest in the place, so he said, "Brother Jiang, are you not interested in this place? Then we can go to other places to visit."

Jiang Ning smiled and shook his head.

"It's nothing, we can go in and take a look."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Shou no longer had any doubts and took the lead, speaking as he went.

"Brother Jiang, have you ever been to a place like this during your travels?"

Jiang Ning smiled slightly: "You've been there, haven't you?"

"Oh?"

Zhu Shou couldn't help but glance at Jiang Ning.

"Brother Jiang, you actually have such refined and literary tastes?"

Jiang Ning smiled but didn't say anything.

Zhu Shou asked curiously, "Brother Jiang, since you've been to these places, what did you think of them?"

Jiang Ning shook his head: "Not good."

Zhu Shou was taken aback, thinking that the brothels Jiang Ning had visited were not high-class and that was why his experience was not good.

The brothels here are built on the lakeside, with one brothel after another on both sides of the lake. Some literati and scholars would travel across the lake by boat, and the laughter of men and the coquettish laughter of women could be heard from the brothels on the lakeside from time to time.

Many scholars even vomited by the lake, their faces flushed and clothes disheveled, displaying a dissolute and unrestrained manner.

Zhu Shou, who had never seen such a scene before, found it all quite novel.

"I had heard before how prosperous this place was and how romantic these talented men were, and now that I see it, it is indeed true."

Zhu Shou looked around as he spoke, finally glancing at Jiang Ning.

"Brother Jiang, what do you think?"

Jiang Ning looked at the brothels with a calm expression, and after hearing Zhu Shou's words, he said softly.

"False prosperity."

"what?"

Jiang Ning's voice was very soft, and Zhu Shou didn't hear it clearly, so he subconsciously asked.

Jiang Ning shook his head.

"It's nothing, it is indeed bustling."

Zhu Shou was not pleased to hear this, but instead looked at the scholars who were drunk by the lake.

"Some of these people are scholars from the Ming Dynasty. They are successful candidates in the provincial examinations and the imperial examinations. They will become officials of the Ming Dynasty and the cornerstone of the court in the future. They talk about morality and righteousness all the time and talk about national affairs in a grand and eloquent manner. But in reality... well."

Zhu Shou showed no joy on his face, his voice was soft, and there was a strange coldness in his tone, as if he had no goodwill towards these people.

Having traveled the martial world for many years, Jiang Ning possessed keen insight and excellent hearing. Naturally, he could hear and discern Zhu Shou's tone at this moment, and he couldn't help but glance at Zhu Shou.

Seemingly realizing he had said something he shouldn't have, Zhu Shou immediately shut up and glanced at Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning remained calm, as if he hadn't heard anything.

Zhu Shou secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Too many words will be lost.

He didn't know Jiang Ning's true identity or background. If Jiang Ning was from a prominent family, and he and the people behind him recognized Zhu Shou, and his words were known to them, it would be very troublesome for him.

As Zhu Shou realized this, he was also secretly surprised that he would say these things to a stranger he had only met once.

"Brother Jiang, shall we go in and take a look?"

Arriving outside a brothel, Zhu Shou adjusted his mindset and smiled at Jiang Ning.

The brothel they came to was very large and the most bustling one. A large group of people were coming and going at the entrance, and the noise and laughter inside could be heard outside.

Jiang Ning nodded upon hearing Zhu Shou's invitation.

The two then followed the crowd into the largest brothel in the capital.

The men who had been following them at a distance turned green with rage when they saw Zhu Shou and Jiang Ning enter the brothel.

As soon as I entered, the noise inside grew even louder, and it was almost entirely filled with people.

As soon as they sat down, a man came running over, bending down to serve them tea.

"You two gentlemen look unfamiliar. Is this your first time here?"

The man poured tea as he spoke.

Zhu Shou was looking around curiously at that moment and ignored him.

Jiang Ning said, "I have only been in the capital for a short time, and this is indeed my first time here."

Upon hearing this, the man's smile widened.

"The two gentlemen are very lucky today. There will be a poetry competition later, and whoever wins will win the favor of our courtesan, Bai Ling."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Shou became interested.

He hadn't heard of it yet.

Jiang Ning, on the other hand, was not surprised by it.

He had been to many brothels, not for seeking pleasure, but he knew about these kinds of things.