"What can a mere county magistrate do to Qunfangyuan? Let me tell you, Xu Hezi (Xu Hezi or Xu Hezi are both fine). No matter where you go, you're still a member of Qunfangyuan, a courtesan. You think you can escape your past just because you've redeemed yourself? You think you can find a rich husband and become a phoenix just because you sing and dance well? An actress is an actress, you'll never become a decent man in this lifetime."
Xu Hezi's face was pale. She had a premonition that she couldn't escape those people, which was why she moved to this somewhat remote place.
Having achieved fame at a young age, she began performing at the brothel Qunfanglou at the age of twelve. Being a courtesan was no easy feat. One had to maintain a constant level of popularity, continuously offering the audience fresh experiences through musical skills, dance, or singing. Only by generating sufficient profit for the brothel could one avoid being forced into prostitution.
Xu Hezi knew this well, and she honed her skills relentlessly. Coupled with her exceptional talent, she reached the pinnacle in both playing the zither and singing. Before being forcibly forced into prostitution, she saved enough money to redeem herself.
But she knew all too well that among those fervent suitors, far too many men coveted his body. Even though she had redeemed herself, in this city of Chang'an, she was still just a weak woman, powerless to resist those men.
Lu Xuan's neighbor was a carefully chosen decision. First, Lu Xuan was a county constable, a low-ranking official, but one whose position served as a deterrent to lawbreakers. Second, news of Lu Xuan's annihilation of the Xiong Huo Gang had already spread throughout Chang'an. Xu Hezi was convinced he was a man who hated evil.
Finally, there was another important reason. Lu Xuan had been in Chang'an for over half a year, but had never once heard her sing. Xu Hezi wasn't sure why. Did he dislike listening to music, or did he dislike her? But at least it proved that he wasn't one of those desperately wanting her.
Born into this world, it's incredibly difficult, almost impossible, for a woman like Xu Hezi to live independently. Historically, most of the renowned beauties didn't have good endings. Xu Hezi had read some books and knew those examples. Therefore, she dared not relax for a moment.
"Miss..." Wu'er ran over and stood in front of her young mistress to protect her.
"You are not allowed to hurt the young lady."
"Wu'er, get out of the way!" Xu Hezi pushed the little girl away. But the two guys became interested in Wu'er.
"I hadn't noticed before, but this little girl is quite pretty. Xu Hezi is someone important has taken a liking to. But nobody wants this little girl. Why don't we try her out first?"
"Old man, close the door." A cold voice suddenly came from behind.
The two men turned around and saw a young man leading an old man over. At that moment, the old man was closing the door to Xu Hezi's house.
"Young master, young master! They are bad people! Report them to the authorities!" Wu'er cried out to Lu Xuan.
"Reporting to the authorities, I am Lu Xuan, the county magistrate of Wannian County. I am in charge of apprehending thieves and robbers within the county. Do you wish to report to the authorities, young lady?"
"Yes, we must report this to the authorities. Those two are trying to sell my young lady. Arrest them immediately!" Wu'er said before Xu Hezi could speak.
"In broad daylight, you dare to abduct a woman right across from my house? Who gave you the audacity?"
“County Commandant Lu, we know you. Don’t think that just because you can mess with the Xiong Huo Gang, you can mess with us. Qunfang Tower is not comparable to the Xiong Huo Gang, that lowlife. If you know what’s good for you, just pretend you didn’t see this, and you’ll be rewarded handsomely in the future. But if you’re going to meddle, you should first think about your own capabilities!”
"Oh...so you mean you're strong and I'm weak, so you want me to get lost, right? But from beginning to end, you haven't said who your backers are or how powerful they are. You think you can scare me away with just a few words? Aren't you underestimating me a bit?" Lu Xuan said casually as he walked forward.
"Kid, don't be ungrateful. We have Yong..." One of them was provoked by Lu Xuan. He almost blurted out a name, but the other stopped him in time. Knowing who had connections was one thing, but as low-level thugs, they had no right to talk about that person.
"Your Highness Prince Yong?" To their horror, Lu Xuan added the following words. This caused their expressions to change drastically. Theoretically, they shouldn't know about this. However, because Xu Hezi was specifically requested by Prince Yong, their superior had reminded them of this before they arrived. That's how they learned the truth.
However, knowing this is one thing, but naturally, it can't be said casually. His Majesty Prince Yong forcibly abducted a former brothel girl who had already been redeemed. If word got out, Prince Yong himself wouldn't face any major consequences. But the two of them would be thrown into a mass grave that very day.
But what horrified them even more was yet to come. Mentioning Prince Yong wasn't enough. Lu Xuan was still muttering to himself.
"It's that good-for-nothing Prince Yong again..."
Although the sound wasn't loud, it was loud enough for everyone in the courtyard to hear clearly. After saying that, Lu Xuan showed a regretful expression.
"Oh no, I think I said something I shouldn't have. Didn't you hear me...?" His slightly exaggerated expression sent chills down the spines of the two thugs. Without a second thought, they both reached for the short knives in their robes.
------------
Chapter Fifty is settled.
There were two loud thuds as heavy objects fell to the ground. Lu Xuan took the old man's towel and wiped his hands.
"Call Zhang Xiaojing over. Let him question these two thoroughly."
"What do you mean?"
"all......"
Wu'er and Xu Hezi were still in a daze. They were stunned by Lu Xuan's words, "That good-for-nothing again." When they came to their senses, they saw the two thugs who had been so arrogant earlier lying on the ground, convulsing, but they didn't seem to be dead.
"Ah...Young Master is so amazing!" Wu'er exclaimed again. Xu Hezi quickly pulled her back.
"Don't talk nonsense, you must address him as the county magistrate."
"This isn't a courtroom, Wu'er, you can call me whatever you want," Lu Xuan suddenly interjected. Xu Hezi's body trembled slightly.
“Look, Miss. Young Master has already agreed to let me call him Young Master.” This time, Xu Hezi did not continue to refute.
Lu Xuan didn't linger. He had Xiao Si and the old man drag the two people back to his house, then turned and left. However, as he reached the door, he turned back and said something to Xu Hezi.
"You're very cunning, but... I like that kind of thing."
"Wu'er, you must not tell anyone what happened today. Not a single word. Do you hear me? If you dare to say a word, I will not let you eat for a whole day." After Lu Xuan left, Xu Hezi threatened his little girl fiercely.
"Ah...I understand, I promise I won't tell." Not being given food for a day was terrifying for Wu'er. So, she swore without hesitation that she would never tell anyone.
Back home, the old man started nagging again.
"Hey boss, that woman moved across the street from us, is she deliberately using you as a shield?"
"I know."
"Then why are you helping her?"
"Why shouldn't I help? She's a commoner of Chang'an. She's being bullied, how can I, a county magistrate of Wannian County, stand idly by?"
"No, but this time the enemy isn't some thugs like the Bearfire Gang. It's Prince Yong, a prince!!"
"Your Highness... do you remember? Back during the Bearfire Gang incident, we thoroughly offended Prince Yong. For someone who enjoys bullying the weak and is a lecherous man, offending him once or twice makes little difference. To put it simply, spitting on him or punching him in the face will have the same result. He'll kill you. So..."
Lu Xuan didn't continue, but his meaning was clear. The old man stopped dwelling on the matter. There were already enough things going on at home lately, especially with the Lunar New Year approaching.
Chinese New Year is a time that the Chinese nation can never avoid. No matter where you are in the world, this day is always special, a day for reunion, and a day to express your hopes for a whole year.