Mountain and River Festival

Chapter 530 Jiang Chenzhou of Penglai in the East Sea

It's obvious that Jiang Yuan can put on makeup but can't transform. Once someone touches her, it's immediately obvious that she's a woman.

But then again, if you can't just touch her, what gives you the right to investigate what a courtesan is up close?
Using divine sense to scan, there is no difference in distance between standing in front of someone and on the stage below. You can't see it on stage, so you naturally can't see it in front of someone either.

For a moment, Lu Xingzhou couldn't come up with a good idea. Qianqian had already handed the wine cup to Jiang Yuan, and her slender fingers were tracing a line across Jiang Yuan's arm: "Young Master Jiang..."

Jiang Yuan got goosebumps all over. At least she knew what she was there to do. The moment her fingers touched Qianqian, a wisp of spiritual energy entered her body.

Qianqian giggled, "Young Master Jiang wants to inspect the goods so soon? I am a female cultivator at the upper level of the sixth rank, there is nothing to hide."

Jiang Yuan: "..."

Both sides operate in the same way.

In fact, Qianqian also took the opportunity of this contact to probe Jiang Yuan's spiritual energy, and Jiang Yuan's suppression was even more ruthless than before: third grade.

What do you mean by an ancient master? Their bloodline can be as pure as snow, and they can hide their cultivation however they want.

After testing each other for a while, neither side could figure out the other's true strength.

Jiang Yuan, on the other hand, got a little into character and simply reached out and pinched Qianqian's chin, starting to act wickedly arrogant: "Isn't it only natural for this young master to inspect your goods? Who knows if your pleasure boat is just using a withered flower to cheat a fool."

"How could Qianqian dare?" Qianqian looked pitiful with tears in her eyes: "Qianqian was sold into a brothel at a young age and received the strictest training. This is the first time I have ever seen a man."

"Aren't those pimps men?"

"They count too?"

Jiang Yuan smiled.

Seeing the "cold and charming" young master smile, Qianqian breathed a sigh of relief and cautiously asked, "Young master, you are so young, yet you are ranked in the upper three ranks. May I ask which noble family you are from?"

Jiang Yuan asked, "Have you ever heard of Penglai in the East Sea?"

Qianqian was stunned for a moment; she had never heard of it before.

Everyone knows there are many immortal mountains and sects overseas, the most famous being the Tianyao Immortal Sect, known as a holy land. The logic of overseas immortal sects differs from that of the sects of the Great Qian Dynasty. They rarely concern themselves with the mortal world, focusing solely on cultivation, believing that stepping into worldly politics is tainting their existence. Therefore, most are not very well-known. The only ones that have gained some fame in the last year or two are probably Jinfeng Island, which was destroyed by the Tianyao Holy Land, and that was only because of the stories surrounding the Tianyao Holy Land.

As a coastal area in Jiangnan, Chunshan Pavilion has had relatively more exchanges with overseas countries than others. Of course, it's impossible for them to know everything, so Jiang Yuan just made up one offhand.

Seeing Qianqian's clueless expression, Jiang Yuan said calmly, "This young master was ordered by his sect to leave the mountain and experience the tribulations of the mortal world. Seeing that you are naturally beautiful but have fallen into prostitution, I felt a little sorry for you and helped you out. That's all. I did not have any lustful thoughts towards you, so there is no need for any physical contact."

After saying this, Jiang Yuan almost wanted to put her hands on her hips. What a perfect way to put it, she even avoided getting bumped.

Qianqian's eyes were like water, and it was unclear whether she believed it or not, but she showed admiration and emotion at the right time: "Young Master's sect must be a true immortal sect, capable of producing such an excellent and virtuous successor as you."

Lu Xingzhou remarked to Dugu Qingli, "I never imagined this kid could actually lie."

Dugu Qingli was somewhat speechless: "Why do you underestimate Miss Jiang so much? She is also a cultivator who has traveled the world alone. Whether it was ambushing you before or observing the Ice Prison Sect later, she was very prudent, wasn't she?"

