Chapter Twenty-Two: The Green Building

  Pingyang Prefecture in Shanxi has a certain reputation, and there are many businessmen here.

  The city has two main streets, Dongzhidajie and NanZhidaJie, both in the east of the city.

  Dongzhimen Street is the location of the provincial government and county government, where officials, nobles, and wealthy merchants live. The Su family residence is also located on Dongzhimen Street.

  Nan Zhi Street is a concentrated area of high-end restaurants, bars and casinos. Compared to other streets, Nan Zhi Street is more lively with crowds of people coming and going day and night.

  Shanxi Province as a whole is poor and barren land, but this does not prevent people from enjoying themselves here.

  The businessmen in Pingyang Prefecture are numerous, although they are all very frugal and, to use the popular phrase of the time, somewhat stingy. However, their descendants can't be bothered with so much, and when it's necessary to spend money, they won't hesitate, such as Su Tianhao and Su Tianran, who are typical representatives of this group.

  Since crossing over, Su Tiancheng had hardly ever strolled around inside the prefectural city.

  Everything that needs to be done has been done. The tenant farmers are busy sowing winter wheat, the irrigation ditches have been dug, and the dam is under construction. One of the wells that was excavated has already produced water, and everything is proceeding according to his plan.

  Su Jun has set out with the gold and token, riding the only Mongolian horse in the mansion.

  Su Tiancheng was also worried about another thing, which was when the big wife would arrive at Pingyang Prefecture City. He had made some decisions on his own regarding the seeds and salt in the mansion, and had used some of them. He estimated that if the big wife found out, she would be furious. However, after such a long time had passed, Su Huawen and the big wife still hadn't arrived, and it seemed like there was no reaction. Although he found it strange, he wouldn't take it to heart.

  Su Tiancheng took Su Er Tong out for a stroll.

  It's already late at night, and the sky has darkened. There aren't many people on the streets anymore. On a winter evening, not many people are willing to go out.

  Many shops did not close, high-rise buildings were invisible, the street surface was paved with bluestone, tightly sealed, and the shops on both sides of the street each hung their signboards, from time to time seeing some vendors pushing wooden wheelbarrows, shouting and selling goods.

  At this time there were no electric lights, and the street lighting was entirely maintained by the light from the shops.

  Su Tiancheng walked aimlessly, his feelings about Pingyang Prefecture lingering in his memory, all of which were experienced by the former Su Tiancheng.

  But he has a kind of intimacy.

  Perhaps having seen high-rise buildings, as well as cold concrete walls and concrete roads, suddenly experiencing this natural atmosphere has a unique flavor.

  The front became lively and the light was exceptionally sufficient. Su Tiancheng knew that he had arrived at Nanjing Road.

  This is a gathering place for brothels, restaurants and casinos, the most bustling area in Pingyang Prefecture.

  Some heavily made-up women, standing on both sides of the street, flirting and making eyes at each other. It's obvious what kind of business they're in. Around them are some men wearing rough cotton robes, chatting and laughing without any reserve, occasionally taking liberties with their hands and feet to take advantage of the situation.

  Taking a closer look at these women, although their faces are heavily made up, they still can't conceal the marks of time passing by. These are probably those pitiful courtesan girls with the most tragic fates.

  The courtesans of the Qing dynasty were not just prostitutes, but were divided into two categories: one was those who sold their art but not their bodies, and the other was prostitutes. Some of the courtesans who sold their art but not their bodies were skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and if they were lucky, they could be redeemed by someone and become a respectable woman, which was also a good ending.

  However, there has always been a prejudice in society towards courtesan women, who are considered to be inferior and promiscuous. Especially among officials, they would rather spend a fortune on prostitutes than marry the most outstanding courtesans, as they believe that doing so would damage their reputation.

  The fate of courtesan women is generally more tragic, the more famous they are, the more tragic. When young and beautiful, they were surrounded by officials and nobles, but as they grew older, they had no choice but to marry a merchant's wife. Unfortunately, merchants always prioritize wealth and status, and after bringing home a courtesan woman, they would eventually abandon her after a period of time.

