The two had fled to an alley, from which they could see the walls and the gate of Emerald House, the brothel owned by Xiang Yushan's father.
Consisting of numerous courtyards which couldn't be seen through from the opening, it seemed indeed much larger than Yihong Abode.
The sky was getting darker as the sun went down, and the lights over in Emerald House were lit up.
Yet the scene only brought them a sense of sadness, reflecting their uneasy feelings.
Leaning against the wall like they used to, they sat for quite a long time before Kou Zhong gritted his teeth and said, "The bitxh is indeed merciless! She even intends to kill her benefactors!"
Xu Ziling muttered, "She was just afraid we would end up in old daddy's hands. Now what should we do?
Although we've made a promise to Brother Li to wait until Madam Dongming arrived, yet old daddy's men had already caught up with us. It's about time we leave."
Kou Zhong agreed,"Life is more important. Brother Li wouldn't blame us. Let's leave this city at once and run away as far as we can. Then we shall make our way to visit Sister Susu in Yingyang after that.
Since her mistress is being held as hostage, we can bring her south. Then we can pick up our salt business at ease."
Xu Ziling smiled bitterly, "If we left through the gates openly, it is the same as sending ourselves directly into old daddy's hands or that *****'s custody.
The best option is to hide until midnight, then we can climb over the city walls to escape.
With our skills plus a set of ropes and hook, we can definitely make it."
"I came to realize you have as much intelligence as I do."Kou Zhong praised,
"Come!
We've got sufficient money to buy a iron hook from a smith. As for the ropes, it's easy as hell to steal one."
After making the plan, they felt invigorated again.
They snack out from the other end of the alley into a main street, but after wandering for a long distance, they found every shop had closed down except for taverns and brothels.
Suddenly Kou Zhong came up with an idea. "How about we asked that Xiang Yushan for help? He seemed very friendly this morning. He might help since his friends are in danger."He suggested.
Xu Ziling suspected, "Is he really that type of person?"
Kou Zhong grabbed his shoulder and together they returned to the alley, walking towards the Emerald House. "This is the only way out. We have to go for him, even if he is the devil."He said painfully,
"Our biggest problem is we are now wanted by the government, turning to them will only get us killed.
And who knows if they were bribed by that bitxch or old daddy?
I'm too afraid to trust anyone now."
Xu Ziling was also worried."After that bitxch told us things about brothels, I really don't want go there. Is there any other way?"
Kou Zhong said, "Yes, one other way is to dig a tunnel, which I'm not joining you.
Don't be so easily affected by others' words, okay?
As far as we know, all the *****s in Yangzhou willingly trade their flesh for money.
And think about those ministers at court, who are also trading their lives, serving the emperor like dogs for food.
At least being *****s won't get them killed so easily.
Haha!
Here we are!"
Under the fancy lantern lights, they crossed the street, which was still crowded with people and horse carriages.
Yet they felt a tinge of fear for the its future, after having witnessed the massacres of war.
At the entrance, they waited until a well decorated horse carriage entered the gate, before following it inside.
Two of the six men guarding the gate moved forth to greet them.
Beholding their nice clothes and confident aura, the guards dare not offend them. One of them politely asked :"Welcome two childes, I wonder..."
Kou Zhong understood the importance of extravagance.
He casually stuffed a handful of coins in the man's hands and spoke with some arrogance, pretending to be a noble childe.
"We are the old friends of your boss's son Xiang Yushan. Has Yushan arrived yet?"
The guards' attitude became even more polite.
"This lowly man's name is He Biao, two childes please follow me."The man hurriedly said.
Kou Zhong puffed out his chest and said, "Make way for us!"
He Biao acknowledged as he bowed and led them along.
The two followed him across a large courtyard, where at least ten carriages were parked, towards the main building.
When they arrived at the steps leading up to the building, a middle-aged woman with fair looks moved towards them, dressed in all finery.
