Chapter 7 Chapter VII

After Duke Di and Xiucai left the Phoenix Hotel to go to the swamp, Qiao Tai and the platoon army drank a few more glasses of wine.The two of them talked about the use of troops by the imperial court in recent years, and they were very speculative-the platoon army liked to talk about wars the most. "Since you love the military career so much," Qiaotai asked, "then why did you leave?" "I did something stupid and had to run away in a hurry." The platoon soldier sighed with emotion. Ragged, smelly beggars wandered into the hotel in groups of three and five, and the platoon had to settle the bill with the bald man.Qiaotai felt that the air in the hotel was becoming more and more stale, and he was even more worried that the old beggar who sold him jewelry would also appear in front of him.He decided to go for a walk outside to relax.

The streets were also sweltering with heat.He thought it might be cooler by the river.So he walked through several streets and alleys, and climbed an arched stone bridge across the river.He leaned on the carved stone railing on one side of the stone bridge, watching the black river roaring and rushing downstream under the bridge. The impact of the river water on the jagged rocks caused countless white waves.The air in this belt is cool, and few people move around.There are several elegant gardens scattered around, where many township officials and wealthy businessmen in the county live.Qiao Tai watched for a while, and gradually felt bored.He sighed and decided to turn back to the hotel.The group of beggars may have left by now.

He got off the stone bridge and walked along the river bank.For a moment, he once again had an uneasy feeling that someone was staring at him from behind.But immediately he dispelled his suspicions, Kun Shan was their friend now, and who else would follow him besides him.He turned a corner and walked southward at a leisurely pace. Suddenly, an open window caught his eye.The house is set back from the street with a row of bamboo fences in front.He stood on tiptoe and looked in the window from the bamboo fence, and saw that it was an elegantly furnished bedroom with mats and curtains, which were really neat.Two silver candles on the dressing table were shining like daylight, and a woman was standing in front of the mirror, dressing up.The woman was about thirty, and her appearance and figure had a charming charm.She had finished her dressing, and she was lazily leaning against the head of the bed and sighing softly.

Qiaotai recognized at a glance that this was a famous prostitute who started her own business.Somehow, Chotai found himself attracted to that woman.He took out his sleeves and found only two copper coins. He couldn't help but feel frustrated. Then he thought that although the money was small, it would be interesting to meet and get acquainted.Either way, it's always worth a try. He pushed aside the bamboo fence, walked through a very elegant garden, and knocked twice on a black painted gate. It was the woman who opened the door.She first yelled in surprise, and then quickly covered her mouth with her sleeve, showing a very panicked look.

Qiao Tai hurried forward and bowed to salute: "Sister, I'm very sorry to disturb you so late at night. I passed by here and happened to see you combing your hair in front of the window. Your appearance and demeanor left a very good impression on me. I wonder if I, a lost stranger, can take a rest here and listen to your words." After hearing Qiao Tai's half-spoken words, the woman hesitated.She looked Qiaotai up and down, and frowned slightly.Suddenly she smiled slightly, and said in a soft voice: "I'm waiting for another person... But since the time is already past, you might as well come in and sit down."

"I didn't expect to hinder your date, so I'll come back another day!" Qiaotai said hastily. "If your guests don't come..." The woman laughed.Said: "Come in! Your sloppy look is quite interesting. . She walked back to the room on her own, and Qiaotai followed into the room. "Please sit down for a while." The woman said a little shyly, "Let me tie my hair up. I am most afraid of heat." Qiao Tai sat down on a drum-shaped painted porcelain pier: "Don't dare to ask my sister's name?" "My name?" She smiled, "You can just call me Qiumei. Autumn is Qiu, Mei is Rose."

Qiao Tai jokingly said, "Autumn roses, well, they are unique, no wonder my sister looks like this." Qiu Mei tied up her hair, turned around with a smile, and sat down on the edge of the bed.He picked up a handful of sandalwood and fanned them leisurely.She looked at Qiao Tai carefully, and said, "I guess you are probably an officer, and you passed by Muping, right?" "Not far from it." Qiao Tai replied. "How long do you plan to stay in Muping?" "Just stay for a few days. But I met my sister tonight, but I don't want to go back." Qiu Mei smiled and only looked at Qiao Tai with her big bright eyes.After half a day, he asked again: "Are you officers allowed to come out casually?"

Qiaotai just looked at her and smirked. Qiu Mei squinted at Qiao Tai.While shaking the fan, he undid the buttons on his chest without hesitation: "This unlucky weather is still so hot even at night!" Qiao Tai moved his body on the porcelain pier, cleared his throat, summoned up his courage, and asked, "I don't know how much... money?" After hearing this, Qiu Mei couldn't help laughing out loud.Qiaotai also laughed along with her a few times in embarrassment. She covered her mouth with four flaps, and asked solemnly, "How much is it worth in your opinion?"

"Ten thousand taels of gold!" Qiaotai said flatteringly. "Ouch!" Qiu Mei said with a smile, "You can stay with me for a while today. However, you must promise me that you will never come here again! I will leave here in just two days. " "I can swear." Qiao Tai stood up and leaned against Qiu Mei...