Water Margin: I am Zhu Biao

Leaving the shady shop, Zhu Biao didn't bother to conserve his horse's strength and galloped away as if fleeing for his life.

Even so, by the time they arrived at Linqing Prefecture, it was past 7 PM, and the city gates were already closed.

However, Linqing is a commercial city, located at the confluence of the North and South Canals, with towns scattered along its banks, so it is not difficult to find a place to stay.

"Young master, which inn should we stay at?"

Standing by the roadside, I looked at the rows of shops, the bright lights all around, and the endless stream of pedestrians.

Zhu Wu, who had just experienced a bloody battle, was stunned.

Not to mention him, even Zhu Biao felt as if he had lived through another world.

Even in his "hometown," it might not be this lively at this time, especially considering the canal is frozen and the grain transport yards are shut down.

It is said that the Song Dynasty was a prosperous commercial dynasty, surpassing all other dynasties. Now I have finally seen it with my own eyes. This corrupt dynasty was not entirely without merit.

"Young Master!"

Zhu Wu called out again, finally pulling Zhu Biao Shenfei back to his senses.

"That one!"

Zhu Biao glanced around, then raised his whip and pointed to a three-story inn with carved beams and painted rafters across the street.

The brightly lit strings of carved sheepskin lanterns made the three large gilded characters appear exceptionally magnificent.

Cyclamen!

"Sir, are you looking for a place to stay?"

The welcoming waiter ran over with a smile and helped Zhu Biao take the reins.

Upon seeing this, Zhu Wu's eyes narrowed instantly, and he subconsciously gripped the hilt of the knife.

Once bitten by a snake, twice shy. The waiter at that shady inn was just as enthusiastic, and the blood on the blade hadn't even faded yet.

Are there any upper rooms available?

Zhu Biao, however, jumped off his horse with a calm expression.

"some."

"Open two adjacent rooms, prepare a table of top-quality food and wine, and take good care of the horse."

As Zhu Biao gave the instructions, he casually slapped a tael of silver into the waiter's hand.

"Thank you for the generous gift, sir!"

The young man's face beamed with joy.

"I will certainly make the arrangements properly."

The superior guest rooms on the third floor of Cyclamen consist of three rooms: a bedroom, a bathroom, and a guest room. The rooms are furnished with braziers and heated walls, making them warm and cozy.

Eight dishes were laid out on the table in the guest room:

Ling Shuang Carp, Eight Treasure Chicken, Stewed Lamb, Braised Eel, Four Happiness Meatballs, Vinegar-Braised Cabbage, Silver Thread Golden Dates, Honey-Glazed Yam.

Beside it, two celadon wine pots were being heated in a porcelain basin of the same color.

"Esteemed guests, this wine is our signature drink, Linhechun. Please try it and see if you find it to your liking?"

The wine connoisseur, dressed in a blue robe, filled the wine cups of Zhu Biao and Zhu Wu one after the other, and said with a smile.

Seeing Zhu Biao drink it all down without hesitation, Zhu Wu's eyes widened, his throat bobbing, but he held back and didn't dare to utter a sound or drink any more.

"Hmm, not bad. It's smooth on the palate, with a refreshing aroma and a subtle floral scent."

Zhu Biao ignored him, put down his wine glass, and commented.

"Esteemed guest, this Linhe Spring Steamed Wine is made with apricot blossoms, hence it is also called Apricot Blossom Wine."

The wine expert immediately showered him with praise, then paused before pulling out an exquisite picture book and handing it over.

"Sir, you seem to be a man of extravagance. Drinking alone is rather dull. How about ordering a few young ladies to keep you company?"

"Cough cough~"

Zhu Wu, who had just taken a sip of wine, choked and turned red in the face, but his eyes were full of anticipation.

This guy is twenty-two years old this year. He's already married and has two kids. He's in his prime, full of energy and ready to enjoy life to the fullest.

Zhu Biao was also slightly surprised. He took the album and casually flipped through it.

The title page of the album is titled "The Manual of Flower Picking," and inside are colorful portraits of women, with the flower name, age, and specialty noted in small print next to them.

Haitang, sixteen, is skilled at playing the pipa; Hongxiao, fifteen, is skilled at playing the xiao; Jinzhi, seventeen, is knowledgeable in drinking games.

"Tsk tsk, the brothels in Linqing certainly have a lot of tricks up their sleeves."

After flipping through just a few pages, Zhu Biao deciphered the hidden information in the Flower Manual.

In the portraits, some girls have an inconspicuous crimson plum blossom printed on the hem of their skirts, while others have a pale pink bud.

As a seasoned auditor who had seen it all, Zhu Biao immediately understood: the plum blossoms were in full bloom and ready to stay overnight, while the buds were still fledglings that had not yet been combed.

Or I can stay overnight, but it will cost extra, much more!

At this moment, Zhu Wu's neck was almost broken, and his eyes were about to bulge out of their sockets as he desperately stole glances. The wine doctor's expression also seemed slightly anxious.

He earns a commission for hiring female escorts to drink with him, and it's quite substantial, making it his main source of income.

"Begonia, Ruyi, and Hongxiao, I don't like listening to music, so there's no need to bring any musical instruments. Tell them to add a few more dishes and a few more jugs of wine."

