Film and Television: The Villain's Life Begins with Joy of Life

Throughout history, teahouses, restaurants, gambling dens, and brothels have been the most important places for the exchange and flow of information.

As the most famous brothel on the banks of the Liujing River, Zuixianju naturally had the most frequent intelligence exchanges.

The list that Li Yunrui provided to him included spies planted in Zuixianju.

However, Zhou Cheng's purpose in this trip was not for this.

The largest intelligence network in Kyoto is, of course, the Investigation Bureau.

The most secretive intelligence network, however, is neither the Censorate nor any overt force like the Censorate.

The Northern Qi Dark Network is the best among the many intelligence networks in the capital in terms of secrecy, caution, and thoroughness!

After all, being located deep within enemy territory, the slightest slip could lead to annihilation. Therefore, the Northern Qi Dark Network was the organization most capable of isolating the Qing Kingdom's intelligence network.

Zhou Cheng's target for this trip was the Northern Qi Dark Network.

With a "snap",

Zhou Cheng closed the ivory folding fan in his hand and strode straight towards Zuixianju.

As soon as I stepped onto the steps, the waiter outside the door eagerly approached me.

"Young master, you've arrived! Please come in!"

The servant, all smiles, bowed and led the way.

Having spent so much time in this place, I've long since developed a keen eye for things.

Judging from Zhou Cheng's attire, demeanor, the attendants behind him, and even the folding fan he casually played with, one could tell that the newcomer was either rich or noble.

Such people are often generous. If you can serve them well and say auspicious words to please them, the money they casually give as a reward may be more than a month's wages.

Zhou Xin raised his hand slightly, and Chen Quan behind him immediately understood and handed over a small piece of silver.

Zhou Cheng casually tossed it to the servant, who caught it and was overjoyed, secretly thinking that he had encountered a generous guest.

"Thank you so much for the generous donation!"

The servant shouted, and immediately bent his waist even lower, becoming even more attentive.

Stepping into Zuixianju, one finds it to be magnificent and opulent.

The hall was spacious, brightly lit, with marble floors and carved beams and painted rafters.

Light gauze curtains hung everywhere, their subtle fragrance wafting in the breeze. In the center stood a carved rosewood stage, where musicians gently plucked strings, their voices like pearls and jade.

The guests were impeccably dressed, laughing and chatting as they mingled and clinked glasses, creating a scene of extravagance and decadence, completely unlike the smoky and chaotic atmosphere of ordinary brothels.

"Oh! Young master, is this your first time visiting our Drunken Immortal Abode?"

A fragrant breeze wafted by, and a brightly dressed woman stepped forward from the crowd.

She was about thirty years old. Although not as young as the girls in the building, she still had charm and was quite beautiful.

A servant quickly introduced: This is the manager of Zuixianju, surnamed Hong.

The manager of a brothel, also known as a madam in common parlance.

However, Zuixianju differed from traditional brothels. Many nobles and dignitaries would be invited to come and enjoy its refined atmosphere, which is somewhat similar to high-end cultural clubs in later generations.

The madam here is naturally different from the madams in low-end brothels; she is a genuine manager.

He lightly clapped his palms with his fan and smiled:

"How did the manager know I was a first-timer? Is there some unspoken rule that allowed me to inadvertently reveal my identity?"

Manager Hong covered her mouth and chuckled softly, her eyes gleaming:

"Young master is too kind. There are no rules or unspoken understandings. It's simply that you are handsome and have an extraordinary bearing. If you had ever met me, you would never forget me. I have no recollection of you, so this is naturally my first time here."

Zhou Cheng laughed heartily upon hearing this: "As expected of the manager of the first floor, you really know how to talk!"

"Not at all, I was just telling the truth."

Zhou Cheng found the words familiar and smiled to himself.

He often says the phrase "tell the truth".

He then said, "Since the manager knows I'm new here, could you tell me about the unique features and highlights of this building?"

Manager Hong replied enthusiastically, "Our Drunken Immortal Abode, named after the Drunken Immortals, naturally has excellent wine. Besides fine wine, we also have excellent music and beautiful girls; it's just a matter of which you prefer, young master!"

Zhou Cheng gently shook his folding fan:

"Since we're already here, we should naturally have the best wine, the best music, and the best girls!"