He Biao leaned over and whispered a few words, paid his respects and left.
The woman beamed before squeezing herself in between them, holding their arms. "So you happen to be little master Xiang's friends. How may I address you two childes?"She asked in a sweet tone,
"Oh yes!
I almost forgot to introduce myself! You can call me Feng Niang."
Enjoying this intimate contact she offered, Kou Zhong was dragged along into the building while he replied, "My name is Zhang Shi, and his is Li Min.Hey!
Feng Niang, you're so beautiful that our souls are almost sucked out by your charm.
Feng Niang's body shook as she laughed, "Mister Zhang turns out to be an experienced player of flowers, despite your young age!
But don't flatter me so easily!
Otherwise you may regretted it when I keep asking for your company tonight."
Then she shot a glad eye at Xu Ziling, saying, "Mister Li is much better than you."
Kou Zhong had become too elated to worry about 'the bitxh' and 'old daddy' at all.
He jested happily, "He is just pretending to be a frequent visitor. You can test him if you don't believe me!"
Xu Ziling was embarrassed and said :"Don't listen to his bullshit, I..."
I..."
Feng Niang grabbed them by the arm and seat them in the corner, at one of the ten odd tables hosted inside the main hall."You don't have to explain, how can I mistake it?"
Two maids, aged around sixteen, moved over and waited them heartily, filling their cups with tea and presenting towels.
Eyes sweeping around, they saw the hall was already seated by ten odd groups of guests, creating a extremely lively atmosphere.
After sending a man to inform Xiang Yushan, Feng Niang turned back to them, "For smart men like you two, our girls would definitely vie for your company!"
Finally getting relaxed, Xu Ziling was about to speak,
when Feng Niang excused herself and walked over to greet another group of people who looked like merchants.
Kou Zhong called over to the two maids who were waiting them and said :"Sisters you can leave us, we wish to discuss something in private."
So the two maids left together.
Kou Zhong said, excited,"Have you ever been so respected?
Let's spend the night here! Who would have guessed we are actually hiding in a brothel?
Thanks to brother Li for everything we enjoy now. Let's just stay here until tomorrow night so that we can board the flagship of Dongming and fulfill the promise for him."
Xu Ziling murmured "Hey!
"Somehow I'm feeling extremely nervous, not knowing what to do."
Kou Zhong said, "Actually I'm also somewhat afraid. Yet there must be a first time for everything, otherwise we never become a true man."
Later we must asked Loyal Friend Yushan for the two most beautiful girls, and make sure they would be responsible for 'turoring' us!
Hey!
But if we ask that explicitly, isn't it a bit embarrassing?"
As they were minds were messy like strangling weeds , Xiang Yushan had arrived.
For some reason he had a more confident air about him, in his own 'house', with a much better look than in the morning when they met him on the street.
And the four strong men following him also added to his impressive aura.
When he was still a zhang away Xiang Yushan broke out in laughter, "I wondered who the hell was Mister Zhang and Mister Li! Turn out to be you brothers! "
Feeling his warmth, the two secretly thought he was befitting the title of Loyal Friend. So they were much relieved and stood up to pay respects.
After they were all seated, Xiang Yushan asked, "I wonder what did two brothers come to Pengcheng for? Sightseeing or running some errands?"
Kou Zhong realized he was probing for their background, so he smiled and answered, "As the saying goes, 'Better walk ten thousand miles of road that read ten thousand volumes of books'.
Our sole purpose of wandering around the country was to broaden our view."
Then he leaned closer and whispered :"Frankly speaking, we've come to this brothel with this same purpose.
Since this is the first time we set foot in a brothel, I wish elder brother Xiang could take care and guide us well.
Hehe,
Elder brother Xiang is wise, you should know what I meant?"
Xu Ziling was amazed. Kou Zhong really had his way, to have made such embarrassment sound so proper.
=============================TO BE CONTINUED===========================