[World 5] Chapter 125

　　There was vigilance in Jiang Mu's eyes. She didn't say much to him, but turned her gaze away, thinking that it was a bit disappointing. She didn't have time to look at a few more pictures.

　　She picked up some calligraphy and paintings at random, asked Chuntao and Dongmei who followed in to pay, and then prepared to leave.

　　During this process, she could feel that the man was always observing her.

　　Thinking of the previous incident of the veil falling off, Jiang Mu became even more curious about him, but she would not show it at this time.

　　After Jiang Mu left, Li Zaoji walked into the inner room of the bookstore.

　　The bookstore owner bowed respectfully to the man, "Sir."

　　Li Zaoji nodded lightly.

　　"Why did you come here in person, sir? Is there anything I can help you with?" The shopkeeper stood in front of Li Zaoji with his head lowered.

　　Li Zaoji said coldly: "How is the task I asked you to do going?"

　　"Everything has been done according to your instructions. Here is the account book. Please take a look."

　　Li Zaoji took the account book and read through it quickly. It didn't take long for him to finish reading the whole book and he even found a few mistakes.

　　Sweat broke out on the shopkeeper's forehead.

　　Although the man in front of him looked calm and gentle, he gave him a strong sense of oppression.

　　"You did a good job." Li Zaoji handed him the account book and said, "I have another task for you."

　　The shopkeeper breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Sir, please speak."

　　Li Zaoji: "Did you see the girl who came to buy books just now?"

　　Shopkeeper: "Are you talking about the woman in white?"

　　Li Zaoji: "It's her, check her identity."

　　The shopkeeper nodded, "Okay, where do you live now? I will send you the information once I find out the identity of the woman."

　　Li Zaoji: "No need, I will send someone to pick it up at noon tomorrow."

　　After saying that, he stood up and left.

　　…..

　　Three days later, Xue Teng brought Gu Jue back safely. She encountered several crises on the way, but she managed to get through them all safely.

　　When Jiang Mu listened to Xue Teng's report, she was scared by what she heard. Thinking about the situation at that time, she felt that Xue Teng was really amazing.

　　She praised Xue Teng a few times, but Xue Teng didn't seem to feel anything and her expression didn't change.

　　Jiang Mu asked: "Where is Gu Jue now?"

　　Xue Teng said, "In the farm outside the city, I gave him some medicine, and he has been in a coma for the past few days."

　　Jiang Mu: "Okay, you arrange it, I'll go see him in a few days."

　　Xue Teng: "Yeah, I know."

　　Jiang Mu thought about it and mentioned the matter of the shop again, "How are you doing with the other thing I asked you to do?"

　　Xue Teng: "Are you talking about redeeming the prostitutes in those brothels?"

　　Jiang Mu nodded.

　　"Miss Yanzhi from Zuiyan Tower, Su Zhizhi from Yunxiang Tower, Xia Xiaolou from Hanxiang Tower... I have already obtained the indentures of these three people, and I have arranged for them to live in the courtyard of Baima Alley."

　　Jiang Mu was surprised and asked, "Did you get the indentures of all three of them?"

　　Xue Teng nodded.

　　"How did you do that? Did you bring it? Let me see."

　　Jiang Mu was very surprised. She was not sure about the rules of brothels in this world, but from what she knew, it was very troublesome to redeem the courtesan in a brothel, and they usually would not let her go.

　　Xue Teng took out a stack of indentures and said, "Here they are all, as you ordered. There are also some ordinary-looking women with some talent, and I have redeemed them too."

　　Jiang Mu took the indenture contract and looked at it for a long time. In fact, she didn't quite understand it, but the seal and fingerprint were all there, so it shouldn't be wrong.

　　"How much did you pay to redeem them?"

　　Jiang Mu had a bad feeling.

　　Xue Teng: "I just spent all the money you gave me."

　　Jiang Mu rolled her eyes and almost fainted from anger.

　　This money was two-thirds of her assets. Although she also had a lot of valuable dowry, she couldn't touch it. She kept some of the banknotes for herself and gave the rest to Xue Teng, for fear that Xue Teng would have no money and would have difficulty in doing things. Unexpectedly, she had spent it all in just a few days.