The manager's smile widened even more:

"Since you desire the best, sir, please proceed to the most prestigious private room, the VIP room."

He then gestured for the servant to leave and personally led Zhou Cheng upstairs.

As she walked, she introduced the wine: "The best wine in the building is 'Liuxia Zui'. Only a hundred jars are produced each year, and it is extremely rare and expensive."

The music will be performed by the renowned artist Su. As for the young lady…”

Her tone shifted slightly, carrying a deeper meaning, and she smiled.

"The girls here are all exceptional, each with their own unique charm and strengths. If you would like to tell me which type you prefer, I will be able to select the best and most suitable one for you."

"There's no need for such trouble," Zhou Cheng waved his hand.

"I've always had a wide range of interests and can appreciate all kinds of things. As for which one I like the most, it's hard to say. But since we're going for the best, let's invite the most famous one first."

"what?"

Manager Hong's smile froze slightly, and she hesitated somewhat:

"Well... young master, the most famous courtesan in the brothel is none other than the newly crowned courtesan, Miss Si Lili. However, Miss Lili is no ordinary woman and does not easily receive guests. Many noblemen are willing to spend a fortune to see her, yet they may not be able to."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Cheng frowned, his smile fading as he gripped his folding fan.

"Since she's a courtesan, she has to entertain clients. If she doesn't even care about money, what does she want?"

"Miss Lili has a refined taste for poetry, literature, and music. Only works of exceptional talent that meet her liking are invited to an audience."

Zhou Cheng lightly tapped his palm with his fan:

"It's interesting that we have to set rules for receiving guests. Unfortunately, I've never liked following other people's rules."

"This...this..." Manager Hong looked very troubled. She couldn't figure out the true identity of the person in front of her and didn't know how to deal with it. She only felt that trouble was about to come.

Zhou Cheng wouldn't deliberately make things difficult for a madam.

He gestured for her to come closer.

The steward nervously approached.

Zhou Cheng lowered his voice and said, "I am Prince Cheng."

"Prince Cheng...Prince Cheng?"

The red-clad manager's makeup flashed across her face, a look of bewilderment on her face.

She felt the title was incredibly familiar, but couldn't quite place it.

Helpless, Zhou Cheng once again begged her to come closer to his ear.

"I am the Prince Cheng who said, 'Why don't they eat meat porridge?'"

Manager Hong suddenly realized what was happening, quickly glanced at him, and his expression immediately turned respectful and fearful.

"May I meet this Miss Si Lili now?"

The manager still looked troubled.

Zhou Cheng's expression softened, as if he had noticed her hesitation:

"No one in Kyoto dares to impersonate a member of the imperial family. If you don't believe me, you're welcome to investigate. But hurry, or I'll lose my temper here!"

The steward immediately recalled the many rumors about this Prince Cheng, so how could he dare to refuse again?

As for verification, as he said, who would dare to impersonate a member of the imperial family in the capital? They'd be asking for trouble!

"Your Highness, please wait a moment. I will send someone to invite you."

Zhou Cheng turned and entered the top-tier room.

The interior was exquisitely furnished, with sandalwood tables, embroidered screens, brocade couches, and glass lamps, exuding luxury in every detail.

The walls are adorned with calligraphy and paintings by famous artists, and the display cabinets are filled with antiques and jade artifacts. The air is filled with the subtle fragrance of incense, creating the atmosphere of a luxurious room.

The steward behind him dared not delay and quickly sent someone to deliver the message. After that, he stood by his side, not daring to move.

......

"What? Prince Cheng specifically requested me? And it's that Prince Cheng who said 'Why don't they eat meat porridge?'"

Si Lili was immediately bewildered when she heard the message from her maid.

Among the royal family members of the Qing Kingdom, the one with the greatest reputation among the common people is none other than Prince Cheng, Li Chengcheng.

There are many anecdotes about him, from the earliest "Why don't they eat meat porridge?" to various absurd rumors that followed.

All these stories have one thing in common: the third prince, now known as Prince Cheng, was by no means a kind person.

She, Si Lili, was merely a courtesan, a newly crowned courtesan on the banks of the Crystal River.

To be specifically mentioned by the renowned Prince Cheng, this is truly...