  Su Tiancheng clearly remembered the eight beauties of Qinhuai, except for Ma Xianglan who had passed away. The remaining ones were Liu Ruzi, Gu Hengbo, Dong Xiaowan, Li Xiangjun, Kou Baimen, Bian Yujing, Chen Yuanyuan, all of whom were famous figures.

  "Brother Su, wait a minute, wait a minute."

  The voice sounded somewhat familiar, so Su Tiancheng turned around and saw a young man walking slowly towards him.

  The young man looked about twenty years old, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, a bit shorter than himself, but very spirited.

  Su Tiancheng quickly searched for information about this person from his memory, Liu Zhongji, a student of Pingyang Prefecture, whose father was a senior clerk in the Pingyang Prefectural Government Office.

  There was nothing else in his mind, Su Tiancheng tried hard to search, but unfortunately, it was empty.

  "So it's Brother Liu, nice to meet you."

  Liu Zhongji looked at Su Tiancheng, his eyes revealing surprise.

  The Su Tiancheng in front of him left an impression that was somewhat off, his demeanor was very calm and collected, his eyes were extremely clear, could it be said that after not seeing each other for a period of time, Su Tiancheng had suddenly transformed.

  Su Tiancheng left a deep impression on him, he was not talkative and smiley, always reading books to death, also lacking in fun.

  Of course, Su Tiancheng's madness was unclear to Liu Zhongji, after all, in this era, information was very closed.

  Recently, Su Tiancheng has been doing things that he is aware of. He distributed grain, coarse salt and seeds to the tenants. He also discussed it with everyone, and many people think that Su Tiancheng has become a prodigal son.

  "Brother Su, I'll be the host this time. Let's go to the brothel together and have some fun. It's cold in winter, there's not much to do, what do you think?"

  Liu Zhongji finished speaking and pulled Su Tiancheng towards a nearby brothel, without caring whether they were willing or not.

  Su Tiancheng suddenly thought of something, this Liu Zhongji, is still a good person, likes to eat and drink and have fun.

  Scholars going to the land of smoke and flowers is not something that cannot be seen, some courtesan women are skilled in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, and many stories of scholars falling in love with courtesans have been passed down.

  The door of the brothel, the half-old madam's face wore a smile.

  "Oh, Liu Gongzi is here! What a rare guest! Who's this young man? He looks so handsome and charming. Don't mesmerize all the girls later!"

  Su Tiancheng shivered slightly, and it was only at this moment that he suddenly remembered that he had never been to a brothel before.

  Since you've come, then make yourself at home. He bowed his head and paid respects to the madam.

  "Xia Su Tiancheng is Liu's classmate, and please take care of Mother more."

  "Hehe, Young Master Su is indeed a clever person. The two young masters please go to the elegant room and sit down. I'll take the two of you upstairs, and the young lady will follow the two of you to choose."

  Su Tiancheng was stunned for a moment, he didn't know the consumption level here, and how much silver he needed to spend. If it's said that every now and then it's tens or even hundreds of taels of silver, he can't afford it, and even if Liu Zhongji invites him out, he would be too embarrassed.

  Entering the brothel, the sound of people was deafening. On the first floor, many tables were set up, and not a few people were eating, drinking, and playing dice. What's different is that they all had women by their side. If you weren't careful, you'd think this was just an ordinary tavern.

  Su Tiancheng followed Liu Zhongji, looking anxious and uneasy. Going up the stairs was easy, but going down would be difficult. Who knew how much silver would be needed? He only had 45 taels of silver left from last time, and if the expenses were too high and he couldn't pay, it would be too embarrassing.

  Liu Zhongji didn't show any weakness, he straightened his back and followed behind the madam, occasionally glancing at the main hall as if to show off.

  Su Er Tong hung his head low and silently followed at the back, lost in thought.

  After going upstairs, he didn't follow into the room and stood waiting in the corridor.

  The room is not big, but after entering, it feels particularly different, and the noisy sounds can't be heard.

  "Master Liu, Master Su, what do you need?"

  "Bring a good wine table, and bring two girls, preferably those who can sing and play musical instruments."

  "Alright, gentlemen, please wait for a moment, they will be here soon."

  The madam herself made tea for the two of them, still talking about the girls in her own brothel, each one more exceptional than the last. After making the tea, the madam left and closed the door behind her.