　　She was very happy when she thought about how she had spent several hundred taels on buying a lot of things a few days ago. However, Xue Teng spent several thousand taels in a short time. This was a real spendthrift.

　　Jiang Mu held the indentures with a look of heartache.

　　This is all money.

　　"Why don't you bargain?"

　　Xue Teng asked doubtfully, "Bargain?"

　　Xue Teng had no idea about the amount of money and never bargained when buying things. When she redeemed the courtesans, she would just pay the price the madam asked, thinking that she had enough money anyway.

　　But seeing Jiang Mu's distressed look, Xue Teng probably knew that she had spent too much.

　　Jiang Mu waved his hand, "Okay, the flowers have been spent."

　　She calculated that she had two thousand taels left, which should be enough if she was frugal.

　　If this brothel cannot be opened, it will be a huge loss.

　　In fact, she just has a strong desire to play, otherwise there would be no need to open this brothel. She feels that she has finally come to the ancient times, and if she doesn't have some fun, she may not know if she will have another chance after that.

　　Now it seems that I was a bit impulsive and many things are difficult to handle.

　　But once the arrow is shot, there is no turning back. The money has been spent and the person has been redeemed. We can only move forward with gritted teeth.

　　…..

　　In the following days, Jiang Mu was extremely busy.

　　She only took Xue Teng with her when she went out every day. After getting on the carriage, she would change her clothes and put on makeup. When she came out, she looked completely different. This was all thanks to Xue Teng's disguise skills. Jiang Mu's previous appearance was gorgeous and charming, but after the disguise and makeup, she looked very heroic. Even acquaintances would not recognize her.

　　Jiang Mu went to meet the courtesans first.

　　Each of them is extremely beautiful and each of them has her own style. Yanzhi is charming and beautiful, Su Zhizhi is a copy of Lin Daiyu, a cold and sick beauty, and Xia Xiaolou is smart and pure, with a pair of eyes that seem to be able to speak.

　　When Jiang Mu saw the three of them, she suddenly felt what was the point of having a man.

　　Aren't pretty sisters attractive?

　　This is so beautiful.

　　Knowing that the person in front of them was the one who redeemed them, the three courtesans smiled at her at the same time.

　　Jiang Mu immediately changed her mind. She decided to stop opening those brothels where women were used to seduce men with their beauty. She wanted to create a completely different entertainment venue with a modern mindset.

　　We can't let such beautiful sisters serve those stinky men.

　　Beautiful girls should be held in the palm of their hands so that men can see them but not get them.

　　So Jiang Mu came to train the three courtesans every day. After they were trained, she let them teach others.

　　A week later, Jiang Mu came to check the results, and then kept those women who met her requirements. She gave some silver to the rest and let them decide whether to stay or leave. For those who were willing to stay, Jiang Mu asked Manager Zhang to arrange jobs for them in the manor, and those who did not want to stay could leave on their own.

　　She thought that few people would be willing to stay, but after these days of training, most people were willing to stay. She guess they thought she was a nice guy, and they would have food and shelter if they stayed, so only two or three people wanted to leave.

　　At this time, the renovation of the restaurant was almost completed. Jiang Mu asked Xue Teng to take her in to have a look in the evening. Everything was renovated according to the drawings Jiang Mu had drawn.

　　The sign was also hung up, but it was covered with red silk, hiding the words.

　　The name was chosen by Jiang Mu, called Xunhuanju. It's a bit tacky, but Jiang Mu likes it quite a bit.

　　Xue Teng asked, "Is there anything else that needs to be changed?"

　　Jiang Mu looked around and said, "It's pretty good, but the paintings on the wall are not good-looking."

　　Xue Teng: "Then I'll go buy a new one. What kind do you want?"

　　Jiang Mu: "No need to buy it, I'll draw it."

　　Xue Teng wasn't curious either, she just nodded and said, "Okay."

　　Coming out of Xun Huan Ju, Jiang Mu suddenly said, "Take me to see Gu Jue now."

　　Xue Teng: "Now?"

　　It was already late, and the journey there was not short. It would take an hour to ride there on horseback.

