Since ancient times, Biancheng has been known as the "Paradise South of the Great Wall". As soon as one enters, they are greeted by small bridges and flowing waters, exuding a unique charm.
Although Ji Yunxi was in a hurry, she couldn't help but stop to admire the beautiful scenery.
"Master, we've been on the road for so long. How about finding a restaurant to eat something and take a break?"
Lu Shu's suggestion happened to coincide with Ji Yunxi's thoughts.
The four of them found a restaurant beside a waterwheel and ordered several dishes.
"Master, what are we doing in Biancheng?"
"I'm going to take you to a fun place."
Seeing Ji Yunxi smiling brightly, Qing Xuan didn't ask any more questions.
After a comfortable meal, Lu Shu waved his hand boldly. "Waiter, the bill."
However, he searched his whole body but couldn't find a single copper coin.
"What's wrong?"
Lu Shu's face turned pale. "My money bag..."
Hearing this, the waiter's expression changed. "You're not trying to dine and dash, are you?!"
Suddenly, a flash of inspiration came to Lu Shu. He remembered that when they first entered the city, a half - grown child had bumped straight into his arms. At that time, Qing Xuan had even mocked him, saying that he had a way with children.
Now it seemed that was quite the "fate"!
Fortunately, Feng Xingzhi had quite a bit of silver on him. Otherwise, it might not have been so easy to leave the restaurant after this meal.
After leaving the restaurant, Lu Shu walked while scolding angrily. "You're really something! How dare you steal my money bag?!"
Qing Xuan pulled him aside and whispered, "Don't be angry. How long have you been using this money bag?"
"It's been a long time. Why do you ask?"
Qing Xuan smiled and then traced something on the palm of Lu Shu's hand. "I tightened the opening of your money bag. Even if he got the bag, he couldn't get the money inside."
This trick was really satisfying, and Lu Shu's gloomy face broke into a smile.
Ji Yunxi shook her head helplessly and led the group to search around the city.
However, no matter how they walked, they couldn't find the place Ji Yunxi was looking for. Instead, they saw the child who had bumped into Lu Shu at an alley entrance.
Lu Shu was quick - eyed and quick - handed. He grabbed the child immediately.
The child struggled desperately, his face covered in tears.
"Let me go!"
"Stealing my money bag. You're really something." Seeing the child being so arrogant and asking to be let go, Lu Shu was so angry that he laughed.
Suddenly, someone hugged his calf. "Let go of my brother!"
Everyone looked down and saw a child about three years old. With a dirty face, the child was tugging at Lu Shu's leg with hands and feet, trying to save his brother.
Ji Yunxi stepped forward and picked up the child. Only then did she know that they were brothers. Their parents had passed away early, and they had been forced into stealing.
"It was wrong of me to steal. Here's your stuff."
The older child took out the things and gave them to Lu Shu. There was guilt in his eyes. If it weren't for the hardships of life, this child probably wouldn't have wanted to steal.
Ji Yunxi's eyes lit up. "Are you from Biancheng? We're trying to find a place. If you lead us there, I'll pay you."
The boy's eyes brightened, and he immediately nodded.
With his help, Ji Yunxi soon found the place she was looking for on a seemingly deserted street.
When it was time to say goodbye, Ji Yunxi took out a small wooden plaque. "Take your younger brother to the Dream Elegance Pavilion in Beidi. Show this to them, and they'll surely take you in."
The boy didn't come to his senses even after Ji Yunxi and her group had disappeared. He had no idea what a great opportunity he had just received.
Feng Xingzhi had been following Ji Yunxi all the way, and now he finally knew where she was going.
It was a music workshop. From the outside, it looked a bit shabby, as if it had weathered many hardships. There was a large plaque on the door that read: Bamboo Charm Pavilion.
Lu Shu exclaimed, "Bamboo Charm Pavilion! I know this place. Only the rich and noble can enter here. A single performance of song and dance is worth a fortune!"
"Oh? You seem to be quite familiar with it. Are you a regular customer?"
Lu Shu rolled his eyes. "I'm a steward of the Dream Elegance Pavilion. Of course, I have to find out about places that accommodate high - ranking officials and nobles. Master, shall we go in and take a look?"
Ji Yunxi nodded. "That's exactly why I'm here."
Saying that, she stepped forward. There was a young woman standing at the door. Ji Yunxi took out a stack of silver notes and handed them to her.
"Has the young lady made a reservation in advance?"
"No. Please make the arrangements for me."
The woman took the silver notes and counted them without hesitation. Then she smiled contentedly. "Follow me, sir."
They went to a private room on the second floor. The woman closed the door and left, ordering someone to bring tea and snacks.
Seeing the strict rules here, Qing Xuan couldn't help but smile. "It's not easy to run a music workshop these days."
Lu Shu frowned. "Qing Xuan, don't say such things. The Bamboo Charm Pavilion is not like those brothels outside."
Ji Yunxi naturally picked up the things on the table, as if she had done it a thousand times.
"Xixi, you seem to be very familiar with this place?"
Ji Yunxi smiled upon hearing this. "Azhi, actually, you're also very familiar with this place."
Feng Xingzhi suddenly realized that perhaps this place was related to his past lives.
The group chatted in the private room. Qing Xuan was very curious about this place.
"Hey, Lu Shu, is it really as expensive as you said to watch a dance here?"
"Probably. And I heard that if you want to watch a solo dance, it might not even be possible with money." Lu Shu poured a cup of tea. "So, you should open your eyes wide and watch carefully today. It's really expensive to watch a performance here."
Hearing this, Qing Xuan was filled with anticipation. "Then I have to listen and watch carefully. Otherwise, it'll be a big loss for Master after spending so much money."
After a while, the sound of silk and bamboo instruments came from outside.
The bamboo curtain in the private room slowly rose, and a wisp of smoke gradually dissipated. Only then did they see the scene downstairs.
There was a red stage on the first floor, surrounded by light veils. It was like a scene of a beauty half - hiding behind a pipa, but the guests on both the first and second floors could still see the dancers' figures.
Qing Xuan was sitting by the window. Attracted by the sound, he subconsciously leaned out.
Lu Shu was quick - eyed and grabbed his collar, pulling him back.
"Qing Xuan! Don't be so reckless. There are no fewer rules here than in the Dream Elegance Pavilion. Be careful not to break any taboos and cause trouble for the master and the lady!"
Qing Xuan sat down sheepishly and didn't dare to say a word.
When he was pulled back by Lu Shu just now, he saw that there was a young woman standing at intervals on the side of the first floor, like guards.
They heard Qing Xuan's movement and all looked up in unison. Their eyes were full of coldness and caution, as if they would fly up at any moment.
This time, Qing Xuan was obedient. He sat down obediently and didn't dare to say a word.
Seeing that he had already been scolded by Lu Shu, Ji Yunxi didn't say anything. She just thought that Qing Xuan's personality was really too lively and not steady at all.
"Xixi."
Suddenly, Feng Xingzhi reached out and grabbed Ji Yunxi.
Following his gaze, they saw a group of beautiful women appear on the second floor opposite. Like the people downstairs, they were all on guard, looking at Ji Yunxi's private room.