"Wrong... She may be very good at ambushes, treasure hunting, and exploration, but when it comes to scheming and intrigue, she's a complete novice."

"You mean, that Miss Qianqian doesn't believe her?"

"At least they won't believe you completely outright; they'll conduct follow-up investigations, but on the surface they'll definitely act as if they trust and admire you. Bitches are heartless; don't believe their eyes."

Dugu Qingli and Liu Yan'er both glanced at Lu Xingzhou and remained silent.

Qianqian was still having a casual conversation with Jiang Yuan, but the actual conversation had already been completely relayed to the higher-ups through a special method.

Not long after, Zang Wanchun, who was far away at Chunshan Pavilion, received the news: "Jiang Chenzhou from Penglai in the East Sea, an extremely young third-rank official? Interesting... Whether it's true or not, this person is worth observing. Inform Qianqian that, regardless of whether it's true or not, we must first get this person under our control and investigate him."

Lu Xingzhou never expected that Jiang Yuan would become the main character in this battle.

It would be better if Pei Chuyun or Sheng Yuanyao had done this. Neither of them are naive young ladies; they are adept at navigating interpersonal relationships. Pei Chuyun was just inexperienced before, but she is actually quite cunning. Judging from her previous experience of catching Xuan Nu, Pei Chuyun knew exactly what was going on. Sheng Yuanyao is just a playboy who likes to have fun. She may seem silly, but she is never confused. Once she gets serious, whether she is working in the Demon Suppression Division or serving in the army, her performance is always remarkable.

But what about Jiang Yuan...?

Lu Xingzhou simply couldn't imagine how unpredictable things would get if Jiang Yuan were the main force behind this.

But she is now the main force, and the situation is irreversible.

Over there, Jiang Yuan and Qianqian were having an in-depth conversation about life.

Qianqian spoke of her gambling father, her seriously ill mother, how she was sold as a child, forced to learn music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and how she was beaten her whole life, hoping only that a good man would redeem her. She broke down in tears as she spoke of these things.

"Outrageous!" Jiang Yuan slammed her fist on the table. "You officials are forcing women into prostitution like this, and you don't care?"

Qianqian sobbed, "It's all because of Qianqian's bad luck. To meet such a kind person as Young Master Jiang today, instead of being humiliated by some brute, is already the greatest blessing of Qianqian's life." Jiang Yuan indeed asked, "How much do you want to redeem yourself?"

Qianqian was somewhat frightened: "I...I don't know...they won't agree..."

Jiang Yuan sneered: "I don't believe there's anything money can't buy in this world. All your boss wants are resources and spirit stones, which I have! Let your boss come in and talk."

Qianqian stared blankly at Jiang Yuan.

How could it be so fast... No, you drank so much wine laced with Chunshan Pavilion's special aphrodisiac, how come you're perfectly fine?

The madam outside had already been called inside: "Oh my, Young Master Jiang, Qianqian is our daughter, not for sale..."

Jiang Yuan simply said, "Name your price."

The madam had no choice but to be frank: "Young Master Jiang, a sixth-grade furnace is a rare find. It's a money tree we've carefully cultivated, how can we buy it outright?"

Jiang Yuan said, "You must have a figure for how much you expect to make from her, right?"

The madam reluctantly replied, "One hundred thousand...high-grade spirit stones?"

Jiang Yuan's face stiffened; she didn't have that much money.

Are you out of your mind? 100,000 high-grade spirit stones could buy a sect, who would use that money to buy a sixth-grade furnace? How can anyone even ask for such a price?
Jiang Yuan was unaware that there were creatures called "simps" or "cuckolds" in the world. It was obvious that the madam and Qianqian were treating her like one. Otherwise, why would someone want to redeem someone after only a few words? Most people would have their virginity broken and experience the unbearable pleasure of being served before considering taking this step, right?
Actually, Jiang Yuan was genuinely afraid of going to bed with him. She wanted to get him released as soon as possible and deal with the situation however she wanted outside, or consult Lu Xingzhou. But what was she going to do now? Really sleep with him?