　　Jiang Mu nodded. She was not sleepy at all. It was only seven or eight o'clock in modern times. It was too early and she would not be able to sleep if she went back.

　　Gu Jue has been in the manor for so long, but she has never met him.

　　Xue Teng would go to see him every two or three days, and every time she came back to report, she would say that Gu Jue was either farming or arranging flowers, as if he had completely forgotten that he was once one of the two greatest people in the capital, and seemed to be retiring to the countryside.

　　Jiang Mu thought that if he continued like this, he would probably become calm.

　　She went to so much trouble to save him, not just to let him return to his farm.

　　Xue Teng rode a horse and took Jiang Mu on a bumpy journey to the farm.

　　When Jiang Mu got off the horse, she felt like her thighs were about to break. Thinking about having to ride back, Jiang Mu felt very depressed.

　　She regretted very much that she shouldn't have ridden here on horseback so late at night. She would definitely take a carriage next time she went on a long journey.

　　"Could Gu Jue have fallen asleep?"

　　Xue Teng said, "No, I came even later last time, and he was still weeding in the yard."

　　Jiang Mu: "…"

　　The two walked into the yard where Gu Jue lived. They saw a few lights hanging in the yard and no one in the yard. They walked a few steps inside before they heard a man's voice coming from inside.

　　"Who is it?"

　　The sound is as clear as jade, and as clear and pleasant as a mountain spring.

　　Without waiting for the visitor to answer, Gu Jue came out with a candle.

　　He was wearing a single layer of clothing and looked very thin, with his hair loose but not messy at all. He walked slowly, his manners were elegant and graceful, and he glanced at Jiang Mu and Xue Teng indifferently, frowning slightly.

　　When Jiang Mu saw him, only two words came to his mind: graceful and elegant, and like an immortal.

　　He was dressed in white, exuding a melancholy and cold aura that was unforgettable.

　　It is no wonder that a man like this would be named one of the two best in the capital, and no wonder that so many noble ladies in the capital admire him.

　　Gu Jue recognized Xue Teng, but not Jiang Mu.

　　But when he saw the two of them, he realized that Jiang Mu was the one who saved him, and Xue Teng was just following orders.

　　So he hesitated for a few moments, then bowed deeply, "Gu Jue thanks you for saving my life, young lady."

　　Even when he bowed to express his gratitude, his attitude was still proud but not humble.

　　Jiang Mu smiled and said, "Mr. Gu, there is no need to be so polite."

　　Gu Jue slowly stood up and said calmly, "I wonder why the two of you came here so late at night? What do you need me to do?"

　　Jiang Mu thought about it and said, yes.

　　What does she need Gu Jue to do?

　　She saved Gu Jue because he was Huanruo's ex-husband. If he died, there would be one less worry and grudge between Huanruo and Murong Yan, so Jiang Mu chose to save him.

　　But now after meeting Gu Jue, Jiang Mu changed his mind. It would be a pity to let such an outstanding person die.

　　Jiang Mu hasn't figured out what to ask him to do specifically.

　　But Jiang Mu didn't want to let him farm here. Jiang Mu said, "I've heard that Mr. Gu's talent is rare in the world, and it wouldn't be a pity if he died, so I helped him. As for what I want you to do, I haven't thought about it yet, so I'll owe it to you for now."

　　Jiang Mu's words surprised Gu Jue a little.

　　He looked at Jiang Mu's face and felt somehow familiar, as if he had seen it before.

　　He had a photographic memory, but Jiang Mu changed her appearance when she went out today, and Gu Jue couldn't recognize her. He just felt that he had seen her eyes before, but just couldn't remember where.

　　He groaned for a moment and said, "Young lady, you are Gu Jue's savior. Can you please tell me your name? Gu Jue will remember it in his heart."

　　Jiang Mu: "Just call me Xunhuan."

　　She just made up a name. Since they all knew it was fake, just treat it as a name.

　　Gu Jue just frowned slightly and didn't ask any more questions, "Miss Xunhuan."

　　Jiang Mu felt awkward and said, "Okay, I just came here today to see how you are living here. Are you used to it?"

