The Empire will continue to win

The Empress Dowager's heart was filled with thoughts of the entire nation.

The servant's heart is only filled with thoughts of the Empress Dowager.

An Dehai worked swiftly, using four gold-embroidered cotton towels, which were tributes from Hangzhou Prefecture, to wipe the surfaces clean, leaving not a single water stain.

A palace maid standing to the side held a lotus-silk robe, about to drape it over her mistress.

"Wait a minute~"

Xiao Anzi, with her sharp eyes, reached out and plucked a rose petal.

"Master, look!"

As the saying goes: the snow-capped mountains are missing a touch of red, and the white porcelain is adorned with a touch of crimson.

In the blink of an eye~

Empress Dowager Cixi was already dressed in her finest attire: a lotus-silk blouse, a willow-flower skirt, delicate hands, and a golden phoenix crown.

The clothing of the United Empire was mainly a blend of Chinese and Western styles, with styles appearing both front and back. The ugly Manchu-style dress was basically eliminated, with the only exception being the single-piece cheongsam.

For example, male members of the royal family wear military uniforms as their everyday attire, while hunting attire is preferred for daily leisure and outdoor activities.

For example, female members of the royal family prefer Han-style dresses with luxurious materials but simple designs.

Looking at his refreshed master, An Dehai thought to himself, "My master is the true number one confidant of the Phoenix Palace. What are you, Shen Moqing? Have you ever seen the Phoenix's body without clothes?"

Unexpectedly~

next second.

"Xiao Anzi, send someone to see me first thing tomorrow morning."

"Who is it? Who is it?"

"Shen Moqing." In her desperation, the Empress Dowager couldn't help but think of Shen Moqing again.

"Yes, sir."

Bitterness, jealousy, resentment, and incomprehension.

"This telegram is to be sent to my sister and the Emperor."

"Yes, sir."

Imperial power should be enjoyed exclusively, but risks should be shared.

This vast empire doesn't belong to me alone, so why should I be the only one living in fear?

.........

Beijing.

It is now entering the busiest time of the day.

The entertainment industry in Beijing has two outstanding establishments: Hefenglou and Hanfenglou.

These two tall buildings stand back to back, separated only by an alley, hence the nickname "Twin Buildings".

Hefenglou is a restaurant that focuses on the style of Dongsang.

Hanfenglou specializes in local cuisine.

Wafuu is relatively cheaper.

It is said that the two buildings belong to the same manager, but no one has ever seen the manager's face. In short, the fact that the profits are so high yet the business remains unscathed is enough to show that there are many shareholders and a powerful background behind it.

As dusk settles, the city lights begin to twinkle.

It was a time when the house was full of distinguished guests.

One carriage after another arrived, and one distinguished gentleman after another stepped out, keeping the pimps at the door extremely busy.

"Mr. Zhang!! How long has it been since you last visited? Yuriko misses you terribly."

"Master Wang, today we have your favorite 'Tang Dynasty Goldfish Tank'."

"This young master looks unfamiliar. Is this your first time here? Not to brag, but this is the most elegant place in the capital, ten times the size of the Qinhuai River. We guarantee you'll come in upright and leave horizontally."

Some people love Japanese style, while others prefer Han women.

Some people love both, so they switch between them midway through.

.........

"Oh my goodness, what are you saying?"

Even the well-informed pimp was shocked by what he saw. A young man in a naval uniform was walking over with a cane, and blood was seeping through the gauze on his neck.

Do you really need to visit brothels?

Despite physical disability, you have a strong will!

Standing next to him was a rough-looking man with a dazed look in his eyes and drool practically dripping from his mouth; he clearly had no money.

"I have an appointment with the Kyushu Hall."

"Ah, our esteemed guest has already given instructions. Young master, this way please. Quickly, help the young master up."

.........

This is a building with a distinctly Japanese style.

First floor.

The Japanese girls, dressed in various colored yukatas, knelt on the tatami mats, facing the guests and whispering to each other.

Shen Moqing stopped and observed for a while.

