Yun Xiao stood up and pulled Shangguan Yin’s hand, speaking with great interest.
Shangguan Yin’s expression darkened slightly, but it was masked by his tanned skin, making it difficult to discern. However, his eyes were sharp with a piercing gaze. The maid who had walked ahead seemed fearless, which startled several of his subordinates.
Only after the Emperor had walked out did they slowly follow.
Shangguan Yin strode forward and caught up to the figure ahead, muttering softly, "Xiao’er, that place of ill repute. You are a lady of noble birth, how can you go to such a place?"
"What's wrong? I'm not new to this. Let's go, let's go. You are the master now, and I am your little maid."
Yun Xiao curtsied, speaking humbly and politely. Without waiting for Shangguan Yin to reply, she moved closer to him and said, "Capture Shen Jin'an. We can definitely get a lot of information from him. This fellow is someone who fears death."
"Alright."
Shangguan Yin's expression immediately became solemn, his eyes sharp. It seemed that the current matter was of greater importance, but he still kept a close watch on this girl to prevent her from doing anything untoward.
The group headed towards Wanxi Pavilion. From a distance, they saw many luxurious carriages rushing towards them on the street.
Yun Xiao and Shangguan Yin inexplicably moved to the side of the road, almost bumping into a nearby stall vendor. They quickly apologized and then quietly asked, "Young man, please tell me, what is happening today?"
The small stall vendor smiled, sizing up Yun Xiao before glancing at the few people standing tall and menacingly behind her. He shriveled his neck and spoke cautiously.
"I heard that the courtesan of Wanxi Pavilion is performing today, so everyone is rushing to see her. The entrance ticket alone is said to be twenty taels of silver."
As the vendor spoke, he stuck out his tongue and rolled his eyes. Although he also wanted to go, he had no spare money. This was entertainment for the wealthy.
Yun Xiao cupped her fists and thanked the vendor. The group then proceeded towards the former Rouge Pavilion. Shangguan Yin reached out and pulled Yun Xiao, drawing her to his side, as if afraid she would bump into anything. He wondered why they weren't using a carriage or riding horses.
"Xiao’er, why aren't we using a carriage or riding horses? Why must we run?"
The only advantage of Shangguan Yin being in disguise was that he didn't have to worry about being stared at. Now, people were avoiding him. Although there was a gap, it was much more convenient to go out.
"We are out to gather information. What can you do sitting in a carriage or riding a horse?"
Yun Xiao pouted. In fact, she didn't want to ride in a carriage. The capital city of Yan was crowded with people and carriages. Sometimes, when there were traffic jams, one would have to sit in a carriage for a long time. It was much more convenient to run.
In front of Wanxi Pavilion, carriages were lined up, a magnificent and grand sight. They were of varying heights, some adorned with dazzling red lights, others with silver tassels, all catching the eye.
On the platform above the stone steps, besides the carriages, there were male guests coming and going. As soon as these men alighted from their carriages, they eagerly rushed into the building.
At the entrance stood two rows of bouncers, like servants, each holding a weapon resembling an iron rod. Their imposing stance commanded respect and order.
Yun Xiao followed behind Shangguan Yin into the building.
A steward, an old procuress, stood at the door. She blocked Yun Xiao's path with an eight-treasure fan and said with a forced smile, "This is a place for gentlemen! Please let the young lady in immediately."
Shangguan Yin's face darkened, and a cold aura intensified. He was about to react.
Yun Xiao, fearing that his temper would flare up and ruin the day's plans, quickly rushed forward, grabbed the old procuress by the arm, and said intimately, "Mama, Mama, please let this servant watch the fun."
After speaking, she tiptoed and whispered, "This servant wants to learn a few tricks to entice our master later."
As she finished, she discreetly slipped a silver ingot into the old procuress's sleeve. The old procuress sized her up. Seeing that she was a thin and small, merely pretty young girl, with nothing particularly remarkable about her, she sneered inwardly.
Such a girl wanted to entice gentlemen? Hmph. Let her dream. She waved her eight-treasure fan and let her in.
Liu Xing, who had been guarding outside, quickly stepped forward to pay the entrance fees according to the number of people. The group followed behind others into Wanxi Pavilion.
Inside the grand hall, a high platform of white jade had been erected. At this moment, a woman from the Southern Dynasties was dancing on it, eliciting cheers from below.
In truth, the intention was not on the wine.
Within Wanxi Pavilion, the center was an open-air space. Besides the specially built stage, a layer of transparent glazed glass covered the ceiling, making the space enclosed.
At this moment, an unknown exotic incense was burning, strong and pleasant-smelling.
Most of the people entering the building had slightly flushed faces.
Upon smelling the strong fragrance, Yun Xiao immediately knew it was a blend of aphrodisiacs. She quickly commanded from behind, "Hold your breath immediately. Do not inhale this floral scent. It's an aphrodisiac. There's something strange about this building."
Yun Xiao, being a woman, felt no discomfort upon smelling it. Shangguan Yin had profound internal energy, so this minor aphrodisiac could not harm him. He could expel it through his pores with his internal force.
As for the other subordinates, having been forewarned, they naturally did not fall prey to it.
The few people found a secluded spot and sat down. Yun Xiao beckoned Liu Xing and Jing Yun to come over.
"You two go and find Shen Jin'an's whereabouts."
"Yes." Liu Xing and Jing Yun quietly blended into the crowd, wandering around. It was more convenient for men in this building, and with so many people today, the scene was somewhat chaotic.
Yun Xiao then called for Zhui Feng and Zi Yang and instructed them to scout the building to see if there were any high-ranking officials from the imperial court present.
Zhui Feng and Zi Yang took their orders and left. Only Shangguan Yin, Yun Xiao, and Zi Jun remained. If the three of them just sat there idly, it would certainly arouse suspicion from others.
Yun Xiao glanced at Shangguan Yin. As their eyes met, they understood each other's intentions. Shangguan Yin extended his long arm and pulled Yun Xiao into his embrace.
At this moment, the old procuress, who had been guarding the entrance, walked in. Seeing Yun Xiao being held in Shangguan Yin's arms, she couldn't help but be surprised.
However, a knowing smile quickly flickered in her heart. The girl had gotten lucky. Once inside this building, there was no man who didn't feel aroused.
The old procuress glanced at them with satisfaction and then went elsewhere to check.
Yun Xiao's face flushed crimson. Fortunately, at this moment, Liu Xing and Jing Yun quietly returned.
"Master, Shen Jin'an is in a private room on the second floor. Someone is accompanying him. I heard that the person accompanying him is the courtesan of Wanxi Pavilion."