Chapter 156: Occasionally Taking a Risk

After skipping work, Chen Xi unusually didn’t go home. Instead, he wandered aimlessly around Fenggao City. The library at the Recruitment Pavilion had already begun construction—a library built to fortress standards. Alongside it, Taishan Academy was also under construction. Although classes had already begun with makeshift classrooms and the students were diligent, Chen Xi believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing well.

In Chen Xi’s view, when it came to building an academy, it should either be done properly or not at all. Unlike the makeshift thatched huts in Jingzhou, which he found unsightly, the academy should reflect the city’s dignity.

Dignity? Chen Xi glanced at the bustling commercial streets on either side, free from the filthy garbage and stagnant water that marred other cities. Aside from a few street vendors setting up stalls, the entire Fenggao City exuded an unusual harmony. Chen Xi thought for a moment and decided that the legendary elite troops could continue to lay low for now—after all, it wasn’t time yet. In this era, as long as the city streets weren’t garbage dumps, that was considered pretty good!

“Bang!” As Chen Xi was surveying his surroundings, he suddenly felt a heavy thud against his chest. Looking down, he saw a raggedly dressed child of about eight or nine years old who had fallen to the ground.

“Hey, are you okay?” Chen Xi bent down slightly, resting his hands on his knees as he asked, “Where are your parents?”

“None of your business!” The child scrambled to his feet and ran off without looking back.

“Whose kid is this? So rude,” Chen Xi muttered, feeling slightly annoyed. Even though his silk robe was dirtied from the collision, he wasn’t angry. Instead, he was more baffled by the child’s abrupt departure, feeling a bit sorry for him.

Chen Xi dusted off his chest, slightly irked. White clothes had the downside of showing dirt too clearly, but as a lazy person, there was no way he was going back home to change.

“Well, well, isn’t it Tan Zhi?” Chen Xi reached out and patted a boy about his height on the shoulder.

“Greetings, Uncle Chen,” Guan Ping responded respectfully, bowing slightly.

“Good, good,” Chen Xi replied with a strained smile. He wanted to tell Guan Ping to drop the formalities, but in this era, where seniority and filial piety were paramount, Guan Ping would never agree. Instead, he’d probably think there was something wrong with Chen Xi’s head. “What are you up to, Tan Zhi?”

Guan Ping hesitated for a moment, which made Chen Xi sigh inwardly. He peered into the alley and immediately understood the situation. “Ah, it’s just a brothel. Come on, Uncle will treat you today.”

Chen Xi didn’t care anymore. With Fenggao’s environment improving, even the quality of the brothels in these alleys had risen. The courtesans were becoming increasingly beautiful, and some were clearly the daughters of fallen officials. However, this was the reality of chaotic times. So, Chen Xi resigned himself to listening to the music and watching the dances, ignoring the tales of fallen princesses and princes—it had nothing to do with him. Unless he took a liking to someone, he wouldn’t meddle in such affairs.

“Uncle…” Guan Ping stammered, feeling embarrassed.

“Come on, what’s there to be shy about? You’re a grown man—there’s nothing wrong with spending time with women. Just tell me which one you like, and Uncle will take care of it,” Chen Xi said nonchalantly. His sense of propriety had flown out the window. Every time he entered a place like this, his sense of shame seemed to drop by the pound.

“Uncle, Uncle…” Guan Ping was stunned as Chen Xi nonchalantly walked inside. Left with no other choice, Guan Ping reluctantly followed.

Holding his intricately carved sandalwood fan, Chen Xi exuded the aura of a typical playboy. Since he rarely left his house, few people in Taishan had actually seen him, though everyone had heard of Chen Zichuan.

“Would the young master prefer to listen to music or watch a dance?” As soon as Chen Xi stepped inside, a madam approached him with a fawning smile. Despite the stain on his chest, everything about Chen Xi’s attire and accessories screamed wealth and nobility. Even in a place like Taishan, someone of Chen Xi’s standing wouldn’t be dressed like a beggar. And as they say, even a marquis’s face must be respected.

“Tan Zhi, just pick the one you like. Uncle’s got this,” Chen Xi called back to Guan Ping, who was hesitating at the entrance, with a mischievous grin.

Seeing that Guan Ping didn’t dare enter, Chen Xi burst out laughing and dragged him inside. Guan Ping didn’t resist—partly because Chen Xi was his elder and partly because he had a reason for being there.

“The decor is pretty nice, but what’s upstairs?” Chen Xi asked the madam, having noticed Guan Ping’s wandering gaze.

“Young master, your praise is undeserved,” the madam giggled, covering her face with her sleeve. “Is there something in particular the young master is looking for? We have everything you could desire~”

Chen Xi frowned slightly. “Tan Zhi, do you want to go upstairs?”

“Ah, yes!” Guan Ping snapped out of his daze and quickly answered, though his embarrassment was evident as he lowered his head.

“I want to take a look upstairs,” Chen Xi declared. Given his experience as a military commander, his commanding presence left the madam with no room to refuse.

As Chen Xi began ascending the stairs, the madam finally regained her composure and rushed to stop him. “Young master, please forgive me, but the upstairs is reserved today. I must ask for your understanding.”

“You’re looking for a girl, aren’t you? Is she upstairs?” Chen Xi asked, turning to Guan Ping.

“Ah!” Guan Ping was momentarily stunned.

“If you don’t speak up, I’m not helping you,” Chen Xi said, turning away.

“Uncle!” Guan Ping exclaimed, now visibly agitated.

“There’s something off about this situation. Courtesans are easy for someone like me to secure, but if someone upstairs has taken an interest in her, things could get complicated,” Chen Xi said calmly.

To Chen Xi, Guan Ping’s predicament was perplexing. It was just a courtesan—if you liked her, just take her. You’re the son of Guan Yu! Forget paying for her; just hint at your interest, and she’ll be in your bed the next morning. It was ridiculous how much people would go to just to curry favor in these times!

Hearing this, Guan Ping immediately understood. Sometimes, a man just has to stand up for himself!

“Please, Uncle, help me!” Guan Ping bowed respectfully.

“Watch and learn,” Chen Xi laughed, then turned to the madam blocking his way. A cold gleam flashed in his eyes, and the madam promptly fainted, knowing she couldn’t afford to offend either party.

Reaching the second floor, Chen Xi stopped at a door and turned to Guan Ping. “Watch carefully and remember what to do in situations like this!”

With a swift kick, Chen Xi broke down the door. Having trained in martial arts for over ten years, Chen Xi was no stranger to combat. Kicking down a door was child’s play for him.

“Ping’er, see if your girl is here and take her with you,” Chen Xi said casually as he scanned the room. Three young men sat inside, clearly from wealthy families, but to Chen Xi, they were insignificant.

Guan Ping felt a pang of embarrassment—he had never expected Chen Xi to be so brazen—but he quickly located the woman playing the qin inside and escorted her out.

“Not bad,” Chen Xi remarked, taking note of her refined appearance. It was obvious she was the daughter of a fallen official. Such well-mannered women were incredibly attractive to someone like Guan Ping, who had grown up in poverty.

“Let’s go, Tan Zhi. See? It’s that easy. But really, doing it yourself is a bit beneath you. What are you three looking at?” Chen Xi’s tone dripped with arrogance, clearly intent on causing trouble.