Chapter 126: Partners in Misery (Third Update)

Like father, like son.

Ye Kun noticed a wide array of food nearby, items he had never even seen back in Taixi County. The aroma alone made his mouth water. He had rushed out without even finishing his meal—but such was the burden of being the older brother; even when heading to a brothel, he had to tag along.

Suddenly, a thought struck Ye Kun. He wasn't a single man anymore; he had two wives waiting at home. Good heavens! How could he have forgotten that? If Li'er and Mu'er found out, they would definitely be furious. If they turned into women like his mother, life would be unbearable.

However, seeing his younger brother in such distress, he felt compelled to see this through to the end. He would just have to explain himself later. After all, it was his younger brother’s idea; he, Brother Kun, was merely accompanying him. "Younger brother," he thought, "I am sticking by you, but you’ll have to take the fall for me when the time comes."

Huaxiang Pavilion was the most famous brothel in the vicinity, ranking third in the East Market. Because it was located near the outskirts, it was quite popular—mostly because it was convenient.

At that moment, Ye Kun and Ye Qin were standing in line outside the pavilion.

"Little brother, how about we try somewhere else?"
"No."

It seemed his brother was determined to get in. *You can’t do anything in there, you’re still too young,* Ye Kun thought. Because the business was so brisk, a queue was inevitable; in fact, there was a line every single night. People worked hard in Ankang Prefecture specifically to spend their earnings at places like this. On both sides of the entrance stood bouncers dressed in black, looking fierce and not to be trifled with. Ye Kun was already considering how to whisk his brother away if things got too crazy. "Bully Flower" wine wasn't easy to handle.

Suddenly, Ye Kun noticed one of the bouncers looked very familiar.

"Little brother, look at that bouncer. Doesn't he look like our teacher, Wu Chi?" Ye Kun wasn't entirely sure. No matter how down on his luck Teacher Wu might be, surely he wouldn't be working as a bouncer at a brothel? Yet, looking at how focused he was, it seemed he hadn't just started yesterday.

"Big brother, that is Teacher Wu!" Ye Qin said, walking forward.

Wu Chi, the bouncer, had already spotted the two brothers, especially Ye Kun's bald head, which was far too conspicuous. He had tried his best to stay hidden, but he had been found out anyway.

"Teacher, is that you?"
"No."

Ye Kun and Ye Qin were puzzled. The boss had pretended not to know them, and now even Teacher Wu was playing dumb. It wasn't shameful to be a bouncer, but being a bouncer at a brothel? Well, that had a certain... flavor to it.

Ye Qin was delighted. "Teacher, let's go! Come inside for a drink!"
"Really?"
"And you said it wasn't you!"
"How did your teacher teach you back in the day? One must be honest! If you promise someone something, you must fulfill it!" Wu Chi began to spout nonsense with a straight face.

Ye Qin cupped his hands in a salute. "I have been taught well. Please, Teacher, lead the way."

Wu Chi patted Ye Qin on the shoulder. "Your teacher is very touched. Only a few years have passed, and here you are, Ye Qin, treating your teacher to drinks at a place like this. It was worth all the times I looked after you back then."

Ye Kun: "..." *Teacher, how can you be so shameless? You either slept or drank during class, and when you claimed you’d quit drinking, it was probably because you owed the brothel money.*

"Don't worry, Teacher, drink whatever you like tonight."
"How about you cover my tab as well?" Wu Chi asked with a grin, draping his arm over Ye Qin's shoulder as if they were sworn brothers.
"Small matter."

Ye Kun was speechless. His brother was truly a bad influence; Teacher Wu was trying to pay off his debts in peace, and now his brother was dragging him back into the mud. What had Teacher Wu done to deserve this? His greatest mistake was meeting the Ye brothers.

Wu Chi tossed aside his servant's uniform, looking grand. "Brothers! See that? These are my students! You lot can keep standing there!" With that, he pulled Ye Qin inside.

"Teacher, we still have to wait in line."
"Ha! I owe them so much liquor money, why the hell would I wait in line?"
"As expected of our teacher, you're the best." Ye Qin gave a thumbs-up, and the two walked into Huaxiang Pavilion with their arms around each other.

Ye Kun followed, completely bewildered.

"Wu Chi! Why aren't you watching the door properly? Why are you coming inside? And bringing people with you!" A fat, short madam with a painted face gestured with a delicate hand, shouting at Wu Chi with disdain.

Wu Chi grinned. "Mother Hong, you’re looking down on people now? These two young masters are my students. Do they look like they’re short of money? They own several carriages!"

Madam Hong examined Ye Kun and Ye Qin. Aside from the bald head, she felt the other young master looked quite distinguished, dressed in fine clothes and wearing a green cap. "Not bad, not bad." Her disdainful expression vanished instantly. "Three young masters, please, come in!"

Truly, money makes the man. Ye Kun was already imagining what it would be like if they couldn't pay the bill and ended up having to work as bouncers themselves. If their wives happened to pass by and see them, the silence would be deafening.

Ye Qin, brimming with excitement, spread his arms wide. "Tonight’s expenses are all on—" Before he could finish, Ye Kun quickly clamped a hand over his mouth. *Can you let me be the big brother for once? I’ve experienced this feeling too, but there’s no need to be so loud.* What a pair of troubled brothers they were.

"Um, Mother Hong, we need a room..." Before Ye Kun could finish, Teacher Wu cut in: "Mother Hong, prepare a fine room and call for Miss Ziyan to accompany my students. Name your price."

"Right away, young master, just a moment!" Madam Hong felt she had met big spenders tonight. They looked like wealthy men from out of town, though she knew they’d be penniless by the time they left.

Ye Kun looked at Teacher Wu, who laughed. "Ye Kun, since we're here, just have a good time."
"Yes, a good time," Ye Kun said helplessly. *Teacher Wu, you won't be having such a good time later.*

Whether it was a good time or not didn't matter; he was curious to experience it. In the center of the hall was a square red stage, presumably for performances. Tables were arranged around it, mostly occupied by men and women drinking and laughing. Ye Kun noticed that the upper floors were open-plan, all facing the central stage. It was quite interesting.

"Teacher, what is the purpose of this red stage?" Ye Kun asked curiously.
"If I told you now, it wouldn't be any fun. You'll see soon enough. There’s a reason why the brothels in Ankang Prefecture are so famous," Wu Chi said mysteriously.

"Who is this Miss Ziyan you mentioned?" Ye Qin asked.

Wu Chi leaned against the brothers. "Miss Ziyan is one of the top beauties of Huaxiang Pavilion. She’s stunning. If you catch her eye, you might even get a taste of her favor."

*Tonight, my little brother is the one in the most trouble,* Ye Kun thought. *Forget it, let him do as he pleases.*

"Three young masters, everything is ready." Madam Hong hurried over, breathless, clearly delighted by such easy marks.