"It must be him. After all... besides Prince Cheng, what respectable prince would come to a place like this?"

The maid whispered to herself.

Si Lili remained silent.

With His Highness Prince Cheng, who had been granted the title of Prince and established his own residence, personally requesting her to accompany him, her little bit of etiquette was naturally a joke, and she had no room to refuse.

With the help of her attendants, Si Lili had no choice but to quickly redo her makeup, change her clothes, and comb her hair.

A moment later, accompanied by her maid, Si Lili gracefully arrived outside the private room of the highest tier.

Before even entering, one could hear the obsequious laughter of the red-clad steward inside.

She took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

"This humble servant is Si Lili, and greets Young Master Li."

It was ultimately inappropriate for a prince to be involved in matters of the heart. Even though Prince Cheng was known for his unruly behavior, she sensibly refrained from addressing him as "Your Highness" and instead called him "Young Master."

"Now that Miss Lili has arrived, I will take my leave."

As if granted a pardon, the manager hurriedly left.

There's an old saying: serving a ruler is like serving a tiger.

Although Prince Cheng was not a monarch or emperor, to them, they were all the same.

When Si Lili arrived, she immediately felt a weight lifted off her shoulders, as if a great burden had been lifted.

Zhou Cheng nodded and told her to step back, then turned his gaze to Si Lili.

Just then, Si Lili also quietly looked up and glanced over.

It must be said that Si Lili truly deserves her title as the newly crowned queen of flowers. Her ability to stand out from the beauties along the Liujing River is no exaggeration.

She is not old, much younger than in movies and TV shows, and looks to be no more than seventeen or eighteen years old.

She wore a gold-threaded robe and had a jade hairpin in her hair. Her appearance was exquisite and otherworldly, yet her makeup revealed a hint of allure.

Her figure was graceful and slender, perfectly proportioned, truly like a pearl or jade.

Her eyes still retain the innocence of a young girl, yet her figure and demeanor already possess a mature charm. She perfectly combines two kinds of beauty, making her an absolute stunner.

Zhou Cheng gestured for Chen Quan to wait outside the door.

Chen Quan silently closed the door and left.

"Sit down." Zhou Cheng raised his hand. "As expected of the renowned Miss Si Lili, her demeanor is naturally graceful."

"Young master, you flatter me. I am merely a minor figure with a small reputation by this riverbank; how could I possibly deserve the title of 'famous throughout the capital'?"

She adopted a very humble attitude in front of Zhou Cheng.

"I'm the kind of person who likes to get straight to the point, but I don't want to be too forward with a lady like you. May I ask what art or crafts Miss Lili is skilled in?"

"I have a rudimentary understanding of the principles of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but my greatest skill is in playing the zither. If you are interested, young master, I am willing to make a fool of myself by showing off my skills."

"Very well, in that case, I'll have to experience Miss Lili's musical skills."

Zhou Cheng did not refuse.

The top-tier room was fully equipped with all kinds of musical instruments.

Si Lili sat at the front of the zither, and after tuning the strings with her delicate hands, the sound of the zither immediately rang out like a clear spring.

Zhou Cheng listened with his eyes closed.

He rarely listened to the zither and had little interest in musical instruments. However, with the keen ear of a grandmaster, he could still easily sense the skillful fingering and the clear, melodious rhythm.

When the song ended, Zhou Cheng generously offered his applause.

"A fine zither, a beautiful melody, and a beautiful woman."

Si Lili politely declined a few words and left the zither seat to pour wine for Zhou Cheng.

As the most beautiful courtesan, she naturally possessed the ability to strike up conversations. She found a topic of conversation and began chatting with Zhou Cheng, urging him to drink.

Half a day passed, and they had drunk more than a dozen cups of wine.

A system notification suddenly rang in Zhou Cheng's ears.

[Negative emotions from Si Lili +66!]

Zhou Cheng put down his wine glass and suddenly smiled.

Si Lili kept urging him to drink, and with her negative emotional cues, he knew perfectly well that she was planning to get him drunk.

Unfortunately, he has almost never touched alcohol, both in the past and now.

The moment the liquor entered his throat, it was stored in his system space.

Let alone a dozen cups, even a dozen jars, he wouldn't blush.

He remained calm, while Si Lili, sitting opposite him, drank several cups and her face flushed.