A yukata is a lightweight kimono made of cotton or linen. It comes in a variety of colors, is easy to style, and is perfect for summer. Overall, it is not revealing; on the contrary, it covers the wearer completely.

But it is precisely this strictness that makes it even more alluring.

To hide is to desire.

The young girls wore pine clogs and went barefoot, which was simply wonderful for the guests who were deeply influenced by Confucianism.

How delightful! How delightful!

For just one silver coin, you can enjoy half an hour of conversation here, equivalent to a tea party in a classic brothel.

.........

A balding middle-aged customer, perhaps drunk or dissatisfied with his life as a migrant worker in Beijing, had slightly red eyes, sighed, and kept complaining.

The girl's eyes were slightly red as she held his hand.

Although not a single word was spoken, it was more powerful than a thousand words.

They really understand boys so well!

.........

You stand on the bridge admiring the scenery, while others on the bridge admire you.

at this time.

A woman dressed in a plain white furisode kimono with bamboo patterns embroidered on the right lapel, a sash with intricate patterns around her waist, and straw sandals on her feet, was gazing at Shen Moqing.

I didn't recognize him at first glance.

It looks familiar, but I can't remember it.

Suddenly, she remembered—it was him, it was him! Their first encounter was inside Zhengyang Gate, where he looked like a defeated soldier. Their second encounter was in an alley, where he looked like a cold-faced man.

This is the third time today~

Could it be a coincidence?

The beautiful cherry blossom girl walked up to Shen Moqing step by step and bowed at a 90-degree angle: "I am really sorry for offending you that day, young master. You must give me a chance to make amends."

"Who are you?"

"Motoko Takei."

Shen Moqing remembered, "So it was you, poor yet generous."

"I'm going to the Kyushu Hall."

"Wait a moment. You have difficulty moving around. I'll arrange a sedan chair for you."

"Alright."

This gave them the opportunity to chat.

"May I ask your esteemed name, sir?"

"Shen Moqing".

Yuanzi was shocked. According to intelligence, a naval reserve officer named Shen Moqing had arrested 11 colleagues at the gun factory and killed 4 of them in return.

However, can Malu from the Army Department be considered a colleague?

"What?" Shen Moqing turned his head and asked with a half-smile.

As a Navy spy stationed in Beijing, Takei Motoko was naturally well-trained. She bowed again and said, "Ah, I'm sorry for being absent-minded. I just suddenly remembered that I know a talented young man who happens to share the same surname, Shen."

"What's his name?" Shen Moqing had a bad feeling. Could it be my father?

"Shen Lian".

"I see."

Shen Moqing breathed a sigh of relief, feeling as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

"You know him too?"

"I know him more than just; he's my cousin."

"Wow, that's such a coincidence. But you two really don't look alike at all."

"Yeah?"

"Young Master Lian is a very witty and easy-going person. He maintains good personal relationships with many of the girls here." Takei Motoko covered her mouth and smiled, her eyebrows curving slightly.

"And what about me?"

"Young Master Qing commands respect without anger, inspiring awe and awe."

"That's because I just killed a lot of people," Shen Moqing suddenly turned his head and said with a smile.

.........

"The palanquin has arrived."

"Young master, slow down, be careful of your wound." Takei Motoko quickly reached out to help the uninvited guest onto the soft palanquin, which was carried by two burly female servants as they ascended the steps.

I must say, it's quite comfortable.

It feels like An Lushan going to see Yang Guifei.

Third floor.

Kyushu Hall.

Four plainclothes guards stood outside the door, their eyes alert and their waists bulging. Upon seeing the distinguished guest arrive, they quickly opened the wooden sliding door.

"Please~"

"Slow down, lower it a bit."

Takei Motoko gave the instructions softly, not forgetting to lend a hand, seemingly providing attentive service but actually hoping to eavesdrop on a few words, even if it was just idle chatter. This was because the host from the Kyushu government office was Li Shaoquan, the commander of the First Division of the Imperial Army.

.........

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