Chapter 27: All Brothels Are for Righteous Prostitution
"It's useless to have good systems, internal strife has weakened the country's power." Ding Yunyi's words were laced with regret, and he let out a soft sigh: "It's just like someone holding a one-of-a-kind sword in their hand, but not knowing how to use it is a similar principle."
"After a conversation with Master Ding, my eyes were widely opened. Han Xiaoxiao spoke without any flattery: 'Although I am just a woman, I also have something to do with national affairs. Just the other day when I arrived in Fujian, I heard that our great Ming naval forces had won a big victory at Liu'ao Bay, and that the son of Lord Ding, who is in charge of military affairs in Fujian, Ding Yunwei, led his troops bravely and killed many Red Barbarians one after another. He was highly praised by Commander Zou. I wonder where Master Ding is currently serving?'"
"This... I'm currently serving as a patrol officer in Penghu."
Han Xiaoxiao didn't think much of it: "Penghu is an important place for me, with many Red Barbarians, dried silk people, and pirates invading. It's just right to have a brave warrior assist in defending the territory, and Ding Xun is the best candidate."
She was being polite, she knew that Ding Yunyi was just a small inspector and couldn't possibly be in charge of defending the area alone, which is why she said "assist in defending" those few words.
Ding Yun was extremely surprised in his heart. How did a woman like Han Xiaoxiao know so much about national affairs? Even the importance of Penghu could be known?
A question arose in her mind, but a desolate look flashed across Xiao's face: "Has Inspector Ding ever heard of the Battle of Salhu?"
Ding Yunyi was taken aback, then nodded: "The Battle of Sarhu was launched by my Great Ming, and the Jinluo were on the defensive. However, this battle ended in a disastrous defeat for my Great Ming."
"My father died in that battle. Fourteen years ago, my father followed General Liu to fight against the Jinwu tribe at Salhu. To save General Du Song, he was surrounded by the enemy at Abudali ridge. The Ming army's formation was in disarray, and General Liu was shot in the left arm, but he continued to fight. In the battle, his right arm was also injured, but he still fought on. Surrounded and without aid, half of his face was cut off by a sword, yet he refused to yield, charging forward and killing many people. In the end, he killed dozens of men before dying in battle. My father was one of General Liu's scouts at the time, fighting alongside him until the very end, sacrificing himself for the country."
"Rather die in battle than surrender!" Ding Yunyi said with great respect: "Our Great Ming has many heroic and chivalrous men!"
"Thank you, Master Ding." Han Xiaoxiao's eyes welled up with tears: "After my father passed away, our family was poor and had many siblings. My mother had no choice but to sell me when I was only three years old, causing me, Han Xiaoxiao, to fall into the dust of the world."
Ding Yunyi did not expect that this little Korean girl had such a sad story, and for a moment he didn't know how to comfort her. He also thought of her being the daughter of a great general of the Ming Dynasty, yet having to suffer such an experience, and sighed in his heart.
"When I was young, my mother also respected my father and never made things difficult for me. As I grew older, I learned about my father's heroic deeds and made a vow that if anyone could avenge him, I would be willing to devote myself to that person! Han Xiaoxiao suddenly said: "It is precisely because of this that I pay special attention to the affairs of the imperial court, hoping that our great Ming dynasty will produce a hero who can stand tall. Unfortunately, over the years, my wish has never come true."
Ding Yunyi was shocked, listening to Han Xiaoxiao's words. Could it be that she was still a virgin? But she was in a brothel! He didn't dare ask: "Miss Han, your wish is quite big. Jin Yu's power has risen greatly, and the court can't even control him now. It's impossible for one person to help you take revenge."
Han Xiaoxiao smiled bleakly: "I also knew that what I was waiting for was a real great hero who could save the country!"
This is the common problem of famous courtesans in the Ming Dynasty. Ordinary people look down on them, but they are extremely infatuated with celebrities and heroes. For example, the later famous courtesan Li Xiangjun thought that Hou Fangyu was a celebrity at that time, and "combed" (i.e., the first time she accompanied him as a guest) and gave herself to Hou Fangyu.
Like Li Xiangjun, a famous courtesan, " Zhuangliang" had to invite a large number of elegant and refined scholars, and also pay a generous gift to the madam. Hou Fangyu had no silver and was powerless. Friend Yang Longyou helped him with a strong assist. However, that money was not Yang Longyou's, but Ruan Dacheng gave it to Hou Fangyu as a favor, trying to win him over. Ruan Dacheng was originally an untalented playwright and writer, but his character was very low. Hou Fangyu was still hesitant, but Li Xiangjun flew into a rage, snatched the hairpin from her head, and scolded Hou Fangyu awake. After selling her jewelry and borrowing money everywhere, she finally managed to scrape together the amount and threw the money back at Ruan Dacheng.
Later, when Nanjing fell, Li Xiangjun was unwilling to become a slave of the fallen country and escaped under cover of night. Some say she became a nun, while others claim she died. However, Hou Fangyu, whom she had secretly admired, could not bear the loneliness and participated in the imperial examination in the eighth year of Shunzhi's reign, losing all face.
All brothels are righteous and heroic, all heroes are butchers!
Ding Yunyi thought of this and also thought of the two words "Shu Liang", his heart moved, and he quietly looked at Han Xiaoxiao.
In a brothel, virgins only wore braids, after their first time with a customer they wore buns, called "shū lóng".
At this time, the Korean girl in front of her was indeed braided and had not yet put up her hair, and was indeed still a virgin.
Han Xiaoxiao had no idea what was going on in Ding Yunyi's mind. She casually asked about Ding Yunyi's intention to come to Quanzhou.
Ding Yunyi did not conceal the fact that the treatment of Penghu officials and soldiers was extremely poor, and this time he came to sell a batch of treasures to support his brothers on the island, but omitted the fact that these things were seized from pirates.
"I didn't think Penghu officials were so bitter and cold." Han Xiaoxiao listened intently: "I suppose Master Ding hasn't found a buyer yet?"
"Yes." Ding Yunyi replied honestly.
Han Xiaoxiao smiled: "If Master Ding has time tomorrow, he can come to the Moon Pavilion again. I will arrange everything for Master Ding."
Ding Yunyi was overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly. These famous courtesans had a wide network of connections, and there were many people who would willingly listen to their words, so it wasn't difficult to find a jeweler.
He himself was no connoisseur of jewelry either. Qin Yun was a down-and-out scholar, and now with the help of Han Xiaoxiao, he didn't lose out in terms of price.
It's getting late too, thanks again Xiao Xiao Han, I'll take my leave.
Han Xiaoxiao surprisingly sent him out of the room, which made the boss of Lang Yue Pavilion, who had been waiting outside, click his tongue in surprise. Looking left and right, this Mr. Ding didn't seem to have anything special about him, so how did he manage to get Han Xiaoxiao's favor like that, staying inside for over an hour.
Back at the inn, Qin Yun and Xie Xuan had been waiting anxiously for a long time. Seeing Ding Yunwei return, they hastily surrounded him, wanting him to confess honestly what had happened between him and Han Xiaoxiao.
Ding Yunyi simply said a few words, Qin Yun and Xie Xuan listened with relish, wanting to ask more questions, but Ding Yunyi ignored them, lay down on the bed, pulled over the quilt, covered his head and fell fast asleep.