"Young master, you have such a large capacity for alcohol..."

Si Lili forced a smile; under the influence of alcohol, her whole body began to heat up.

"It seems the young lady's alcohol tolerance is a bit low. If she drinks any more, she might be wasting this beautiful time."

Zhou Cheng got up and walked to her side, making a move to pick her up.

Si Lili suddenly grabbed his wrist.

"Young master, Lili is a pure courtesan... not the kind who uses her beauty to serve others."

Her voice trembled slightly, whether from the alcohol emboldening her or something else, she continued.

"Lili admires talent and learning most in her life, and has secretly vowed that only those with outstanding poetry and prose can be her... If you do not mind, please give her a poem."

"Interesting! Interesting! You must be the second woman to dare refuse me!"

Zhou Cheng smiled and gently stroked her slightly flushed cheeks, speaking softly amidst her bewildered gaze.

"Do you know what happened to the first woman who rejected me?"

Si Lili trembled and lowered her head:

"Lili...I don't know."

Zhou Cheng snorted coldly, thinking of Li Yunrui, and realized that he hadn't gone too far with her.

So he didn't bring that up, but simply said:

"You're quite bold for a woman like you. You want poetry, huh? Fine, I'll give it to you."

[Negative emotions from Si Lili +333]

Hearing the notification sound in his ear, he got up and paced around the room.

After seven steps, he stopped and looked at Si Lili. Si Lili also looked at him with fear.

Meeting that gaze, Zhou Cheng suddenly felt a loss of interest.

Si Lili is not Li Yunrui, and she has never secretly plotted against me.

As a grandmaster, a chosen transmigrator, and the third prince of the Qing Kingdom, he couldn't possibly lack any tolerance.

He was not good at writing poetry, nor did he like to plagiarize the poems of past masters to show off.

With a sigh, he could only say, "Forget it, I can't do it..."

"Huh?" Si Lili was taken aback.

She was prepared to dedicate herself to writing poetry, good or bad, but she never expected it to end like this.

"If you can't make it, you can't make it. I have nothing to say." Zhou Cheng said calmly.

"I, the Prince of Cheng, a nobleman of the imperial family, would not stoop to making things difficult for a woman. You are quite beautiful, very much to my liking. Rest assured, I will take you and make you willingly follow me. At that time, both you and the forces behind you will be at my disposal."

Si Lili's pupils contracted, and then she saw Zhou Cheng's amused smile, so she quickly lowered her head.

"Young master, you jest... I'm just a humble courtesan, what do I have behind me..."

Zhou Cheng ignored her words and simply said:

"I followed your rules; I won't touch you until you finish writing the poem. But you must follow mine. I'll make a bet with you: you'll soon beg for my protection. If you win, I have nothing to say. If you lose... you'll have to cooperate with me!"

"I...I..."

Si Lili didn't know what he knew, but she felt as if under Zhou Cheng's gaze, all her secrets were laid bare.

At this moment, Zhou Cheng chuckled again.

"Miss Lili, you are a descendant of the former royal family of Qing Kingdom. In fact, you may have some blood relation to me that is not even remotely related."

Si Lili's expression changed drastically, cold sweat poured down her back, and she involuntarily took two steps back, looking at Zhou Cheng in terror:

"How could you know? Impossible! My identity..."

"Don't be afraid," Zhou Cheng said calmly. "I don't care who you are or who you serve. I just want to use the intelligence network behind you."

Seeing her anxious and fearful appearance, with her negative emotions almost off the charts, he stopped trying to scare her.

"Step down. The courtesan of Zuixianju has rejected Prince Cheng. Your fame will rise even higher after today. I will not touch you, nor will I make things difficult for you in secret. I will wait for the outcome of this gamble."

"But...but..."

Si Lili found it hard to believe that Prince Cheng of Qing would release her, a spy from Northern Qi, so easily.

"Once we're out, bring me all the courtesans in the building who are skilled at playing the pipa. I, the Prince of Cheng, am being given the runaround just to get a woman? I refuse to believe it!"

After saying that, Zhou Cheng waved his hand.

Si Lili walked out of the Tianzi Building in a daze.

Chen Quan, standing outside the door, remained completely oblivious to everything behind it, his eyes fixed straight ahead the entire time.