Zhu Biao suddenly closed the picture album and casually called out the names of several flowers, all of which were "plum blossoms".

The wine expert, understanding the implication, suddenly brightened up.

"Sir, you have a good eye. I'll make the arrangements right away."

A moment later, several hot dishes and a few pots of warm wine were added to the table. Then the door was pushed open, a fragrant breeze wafted out, and three slender young women filed in.

"May your esteemed lord enjoy boundless blessings!"

The three young women simultaneously lifted the sides of their skirts, turned to the side, bent their knees, lowered their heads and lowered their eyes. Zhu Biao recognized this as the Lianren Li, also known as the Guanren Li.

However, he only glanced at it briefly before glancing at Zhu Wu, who was staring intently at the young woman in the green dress on his left.

This young woman was petite and delicate, with a submissive demeanor. She was not particularly outstanding, ranking last in appearance and temperament among the three women.

Zhu Biao frowned slightly, but quickly understood.

Zhu Wu's wife was Hu Sanniang's personal maid, or rather, a female soldier. She had a fiery temper and a fierce appearance.

Her fists were as big as earthenware pots, she was skilled with two knives, and her female power was formidable.

After the three young women bowed, they stood still, waiting for the host to choose their seats. This custom has remained unchanged for hundreds of years.

"What is your name?"

Zhu Biao pointed at the young woman in the green dress, and Zhu Wu's chest visibly heaved, his eyes darting around.

"My name is Haitang."

"A good name! Begonia, come and pour wine for my brother."

Zhu Biao deliberately delayed speaking for a few moments, and Zhu Wu's previously dimmed eyes instantly brightened.

"You~"

Zhu Biao then pointed to the young woman in the red dress on the right. She was also the obedient and lively type, the kind of girl Zhu Wu liked.

"This humble servant is Hongxiao."

"You stay with my brother too, Ruyi, come and pour me some wine."

At this moment, Zhu Wu's eyes welled up with tears, and he murmured, unsure of what to say.

However, after a few jugs of wine, this guy completely let loose, his two paws wandering up and down the young woman's waist, and a lecherous look appeared on his face.

Clang~

Zhu Biao couldn't bear to look any longer, so he took out two five-tael silver ingots and threw them on the table.

"Is this enough for the two of you to spend the night?"

"Enough, enough."

Haitang blushed and lowered her head in silence, but Hongxiao's eyes lit up and she nodded vigorously.

Zhu Biao, slightly intoxicated, waved his hand dismissively:

"In that case, help my brother back to his room to rest. Take good care of him, and remember, he has an injury on his shoulder, so you all need to be careful."

"Young master, um, I~"

Zhu Wu was still somewhat embarrassed, but Zhu Biao cursed him irritably:

"Stop pretending! Get lost!"

Just now, they scavenged over ten taels of gold and two hundred and seventy taels of silver from the black market, making a small fortune.

Zhu Wu also contributed greatly, and he even got injured.

Money should be rewarded, and women should be rewarded too!

After Zhu Wu reluctantly took the two young women away, the room suddenly became quiet, leaving only Zhu Biao and the young woman named Ruyi.

Ruyi was the most beautiful and had the most voluptuous figure among the three women, but she had a cold and indifferent expression and was also older.

Nineteen is considered quite old for Hua Niang.

Her clothes were also unusually plain, a somber gray-blue dress, with no other jewelry except for the silk plum blossom in her hair bun.

Zhu Biao didn't say anything, just looked at her with a half-smile, tapping his fingers on the table idly.

Ruyi felt uneasy under his gaze, and lowered her head to pick up the wine pot:

"My lord, would you like some more drink?"

"I won't drink it, but pour me a cup of tea instead."

Zhu Biao exhaled a breath of alcohol, leaned back in his chair, and twisted his neck.

"Ruyi, are you good at telling history?"

This is noted in the "Nianhua Manual," indicating her specialty.

"Yes."

"What's your salary for the night? Is it comparable to Haitang's?"

"what?"

Ruyi paused in her tea-pouring motion, spilling a few drops of tea onto the table, and her voice trembled noticeably.

"My lord, I am not feeling well today and I am afraid I will be unable to serve you."

"Heh~"

Zhu Biao chuckled, lazily straightened up, and said in a low voice:

"Feeling unwell? You've always used this excuse before, haven't you? How many more days will the brothel madam tolerate you?"

Those who frequent brothels and hire prostitutes are mostly educated people, so their expertise in history seems quite reasonable at first glance, and even quite classy.

But if you think about it carefully, it's nonsense. Who the hell would listen to a prostitute tell history in a place like this? Even if they were to feign refinement, they would only compose a couple of bad poems or write a few idle verses.

Therefore, her absurd expertise, plain attire, and aloof expression are all protective camouflage for Ruyi.

This young lady has a story, Zhu Biao thought, since the night is long, it wouldn't hurt to listen.

Ah, it can't be a seriously ill father, a runaway mother, a young brother, and a broken woman left behind, can it?

"You~"

Ruyi's cold expression cracked instantly, and she stared at Zhu Biao in astonishment, as if she had seen a ghost.

She had been using this method to endure hardship for years, but unexpectedly, the boy in front of her, who looked even younger than her, saw through it all in a single sentence.