　　Gu Jue lowered his eyes and said, "This place is great."

　　Jiang Mu said: "Is there anyone you want to see?"

　　Gu Jue looked at Jiang Mu, fell into deep thought, then shook his head, "No."

　　Jiang Mu: "Although your parents are gone, isn't your first wife still alive? Do you want to see her?"

　　Gu Jue's eyes were deep and dark, and he said coldly: "Gu Jue divorced his wife a long time ago."

　　Jiang Mu: "I heard that after you were imprisoned in the prison, she was taken to the palace by Prince Cheng. A few days ago, she was taken as a concubine by Prince Cheng. Do you know about this?"

　　Gu Jue's expression became even colder, "I don't know."

　　Jiang Mu stared at him. If he really didn't know, how could he remain so calm?

　　Or is he pretending?

　　No matter who it is, if you hear that your wife remarried after you died, you won't be so calm.

　　This person might not be as simple as he appears.

　　Jiang Mu said: "Well, it seems that you really don't want to see her, so forget it."

　　Gu Jue lowered his head, his expression was gloomy, his fingers were white, and it was unknown what he was thinking about.

　　Jiang Mu noticed his strangeness, and asked, "Do you want to go back to the capital?"

　　Gu Jue looked up and asked, "What's going on?"

　　Jiang Mu smiled, "It seems you still want to go back."

　　Gu Jue frowned and said nothing.

　　Jiang Mu slowly approached him.

　　Gu Jue didn't move. Jiang Mu walked in front of him, with only two fingers' distance between them.

　　"I saved you, your life is mine, now I will help you get back to the capital without being discovered, and you will do something for me, how about that?"

　　Jiang Mu looked up and looked at him.

　　Their eyes met, and Jiang Mu saw himself in Gu Jue's eyes. Jiang Mu's eyes were firm and there was a smile on her lips, but Gu Jue was a little confused.

　　Jiang Mu was not in a hurry and waited quietly for his answer.

　　After a long time, Gu Jue finally spoke.

　　"I promise."

　　…..

　　Two days later, after being mysteriously renovated for half a month, Xunhuanju, which was always visited by people from the martial arts world, finally opened for business.

　　There are many rumors about Xunhuanju in the capital. Some say that the owner of Xunhuanju is the Palace Master of Piaomiao Palace. Everyone in the world knows that Piaomiao Palace is rich enough to rival a country. The Palace Master of Piaomiao Palace inherited Piaomiao Palace at a young age. He is a martial arts master, but he is also a business genius. He has shops in all walks of life, and he has countless spies in the capital.

　　There are also rumors that Piaomiao Palace actually works for the imperial court, and the boss behind Xunhuanju is actually a powerful official in the palace.

　　In short, as soon as Xunhuanju opened, news about it spread throughout the capital.

　　"I heard that Miss Yanzhi from Zuiyan Tower, Su Zhizhi from Yunxiang Tower, and Xia Xiaolou from Hanxiang Tower were all snatched away by Xunhuanju."

　　"Really? Three of the four most beautiful girls in the capital were snatched away. How can that be possible?"

　　"No wonder I went to Yunxiang Tower a few days ago. The madam there said that Su Zhizhi had been redeemed. Then I went to Hanxiang Tower and found out that Xia Xiaolou had also been redeemed."

　　"Then they were not robbed, but redeemed. The redemption money for these three courtesans is not cheap. The total cost for the three of them must be over ten thousand taels of silver, right? If it wasn't done by Piao Miao Palace, who would be so generous?"

　　"I guess so...but the Palace Master of Piaomiao Palace has been in the south, and no one in the capital has ever seen him."

　　"Today I saw a man in white clothes with a curtain entering Xunhuanju. He was surrounded by several maids. From a distance, he looked otherworldly, like an immortal. He must be the master of Piaomiao Palace."

　　…..

　　The conversation between the few people was heard by Li Zaoji who was sitting not far away.

　　The guard beside him said in a deep voice: "Sir, I will have someone check this Xunhuanju."

　　Li Zaoji smiled and said playfully, "No need. Xunhuanju is open today. Let's go and take a look."