No matter what, the price had already been set, so Jiang Yuan had no choice but to bite the bullet and bargain: "Ten thousand? You might as well rob me. Do you think I'm a sucker?"

The madam asked, "What does Young Master Jiang think?"

Jiang Yuan immediately cut the price by 70%: "Thirty thousand."

The madam was astonished by her beauty.

I've never seen a man bargain like that before. Are you a woman?
"Young master is joking. If that's the price, you should enjoy your first time tonight. I wish you a pleasant time." The madam muttered as she walked out, "Pretending to be poor..."

As expected, Jiang Yuan was provoked and immediately exploded: "Who carries so many spirit stones with them! You clearly have no sincerity!"

It wasn't that she didn't have it with her, but that she didn't have it at all. The madam understood and was somewhat shocked.

They're really that rich? What kind of power is this so-called Penglai Island in the East Sea? Would your elders really let you spend 100,000 to buy a woman?
But this aura didn't seem to be feigned; only someone who genuinely treated tens of thousands of spirit stones as just a number would have this kind of aura. The madam's mind raced, and she quickly said, "Of course, no one carries that many spirit stones with them. If you have an equivalent magic item, that would be fine too."

Jiang Yuan glanced at her sideways: "Are you in charge of appraising and pricing the treasures?"

The madam said, "Young master, you can go to the treasure appraisal center in the city tomorrow to exchange it."

Anyway, it's from Chunshan Pavilion... so it's even more likely to determine the true quality of this Jiang Chenzhou.

Jiang Yuan nodded slightly: "Alright, let's talk about it tomorrow. I need to spend a night with Qianqian, you can go out now."

The madam left, and the door next door opened. Lu Xingzhou poked his head out: "I want to redeem Miss Yan'er. Name your price."

The madam was dumbfounded. What was going on tonight? Two suckers came along who wanted to redeem themselves even though they hadn't played with the girls all night.

If redeeming Qianqian had ulterior motives, then redeeming Liu Yan'er, who had already been thoroughly exploited, was highly unlikely to have any ulterior motives. The madam, without a trace of suspicion, laughed, "Yan'er is somewhat special; she shouldn't normally be able to be redeemed..."

Lu Xingzhou's face hardened: "Stop making a fool of yourselves with these price-gouging tricks. Give us a fair price."

The madam choked for a moment. Actually, this wasn't a tactic to raise the price, but rather a way of saying she didn't dare sell the sect leader's former concubine without permission. What if the sect leader suddenly remembered their past relationship? Of course, the chances of that were very, very small, and Zang Wanchun didn't like washing dishes.

Having a sufficient price is naturally not a problem.

The madam thought for a moment and then said, "How about ten thousand spirit stones? Yan'er is ultimately a seventh-grade furnace cauldron."

Lu Xingzhou followed suit: "Three thousand."

"make a deal."

"Damn it." Lu Xingzhou handed over the spirit stones, both amused and exasperated, in exchange for Liu Yan'er's indenture, and then went straight out.

Dugu Qingli said in a low voice, "Leaving already? Aren't you going to keep an eye on Miss Jiang's situation?"

“Jiang Yuan has already left them with the impression of being wealthy and powerful, and her sect is very strong. Tonight, the higher-ups of Chunshan Pavilion or even Zang Wanchun himself might come to observe her. We are too conspicuous and must hide in the shadows first.”

Lu Xingzhou reached the shore and looked back at the brightly lit pleasure boat: "As for Miss Liu, you are now free. If you want to leave, I will arrange for someone to escort you; if you want to seek revenge on your aunt, you might as well go into hiding first. This play won't last long."

(End of this chapter)