Chapter 776: Gathering of Experts

“Top-tier courtesan?” Song Qingshu had a strange look on his face. He really did have quite the fate with courtesans.

As soon as he stepped into Autumn Fragrance Pavilion, Song Qingshu caught a whiff of an alluring fragrance, reminiscent of the cosmetic counters in large shopping malls from his previous life. As he observed his surroundings, his eyes took in the opulence and extravagant decor, filled with music and dancing. He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—no wonder it was hailed as the number one brothel in Jin. Its layout and grandeur could even rival the famous entertainment clubs of his previous world.

‘I wonder how He Qing’s (He Tieshou) brothel is coming along.’ A worried look appeared on Song Qingshu’s face. It was manageable within Qing territory where he could offer policy incentives and covert support, but competing against a brothel of this level in other countries was likely not promising.

Compared to typical brothels, Autumn Fragrance Pavilion had some unique features. At its center was a wide platform, with numerous seats arranged in a fan shape surrounding it. The upper floors were multi-leveled, and from a casual glance, Song Qingshu could tell the rooms above were private boxes—meant for guests of high status or immense wealth. The entire structure somewhat resembled a miniaturized Roman Colosseum.

Wanyan Liang led him upstairs, eventually arriving at a private box on the very top floor. Song Qingshu secretly nodded. With Wanyan Liang’s authority in Jin, it was only natural for him to choose the best seat in the house.

There were already people inside the box. With sharp eyes, Song Qingshu spotted a scruffy one-armed man drinking alone in the corner. Who else could it be but Yang Guo? He seemed utterly indifferent to everything. Even when Wanyan Liang and Song Qingshu entered, he didn’t lift an eyelid.

‘D*mn, that saying ‘One glance at Yang Guo and you’re ruined for life’ really wasn’t a joke. Even when he’s being melancholic, he still looks so damn handsome. That unshaven stubble, those brooding eyes—if he were in my old world, who knows how many love-struck women would throw themselves at him.’

Though Song Qingshu himself had been known as a handsome man in the martial world, he had to admit, purely in terms of looks, he couldn’t compare to Yang Guo. But he was long past the age of caring about appearance, so he didn’t feel the slightest negativity over it.

“Brother Tang Kuo, I hope you’ll understand. Brother Bingde only recently discovered the truth about his background. He’s been having a hard time accepting it, so if he’s a bit discourteous, I’ll apologize on his behalf…”

Before Wanyan Liang could finish, Yang Guo suddenly looked up, his previously drowsy eyes turning sharp in an instant. “My name is Yang Guo. It was before, and it will remain so!”

Wanyan Liang could only smile bitterly. “Brother Bingde, I understand it’s hard to accept for now, but facts are facts…”

Song Qingshu could fully relate to how Yang Guo felt at the moment. He took the opportunity to interrupt, “Your Highness, a name is just a label. Since Brother Yang finds it hard to accept for now, let’s just call him Yang Guo in private.”

As he spoke, he approached Yang Guo with a smile. “Brother Yang, it’s been a while since we last parted in Kaifeng.”

“We just met a few days ago at the city gate,” Yang Guo replied in a cold tone, but upon hearing Song Qingshu refer to him as Yang Guo rather than Wanyan Bingde, his expression finally softened a little.

“Seems Brother Tang Kuo and Brother Yang are indeed fated. You might not know, but Brother Yang originally didn’t want to come today. It was only after I told him you’d be here that he changed his mind,” Wanyan Liang said with a chuckle.

“Oh?” Song Qingshu looked at Yang Guo in surprise. He couldn’t recall having much interaction with him. Why would Yang Guo regard him differently?

Unfortunately, Yang Guo simply continued drinking in silence, showing no intention of explaining. Song Qingshu smiled wryly and turned around—only to notice there was another person seated on the other side of the room.

This man had a refined, handsome face. While he wasn’t quite as stunning as Yang Guo, he was certainly a looker in his own right. The neatly trimmed mustache added a touch of mature charm.

“Allow me to introduce you both. Brother Tang Kuo, this is the newly appointed Assistant Minister of War, Lord Xiao Yu. Lord Xiao, this is the imperial son-in-law and Left Deputy Minister, Tang Kuo Bian,” Wanyan Liang said as he brought their hands together for introductions.

“I’ve long heard of the Prince Consort’s great reputation. Meeting you in person today, you truly live up to it,” Xiao Yu said with a broad smile as he saluted.

“Your surname is Xiao?” Song Qingshu looked at him thoughtfully. After all, the Xiao surname was quite rare among the Jurchens.

“As expected of the Prince Consort’s keen insight. To be honest, I’m actually from Liao. You could say I’m from the imperial clan’s collateral branch,” Xiao Yu replied with a relaxed smile.

“From Liao? And from the imperial clan?” Song Qingshu was secretly shocked. In Liao, power was firmly held by the Yelü imperial family and the Xiao collateral line. This man bore the Xiao name and came from that branch—he would’ve been of noble status even in Liao. So why was he serving in Jin? The Jin and Liao nations were bitter enemies.

As if sensing his doubt, Wanyan Liang explained, “Back when Great Jin conquered Liao, we captured quite a few members of their imperial and noble clans. Some chose to pledge allegiance to Jin, and we welcomed them by offering official posts.”

‘A Liao traitor then,’ Song Qingshu thought with quiet disdain. Though Wanyan Liang didn’t mention the fates of those who refused to submit, it wasn’t hard to imagine their tragic ends. He wondered how men like Xiao Feng and Yelu Nanxian would react if they met this Lord Xiao… Would they purge their bloodline?

After some idle chatting, the group sat down. 

Naturally, Wanyan Liang took the main seat, with Song Qingshu next to him—a clear sign of Wanyan Liang’s esteem. 

Xiao Yu sat further away, almost like an attendant. 

As for Yang Guo, he had no interest in sitting with the others and kept to a corner, drinking alone, lost in his own thoughts.

Once seated, Song Qingshu glanced around, but saw no sign of Ouyang Feng or the others. He couldn’t help asking, “Why don’t I see Master Ouyang and the others?”

Wanyan Liang laughed, winking suggestively. “Thank you for your concern, Brother Tang Kuo, but tonight’s event isn’t quite suitable for them.”

Song Qingshu was briefly taken aback, then quickly understood. Wanyan Liang was here to bid for the courtesan. But there was only one courtesan, and he had three top experts under him. How could he decide who would receive her? Even if some of them didn’t care much for women, the courtesan symbolized honor. Whomever Wanyan Liang gifted her to would be seen as holding the highest status. Even if they weren’t interested in women, they’d have to fight for her just for the prestige.

Wanyan Liang was probably worried about such a scenario, so he simply didn’t bring any of them.

“Someone tried to assassinate Your Highness today. Isn’t coming out like this a bit too risky?” Song Qingshu couldn’t help asking.

Wanyan Liang laughed heartily and pointed to four robust men hidden in the corners. With pride, he said, “Brother Tang Kuo, take a look. These two are the top experts from the Tushan family—Tushan Ali Chuhu and Tushan Zhen. The other two were recommended by Lord Xiao—they’re Khitan experts named Yelu Yuanyi and Xiao Tanggu. All four are among the best of the best. Individually, they may fall slightly short of Master Ouyang’s level, but the four of them together… Heh, whether it’s Mister Ouyang or Mister Murong, neither would survive the encounter!”

“How can there be that many true experts in this world?” Yang Guo, who had remained silent all this time, suddenly sneered. The disdain in his voice was unmistakable.